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Speed skating star Leerdam wins gold as fiance Paul weeps

As Jutta Leerdam secured her Olympic gold medal, the tears flowed. The only person crying nearly as much was her fiance in the crowd.

Jutta Leerdam and Jake Paul: a modern love story

Boxer-influencer Jake Paul and Leerdam have been engaged since last year.

And he was in the second row of the stands in the temporary speed skating arena at Rho Fiera exhibition centre in north Milan to watch the 27-year-old win the women’s 1,000m gold.

Leerdam, pipped into silver at Beijing 2022, claimed the gold in a new Olympic record time.

It provides a perfect ending to a frenetic few months for Leerdam, who had to rely on a discretionary place at Milan-Cortina 2026 having crashed in qualifying.

Afterwards Leerdam paid tribute to Paul and her family, who she said had provided support that she had struggled to reciprocate.

“I’ve been supportive, but I’ve not been able to go to his [Paul’s] past fights because of skating. It would be nice to be there more,” she said. “He has supported me a lot more and has come to many of my races, so I’m very grateful.

“Also, my family – I’m just so grateful for the support system around me. It’s amazing.”

Jake Paul and social media aside, Leerdam is a star in her own right.

She is now a speed skating Olympic champion, adding to two world titles and three European championships in the 1,000m, as well as her Beijing silver.

Leerdam has a dedicated following with more than five million followers on Instagram and millions more across other platforms.

She generally chooses to avoid traditional media and opts to speak from her own channels, bypassing attention and criticism from the Dutch press who closely cover the Olympic sport where they historically dominate.

Her profile expanded far beyond the speed skating oval in 2023 when she began a relationship with Paul, whose celebrity journey has taken him from YouTube personality to professional boxer. He was beaten by former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua last year.

The couple maintain a long-distance relationship, with Paul in the USA and Leerdam training in the Netherlands.

He watched the race surrounded by the camera crew which documents virtually his entire life.

But Monday in Milan was about Leerdam, who said the weight of expectation pushed her to deliver a “surreal” triumph.

She led a Dutch one-two ahead of Femke Kok, securing the country’s first medals of these Games.

“This was really something that I was still missing,” Leerdam said. “So, it feels very complete. It feels surreal.”

Jake Paul and Jutta Leerdam drop baby hint after Winter Olympics gold triumph

Speed skating star Jutta Leerdam captured Olympic gold this week in the 1,000m event with a record time, and her fiancé Jake Paul was there to witness every emotional second from the stands.

Jake Paul brought to tears as girlfriend Jutta Leerdam clinches Olympic  speed skating gold - SportsTak

 

But it was a video the couple recorded before her race that has fans buzzing about what might come next for the pair.

Paul shared the touching clip, showing himself and Leerdam speaking directly to the children they hope to have someday. The message, filmed just before Leerdam‘s race, shows Paul holding flowers he had bought for his soon-to-be wife.

“Hey little kids, here’s your parents. You guys are not even born yet but we are making a video for you. Your mom is about to go for gold. I just bought her flowers. Your mom is really cute. We love you, even though you’re not born yet,” Paul said in the video.

Leerdam waved at the camera before adding her own thoughts. “We look very young right now. We try our best,” she said.

The gold medal carried extra significance given how close Leerdam came to missing the Games entirely. She crashed during qualifying trials just over a month before the competition, putting her participation in serious doubt.

Watching her overcome that setback and claim the top prize left Paul visibly emotional inside the arena.

This is not the first time Paul has spoken publicly about his desire to become a father. The social media personality turned boxer has been open about wanting to start a family with the Dutch athlete.

Boxing career takes backseat to family plans

Last December, Paul appeared in an interview with his brother Logan Paul that revealed just how serious he is about parenthood.

The conversation took place just days after his devastating boxing loss to Anthony Joshua in Miami, where Paul suffered a broken jaw in two places. Despite the brutal defeat and visible facial swelling, his thoughts quickly shifted to family.

“I’m going to take some time off [from boxing] and go and support Jutta at the Olympics and then she’s going to move to Puerto Rico [where Paul lives],” he told Logan.

“Honestly, I’ll be honest with you, I have such baby fever. I want kids so bad.”

Canelo Álvarez Is Upset He Cannot Get A Rematch Against Terence Crawford

The boxing spotlight is once again on Canelo Álvarez, not because of a new belt, but because a long-awaited rematch will not happen. The Mexican champion openly showed his displeasure after Terence Crawford stepped away without agreeing to a second bout, shutting the door on what Canelo Álvarez viewed as a crucial chance at redemption in the ring. More than a failed negotiation, his camp sees it as a missed competitive opportunity.

Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez sets up Terence Crawford fight with Saudi Arabia deal  - BBC Sport

Logan Paul pushes back on brother Jake Paul for saying Bad Bunny is a ‘fake American’

Jake Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer, posted on X that he would not be watching Bad Bunny’s halftime show, calling the Puerto Rican superstar a “fake American citizen.”

Jake Paul calls out brother Logan for ‘playing both sides’ in business  ventures after drama during bout

In his post, Jake Paul wrote: “Purposefully turning off the halftime show. Let’s rally together and show big corporations they can’t just do whatever they want without consequences (which equals viewership for them). You are their benefit. Realize you have power. Turn off this halftime.

A fake American citizen performing who publicly hates America. I cannot support that.”

Many people were quick to point out that Jake Paul himself lives in Puerto Rico.“ Don’t you live where he’s from?” one person wrote. Many others noted that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens.

Among those criticizing Jake Paul’s comments is his brother Logan Paul, a YouTuber-turned-WWE champion.

“I love my brother, but I don’t agree with this. Puerto Ricans are Americans & I’m happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island,” Logan Paul wrote in a post on X. Jake Paul later clarified his comment calling Bad Bunny a “fake American.”

“He’s not a fake citizen obviously bc he’s Puerto Rican and I love Puerto Rico and all Americans who support the country. Moreso Bunny is fake bc of his values and criticism of our great country,” Jake Paul wrote in another X post.

Jake Paul said he was referring to Bad Bunny’s criticism of the Trump administration and its immigration operations.“  Someone is a ‘fake citizen’ for exercising their first amendment??? How DUMB are you?” one user wrote in response.

Some people also pointed out that Jake Paul himself has been critical of the U.S. government before, as he made many statements against the Biden administration at the time.

The Paul brothers moved to Puerto Rico in 2021, primarily to leverage tax benefits, Logan Paul said in an interview with Graham Bensinger.

Jake Paul called out by brother Logan over Bad Bunny Super Bowl controversy

Jake Paul found himself at the center of a fresh controversy after launching a public attack on Bad Bunny for headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, only to be swiftly and publicly rebuked by his own brother, Logan Paul.

Logan Paul criticizes brother for calling Bad Bunny 'fake American citizen'

The dispute unfolded in the build-up to the championship game and quickly escalated into a broader debate about cultural identity, American citizenship, and perceived hypocrisy.

The halftime performance by Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rico-born global music star, divided audiences across the United States.

While some critics argued that his Spanish-language set was not “reflective of U.S. culture,” others praised it as an authentic and overdue representation of the Hispanic and Latino communities that form a significant part of American society.

The show aired during the Super Bowl, the flagship event of the National Football League (NFL), guaranteeing enormous visibility and scrutiny.

Ahead of the game on Sunday, Jake Paul urged fans to boycott the halftime show entirely, framing his call as a protest against major corporations.

Writing on XJake said: “Purposefully turning off the halftime show. Let’s rally together and show big corporations they can’t just do whatever they want without consequences (which equals viewership for them).

“You are their benefit. Realize you have power. Turn off this halftime. A fake American citizen performing, who publicly hates America. I cannot support that.”

Those comments immediately drew backlash, not least because both Jake Paul and Logan Paul relocated to Puerto Rico in 2021, publicly citing tax incentives as a motivating factor.

The criticism intensified when Logan Paul chose to distance himself from his brother’s remarks while attending the Super Bowl with his wife, Nina Agdal.

Logan Paul breaks ranks publicly

Reposting Jake Paul‘s comments, Logan Paul made clear that he did not share his brother’s view.

He wrote: “I love my brother but I don’t agree with this. ‘Puerto Ricans are Americans & I’m happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island’.”

The response was widely praised by fans, many of whom accused Jake Paul of hypocrisy given his personal and financial ties to Puerto Rico.

Jake Paul currently resides in Dorado, Puerto Rico, in a sprawling 12,000-square-foot mansion reportedly worth around $16 million.

The property is complete with eight bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a 40-person hot tub, a resort-style pool, and a separate entertainment building.

His lifestyle choices have long contrasted with his criticism of Bad Bunny, who recently released the documentary El Apagon – Aquí Vive Gente, examining gentrification and displacement of local residents caused by wealthy outsiders exploiting tax incentive programs.

The tension is not new. Jake Paul previously criticized Bad Bunny during an appearance on the Philip DeFranco Show in 2022, calling it “hypocritical” that the musician “takes advantage of the tax scheme that he is also publicly attacking.”

Yet Jake Paul has himself proudly worn the Puerto Rican flag at sporting events and displayed it on his boxing shorts during his fight against Anthony Joshua.

While some critics argued that his Spanish-language set was not “reflective of U.S. culture,” others praised it as an authentic and overdue representation of the Hispanic and Latino communities that form a significant part of American society.

The show aired during the Super Bowl, the flagship event of the National Football League (NFL), guaranteeing enormous visibility and scrutiny.

Ahead of the game on Sunday, Jake Paul urged fans to boycott the halftime show entirely, framing his call as a protest against major corporations.

Writing on XJake said: “Purposefully turning off the halftime show. Let’s rally together and show big corporations they can’t just do whatever they want without consequences (which equals viewership for them).

“You are their benefit. Realize you have power. Turn off this halftime. A fake American citizen performing, who publicly hates America. I cannot support that.”

Those comments immediately drew backlash, not least because both Jake Paul and Logan Paul relocated to Puerto Rico in 2021, publicly citing tax incentives as a motivating factor.

The criticism intensified when Logan Paul chose to distance himself from his brother’s remarks while attending the Super Bowl with his wife, Nina Agdal.

A hypocritical stance?

Adding another layer, some fans pointed out that Logan Paul had earlier told Fox News on video that he was not excited for the halftime show, prompting accusations of “damage control.”

One viewer commented: “You screamed ‘NO’ to the camera when you were asked ‘if you were excited for the halftime show’ an hour before.”

The controversy gained further context just a week earlier, when Bad Bunny criticized the Trump administration and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement while accepting the award for Best Música Urbana Album at the Grammys.

Joshua can be good MMA fighter – UFC champ Makhachev

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev believes Anthony Joshua could become a good mixed martial arts fighter if the British-Nigerian boxing star trained in Dagestan, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Anthony Joshua Counters Khabib, Islam Dagestan Invite at PFL | MMA News

 

 

 

Makhachev made the assertion after meeting Joshua at the recent PFL Dubai event, where the pair exchanged pleasantries and discussed the possibility of the former two-time world heavyweight champion trying his hand at MMA.

“He can become (a) good MMA fighter,” Makhachev posted on his Instagram story following their encounter.

The Russian champion, who was present alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov to watch Usman Nurmagomedov defend his lightweight PFL title with a submission victory over Alfie Davis, extended his iconic invitation to Joshua.

Makhachev asked Joshua to come to Dagestan for two or three years to train and become great in MMA, to which the boxer responded by suggesting he could visit the Russian republic for two or three weeks instead.

Joshua is currently taking time away from the ring following the tragic deaths of two of his close friends in Nigeria.

The British star had beaten Jake Paul in a Netflix special before visiting the African country, where he was involved in a fatal car crash that left him hospitalised for a period before being released.

Whilst Joshua is unlikely to ever participate in an MMA fight given his successful boxing career, he could be back in action against another great of the sport soon.

According to reports from BoxingScene, Dana White and Zuffa Boxing are planning to arrange a fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury. Joshua recently defeated Jake Paul before losing two of his closest friends in the car crash.

Deontay Wilder shows true colours with message to Anthony Joshua after tragedy

Deontay Wilder used his media duties before a heavyweight bout against Derek Chisora to send a message to Anthony Joshua after the death of his two close friends in a car crash

Joshua vs Wilder: Eddie Hearn makes improved offer to Deontay Wilder to  fight Anthony Joshua | Boxing News | Sky Sports

Deontay Wilder has encouraged Anthony Joshua to stay strong as he grieves for his two friends. Joshua was inside the car when a crash in Nigeria claimed the lives of Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami in late December.

The two 36-year-olds were close friends of Joshua and part of his inner circle. The British boxing star recently spoke about how their deaths had affected him and vowed to continue his “mission” for his “brothers”.

“My words may not mean anything, you know, at this moment in time. Maybe later on [they will]. I don’t know where he is mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually. But I know that I would advise him to stay strong, black man. Stay strong. As long as you can.

“Surround yourself with loved ones, surround yourself with positive speaking, positive thinking. It’s tough to find the words to tell a person, you understand? But know what you are in our prayers. You know, prayer changes things all the time.

And understand that a family [that] prays together stays together. They stick up for each other, they provide for each other. And in this boxing business, we are all a family, you understand me?”

Joshua is in our prayers – Wilder

Deontay Wilder has told Anthony Joshua “to stay strong” and said his heavyweight rival is in his “prayers” following the death of two of the Briton’s friends in December.

Anthony Joshua & Deontay Wilder • FULL WEIGH IN & FACE OFFS | Day of  Reckoning | DAZN & TNT Sports

Joshua suffered minor injuries in a road traffic accident in Nigeria on 29 December that killed Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

The three were passengers in a vehicle that collided with a stationary truck on a road near Lagos.

“In this boxing business we all are family,” Wilder told BBC Sport.

“So from another brother to another brother – stay encouraged, Anthony Joshua. Keep your head up, Anthony Joshua.

“Stay prayed up, bro, because you’ve still got life.”

Wilder, who fights Briton Derek Chisora on 4 April in London, said the crash brought up “old feelings” from the death of his cousin, who was killed in a car accident.

“It’s tough to find the words to tell a person, but know that you are in our prayers,” Wilder said.

“My words may not mean anything in this moment in time. Maybe later on.

“I don’t know where he is mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually, but I know that I will advise him to stay strong.”

Despite being long-time rivals, former heavyweight world champions Joshua and Wilder never shared the ring.

A proposed undisputed title fight collapsed in 2018 when Wilder held the WBC belt and Joshua was the WBA, WBO and IBF champion.

At a news conference on Wednesday Wilder discussed mental health struggles caused by issues in his personal life and said the “fire” is still in him as both he and Chisora prepare for their 50th professional fight.

“After two therapists and sports psychologists, here I am reinventing myself, reuniting myself. I know I’m back,” Wilder said.

Brendan Schaub mocks Canelo Alvarez for avoiding ‘Mexican Monster’

Since stepping away from fighting in 2015, the former UFC heavyweight has built a new career as a comedian and podcaster.

Brendan Schaub to Host Showtime Digital Sports Talk Show

He is well-known for sharing his opinions on MMA and boxing through his hit YouTube channel.

This past weekend, Schaub took that act to the Ring Awards in New York, where he was tasked with roasting a room full of boxers and personalities from across the sport.

Turki Alalshikh, one of the most influential figures in boxing, invited Schaub to the annual awards show.

The 42-year-old former fighter was asked to offer his perspective on the sport and poke fun at some of the notable guests.

Schaub did not hold back, making a joke about Canelo Alvarez steering clear of a match-up with David Benavidez, known as ‘The Mexican Monster’.

“I said, I think you don’t get enough credit for defense,” Schaub recalled on The Fighter and The Kid podcast he co-hosts with Bryan Callen.

“The way you dodge punches, jabs, uppercuts, David Benavidez. And then I stared at him and was all (sheepish).”

Schaub later shared how Canelo responded to his remark.

He said: “He was like this (folds arms).

“And then he goes (nods head). Usyk was laughing though. Oh yeah, Usyk was laughing.”

Canelo Alvarez closing in on return date

Since losing a decision to Terence Crawford back in September, Alvarez has not been back in the ring.

But that is about to change. He is expected to step back into the ring on September 12th, with the fight set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

While his opponent has not been named yet, Alalshikh has assured fans that it will be another big match-up for the Mexican star.

He explained: “It will be named ‘Mexico against the World’. All the fighters from the team of Canelo against the world and the champion in the main event, in a world title [fight].

“It will be a surprise in Saudi Arabia. Inshallah.”

Canelo Alvarez shares first reaction to Terence Crawford’s retirement

Canelo Alvarez has revealed his initial feelings on Terence Crawford retiring from the sport.

Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez sets up Terence Crawford fight with Saudi Arabia deal - BBC Sport

Crawford cemented his status as one of the greatest boxers in modern history when he defeated Canelo at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas back in September.

The victory came after ‘Bud’ stepped up two weight divisions to 168lbs for the clash, and despite being the underdog, he put in a stellar performance to win by unanimous decision and become undisputed super-middleweight champion.

Canelo had hoped to reclaim his belts, stating his intention after the fight to seek an immediate rematch with his rival, but those plans went up in smoke when Crawford announced his retirement in December, resulting in the super-middleweight titles fragmenting and ending up in the possession of several different fighters.

Canelo is set to return to action in September, with some believing he may have targeted those new champions and look to once again hold world honours at 168lbs.

It seems the Mexican superstar hasn’t given up hope of a rematch with ‘Bud’ though, as during a preview for an upcoming appearance on the Mr Verzace Podcast, Canelo was asked if he was upset when Crawford announced his retirement, and he made his view perfectly clear.

“We need to run it back.”

Boxing fans are still clamouring to see Crawford back in action, but everything from the man himself strongly points to his decision being final.