26 May 2023 , 20:13
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Jake Paul's newest boxing prospect Ashton Sylve has declared that he had to "let the truth be known" after a social media feud with Shawn Porter this month.
The legendary former world champion recently laughed off a suggestion from comedian Anthony 'Scruncho' McKinley that he "gave him a lesson" at just 16-years-old when the pair sparred, much to his team's annoyance. The unbeaten professional has already been named ESPN Ringside's 'Prospect of the year', and leaked footage has appeared to show a relatively standard session.
Sylve claims that there was never a "back-and-forth" between the pair, despite Porter refusing to deny the claim that he schooled the lightweight contender during their 2019 sparring session. And when footage emerged, he feels that the rounds show for themselves that the former champion was not telling the whole story.
"I wouldn't say there was no 'back-and-forth type thing," Sylve told Mirror Fighting in an exclusive chat ahead of his headline bout with Adam Kipenga on the first Most Valuable Prospects show in Orlando tonight, live on DAZN. "My dad told me what was said on the podcast so we just had to let the truth be known.
"We let the footage speak for itself so that's more so what it is, he had more stuff to say but I ain't really trippin' too much about it. Maybe if he saw the video he'd let the people speak on it - it was kind of a weird thing to say even if he thought that was true, you're out the game. He's out of the game, I'm more so on the rise so why try to bring me down. He spoke on it and hey, he got what was coming for him."
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Sylve trains at the notorious JackRabbit Boxing gym in Long Beach California, and was last year signed up as the first young prospect to Paul and Amanda Serrano's Most Valuable Promotions. And after a stunning knockout over Braulio Rodriguez in the first round on the YouTuber's undercard in October, he has been given the chance to headline an exciting night in Orlando.
Jake Paul and Ashton Sylve have a close relationship as fighter and promoter (@JakePaul/Instagram)Do you think Ashton Sylve will become a world champion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
A late opponent change to Kipenga hasn't dampened his spirits heading into the fight, and he is plotting another knockout to add to his flawless 8-0 record. A star-studded crowd will be in attendance to watch the event, including Paul and Serrano alongside YouTube stars aplenty and the likes of Paulie Malignaggi on the broadcast.
"I'm excited to finally get back in the ring after my last performance," he added. "Hopefully I can put on a great performance like I did with my others. I'm always just patient, I waited my time, whenever it's right. It honestly didn't feel like a long time but I was still in the gym so it doesn't feel as long.
"It's pretty dope to have all these people come out, even the commentators like Wade, I have a great rapport with him, Paulie Malignaggi who I've heard speak before, he's a great boxing analyst. My family are coming out too so it's a great thing, very interesting I would say."
Ashton Sylve vs Adam Kipenga is the main event of tonight's Most Valuable Prospects debut on DAZN, starting at 2am UK time.