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    Gender row Olympics boxer Imane Khelif fires defiant message to Donald Trump after ‘eye-opening experience’

    IMANE KHELIF has issued a defiant message to Donald Trump, insisting she will compete at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.The President of the United States wrongly claimed the 25-year-old, who was at the centre of a gender row along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting at the Paris Games last summer, was transgender.Imane Khelif’s participation at the 2024 Olympics caused controversy as she allegedly failed a gender eligibility test 18 months earlierCredit: APHer participation at the LA Games in 2028 was thrown into major doubt after Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes in women’s sportsCredit: REUTERSKhelif has issued a defiant message to POTUSCredit: REUTERSKhelif’s participation at LA 2028 was thrown into major doubt last month when Trump signed an executive order banning transgender women from competing in female events.But the Algerian insists she won’t be intimidated by POTUS, telling ITV: “I am not transgender. This does not concern me and it does not intimidate me.”Of course, I defend with everything I have this gold medal… I continue my dream, my everything.”Khelif and Lin’s participation at Paris 2024 – where they won welterweight and featherweight gold respectively – sparked international outrage.READ MORE BOXING NEWSThe duo took part at the Games 18 months after being banned from the Women’s World Championships for allegedly failing a gender eligibility test.Tests administered by the discredited International Boxing Association are said to have determined that Khelif and Yu-Ting have male XY chromosomes.The IOC, however, permitted the duo to compete – much to the fury of the IBA – who have taken legal action against the Olympics’ governing body.Imane Khelif received a torrent of abuse following her 46-second victory over Angela CariniCredit: REXLin Yu-Ting was also targeted by trolls and on the receiving end of erroneous claimsCredit: AFPKhelif, in particular, was subjected to a torrent of abuse and erroneous claims she was a man after stopping Angela Carini 46 seconds into their opening bout.Most read in BoxingThe ordeal has fortified the mental strength of the Algerian, who has taken legal action against several prominent figures – including Elon Musk and JK Rowling – for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment”.Olympics 2024 gender row boxer Imane Khelif set to turn pro after winning gold in Paris She said: “This experience has taught me a lot. “I believe that if the old Imane operated at 50% of her potential, then the Imane Khalif of today is even more motivated and determined.”I have learned so much from this campaign against me, and what happened at the Paris Olympics was an eye-opening experience. “I feel even stronger now than I was before.”Khelif believes she wouldn’t have been the victim of global abuse had she not started getting the better of her opponents.She said: “As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear.Imane Khelif insists the experience at Paris 2024 has made her stronger mentallyCredit: ALAMY”The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics.”The injustice was exposed and, later, the truth was acknowledged by the [IOC] in Paris.“I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl and have lived my entire life as one.”I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four world championships.READ MORE SUN STORIES“All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles.”But once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started.” More

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    Premier League stadium tipped to hold world title fight as reigning champion Callum Smith says ‘the time is now’

    CALLUM SMITH dreams of fighting at Anfield and has vowed “the time is now”.The 34-year-old became the WBO’s interim light-heavyweight champion by beating Joshua Buatsi last month.Callum Smith became interim light heavyweight champion last monthCredit: GettyThe Battle of Britain affair took place in Riyadh on the undercard of the rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.For his next bout, particularly while holding a world championship belt, Liverpool-born Smith dreams of a homecoming fight.Speaking to Sky Sports, the former world title challenger was asked about the possibility of Anfield.He said: “It’s always the dream and always has been the dream. How realistic it is I’m not too sure.READ MORE IN BOXING”I think it needs the right opponent, the right time of year – there’s only a short window where Anfield would let events go on.”But I’ve got an interim world title now so if it’s going to happen I believe now maybe is the time.”I’m going to have to speak to my team and people above me to see how realistic it is to happen.”I don’t just speak for myself, I speak for the whole of Liverpool, I think we’d love to get that over the line but we’ll wait and see.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”I don’t want to get my hopes up too much but if we can… it would be a quick answer if I got offered to fight at Anfield and I’m sure it would be for every other Liverpool fighter.”Having beaten Buatsi to earn the interim title since losing to Beterbiev last year, Smith now fancies a crack at Bivol.’You f—ed up’ – Explosive moment Conor Benn tries to attack Chris Eubank Jr on Piers Morgan’s UncensoredThe 175lbs star said of the world champion: “He’s the man in the division. We’re waiting to see what he’s going to do with his future. He’s got all the belts so he’s going to get a handful of mandatories.”He’s going to go with the fight that makes the most sense for himself financially, whether it’s the trilogy [with Beterbiev] or [David] Benavidez.”He’s got the IBF mandatory, I’ll be his WBO mandatory. He’s got a lot of options himself.”Smith also opened the door to another Battle of Britain fight, this time with Anthony Yarde.But he is in no rush to get in the ring with Buatsi again.”I think a rematch would probably be a bit of a similar fight,” Smith said.”I’m sure the fans would probably want to see it again. Me, I’m not in a rush to do it again, I don’t think he would be either!”Smith, 34, defeated Joshua Buatsi in Riyadh last monthCredit: Getty More

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    I refused to let horror car crash that took my legs ruin me – now I’m world record holder, says Strictly’s Billy Monger

    “BILLY MONGER . . . you are an Ironman.”Those words are still sinking in for a 25-year-old who has already beaten all odds to become a world-record holder.Billy Monger is a double-amputee after a shocking Formula 4 racing accident weeks before his 18th birthdayCredit: Simon JonesBilly training for the Ironman’s 112-mile bike ride across volcanic terrainCredit: Daniel Loveday/Comic ReliefThat’s a world-record holder in triathlon’s most gruelling event, the Kona Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.A 2.4-mile swim in jellyfish and shark-infested waters.A 112-mile bike ride in treacherous crosswinds across volcanic terrain. Then a marathon, 26.2miles of running.And, in case you hadn’t noticed, Billy is a double-amputee after losing one leg just below the knee and the other above the knee in a shocking Formula 4 racing accident weeks before his 18th birthday.Read more on Billy MongerBut his time of 14 hours, 23 minutes and 56 seconds smashed the world record for a double amputee by more than TWO HOURS.So was that drive always there, or was it his accident that changed him?Billy, who was raising money for Comic Relief, says: “I remember after my accident being like, ‘I’m the same 17, 18-year-old kid that I always was, wanting to be a Formula One world champion’.“There’s no getting away from it, that does affect things. You do have to grow up quicker.Most read in Athletics“Learning to deal with that adversity all of a sudden, other adversity you face in your life doesn’t seem that daunting.”So the jellyfish stings suffered on the swim are now something you just brush off?Cheryl praises inspirational racer Billy Monger’s fundraising in rare TV appearance“Yeah, well, that is what it is really!”In the brilliant film of his year of training, Billy can even joke with his coaches about sharks not being interested in him as they’d be better off chasing someone with legs.I don’t think Billy looks at things in a “normal” way, but that’s probably because he’s not normal. And that’s far from an insult and nothing to do with him being an amputee.He adds: “Because of the accident, I’m more curious about what I’m still capable of.“I don’t want to go, ‘Oh well, this bad thing happened to me, so I’m just gonna feel negative about it’.‘About to pass out’“If I did that, it’s quite obvious what my life would look like and I didn’t really fancy a piece of that.”Instead, he fancied a piece of Hawaii — not grass-skirts and sunshine but 14-plus hours of endurance racing.He says: “It’s seen to be the hardest Ironman, so looking back, I was a bit nuts for signing up.”Because of the accident, I’m more curious about what I’m still capable ofBillyHe had done only “a bit of doggy-paddle for rehab” and had not run more than 5km without pain before the training started.It is normally a four-year plan for an Ironman. Billy did it in one.His journey before is just as remarkable.Billy had been on the road to F1 as a prodigiously talented and dedicated karting racer before the horror crash at Donington Park in 2017.Billy put in hundreds of hours of trainingCredit: 2024 Comic ReliefBilly in 2017 after his horror crash at Donington ParkCredit: Rex FeaturesBut since then he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas special, BBC’s Race Across The World and covers F1 for Channel 4.Billy’s previous Comic Relief challenge, a 140-mile walking, kayaking and cycling trip across the UK in 2021, raised £3.2million.But an Ironman? Kona?!“Mad, isn’t it?” he says, reflecting on going from learning to walk as a double amputee to competing in a world championship triathlon. “But one step at a time.”His steps included needing four different sets of prosthetics, “eight spare legs”.Modest as well, he even blushes when you compliment him.But there is such a steely determination in his eyes, perhaps he always knew he would complete it?“No way,” he says. “I feared not getting across that line plenty of times.Get to race day knowing you’ve done all you can. Be the best version of yourself and that’s all that mattersBilly“To train for something like that, you have to shape every decision around your training.”Billy did the vast majority of his hundreds of hours of training alone and stump health was a serious concern, despite having a prosthetics specialist on hand.Put simply, sores and blisters from pressure and rubbing on his legs could put him back in a wheelchair for weeks, meaning no chance of getting to Kona.Even after all the hundreds of hours’ training, there were still doubts during the event.He says: “My body was doing things that I’d never seen it do before. Then you see someone passed out on the side of the road and it just adds to that anticipation.“The shaking, the ‘Am I about to pass out here?’.”But after a year dedicated to helping others, he wasn’t about to quit.He adds: “I didn’t want to let other people down.“The message was, get to race day knowing you’ve done all you can. Be the best version of yourself and that’s all that matters.”Billy barely remembers the moment the PA announcer screamed “You are an Ironman” at the finish, seconds before he collapsed into the hoardings.Fuel for the fire“But he can now watch it back time and time again as he is forever an Ironman. The Iron Monger, if you will.But Billy still doesn’t feel like this challenge is complete as it is all to raise money for Comic Relief and the community projects the charity supports, such as running clubs, food banks and care centres that Billy visited during his epic year.I ask if it has sunk in, what he and his family have achieved?He replies: “In ways it has, but in ways it hasn’t.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Comic Relief and Red Nose Day on Friday was the fuel for the fire, so it feels like the job is only half done.” More

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    Oleksandr Usyk teases shock MMA fight with UFC superstar but only after undisputed Daniel Dubois showdown

    OLEKSANDR USYK has teased a shock switch to MMA – after being called out by UFC superstar Alex Pereira.But first Usyk wants to rematch Daniel Dubois for the undisputed heavyweight titles. Daniel Dubois lost to Oleksandr Usyk in 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunHe told Al Arabiya News: “We want to fight Dubois. My team is ready. “A lot depends on how God will give us a way to do it and the second person who can do it is His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, because he is the person who can organise this fight. “I think there would be obstacles otherwise.”Usyk, 38, beat Dubois, 27, in the ninth round of their 2023 fight but controversy struck due to a low-blow in the fifth. READ MORE IN BOXINGThe Ukrainian would go on to twice beat Tyson Fury, 36, in 2024 but he had to vacate the IBF title to proceed with their December rematch. Dubois was elevated from interim IBF champ to the full belt and knocked out Anthony Joshua, 35, in September. He was then due to defend the title against Joseph Parker, 33, in February but he pulled out with just days to go with illness.Parker instead knocked out replacement Martin Bakole, 31, and has since been ordered to fight Usyk by the WBO. Most read in BoxingBut Usyk still has his eyes on Dubois in a bid to unify the belts once more. It comes after Pereira – who recently lost his UFC light-heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev – called out the boxing legend. Usyk spotted ‘giving Anthony Joshua tips on how to beat Tyson Fury’ in ringside footage at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2.mp4And Usyk revealed he would entertain a crossover bout with Pereira, 37, and even doing so in the MMA cage. He said: “Yes, I would be interested, but only after the fight with Daniel to merge our belts. “I even considered the option of fighting in a cage. It is a joke, but every joke contains an element of truth.”Alex Pereira has called out Usyk beforeCredit: Getty More

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    ‘My entire body is poisoned’ – Athlete and daughter of Olympic star, 24, BANNED from competing by doctors after illness

    AN ATHLETE and daughter of an Olympic star has been BANNED from competing by doctors after an illness.Anna Gandler, 24, declared “my entire body is poisoned” after being hospitalised last month.Athlete Anna Gandler claims her ‘body is poisoned’ after being hospitalisedCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerThe Austrian picked up a nasty flu bug during the recent World ChampionshipsCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerGandler is one of the top up-and-coming names in the biathlonCredit: GettyDad Marcus won an Olympic silver for cross-country skiing in 1998Credit: AFPThe Austrian is a top biathlon star, with athletes needing to excel in both cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.Gandler’s father is former Austrian cross-country skier Markus, who was a silver medallist at the Nagano Olympics in 1998.And Gandler was hoping to make a splash at February’s World Championship in Switzerland.However, she fell drastically ill during the tournament and was rushed to hospital.READ MORE IN ATHLETICSMedical checks discovered that her “entire organic system” was “overwhelmed.”A bout of flu put extra pressure on her internal system.But its lack of ability to “regenerate” meant that she ended up in a bad way.And Gandler may now need to miss the rest of the season to heal, putting her biathlon dream on ice.Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSShe revealed: “One of the biggest problems was sleeping, as my body was never able to properly recover. I’ve been struggling with that since June.“I still have to wait for some results, but it looks like my entire organic system isn’t functioning as it should, my liver, for example.Top 10 highest paid sports stars in 2024Gandler is waiting for more tests but the initial ones don’t look promisingCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerShe feels she pushed herself too hard in trainingCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerGandler is now looking to rest and recoverCredit: Instagram @anna_gandler“My entire body is essentially poisoned because it can no longer regenerate itself. It can’t keep up and is overwhelmed.“The main reason was flu. It can take up to three weeks to recover. I quickly felt completely fit, fitter than I’ve been all winter.“Only after an intensive training sesssion, things went completely downhill.“I shed a few tears because it wasn’t a good time. But I’ve been able to come to terms with this inactivity in the last few days.“I have to give myself some rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat little sugar and eat a gluten-free diet.“Other athletes have already cancelled their seasons and had mega seasons the following year. Perhaps this is the miracle cure.”She has changed up her diet in order to get back to her bestCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerGandler hopes a lengthy rest sees her come back strongerCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerThe ace is set to miss the rest of the season as she recoversCredit: Instagram @anna_gandler More

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    Three-weight boxing champion, 64, rushed to hospital after suffering stroke as promoter gives update

    A FORMER three-weight boxing champion was rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke.But his promoter provided a positive health update on his condition.Iran Barkley suffered a stroke and was rushed to hospitalCredit: GettyBarkley was a world champion boxer in three different weight divisionsCredit: GettyIran Barkley, 64, won 43 of his 63 professional fights between 1982 and 1999. The American held the WBC middleweight, IBF super-middleweight and WBA light-heavyweight world belts during his distinguished boxing career. However, he suffered a first-round knockout defeat to Nigel Benn in 1990 with the WBO middleweight title on the line.But now Barkley is fighting a very different battle.READ MORE IN BOXINGOn Saturday, promoter Lou DiBella tweeted the shock news of his stroke.DiBella wrote: “Prayers up for a NYC boxing legend and a really, really, good guy, Iran Barkley, who’s now hospitalized following a stroke. “Much love to the Blade.”DiBella then posted again on Sunday to give the latest.Most read in BoxingHe added: “Just spoke to Iran. “He sounded really strong and was joking around. “Said no little stroke keeping him on the canvas. “He’s grateful to everyone for the love and prayers. God is good.”Plenty of fans took to social media to send their best wishes and messages of support for the New Yorker.One said: “Thank you for the update. Thank God he is feeling better.”Another wrote: “Bumped into him at Gleason’s gym a few times. He was always a gentleman. He never refused fans any autographs or pictures. I pray for Iran Barkley.”A third added: “Best wishes and a speedy recovery to The Blade!”READ MORE SUN STORIESA fourth commented: “Great fighter, hope he has a good recovery.”A fifth replied: “Once a fighter, forever a fighter.”Fans sent their best wishes to the BladeCredit: Getty More

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    Chris Eubank Jr accepts stunning seven-figure Eddie Hearn bet ahead of Conor Benn fight

    CHRIS EUBANK JR has accepted a £1million bet with Eddie Hearn ahead of his fight with Conor Benn.The rivals meet in the ring on April 26 – two-and-a-half years after they were first set to clash.Chris Eubank Jr has accepted a £1million bet over his fight with Conor BennCredit: GettyHearn is confident his fighter will beat EubankCredit: GettyTempers have flared in the weeks leading up to the bout and Eubank has clashed with Benn and his promoter Hearn, hitting the former with an egg while on stage.Hearn is convinced Benn will get the better of Eubank in the ring – so much so he offered Next Gen a £1m bet.Eubank, 35, has accepted the wager and warned Hearn not to try and wrangle out of the deal.He said in a video message on social media: “Eddie. Come on Eddie. £1m ey? Okay.READ MORE IN BOXING”Let’s find out if you’re a man of your word or just a lying hype job.”I formally accept your £1m bet. And the £1m will be out own personal money. Not company money or purse money, just a straight up bet between me and you.”The money will go into escrow and the winner takes all. Now I look forward to watching you trying to weasel your way out of this bet like the rodent I know you are. Good day.”Eubank could do with the extra cash after being fined £100,000 for his egg slap on Benn.Most read in BoxingEubank responded to his fine by tweeting: “Worth every penny.”He also clashed with Hearn at a pre-fight press conference, informing the promoter of his feelings towards him.He said: “Eddie, you know I don’t like you right?”So what makes you think on God’s green Earth I’m going to sit here and listen to any of the b******s you’re going to say?”Hearn immediately shot back: “Well you’re going to have to.”He added: “Is this the Chris Eubank show?Eubank replied: “This is Eubank vs Benn. You can sabotage the event and I’ll try talk to Benn directly.”And you can be quiet. I don’t want to hear what you have to say.” More

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    Tragedy as female triathlon champion dies aged 39 after drowning as tributes pour in

    TRIBUTES have poured in for a female triathlon champion who drowned in a freak accident aged 39.Aninha Zuleica Xavier tragically passed away during a race in her native Brazil on Saturday.Triathlete champion Aninha Zuleica Xavier tragically drowned in a freak accidentCredit: NewsflashThe Brazilian teacher was found unresponsive in the sea on SaturdayCredit: NewsflashTributes have poured in for the mother-of-oneCredit: NewsflashThe ace, a champion in another triathlon last month, had gone into the Atlantic Ocean off Fortaleza with other competitors during the first part of the event.But Xavier was not seen coming back out with the other athletes, leading her team to quickly raise the alarm with organisers.A search quickly began for the mum-of-one, who was married for 15 years and worked as a teacher in her day job.However, rescuers unfortunately found her floating and unresponsive in the sea.READ MORE IN SPORTEfforts were made to revive Xavier but she was declared dead on the way to hospital.Race officials said: “We alerted the Fire Department rescue team, who were out in a boat.“We saw Aninha already responsive at sea. Before the race she passed routine tests with our technical team and the course was well known to her.”Brazilian outlet G1 Globo claims the race began before official lifeguards started their duties on the beach.Most read in AthleticsThey add that rescue officials were not asked to provide support during the event either.Police are understood to be investigating her death.Reports claim there were no lifeguards on duty during the raceCredit: NewsflashPolice are now investigating Xavier’s deathCredit: NewsflashTributes poured in for Xavier after the tragic news emerged.The sports consultancy she was part of, Runners Ceara, said: “Her dedication, sportsmanship and joy left a mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.“In this moment of grief we express our most sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.“May you find comfort in the memories and legacy that Aninha leaves in our community. May her memory remain alive in our hearts.”Event organisers Fetriece added: “In this moment of deep sadness, we would like to express our most sincere condolences.“Her passion for the sport will always be remembered by all of us.”Xavier previously opened up over her love for triathlons.She said: “It seemed impossible, after all, with a crazy routine like mine, with very few resources, and living in the metropolitan region would already be difficult.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There was another significant detail: I didn’t know how to ride a bike. “Thank goodness the impossible is just one of many points of view when faced with any situation.” More