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    Brock Lesnar slammed as a ‘fraud in MMA’ and called out for BARE-KNUCKLE fight by Vitor Belfort after quitting WWE

    BROCK LESNAR has been slammed as a “fraud in MMA” and called out to a bare-knuckle fight by Vitor Belfort.
    Lesnar, 43, is a free agent after his WWE contract expired, leading to speculation that he could make a fighting return.

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    Brock Lesnar became a free agent after his WWE contract expired

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    Vitor Belfort called out ex-UFC champion Lesnar
    Former UFC fighter Belfort – now signed to ONE Championship – has thrown his name into that hat to face the crossover star, even with just “bare hands”.
    He told  Submission Radio: “Brock Lesnar, I think you’re a fraud. But I’ll give you a chance.
    “I think you’re a fraud. If you really want to fight with me, let’s go bare hands, me and you.
    “We put the gloves, we go combat, you know? I know you’re a very tough man. I heard you’re a grappler, but I’ll fight you, man.

    “I’ll fight you any day, any time, and I think that’s a legendary fight right there. But I think he’s a fraud in MMA.”
    Lesnar first made the career switch to MMA in 2007 and a year later lost his UFC debut to Frank Mir.
    By 2008 he won the heavyweight title after beating UFC legend Randy Couture and successfully defended it against Mir and Shane Carwin.

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    But in 2011, after losing to Alistair Overeem in the first round, Lesnar announced his UFC retirement – citing health issues.

    He did made a brief return in 2016 to beat Mark Hunt at UFC 200, but his comeback was marred in controversy.
    Lesnar failed pre and post-fight drug tests with the result changing to a no-contest.
    He flirted with another UFC run last year to challenge heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, but eventually re-signed with WWE.
    Dana White is open to welcoming Lesnar back to the octagon, after heavyweight newbie Jon Jones called out the former champion.

    But despite his accolades in the cage and outside, Belfort insisted he “doesn’t deserve” the attention he garners having been fast tracked in his career.
    He said: “I respect fighters that really paid their way. They deserve to be in the spotlight.
    “But, you know, I understand he can be in the spotlight of WWE. So, that’s what I mean.
    “A fraud for MMA is this. He doesn’t deserve it, but he sells, man.
    “Let’s go Brock. I’ll put my hands on you. That would be nice. I’ll make him pink.”

    How Brock Lesnar nearly died when doctors removed part of his intestines but he still became WWE and UFC champion More

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    Frank Bruno admits losing FOUR pals to coronavirus pushed him ‘to the brink’ in fight with bipolar and depression

    IT was the greatest moment in his life — and one that thrilled millions of Brits.
    Standing in the middle of the ring at Wembley Stadium, Frank Bruno raised his clenched fists to the sky as fireworks exploded.

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    Frank Bruno is facing another heavyweight challengeCredit: Louis Wood – The Sun
    Finally, at the fourth attempt, he had risen from pantomime dame, famous for his ‘Know What I Mean’ catchphrase’, to the world heavyweight champion.
    Yet 25 years on from that iconic night, yesterday’s anniversary was bittersweet for Frank.
    That’s because the 58-year-old, who has been suffering mental health problems for two decades, is trying to cope with a relapse in his battle with bipolar disorder.
    In an emotional interview dad-of-four Frank says lockdown has brought about his new torment. 

    The ordeal has been brought on by the heartbreaking loss of four friends from suspected Covid-19.
    They have been crushing blows which, Frank says, have been tougher than any punches he felt in the ring.
    Among those he has lost are Rupert Doaries, a former member of Frank’s coaching team, Milton Marks, his former accountant, and lifelong pal Mickey Crow.
    In an exclusive interview Frank said: “Today I will be taking some time to think about all of them.

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    It was 25 years ago this week since the legend became heavyweight champion at WembleyCredit: Getty Images

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    The anniversary of his win over Oliver McCall has been bittersweet for Frank BrunoCredit: Getty Images
    “The hardest thing about losing so many friends during lockdown was not being able to go to the funerals and say goodbye properly.
    “The friends I have lost are guys who have been friends for most of my life — and long before I became famous.
    “It’s made me realise just how precious life is and how horrendous this virus has been for many.
    “I can’t lie mentally, the last few months have been really, really tough.
    “There have been some really dark days which have pushed me right to the brink. But I am still here and still fighting and that’s what I will always try to do.”
    Frank remains one of the country’s most loved sporting icons, and he agreed to speak out because he fears many, like him, have struggled with the fallout of the pandemic.
    The ex-WBC king, who has been  previously sectioned, battled through by getting medical advice, leaning on friends . . . and exercising.

    You’re Not Alone

    EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.

    It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
    It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
    And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
    Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
    That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
    The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
    Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
    If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
    CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
    Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
    Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
    Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
    Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
    Movember,www.uk.movember.com

    Frank added: “I have learned to live with my illness a lot better now.
    “It will always be there. It’s not like boxing. At the end of the fight you and your opponent shake hands and go your separate ways.
    “But bipolar and depression is there all the time. It’s like the devil on your shoulder. And it can creep up on you — sometimes when you least expect it.
    “I think that’s what has happened in the last few months.
    “I had pneumonia last year which meant I was at high risk when lockdown kicked in so I knew I needed to keep my head down and stay indoors.
    “A few years ago I’d have been too afraid to tell anyone how I was feeling because I’d worry what they’d think.
    “There was such a stigma attached to mental health. But talking openly is something that really helps me and it has been so important during lockdown.”

    Fifty eight year old Frank Bruno shares his daily workout tips to stay happy and healthy during lockdown

    I have learned to live with my illness a lot better now… But bipolar and depression is there all the time. It’s like the devil on your shoulder. And it can creep up on you — sometimes when you least expect it.
    Frank Bruno

    Frank, who has spent years lobbying for mental health reform, warned: “So many people have lost loved ones, people have lost their jobs, so many people have seen their lives completely changed.
    “There was already a big problem before Covid but it is going to be ten times as bad now.
    “Anyone can be affected. It doesn’t matter if you are a dustman or a billionaire. Everyone has mental health.
    “And all too often someone who is stressed, depressed or worse is packed off with a load of pills and not given the right support.
    “It’s important that people know there is another way.
    “I am not very good sitting indoors all day watching Phil and Holly on TV if you know what I mean . . . 
    “I have really missed being able to go out, attending events and just being around people. Being indoors all the time started to have a knock on with my bipolar big time.
    “So I did what I have always done best. I spent a lot of time getting my head down and training really hard.

    “I love the gym so when they started closing them I set one up at home. And I put a punchbag in the garden and just hit my way through it.
    “Training, staying active has been my way of trying to get through all this and defending myself against my bipolar disorder.”
    But one thing Frank has missed desperately is being able to see his fans.
    Before lockdown he had been planning a series of events across the country to celebrate his iconic unanimous points victory over American Oliver McCall at Wembley on September 2, 1995.
    In a poll of most popular Brits that year he only came second to Princess Diana.

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    Now, 25 years on, Frank still gets stopped in the street and asked about that night.
    It was his fourth attempt to win a world title and he said: “It was the best night of my life. I still watch the fight and get goosebumps when I am announced as the winner.
    “I always dreamed of becoming a world champion but you never know with boxing. So to finally do it was the just most amazing feeling.”
    If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 16123. More

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    Dillian Whyte shares training video as he aims to avenge shock Alexander Povetkin KO in rematch

    DILLIAN WHYTE is already back in the gym working on avenging his shock loss to Alexander Povetkin.
    The Brit was floored and put out for the count courtesy of a devastating knockout blow by the 41-year-old last month.

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    Dillian Whyte is already back in the gym

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    Dillian Whyte was sensationally knocked out by Alexander Povetkin last monthCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd

    It was a stunning upset on the final show of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Fight Camp in his back garden.
    Whyte immediately requested a rematch, which is likely to happen in November or December.
    And he is already working towards gaining revenge against the Russian.
    Matchroom shared a clip of the Body Snatcher working on the bag as he waits for his day of destiny to be confirmed.

    The 32-year-old recently hit out at criticism he received from boxers, boxing experts and Twitter trolls after the shock loss.

    One name he dropped was former heavyweight world champ Ruiz Jr.
    And his newly-acquired trainer Dave Coldwell launched an impassioned defence of the Brixton brawler, saying he has “bigger b***s” than the trolls.
    But Ruiz Jr, who stunned Anthony Joshua to win the WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight belts back in June 2019 before losing the rematch six months later, has slammed Whyte’s reaction.

    The two have previous beef, with Whyte scoffing at Ruiz Jr’s boxing skills and battle with his weight.
    Posting on Twitter, Ruiz wrote: “Stop playing the “victim” card bro.”

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    But Whyte pulled no punches with his response, saying: “Andy Ruiz is glad that he don’t have to fight me.
    “He’s glad the only battle he’s got now is just with diabetes.
    “I’m not on him anymore, he’s glad. Diabetes he can overcome, but he can’t overcome me.”

    Eddie Hearn says Dillian Whyte will rematch against Alexander Povetkin by the end of the year More

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    Inside Mike Tyson’s former mansion for sale for £7m with pool, gym, cinema and games room with boxing memorabilia

    MIKE TYSON’S former Maryland mansion is on the market after his ex-wife Monica Turner put the massive estate up for sale for a massive $9.4million (£7m)
    The vast property – in which Tyson once lost his pet tiger – comes with seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a large gym, a game room, a swimming pool, sports courts, and a piano room.

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    Mike Tyson’s former Maryland home is up for sale for $9.4m (£7m)Credit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

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    One of the many rooms inside Turner’s Maryland homeCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty
    Agent Daniel Heider has listed the massive mansion on The Tyson Estate website, which gives details about the home.
    Tyson – who now owns and runs his own cannabis empire – bought the Bethesda mansion with Turner in 1995.
    The heavyweight – who is making a comeback aged 54 by fighting Roy Jones Jr – lived there into the 2000’s until the two divorced after she claimed the boxing legend committed adultery.
    Turner won the house in the divorce settlement that was finalized in 2003.

    The mansion spans 19,000 square-feet with updated interior including an entertainment area, a gourmet kitchen and fully-equipped butler’s pantry.
    The estate also includes an elevator that serves all three floors, an amazing three-storey spiral staircase, and a handcrafted cherry wood-paneled library with a wet bar and fireplace.
    There’s also  a heated pool complete with a bubbling spa, tennis court, sauna, steam shower, changing room, billiards room, media room and a bar.

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    The interior of Monica Turner’s Maryland mansionCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

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    The gourmet kitchen includes a fully-equipped butler’s pantryCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

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    The beautiful garden of the Maryland estateCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

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    The home theater inside the home includes a poster for ScarfaceCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

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    Photos of the master bathroomCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

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    The spa section of the homeCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty
    According to the Wall Street Journal, Turner now wants to sell the residence as her youngest child has just graduated college and she doesn’t need so much space.

    The estate, which is located just 30 minutes out of Washington DC, overlooks the Congressional Country Club gold course, which has hosted several US Open tournaments.
    The house was home to the couple’s white pet tiger, which Tyson and Turner called Kenya.
    She said they lost the cub once before finding it in their neighbour’s garden.
    “The neighbor yelled over, ‘I think you may have lost your dog,’” Turner recalled.

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    The front entrance leading to the Maryland estateCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

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    The three-story spiral staircaseCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

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    The massive estate includes a games room with boxing memorabiliaCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

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    The master bedroom with four poster bedCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

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    Mike Tyson and Monica Turner once lost their pet tiger in the estateCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Tyson has been married three times: first to Robin Givens from 1988-1989, then to Turner, before he ties the knot with Lakiha Spicer in 2009, 12 days after the death of his four-year-old daughter, Exodus.
    At the prime of his boxing career, Tyson was worth a mind-blowing $685million before he blew it all.
    In 2020, Tyson’s reported net worth is said to be $3million. More

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    Anthony Joshua and Maya Jama joke around at Hugo Boss event with boxing champ’s four world title belts on display

    ANTHONY JOSHUA and Maya Jama joked around at a Hugo Boss event as the heavyweight champion showed off his belts.
    Radio presenter Maya, 26, and AJ, 30, shared pictures and video on Instagram as they promoted Joshua’s clothing line in Regents Street.

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    Radio presenter Maya at a launch for Joshua’s clothing partnerships with Hugo Boss Credit: Rex Features

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    Maya shows off her guard wearing AJBXNG gloves Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Anthony Joshua and Maya Jama joked around at a Hugo Boss eventCredit: Instagram @mayajama
    The world champion invited fans down to the store and showed off his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts which were in separate cabinets on the shop floor.
    People Just Do Nothing actors Seapa Mustafa, who plays MC Grindah, and Asim Chaudry AKA Chabuddy G, were also at the event.
    The fashion launch comes as Joshua prepares to defend his unified titles against 39-year-old Kubrat Pulev.
    AJ, who has agreed a two-fight deal with Tyson Fury, 32, for next year, is lined up to make his ring return in December at the O2 Arena.

    The mandatory title defence was originally set for June, until the coronavirus pandemic KO’d the clash.
    Joshua told GQ: “I’m OK with [the delay], to be honest.
    “It’s saved me weeks of getting punched in the head, and that can never be a bad thing.”
    A win against Pulev then paves the way for an undisputed title decider against Fury – and Joshua admitted he is way ahead of his career schedule.

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    People Just Do Nothing actors Asim Chaudry and Seapa Mustafa with Joshua Credit: PA:Press Association

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    Joshua with his WBO, IBF, IBO and WBA belts Credit: PA:Press Association

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    The fashion launch comes as Joshua prepares to defend his unified titles against Kubrat PulevCredit: PA:Press Association

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    He explained: “I’m way ahead of where I should be. I’m working at such a quick pace.
    “I shouldn’t even be in a position where I’m mentioned in Tyson Fury’s era. He’s five or six years ahead of me in terms of turning professional.
    “In fact, when he was turning pro, I was just putting on my gloves for the first time.” More

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    Who is Nicola Adams’ former fiancée Marlen Esparza?

    BRITISH Olympic hero Nicola Adams was engaged to fellow boxer Marlen Esparza for 16 months – but the couple have now split.
    The US fighter’s relationship with the Team GB and Strictly star came to an end very abruptly – and Marlen moved on swiftly.

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    Marlen Esparza was engaged to British boxer Nicola AdamsCredit: Rex Features
    Who is Marlen Esparza?
    Marlen Esparza is a female American boxer from Houston, Texas, born on July 29, 1989.
    The 28-year-old won bronze in the women’s flyweight division at the London 2012 Olympics.
    Esparza then took gold at the 2014 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships and bronze in the 2016 edition.
    Golden Boy Promotions signed her to a pro contract in December 2016 and she made her debut in March 2017, defeating Rachel Sazoff.

    Since then, she has maintained a 100 per cent record in the professional ranks, seeing off Samantha Salazar, Aracely Palacios and Karla Valenzuela.

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    Nicola Adams, second left, and Marlen Esparza, right, both competed at the London 2012 OlympicsCredit: Getty Images
    How did Nicola Adams meet Marlen Esparza?
    Having been rivals for a number of years, love started to blossom between the pair at a training camp in 2016.
    Adams revealed to the Daily Star: “We’ve known each for five or six years but we didn’t really talk because we were like nemesis and all that.
    “We got talking in Colorado last year at a training camp. She hadn’t made the national team for the qualifiers this time round. We got talking there and that was it really.”

    Adams and Esparza got engaged at London’s ShardCredit: PA:Press Association
    How did their relationship end?
    Adams and Esparza looked set to tie the knot after getting engaged at London’s Shard.
    However, in April 2018 The Sun’s Bizarre column revealed that the wedding was off, and Adams’ former partner was now engaged to her personal trainer, Frank.
    Friends of Adams insist she ended the relationship, with a pal explaining: “Marlen started going out a lot. It became too much.
    “Nicola was left with no choice but to break things off a month ago.

    Marlen posted a picture of herself and new fiance Frank on Instagram
    “Then just a few weeks later everyone discovers Marlen has got engaged to some guy she’s just met and they are getting married in six weeks — it’s crazy.”
    Marlen posted a picture of herself and Frank on Instagram.
    She gushed: “I have had the most difficult time of my entire life but God always has his way! You saved my life and I can’t wait to spend forever with you.”

    Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams has Boxing Barbie modelled on her released for International Women’s Day More

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    Who is Strictly 2020 star Nicola Adams?

    BOXER Nicola Adams won the top prize at London 2012 and Rio 2016 in her flyweight division, and was victorious in her first overseas fight in December 2017.
    Now the Leeds icon is set to dance in Strictly Come Dancing’s first ever same-sex couple.

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    Nicola Adams turned pro after a phenomenal amateur boxing careerCredit: PA:Press Association
    Who is Nicola Adams?
    The hugely popular 37-year-old is from Leeds.
    She is an ex-professional boxer who competed from 2017 to 2019 and is famous for having a Yorkshire accent as broad as her smile.
    Adams’ parents separated when she was just 14.
    Her mother Dee first sent her to a boxing gym when she needed help with some form of childcare while she worked.

    But it was with her father that she first watched videos of Muhammad Ali and sparked an interest that would take her to the very top.

    Nicola started her career at Burmantofts Boxing ClubCredit: PA:Press Association
    How did Nicola Adams get into boxing?
    At the age of 12, Nicola and her brother were taken to Burmantofts Boxing Club near Leeds, when mum Dee could not find a suitable babysitter while she went to work.
    Her coach instantly warned her: “I won’t treat you any differently from the boys; we’re all boxers here.” And it helped shape her brilliant career.
    Dedicated Dee then took on multiple jobs to support the cost of Nicola’s life and training.

    Nicola will appear on Strictly Come Dancing 2020Credit: Jon Bond – The Sun
    What is Nicola Adams’ boxing record?
    Adams has two Olympic golds, from London and Rio.
    She became the first British boxer to retain an Olympic title for 92 years by winning gold in the women’s flyweight final in 2016.
    Adams also has a gold medal from the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
    She has picked up first-place finishes in World Championships, European Championships and European Games.

    Nicola picked up three silver medals in the World ChampionshipsCredit: Getty Images
    She also picked up three silver medals in the World Championships and one in the European Championships in a glittering career.
    Since turning professional, Nicola has won her first five fights.
    She beat Virginia Noemi Carcamo on points in Manchester in her professional debut, and followed that up by knocking out Mexican Maryan Salazar in Leeds.
    The 37-year-old forced another stoppage in her first overseas pro bout, triumphing over Soledad Macedo in Canada in December 2017.
    She’s since beaten Soledad del Valle Frias in Leeds and Isabel Millan in Leicester.
    Nicola retired in November 2019 over fears for her eyesight.
    When did Nicola Adams split from former fiancée Marlen Esparza?
    Adams is openly bi-sexual and she topped the list of The Independent’s 101 most influential LGBT people in Britain for 2012.
    On the subject, she said: “No one’s ever really cared about me being bisexual and I only came out because I had always been out, it’s just the general public didn’t know.
    “I’m quite fearless. I’m like, let’s just go out there and do this and see what happens.”
    For 16 months she was engaged to Marlen Esparza, a US boxer who won bronze in the women’s flyweight division at London 2012.

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    The Leeds superstar won back-to-back Olympic goldsCredit: PA:Press Association
    However, in April 2018 The Sun’s Bizarre column revealed that the wedding was off, and Adams’ former partner had now become engaged to her personal trainer, Frank.
    Friends of Adams insist she ended the relationship, with a pal explaining: “Marlen started going out a lot. It became too much.
    “Nicola was left with no choice but to break things off a month ago.
    “Then just a few weeks later everyone discovers Marlen has got engaged to some guy she’s just met and they are getting married in six weeks — it’s crazy.”

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    Who is Nicola Adams’ partner Ella Baig?
    Ella Baig, 21, has been dating retired Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams since 2018.
    In 2020 the couple appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox 2020, along with their adorable dog.
    According to site StarNow the beauty blogger is also a hair stylist, makeup artist and fashion stylist with some experience in modelling.
    The couple are assumed to be living together in Leeds as they’re both from the area and share a dog together.

    Strictly’s Nicola Adams confirms she’ll be in show’s first ever same-sex couple saying ‘it’s really important’ More

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    Mike Tyson told Jamie Foxx he was happy he had no more money so ‘vultures’ couldn’t take anything from him anymore

    MIKE TYSON told Jamie Foxx he was happy he was skint so “vultures” could not take anything from him anymore.
    Iron Mike is making a boxing comeback at the age of 54 against Roy Jones Jr and recently trained with WWE hero Kurt Angle to keep sharp and ready.

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    Mike Tyson says he is happier now he has lost his once £320m fortuneCredit: Instagram
    With a successful podcast, marijuana ranch and even Hollywood film cameos, the former heavyweight champion appears to be living the good life again.
    But gone are the days of the sort of outlandish lavish spending that saw him blow his estimated £320million fortune and file for bankruptcy back in 2003.
    In fact, the Baddest Man on the Planet has even managed to become a millionaire again – having recovered from eye-watering debt of around £18m at one point.
    Now he is set to have a Hollywood movie biopic based on him with Oscar winner Foxx due to play the boxer.

    The actor, 52, has bulked up dramatically to play the heavyweight legend on the silver screen.
    However, with filming postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, Foxx has used the time to give a series of interviews about the film.
    And he revealed an interesting chat with the icon led to him discovering how much happier Tyson is WITHOUT the huge bank account he had in his prime.
    Foxx told Showtime’s ‘All the Smoke’: “When we were talking about the movie, I said what’s interesting about Mike is not the ring now, it’s the Mike that we see now.

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    Jamie Foxx will play Iron Mike in an upcoming Hollywood movie based on the boxer’s lifeCredit: PA:Press Association
    “When I called Mike one time, I said ‘Mike, how are you doing?’ – And it’s this voice ‘All praise to Allah, my brother I’m just happy’.
    “I said ‘why you happy?’ and ‘I’m happy I don’t have money anymore, I don’t have any money’. “I said ‘why do you say that? Why does that make you happy?’ 
    “‘Cause no one can take anything from me anymore. There are no vultures. Nobody out there trying to take anything from me. So I’m just happy.’”

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    Legendary director Martin Scorsese has also agreed to work on the movie.
    Foxx added: “We want to show everybody evolves. Everybody comes from a good or bad place. 
    “I think when we lay the layers on Mike Tyson in this story, I think everybody from young and old will be able to understand this man’s journey and the way we’ll place it.” 

    Mike Tyson reveals he broke down in tears while watching hero Muhammad Ali lose to Larry Holmes with his trainer More