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    Mike McCallum dead at 68: Boxing legend dubbed ‘The Bodysnatcher’ dies after falling ill and pulling car off the road

    BOXING icon Mike McCallum has died at the age of 68.Known as “The Bodysnatcher,” McCallum won world title belts across three different weight categories.Legendary boxer Mike McCallum has died at the age of 68Credit: GettyMcCallum fell ill while travelling to the gymCredit: GettyThe Jamaican fighting legend passed away suddenly in Las Vegas, United States, on Saturday.According to the Jamaica Observer, McCallum fell ill while travelling to the gym and was forced to pull off the road.He was then found to be unresponsive and later pronounced dead.Jamaica’s sports minister, Olivia Grange, confirmed the sad news.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGrange said: “It is with utter and complete sadness that I learned of the death of Jamaica’s three-time world boxing champion Michael McKenzie McCallum.”I express my personal condolences to his mother, siblings and his children. “On behalf of the Ministry of Sports, I take this opportunity to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of this legendary Jamaican.”McCallum ended his professional boxing career with an impressive record of 55 fights, 49 wins, 36 by KO, five losses and one draw.Most read in BoxingHe held the WBA light middleweight, the WBA middleweight and the WBC light heavyweight belts across his career.On top of this he was also a gold medal winner at the 1978 Commonwealth Games and 1978 Central American and Caribbean Games – both at welterweight.McCallum was the 18th fighter in men’s boxing history to become a triple champion and the first-ever Jamaican to become a world champion in boxing.He was most known in the ring for his devastating body punches, which earned him his “Bodysnatcher” nickname. More

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    Ernesto Pellegrini dead aged 84: Inter Milan’s former president dies just hours before Champions League final

    FORMER Inter Milan president Ernesto Pellegrini has passed away aged 84 – just hours before the Champions League final. The Milan native owned the Serie A giants from 1984 to 1995.Former Inter president Ernesto Pellegrini has died aged 84Credit: GettyPellegrini was president at Inter for 11 yearsCredit: GettyThe Milan native was a boyhood fan of the NerazzurriCredit: X / InterPellegrini grew up as a boyhood Inter fan and was the Nerazzurri’s 17th president.He made his fortune in the catering business and was first admitted onto the board at the San Siro in 1979. Pellegrini purchased Inter from Ivanoe Fraizzoli in 1984. Under his leadership, Inter won a record-breaking Scudetto just four years later. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey also secured the Supercoppa Italiana and two Uefa Cup titles, with the team including greats such as Jurgen Klinsmann and Lothar Matthaus. Pellegrini was inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame in 2020. He reportedly passed away at 8am on Saturday morning, per La Gazzetta dello Sport.Inter face PSG in tonight’s Champions League final in Munich. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe team will wear black armbands in his honour. Paying tribute on X, the team wrote: “President Ernesto Pellegrini has left us. “For eleven years he led Inter with wisdom, honour and determination, leaving an indelible mark on the history of our Club. “FC Internazionale Milano and all the Nerazzurri fans gather around his family.”Inter are targeting a first Champions League triumph since 2010 on Saturday night. The Nerazzurri last competed in a CL final in 2023, when they went down 1-0 to Manchester City. More

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    Maradona homicide trial COLLAPSES after glam judge appeared in glitzy doc about case over football icon’s death

    THE homicide trial of footballing icon Diego Maradona’s medical team has officially been cancelled.The trial was said to be on the brink of collapse just 24 hours ago after a glam judge appeared in a glitzy documentary about the ongoing case.Argentine former football star Diego Maradona died in 2020Julieta Makintach – dubbed the ‘judge of God’ – appeared in a glitzy documentary about the ongoing caseCredit: ClarinJudge Makintach – one of the three presiding judges – has since resigned in the face of allegations of an ethical breachCredit: ReutersJulieta Makintach – dubbed the “judge of God” – featured in a trailer for the six-part mini-series which was embarrassingly played to the court.News broadcasts of footy legend Maradona’s death were also featured in the trailer, as well as an excerpt of an emergency call asking for an ambulance.It ended with Makintach preparing documents at a desk prior to the trial.The bizarre footage suggests unauthorised recordings were shot inside the courtroom, which constitutes a breach of judicial rules.read more in MaradonaIt is unclear how the footage was captured. The trailer preview was one of several pieces of evidence seized by cops in raids last week which left the trial suspended.It has now reportedly been designated as “null and void” by the Third Criminal Court of San Isidro, reports Clarin.Judge Makintach has also since resigned in the face of the allegations.Most read in SoccerThis has left the case with just two remaining judges in Maximiliano Savarino and Verónica Di Tommaso.Mr Savarino announced the cancelled trial today as he blasted Makintach’s actions.Maradona homicide trial BEGINS as his medical team accused of fatal negligenceHe said: “The trial was well conducted by all of us except for one person who was sidelined.”Before adding: We believe the case should be heard in another court.”When the decision to cancel the trial was read out, the daughters of Maradona, Dalma and Gianinna, broke down in tears.The trailer caused such a national outcry that Makintach said on Tuesday that she had “no choice” but to resign from the proceedings.Diego Maradona’s daughters Gianina Maradona (L) and Dalma Maradona attend the trial for their father’s deathCredit: EPADoctor Leopoldo Luque attends the trialThe judges stated that there would be a new trial, but did not indicate when that would occur. In addition, new judges will selected via a lottery.The trial began on March 11 and dozens of witnesses had already testified. It was expected to conclude in the summer, but now that could be a new starting point.”I trust we could have a sentence by the end of the year,” said Fernando Burlando, an attorney for Maradona’s daughters Dalma and Gianinna Maradona.The family accused the medical team of failing to provide appropriate care for Maradona, 60, after his surgery for a hematoma that formed between his skull and brain. The surgery was performed in early November and he died weeks later during his recovery at a private home.The seven defendants all deny the charges and claim that Maradona fought against them during the recovery period.The former doctor of Maradona, Nancy ForliniCredit: AFPJulio Rivas, lawyer of Leopoldo Luque, the personal doctor of MaradonaCredit: ReutersThe Argentinian legend- considered one of the world’s greatest ever football players – had been recovering at his home in Buenos Aires from surgery on a brain blood clot when he tragically died.He suffered a heart attack aged 60.Seven members of the legend’s medical team were then placed under investigation over his death and are now being prosecuted for negligent homicide.Those responsible for his medical care face prison terms between eight and 25 years if convicted of homicide with possible intent.The charges relate to their decision to allow him to recover from major surgery at home, and the conditions of his care.They deny the charges.The medical team on trial includes a neurosurgeon, a doctor and a night nurse.Read More on The SunThe defendants have claimed Maradona refused any further treatment and should have stayed home for longer following his operation.Gianinna claimed her father was kept in “a dark, ugly and lonely” place and that his carers were more interested in money than his welfare.Portrait of Argentina’s star midfielder Diego Maradona in 1986Credit: AFP More

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    Maradona trial on brink of COLLAPSE after glam judge appears in glitzy doc about ongoing case over football icon’s death

    THE trial of late Argentine football superstar Diego Maradona’s medical team is on the brink of collapse after a glam judge appeared in a glitzy documentary about the ongoing case.Julieta Makintach – dubbed the “judge of God” – recused herself after a trailer for the six-part mini-series was embarrassingly played to the court. Julieta Makintach – dubbed the ‘judge of God’ – recused herselfCredit: ClarinOne clip shows her going up in a lift in what appears to be a courthouseCredit: P14Makintach arrives at court for a hearing in the trial of health professionals accused of negligence in the death of soccer star Diego MaradonaCredit: APArgentine former football star Diego Maradona died in 2020Credit: AFPIt emerged that Makintach, 47, had been shooting the series called Divine Justice about the case, potentially breaking a string of ethics rules.The shocking preview begins with Makintach strutting through the entrance of what seems to be a court house in high heels as she takes the lift to the upper floors.News broadcasts of footy legend Maradona’s death are also featured in the trailer, as well as an excerpt of an emergency call asking for an ambulance.It concludes with Makintach preparing documents at a desk.The bizarre footage suggests unauthorised recordings were shot inside the courtroom, which constitutes a breach of judicial rules.According to a script, the mini-series would follow Makintach as she “reconstructs the death of Maradona and certain painful milestones of his life related to abandonment.”The trailer preview was one of the various pieces of evidence seized by cops in raids last week as the trail was suspended.Tuesday’s hearing was marked by insults, recriminations, shouting and tears.Most read in SoccerIn a bitter exchange, prosecutor Patricio Ferrari accused Makintach of behaving “like an actress and not a judge.”He said: “[Makintach] spoke about Maradona, the trial, how it was unfolding.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death “She has been completely influenced by her leading role, by the centrality of her figure.”She lied to our faces for three months. I demand that the court recuse judge Makintach.”As the trailer was played, defence lawyer Rodolfo Baque jumped out of his chair to shout “trash” at the judge.The late footballer’s daughter Gianinna Maradona tried to calm him before she and Maradona’s former partner, Veronica Ojeda, both began to sob.Makintach sat with her head bowed, biting her lip and eventually said she had “no choice” but to recuse herself as one of the case’s three justices.Her removal is an embarrassment for Argentina’s judicial system and could yet derail a trial being watched by football fans worldwide.Maradona – considered one of the world’s greatest ever football players – had been recovering at his home in Buenos Aires from surgery on a brain blood clot when he tragically died of a heart attack aged 60.Seven members of the legend’s medical team are being prosecuted for negligent homicide over his death in November 2020.She also struts in her high heels in the trailerCredit: P14The trailer preview was one of the various pieces of evidence seized by cops in raids last week as the trail was suspendedCredit: Clarin Judges Veronica Di Tommaso, Maximiliano Savarino and Julieta Makintach attend the first day of soccer legend Diego Maradona’s death trialCredit: ReutersPortrait of Argentina’s midfielder Diego Maradona in 1986Credit: AFPThose responsible for his medical care face prison terms between eight and 25 years if convicted of homicide with possible intent.The charges relate to their decision to allow him to recover from major surgery at home, and the conditions of his care.They deny the charges.The medical team on trial includes a neurosurgeon, a doctor and a night nurse.The defendants have claimed Maradona refused any further treatment and should have stayed home for longer following his operation.Gianinna Maradona has claimed her father was kept in “a dark, ugly and lonely” place and that his carers were more interested in money than his welfare.The court will decide on Thursday whether the trial will go ahead or be scrapped and then restarted.Some of the plaintiffs have called for a new trial, saying they felt proceedings have been tainted by scandal.The lawyer for Maradona’s ex-partner Ojeda said that “everyone now feels that this is compromised,” adding that it’s “healthiest to start over from scratch”.Glam Makintach denied being paid for the documentary and said that she had given “an interview to a childhood friend about the justice system”.Makintach added: “That material was raw, it was intimate. It was on a Sunday at 5pm. Does that give it the label of forbidden, hidden, illicit?”According to Argentinian media, prosecutor Ferrari said: “On Sunday March 9, before the trial began, Makintach entered the building with six people.”And if there is a script and a trailer, it wasn’t just an interview.Read More on The Sun”There were photos, footage. There was no authorisation for this irregular entry.”All the aggravating circumstances clearly exist that demonstrate the loss of independence and impartiality of the member summoned to this trial.”In 2019, Gimnasia y Esgrima team coach Diego Armando Maradona gestures to supporters as he leaves the field after an Argentina First Division Superliga football matchCredit: AFP More

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    Willie Stevenson dead aged 85: Tributes pour in for title-winning Liverpool icon who also won league with Rangers

    LIVERPOOL legend Willie Stevenson has sadly died.The title-winning icon, who played under Bill Shankly, passed away at the age of 85.Willie Stevenson has sadly passed awayCredit: GettyStevenson made 241 appearances for Liverpool after being signed from Rangers for £20,000.He won the league and cup north of the border before his move to Anfield.Stevenson went onto become a vital part of the Liverpool side that won the First Division in 1964 and 1966.And the left-sided player tasted FA Cup success in 1965 after scoring a penalty in the semi-final against Chelsea. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStevenson also claimed a runners-up medal in the following year’s Cup Winners’ Cup.He left Liverpool in 1967 and he went on to play for the likes of Stoke, Tranmere, Macclesfield Town and the Vancouver Whitecaps.Stevenson is said to have owned a pub and a cleaning company after hanging up his boots.Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler led the tributes, saying: “Such sad news… an absolute gentleman. Rest in peace Willie.”Most read in FootballOther fans commented: “Rest in peace.”Another added: “A true Red. Condolences to his family and all who knew him.” More

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    Georgia O’Connor’s heartbreaking final post just days before boxer’s death aged 25

    GEORGIA O’CONNOR posted a heartbreaking final Instagram message just over a week before her tragic passing. The inspirational boxer  – who won Commonwealth Youth gold in 2017 – first revealed her cancer news in January.Georgia O’Connor with her husband before her sad passingCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She got married before her deathCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She was also previously diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) – a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.O’Connor had the boxing community in her corner all the way until she sadly passed away aged 25 from a rare and aggressive cancer.In her final Instagram post – ten days before her death – the brave boxer revealed she had married her boyfriend Adriano.She posted a picture of her ring and wrote: “The day I married the love of my life.”READ MORE IN BOXINGInspirational O’Connor was filled with well-wishes in the comments as the boxing community rallied behind the Durham hero.In February, O’Connor paid a beautiful tribute to her “superhero” Adriano.She posted: “If you have a man who loves you more than anything, who would burn the whole world down before he’d let it take you, hold on to him, because that kind of love is rare.”From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me.Most read in Boxing”Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me…”Researching day and night, chasing down every option, making sure I have every single chance to beat this.Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun Sport”I have never known love like this. A love that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, doesn’t even hesitate.”A love that says ‘we do this together, no matter what.’ No matter how dark the nights get, no matter how hard the days are, I have him, and he has me.”Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate.”I have no words strong enough to explain what you mean to me; how much I love you, how much I thank you, how much I need you.”You are my safe place. My home. I could search the world a thousand times over and never find another man like you.”Everything we’ve been through, we go through together. Every fight, every battle, every victory.”We take it all, hand in hand. And we will win. My real-life prince. My reason. My forever.”Tributes poured in for the heroic fighter – who went 3-0 as a professional after debuting in 2021 – following her sad passing. Her promoters Boxxer posted: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon.”Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at BOXXER. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.”Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions wrote: “Everyone at Queensberry Promotions are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”All of our thoughts are with her friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Georgia.”England Boxing added: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community, she won medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Worlds & European Championships.”Our thoughts are with her loved ones.”Read More on The SunO’Connor was not only a talented boxer but also a three-time national taekwondo champion and undefeated kickboxer.Away from sports, she played guitar and enjoyed singing and became an inspiration to many after documenting her horror cancer fight.O’Connor had a 3-0 pro recordCredit: PAShe first revealed her cancer news in JanuaryCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1Promoter Ben Shalom with O’ConnorCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1 More

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    Georgia O’Connor dead aged 25: Tributes pour in as Brit boxer dies following cancer battle 2 weeks after getting married

    BOXER Georgia O’Connor has sadly lost her brave fight against cancer. The former Team GB representative – who won Commonwealth Youth gold in 2017 – first revealed her cancer news in January. Georgia O’Connor has sadly lost her brave fight against cancerCredit: PAShe first revealed her cancer news in JanuaryO’Connor married her partner Adriano just before her deathThe boxing hero revealed her marriage two weeks before her sad deathShe was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) – a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.O’Connor had the whole of the boxing world backing her but devastatingly, she has passed away aged 25.Tributes poured in for the heroic fighter, who went 3-0 as a professional after debuting in 2021. Super-middleweight Joe Laws posted a picture of the pair and wrote: “Fighter till the end rest easy bro.” READ MORE IN BOXINGIn her last Instagram post – two weeks before her death – O’Connor revealed she had married her partner Adriano. She posted a picture of her ring and wrote: “The day I married the love of my life.” In February, O’Connor paid a beautiful tribute to her “superhero” Adriano. She posted: “If you have a man who loves you more than anything, who would burn the whole world down before he’d let it take you, hold onto him, because that kind of love is rare.Most read in Boxing”From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me. “Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me. “Whilst the doctors who neglected me are stuck in their ways, he’s out there driving across Europe, finding treatments they don’t even know exist. “Researching day and night, chasing down every option, making sure I have every single chance to beat this.”I have never known love like this. A love that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, doesn’t even hesitate. “A love that says ‘we do this together, no matter what.’ No matter how dark the nights get, no matter how hard the days are, I have him, and he has me.Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate. “I have no words strong enough to explain what you mean to me; how much I love you, how much I thank you, how much I need you. “You are my safe place. My home. I could search the world a thousand times over and never find another man like you.”Everything we’ve been through, we go through together. Every fight, every battle, every victory. “We take it all, hand in hand. And we will win. My real-life prince. My reason. My forever.” Inspirational O’Connor was filled with well-wishes in the comments as the boxing community rallied behind the Durham hero. Not only was she a talented boxer, O’Connor also a three-time national taekwondo champion and undefeated kickboxer.Read More on The SunAway from sports, she played guitar and enjoyed singing – posting videos on social media.Promoter Ben Shalom with O’ConnorCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1O’Connor bravely documented her fight on social mediaCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She had a 3-0 pro recordCredit: Getty More

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    ‘With me all the time’ –  Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou gets emotional over death of dad after Europa League triumph

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU revealed how his love for his late dad helped spur him on to the biggest win of his career.Postecoglou ditched “Ange ball” to grind out a 1-0 win over a hopeless Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday.Postecoglou opened up about how his late father Jim (pictured together) has been with him every step of the way through his careerPostecoglou scored the biggest win of his life when he took Tottenham to Europa League glory with a 1-0 win over Man UtdPostecoglou, whose job could still be under threat, ended Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought in a magical night in Bilbao. And he immediately paid tribute to his dad Jim, who died in 2018 when the Aussie was coaching at Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos.Postecoglou made true on his promise of winning silverware in his second season and believed his dad was with him in spirit in Spain.The 59-year-old said: “Finally, to my beautiful wife, my boys, my family my friends… you know, they’re all my inspiration.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAsked about his father, he replied: “He’s still with me, mate. His voice is in my head all the time.”As I get older I look in the mirror and see his face sometimes, which is frightening. He’s with me all the time. “My dear mum is in Greece with my sister and my nephews, I’m sure they’re over the moon. It’s massive in Australia and in Greece. “I’ve got family in both countries, friends in both countries, and they’ve been along for the journey the whole way.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPostecoglou’s wife Georgia and youngest sons Max and Alexi embraced him on the pitch after Spurs had collected their medals.Postecoglou also opened up about how criticism of him over the club’s struggles in the Premier League this season have hit home. Richarlison bangs on drum and celebrates with Tottenham fans following Spurs Europa League triumph He said: “It’s hard because I’m big enough and ugly enough to take whatever comes my way.”But they get hurt when people come at me and they pay the price, particularly those closest to me, my beautiful family and my friends.”The want to defend me and I keep telling them, it’s a small price to pay when you have nights like this.”Just seeing them tonight, and I know everyone in Australia … it’s another special night we share together.”Because I’m kind of the front man, it’s easy for me to take on the responsibility, but they’ve got no choice but to come along for the ride.”Just seeing them out there now on the pitch, smiling faces, I couldn’t be happier.”Brennan Johnson’s scruffy 42nd minute winner, which looked like a Luke Shaw own-goal, was enough to settle it as Spurs held on in added time.Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men… More