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      Bruno Pizzul dead aged 86: Tributes pour in as legendary football commentator dubbed ‘voice of Italia 90’ passes away

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      TRIBUTES have poured in for legendary football commentator Bruno Pizzul after he passed away aged 86.Pizzul was one of the beautiful game’s top broadcasters during his heyday.Legendary football commentator Bruno Pizzul has passed away aged 86Credit: GettyHe was known by many fans as the ‘voice of Italia 90’Credit: AlamyStuart Pearce famously missed a penalty in England’s semi-final defeat to eventual winners West GermanyCredit: AlamyThe former player led the commentary for Italy’s national football team from 1986 to 2002.And many fans remember him as the “voice of Italia 90” after stealing the show during that year’s World Cup tournament.England supporters were left heartbroken when Stuart Pearce’s penalty miss against eventual winners West Germany saw the Three Lions crash out in the semis.But Pizzul’s flamboyant commentary still made it a summer to remember as his own native Italy beat England in the third-place play-offs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd tributes quickly poured in upon news of his passing.One read: “Goodbye Bruno Pizzul, the voice of Italia 90.”Another declared: “Many of our greatest memories are accompanied by his unforgettable voice.”One noted: “RIP you absolute legend of broadcasting.”Most read in FootballAnother boomed: “A true maestro of the mic, his legacy lives on in the hearts of fans.”One chimed in: “Pizzul wasn’t just a brilliant commentator, he literally was Italian football for me.”Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersAnother added: “A part of us Italians is gone.”Pizzul started his football journey as a player in the 1950s with minnows Pro Gorizia and played in the 1960s with Catania and Cremonense.He moved into broadcasting in 1969 and eventually became Italy’s national team commentator in 1986.His last game came in 2002, and 20 years later Pizzul was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. More

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      in Boxing

      True story of Dicky Eklund – boxing champ-turned-crack addict who ended up in jail before inspiring Oscar-winning movie

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      DICKY EKLUND inspired an Oscar-winning performance by Christian Bale for his depiction of the boxing champion-turned drug addict.Bale took Best Supporting Actor in 2011 for his role in The Fighter alongside Mark Wahlberg – who played Eklund’s brother Micky Ward. Former boxer Dicky Eklund in HBO’s ‘High on Crack Street’Credit: HBOChristian Bale with Dicky Eklund in 2010Credit: GettyChristian Bale played Eklund while Mark Wahlberg portrayed his brother Micky WardCredit: AlamyMicky Ward and Dicky Eklund in 2011Credit: GettyIt followed the story of how Eklund went from hometown hero who fought the great Sugar Ray Leonard for $7,500 (around £6,000) to a crack cocaine addict.His brother Micky meanwhile was attempting to break out of Lowell, Massachusetts, and into the big time in boxing.But 20 years before The Fighter’s release, Eklund featured in the grim true-life HBO documentary called “High on Crack Street”.It followed a group of drug users and drew back the curtain on the harsh reality of addiction. READ MORE IN BOXINGIn the episode, Eklund can be seen smoking from a crack pipe and reminiscing about his boxing past – and his 1978 loss to Sugar Ray.He is later arrested – for the 27th time – and his family put on a fundraiser to pay off the $5,000 bail. A group of locals, paying $10 apiece, watch back Eklund’s HBO fight against Leonard, which included a disputed knockdown against the legend. Eklund is eventually bailed and starts training brother Micky for a fight. Most read in BoxingAnd after Ward wins a bout, Eklund said: “I could’ve been probably up close to the champion of the world, maybe. If I lived the right life. Staying clean.”Eklund then went missing the day after brother Mickey’s fight and was found in a local crack house.A-listers in surprisingly humble cars & why Daniel Radcliffe feels ‘more comfortable in a £2k hatchback than a Ferrari’His trainer Mickey O’Keefe – who actually played himself in The Fighter – said: “The addiction’s too much for him. It’s real sad. “Sad because he’s got a family and kids at home. A little baby that depends on him.”Maybe the best thing for him is going to jail, maybe it will save his life.”The doc finishes with Eklund being sentenced to ten years in jail for a series of crimes including armed robbery. In that time, Ward went on to win titles and shared an iconic trilogy with the late Arturo Gatti which earned him $3million in total.Eklund only served five years in prison and came out to again train Ward. But he found himself in trouble with the law over the years, again getting arrested in 2006 on drug charges. Ward retired in 2003 after his trilogy loss to Gatti, who he later coached and became close friends with.His son visits him in jailCredit: HBOThis was Eklund’s disputed knockdown against Sugar Ray LeonardCredit: HBOThe American opened up a gym and trained fighters alongside brother Eklund, who was clean of drugs. Their story was so inspiring Hollywood’s Wahlberg spent years trying to get it green lit. Eventually, director David O Russell produced the 2010 classic The Fighter with Wahlberg co-starring alongside Bale and Amy Adams.Bale dropped TWO STONE to portray drug-addicted Eklund at just 10st 3lb. The two spent time together in local Lowell bars and boxing gyms – with Bale still in touch with Eklund and his son Dicky Jr to this day. He told GQ in 2022: “Dicky, he’s such a character. “He makes his presence felt all the time. I spent so much time hanging out with Dicky beforehand. Wahlberg played Eklund’s brother Micky WardBale won an Oscar for his performance”Being in Lowell, hanging out with him, going walking around, getting kicked out of bars, having almost every cop stopping and going, ‘Hey, hey Dicky!’ and then telling me a story about when they arrested him. “Going to the boxing gym, jumping in the ring and sparring with him — and oh my God, it’s really quite something when you might think you can, ‘Ah, I’ll be a decent boxer,’ you spar with other amateurs and whatnot, I’d done that a few times. “But when you get in the ring with a pro? Bloody hell.”The success of The Fighter fuelled demand for a sequel and a year after its release plans for a follow up were in place. Wahlberg wanted to tell the story of Ward’s legendary trilogy with Gatti and their friendship after battle. But the sequel sadly never came to fruition despite Wahlberg never losing hope. He said in 2022: “I was never really in the sequel business. “But The Fighter really lent itself for another movie because of Micky and Arturo Gatti’s trilogy.I could’ve been probably up close to the champion of the world, maybe. If I lived the right life. Staying clean.Dicky Eklund, speaking on HBO’s ‘High on Crack Street’“I’m always kind of looking for the next thing. But if the audience really wants it, and they really love it, and we can make one better than the first then I’d be willing to do it again, for sure.”Gatti was mysteriously found dead in 2009 in a hotel in Pernambuco, Brazil where he was on holiday with his wife and ten-month-old son.His wife Amanda Rodrigues was initially charged with murder after Brazilian authorities ruled Gatti’s death a homicide. But after the coroner’s autopsy report was released, they declared it was a suicide by hanging, and charges against his widow were dropped.Ward often pays tribute to his opponent and close friend – posting a picture of them this past April. He captioned it: “Happy 52nd Arturo! Not a day goes by I don’t think of ya buddy.”Eklund has two sons, Dicky Jr and Tommy, and a daughter named Kerry. READ MORE SUN STORIESDicky Jr works at the famed Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles where Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach took him under his wing. And Sean was an 11-4 fighter who owns a gym himself Massachusetts, meaning after all these years, boxing is still in the family. Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward’s trilogy was the rumoured plot for The Fighter 2Credit: GettyEklund and Ward pose togetherCredit: Instagram More

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      Dennis Bond dead at 77: Former Tottenham and Watford star dies as tributes pour in

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      FORMER Tottenham midfielder Dennis Bond has passed away at the age of 77.Spurs led the tributes with a statement on social media that read: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former midfielder Dennis Bond at the age of 77.Former Tottenham star Dennis Bond has passed awayCredit: Getty”The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Dennis’ friends and family at this impossibly sad time.”A boyhood Tottenham fan, Bond grew up in Walthamstow and kicked off his professional playing career with Watford.He made his debut for the Hornets aged just 17 and went on to earn over 100 senior appearances before joining Spurs in 1967.Over his three-year spell at White Hart Lane, Bond made 27 first team appearances, scoring once.He then moved on to Charlton before ending his playing career in non-league.The ex-midfielder officially hung up his boots at the age of 55 after featuring for Boreham Wood, Waltham Abbey and Potters Bar Town.Fans took to social media to express their condolences, with one person writing: “Walthamstow lad. My thoughts with his family and friends.”Another said: “RIP Dennis.”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Very sad to hear this news.”While a fourth commented: “May he rest in peace.” More

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      in Boxing

      Harrowing story of undefeated boxer who ‘lost his mind’ after drugs binge before ‘murdering wife’ and committing suicide

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      IT appeared Edwin Valero had the world at his feet as an undefeated champion with a beautiful wife and two children. But outside the ring he was battling a fight against drug addiction which would ultimately cost him his life.Edwin Valero had 27 wins all by KOCredit: AFPEdwin Valero pictured with wife JenniferBut he led a dark life in privateCredit: ReutersValero committed suicide in 2010Credit: AFPWBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told SunSport: “He had unbelievably heavy hands. “Very unfortunately his life ended in tragedy, in controversy, but what happened inside the ring was tremendous by him. “Valero grew up in Merida, Venezuela and began boxing at 12 in a bid to combat the anger that raged inside of him. He had an 86-6 amateur record with 57 knockouts, winning national titles three years in a row before turning professional in 2002. READ MORE IN BOXINGValero broke the record by winning his first 18 fights all by KO in a display of power never-before-seen. He was also becoming somewhat of a myth behind-the-scenes in boxing gyms, regularly KOing sparring partners in chilling fashion. By 20 bouts, Valero was WBA super-featherweight champion and later won the WBC belt in 2009. WBC boss Sulaiman – his father Jose in charge at the time – befriended Valero on the boxer’s rise to stardom. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSulaiman told SunSport: “He was very nice, very quiet. He had a great charisma, macho type, but he was a family man.” Valero shared son Edwin Antonio and Jennifer Roselyne with wife Jennifer.Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when revealing heavyweight who would have beaten him Heading into the late 2000s and Valero was making huge waves in the sport, linked with massive fights against the likes of Manny Pacquiao.But he also led a secret life of drink and drugs, which caused a strain on his relationship. In 2010, Valero was accused of assault after his wife was hospitalised with bruises and a damaged lung. The feared fighter denied wrongdoing – while wife Jennifer told cops she hurt herself falling down stairs. Valero’s troubles outside the ring also included being denied a 2009 fight on Pacquaio’s undercard after his visa was rejected due to a DUI in Texas. The boxer continued to KO opponents around the world, from America, Asia and Mexico. But he would celebrate with drug binges back home in Venezuela – something that would have fatal consequences. Valero was one of boxing’s hardest hittersCredit: AFPHe knocked out every one of his opponentsCredit: GettyHe was world champion in two weightsCredit: AFPSulaiman said: “The sky was the limit for Valero because he was young and talented and powerful. “Very unfortunately, he experienced the evil of cocaine. In just a short period of time, he lost his mind.” Valero’s final fight was against Antonio DeMarco in February 2010 in Mexico – he won via ninth-round KO and retained his WBC lightweight title.But just two months later and he was dead alongside his wife.Sulaiman said: “After his fight in Mexico – he fought in Monterrey, Mexico – he flew back to Venezuela and some people introduced him to cocaine and he had a horrible week.”We were contacted by his family and friends and my father was a couple of days away from getting a humanitarian visa so that he could travel to a rehab facility in the United States.”And there was also one in Cuba that was ready to receive him. And unfortunately, history turned that way and it didn’t happen.” Valero’s 24-year-old wife was found stabbed to death on April 18, 2010. Valero walks after being arrested in a police station in 2010Credit: ReutersHe would commit suicide one day laterCredit: ReutersValero was arrested after Jennifer’s body was discovered in a hotel in the city of Valencia, Carabobo.The 27-0 champion – who won every fight by KO – was considered the prime suspect – but he never faced his day in court. Valero was discovered hanging in his jail cell just a day after his arrest – committing suicide only 24 hours after allegedly killing his wife. Reports in Venezuela claimed Valero admitted to hotel security and police that he had murdered his wife.Jennifer’s family accused Valero of being a violent, drug-addicted bully who stopped eating or sleeping before taking it out on his wife.Sulaiman and his dad saw Valero and his family dining out after his last fight – unaware of the horrors that would follow. He said: “I never could have believed what happened.Very unfortunately his life ended in tragedy, in controversy but what happened inside the ring was tremendous by him. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman”I was completely shocked. Heartbroken in disbelief because he was a real good friend.” “He was a very dear, fighter, dear friend. And it’s just a tragedy.” Both Valero and his wife had public burials in Venezuela.Their kids were taken in by Jennifer Carolina’s sister and their daughter later took up amateur boxing in her father’s honour. A 2016 film titled El Inca – Valero’s boxing nickname – was selected as Venezuelia’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.Valero’s brother-in-law – Jennifer’s brother Yoel Finol – also became a boxer and represented Venezuelan at the 2016 Olympics. In the run up to the Rio Games, Finol revealed he had forgiven Valero for his alleged horrors and only began boxing as a kid due to his influence. Finol is now a 3-0 pro bantamweight but he has not fought since 2020.READ MORE SUN STORIESValero remains the WBC’s only champion with a 100 per cent KO ratio with his career in the ring still celebrated to this day. But the questions he left unanswered also still remain.Yoel Finol, left, is Valero’s brother-in-law and an Olympic boxerCredit: Reuters More

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      in Boxing

      Carson Jones dead at 38: Boxing champion who fought Kell Brook dies after surgery on oesophagus that ‘drove him insane’

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      BOXER Carson Jones has passed away aged 38 as tributes poured in.Jones is well remembered for twice fighting and losing to Kell Brook during his 63-bout career. Carson Jones has passed away aged 38 as tributes poured inCredit: RexThe American – whose last fight was in 2023 – recently fell ill after complications during oesophagus surgery.And he has since sadly died – with former opponent Caleb Truax confirming the news.He posted a picture of them together and wrote: “Rest in paradise to my man. Boxing lost a good one, too early.” Jones had told his social media followers in January that he was struggling with gastrointestinal problems. READ MORE IN BOXINGIt affects the digestive tract, which is the passageway that food and liquids travel through from the mouth to the anus.At one point, Jones posted: “I finally have surgery on my esophagus on Monday. I cannot wait. This s*** is driving me insane.”I’ve had a max of three bites of food per day for the last few weeks, with a loss of 35 pounds. Some days, there is no food or drink at all.”Truax had previously posted: “Boxing community, we need some prayers for former world title challenger Carson Jones.Most read in Boxing”He had complications during a surgical procedure, and my friend can use all the good vibes he can get.” Jones lost to ex-welterweight world champion Brook on points in 2012 and then by stoppage in their rematch a year later. He also faced the likes of Antonio Margarito, Ted Cheeseman and Callum Walsh. Jones’ final fight came in October 2023 against James Warren at light-heavyweight – winning in two rounds. British boxing referee Mark Lyson posted: “Very sad to hear the news about the passing of Carson Jones at just 38. RIP Champ.”Manager Sam Jones said: “Such sad news about Carson Jones.” Kell Brook twice beat Jones, pictured here in their first 2012 fightCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunTed Cheeseman also fought JonesCredit: Rex Features More

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      Nico Hidalgo dead at 32: Former Juventus star dies after battle with lung cancer as tributes pour in

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      FORMER Spanish footie star Nico Hidalgo has tragically passed away aged 32. The former Juventus midfielder has sadly lost his lengthy battle with lung cancer.Nico Hidalgo has tragically passed away aged 32Credit: GettyThe former Racing Santandar and Juventus star had been battling lung cancer since 2021Credit: GettyTributes have poured in for the late Hidalgo, including from former club Cadiz. The Segunda Division side’s ode read: “Nico Hidalgo has left us.”We will never forget your smile and your joy. Your struggle is our example. Rest in peace.”Extremadura, which no longer exists, also paid tribute to their late player.”This morning we woke up to the sad news of the death of Nico Hidalgo, former Extremadura UD footballer, at the age of 32 due to lung cancer which he had been fighting since 2021,” a club statement read.”From [everyone at] CD Extremadura, we would like to express our deepest condolences to his family and friends. “We send them all our love and strength in these difficult times.”Racing Santandar also paid tribute to the midfielder, whom they’ll honour with a minute’s silence ahead of their La Liga clash with Elche on Sunday.Most read in FootballThe late Nico Hidalgo retired from football in 2022Credit: GETTYA snippet of a club statement read: “Real Racing Club regrets the death of its former footballer Nico Hidalgo, who played 73 official matches with the green and white shirt between 2018 and 2020. “The Cantabrian club joins in the pain of his family and friends for this irreparable loss.”While sending its most sincere condolences and announcing that it will observe a minute of silence in his memory before the LaLiga Hypermotion match that its first team will play against Elche CF at the Campos de Sport tomorrow Sunday, March 2, at 9:00 p.m.”Hidalgo began his career with his local team Motril CF, whom he made 40 appearances before joining Granada in 2012. He moved to Italian giants Juve in 2014 but didn’t make a single appearance for the Old Lady in his three years in Turuin. He returned to Spain permanently in the summer of 2017 following loan spells with Granada and Cadiz. He closed out his career with stints with Racing Santander and Extremadura, retiring after learning of his diagnosis. More

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      Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death

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      THE daughter of Diego Maradona has broken down in tears after claiming her family live in fear of the mafia. Dalma Maradona, 37, called for justice ahead of a trial into the Argentine legend’s death in 2020. Diego Maradona’s daughter Dalma (left) has spoken out ahead of a trial into the football legend’s deathCredit: AFPMaradona died aged 60 in 2020 after suffering a heart attack at homeCredit: GettyDalma has accused medical staff of negligence after her father’s deathCredit: YouTubeMaradona died after suffering a fatal heart attack at his Buenos Aires home almost five years ago. His family have alleged negligence by his medical practitioners contributed to his death. Maradona’s cause of death was officially listed as “acute pulmonary edema secondary to exacerbated chronic heart failure”.But in an astonishing interview ahead of the trial on March 11, Dalma broke down as she begged for people to “know the truth.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA tearful Dalma told Angel Responde show on Bondi Live: “My mother is worried because she is afraid.”Afraid of the mafia, of those who control everything, have money and power. “But I don’t care. I know who I am up against, but I cannot remain silent. We need people to know the truth. “My mother tells me all the time, ‘Shut up, don’t say anything, I’m scared’, but I can’t. I owe it to him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAn inquest in 2021 into Maradona’s death concluded his medical team acted in an “inappropriate, deficient and reckless manner”.Over a year later, it was announced eight doctors and nurses would go on trial, with proceedings finally getting underway on March 11. I’m an international pop superstar who bizarrely performed with Diego Maradona – now I live in a tiny flat in NottinghamMaradona battled drugs and alcohol addiction during his lifetime, as well as undergoing brain surgery in 2020.But the inquest claimed he would have stood a “better chance of survival” had he received “adequate medical care”.The medical team on trial face up to 25 years in jail if convicted.Maradona’s neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov are in the dock over the World Cup winner’s death. They are joined by nurses Ricardo Omar Almiron, Mariano Perroni and Dahiana Gisela, as well as psychologists Carlos Diaz and Nancy Forlini.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe eight also includes Maradona’s psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov. Mr Cosachov’s lawyer said last April: “There could have been two causes – one natural and the other, a product of the ingestion of a toxic substance.” More

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      Javier Dorado dead at 48: Former Real Madrid star dies after long illness as club pays touching tribute

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      FORMER Real Madrid star Javier Dorado has passed away aged 48 after a brave battle with cancer.The Spaniard was part of the Los Blancos academy system in 1996 before getting a promotion under Vicente del Bosque.Former Real Madrid star Javier Dorado has passed away aged 48Tributes have flooded in to honour and remember Dorado, who made his Madrid debut in 1999 against Valencia in the Copa del Rey.He won the Champions League a season later with Liverpool legend Steve McManaman, who scored an incredible volley in Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Valencia.Dorado was part of the squad that beat Manchester United over two legs in the quarter-finals of that winning 2000 campaign. But, in his second campaign, Dorado made only seven appearances due to a fierce competition with Brazilian icon Roberto Carlos.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe left-back was loaned out to UD Salamanca and Sporting Gijon, before leaving joining Rayo Vallecano on a permanent basis.He continued his career with other Spanish sides, such as Mallorca and Atletico Baleares, where he retired in 2012 at the age of 35.Dorado had been battling cancer since 2022, according to Spanish outlet Marca.The former defender told El Comercio a few months ago: “I’ve been here for a while now.Most read in FootballDorado won the Champions League with Madrid in 2000″And I hope that this time this nightmare will end, that we can go out and be at peace. “I’ve been fighting for years and the tough treatments take their toll , especially when they end because they leave me a little more tired and a little more affected, but I try to lead a normal life.”A club statement on Thursday read: ‘Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Javier Dorado.”We would like to express its condolences and affection to his family, his team-mates, all his loved ones and all the clubs he was a part of.”During the two seasons he played for Real Madrid, Javier Dorado won one European Cup, the Eighth in Paris (2000).”Born in Talavera de la Reina, Dorado also featured in four matches for Spain’s Under 21s between 1998 and 2000.He made eight appearances for Madrid’s first team, while most of his career games came in the Spanish second division.A fan honoured his memory saying: “What a great player. May you rest in peace.” More