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      Tyson Fury’s coach and legendary boxing mentor who helped turn him into world champion dies aged 85

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      THE BOXING coach who helped turn Tyson Fury into “The Facebreaker” has died.Dave Stacey, who has died aged 85, was the first coach to teach young Fury boxing at Torbay Amateur Boxing Club, in Devon.The coach helped train Tyson Fury when he was youngerCredit: GettyThe veteran was credited with helping the future champion pick-up the fundamentals during long stints when he stayed with family in the South West.It helped cement the talent that saw him nicknamed “The Facebreaker” after he shattered an opponent’s jaw and eye socket as an amateur.Mike Reardon, the club’s chairman, said Mr Stacey had been the heavyweight’s first coach.He said: “Tyson would have taken part in group sessions for beginners where they learn the basics like stance and how to punch.Read more sport“We have a lot of boys and girls coming and going at the gym and it’s impossible to remember them all, but I think Dave always remembered Tyson because of his size. He was tall for a lad his age.”Fury has said that after his parents separated he spent a lot of time with an auntie and uncle in Torquay.He said in an early interview: “They helped me learn how to read and write. I went swimming and surfing. The first gym I went to was in Torquay.“My dad would hold up his hands and say “one two,” but that was all. He never said he wanted me to box or took me to the gym. Most read in Boxing”He didn’t even know when I first started going to the gym.”The gym where Fury trained was at a former church and Stacey was the head coach there.Fury went on to join Jimmy Egans’s Amateur Boxing Club in Manchester and had his first amateur bout for them when he was 16 years old, in March, 2005.There was a riot after his second amateur bout in Hinckley, Leicestershire, two months later.Dave’s daughter Nicole led tributes, saying: “First and foremost, he was a real family man and was always very proud to tell other people that he felt like the luckiest man in the world to be a husband and father and we really felt that love.”He was a very loyal person and would do absolutely anything for us. People would always describe him as a real character and he was unashamedly himself.“He had the ability to talk to anyone and put them at ease.”If there was a setback of any kind he wouldn’t dwell on it, he would tell people how he felt, pick himself up and take the challenge on. I suppose that’s the boxing mentality and focus.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPaying tribute, a Facebook post from Torbay Boxing Club added: “Torbay ABC are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Stacey, a highly regarded coach for the club.”RIP Dave you were a true legend.”Dave Stacey pictured alongside Tyson FuryFury trained at Torbay Boxing Club after spending a lot of time with an auntie and uncle in Torquay.Credit: Getty More

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      Former British boxing champion shares heartbreaking news after son found dead in his flat with family devastated

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      FORMER boxer Rendall Munroe has announced the tragic death of his son.The former British super bantamweight champion shared the heartbreaking update on Sunday evening.Rendall Munroe has shared the shock death of his sonCredit: PA:Press AssociationMunroe faced Toshiaki Nishioka for the WBC super bantamweight in 2010Credit: AP:Associated PressMunroe, known affectionately as The Boxing Binman, enjoyed a decade-long career in the ring. He hung up his gloves in 2014 and formerly held the EBU and Commonwealth Super Bantamweight titles.The 44-year-old, who is now a boxing trainer, took to his social media on Sunday to share a devastating personal update.He revealed his son Tiela, who was in his mid-20s and a former youth footballer with Leicester City, had been found dead on October 25. READ MORE ON BOXINGMunroe wrote on X: “Myself and [partner] Lisha have not said anything. “But we think it’s time to say as people have heard but don’t know what to say or how to ask if it’s true. “Friday 25th are[sic] first born Tiela was found in his flat dead.”Myself, mum, brother and sister are heartbroken at this moment in time.”Most read in BoxingTiela was honoured during Thursday night boxing at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, where Munroe’s fighter Sean Bruce was taking on Callum Singh.Munroe hails from Leicester and spent the majority of his early career balancing his boxing with working as a bin man.Munroe was known as The Boxing Binman due to his day jobCredit: GettyHe eventually packed in his refuse work when he got the call to challenge Toshiaki Nishioka for the WBC super-bantamweight title in Japan in 2010. He recalled in an interview with talkSPORT: “Mike and Jay [Shinfield, my trainers] said to me, ‘Look, you need to concentrate more on the boxing now’.“It was the wrong thing to do because I used to like being a ‘normal person’.”I liked being a boxer for a training camp, eight weeks, and then I’m just Rendall, back on the bins – a normal guy.”After [the Nishioka fight], everything became boxing. You’re bored in the daytime but can’t train because you’d over-train.”I was always very active, so it messed me up a little. I started going for runs when I didn’t need to. READ MORE SUN STORIES”When I retired [in 2014], I went back and they told me I had no job.”Munroe finished his pro career with 28 wins from 34 fights, with 11 victories by KO. More

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      Trevor Whymark dead at 74: Ipswich legend and one-cap England international passes away as tributes pour in

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      FORMER Ipswich Town star Trevor Whymark has died aged 74 after an 18-month battle with Alzheimer’s.The one-time England international spent a decade at Portman Road from 1969 to 1979.Ipswich Town legend Trevor Whymark has died aged 74Credit: GettyWhymark bagged 104 goals at Portman RoadCredit: RexWhymark made one appearance for England in 1977Whymark scored 104 goals in 335 outings for Ipswich.And he scooped two trophies with the club, first landing the Texaco Cup in 1973 before securing FA Cup glory in 1978.Whymark remains Ipswich’s sixth-highest goal scorer.He was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2012.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the forward’s prowess up top saw him land one England cap against Luxembourg in 1977.Whymark was signed by Ipswich from Diss Town in 1969 by Sir Bobby Robson.After 10 years at Portman Road, he spent time with Derby County and Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam.Whymark then enjoyed a spell in Canada with the Vancouver Whitecaps, scoring 25 goals in 57 games while winning the NASL (North American Soccer League) title.Most read in FootballWhymark was inducted into Ipswich’s Hall of Fame in 2012Credit: AlamyWhymark also won the North American Soccer League title with VancouverCredit: RexHe returned to England in 1980 with Grimsby Town, where he netted 16 times in 93 games over four years.And between 1984 and 1985, he played for Southend, Peterborough and Colchester before closing the door on his career with boyhood club Diss Town as player-manager for a year.After retiring, he coached youth sides at both Norwich and Ipswich.But last year Whymark’s family announced he was battling Alzheimer’s.Ipswich led the tributes to their former star, saying: “The club is saddened to report the passing of Town legend Trevor Whymark at the age of 74.“Trevor, who scored 104 goals in 335 appearances for the Club, died peacefully surrounded by his family. Rest in peace, Trevor.”The PFA said: “Everyone at the PFA is deeply saddened by the passing of Trevor Whymark.“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Trevor’s family, friends and loved ones.”Former BDO world darts champ Keith Deller said: “Trevor was one of my all-time favourite Ipswich players.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Fantastic football and such sad news. RIP Ipswich legend.”An Ipswich fan added: “RIP the great Trevor Whymark. Brilliant, underrated striker and lovely, unassuming man.” More

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      Steve Bruce shares heartbreaking statement after tragic death of four-month old grandson Madison

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      STEVE BRUCE has shared a heartbreaking statement after the tragic death of his four-month old grandson.Newborn Madison was the child of former Leeds, Fulham and Millwall striker Matt Smith, who is Bruce’s son-in-law.Blackpool’s Manager Steve Bruce has issued a statement after the death of his grandsonCredit: PABruce’s statement read: “On Tuesday we laid my grandson Madison to rest.”It’s been the worst time of my family’s entire lives and is something no family should have to endure.”I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the family to thank everyone for the tributes and messages from inside and outside the footballing world.”It has touched us all. I’d also like to thank David, Julian and the owner Simon for their understanding and support.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday at Gillingham, and back at Bloomfield Road.”Look after your loved ones. Best wishes, Steve Bruce.”Madison’s passing was announced on October 18.In a statement, Blackpool said Madison’s death was “sudden and unexpected”.Most read in FootballBruce, former Newcastle and Aston Villa gaffer, missed Blackpool’s match against Barnsley on October 19 due to the bereavement. And understanding so, hasn’t been in the dugout since.The legendary manager, who has overseen more than 1,000 matches, is set to return to action for this weekend’s FA Cup clash against Gillingham.Bruce’s son Alex, who is currently working as the assistant manager at Salford City, also missed their game against Crewe.The ex-Prem manager, 63, joined the Tangerines on a two-year deal in September after nearly two years out of football management.Blackpool have won just four of their opening 13 games of the season, losing five along the way, leaving them 16th in League One. What tributes clubs have madeClubs up and down the country have sent their condolences…Preston North End”Devastating news. Sending our thoughts and condolences to Steve and his family at this incredibly difficult time.”West Bromwich Albion”Everybody at West Bromwich Albion sends their condolences, thoughts and love to Steve Bruce’s family at this desperately sad time.”Norwich City”Heartbreaking news. We’re sending our love and support to Steve and his family at this difficult time”Birmingham City”Everyone at Blues sends their love and support to our former boss and his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”Bristol City”Everybody at Bristol City sends their condolences, thoughts and love to the family at this tragic time.”Lincoln City”Deepest condolences from everyone at the Imps to Steve and his family.”Northampton Town”Sending the condolences of everyone at Sixfields to Steve and his family.”Leeds United”Everybody at Leeds United sends their condolences and thoughts to Steve’s family at this tragic time.”Bristol Rovers”Everyone at Bristol Rovers sends our condolences, thoughts and love to Steve and the Bruce family.”Barnsley”Incredibly sad news. The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to Barnsley Football Club are with Steve and his family.” More

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      George Baldock: Dele Alli and Dean Henderson lead mourners at funeral of ex-Premier League star after tragic death at 31

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      DELE ALLI and Dean Henderson have joined mourners at the funeral of George Baldock. The former Sheffield United defender was found dead in the swimming pool of his Athens home on October 9.George Baldock was found dead in his home swimming pool on October 9Credit: RexFormer Spurs star Dele Alli was among the mourners at his funeral on WednesdayCredit: LNPThe funeral took place in Baldock’s native BuckinghamshireCredit: LNPChris Wilder, Baldock’s former manager at Sheffield United, was in attendanceCredit: LNPDean Henderson spent two years alongside Baldock in South YorkshireCredit: LNPBaldock was honored at a funeral service in Milton Keynes on Wednesday morning. The ceremony was attended by a host of mourners from his lengthy career. Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder was joined by Baldock’s former teammates including Alli, Henderson, and Oli McBurnie. Henderson was spotted earlier this month making his own tribute on the touchline ahead of England’s Nations League game with Greece.READ MORE ON SPORTThe goalkeeper spent two years with Baldock at Bramall Lane during a loan spell from Manchester United.He would later describe the 31-year-old as a “great teammate, great player and also a great family man.”Born in Buckinghamshire, Baldock had Greek roots through his grandmother and played for the country 12 times.He graduated from MK Dons’ youth set-up, where Alli also played before his move to Tottenham in 2015. Most read in FootballPaying a heartbreaking tribute to Baldock earlier this month, Alli said it had been an “honor to know” him. He wrote on Instagram: “No words I could type or pictures I could use would ever be enough.George Baldock’s devastated fiancée pays heartbreaking tribute to star who was ‘love of her life'”May your spirit, ambition, determination and humility live on through those who had the honour of knowing you!”I love you brother and will miss you forever!”My thoughts, prayers and heart goes out to your family! Rest in peace Balders.”Baldock made his name with the Blades, playing over 200 times for the club 2017 and 2024. He had joined Panathinaikos from South Yorkshire this summer.Baldock was playing in Greece after joining Panathinaikos in the summerCredit: RexThe defender made four appearances for the Greek side this season, including three in the league.His most recent appearance came against Olympiacos on October 6.Baldock was found unresponsive in his private swimming pool a day before he was due to fly back to the UK to see his fiancee Annabel and son Brody. Following news of the star’s untimely death, McBurnie – another former Sheffield Utd teammate – paid tribute to his pal.Alli played with Baldock during his time with MK DonsCredit: Instagram @deleThe striker, who now plays in Spain, said: “George loved his missus and his little boy so much. “They’re the people in this that I really feel sorry for.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know how hard it’s been for me and some of the other boys who love him, but little Brody is going to grow up and never know what a top man his dad was.”Me and the boys have said that it’s our duty to be part of his life and try to remind him at every opportunity how much of an amazing person his dad was.” More

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      Adilson ‘Maguila’ Rodrigues dead at 66: Boxing world title contender who fought Evander Holyfield and Foreman dies

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      BRAZILIAN boxing legend Adilson “Maguila” Rodrigues has died aged 66.The former heavyweight contender passed away in Sao Paulo after suffering from multiple health complications. Adilson Rodrigues, left, during his fight with George ForemanCredit: GettyRodrigues passed away aged 66Credit: TwitterIn 85 fights, Rodrigues won 77, lost seven, drew once and scored 61 career knockouts. He held various Brazilian and South American titles, facing some of boxing’s best during his time. In 1989, he was beaten by American great Evander Holyfield and George Foreman a year later, losing both in round two. But Rodrigues also beat former cruiserweight world champion and now Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson in 1995. READ MORE IN BOXINGHis last fight came in 2000, losing to countryman Daniel Frank. After retiring – 13 years later – Rodrigues was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a neurodegenerative disease that affects many former fighters after years of head trauma. Symptoms include memory loss and confusion, which intensifies over time. Most read in BoxingWhat is CTE?By Jennifer Roback and Penelope MinCTE refers to a brain degeneration caused by frequent head traumas.Other elements may play a role, including genetics, but exact factors are yet to be discovered, as reported by the Boston University CTE Center.CTE is only diagnosed through an autopsy of the brain and is known to be a rather rare disease.It is most commonly found in athletes, including football players and boxers.Some symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and progressive dementia.These signs can begin to appear after years or even decades after the last brain trauma.In 2018, with his family’s consent, Rodrigues decided to donate his brain to scientific research after his death. It will allow researchers at the University of Sao Paulo to study the impact of repeated trauma on the brain.Rodrigues spent his last days at the Anjos de Deus Therapeutic Center in Itu receiving specialised care. Netflix unveil official promotional trailer for Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 2 More

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      Abdelaziz Barrada dead at 35: Former Marseille and Morocco star dies suddenly as tributes pour in

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      ABDELAZIZ BARRADA has sadly died at the age of 35.The ex-Marseille and Morocco star suddenly passed away as it was confirmed by his former club.Abdelaziz Barrada has died at the age of 35Credit: GettyHe played 26 times for MoroccoCredit: GettyMoroccan news outlet Hespress has reported that Barrada suffered a heart attack in the afternoon.The Ligue 1 outfit announced the footballer’s death on social media with a touching tribute.It read: “Rest in peace Abdelaziz.”Olympique de Marseille learned with sadness of the death of its former player and Moroccan international, Abdelaziz Barrada.READ MORE ON SPORT”Arriving in the summer of 2014, the attacking midfielder wore the colours of OM for two seasons.”The club would like to extend its sincere condolences to his family and share in the grief of his loved ones.”Social media was flooded with tributes to Barrada.Morroco star Amine Harit posted: “Abdelaziz Barrada may Allah have mercy on you support his loved ones.”Most read in FootballTributes have flooded in for the star on social mediaCredit: AFPHe scored four goals for MoroccoCredit: GettyA fan wrote: “My deepest condolences.”A second commented: “My condolences to his family and loved ones, 35 is really too young, may he rest in peace.”A third said: “I am shocked to hear of his death! May he rest in peace, a player who will have left his mark on Marseille anyway.”Another added: “It hurts, we didn’t expect it, rest in peace Abdelaziz condolences to the family and loved ones.”Barrada started his professional career in France at Senart-Moissy.He went on to play for Paris Saint-Germain’s B side between 2007 and 2010.The midfielder went on to have spells at Getafe in Spain as well as Marseille, Al-Jazira, Al-Nasr, Antalyaspor, Al Shahania and Lusitanos Saint-Maur.During his two-year spell at Marseille, he made 33 league appearances and scored two goals.He played alongside the likes of Michy Batshuayi, Steven Fletcher, Brice Samba and Lassana Diarra.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarrada also starred for the Morrocan national side as he earned 26 caps between 2012 and 2015.He scored four goals for the side, including a strike against Gambia in a 2014 World Cup qualifier. More

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      From legendary strongman to avid budgie breeder – the unforgettable life of beloved Olympian Geoff Capes

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      GIANT policeman Geoff Capes, who became Britain’s best-loved strongman, has died aged 75.Shot putter Capes — who stood 6ft 5½in and weighed 26st — represented Great Britain at three Olympics.Despite his strongman persona, Geoff Capes’ hobby was breeding budgerigars which he held gently in his giant handsCredit: GettyGeoff Capes of Great Britain competing in the men’s shot put event during the Summer Olympic Games in Montreal 1976.Credit: GettyGeoff won the 1983 World’s Strongest Man competitionCredit: RexHe was Commonwealth champion and European champion twice and since 1980 has been the country’s shot put record holder with a throw of 21.68metres.But the star was best known as the World’s Strongest Man, who could tear London phone directories in half and bend three-foot long, one-inch diameter steel bars.But remarkably, his hobby was breeding budgerigars which he held gently in his giant hands.And he became the president of the Budgerigar Society and was never happier than when he won the world budgie championship and travelled the globe judging bird shows.READ MORE ON GEOFF CAPESLast night fans took to social media to pay tribute to the beloved strongman.I was a hell of a fighter as well. If the next town came down on a Friday and there were only eight or nine of them I’d say, ‘Go back and get some more.Geoff on his youthOne said on X: “I watched him as a young man — my sincerest ­condolences to his family and friends, we’ll miss you Geoff.”Another added: “Sad to hear the passing of Geoff Capes. A fixture growing up on our TV and during athletics coverage.”Geoffrey Lewis Capes was born in 1949 in Holbeach, Lincs, the seventh of nine children.Most read in AthleticsAnd trouble was never far away. He remembered: “I was a hell of a fighter as well. If the next town came down on a Friday and there were only eight or nine of them I’d say, ‘Go back and get some more.’VW Polo from 3848 advert featuring Geoff Capes advert from 1983“I’d fight them on my own. I was quite quiet, but there was an inner aggression.“My headmaster, a guy called Joe Fathers, took great pleasure in trying to knock it out of me. He had a choice of canes.“On the last day I went into his office, I took the canes off the wall in the office in front of him and walked out.”Gifted sportsmanGeoff’s salvation was Holbeach Athletic Club where he was coached by BBC athletics commentator Stuart Storey.A gifted sportsman, Capes represented Lincolnshire at basketball, football and cross-country. But shot put was where he could channel the chip on his shoulder.Capes said: “I threw in bare feet in a concrete circle — and came second from last.”Capes would hitch-hike to athletics competitions and was told by Storey that he would achieve great things if he could just direct his energy.But growing up in the Lincs fens Geoff had a softer side — he was ­fascinated by the natural world and cared for injured birds and animals. After leaving school he worked as a coalman and an agricultural labourer before joining Cambridgeshire Constabulary in 1970. He served in the force for ten years.He was allowed time off to compete at athletics meetings, but on a copper’s salary he could barely afford a daily diet that included six pounds of red meat, a dozen eggs and a large tin of baked beans.He also consumed two tins of ­pilchards, one and a half pounds of cottage cheese, a packet of cereal, two large loaves of bread with a pound of butter. All washed down with a pint of orange juice and seven pints of milk.Capes went on to become the most capped British male athlete of all time, with 67 international credits, and in 1983 he was voted Britain’s best-ever field athleteCredit: GettyThe strongman appearing in the kids’ TV programme ‘Supergran’Credit: RexIn a recent interview Capes said: ‘I enjoyed my life and I went around the world. How many people can say that?’Credit: RexIn his last interview he said: “I ate like a f***ing horse! Anything I could get my hands on. But nearly all protein.”Capes, who would lift 120 tons in training each week, did sponsorship deals that helped him to bypass the Olympics’ strict amateur rules.He had advertising slogans “Butcher Brown is the best in town” and his Talbot Estate car displayed “Dewhurst: Master Butchers” on the side.Capes went on to become the most capped British male athlete of all time, with 67 international credits, and in 1983 he was voted Britain’s best-ever field athlete.Just before his last Olympics, Moscow 1980, he won Britain’s first strongest man competition and became a household name. Tests of strength such as bending steel bars, lifting a platform of bunny girls, pulling lorries, arm wrestles and tug of war gave the show cult status.And Capes was soon in demand for everything from 17 pantomime appearances and children’s TV to performances at the London Palladium with Bobby Davro and TV ads.By 1983 he was officially the world’s strongest man but the following year lost the title to Jón Páll Sigmarsson.The Icelander who was 11 years younger, taunted: “The King has lost his crown!”But Geoff swore: “I’ll be back.” The next year he took the title and roared: “The King has not lost his crown!”Once, at Scotland’s Braemar Games, he used so much resin competing that when he was congratulated by the late Queen, their hands stuck together, causing Her Majesty to roar with laughter.READ MORE SUN STORIESGeoff’s son Lewis and daughter Emma were both shot putters, while two of his grandchildren, Donovan, 19, and Lawson, 15, train at the shot put ring Capes built in his home village of Stoke Rochford, Lincs.In a recent interview he said: “I enjoyed my life and I went around the world. How many people can say that?” More