More stories

  • in

    Emotional Chris Eubank Jr opens up on becoming father overnight after brother’s death and how he won’t copy his star dad

    CHRIS EUBANK Jr wants to hit the boxing jackpot to give his nephew the life he deserves.In July 2021, Raheem was only a month old when his dad Sebastian  — the younger brother of Chris Jr — died of a heart attack in Dubai, aged 29.Chris Eubank Jr is dedicating the rest of his boxing career to help provide for his late brother Sebastian’s son RaheemCredit: X/ ChrisEubankJrChris Eubank Senior tragically lost his son Sebastian in 2021Credit: GettyKamil Szeremeta will take on Eubank Jr in Riyadh this SaturdayCredit: RexIt meant uncle Chris became a dad overnight and three years on Raheem, who has just started school, is now chasing him around the practice ring ahead of his middleweight clash with Poland’s Kamil Szeremeta in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.At 35, Eubank Jr looks  unlikely to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a world champion — with a scrap against nemesis Conor Benn likely to follow.But he explained that the total devastation that struck his family  left him with a new drive in the shape of a nephew he now treats like his own son.He said: “I remember going to my brother’s grave for the first time and that’s where I first met Raheem and I held him in front of the grave and it calmed me down.READ MORE TOP STORIES“His energy and him being very quiet while on my chest gave me peace.“I felt then that everything would be OK.“I felt that we might have a second chance here.“I love that little boy. I use Raheem as a tool to strengthen my will and my soul and my spirit.Most read in BoxingChris Eubank Jr’s younger brother Sebastian was also a boxerCredit: X/ ChrisEubankJrVegasLand welcome bonus100 spins + up to £200 bonus18+; new depositing players only. Welcome package split over 3 deposits:Min. 1st deposit £10. min. 2nd and 3rd deposit £20.35x wagering requirement applies to match up bonus and spins. Spins credited in specific games. Spins expire after 24 hours. Terms and Conditions Apply.SIGN UP“Raheem is going to live a long and fulfilled life and I only have a few years of boxing left.“So I need to do everything I can over the next three or four years to make sure he has the best life he can possibly have growing up.”Chris Eubank Jr shows his boxing skills in brutal punch bag workout Eubank Jr has arrived in the Saudi capital for his middleweight boutCredit: GettyThe death of Sebastian understandably took a terrible toll on his father, Chris Eubank Sr.The  theatrical but granite-hard two-weight world champion was suddenly weak and vulnerable and preyed upon — saying things that caused a rift with his eldest son.The flare-up was exacerbated by Eubank Sr’s disgust at his son stripping  down to 157lb to face Benn, who failed a drugs test before their October 2022 grudge bout was called off.Sadly, especially for little Raheem, who is now three, the gladiatorial gene pool is not fully reunited yet.Dubai-based Eubank Jr said: “We should be able to help Raheem without boxing involved.“But  there is still a wedge between us. Until the day I retire, I don’t ever see that wedge not being there.“It should not be that way but he is set in his ways and he can’t seem to separate the boxing business from being a dad.“I don’t need Chris Eubank Sr the boxer, businessman, coach, mentor, advisor.“He is in a better place now. He was dealing with some demons — and he still is.“But he has got over and through a lot of things and he is in a much healthier state of mind, thank God.Eubank Junior says Chris Eubank Senior believes tears, punishment and discipline are important if you want to ‘flourish’ in sportCredit: Alamy“I am very happy about that. I speak to him whenever I can, I keep up to date with how everything is going. I am hearing good things now, when a year or two ago I was not.“I am very grateful that we have managed to get through that part of our lives.”Eubank Jr makes his heart-breaking overnight transformation from super-cool uncle to doting dad sound like a doddle. But it means he is now in a rush to give Raheem the little sibling he himself adored in Sebastian.And then he has to wrestle with the idea of both of his boys following down the brutally hard path that his dad, brother, cousins and uncles have all walked.He explained: “Once I was put in this position for Raheem,  people saw a different side to me, a softer side.“Spending time with Raheem makes me think more about having my own son, giving him a brother and raising them together.“His dad was my brother and we grew up together and I want to give Raheem that.“My new role means I have to teach Raheem — I cannot be Mr Nice Guy all the time.“He has got to learn that certain things are not good or OK. In a sports setting, tough love and strict rules breed success.My old man would say…‘What are you doing? Get back in the f*****g ring and work and learn and take your licks like a man’.Chris Eubank Junior“Nine times out of ten, if you don’t have the tears, punishment and discipline, then a kid is  not going to flourish in sport, especially boxing.“My old man would watch me get hurt, he would watch me get beaten up and tell me, ‘Get back in the ring’.“There were no hugs, there was no, ‘How are you son, are you feeling OK?’“He would say, ‘What are you doing? Get back in the f*****g ring and work and learn and take your licks like a man’.“That would break a lot of people, let alone kids, but it pushed me.“Not everybody has it but you need it to survive in combat.“I have a very soft spot for Raheem because of our situation, so I don’t think I would want to go through it with him.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Would I love to see him  pursue a boxing career? No, I don’t think I would love it.“I know his mother will not want him to do it — but his father did it, I do it and our father did it, so he has the genes, he’s part of our gene pool.”Conor Benn could come next for Eubank Jr if he wins this weekendCredit: AP More

  • in

    Clement Kemboi dead at 32: Former African Games champion’s body found as tributes pour in

    AFRICAN GAMES champion Clement Kemboi has been found dead at the age of 32.The body of the former Kenyan athlete was found by police in the town of Iten in his home country on Monday.Clement Kemboi has passed away at the age of 32Credit: AFPHis body was found in the Kenyan town of ItenCredit: AFPKemboi’s body has been taken to Iten County Referral Hospital morgue and is awaiting an autopsy.He is best-known for winning the 3000m steeplechase at the 2015 African Games.Kemboi’s personal best time in the distance came at the Doha Diamond League in 2016 when he ran eight minutes and 10.65 seconds.This earned him sixth place, five and a half seconds behind winner Conseslus Kipruto.READ MORE IN SPORTKemboi’s PB in the regular 3000m was 7:51:65.His passing comes after 2016 World Athletics Under-20 800m champion Kipyegon Bett died on Sunday.Kenyan Bett had been in and out of hospital with a liver problem, before his sister confirmed his death.Purity Kirui told BBC Sport Africa: “He had been sick, complaining of stomach pains for about a month. The doctors said he had a liver problem and had been in and out of hospital.Most read in Athletics”Last week we took him to hospital after he started vomiting blood and he was admitted. I went to see him [on Sunday] morning and he told me he was in pain.”He told our dad, who is a pastor, to pray for him because he didn’t feel he would survive and after 12 noon he died. We tried everything to save him, but he left us. It’s very painful.”Bett was a promising runner in his youth and followed up his junior world championship success by winning world bronze in London in 2017.But a year later Bett was hit with a four-year doping ban and he struggled on his return, with his sister revealing he “started drinking a lot”.His coach Japheth Kemei described Bett as a gifted athlete and he expected him to make a comeback after his ban, but suggested Bett was unable to due to his battles with depression. More

  • in

    Man Utd & England World Cup hero Bobby Charlton left staggering amount to beloved wife Norma, will reveals

    FOOTBALL hero Sir Bobby Charlton left £631,000 in his will, The Sun can reveal.The Manchester United icon, who died last October aged 86, passed the huge sum to his devoted widow Lady Norma Charlton.The sporting great, pictured in 1970, played more than 700 times for Manchester UnitedCredit: GettySir Bobby with his wife Norma, who revealed his battle with dementia in 2020Credit: PAProbate documents signed off by a court in Manchester last week show the Munich Air Disaster survivor had a personal estate worth £652,000, reduced to £631,000 after personal debts and funeral costs were paid.The football star and dad-of-two appointed daughters Suzanne and Andrea as trustees, alongside solicitor Andrew Kay.In the final will, signed in 2011, the three trustees were told Charlton’s estate must be for the sole benefit of Lady Norma, 84, provided she survived him.Born Robert Charlton in the northeast mining town of Ashington, “Bobby” signed up for United in 1953, at age 15, and made his first team debut three years later.Read more about Sir BobbyHe went on to enjoy a glittering 17-year career at United, playing 758 games for the club, and scoring 249 goals – both records at the time.Sir Bobby was the last remaining survivor of the 1958 Munich disaster which saw eight United teammates among 23 killed when their plane crashed on the runway in Germany.Charlton, then just 20, was dragged from the wreckage by teammate Harry Gregg and amazingly returned to the pitch only two weeks later.A decade on, he led the club to an emotional European Cup victory over Benfica at Wembley, scoring twice in a 4-1 win.Most read in FootballSir Bobby’s stunning goals also helped propel England to the World Cup Final in 1966 – the same year he won the coveted Ballon d’Or trophy.He remains the Three Lions’ third-highest scorer, with only Wayne Rooney and current skipper Harry Kane above him.The club legend left United in 1973 to become player-manager of Preston North End before retiring from the game.He was knighted in 1993 and spent the latter years of his life acting as an ambassador for United and English football across the globe.Charlton also launched a foundation aimed at helping victims of conflict in war zones, raising hundreds of thousands since 2011.An inquest last year concluded Charlton’s death was accidental and was caused by trauma in the lungs, a fall and dementia – which also affected his brother Jack, who died in 2020.Sir Bobby’s death meant the sole survivor from England’s 1966 World Cup winning team is hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst, 82.He led tributes last year, writing: “Very sad news today, one of the true greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him and nor will all of football.”Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, whose 48 goals for England was one behind Sir Bobby, called him the Three Lions’ “greatest-ever player”.Prince William, President of the Football Association, paid tribute to “a true great”.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe wrote on X: “Sir Bobby Charlton. First Division Champion. European Champion. World Champion. Gentleman. Legend.”A true great who will be remembered forever. Thank you Sir Bobby. W.”Bobby and Norma holding their two daughtersThey wed on August 30 1961, two years after first meeting at a Manchester ice rinkCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSir Bobby and Lady Charlton were together for 64 yearsCredit: 2013 David M. BenettThey lived together in sleepy Lymm, in CheshireCredit: Mirrorpix More

  • in

    Kipyegon Bett dead at 26: Former world junior 800m champion dies after short illness

    FORMER junior world 800m champion Kipyegon Bett has passed away aged 26.The Kenyan died following a short illness.Kipyegon Bett has passed away aged just 26Credit: AFP or licensorsThe Kenyan won 800m gold in the 2016 Junior World ChampionshipCredit: GettyBett won bronze in the 800m World Championships in London in 2017Credit: GettyThe runner had been in and out of hospital with a liver problem, his sister shared.Purity Kirui told BBC Sport Africa: “He had been sick, complaining of stomach pains for about a month. The doctors said he had a liver problem and had been in and out of hospital.”Last week we took him to hospital after he started vomiting blood and he was admitted. I went to see him (on Sunday) morning and he told me he was in pain.”He told our dad, who is a pastor, to pray for him because he didn’t feel he would survive and after 12 noon he died. We tried everything to save him, but he left us. It’s very painful.”Bett was a promising runner in his youth and followed up his junior world championship success by winning world bronze in London in 2017.But a year later Bett was hit with a four-year doping ban and he struggled on his return, with his sister revealing he “started drinking a lot”.His coach Japheth Kemei described Bett as a gifted athlete and he expected him to make a comeback after his ban, but suggested Bett was unable to due to his battles with depression.Kirui confirmed her brother’s plight, saying: “When Kipyegon was banned he started drinking a lot, wouldn’t eat well and suffered depression.Most read in Athletics”We tried to help him stop drinking, but whenever we wanted to take him to rehab he would disappear from home for days.”I tried to get him back into athletics when his ban ended by getting him running kit and shoes.”Before his death we had a plan to try one more time to take him to a rehabilitation centre in Kisumu.”Bett was suspended in August 2018 for refusing to submit a sample and subsequently tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO).He followed in Kirui’s footsteps by becoming an athlete, with his sister winning Commonwealth gold in the 3000m steeplechase in 2014. More

  • in

    Kick It Out founder Herman Ouseley dies aged 79 after life spent campaigning against racism & discrimination in football

    LORD Herman Ouseley, the founder of Kick It Out and anti-racism campaigner, has died at the age of 79.It is thought Lord Ouseley died on Wednesday, following a short illness.The anti-racism campaigner Lord Herman Ouseley, seen here in 2016, has diedCredit: Getty Images – GettyLord Ouseley outside the Palace of Westminster in 2018Credit: Tom Pilston – The Sunday TimesHe founded Kick It Out to tackle racism and discrimination in football and was its chairman for 25 years.Kick It Out paid tribute to Lord Ouseley this afternoon, calling him “a fearless advocate for underrepresented and disadvantaged communities and will be sorely missed”.The anti-discrimination charity announced Lord Ouseley’s death on its official X, formerly Twitter, account.”We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Lord Herman Ouseley after a short illness,” Kick It Out’s statement read.Read More on Football”Lord Ouseley was a titan in tackling discrimination in football over the 25 years he was chair of Kick It Out, having founded Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football in 1993.”He was also a fearless advocate for under-represented and disadvantaged communities and will be sorely missed.”Lord Ouseley’s vision to set up Kick It Out was the first true structural change in football to take on a problem that had blighted the game for decades.”Fans and participants are now more aware of discrimination and how to challenge it, which is a legacy of the tenacity and vigour he showed in ensuring football continued to change.Most read in Football”We owe him a huge debt of gratitude and vow to continue that legacy for the benefit of future generations.”Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”Birmingham star points out fan who racially abused him as police launch probe a week after crowd trouble hit FA Cup tieHe sat in the House of Lords as a crossbencher from 2001 until his retirement in 2019.Lord Ouseley was also the chief executive for the Race Equality Commission after a long career in local government.Tributes have been pouring in with Troy Townsend MBE, a former footballer and fellow anti-racism activist, calling him “the greatest”.He wrote on X: “Back in 2020 I was so grateful to pay tribute to this legend of a man whilst he accepted a Special Recognition Award from Pride of Britain.”Lord Herman Ouseley, I owe you a debt of gratitude for everything you did for me, for football & society. May your pain be no more.”Mr Townsend added: “[He] stood up when others stayed silent. Took on an industry that allowed racism to flourish. “Looked people in the eye and demanded they change. Whether it was football or politics Herman took on all comers. I’m very proud to be part of his legacy.”The FA also wrote on the social media site: “We are extremely saddened to hear about the passing of Lord Herman Ouseley.”Lord Ouseley was a trailblazer in English football, having the original vision for @kickitout, and he played a hugely inspirational role in tackling discrimination across our game while advocating for underrepresented and disadvantaged communities.”Labour MP Diane Abbott also paid tribute to Lord Ouseley, calling him “a pioneer at the top levels of local government”.Herman George Ouseley was born in Guyana in 1946 and came to Britain when he was 12, attending William Penn Primary School and then Catford College. He started a successful career in local politics, going on to serve as chief executive of the London Borough of Lambeth.It was also the first black head of the former Inner London Education Authority, a body which oversaw more than 1,000 schools and colleges in in the capital.Lord Ouseley set up Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football in 1993 and served as the head of the Commission for Racial Equality from 1993 to 2000.He was then made a Life Peer in 2001, going on to pick up 13 honorary degrees.READ MORE SUN STORIESLet’s Kick Racism Out of Football altered its name to Kick It Out, with Lord Ousley heading the organisation until December 2018.The campaigner shared two children with his teacher wife, Margaret.Lord Ouseley with then England manager Roy Hodgson, right, in the stands during a match at Stamford Bridge in May 2015Credit: PA:Press Association More

  • in

    Diego Maradona’s body to be ‘removed from graveyard’ as judge grants special permission for memorial

    DIEGO MARADONA’S body is set to be moved – almost four years after his death.The Argentina legend will reportedly be exhumed and moved to a new public memorial in Buenos Aires.Diego Maradona’s family are looking to move his body four years after his deathCredit: APThe Argentina legend died in 2020 following a heart attackCredit: AFPMaradona was voted as one of the greatest player of the 20th centuryCredit: RexMaradona died in 2020 after suffering a heart attack at his home. He had left hospital just two weeks earlier following a bleed on the brain. The 60-year-old was revered as one of the greatest football players of the 20th century. Maradona was buried in the Jardin Bella Vista cemetery in Argentina’s capital.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHis children have been attempting to create a dedicated mausoleum since 2021.According to Spanish outlet Relevo, a judge finally ruled the move lawful on Tuesday.It will see Maradona’s body transferred to a permanent memorial site in the city’s Puerto Madero neighbourhood.His children claim it will be “a place of eternal rest where he can be visited and receive the recognition and love of the millions of people who express it daily through different means”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe shrine will be known as the Memorial del Diez or M10 Memorial, in honour of Maradona’s famous No10 shirt.Thousands of fans lined the streets in Argentina and Italy following the icon’s death almost four years ago.Napoli post moving tribute to the late Diego Maradona Maradona was a club legend at Napoli, where he won Serie A and the UEFA Cup in 1989. A maverick forward, the unpredictable superstar was named alongside Pele as a joint winner in the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award. Famed for his ‘Hand of God’ goal against England at the 1986 World Cup, he was known as El Pibe de Oro – the Golden Boy. Maradona was survived by five children and ex-wife Claudia Villafane, who he divorced in 2003.The Argentian legend passed away in November 2020Credit: AFP or licensorsMaradona is currently buried at the Jardin Bella Vista cemetery in Buenos AiresCredit: AFPA delayed trial brought by his daughters Giannina and Dalma will begin next March.The pair claim Maradona’s medical team is culpable for his death. The criminal case against eight doctors and nurses will focus on how they treated Maradona in his final hours.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey are accused of leaving the 60-year-old in agony as his condition worsened.The eight medical staff, who include his psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, face 25 years in jail if convicted. More

  • in

    Gary Lineker’s tree surgeon nephew, 18, ‘crushed to death by falling trunk’ as Match of the Day star’s sons pay tribute

    GARY Lineker’s tree surgeon nephew died after he was crushed by a falling trunk, an inquest heard. Jonty Parkinson, 18, was described as “one of the nicest boys you’ll meet” by his cousin George Lineker, 31, in a touching tribute on social media.Jonty Parkinson, cousin of Gary Lineker’s kids, died while at workJonty worked as a tree surgeonGary Lineker with his first wife and the auntie of Jonty, Michelle, in 2000Credit: PA:Press AssociationOpening the inquest last week, senior coroner Darren Salter revealed the tree surgeon died following a crush injury to his abdomen whilst working on September 6.Oxford Coroner’s Court heard Jonty, of Coln St. Aldwyns, Gloucs., was killed by a falling tree in Eaton Hastings, Oxon.A GoFundMe page set up in memory of the teenager has raised over £32,000 to go towards a “beautiful memorial or event” for the family.A post under the appeal called Jonty a “very special, beautiful young man”.read more on footballIt added: “I realise money can’t fill the great chasm of loss they are feeling, but I hope it can be used to ease the burden of funeral expenses or go towards a fitting memorial for Jonty.”Gary Lineker’s son George, 31, last month described his tragic cousin as “one of the nicest boys you’ll meet”.An Instagram story showed him with Jonty as a youngster, with George writing: “Taken far too soon. Fly high cousin, you’ll be missed by all.”Tobias Lineker, 28, George’s brother, also wrote a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram alongside an old photo of a smiling Jonty.Most read in FootballHe said: “Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.”Jonty was the nephew of Gary, 63, from his marriage to his first wife, Michelle Cockayne, with whom he shares four children – George, Harry, Tobias and Angus.Jonty’s mum, Ali Cockayne, is the sister of Michelle and was previously married to Former England rugby captain Will Carling.A date for the full inquest has not yet been confirmed.Gary Lineker with sons Harry, Angus, George and TobiasCredit: RexFormer England rugby captain Will Carling with Jonty’s mum Ali and their son Henry in 1998Credit: PA:Press Association More

  • in

    Man City legend left family £1.6MILLION in his will following his death after glittering career

    MAN City great Francis Lee left £1.6million in his will — including a treasure trove of medals.The football star, who died last October aged 79, passed most of his possessions to wife Gillian.Man City great Francis Lee left £1.6million in his willCredit: PAThe football star died last October aged 79Credit: AlamyLee passed most of his possessions to wife GillianCredit: GettyPots of £100,000 were handed to brother Trevor, sister-in-law Pamela and daughter-in-law Sonia.Eldest son Gary, from his first marriage, was to get £250,000, but died last year. The rest of his £1,648,000 estate is in a trust fund for his wife and three surviving kids.“Franny” joined City from Bolton in 1967, scoring 148 goals in 330 games, and winning the First Division, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup.READ MORE IN SPORTSHe then won the First Division for a second time with Derby in 1975.Franny, who played 27 times for England, including at the 1970 World Cup and scored ten goals, later launched a successful toilet roll manufacturing firm and a horse racing stable.His final years were spent battling cancer at his £500,000 home in sleepy Wilmslow, Cheshire.England legend Alan Shearer led tributes after his death, posting: “RIP legend”.Most read in Football’Franny’ joined City in 1967, scoring 148 goals in 330 gamesCredit: Getty More