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    Kazuki Anaguchi dead at 23: Boxer dies as a result of injuries sustained during Boxing Day fight

    JAPANESE boxer Kazuki Anaguchi has tragically died aged 23 after suffering complications from a brain injury.The bantamweight prospect underwent emergency surgery to remove a subdural hematoma after his clash with Seiya Tsutsumi last December.
    Kazuki Anaguchi has tragically passed away aged 23
    The bantamweight suffered a subdural hematoma in his Boxing Day clash with Seiya Tsutsumi
    Anaguchi was knocked down four times and suffered convulsions before being taken to hospital
    Anaguchi – who was beaten to a bloody pulp and left with a horrific cut – lost consciousness after being transported to the hospital and remained in a coma following the treatment.
    But he’s tragically succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the fight, in which he was dropped four times and suffered convulsions before being transported to the hospital.
    The boxing world was united with their condolences for the southpaw, with one fan writing on X: “RIP Champ Kazuki Anaguchi!”
    Another said: “Sad news.”
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    And another said: “May he rest in peace.”
    One remarked: “He passed giving us one of the greatest fights I’ve ever seen live.
    “It saddens me so much that our community witnessed this but I’m grateful that we got to see this man.
    “Prayers to his family.”
    Most read in Boxing
    Anaguci sustained his injuries on the undercard of Naoya Inoue’s clash with Marlon TapalesCredit: Getty
    Another chimed in: “Rest in peace warrior.
    “Kazuki Anaguchi was only 23 years old and gave everything he had to this sport.”
    Anaguchi boasted a perfect 6-0 record before his ill-fated showdown with Tsutsumi, which was on the undercard of Naoya Inoue’s undisputed junior featherweight clash with Marlon Tapales.
    He turned pro in July 2021 after racking up an amateur record of 68 wins and six losses. More

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    Michel Jazy dead at 87: Trailblazing athlete who set nine world records and won ‘race of the century’ passes away

    LEGENDARY French athlete Michel Jazy has passed away at the age of 87.The former world record holder was an iconic 1500-metre runner, winning the European title in 1962.
    Frenchman Michel Jazy, right, racing back in 1965Credit: AFP
    He has passed away at the age of 87Credit: AFP
    In total, he set nine world records across a sensational career – the last of which came in his final appearance as an athlete.
    He came devastatingly close to the Olympic title in Rome in 1960, finishing 0.65 seconds behind Australian Herb Elliott as he claimed the silver medal.
    Four years later, he then narrowly missed out on a medal in the 5,000m as he came home fourth in Tokyo.
    But in 1966 he did clinch the European title in the 5,000m in Budapest.
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    At the same event, he also earned silver in the 1500m.
    Jazy was born into a poor coal-mining family from Poland who had emigrated to France after the First World War.
    He left school at the age of just 14, before he became an apprentice in a printshop two years later.
    In 1953, he won the 1000m in the youth race at the French national championships, before he achieved the same feat in the 1500m in 1955.
    Most read in Athletics
    In 1956, he joined the air force but continued to run alongside those duties – and even competed at the Olympic Games in Melbourne in the same year, finishing seventh.
    Towards the end of the 1950s, he left the air force and began working at a printing plant.
    Around this time, he also married Parisian secretary Irene Denis – who gave birth to their two daughters in the early 1960s.
    Jazy’s colleagues at the printing plant insisted he worked overtime to compensate for his athletics training.
    But L’Equipe newspaper editor Gaston Meyer then intervened and gave him a typographer job – which allowed him to train in the mornings.
    And he went on to establish himself as one of France’s greatest athletes by winning European and Olympic medals, before he retired in 1966. More

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    Italian rally champion Giulia Maroni, 37, dies in horror 164ft plunge onto rocks while on hike

    ITALIAN rally champion Giulia Maroni has died after plummeting 164 foot to her death while on a hike.Maroni, 37, was out walking her dog on the Modena Apennines in Italy on Sunday when she slipped and fell.
    Italian rally champion Giulia Maroni, 37, died in a tragic accident on SundayCredit: Newsflash
    Maroni was an Italian Cross-Country Rally champion in 2021Credit: Newsflash
    According to reports, she was hiking with her partner and dog when she lost balance and slippedCredit: Newsflash
    She was a passionate sportswoman and rally driver who was well known in the off-road world, having won the 2021 Italian Cross-Country Rally.
    Maroni also participated in the Dakar rally as a co-driver and navigator alongside Luciano Carcheri of the Angelo Caffi Corse team.
    According to reports, she was hiking with her partner and dog on Mount Libro Aperto in the Pizzo dei Sassi Bianchi area when she lost her balance, slipping into the gully and falling among trees and rocks.
    Maroni’s partner called the emergency services, who then airlifted her to the Maggiore hospital in Bologna.
    Read more in Motorsport
    However, she died in the evening of January 28 from her injuries.
    Mountain rescue station chief Nicolas Barattini told local media: “We saw immediately that the woman’s condition was unfortunately very serious.
    “It was a tragic fatality, the woman placed her foot badly and slipped.”
    The 4X4 Magazine, where she was collaborating as a correspondent and photographer, said: “The week starts with very bad news.
    Most read in Motorsport
    “An accident in the mountains took away Giulia Maroni, a passionate sportsman and off-roader, who had also collaborated with our magazine. Rip Giulia.”
    Lina Van De Mars, who placed runner-up alongside Maroni in the FIA European Cup for Cross-Country Bajas in 2021, also paid tribute.
    “We were just making new plans for the 2024 season,” she wrote, as reported by The Chequered Red Flag.
    “It’s been an honour to know you. It’s been (a) pleasure to race with you. Still proud of us having become European vice champions in the world of baja and rallyraid racing.
    “I am still in shock. Hoping smiles and sunshine will be with you.”
    Maroni was president of the A-Team 4×4 off-road club of Castel San Pietro Terme in Bologna for many years and participated in the most important off-road races.
    In 2016, she won the extreme all-female “Shemud” race among the forests of Malaysia.
    Born in the city of Faenza in the province of Ravenna, Maroni was a resident in Castel Guelfo for many years.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    According to local reports, Maroni and her partner were great mountain enthusiasts.
    As well as an animal lover, she was also an adventure and bike enthusiast. More

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    Luis Tejada dead aged 41: World Cup star and 108-cap international passes away after collapsing during game

    FOOTBALLER Luis Tejada has passed away aged 41.The Panama striker made two appearances at the World Cup in 2018.
    Luis Tejada has passed away aged 41Credit: AFP
    The striker featured in the 2018 World CupCredit: Reuters
    He has reportedly died of a heart attack.
    The national hero was playing for a veterans team when he was subbed off after supposedly telling coaches he felt unwell during the match.
    Shortly after leaving the field Tejada fainted and was rushed away in an ambulance.
    However, medics were unable to save him and he died yesterday.
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    In an emotional statement the Panama FA said: “Historic goalscorer for the Panamanian national team, a decisive factor in qualifying for our first World Cup in 2018 and a synonym for the development and advancement of football in our country.
    “We extend our sincerest condolences to his family and the entire Panamanian football and sports family in general.”
    His former team-mate Blas Perez said: “I don’t believe it, my partner is gone.”
    Tributes from fans also flooded in, one said: “True legend and a type of player that made international football so special.”
    Most read in Football
    Another added: “This is very sad. Gone too soon.”
    A third wrote: “He will be remembered forever in our hearts.”
    Nicknamed “The Matador”, Tejada was capped 108 times for the Panamanian national team.
    He scored 43 goals on the international stage and helped his homeland qualify for their first World Cup in 2018.
    Tejada played for the likes of Colombian club Millionarios and Real Salt Lake in the United States during his lengthy career.
    He also had spells with sides in the UAE, Mexico and Peru.
    Luis Tejada with his with team-mate Blas PerezCredit: AFP More

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    Lenny Piper dead at 46: Former England schoolboys and Gillingham star passes away as League Two side lead tributes

    GILLINGHAM have led the tributes to their ex-player, Lenny Piper, who has passed away at the age of 46.Piper began his career at Wimbledon having come through the team’s academy.
    Lenny Piper during his time at Farnborough TownCredit: Alamy
    Very sad news about Lenny Piper. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. Born in London, he began his career with Wimbledon but in 1996 moved to Gillingham for a transfer fee of £40,000. He made 24 appearances for the Gills. RIP Lenny. https://t.co/fSYN8qu7lT pic.twitter.com/ue8Lzfjfgc— Gillingham FC Supporters’ Club (@GillinghamFCSC) January 28, 2024

    He then joined Gillingham in 1996 after joining for a £40,000 fee, before playing 24 times for the club.
    After a leg break affected Piper’s career, he moved to non-league St Albans, where he became a fans’ favourite.
    He made 98 appearances for the Hertfordshire side, scoring 28 times during his two year spell there.
    He then signed for Conference side Farnborough before spells at Dagenham & Redbridge and Margate.
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    Piper ended his career with Surrey side Whyteleaf.
    Gillingham broke the news on X (formerly known as Twitter) of the former England Schoolboys player’s passing.
    The Gills posted: “Everyone at the club is saddened to learn that former player, Lenny Piper, has sadly passed away.
    “Our thoughts and condolences are with Lenny’s friends, family and loved ones at this very difficult time. RIP.”
    Most read in Football
    They were joined in their condolences by Gillingham’s Supporters Club who posted: “Very sad news about Lenny Piper. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
    “Born in London, he began his career with Wimbledon but in 1996 moved to Gillingham for a transfer fee of £40,000. He made 24 appearances for the Gills. RIP Lenny.”
    His former club Margate also added their sympathies by saying: “We are saddened to learn that former player, Lenny Piper, has passed this morning, just aged 46.
    “Piper came in on loan in the 2003/04 season from Dagenham and Redbridge. He played for us until March, before he left for Fisher Athletic. We send out thoughts to the friends and family of Lenny.”
    Fans paid tributes in the comments with one saying: “46, far too young. RIP.”
    Another wrote: “That’s really sad. RIP Lenny.”
    A third wrote: “That winner against Bristol City. Absolute rocket. RIP Lenny.” More

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    Former Celtic star Stuart Gray dies aged 50 after agonising cancer fight as Hoops stars to pay tribute vs Ross County

    FORMER Celtic star Stuart Gray has passed away at the age of 50 following a cancer battle, the club has confirmed. The son of Scotland and Leeds hero Eddie, Gray came through the ranks at Parkhead, spending six years at the Hoops in which he made 28 appearances.
    Stuart Gray made 28 appearances for CelticCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Stuart Gray in action for CelticCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The club paid tribute to their former midfielder – who was recently diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma – a cancer that forms in the bile ducts.
    The Hoops wrote: “Everyone at #CelticFC is deeply saddened by the news that former Celt, Stuart Gray has passed away after illness at the age of 50.
    “The Celtic players will wear black armbands in tribute to Stuart at today’s game against Ross County. Rest in Peace Stuart, YNWA”
    After loan spells at Bournemouth and Morton, the Scotland Under-21 cap then joined Tommy Burns at Reading.

    A talented left sided player, Gray’s career continued south of the border with spells at Rushden and Diamonds, Oxford Utd, Fleetwood Town and Guiseley.
    Former teammate Craig Burley wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Thoughts & condolences to Eddie Gray & family after the loss of his son and my former teammate Stuart Gray. RIP Stuart.”
    So too did Simon Donnelly, an old contemporary and pal from the Parkhead youth ranks, telling Celtic TV: “A really sad day. Terribly sad, Stuart was one of my first mates at the club, when I came here in 1992.
    “Fantastic player. It’s fantastic to see the fans to a man there standing to pay tribute to him.”
    Most read in Football
    Gray was told that by the time this cancer begins to show symptoms, it is usually too advanced for surgery, which is currently the only known cure – with the situation complicated by the fact he was also suffering from a chronic liver disease.
    Fans and well wishers had raised £50,000 to help with his treatment via a GoFundMe page set up by his brother Nick.
    While some of the treatments for Stuart’s illness are widely available on the NHS, some of the newer and more experimental treatments are less readily available and very costly. 
    How Celtic broke the news
    Gray in action for the Scotland Under-21s
    Stuart Gray had raised almost £50k for his own treatment
    Stuart Gray plays for Morton
    He said recently how thankful he was for all the support, writing: “To all the people who have donated and sent messages and good wishes, I want to say how deeply thankful I am to each and every one of you. It means the world to me and my family to see the support we have. Love Stuart x”
    “Unfortunately, time is not on my side, and to wait for approval of these various experimental treatments, and then for the treatments to be administered by the NHS, will likely take years.
    “Accessing these drugs and treatments privately is costly and can be difficult. 
    “My family and I will be posting regular updates along the way and will be partaking in various fundraising efforts to help pay for any treatment that may be needed in the coming months and, God willing, years. 
    “Any help or support you can offer during this process would be appreciated more than you will ever know.” 
    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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    Cameron Bartholomew dead at 28: Motorsport champion suddenly dies leaving behind heartbroken fiancee and three children

    MOTORSPORT champion Cameron Bartholomew has suddenly passed away at the age of just 28.The Australian’s fiancee Chloe O’Carroll, who has three children with Bartholomew, confirmed the news on Thursday.
    Cameron Bartholomew has tragically died at the age of 28Credit: Facebook / ChloeeAnn
    His fiancee Chloe O’Carroll confirmed the horrific newsCredit: Facebook / ChloeeAnn
    She said: “With the heaviest of hearts we announce that heaven gained another angel this morning.
    “Our beloved Cameron Bartholomew has passed away and we are in complete shock.
    “Understandably we are heart broken and are spending this time as a family to support one another during this difficult time.
    “We respectfully ask for privacy whilst we grieve and reminisce the life that we were so lucky to share with Cam.
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    “For those that had the pleasure of knowing and being touched by Cameron’s presence there will be memorial details shared in time.”
    Alongside the touching words, Chloe shared a host of photos of the Hyundai Excel state champion.
    They included him on top of a racing car following a win and pictures of him with his children.
    Bartholomew’s former co-driver Jayden James Peacock said: “Glad I got the opportunity years ago to go Porsche racing with KPH racing crewing with Cameron.
    Most read in Motorsport
    “We were both only babies but made some damn good memories. From there we become good mates.
    “Love ya, mate, rest easy. Our thoughts are with Chloe the kids and family.”
    And another driver, Brock Giblin, said: “Cameron Bartholomew was one of the first I messaged 11 years ago when I first started racing cars, to lose him today is just nothing short of shattering,’ he wrote.
    “My deepest condolences and thoughts go out to his family. I’m going to miss you heaps mate. #95Forever.”
    Responding to Chloe’s heartbreaking post, one person said: “He was a true talent behind the wheel and gave me such a pleasure to call his racing.
    “He was also a young mate to many of us in motorsport and we took pleasure in assisting his challenges and helped him make a name for himself.
    “There are so many people today who I’ve spoken with who are devastated beyond belief. He was a son, a husband and a dad who had such an incredible future.”
    And Track Attack Australia shared a tribute to Brisbane driver Bartholomew – who was also known as “Chicken Hawk”.
    They said: “So very sad to hear today that one of the very earliest TAA Excel family passed away suddenly last night.
    “RIP Cameron ‘chicken hawk’ Bartholomew. Taken too early and all of our thoughts are with Chloe, their children, the extended Bartholomew family and close friends.
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    “Cam was a brilliant steerer and fierce competitor but lit up any conversation and always had a smile on his face. 
    “The TAA family would like to pass on its sincere condolences.” More

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    Woman claiming to be Pele’s daughter demands Brazil football legend be dug up 13 months after death for paternity test

    A WOMAN claiming to be football legend Pele’s secret daughter has demanded his body be dug up for a paternity test.Maria do Socorro Azevedo, 60, instructed a lawyer to make the move nearly five years ago after launching her paternity lawsuit.
    Ex-Brazil forward Pele officially had seven childrenCredit: Instagram @pele
    Pele left 30% of his estate to his widow Marica Aoki, with another 60% to be split between his children and 10% to two grandchildrenCredit: AFP
    Pele’s family were by his bedside as his condition worsened before his deathCredit: Instagram
    Pele, who died aged 82 on December 29, 2022 in a Sao Paulo hospital after having a tumour removed from his colon, recognised the possibility he could have had another child in his will.
    The Brazil icon married three times and officially has seven children, although one is a stepdaughter.
    Two of his children, Edinho Nascimento and Flavia Christina, agreed to DNA tests after the reading of their father’s will.
    Reports in Brazil, quoting Maria Do Socorro Azevedo’s lawyer Marcos Fernando dos Santos Sousa, said initial results came back negative but his client’s DNA test had come back with “high possibilities” of a blood link.
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    Mr dos Santos Sousa said they now had “no option” but to request the exhumation of Pele’s body to “resolve the situation.”
    The ex-Santos striker is said to have agreed to a DNA test but died before it could take place.
    Maria do Socorro Azevedo spoke publicly about her claims she is Pele’s daughter on a Brazilian TV programme on Sunday and insisted she was not interested in his money.
    She said her late mother had never told Pele she was pregnant with their child after a fling in Sao Luis in the Brazilian state of Maranhao.
    Most read in Football
    Maria, who hails from the state of Piaui in north-east Brazil, said she had first decided to do a DNA test in 2019 when she was working as a maid in Sao Paulo.
    Pele left 30 per cent of his estate to his widow, third wife Marica Aoki, with another 60 per cent to be split between his children and 10 per cent to two grandchildren.
    His net worth at the time of his death has been put at around £78million.
    If Maria do Socorro Azevedo ends up being recognised as his eighth child, she would be able to claim her share of the estate her siblings are getting.
    A lawyer acting for Pele’s family, Augusto Miglioli, said his family would contest any exhumation demand on the basis that the DNA tests already carried out had shown Maria was not the footballer’s daughter.
    Pele, the only player to win the World Cup three times, was laid to rest in January last year in a mausoleum he bought 19 years earlier inside the Memorial Ecumenical Cemetery.
    It is a high-rise building in Santos, the Brazilian port city where ‘The King’ played most of his career, that holds the Guinness world record as the tallest cemetery in the world.
    Pele won the World Cup three times, including in 1970Credit: Getty More