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      Hugo Sotil dead at 75: Barcelona legend who formed legendary partnership with Johan Cruyff dies after ‘health problem’

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      BARCELONA hero Hugo Sotil has passed away 75. The Peruvian was hospitalised earlier this month after experiencing a “health issue”.Barcelona legend Hugo Sotil has passed away aged 75Credit: Barcelona FCThe Peru international was hospitalised earlier this month but never recovered from his health issueCredit: AFPDoctors placed Sotil in intensive care and did their best to improve his condition.But the former striker was sadly unable to recover and passed away on Monday.Barcelona announced his passing an emotional statement, an excerpt of which read: “On Monday 30 December Hugo Sotil passed away.”Born in Ica in Peru on 18 May 1949, ‘Cholo’ as he was known, was considered one of the best South American players of his generation, and was a from fan favourites at Baraa during his time at the club.READ MORE ON BARCELONA”The striker came to Barça for the 1973/74 season from Peruvian club Municipal de Lima.”Sotil was a vital part of a team that included legends such as Johan Cruyff, [Juan Manuel] Asensi, [Carlos] Rexach and Marcial [Pina].”He became a favourite of the Camp Nou crowd who would chant “Cholooo, Cholooo” in his honour.”A social media post from the club read: “FC Barcelona mourns the passing of Hugo Sotil, who played for Barca from 1973 to 1976, and offers its condolences to his family and friends. Most read in FootballHugo Sotil was part of Barcelona’s successful team of the early 1970sCredit: GETTYHe formed an incredible partnership with the late Johan CruyffCredit: AFP”Rest in peace, Cholo.”Scores of Barca fans responded to the X post to pay tribute to the late Sotil. Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game One wrote: “Rest in peace, legend.”Another said: “”He wasn’t just talented on the field with his amazing dribbling and assists, loved by so many. “Rest in peace, Cholo.”Sotil joined Barcelona in 1973 from Peruvian side Deportivo Municipal and won a slew of trophies with the Catalan club. He scored 29 goals in 96 appearances during his four years at the Nou Camp. He formed an incredible partnership with the late Johan Cruyff, which is still talked about to this day.Sotil had incredibly fond memories of his time with the club and the love he received from the Nou Camp faithful. He said: “The love of the people of Barca is unforgettable. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The day I die I hope they bury me in a Barca shirt.”Barcelona will likely pay tribute to the late Sotil when they welcome Valencia to the Nou Camp on January 26. More

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      in Boxing

      Paul Bamba dead at 35: World champion boxer who was linked with Jake Paul and Tommy Fury dies days after winning title

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      BOXING world champion Paul Bamba has passed away at the age of 35.He became cruiserweight champion this year and was linked with fights against Jake Paul and Tommy Fury.Paul Bamba has passed away suddenly aged 35Credit: https://www.instagram.com/bambajuice/Bamba became champion by beating Rogelio Medina only last weekend.In doing so he broke a record set by Mike Tyson for most wins in a calendar year via knockout, with 14.He was friends with pop star NE-YO, who paid tribute to Bamba following his untimely passing.NE-YO and Bamba’s family released a joint statement which read: “It is with profound sorrow that we announced the passing of beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives.READ MORE IN BOXING”He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness.”But more than anything he was a tremendous individual that inspired many with his exceptional drive and determination.”We are heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this difficult time as we collectively navigate our grief.”Bamba fought a bout in every month this year with the exception of September, which meant he had more than one fight in some months.Most read in BoxingFans have shared their tributes and condolences for Bamba following his death.One wrote: “What??? Absolutely heartbreaking, so out of the blue. RIP Paul.”Oleksandr Usyk shows true colours with classy message to Tyson Fury after victory in heavyweight rematchAnother added: “Extremely upsetting news, may his soul R.I.P 🕊️”And a third wrote: “Really heartbreaking and shocking to hear. God rest his soul🙏❤️” More

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      Thierry Jacob dead at 59: Former boxing world champion dies after battle with lung cancer

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      FORMER world boxing champion Thierry Jacob has died aged 59 after a battle with lung cancer. Jacob held the WBC super-bantamweight world title and fought all of his career in France. Ex-boxing champion Thierry Jacob has died aged 59 after a battle with lung cancerJacob passed away at his home in Calais after losing his battle with cancerCredit: AFPJacob held the WBC super-bantamweight world titleCredit: GettyHe passed away at his home in Calais after losing his battle with cancer. Natacha Bouchart, mayor of the northern port city, announced on Facebook: “We begin this day with sad news. Thierry Jacob died overnight, so young.” Jacob turned professional in 1984 after a good amateur career and won his first 21 bouts. He was first defeated in 1987 by Kelvin Seabrooks when challenging for the IBF bantamweight title. READ MORE IN boxing Jacob also failed in attempts to win the EBU IBF super-bantamweight belts. But he did claim victory over British legend Duke McKenzie in 1990 for the EBU bantamweight strap. He lost three world title fights – against Tracy Harris Patterson and Wilfredo Vazquez (twice) – before his retirement bout. Jacob beat Edgar Orlando Ballen before hanging up the gloves with a 39-6 career. Most read in BoxingHis brothers Bruno and Herve were also boxers and won national and European titles with a fourth brother, Jacky, coaching. Jacob later trained his sons Romain and Joffrey – who both won titles. Romain was a former European super-feather champ while Joffrey won a French title. Meet the AI boxing official who’ll be ringside for Fury v Usyk with fans convinced it ‘will eliminate judges completely’ More

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      Footballer in his 30s killed on night out in horror ‘attack’ as devastated club pays tribute & suspends all games

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      HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a footballer in his 30s who died following an alleged assault on a night out.James Hitchcock, who played as a goalkeeper for club Barton Town FC, passed away “peacefully” in hospital after suffering “serious head injuries”.James Hitchcock was described as a popular member of the teamCredit: Barton Town FCJames (right) died following an alleged assault on a night outCredit: Barton Town FCHe died after suffering serious head injuriesCredit: X @BartonTownOBThe married dad-of-one died from injuries sustained following an incident at York railway station at around 8.45pm on Sunday.According to British Transport Police, 22-year-old Mckenzie Dicicco has been arrested and charged with murder and affray.Dicicco is due to appear at York Magistrates’ Court.Tributes poured in for Hitchcock after Barton Town made the sobering announcement of his death on social media earlier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAll the club’s weekend games have been postponed in tribute to Hitchcock.A statement from Hitchock’s club read: “Barton Town FC are devastated to announce that following a serious head injury, our First Team goalkeeper James Hitchcock has passed away peacefully in hospital.“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, April, their young son, Freddie, his parents, family and friends.“All the club’s games scheduled for this weekend will be postponed as a mark of respect.”Most read in FootballClub chairman Mark Gregory said the club was “devastated”, adding Mr Hitchcock was a “popular but quiet” member of the first team.He said: “The news of James’s death has been hard to take in. It’s horrible. James was a popular member of the club. “We are all devastated. We are a very close-knit club.”Barton Town’s senior men were due to play Silsden in the Northern Counties East Football League this weekend.Hitchcock joined Barton Town in May after being signed by manager Anthony Bowsley from Bridlington Town.His former side led the tributes with a club statement.It read: “It is with disbelief that the club has been made aware of the death of our much loved ex goalkeeper James Hitchcock in tragic circumstances.“The word ‘devastated’ does not explain how we as a club feel at this time.“‘Hitch’ will always be on our minds and in our hearts and our deepest condolences and thoughts and prayers go to April and Freddie and all the family.“Hitch will be remembered before our home game on Boxing Day. RIP Keeps.”Barton Town’s NCEL rivals Pickering Town noted: “The club wish to send our deepest condolences to the family of goalkeeper James Hitchcock, who passed away yesterday after tragic circumstances.“James was a very good opponent of ours over many years for many clubs and will be sadly missed by many players and supporters.”Skelmersdale United noted: “We would like to offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of James Hitchcock. RIP.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHull City Ladies added: “On behalf of everyone at Hull City Ladies Football Club, we are deeply sorry to hear about James Hitchcock.“Our thoughts are with Barton Town and James’ family and friends.”Tributes have poured in for the dad-of-oneCredit: @SeasidersReview More

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      Heartbreak as footballer dies aged 84 with tributes pouring in to ‘club legend’ who was ‘respected by so many’

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      MOVING tributes have poured in for an “club legend” after the former footballer died aged 84.Tony Bentley made 419 appearances for Southend over ten seasons and the fan-favourite even had two testimonials held in his honour.Tony Bentley spent most of his professional career as a fullback with Southend UnitedCredit: GettyThe Southend legend passed away last nightCredit: @SUEPAssocBentley converted from a right winger to right back with the Blues, who he joined in 1961.He won the club’s inaugural player of the year award for the 1965/66 season.A post on the Ex Southend United Players Association confirmed his passing last night.It read: “So very sad to learn today that Tony Bentley has passed away.”He would have been 85 years old in two days time.”Tony is without doubt one of the club greats and a club legend.”Tony was such a lovely guy, respected by so many and well deserving of the two testimonials granted to him by our club, both v Stoke City.”We last saw him at Roots Hall in 2018 when he was one of our very first SUEPA match day guests – he often used to visit the UK and take in a match, and on his last visit received a rapturous round of applause as he was introduced to the crowd. Most read in Football”A very early SUEPA memory is seeing the many folk come down the East Stand steps to shake his hand as he made his way to his seat.”Five years ago for his 80th birthday we sent to his home in Nova Scotia a club pennant to mark the occasion which he celebrated with his family in a local hostelry.”Tony, you are a club legend. Forever a Shrimper, RIP.”Tony made his football league debut for Stoke City in the 1958/59 season and played as a forward.He netted 15 times in 44 matches before making the trip to Roots Hall in May 1961.Manager Ted Fenton gave Tony his Southend debut at the start of the 1961/62 season in a 2-1 home win v Bradford Park Avenue and during the season Tony ended up in the more defensive role that he became known for.He was ever present in the 1965/66 season, a feat he achieved three times.Tony went on to make 419 appearances for Southend over ten seasons scoring 17 timesREAD MORE SUN STORIESAfter his time at Southend he played non-League football with Folkestone Town and Ashford Town (Kent).He made 34 league appearances during season 1974–75, before emigrating to Canada. More

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      Julen Lopetegui’s dad Jose dies aged 94 as West Ham confirm manager has returned to Spain for funeral

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI will take charge of West Ham on Saturday despite having to return to Spain following the death of his father this week.The Hammers manager, whose side face Brighton this weekend, is back in his home country after his dad, Jose, passed away on Tuesday aged 94.West Ham have confirmed Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend his dad’s funeralCredit: GettyJose Antonio Lopetegui passed away at the age of 94Lopetegui’s coaching staff are taking training during his absence, though the ex-Wolves manager will be back on Friday to hold a pre-match press conference.The 58-year-old travelled to Spain for three days during the November international break to spend time with his dad.Jose Antonio Lopetegui died after suffering from health problems this year, according to Spanish outlet AS.A West Ham spokesperson: “West Ham United can confirm head coach Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend the funeral of his father, Jose, who sadly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the club are with Julen, his family and friends, and we kindly ask that their privacy is respected at this time.“Lopetegui’s coaching team will oversee training during this period.“The club will be making no further comment at this time.”Dad Jose, who was one of 11 siblings, was a renowned stone lifter and somewhat famous in Basque sport.Most read in FootballStone lifting is a traditional sport that involves lifting heavy stones onto the shoulder to test strength and endurance.It is known as “Harri-jasotze” in the Basque County and all eight Lopetegui brothers regularly competed.Tomas Soucek reveals heartwarming video call with Michail Antonio as he dedicates celebration to stricken West Ham starAt the Circo Price in Madrid, Jose was able to lift 182 kilos to the astonishment of the crowd.The eight brothers attempted to set a record of each lifting 188 kg at the same time, but were persuaded not to by their wives, who considered stone-lifting to be a rural pastime not befitting of their new statuses as urban businessmen.Jose was also a seasoned boxer in his youth.Lopetegui’s former club Sevilla, with whom he won the Europa League, also said: “Sevilla FC expresses its condolences to Julen Lopetegui and his family on the death of his father.”The West Ham manager has been under intense pressure due to a poor start of the season.But he has also had to deal with striker Michail Antonio suffering a horror car crash and also the passing of his father.Meanwhile, Lopetegui’s side drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on Monday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Hammers are 14th in the Premier League with 19 points from their opening 16 games this season.The Spaniard took over from David Moyes at the London Stadium in the summer. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s chauffeur adopts dog of Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after she passes away at 85

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S chauffeur has adopted the dog of legendary Manchester United receptionist Kath Phipps.Kath, a hugely popular figure at the club, passed away aged 85 last week.Sir Alex Ferguson’s chauffeur has adopted the dog of Kath PhippsCredit: GettySir Alex would regularly visit Kath before she passed away last weekUnited paid a touching tribute to the much-loved receptionist ahead of their Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.Club icons also shared fond memories of her, with David Beckham particularly emotional.The United legend was one of several people to visit Kath before she passed.Ferguson also saw her on a number of occasions.Read More on Man UtdHis chauffeur, Steve Webb, would visit alongside Sir Alex with her dog, Maisie.And Webb has since adopted Maisie following Kath’s death, the Daily Mail reports.A member of staff said: “Even in her last days she kept the United family together.”Kath’s nearest and dearest also set up a WhatsApp group to monitor the flow of visitors, with staff members and ex-players all desperate to see her.Most read in FootballFerguson would phone on the days he couldn’t visit.While Juan Mata made video calls from Sydney and Mary Earps from Paris.David Beckham’s Heartfelt Farewell to Kath PhippsKath had worked at the club since the 1960s in a variety of roles including a receptionist and telephone switchboard operator.United expressed their “sadness” and “heartbreak” at Kath’s passing, and tributes poured in from fans. More

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      in Boxing

      John Fury’s former opponent Neil Malpass, who beat Tyson’s dad, dies aged 69 as the boxing world pays tribute

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      FORMER Brit boxer Neil Malpass has sadly passed away aged 69.The passing of the former Central Area heavyweight champion and ex-opponent of John Fury was announced on social media late on Thursday.Former Brit heavyweight champion boxer Neil Malpass has died aged 69Credit: GETTYThe death of the beloved Malpass was announced on ThursdayCredit: FACEBOOK@NEILMALPASSA spokesperson for Doncaster Martial Arts Centre, where Malpass worked as a coach, said: “It’s such sad news that Neil Malpass, a close friend and trainer at the gym passed away last night.“He has coached so many over the years and was a true legend of the sport.”“He has been with DMAC since the beginning and coached hundreds over the years on these mats. “He has been an amazing coach and mentor for the younger generation and will be truly missed.READ MORE BOXING NEWS“Sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP, Neil.”Malpass fought 48 times over the course of his career, which spanned from 1977 to 1990, racking up 28 wins and 18 knockouts.Malpass beat Fury in a 10-rounder back in 1989 to win the Central Area title.The win made him one of only four fighters to defeat Tyson’s dad and the only man to face the now 59-year-old in a title bout.Most read in BoxingThe late Neil Malpass fought John Fury for the Central Area heavyweight title in 1989Credit: FACEBOOK@NEILMALAPASSAfter hanging up his gloves in 1990, Malpass turned his attention to coaching the next generation of fighters.And he’d go on to become an even more beloved figure in the local community thanks to his work with aspiring fighters.Tributes flooded in after news of his passing became public knowledge.One person wrote on X: “RIP the most amazing bloke. “Learnt me everything I know and made me the person I am today. “You will be missed so much.”One of Malpass’ friends wrote: “What a legend he was. He had the best jab I’ve ever felt. “And even though he was light for a heavweight, he could knock people out for fun.”Caged Steel promoter Dominic Gibbs also paid tribute, writing: “Such sad news to learn of the passing of a Donny legend, warrior and top bloke. Neil Malpass turned his hand to coaching the next generation of fighters after his career came to an endCredit: FACEBOOK@NEILMALPASS”Neil will be sadly missed. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace big man.”Fury has yet to comment on the passing of his former opponent, who is in the Guinness Book of Records for being the only boxer to ever knock their opponent “clean over” the ropes. More