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      in Boxing

      Antwun Echols dead at 52: Boxer dubbed ‘Kid Dynamite’ who challenged for world titles passes away as tributes flood in

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      FORMER boxing middleweight Antwun Echols has died aged 52.The ex-fighter twice challenged for a world title in 1999 and 2000 but lost both bouts.
      Entwun Echols has died aged 52Credit: AP
      The former middleweight twice competed for the world titleCredit: AFP
      He lost to Bernard Hopkins on both occasionsCredit: Getty
      He lost to Bernard Hopkins on both occasions after almost stopping the boxing legend in their first encounter.
      Echols, who was nicknamed “Kid Dynamite”, turned professional in 1993 and was knocked out in his first contest.
      But he responded by winning 22 of his next 24 fights to set up the world title clash with Hopkins.
      The American dropped Hopkins early in the contest before losing via unanimous decision, and in a rematch a year later was stopped in the tenth round.
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      Tributes have poured in from fans saddened by Echols’ passing.
      One fan wrote: “Antwun Echols was one of my favourite fighters to watch in the late ‘90s/early 2000s. From knocking Brian Barbosa out of the ring, body slamming Bernard Hopkins, and stopping Charles Brewer in a wild WAR, Echols was always must-see TV for the era.
      “RIP, thanks for the memories 🙏🏼”
      Another added: “Damn – just heard Antwun Echols passed away! Great puncher out of Iowa! Will always remember his knockout of Charles Brewer! RIP Kid Dynamite.”
      Most read in Boxing
      A third said: “Antwun Echols made for fun fights and was a stable of the Tuesday Night Fights series on the USA network in 1996-97 (around that time). Fought Bernard Hopkins, challenging him at least once for the middleweight world title. Made the state of Iowa proud.”
      Another commented: “RIP Antwun Echols 🙏 Fearless puncher. Will always remember his war with Charles Brewer and battles with Bernard Hopkins. Rest easy champ.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Joey den Besten dead at 30: Tragic motorbike racer dies after crash as tributes pour in

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      MOTORBIKE racer Joey den Besten has died in a crash at the IRRC Superbike race.The 30-year-old crashed after losing control of his bike during the  formation lap for the Imatranajo race on Sunday.
      Joey den Besten died after crashing during a race in FinlandCredit: INSTAGRAM @joeydenbesten
      The Dutchman was a two-time world championCredit: Alamy
      Race organisers paid tribute to the racer in a short statement that reads: “Our most heartfelt condolences to the family and fellow riders. He will be missed.”
      Fans have also honoured Den Besten with kind words following his untimely death.
      One wrote: “God Bless Joey. A terrible incident. My thoughts go to his immediate family and friends.”
      Another added: “Awful news, thoughts are with his family and friends at the very difficult time 🙏🏻”
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      A third said: “Sorry for the loss , God speed 🙏”
      Another commented: “Rip Joey. Talented and fast rider. 😢”
      Den Besten was a two-time world champion in the IRCC Supersport 600 category, tasting success in 2014 and 2017.
      Police are reportedly investigating the incident and an update is expected this week.
      Most read in Motorsport
      It comes just days after 18-year-old Dilano van’t Hoff died after being involved in an accident at the Spa racing track in Belgium.
      A minute’s silence was held prior to today’s Formula 2 action in Austria in tribute to Van’t Hoff. More

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      in Soccer

      Horst-Dieter Hottges dead at 79: German World Cup winner who also played in 1966 final against England passes away

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      WORLD CUP winner Horst-Dieter Höttges has died aged 79.The German football legend passed away after suffering with dementia over the last few years, according to Bild.
      Horst-Dieter Hoettges has passed away aged 79Credit: PA:Press Association
      Horst-Dieter Höttges, left, in action for GermanyCredit: Getty
      Hottges spent the majority of his career at Werder Bremen and made a club record 483 appearances in 14 years for the Bundesliga outfit.
      He won the Bundesliga in 1965 and played in the World Cup final a year later, losing out to England.
      But eight years later Germany beat the Netherlands in the World Cup final with Hotteges an unused substitute.
      He won 66 caps for his country and made ten appearances at World Cups between 1996-1974.
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      Hotteges also featured at right-back in the Euro 1972 semi-final and final, and helped to crown Germany European champions.
      He retired in 1978 as an established Werder Bremen legend – he began his career at Borussia Monchengladbach and made 32 appearances for the club.
      Tributes have poured in for Hotteges from fans who are saddened by his passing.
      One wrote: “The Man. The Myth. The Legend.
      Most read in Football
      “RIP Horst-Dieter “Eisenfuß” Höttges.”
      Another added: “He will not be forgotten.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Dilano van’t Hoff dead aged 18: Rising star tragically dies after accident on Spa race track as F1 chief leads tributes

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      TEENAGE driver Dilano van’t Hoff has tragically died aged 18.The young Dutchman passed away after being involved in an accident at the Spa racing track in Belgium on Saturday morning.
      Dilano van’t Hoff tragically passed away this morning aged 18Credit: Instagram
      The Spa track is also used for Formula 1Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The track, which is also used for Formula 1, was hosting a Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) event in treacherous conditions.
      In a statement, FRECA confirmed: “Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine sadly announces the death of MP Motorsport driver Dilano van’t Hoff.
      “The incident happened during Spa-Francorchamps race 2.
      “We want to express our sincere condolences to the family, team and friends.
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      “Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps and SRO Motorsports Group join Alpine and ACI in expressing their sincerest condolences to the driver’s family, team and friends.”
      In a further statement, 24 Hours of Spa wrote: “Everyone associated with the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa is devastated by the news that Formula Regional EU by Alpine driver Dilano van’t Hoff lost his life in an accident during this morning’s race.
      “We express our deepest condolences to his family, friends and MP Motorsport.”
      They also confirmed that a minute’s silence would be held before the race, and that all start-line entertainment had been cancelled.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Van’t Hoff was in his second season in FRECA.
      During his rookie campaign he achieved a podium finish in Barcelona.
      A minute’s silence was held prior to today’s Formula 2 action in Austria in tribute to Van’t Hoff.
      F1 chief Stefano Domenicali also paid his respects, saying: “We are so sad to learn of the passing of Dilano van ‘t Hoff today at Spa-Francorchamps.
      “Dilano died in pursuit of his dream to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
      “Along with the entire motorsport community, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
      Van’t Hoff was in his second season in FRECACredit: Instagram
      Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz added on social media: “Terrible news from Spa. We’ve just learned Dilano Van’t Hoff has passed away after a big accident in Formula Regional.
      “It is an extremely sad day for the entire motorsport family and my thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends.
      “RIP Dilano.”
      Mercedes star George Russell wrote: “I am truly saddened to hear of Dilano’s passing today in Spa.
      “My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
      McLaren tweeted: “The McLaren Racing Team are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dilano van ’t Hoff in a Formula Regional race at Spa-Francorchamps today.
      “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire MP Motorsport team at this difficult time.”
      And Mercedes posted: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Dilano van ‘t Hoff following today’s tragic incident at the Formula Regional European Championship event at Spa.
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      An FIA statement read: “The FIA extends its condolences to the family and friends of Dilano van ‘t Hoff and to the MP Motorsport Team following the incident today during the Formula Regional European Championship event at Spa-Francorchamps.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Damon Rees dead at 28: Motorbike star passes away after losing battle with medical condition

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      NEW ZEALAND championship motorbike rider Damon Rees has passed away aged 28 after a sudden medical condition.His wife, Talia Rees, had earlier posted a update on his health as she described him “critical but stable” and hailed him as a “warrior” while stating he was “doing an incredible job at fighting this battle.”
      Motorbike racing star Damon Rees has passed away aged 28
      Now she has confirmed that he has passed away and says that he is “now my guardian angel”.
      Confirming the sad news in a post on social media, she wrote: “I am heartbroken. I love you Damon Rees – you are now my guardian angel.”
      Rees competed for two seasons in the National Superstock 1000 Championship after opting to leave New Zealand at the start of 2020.
      The ex-NZ Supersport champion finished eighth in his rookie season and earned his maiden podiums.
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      He then joined Ashcourt Racing alongside Northern Ireland British Supersport rider Lee Johnston to ride a BMW S1000RR the following campaign.Rees stayed with them during the next season but switched to the Supersport class on a Yamaha R6.
      The ace moved to the Carl Cox Motorsport with Uggly & Co by Binch Racing team on a Yamaha in the Supersport series for this season.
      A Binch Racing statement read: “It is with a very heavy heart that we confirm Damo passed away last night.
      “Despite putting up a fight and battling as hard as he could, he was just too poorly.
      Most read in Sport
      “Damo meant so much to us all at Binch Racing. We are all absolutely devastated.
      “His passion for motorcycle racing was there for all to see but Damo was more to us than just a racer, he was our friend.
      “His dedicated approach to everything he wanted to do, his infectious personality and his wicked sense of humour made his time with us truly unforgettable.
      “We wish to send our condolences, love and support to his amazing wife Talia, all the Rees family and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him back in his native New Zealand.”
      A British Superbike Championship statement read: ““Our thoughts are with the family, friends and team of Damon Rees this morning.
      “He was a popular rider within the paddock since joining the series and he will be sadly missed after losing his fight with an unexpected medical condition.”
      Rees finished 10th in the British Supersport Feature race at Knockhill in Scotland on June 18 after taking eighth in the Sprint encounter a day previously in his final race.
      He died after a ‘sudden medical condition’ as tributes poured in for himCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      Max Thompson dead at 66 – Former Liverpool player who was youngest to start for the club passes away

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      A FORMER Liverpool player who was the youngest to start for the club has sadly passed away.Max Thompson has died aged 66 leaving everyone at the club “deeply saddened”.
      Max Thompson has died aged 66Credit: Getty
      The Liverpool-born defender joined the team at just 17 years old where he kept the record for the youngest player until 2010.
      His death was today been confirmed by Liverpool FC in a heartfelt statement.
      They said: “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former player Max Thompson.
      “Thompson, once the Reds’ youngest ever player, has sadly passed away at the age of 66.
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      “The Liverpool-born defender joined the club as an apprentice before being rewarded with a professional contract.
      “At the age of 17 years and 129 days, Thompson was handed his senior debut by Bill Shankly with a start in the final game of the 1973-74 season, a 1-1 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur.
      “That club record would stand until May 2010 when Jack Robinson appeared as a 16-year-old in a Premier League fixture with Hull City.”
      Thompson went on to play for Blackpool in February 1978 before representing other clubs – including Swansea City, AFC Bournemouth and sides in the USA, Portugal and Sweden.
      Most read in Football
      After suffering from football related injuries, Thompson returned to Liverpool in the 1990s as a physiotherapist.
      The club added: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Max’s family and friends at this difficult time.
      “RIP Max Thompson, 1956-2023.” More

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      in Soccer

      Stephane Demol dead at 57: Former World Cup star who was named in all-star 1990 team dies after heart attack

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      BELGIAN football has been plunged into mourning after World Cup star Stephane Demol died aged just 57.The former Anderlecht and Standard Liege defender passed away following a heart attack on Thursday.
      Stephane Demol has passed awayCredit: Getty
      Demol scored in Belgium’s 4-3 win over Russia at the 1986 World Cup finals, helping the Red Devils reach the semi-finals in Mexico.
      He was named in all-star team in 1990 alongside legends like Peter Shilton and Marco van Basten.
      The centre-back also played for Bologna, Porto and Toulouse as well as clubs in Greece and Switzerland.
      He won three league titles with Anderlecht, and the Primeira Liga crown while at Porto.
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      The Brussels club said: “Stephane Demol began his richly-filled football career with us.
      “The former Red Devil has left this life aged 57. We will miss him – rest in peace, Stephane.”
      Porto announced: “He was a defender who also had goals in him.
      “A champion, a Dragon, and one of us.
      Most read in Football
      1990 World XI
      “Farewell, Stephane. Heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.”
      Capped 38 times, Brussels-born Demol had a stint as Belgium’s assistant manager.
      The globe-trotting boss also coached clubs in Belgium, Greece, Cyprus, Thailand and Saudi Arabia.
      He left his last management job, with Saudi outfit Hajer, seven years ago. More

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      in Motorsport

      Racing driver Douglas Costa and girlfriend both die from mystery illness after taking trip together

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      A RACING driver and his girlfriend have both died from a mystery illness.That’s after taking a trip away together before suffering from fever, pain and red rashes.
      Racing star Douglas Costa and partner Marian Giordano died after becoming ill on a tripCredit: Newsflash
      Costa and Giordano passed away within four hours of each otherCredit: Newsflash
      The pair may have suffered from three diseases after visiting a ‘remote area’Credit: Newsflash
      Race car star Douglas Costa, 42, and dentist partner Mariana Giordano, 36, developed symptoms on June 3 after visiting a “rural area” in Campinas, Brazil, on May 27.
      According to the Epidemiological Surveillance of Jundiai, via Folha UOL, the pair may have contracted dengue, spotted fever or leptospirosis.
      Dengue is transmitted by mosquitos and has several symptoms like headaches and joint pain.
      Spotted fever is a severe febrile disease which leaves spots on the skin.
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      And leptospirosis is an infection which can lead to meningitis and kidney failure.
      Costa was taking part in the AMG Cup Brasil, a Merdeces-Benz event, when he was whisked to a private hospital in Jundiai on June 7.
      Mariana had already been taken to hospital in Sao Paulo two days earlier.
      And both sadly passed away within four hours of each other, with Costa’s death reported to local media on June 8.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Tributes have been paid to Costa and MarianaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/douglas.costa125/
      Costa was racing at the Mercedes AMG Cup Brasil when he was taken to hospitalCredit: https://www.instagram.com/douglas.costa125/
      He was buried the following day in Itupeva, while Mariana’s funeral took place in Sao Paulo.
      AMG Cup Brasil said: “To all family members and friends, our deepest condolences. 
      “We know how admirable Douglas was a person and how he will undoubtedly leave a great void in the hearts of everyone who had the honour and pleasure of knowing him.”
      Mariana’s brother Marcio Giordana added: “In the short time that you two were together, you had an intense connection.
      “But given that not everything lasts forever, you left, leaving a huge void in all our hearts. And nothing, not even time, will erase that.
      “[Costa and I] met in Interlagos, we became friends and before I knew it, you became my brother-in-law, and what a brother-in-law you were, a good guy.
      “Thank you for everything, pilot. You will be greatly missed in our race gatherings.”
      A patient of dentist Mariana said: “She always had a new recipe for my pain. She took care of me so well.
      “God must need good, generous people by his side because there is no other explanation.”
      Reports claim the couple visited another area, Camanducaia, on June 3 and 4.

      The City Hall said in a statement: “Considering that the patients visited the district of Monte Verde on the day the symptoms began, it is unlikely that spotted fever was contracted there, due to the incubation period of the disease, which varies from two to 14 days.
      “”Even with the probably contamination originating from outside the district, all necessary epidemiological investigation actions will be carried out to ensure the health of all residents and tourists.” More