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      Major update in probe into death of ex-Newcastle boss Steve Bruce’s grandson as cops rule tragedy an ‘accident’

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      THE death of footie boss Steve Bruce’s grandson was a tragic accident, cops have ruled.Madison Smith was just four months old when found dead at home in October.Steve, above with his wife Janet, spoke for the first time about the heartbreaking lossCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionThe tot was the son of ex-Man United star Steve’s daughter Amy and her husband Matt Smith, who played for Fulham and Millwall.After Madison’s death, a woman in her 40s, who was working as a nanny, was arrested on suspicion of child neglect. But detectives have ruled it an accident and ended the investigation.Greater Manchester Police said: “While the circumstances are tragic, we don’t believe any criminality was linked to this death.”READ MORE ON STEVE BRUCEThis week, Blackpool FC manager Bruce spoke for the first time about the heartbreaking loss, saying “there’s still not a day where it doesn’t affect you”.He added: “It’s been the tragedy of all tragedies. “Anyone going through the same sort of grief, I feel for them.“It’s horrendous that a fine, young, healthy baby boy doesn’t wake up one morning. Most read in Football”We’ll never come to terms with that. It’s agony.”’I don’t do tactics’ – Former Newcastle star claims he had conversation with Steve Bruce that left him ‘in shock’The death of footie boss Steve Bruce’s grandson was a tragic accidentCredit: Getty More

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      Diego Maradona’s bodyguard who was with legend on day he died ARRESTED in ‘house of horrors’ case over star’s death

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      DIEGO Maradona’s former bodyguard has been arrested in the investigation into the player’s death.His final days have been described in court as a “House of Horrors”, and now Julio Cesar Coria — who worked closely with Diego — has been detained after a dramatic twist in the trial of seven medics accused over the star’s care.Diego Maradona’ s former bodyguard, Julio Cesar Coria (R), has been arrested on suspicion of perjuryThe Argentinian star died in November 2020Credit: GettyCoria is escorted at the San Isidro court in San Isidro, Buenos Aires provinceCredit: AFPA trial over Maradona’s death involved the chief prosecutor showing the court a very graphic image of the footballerCredit: Canal CBAProsecutor Patricio Ferrari accused Coria of lying under oath, prompting trial judges to order his immediate arrest.He had given evidence as a witness at the ongoing trial, which started on March 11 and is set to continue until the summer.Coria, 48, had worked with Maradona for five years and was with him at the house in Tigre, near Buenos Aires, where he died of heart failure on November 25, 2020.He attempted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as the Napoli star lay unresponsive in bed.Read more on Maradona’s trialCoria had been called as a witness due to his close relationship with the star – but Ferrari told the court he falsely claimed he hadn’t spoken to Diego’s doctor, Leopoldo Duque, before the death and wasn’t a friend of his.WhatsApp messages revealed the pair had discussed Maradona’s health and even arranged a barbecue.Coria also reportedly failed to mention in his initial statement that psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov had attempted CPR — only to later claim she had on the witness stand.Judges ordered his arrest following a brief recess.Most read in FootballHe was later seen being driven away in a patrol car, handcuffed in the back seat.Luque, Cosachov, and five other health workers are on trial for homicide with possible intent, a charge carrying up to 25 years behind bars.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death They include nurses Ricardo Almiron, Nancy Forlini, and Mariano Perroni; psychologist Carlos Diaz; and doctor Pedro Di Spagno.An eighth person, nurse Gisella Dahiana Madrid, will be tried separately later this year.The case was initially treated as manslaughter, but was reclassified to homicide after a damning medical board report found Maradona’s team had acted “inadequately, deficiently and recklessly.”To convict, the court must find the medics acted in a way they knew could kill — and did nothing to stop it.Ferrari told the court at the start of their trial Diego spent the last days of his life in a ‘House of Horrors’ after he left hospital and agreed to home care.During opening arguments, Ferrari held up a photo of Maradona lying in bed with a bloated stomach under a lifted black T-shirt and told the courtroom: “This is the way he died.”Luque, who denies wrongdoing, broke down in tears days after Maradona’s shock death following a search of his home near Buenos Aires.He claimed: “If I’m responsible for anything when it comes to Diego, it was loving him, caring for him, improving his life to the end and extending it.”Doctor Leopoldo Luque (C) during the trial for the death of Diego MaradonaCredit: APPsychologist Carlos Angel Diaz (C-R) during the trial at the San Isidro courtCredit: AFPAfter his death, it emerged Maradona had been buried without his diseased heart – which, at 503 grams, weighed almost double that of a normal heart for a man his age.Doctor and journalist Nelson Castro said at the time part of the reason had been to prevent obsessed fans from stealing it.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe first court session was streamed live online but it was subsequently decided not to continue with that policy.Maradona’s daughter Jana today told the court during her evidence her sisters Dalma and Gianinna had wanted to get their dad admitted to a clinic before his death but said Leopoldo Luque had rejected the idea.Fans crowding next to the hearse carrying the late football legend Diego Armando MaradonaCredit: AFPMaradona’s daughters Dalma and Gianinna, arriving at the courthouse on March 11, 2025Credit: Getty More

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      Tragedy as promising young footballer Yvann Martins, 19, dies in horror car crash

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      FOOTBALLER Yvann Martins has tragically passed away in a car crash.The 19-year-old played for Portuguese second tier side UD Oliveirense.Yvann Martins has sadly passed awayCredit: ojogo.ptMartins was reportedly driving a BMW near the city of Porto on Friday morning when his car overturned in the Tunnel do Covelo.Emergency services rushed to the scene but the youngster lost his life before being taken to hospital.UD Oliveirense confirmed the news in a statement that read: “It is with profound sadness and immense consternation that UD Oliveirense announces the tragic passing of Yvann Martins.”A player on our Under-19 team, who was a victim of a road accident at the young age of 19.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a touching tribute, the club continued: “Yvann was much more than a player.”He was a humble, hard-working young man, always with a smile on his face, known for his team spirit and the way he knew how to be with his team-mates – a true team-mate and friend.”Fans wrote: “Rest in peace. It is a great sadness to lose a child at such a young age. Lord, comfort this family in these painful moments.”Another added: “My condolences to the family and friends.”Most read in FootballMartins, who was a highly-rated left-winger, moved to the Portuguese club after a spell with Young Boys in Switzerland where he scored 12 goals in 39 games.His funeral is set to take place in the town of Romariz today and fans of Oliveirense were invited to pay their respects. More

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      ‘He wanted to get the truth’ Tributes pour in for Sun’s Mr Boxing Colin Hart after ‘greatest’ reporter’s death

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      LEGENDARY Sun boxing writer Colin Hart was hailed as “The Greatest” yesterday following his death at the age of 89.Colin had worked for The Sun since its launch in 1969 and was still passing on his unmatched sporting knowledge to readers until a few days before his passing.Sun boxing writer Colin Hart was hailed as ‘The Greatest’ yesterday following his death at the age of 89 (pictured with Lennox Lewis)Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBarry McGuigan said: ‘Colin was a master when it came to boxing journalism’Credit: GettyThe brilliant sports journalist covered eight Olympic Games, motor racing and even showjumping in a stellar career.But he will forever be remembered as one of the wisest and most authoritative ringside figures in the world of boxing, whose heroes led a stream of warm tributes yesterday.British great Frank Bruno called him “Mr Boxing” and told how Colin was his hero.He said: “When it comes to the kings of boxing reporters, Colin was the undisputed champion. read more on colin hart“No one else will ever lay a glove on him. RIP, my friend.”Fellow former world champion Lennox Lewis said: “He was clearly the leader of the boxing press pack. “I knew that he wanted to get to the truth and tell the truth and if he upset people along the way, so be it.”Another ex-world title holder, Ricky Hatton, added: “Colin was one of the first people to congratulate me when I was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.Most read in Boxing“He had previously been inducted himself, and I know how proud he was of that — he will be sadly missed.”Former middleweight hero Michael Watson — whose career was ended by a near-fatal injury in his fight with Chris Eubank — called The Sun writer “a boxing man through and through”.Boxing legend Colin Hart reveals how Larry Holmes was targeted by ‘rednecks’ in build-up to Gerry Cooney fightHe added: “Colin cared about us fighters and he campaigned for us.“I felt like he was in my corner during my boxing career and definitely after it.”Former super-middleweight world champ Joe Calzaghe added: “Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him.”Boxing promoter Frank Warren described him as a “dear friend” and a “superb journalist”, adding: “Colin has been there since the start of my journey in this great sport. “It simply will not be the same without him.”Ring favourite Barry McGuigan said of Colin’s death — coming soon after that of US heavyweight hero George Foreman this weekend: “Colin was a master when it came to boxing journalism. “We are losing all the good ones.”The Sun’s Editor-in-Chief ­Victoria Newton added: “Colin was a brilliant writer who was hugely admired by all of us.“It takes a special journalist to still be at the top of their game approaching the age of 90.“He was never afraid to take on the scariest of heavyweights with his sharp pen and was working in an industry he loved right until the end.Chris Eubank called Colin ‘a boxing man through and through’Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdColin speaks to Mike TysonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd“The number of warm and heartfelt tributes which have come in say everything about how he was revered and respected around the world.“Colin was the best of The Sun — The Greatest.”Cockney Colin grew up in London’s East End during the Second World War and recalled cowering in Tube stations from the German bombs.He was a life-long supporter of West Ham but fell in love with boxing when his gran took him to see his first professional bill at a local baths when he was ten.Colin’s career in newspapers began with the East London News Agency at 17 before work as a crime reporter and news editor following his national service.But he later switched from news to sport and joined the fledgling Sun newspaper where he quickly established himself as a star.Colleagues and rivals marvelled at his ability to compute every detail from fast-moving sporting events then talk them down a phone line to go directly into print.His talent was such that he stayed at the top of his game for decades, despite shunning modern communication methods which transformed the profession.He was — almost certainly — the only journalist still working up until recently who never owned a mobile phone and still preferred to bash out his reports on a clattering, old-school typewriter. After he gave up smoking, the gruff, white-haired newspaper great was known for chewing on an ever-present toothpick in one corner of his mouth while talking out of the other.Colin never pulled his punches as he covered every epic heavyweight clash involving Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and Joe Frazier during the 1970s.He was also ringside at all the epic bouts involving British boxing greats, from Henry Cooper and Joe Bugner to Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.Colin ‘retired’ when he turned 65 in 2000 but continued to write columns for another 25 yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut the most memorable clash of the Sun man’s career was spent in Zaire covering the incredible Rumble in the Jungle classic between Ali and Foreman in October 1974.Foreman — then a terrifying 25-year-old brute — was expected to humble ageing icon Ali but was lured into an astonishing sucker-punch knockout in round eight.Colin described covering the fight as the “most bizarre ten days” after watching locals worship Ali like a god. He added: “At 25, Foreman wasn’t the smiling carefree giant who resembled a benign Buddha that we saw in his latter year. “He was surly, bad-tempered and far from lovable — his fists were like two wrecking balls.“But I had a gut feeling Big George lacked stamina, which is why in Sun Sport I picked Ali to beat him in nine rounds.”Ali would become a personal friend of Colin in his later life and trusted him to break the news of his diagnosis with Parkinson’s.Colin “retired” when he turned 65 in 2000 but continued to write columns for another 25 years, and attend big fights.He also ran with the Olympic torch down South East London’s Old Kent Road in 2012.And he carried on passing on his knowledge to colleagues, combined with hawk-like analysis of fight game skills and weaknesses.In 2017, after Joshua had knocked out Wladimir Klitschko in an epic battle at Wembley, he said the bout ranked in the top ten he had ever witnessed. But he also said that he believed Fury — who had beaten Klitschko two years earlier — was a better fighter.Colin watched his last major heavyweight bout only last year in Riyadh where he saw Fury’s first pro defeat against Oleksandr Usyk.And yet again, he had correctly predicted the result.READ MORE SUN STORIESColin died after a short illness days short of what would have been his 90th birthday on April 6. He is survived by wife Cindy, and daughters Laura and Lisa.Colin with his family after he ran with the Olympic torch down Old Kent Road in 2012Credit: Peter Jordan – The SunColin with boxing promoter Frank Warren who described him as a ‘dear friend’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson leads emotional tribute to Denis Law in Scotland’s first home clash since Man Utd legend died at 84

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON led the touching tributes to Denis Law before Scotland’s clash against Greece.The Tartan Army were in action for the first time at Hampden Park since the Manchester United legend’s sad death in January.Sir Alex Ferguson held a Scotland shirt with Denis Law’s name printed on the backCredit: PAFergie was joined by members of Law’s family at Hampden ParkCredit: PAFans unveiled a stunning banner to show their respect to their record goalscorerPlayers and fans also held a minute’s applauseCredit: SNSAnd ahead of kick-off today, Scotland paid a fitting tribute to Law.A montage of his best moments was played on the big screens while fans held up cards to create a banner that read “Lawman”.Both teams showed their appreciation alongside supporters with a minute’s applause. And Sir Alex showed his respect by entering the pitch alongside Law’s family.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ex-Man Utd manager held a shirt aloft with the 1964 Ballon d’Or winner’s name and number on the back.Fans loved the emotional tribute, with one saying: “Lovely moment legend to legend.”Another added: “Great gesture.”A third wrote: “Absolutely class scenes.”Most read in FootballLaw sadly died at the aged of 84 earlier this year following a brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.The former striker is widely-regarded as one of the best to ever play for Scotland and Man Utd.Denis Law was the last of Man Utd’s ‘Holy Trinity’ and one of football’s true greatsHe is his nation’s joint-record goalscorer of all-time on 30 goals – tied with Kenny Dalglish at the top of the list.At Man Utd, he won two league titles, the FA Cup and European Cup while netting an incredible 237 goals in 404 games.The likes of Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney and all of the Red Devils squad attended his funeral.Denis Law won the Ballon d’Or and European CupCredit: Rex More

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      Livingstone Bramble dead at 64: Former WBA lightweight champion known for Ray Mancini battles and love of snakes dies

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      FORMER boxing world champion Livingstone Bramble has passed away at the age of 64.The fighter held the WBA lightweight belt for two years.Livingstone Bramble [left] has passed awayCredit: GettyBramble held the WBA lightweight belt for two years after beating Ray Mancini twiceCredit: GettyBorn as Ras-I Alujah Bramble, the icon is best remembered for his two victories over Hall of Famer Ray Mancini.The hard-hitter knocked out his rival at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium to claim the WBA lightweight belt in 1984.He retained his crown in the rematch against Mancini a year later and again when facing Tyrone Crawley.But in one of the biggest upsets of a generation, Bramble lost his title to Edwin Rosario in 1986.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe has been described as an “eccentric” character and the Saint Kitts and Nevis-born legend often wore a snake around his neck when heading into the ring.In an iconic encounter with Mancini, Bramble pulled out a voodoo doll and poked it in the eyes while asking him “tell me how your eyes feel, see how your eyes are jumping now?”He also had a pet snake named Dog, a pet dog named Snake and a ferret named Spider.Bramble finished his career with a 40-26-3 records, including 25 knockouts.Most read in BoxingHis old manager and trainer Lou Duva said he was a “nut, a real coconut head, a cuckoo.”In a touching tribute, his pal Stitch Duran said: “One of the hardest punchers I ever did pads for. A true friend. I’ll miss his smile.”Fans added: “Rest in peace champ.”Anther wrote: “Livingstone Bramble was a personality, a character that seemed larger than life with an aura of mystique.”His death comes on the same weekend legend George Foreman and The Sun’s “Voice of Boxing” Colin Hart also sadly passed away. More

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      Sporting world pays emotional tribute to The Sun’s legendary Voice of Boxing Colin Hart after his death aged 89

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      THE sporting world has paid emotional tributes to The Sun’s legendary Voice of Boxing.Colin Hart, who was a member of this newspaper’s original sports desk when The Sun was launched in 1969, died aged 89 on Saturday.The sporting world has paid emotional tribute to Colin HartCredit: The SunHart with Muhammad Ali Jnr, Michael Watson and John Conteh last yearCredit: RexLennox Lewis being asked questions by Hart in New York in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdRicky “The Hitman” Hatton and heavyweight champions Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno led tributes to a “master of his craft”.Ricky Hatton: ‘One of the last great boxing journalists’I am so sad to hear of the passing of Colin Hart.Colin followed my career from the start all the way through to the big fights in Vegas.He would often ring me for a chat and we became genuine mates.Colin was one of the first people to congratulate me when I was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, he had previously been inducted himself, and I know how proud he was of that.We spoke for ages and he told me it was one of the highlights of his career and what to expectAnd, right at the end of the chat, he told me: ‘You’ll love it, Ricky. Just enjoy it like I did’.Colin is one of the last great boxing journalists and he will be sadly missed.RIP old mate.Michael Buffer: ‘Among the best ever’Read more Sports NewsI was honoured to know the legendary Boxing Hall of Fame journalist, Colin Hart, for almost all of my career in the sport.His writings and passion for boxing are universally recognised as among the best ever.He will be forever remembered as a gentleman scribe and, to those of us who knew him by either casual acquaintance or deep personal friendship, he will be missed and never forgotten.Rest in peace, dear friend.Jeff Powell MBE: ‘Wise, wry and fearless’A privilege and a delight to share much of Colin Hart’s journey to legendary status as a sports writer who knew more about boxing than 99 per cent of all those involved in the game. Honest and loyal as an East End day is long. Wise, wry, fearless, generous, a treasure trove of tales to tell. Ultimate professional and much loved companion on our travels. May The Sun never set on his memoryJane Couch: ‘Knew the game inside out’Most read in BoxingMe and Colin go back a long way.Although Col was old fashioned and wasn’t keen on women boxing, he was always OK with me.We got on well.It’s a sad loss to boxing.Colin was one of the old school journalists who knew the game inside out.Boxing legend Colin Hart reveals how Larry Holmes was targeted by ‘rednecks’ in build-up to Gerry Cooney fightJoe Calzaghe: ‘Real giant of boxing writers’Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him.He will be sorely missed and my deepest condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.Michael Watson: ‘I felt like he was in my corner’Colin Hart was a boxing man, through and through.We could tell it was more than a job for him.Colin cared about us fighters and he campaigned for us.I felt like he was in my corner during my boxing career and definitely after it.The world has changed a lot since our glory days and I’m not sure there will ever be another Colin Hart.Lennox Lewis: ‘An icon in British boxing’I was only with Colin at the undisputed heavyweight world title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in May and he looked so fit and strong.We were sat behind Usyk’s wife and when she kept standing up to cheer on her man, Colin was politely telling her to sit down so he could see the action.Even in the VIP seats, Colin was still in ‘journalist mode’ wanting to capture every second and know exactly what had happened.Afterwards, when Usyk had got his hand raised, his wife and Colin had a lovely chat. She apologised and said she couldn’t help supporting the husband she loves so much. And Colin told her that Usyk was a lucky man.Now I realise that was our last time together, it feels like a really nice one.Early on in our careers, things were definitely not as cosy.Because I came over to the UK from Canada, with my Olympic win, Colin didn’t take to me.It seemed like he was a proud Englishman, proud of his country and its fighters, so I felt he picked against me, especially when I boxed a guy he felt was more British than me.I remember he picked Gary Mason and Frank Bruno to beat me, even though all of the other reporters were in my corner.But it ended up being a great inspiration to me, because he was respected, I took his doubts about me and used them as fuel.When I proved him wrong I would look out for him in the front row and press seats and try to catch his eye.I loved proving him wrong and I could see he felt that too.It was a good healthy professional relationship, where he had questions about me and I was eager to answer them.Eventually he did realise that I was the real deal, I answered all of his questions and I cured all of his doubts.He admitted he had got me wrong and I respected that, that’s how things should work between men.It was clear that he was revered among all the other reporters, he was clearly the leader of the boxing press pack.I don’t think anyone else ever started off a press conference or an interview ahead of Colin.The other reporters waited for him to lead and sometimes he would get about 10 questions off before anyone else dared ask some.I even remember a couple of times when he finished his list of questions, closed up his notepad, tucked away his pen and walked off, just when the other writers were getting the chance to start their questions!He was that confident in his research and questions that he didn’t need to hang around and listen to the leftovers, he was off to write his words.I noticed it around my era but it’s even more prevalent recently, some reporters seem afraid to ask the real questions, or push for the truth, because the fighter or promoter or manager might get angry or cancel their accreditation.There doesn’t seem to be the same desire to get to the real truth anymore.Fighters and their achievements are often way overblown or their failings and mistakes are ignored and glossed over.From my years working with Colin, I could never accuse him of that.I think he would like to know that.I knew that he wanted to get to the truth and tell the truth and – if he upset people along the way – so be it.It looks like it’s sometimes hard to have a good name in journalism, to be trusted, but I felt like Colin had that.His longevity made him an icon in British boxing but I think the fact that his name and his word was respected probably meant much to him.Anthony Crolla: ‘One of the most recognisable faces and voices’It’s heartbreaking that Colin has gone, especially so close to a milestone 90th birthday.But I know that his legacy on British boxing – the sport, not just the journalism – will never be surpassed or forgotten.You were one of the most recognisable faces and voices in the sport – more so than some of us fighters even!I’ll always remember we were sat together for the George Groves win over James DeGale and we had a pretty big difference of opinion!But that night, like all the others, it was just lovely to be in your company and listen to your opinions, because you were someone that I respected, massively.Rest in peace, Colin. We’re really going to miss you.Sun boxing writer Hart chats to Lewis in 1995Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdColin covered hundreds of world title fights and is pictured here with Mike TysonCredit: Times Newspapers LtdColin reported on the iconic Rumble in the Jungle… and predicted Muhammad Ali’s win when the rest of Fleet Street tipped George ForemanCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSpencer Oliver: ‘The man you wanted to take notice of you’I’m not exaggerating to say that Colin was THE man you wanted to take notice of you, when you was boxing in my era.When we opened The Sun at the gym, we would rush straight through to his pages and hoped we would get a mention.Colin was always the boxing reporter of that generation that was the most respected in the gyms and at the shows, everyone wanted to get on his radar and get praise in his columns.It’s broken me a little bit, because he covered my entire career and he helped me when I was injured and in hospital and fighting dark times.He was always in my corner, when I felt very alone. And then again when I started working in the media and he helped me with so many TV and radio shows.It’s a real blow, it’s no exaggeration to say British boxing will not be the same again.Looking around a London ring, from Wembley stadium or York Hall, you almost always spot Colin with a paper under his arm.I’m gutted I’m never going to see that again.But I’m so grateful for everything he did for me and I hope I repaid him, somehow.READ MORE SUN STORIESJohnny Nelson: ‘An absolutely proper boxing journalist’When Colin Hart wrote about you in The Sun it was a big deal.I remember it took him ages to write about me, I kept looking for an article an it never came and, when it did, I don’t thing it was even nice about me!But because fighters knew how much Colin had given to the sport, the amateur shows, not just world titles, they respected his opinion.I saw him have loads of arguments with fighters because, when he criticised them, it hurt, because he knew his stuff and it carried weight.And he wasn’t being critical for attention, he was doing his job and he had earned his right to an opinion.These days most boxing coverage is about views and clicks and content, people need to protect their access rather than ask the important questions.Colin was the opposite of that, he was an absolutely proper boxing journalist.I don’t think there will ever be another boxing reporter like Colin Hart, the world and the sport and the industry doesn’t make them like that anymore.Frank Bruno: ‘Undisputed Champion of boxing reporters’Sometimes in life, when your back is against the ropes, and you feel like the whole world is mugging you off, you need people you can reach out to for help who you can trust. Colin Hart was – without a doubt – always one of those people. I was just a teenager, a kid really, when our paths crossed for the first time. I was an upcoming amateur fighter making a name for myself. Colin – or Mr Hart as I called him the first time we met – was a top boxing journalist who had covered boxing’s great and good for decades. So I knew when he kept coming back to watch my fights I must have been doing something right. In the end, he was there at ringside, covering every moment: all the highs and all the lows. Recently, he very kindly picked my fight against Lennox Lewis as one of his top five British bouts of all time. I quite liked the fight as well. Well, apart from the ending if you know what I mean. But it’s the moments outside the ring that I spent with Colin that I’ll remember the most fondly. Boxing now is nothing like it used to be. These days, those press conferences are like mini-fights. The hype, the drama, the aggro – I wouldn’t be surprised if they start putting some of those press conferences on pay-per-view. Back in the 80s and 90s it was totally different. Boxers and newspaper journalists would spend time mixing in and around training camps. There was no social media. No 24 hour sports news. Instead, I’d spend hours talking to Colin and his colleagues. These guys knew everything about boxing and Colin had the biggest brain of all. I used to joke that he was a walking encyclopedia. But I secretly soaked up so much of what he said and the advice he gave me. To me, Colin was a serious hombre. When he had something to say it was worth paying attention. I knew I could trust him too. I’ve not always had a great relationship with the media, especially some of the news-boys over the years. But Colin was as straight as they came – and he quickly became a really firm friend. Maybe that’s why when I hit rock-bottom and started suffering with mental ill health it was Colin I turned to for advice. I remember one phone call, shortly before I was sectioned, where I spoke to Colin on the phone for an hour. Truth be told I was crying out for help and Colin, as ever, advised me the best I could. In the end, like we all have to, I had to find my own way out of my troubles. But Colin was always supporting me, sending me letters and notes. And once I was out of hospital he was one of the first on the phone to wish me well. Since retiring I regularly saw Colin at various boxing events, sportsmans dinners, and charity galas. If I knew he was there I’d always ask to be on his table, and we’d swap stories about the good old days. I last saw Colin in October, at a tribute dinner in London to celebrate my old mate John Conteh, and he was as sharp and as smart as he’d always been. As ever it was a privilege to spend some time with him and to share a laugh and a joke. It’s hard to believe I’ll never see him again. When it comes to the kings of boxing reporters, Colin was the undisputed Champion. No-one else will ever lay a glove on him. RIP, my friend. Frank Bruno More

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      I lost both of my grandfathers to suicide, we must do more to help, says Championship star Will Vaulks

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      WILL VAULKS knows all about the devastation that follows suicide.The Oxford United star’s two grandfathers both took their lives within 18 months of each other while he was in his early teens.Will Vaulks says the deaths caused ‘enormous destruction’ in his familyCredit: GettyHywel Edwards took his life just a day after watching Vaulks play footballVaulks described paternal grandfather Tom as wonderful to be withVaulks, 31, was just 13 when he and his family were left heartbroken when paternal grandad Tom died aged 67,  six months after he had initially tried to kill himself.And then the Wales midfielder’s maternal grandfather Hywel took his life aged 78, a day after watching his then 15-year-old grandson playing youth football for Tranmere.Now Vaulks wants to raise awareness for one of the biggest — yet “most forgotten” — killers.The latest 12-month UK Government figures showed 4,377 people died by suicide, that is an average of 12 deaths every day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe U’s ace told SunSport: “Suicide is the biggest killer in men aged under 50 and women under 35.“So the biggest threat to your friend or family member’s life at that age isn’t a heart attack, cancer or a car crash . . . it’s from themselves.“We talk about cancer research and the need to learn CPR — which is important and great — but suicide gets forgotten.“So we must do everything to help get the numbers down.”Most read in FootballYou’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:Both grandfathers were much loved and Tom was a larger-than-life  character who would take his grandson for a spin on the back of his red Kawasaki 500 motorbike.Vaulks recalled: “He used to look after me, my brother and sister when our parents were away.“And he would say, ‘When the cat’s away, the mice play!’“I couldn’t have asked for a better grandparent so you can only  imagine the feelings I had when he chose to take his life. It was so  difficult for my dad and family.”At the time it was not understood why Tom had decided to end his life although with the benefit of hindsight years later the reason is perhaps less mysterious.His grandfather, who was divorced from Vaulks’ nan, was deeply depressed and complained about a stomach pain he could not get diagnosed.It is felt he feared getting old and not being able to continue doing the fun things he enjoyed.Then, in 2008, his other grandfather Hywel left home in circumstances out of character.Vaulks said: “My grandmother Brenda woke up to find he wasn’t in bed and had gone out.“He didn’t take a coat or get properly dressed so hadn’t gone out for a walk.”Police were called and a helicopter and search dogs sent out to comb the area.Loving grand-dad Hywel took his own life aged 78Tom, who died aged 67, is pictured with his son and grandchildrenBut eventually after a few hours it was Vaulk’s mum and Hywel’s daughter Ruth who discovered his body.Only the evening before he had been watching Vaulks playing football but he went home at the full-time whistle rather than stick around, as he normally did.That evening his mum went to check on him and Vaulks explained: “He told her, ‘You do know I love you, don’t you?’“It was a lovely thing to say to his daughter but it has been hard for my mum down the years because she has been left with many unanswered questions like was it a sign and should she have spotted it?“But he had made his decision at that  point and unfortunately we will  never know exactly why.”From experience, no one who is struggling is a burden. People want to help, people love you and you must love yourself too.Will VaulksPeople who take their lives are in the deepest of torment and often feel they are a burden to families and friends but, as Vaulks explains, the decision to die by suicide leaves a trail of devastation that is far worse for those loved ones left behind. He said: “The destruction the two suicides left for my family was enormous.“We had a normal family life which was happy, healthy and great.“The best way to describe it is it’s like a bomb going off within the family unit.“Suicide leaves a complex grieving process that some people do not  manage to get through. As a family, we fortunately did.“But I became a bit numb to normal passings because you feel bitterness in the way you lost your grandparents.“They both thought they were best out of the equation.“I’d say to anyone who is struggling, the burden you leave by taking your own life is 100 fold for those you leave behind.“From experience, no one who is struggling is a burden. People want to help, people love you and you must love yourself too.“I’ve spoken to suicide survivors who look back now and live happy, healthy fulfilled lives.”Championship side Oxford became the first club last month to sign up for a suicide prevention charity’s workplace pledge.United’s new partnership with Baton of Hope will see the U’s deliver in-house, personal  suicide prevention training to all its players and staff.Hywel was great to be around as a kid, saying Will VaulksTom became depressed in later life and worried about a stomach painIt coincided with the third anniversary of Oxford legend Joey Beauchamp taking his own life at the age of 50 after years of mental- health struggles.Vaulks, who also wants the EFL to get on board, says there are stereotypical myths  surrounding suicide.He said: “People always have one answer like he or she was a gambling addict, had an affair, took drugs — all hyper motive things.“Sometimes those issues are relevant but a lot of the time it’s not the case.“People have struggled silently for a long time and not had the help they need. At the moment, in the NHS, mental-health help is not there.“The charity’s founder is Mike McCarthy and his  son Ross was on a waiting list for six months and died two months into it. That sort of time frame for help isn’t acceptable.”Vaulks is sure prevention is better than cure and urges everyone to play an active part.He added: “People don’t wake up one day and decide to take their own life.A friend might be acting erratically, maybe drinking five pints instead of two or vice-versa, or acting quieter or louder. There are times when people are at crisis point and help lines or emergency services need to be called.Will Vaulks“The thing we can all do is to check in  twice. We all know when someone asks, ‘How are you?’ that a person usually replies, ‘Good’.“If you notice a slight change in your friend or people you don’t speak to so often, just  ask again, ‘No, really, how are you — is everything fine?’“We don’t need to have deep conversations but we do need to delve more into how people are feeling.“It’s proven eight to nine minutes of talking can be enough to lift someone’s mood and prevent them spiralling downhill.“A friend might be acting erratically, maybe drinking five pints instead of two or vice-versa, or acting quieter or louder.“There are times when people are at crisis point and help lines or emergency services need to be called.“But we must try to stop these things before they become major issues.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So if you feel happy and fulfilled, pass that on to people, even in the street.“We can live a competitive, fun and aggressive life — but still look out for others.” More