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    Israel Vazquez dead at 46: Three-time world champion boxer dies after cancer battle as tributes pour in

    FORMER boxing champion Israel Vazquez has tragically passed away aged 46. The former three-time super-bantamweight champion was recently diagnosed with stage four sarcoma. Israel Vazquez has tragically passed away aged 46Credit: GETTYThe former three-time super-bantamweight champion was recently diagnosed with stage four cancerCredit: GETTYThe beloved Mexican mauler has sadly lost his battle with the diseaseCredit: GETTYBut ‘El Magnifico’ has tragically lost his brief battle with the disease. His passing was announced by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman. He wrote on X “Israel Vazquez is finally resting in peace. “May God give strength and support to his wife, Laura, their children, family, and friends during these difficult times.”READ MORE BOXING NEWSVazquez’s illness left him incredibly weak and barely able to speak. His wife Laura told the Los Angeles Times: “He can hardly speak and, when he does, he is short of breath. He is very weak.” Vazquez and his family were given a grim diagnosis after the severity of his cancer was revealed but Laura refused to give up hope. She said: “We were told he would have six months to live, but I’m not going to give up. Most read in BoxingTributes for the late Vazquez have poured in from around the worldCredit: GETTY”We’re going to get a second opinion. We know there’s still hope.”Tributes for the late Vazquez began to pour in after news of his passing spread on social media.Eddie Hearn reacts wildy in the ring as Katie Taylor beats Amanda SerranoFormer world champ Billy Dib wrote: “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Israel Vázquez after his courageous battle with cancer.”He was not only a champion but also a true warrior in and out of the ring. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who admired him. May he rest in peace.”One boxing fan wrote: “Rest in peace Israel ‘Magnifico’ Vazquez a true Mexican fighter who fought with pure heart every fight.”Condolences to Israel family.”Another said: “The Mexican idol encapsulated the famous Mexican fighting spirit.”And another said: “That’s such terrible news about Israel Vazquez. “A true warrior in and out of the ring. Israel Vazquez has four fights with fellow Mexican Rafael MarquezCredit: ALAMY”He had one of the best rivalries in boxing history and the 3rd fight with Marquez is one of the best fights of this century. “And a top 10 super bantamweight ever. Rest in peace, champ.”Marquez reached the pinnacle of the sport in the 39th professional fight in March 2004, in which he stopped Jose Luis Valbuena in the 12th round to claim the vacant IBF super-bantamweight crown.He would go on to win the WBC and Ring Magazine 122lbs straps a year later with a stunning third-round stoppage of Oscar Larios. He’d defend the belts twice before losing them in the first of his four bouts with Rafael Marquez in March 2007. He’d exact his revenge four months later with a sixth-round TKO victory and defend them the following March courtesy of a hard-fought split decision. READ MORE SUN STORIESMarquez, however, would level their series two years later with a third-round knockout in May 2010. The defeat to Marquez would prove to be the final bout of a legendary career for the Mexico City mauler. More

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    Mary McGee dead at 87: Racing legend and star of Lewis Hamilton’s ‘Motorcycle Mary’ film passes away

    RACING legend Mary McGee has passed away at the age of 87.The American was a pioneer in motorsport, breaking new ground as a woman in a male-dominated field.Motorcycle racing pioneer Mary McGee has passed away aged 83Credit: GettyShe was the subject of a Lewis Hamilton-produced short filmCredit: GettyMcGee competed from 1960 to 1976, becoming the first woman to race the Baja 1000, and the only woman to finish the Baja 500 solo.She initially raced sports cars before making the switch to motorcycles in 1964, and raced the Baja 500 on recommendation from Steve McQueen.Her family announced her death, saying: “Mary embodied resilience, grace, and optimism.”She was a historic athlete and a motorsports pioneer who embraced life’s challenges, cared deeply for others, and made time to brighten the lives of those around her. READ MORE IN F1″While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we are comforted knowing that her light will continue to shine in everyone she touched.”We would like to take a moment to extend a thank you to the healthcare providers, caregivers, friends, and family members that made Mary’s transition peaceful. “She particularly enjoyed the last few months meeting those who learned her story through the documentary, Motorcycle Mary.”McGee was also the subject of the short film, Motorcycle Mary, which was produced by Sir Lewis Hamilton.Most read in MotorsportThe F1 star invited McGee to the Canadian Grand Prix as a special guest this year and they spoke before the race.Sky Sports commentator also spoke to McGee, and he has paid tribute to the legend following her death.Lewis Hamilton in awkward car journey with George Russell and Carlos Sainz after Las Vegas GPHe said: “This is very sad, spoke to her on the grid in Montreal and was due to make a feature with Mary in Austin but she wasn’t well. “Truly remarkable lady, there is a documentary being released anytime about her life.” More

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    Paul Dickenson dead at 74: BBC commentator who covered Jessica Ennis-Hill’s iconic gold at London 2012 dies

    FORMER BBC Sport commentator Paul Dickenson has passed away aged 74.Dickenson, who specialised in athletics and winter sports for over two decades, died at home on Tuesday.Paul Dickenson has passed awayCredit: ALAN TOWSE/FAMOUSDickenson worked in commentary for over two decadesCredit: Action ImagesHis death was announced by the BBC on Wednesday evening.Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the man with an iconic voice.One person wrote: “Really sad to read that Paul Dickenson has died. One of my favourite commentators of all time, his voice is very much missed.”While another commented: “Just seen the very sad news that Paul Dickenson has passed away.READ MORE IN SPORT”Having grown up listening to him, it took me a while to pluck up the courage to talk to him when I was first starting out but, once I did, he was always very supportive and just great company.”Dickenson commentated on every Summer and Winter Olympic Games between 1992 and 2014.He is one of only five BBC commentators to call Team GB gold medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics.In 2012 he commentated on Jessica Ennis-Hill’s iconic gold medal in the Olympic heptathlon.Most read in AthleticsDickenson commentated on Jessica Ennis-Hill’s heptathlon gold at London 2012Credit: ReutersHis final commentary for the BBC was Lizzy Yarnold’s gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics in SochiCredit: PA:Press AssociationHis last BBC commentary took place when Lizzy Yarnold won her skeleton gold at Sochi 2014.Before taking up a role in commentary, Dickenson was an Olympic hammerthrower.He represented Great Britain at two successive Olympic games starting in 1976.His best Olympic result was finishing in 14th place that year, where he threw 68.52 metres.Dickenson also commentated on World’s Strongest Man and Superstars, a TV sports competition. More

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    Tragedy as footballer Gift Atulewa, 38, dies suddenly just one month after burying his wife

    FOOTBALLER Gift Atulewa has tragically passed away at the age of 38.The striker died in the early hours of Tuesday morning following complications with his blood pressure.Nigerian footballer Gift Atulewa has tragically passed awayCredit: .He was still mourning the loss of his wife, who passed just one month ago.On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Delta State Football Association said: “We just buried the wife last month, that may have contributed to this development.”He has blood pressure issues but he had been managing it.”The day before yesterday, the condition became bad and he was taken to the hospital.Read More in Football”They noticed he had malaria but aside from that, the blood pressure kept going up, we lost him this morning by 7am.”As we are speaking, there is an ex-international football tournament going on in Delta State – he is part of the ex-Uwei where he comes from, he is part of their team.”He scored the first goal of the tournament from a wonderful free kick that he is known for, he scored that goal like three weeks ago when the competition began.”Atulewa had recently travelled to the Ivory Coast to complete a coaching course.Most read in FootballHe retired from professional football in 2016 having played for Nigerian clubs Bayelsa United, Ocean Boys and Warri Wolves.The striker also made three appearances for Nigeria’s Under-20s. More

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    Fresh heartache for George Baldock’s family over late defender’s official cause of death

    THE family of football star George Baldock faced fresh heartache yesterday over his official cause of death.They were told it could be months before they know for sure what killed the Panathinaikos defender last month.Football ace George was found dead in his swimming pool at his villa in AthensCredit: ReutersSheffield United players paid tribute to their former starCredit: GettyThe 31-year-old former Sheffield United player was found dead in his swimming pool at his villa in Athens.A report detailing toxicology and histology results will be prepared but is unlikely to be ready until the new year.Dr Grigoris Leon, of the Hellenic Society of Forensic Medicine, said: “The release of official findings could take months.“There are only five people with the expertise to conduct microscopic tests in Greece.READ MORE ON GEORGE BALDOCK“The cause of his death is very likely to have been pathological and related to the heart.”Baldock, who signed for Panathinaikos in the summer, was repatriated to the UK and laid to rest a week ago.Mourners included former England midfielder Dele Ali.Baldock, known to fans as Furious George due to his all-action playing style, made over 200 appearances for the Blades.Most read in FootballHe also won 12 caps for Greece.England and Greece stars in emotional minute’s silence to pay tribute to George Baldock after tragic death at 31The family of football star George Baldock faced fresh heartache over his official cause of deathCredit: Getty More

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    Tragedy as footballer Marco Angulo, 22, dies of injuries from devastating car crash

    INTERNATIONAL footballer Marco Angulo has tragically died at the age of 22.Angulo was involved in a traffic incident in Ecuador’s capital of Quito on October 7, before he was rushed to hospital.Marco Angulo of LDU Quito has died 35 days after he was involved in a fatal car crashCredit: GettyThe car crash had occurred on the Rumiñahui highway in the southeast of Quito at 4.30am.While in hospital he underwent a “decompressive craniectomy” operation that extracted 300 cubic centimetres of blood to release pressure inside his head caused by the trauma suffered.Angulo had also suffered a lung contusion that required the placement of a chest tube, though no active bleeding was found.However, 35 days after the crash on November 11, Angulo was confirmed to have passed away from his injuries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was travelling in a Ford Explorer registered in his sister’s name with four other people when the crash happened.Angulo’s death means three people have been killed in the crash, including Independiente Juniors star Roberto Cabezas Simisterra and Víctor Charcopa Nazareno, the cousin of Cuniburo Fútbol Club player Diogo Nazareno.The car is reported to have crashed into a metal structure weighing 50 tons after failing to follow the road signs, with the impact moving the structure by 5 metres.Angulo starred for Ecuadorian club LDU Quito on loan from Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati.Most read in FootballThe midfielder, who only made his professional debut in 2020, had been capped twice by the Ecuador national team.His latest appearance had come in a 2-1 win over Australia in March 2023.Paying tribute following his death, his club said in a statement: “With profound pain and sadness, we regret to inform the passing of our beloved player Marco Angulo.”His departure is an irreparable loss that will leave an indelible mark in our hearts.Club captain Ezequiel Piovi said on Instagram: “May you rest in peace.”The Ecuador international was on loan from MLS side FC CincinnatiCredit: Getty More

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    Sheffield Wednesday fan ‘mocks death of ex-Premier League star George Baldock with sick pic’ as cops launch probe

    A SHEFFIELD Wednesday fan has been spotted appearing to mock the tragic death of ex-Premier League star George Baldock.Pictures show a man holding a phone up to rival Sheffield United supporters with the sick question “Where’s Baldock?” plastered across the screen.A fan was seen holding a phone up to rival Sheffield United supporters with the question ‘Where’s Baldock?’ across the screenCredit: XGeorge Baldock, a Sheffield United legend, died back in October after drowning in GreeceCredit: GettyBaldock, a Sheffield United legend, died back in October after drowning in Greece – as cops launch a probe over the “abhorrent act”.United played Wednesday in the local Steel City derby for the first time since the defender’s death.The derby match is known as one of the UK’s fiercest footballing contests with a number of high profile incidents in recent years.An image of the man holding up his phone has been shared online by angry fellow supporters hitting out at his actions.read more in footballDressed in a black hoodie the Wednesday fan can be seen staring directly into the camera with his phone in his left hand.Across the black screen reads the words “Where’s Baldock?” in white text.Sheffield Wednesday have put out a statement regarding the incident condemning the “appalling behaviour” by their own fan.They said: “The club are aware of an image circulating on social media and roundly condemn this abhorrent act. Most read in Football”We are working together with South Yorkshire Police on an immediate investigation and make it absolutely clear that there is no place in football or society for such appalling behaviour.”Wife of Wednesday captain Barry Bannan also blasted the fan.Chloe Bannan said: “That is absolutely abhorrent, and they’re nothing to do with Wednesday.”George Baldock’s heartbreaking summer farewell message to Sheffield Utd fans re-emerges after star found dead aged 31The Sun has reached out to South Yorkshire police for comment.Sheffield United took home all three points in the game after winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Tyrese Campbell.Just one season earlier, young Bradley Lowery – a loyal Sunderland fan who died of cancer – was also mocked by Sheffield Wednesday fans at a game.Vile yobs flashed a picture of Lowery in the stands of a match at Hillsborough as they laughed at their own sick joke.Baldock’s funeral was held at the end of October with fellow footie stars Dele Alli and Dean Henderson among the players at the sombre ceremony. Born in Buckinghamshire, Baldock had Greek roots through his grandmother and played for the country 12 times.He graduated from MK Dons’ youth set-up, where Alli also played before his move to Tottenham in 2015.Baldock is regarded as a Sheffield United legend for his stint at the clubCredit: GettySheffield United players held up a shirt to Baldock in a touching tributeCredit: GettyPaying a heartbreaking tribute to Baldock earlier this month, Alli said it had been an “honor to know” him.He wrote on Instagram: “No words I could type or pictures I could use would ever be enough.”May your spirit, ambition, determination and humility live on through those who had the honour of knowing you!”I love you brother and will miss you forever!”My thoughts, prayers and heart goes out to your family! Rest in peace Balders.”Baldock made his name with the Blades, playing over 200 times for the club 2017 and 2024.He had joined Panathinaikos from the South Yorkshire side this summer.The defender made four appearances for the Greek side this season, including three in the league.READ MORE SUN STORIESBaldock was found unresponsive in his private swimming pool just a day after his final match.He was also due to fly back to the UK to see his fiancee Annabel and son Brody hours after he was discovered. Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 Premier League minutes – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.Baldock’s funeral took place in his native BuckinghamshireCredit: LNPBaldock was playing in Greece after joining Panathinaikos in the summerCredit: Rex More

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    Former light heavyweight boxing champion-turned-TV-star dies aged 45 as he recovered from heart surgery

    FORMER light heavyweight boxing champion and TV star Vyacheslav Uzelkov has died aged 45.Reports in his native Ukraine claim the ex-fighter passed away after recovering from heart surgery.Former boxing champ Vyacheslav Uzelkov has died aged 45Credit: AlamyHe won 30 of his 34 fights, recording 19 KOs in the processCredit: AlamyUzelkov was recovering from heart surgery when he passed awayCredit: AlamyHe became a TV star and even went into politics after retiring from boxing in 2014Credit: AlamyUzelkov was once a top boxer in the ring, winning 30 of his 34 fights while recording 19 KOs.He was a former WBA Inter-Continental, IBO International and WBO Inter-Continental light heavyweight champion.Uzelkov, nicknamed ‘Steel Power’, made his bow in 2004 before retiring a decade later.After quitting the ring, Uzelkov started a new career in his homeland as a TV presenter.READ MORE IN BOXINGHaving reportedly featured in a dancing show during his boxing days, he ended up becoming a judge on Ukraine’s version of Britain’s Got Talent.In 2020, Uzelkov had a brief stint in politics after running to become mayor of Vinnytsia, a city in central Ukraine.But earlier this year he went under the knife for heart surgery.Uzelkov had been recovering from the operation when he passed away.Most read in BoxingAnd a statement from Ukraine’s boxing federation paid tribute to him online.It read: “Ukrainian boxing has suffered a heavy loss – Vyacheslav Uzelkov has passed away. ‘Can you imagine Jake Paul’s face,’ says Mike Tyson trainer as he breaks boxing pad with brutal power in training video “His name will forever remain in the history of sports, and his example of strength, resilience and dedication will inspire future generations.”Fans also paid tribute on social media.One said: “Thoughts with family and friends and boxers that looked up to him.”Another added: “Rest in peace.” More