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      ‘I’d expect a foul’ – Paul Merson claims Arsenal’s winner at Tottenham shouldn’t have stood as VAR fails to intervene

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      PAUL MERSON reckons Arsenal’s winner in the North London Derby SHOULDN’T have stood.The Gunners ran out 1-0 winners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon thanks to a bullet second-half header from Gabriel Magalhaes.Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners in the North London Derby on SundayCredit: GETTYGabriel Magalhaes’ second-half header secured a massive three points for the GunnersCredit: ALAMYThe Brazilian bullied Spurs centre-back Cristian Romero off the ball before heading homeCredit: REUTERSFormer Arsenal star Paul Merson reckons Gabriel’s goal shouldn’t have stoodCredit: REXThe Brazilian buffeted fellow centre-back Cristian Romero out of the way before heading the ball past a helpless Guglielmo Vicario.Romero didn’t make a meal of the contact and go to ground, something former Gunner Merson believes he was more than entitled to do.The Sky Sports pundit said: “I would be disappointed if I didn’t get a foul.”[Romero] is in the wrong position, everything is wrong about his defending. He’s an international centre-half.READ MORE ON SPURS VS ARSENAL”Even I know, and I don’t play at the back, that you’ve got to be side-on, seeing the ball and your player.”To start off with you’ve got to be a hand-length away [from him] and he was standing with him.”I do think – I’d expect a foul. I would expect a foul.”Victory for Mikel Arteta’s troops was their THIRD on the spin at the home of their fiercest rivals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd they triumphed without the services of star midfielders Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, the latter of whom was serving a needless suspension for his red card against Brighton before the international break.A jubilant Arteta said of the win: “We have the power to make a lot of people happy and proud.Fans fume at ‘pure robbery’ after Arsenal star Jurrien Timber avoids red card after referee ‘bottles it'”We certainly did that today in the manner that we won the game in the circumstances that we had before arriving into this match.”And with this being the third consecutive away win here as well, it means a lot. So hopefully, they can enjoy it.“There are certain things that we have to do better for sure.”Especially the simple things with the ball that I wasn’t happy at all with.”But there are other things in the game that we have to do and the way we competed and defended.”And the way we have the intention all the time to run in the spaces that they give you, it was unbelievable.“Then you have to find a way to win in any context, and today it was tricky, because first of all they are a great opponent.”Secondly because we have to alter our plan quite a lot for the players that we had, and then you still win the game.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal will be back in action on Thursday night in their Champions League opener against Atalanta.The North Londoners will then travel to defending Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. More

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      Casemiro DROPPED from Man Utd XI to face Southampton but Ugarte doesn’t replace him as forgotten man gets rare start

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      CASEMIRO has been brutally AXED by Erik ten Hag following his horror show against Liverpool.The five-time Champions League winner was at fault for two of the Reds’ goals as they romped to a 3-0 win over Manchester United before this month’s international break.Casemiro has been axed by Erik ten Hag following his horror show against LiverpoolCredit: GETTYThe Brazilian was at fault for two of the Reds’ goals at Old Trafford and was brutally axed at half timeCredit: PAErik ten Hag has dropped the former Real Madrid man for Saturday’s clash with SouthamptonCredit: AFPTen Hag hooked the Brazilian during the half-time interval, handing youngster Toby Collyer his debut.And the Dutchman has opted NOT to included him in the starting XI for this afternoon’s clash with Southampton.But he’s not been replaced by summer signing Manuel Ugarte, who joined the club from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day.Ten Hag has opted to replace the 32-year-old with fellow veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen for this afternoon’s match at St Mary’s.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Old Trafford faithful were quick to react to Ten Hag’s decision on social media.One wrote on X: “Casemiro couldn’t start.”Another said: “After Casemiro’s stinker against Liverpool, Ten Hag can’t risk [him] anymore.And another said: “Casemiro absolutely had to be dropped.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne remarked: “So Casemiro on the scrap heap for another player marginalized by Ten Hag?”Another chimed in: “Ten Hag should get credit for dropping Casemiro despite Ugarte not being ready.Man Utd Player Ratings Casemiro’s Nightmare Against Liverpool”That message had to go out there after the Liverpool shocker. “Are we about to see an Eriksen rebirth?”Several Red Devils fans called for Casemiro to be dropped in the wake of his nightmare display against the Reds.Although many of them have blasted Ten Hag for starting Eriksen over £50million newboy Ugarte.One said: “[The] solution for Casemiro is Eriksen?”Another said: “Eriksen for Casemiro?”And another said: “Eriksen over Casemiro and Ugarte as DM in 2024? “[What] the fuck is wrong with Ten Hag and my club?One remarked: “Eriksen over Casemiro is scary.”Another chimed in with a series of facepalm emojis: “Drops Casemiro but brings in Eriksen…”United bounced back to winning ways thanks to a 3-0 win at St Mary’s thanks to goals from Matthijs de Light, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.After the match, Ten Hag said: “The start was not easy. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think the penalty was the turning point in the game and not so far after we scored and that was very important.”From that moment on, the game was all ours.” More

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      A sparkie, night shiftworker and sweet shop owner shooting it out for FA Cup golden ticket at Wembley

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      A SWEET shop owner, electrician and a telecoms engineer are all shooting it out to be at the FA Cup Final – one way or another.The trio would all love to fire their respective non-league sides to a miraculous Wembley triumph.Jonathan Lacey was last season’s top goalscorer in the FA CupCredit: X @EmiratesFACupAshford United’s Gary Lockyer is leading the way in this season’s competitionCredit: X @AshfordUnitedFCHe has eight goals so far and is gunning for more this weekendCredit: X @EmiratesFACupHowever, it’s fair to say that they all stand a much better chance of being a VIP under the arch instead of actually playing on Saturday 17 May. And that is because all three are currently battling to be crowned this season’s FA Cup top scorer and land themselves the Mitre Golden Ball award.The Football Association created it three years ago, and the winner gets the honour of not only collecting the trophy from an FA Cup legend but also walking the cup final match ball out onto the Wembley pitch before the final.The competition has already provided Tilbury hotshot Sam Bantick, who has five goals so far, with his greatest football memory.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe 32-year-old, who owns Sam’s Sweets and Shakes near Brentwood station, tasted the magic of the cup firsthand back in 2017.That was when he helped fire Heybridge Swifts into the first round proper and scored in their 3-1 defeat against their Football League opponents at St James Park.He moved to Isthmian League North Division outfit Tilbury this summer and capped his home debut with a hat-trick against Buckhurst Hill.But his exploits were caught on camera, and he soon went viral when his third, an audacious effort from inside his own half, was shared online.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I’ve tried it a few times but it hasn’t always come off. If I could do it all the time then I wouldn’t be playing the level that I’m playing at,” he told Sun Sport.“I hit that perfectly and as soon as I did I knew it was going in. I’ll always remember it.” I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying roundBantick has never been to an FA Cup Final, but after discovering the prize that awaits the top goalscorer, he says it would top the “best day of my life” at Exeter if he went to Wembley to collect the trophy.He said: “I’ll have to try a bit harder on Saturday now.“We don’t often get exposure or the chance to play big sides, of course you want to help your team out, but to get the chance to get honoured on a personal level like that is unreal.”And ahead of welcoming National League South outfit Chelmsford City to Chadfields, he added: “It’s going to be really tough, but it’s XI vs XI.“We know we’re massive underdogs but they’ll have to come to our ground, the changing-rooms will absolutely stink and we’ll try and make it as hard as we can for them.”Sparkie Sonnie Coleman, 27, is another looking to continue his hot-streak of six goals in three matches.And the Northern League Crook Town striker, who scored to help Hardwick Social retain the FA Sunday Cup in 2018 at Bramall Lane, has even played at Wembley before.He was part of the Stockton Town side that suffered FA Vase Final heartbreak at the hands of Thatcham Town six years ago.Tilbury hero Sam Bantick went viral earlier in the competitionCredit: Focus PhotosHe runs a family sweet shop near Brentwood stationCredit: Focus PhotosHe said: “Winning the Sunday Cup two years running was great but the Vase was the biggest game I’ve played in. That was the first and only time that I’ve ever been to Wembley. “So it would be amazing to get there and I have been keeping my eye on it.“I’ve seen the leader has eight, but I feel a bit ripped off as we haven’t had one replay and just gone straight through. He’s had a couple of replays but he’s obviously doing very well.”Coleman is gunning for Witton Albion, who are a step above them in the pyramid, on home turf on Saturday and added: “It’s already the furthest the club have been in the cup this century.“We’ve beaten Ashington already, who were from a step above, so let’s see if we can go even further.”The man they are all chasing is Ashford United’s Gary Lockyer.He already has EIGHT – including a four-goal haul in the last round – but was only told about JJ Lacey’s haul of ten being enough to secure the Golden Ball last season a fortnight ago.Sonnie Coleman of Crook Town already has some fabulous Wembley memoriesCredit: Si CrumbsLockyer, who works night shifts as a telecoms engineer for Network Planning Solutions, said: “After the four goals took me to eight, my manager said ‘you should be really up there’ but I hadn’t really thought or known about it.“I then looked it up and saw that the gentleman won it with ten goals last time and instantly thought ‘I’m quite close here’ and it would really be something to remember.“So I’m definitely hoping for a few more.”Man Utd fan Lockyer, 31, has experienced the first round proper when he was 17 at Hyde Town but didn’t play and he has also attended finals under the arch as a spectator.But the father-of-four is determined to stave off his competition and beat the likes of Erling Haaland and Mo Salah in the scoring stakes to land himself and his wife a VIP day out under the arch.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after being informed that his rivals were desperate for him to draw and blank and for Ashford united to be eliminated, Lockyer added: “I’m exactly the same!“I’m one for healthy competition and I’m eager to get it now that I know I’m in the lead. Hopefully I can get a few more this weekend.” More

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      Supercomputer gives Arsenal tiny 6.3% chance of winning Champions League with three sides more likely to go all the way

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      ARSENAL have been given a 6.3 per cent chance of winning the Champions League by a supercomputer.The Gunners have been made fourth favourites for this season’s competition in the prediction.A supercomputer has predicted the winners of this season’s Champions LeagueCredit: AFPArsenal and Bukayo Saka have been given a 6.3 per cent chance of lifting the trophyCredit: GettyOpta Analyst’s supercomputer simulated the upcoming Champions League campaign 10,000 times to predict the winners.The 36 clubs involved in the league phase have also been given percentage chances of reaching the last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.This season sees an overhaul of the Champions League, with the group stage replaced by a league phase.A top eight finish guarantees progression straight through to the last 16, with the clubs ranked ninth to 24th going into a play-off round.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe remaining eight clubs in 25th to 36th are eliminated from Europe and no longer have the safety net of the Europa League.League phase action gets underway on Tuesday, with matches spread across three nights this week.Ahead of the opening matchday, Opta Analyst’s supercomputer has given Arsenal a 6.3 per cent chance of lifting the trophy for the first time.Mikel Arteta’s side have also been given a 13.2 per cent likelihood of making the final at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, their chances of making the last 16 are 76.5 per cent following a run to the quarter-finals last term.Arsenal begin their campaign away to Atalanta on Thursday before facing Paris Saint-Germain, Shakhtar Donetsk, Inter Milan, Sporting Lisbon, Monaco, Dinamo Zagreb and Girona.Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealedArsenal’s Champions League fixturesSept 19 – Atalanta (A)Oct 1 – Paris Saint-Germain (H)Oct 22 – Shakhtar Donetsk (H)Nov 6 – Inter Milan (A)Nov 26 – Sporting Lisbon (A)Dec 11 – Monaco (H)Jan 22 – Dinamo Zagreb (H)Jan 29 – Girona (A)Manchester City are the tournament favourites according to Opta Analyst’s supercomputerCredit: GettyThe supercomputer has ranked three clubs ahead of Arsenal in their predictions, with Manchester City the favourites.Pep Guardiola’s side have been handed a 25.3 per cent chance of reclaiming the title they won in 2023.Defending champions Real Madrid are the next most fancied side at 18.2 per cent ahead of Inter with a 10.9 per cent chance.As for the remaining English clubs, Liverpool are predicted to have a 4.2 per cent chance of winning their seventh European crown.However, Aston Villa are unfancied at 0.2 per cent on their first appearance in the competition since 1983.The supercomputer has also given nine clubs a 0 per cent chance of winning this season’s Champions League, with Celtic amongst them.Liverpool have a 4.2 per cent chance of winning their seventh European crownCredit: Rex More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand in hysterics as they remember Man Utd nicknames from ‘Shrek’ and ‘SatNav’ to ‘J-Lo’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Rio Ferdinand were beside themselves as they recalled their Manchester United team-mates nicknames.It was Ronaldo who first called Wayne Rooney “Shrek” when the Portgual ace and Ferdinand starred in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in the 2000s.Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand were in hysterics as they recalled Man Utd nicknamesCredit: XThe two were reunited on Ferdinand’s podcastCredit: XRonaldo and Ferdinand won three Premier League titles and a Champions League together among other major honours.But away from all the trophy triumphs on the pitch, United’s team had a humorous side off it.The pair spoke on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast a week after the former defender featured on Ronaldo’s first YouTube show.Ferdinand asked: “Can you remember any of the players nicknames at United?”Most read in FootballA smiling Ronaldo replied: “A few. Wazza. Rat. Shrek”, before the two burst out in hysterics. Ferdinand then responded: “I forgot about that, Wazza won’t be happy.”The former England centre-back hilariously revealed that Anderson was called ‘J-Lo’ or ‘Beyonce’ after his team-mates thought he had a “bum”.Nani was called ‘Naanbread’ by Ferdinand, while everybody called Scholesy ‘Ginger’ or ‘SatNav’ for his outrageous passing ability and Gary Neville ‘Busy’.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJohn O’Shea didn’t have a nickname per se, but Ronaldo used to “kill him in the dressing room”.Ferdinand hilariously coached Ronaldo on: “What did you used to say about O’Shea?”Piers Morgan slams ‘complete idiot’ Erik ten Hag in astonishing rant against Man Utd boss about Cristiano RonaldoThe five-time Ballon d’Or winner cracked up and smiled, before saying: “No bum!”Ronaldo, who also revealed he still “loves United”, also explained how his early years at United changed his perspective and priorities as he developed from a tricky, showboating winger to an out-and-out No9.The Portugal star said: “My mindset changed. Goals became more important than f****** step-overs. “I closed that chapter because I realised goals and helping the team was more important.”Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney formed a lethal partnership during the 2000sThe 39-year-old, who recently notched his 900 career goal, also slammed Erik ten Hag for saying United cannot win the Prem or Champions League.He said: “As Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League. “You have to be, to mentally say, listen, maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that. We’re going to try. You have to try. But they need to rebuild everything.”Ten Hag since responded to the dig stating: “Ronaldo said that United can’t win the Premier League. He said this if you read the article.”He’s far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester. Everyone can have an opinion. It’s okay.”READ MORE SUN STORIESElsewhere, Anderson has been hit with a string of controversies and a former team-mate claimed the retired midfielder was obsessed with McDonalds.The Brazilian is also reportedly facing jail time over his reported failure to pay child maintenance. More

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      Thierry Henry confirmed as Kate Abdo’s co-star for CBS’ Champions League coverage as fans say ‘give him time to recover’

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      THIERRY HENRY will return for CBS’ Champions League coverage this season alongside Kate Abdo.Fans joked the former striker needs “time to recover” after Abdo married Malik Scott.Thierry Henry will continue his role as a pundit for CBS Sports this seasonCredit: PAFans joked he needs time to recover before working with Kate Abdo againCredit: GettyHenry and Abdo have been subject to teasing from fans and colleagues Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher over their chemistry.Abdo even had to put Carragher in his place last season after he missed the mark with an awkward joke about her now husband.Henry’s infatuation for Abdo has been a long-running joke and rumour so fans have joked he needs time to recover before returning to the CBS show after Abdo tied the knot.One fan said: “Thierry Henry needs time to recover man.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “They had to confirm it 😭”And a third wrote: “Stay strong Thierry.”Henry, 47, returns to punditry after resigning as manager of France Under-21s last month, having led his side to the Olympic silver medal in Paris.And he revealed his excitement at the new campaign and the increase in matches he will cover due to the expanded Champions League format.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUltimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.He told a CBS Champions League Zoom call: “I think for us, for CBS, it’s just outstanding – more games, to be able to talk about more games.”But there is a but for me, because I’m going to go on the side of being a coach: too many games, too many games.Fans in stitches at Thierry’s reaction to 2007 throwback clips of CBS host Kate Abdo”[As] an ex-player I don’t know how those guys do it. As a pundit, I love it, but as an ex-player and as a coach, it’s too many games. “[Jude] Bellingham is already injured. “It’s tough to play a season, and then go to the Euros, and come back and play [in the] national team, and more games, and more games left, more games right…””So as much as I want to see Milan [versus] Liverpool and I want to see a Manchester City in there, I want to see the best players on the field, being able to perform whenever they can.”That’s also part of the product – having also the best players on the field being able to perform all the time. “So yes, it is outstanding for us. But if I was a coach [in this Champions League], I don’t know if I would’ve found it outstanding.” More

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      Forgotten ex-Premier League star joins fourth division BASKETBALL team two years after reaching Champions League semis

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      EX-TOTTENHAM star Etienne Capoue has completed a shock career switch to join a BASKETBALL team.Capoue, 36, played for Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final just two years ago.Etienne Capoue won the Europa League with Villarreal but was released this summerCredit: Getty – PoolBut he is currently starring for fourth tier basketball side CB Jovens L’Eliana, but can’t play in official matchesCredit: instagram @ cbjovenslelianaHowever, the midfielder has now sealed a stunning switch to a fourth-tier basketball team.It comes after Capoue was released by the La Liga club this summer, having made 148 appearances over three-and-a-half years with the Yellow Submarine.Capoue is currently training with CB Jovens L’Eliana, who are based in Valencia.The team shared a photo of Capoue following a friendly match after they won 78-70 over CB Morvedre earlier this week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCapoue, capped seven times by the France national team, was all smiles standing in the back row second from left in the team photo.They have less than 2,000 followers on Instagram at the time of writing.Capoue is well-known for his love of basketball and the NBA.The defensive midfielder stands at 6ft 2″, the same as legendary Golden State Warriors shooter Stephen Curry.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, according to Relevo, Capoue does not have a licence, meaning he cannot play in official competitive matches for the team.He has been linked with a return to England in his free agency.Football icons’ strange hobbiesCapoue played 181 games for Watford, whom he joined from Tottenham.He originally joined the North London club as one of the “magnificent seven” signings to replace Real Madrid-bound Gareth Bale.At Villarreal, Capoue also won the Europa League as they beat Manchester United on penalties.Capoue later assisted in their Champions League semi-final clash against Liverpool the following season as they came from 2-0 down in the first leg.But the Reds showed their dominance and ran out 3-2 winners to seal a 5-2 aggregate victory.However, they would lose in the final to Real Madrid.Capoue was one of Tottenham’s ‘magnificent seven’ who arrived to replace Gareth BaleCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe made 181 appearances at WatfordCredit: ReutersWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Canelo bursts into laughter as he’s interviewed by Champions League final streaker after rude fan request

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      BOXING superstar Canelo Alvarez was left in stitches after being told of a fan’s rude request by a famous footie streaker.The unified super-middleweight champion returns to the ring early on Sunday morning for a Sin City showdown with the undefeated Eder Berlanga.Canelo Alvarez returns to the ring this weekend to throw down with Eder BerlangaCredit: GETTYA Canelo superfan revealed to influencer and presenter Kinsey Wolkanski that he wants the boxer to impregnate his wifeCredit: PBCCanelo burst out into laughter after learning of the fan’s bizarre requestCredit: PBCThe pride of Mexico has been in fight mode all week, although he found humour in a raunchy request from one of his legion of loyal fans.Premier Boxing Champions presenter Kinsey Wolanski, who shot to fame for streaking in the 2019 Champions League final between Liverpool and Tottenham, heard a fan say he wants Canelo to impregnate his wife during this week’s Grand Arrivals.The influencer laughed before proceeding to interview the Canelo superfan, asking him: “This guy just said, ‘My wife wants his baby.'”Would you let Canelo give your wife a baby?”READ MORE ON CANELOThe fan replied: “She’s right here. She wants his babies. She’s a bigger fan.”And the supporter’s incredible request was put to Canelo shortly after he made his Grand Arrival at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.Wolanksi, 28, said: “Great to see you, Canelo. Obviously this man needs no introduction.”This crowd absolutely loves you, one guy in the back said he would let you get his wife pregnant.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCanelo didn’t realise he was being interviewed by the streaker at the 2019 Champions League finalCredit: GettyThe 28-year-old was arrested and fined £12,600 for her anticsCredit: Alamy Live News”The crowd, they are die-hard for you.”The normally stoic Canelo couldn’t help but see the funny side, saying: “He’s smart, he’s smart.”Canelo Alvarez gives his daughter a hug after beating Gennady Golovkin on points in Las Vegas trilogy fightFuture Hall of Famer Canelo’s clash with Berlanga WON’T be for all the super-middleweight marbles.The Guadalajara gladiator lost his undisputed status when he agreed to face Berlanga instead of mandatory IBF title challenger William Scull. More