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      in Soccer

      Prince William reveals superstitious match day rituals when watching Villa & how he lurks on fan forums with random name

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      PRINCE William has spoken of falling in love with Aston Villa after being taken to a match by friends as a boy.The heir, 42, said he was gripped by the “sense of belonging” and the passion of his fellow football fans.Prince William has revealed his ‘passion’ for Aston Villa and shares his superstitions, including moving the kids around during gamesCredit: Dan CharityGeorge, Charlotte and Louis better not get comfortable if their dad is watching Aston Villa losingCredit: GettyPrince William enjoys a matchday at Villa Park – where he enjoys mixing with the other fansCredit: GettyWills also revealed he visits fan forums anonymously online — and moves his kids around when watching at home to bring the team luck.We sat down with the heir to the throne for a chat at Villa’s training ground on the eve of their Champions League win over Club Brugge.They now have a glamour tie with PSG in the last eight to look forward to — and their fans can maybe dream of the glory days when they lifted the European Cup.Wills said: “Yep they won it, 1982, the year I was born. There’s a nice connection with them straight away.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut how did he become a Villa fan, seeing as he had no obvious connection with the Midlands?William, now 42, concedes it was relatively late when he got the bug but he was gripped by the camaraderie, and his interest intensified when Villa got relegated in 2016.He said: “There were a few moments that happened. I had some family friends who took me to my first Villa game when I was younger because they are big Villa fans.“It was against Bolton and I sat in the stands with my Villa beanie hat on and I remember Paul Merson was playing for Villa at the time. With the camaraderie among the fans and the chanting and the singing, I just felt like I belonged there.Most read in Football“I kept an eye on Villa from then on but didn’t get too involved initially. But Villa being relegated to the Championship in 2016 got me even more interested, strangely.“A few years earlier, we’d finished sixth under Martin O’Neill and now we weren’t even in the Premier League. Prince William on recreating Ronaldo’s goal celebration in his garden as he builds ‘Perfect Footballer'”I’m not certain why I became much more interested then but it might have been due to the rise of the smartphone.“I’d grown up looking at Ceefax on the television or the back pages of newspapers and if you didn’t have those to hand you were a bit out of the loop.“But now you can get so much data and follow how your team is doing all the time and there’s so much more discussion and debate. That’s how my passion really increased.“I’m incredibly proud of the club and the journey it’s been on. It’s hard to put into words and a lot of Villa fans are still pinching themselves a bit that we’re here and we’ve done this.”’The atmosphere was electric’William poured praise on manager Unai Emery, and said he can learn from his exceptional eye for detail and man-management skills. “He went on: “Last season was very tense and we were wondering if we’d get over the line to get in the Champions League and when we did it was a big deal.“When I came up here to see the team, the atmosphere was electric.“We are all so proud and pleased with what they’ve done and you can see the difference with a manager like Unai, who brings people together and works hard on the little details. “He’s a really good man-manager with a great support staff around him and the players enjoy playing for him.I’m kind of hoping they’ll all find their own teams in time. They don’t all have to be Villa fans. I’m trying not to be biased but obviously they see how passionate I am about it and they watch the matches with me.Prince William“There have been lots of good managers in Villa’s time but I’d say Unai is a step up on some of them in terms of his formations, and the length of detail he goes into with his videos. “He spends hours debriefing the previous match to get them ready for the next one.“He lives, eats, breathes and sleeps football and it gives you a bit of a lesson in life that if you really want to do something right, you’ve got to throw everything at it and give your time. “Unai is that dedicated, a completely obsessed man of football and that rubs off on the players.“If you’re doing what you love and speaking so well about how you love it then they’ll follow you. It’s quite a good leadership point.”William has often taken son George to games but is not forcing his eldest, or their siblings Charlotte or Louis, into supporting Villa.He said: “I’m kind of hoping they’ll all find their own teams in time. They don’t all have to be Villa fans. I’m trying not to be biased but obviously they see how passionate I am about it and they watch the matches with me. I’m trying to spread the love a little bit.“They do have Villa shirts, and ask to come to games with me, but they have other shirts as well. There’s been a bit of courting going on by other managers too.”William also revealed his irritation over the TV blackout, which bans Premier League games from being broadcast in England at 3pm on a Saturday.He said: “Getting up to Villa Park isn’t the easiest thing for me but I like to watch as many games as I possibly can either by being there or on TV. “I’ve tried to really make an effort to get there for all the Champions League games because it feels like that’s something you’ve got to make the most of when you’re in it. “The biggest thing at home is trying to find it on TV sometimes because obviously you’ve got the Saturday 3pm blackout which is irritating.”Illegal firestickHe puts the shutters up when it is suggested he could use an illegal firestick. He laughs: “Haha, no comment on that one. I’m a paid-up member of Villa TV though so I keep up to date through that. “But it’s really annoying that we still can’t watch our own team’s Premier League match in this country but you can go abroad and watch any game any time.”So when he watches Villa on TV, does he get into the matchday spirit as if he was in the ground?I like mixing with the fans. Anything Villa I love and they all love their Villa. It’s a family within a family and I do feel part of the Villa family.Prince WilliamHe replied: “If I’m home alone with the children, I probably don’t have the pre-match pint but I do have a bit of superstition about where I sit when I’m watching them. “If we’re not doing very well, I start moving round the house quite quickly and I put the children in different positions hoping that’s going to change our luck.” William recently popped into a Birmingham Wetherspoons to join Villa fans for a beer before a game at Everton.He said: “I like mixing with the fans. Anything Villa I love and they all love their Villa.“It’s a family within a family and I do feel part of the Villa family. This club does an awful lot — and I know lots of clubs do it too — but I particularly feel it with Villa in my life that I’m very included.“The morals and the vision and the general atmosphere and the culture of the club really matters.“For me, it’s always been very welcoming, very diverse, and all-encompassing.” He unhesitatingly names Irish stalwart defender of the 90s, Paul McGrath, as the greatest Villa player ever, while he also has a particular soft spot for Norwegian striker John Carew.He said: “Yeah it has to be McGrath, doesn’t it? I really liked Carew as well, he was a serious all-round player. There’s been quite a few good ones, but they are two who I would pick out.”He also loves to chip in with his opinions on fans’ internet forums, posting anonymously of course.He revealed: “I like going on the forums, I can be on there for ages. I listen to what other fans have to say and give them my opinions. I get quite into it, definitely. It’s important to have that debate.”However, he added: “Having said that, while I may be an armchair fan, I wouldn’t presume to tell Unai if he’s doing anything wrong.“I’m fascinated by what Unai is doing and how he tweaks his system and what he sees. “I’d love to know more about how he goes about managing the team better and how do you see those little details which no one else does.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Wills chats with Villa fave Morgan RogersCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceThe prince is full of praise for Villa’s Spanish manager Unai EmeryCredit: ReutersWills sits down for an exclusive chat with The Sun’s head of sport, Shaun CustisCredit: Dan Charity More

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      in Soccer

      Mum of Thibaut Courtois’ love-child reveals fear they will be made homeless over unpaid mortgage despite his huge salary

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      THE mother of football star Thibaut Courtois’ love child fears they will be made homeless as she cannot afford to pay for her damp-ridden house.Elsa Izac, 50, fears the £3million property could be repossessed as she owes £63,000 in mortgage payments, while severe mould eats away at its ceilings.The mum of Thibaut Courtois’ lovechild fears they will be made homeless as she cannot afford to pay for her damp-ridden houseCredit: GettyElsa Izac fears her home could be repossessed as she owes £63,000 in unmet mortgage paymentsCredit: Peter JordanSevere mould eats away at the ceilings in the propertyCredit: Peter JordanMeanwhile, £35million Real Madrid goalie Courtois, 32, lives a life of luxury in the Spanish capital on pay of £240,000 a week.Elsa, mother to seven-year-old Enzo, said: “Our house is falling apart. We simply can’t continue to live like this.”The former Versace fashion designer had a fling with the Belgian international after he moved in next-door when he joined Chelsea in 2014. They had Enzo three years later.Elsa says that in 2020 Courtois was told to pay her maintenance. Read More on SportBut Elsa, of Wimbledon, South West ­London, said it is not enough.She added: “I’m scared the bank will repossess our home and worry whenever someone knocks on the door. I don’t want to find us homeless suddenly.“It is not acceptable for me to see Thibaut travelling on private jets, partying in yachts, then leaving his child here in this environment.“Surely he can spare a bit more to look after his son?”Most read in FootballCourtois also has an 11-month-old daughter with his wife, and two other children from a previous relationship. He has been approached for comment.Thibaut Courtois’ honeymoon doesn’t go to plan for stunning wife as she shares what it’s like to marry an athleteElsa, mum to Enzo, seven, said: ‘Our house is falling apart. We simply can’t continue to live like this’Credit: Peter Jordan More

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      in Athletics

      I’ll never forget coach’s reaction to my pregnancy… getting back to top was such a proud moment says Jessica Ennis-Hill

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      OLYMPIC golden girl Jessica Ennis-Hill dealt with many a challenge in her career, but one of the toughest was her coach’s chilling reaction when she told him she was pregnant.It was two years after she had won the heptathlon at the London 2012 Games when she broke the news to Toni Minichiello.Jessica Ennis-Hill at the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Awards last yearCredit: GettyJessica shows off her baby bump in 2014 while pregnant with the first of her two childrenCredit: Getty Images – GettyTrainer Toni Minichiello with Jessica at 2012 GamesCredit: GettyInstead of congratulating her, he instantly began scrolling through competition dates on his laptop to work out the bombshell implications.Jessica, who was made a dame in 2017 on the back of her Team GB Olympic glory, says of her pregnancy by childhood sweetheart Andy: “It was a bit of a surprise, it all happened sooner than we expected. “It was definitely a shock to all of my team.“My coach had this plan, ‘You’re going to do the Commonwealth Games in 2014, and then Worlds, then Olympics’.READ MORE IN SPORTS“I remember going to his house and being like, ‘I’ve got something to tell you — sit down’. “I was so nervous.“I said, ‘So I’m pregnant . . .’ “He was just so shocked. Most read in Athletics“He didn’t know what to say — he just kind of sat there“And then he got his laptop out and started looking at dates. Jessica Ennis-Hill stuns in bold outfit live on BBC for Paris Olympics as fans say ‘how I have missed you’ “He didn’t even say, ‘congratulations’, he was in such a fluster. “He said, ‘When’s he or she going to be born?’“I was sat there like, ‘Congratulations, you know, anything like that would be nice’. “Eventually he said, ‘Congratulations’.”Defining momentMinichiello was later banned from UK Athletics due to allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which he denied.Following the 2022 ruling, Jessica said she was never on the receiving end of any such misbehaviour.But she will never forget his cold response to being told back in 2014 that she was to become a mum at age 28.She adds: “It was quite a challenging time because everyone at that stage thought you don’t start your family during your career.“You do all your career stuff then start your family.“I think that’s since changed. I think a lot of women feel they have the support and policies in place to come back.”Jessica was forced to withdraw from the 2014 Commonwealth Games as a result.She was then determined to get back to her best, but acknowledged her body had changed, so her coach encouraged her not to ­compare how she was before — and just focus on the comeback.She says: “There’s a mental impact when you’re at the back of the group in training — and you’re the Olympic champion.“I would compare myself to me at my best. “When I looked at those times, I was nowhere near.“Eventually I did get stronger and those times came back, but I was never the same version I was before — but that was OK because of being a mum.”Her Olympic heroics at age 26 in front of an expectant home nation had capped an already stellar rise in the heptathlon — comprising the 200 and 800 metres, 100-metre hurdles, high and long jumps, shot put and javelin throw.She says: “My coach would say, ‘These are your post- pregnancy PBs’ [personal bests].”Jessica returned to training just ten weeks after baby Reggie arrived in her life, and initially struggled to rebuild her fitness.’Challenging time’She adds: “It was quite a tricky, challenging time because everyone at that stage thought you don’t start your family during your career, you kind of do all your career stuff and then start your family.“I think that’s since changed. I think a lot of women feel they have the support and policies in place to come back.” But she was forced to withdraw from the 2014 Commonwealth Games — and after she had son Reggie, who is now ten, Minichiello would compare her performances as “before” and “post” pregnancy.She says: “My coach would say ‘These are your post-pregnancy PBs [personal bests].”Jessica returned to training just ten weeks after Reggie arrived, and struggled to rebuild her fitness. She says: “There’s mental impact when you’re at the back of the group when you’re training — and you’re Olympic champion.Jessica beams after winning gold in the heptathlon at London 2012Credit: Times Newspapers LtdJessica competing in the long jump event during the heptathlon at London 2012Credit: Getty“I would compare myself to me at my best. When I looked at those times, I was nowhere near. “Eventually I did get stronger and those times came back, but I was never the same version I was before — but that was OK because of being a mum.”There’s mental impact when you’re at the back of the group when you’re training — and you’re Olympic championJessica Ennis-HillIt was more than OK, in fact, as just 13 weeks into motherhood she stormed back to win the 2015 World Championships in Beijing — then Olympic silver a year later in Rio de Janeiro.Jessica, who would retire the following year, now admits it was crazy trying to achieve again what she had done before her pregnancy.She says: “I thought, ‘What am I doing? What am I training for? This is hard’.“Your body changes so much. “It’s the hormones that go through your body for months after, the relaxing, that makes all your ligaments relax.“So my Achilles were loose and that’s not great when you’re trying to be this coil that needs to jump as high and far as you can.“I couldn’t train like I did before 2012.”But she made it her mission to return to the top of her sport — and soon revelled in the challenge.She says: “That journey was the hardest and the best — that feeling of beating the rest of the world, and those who doubted me, was the best.Greatest achievers“Your body is never going to be the same after having a child, whether it’s coming back to exercising or doing the Olympics.”While Jessica didn’t get a second Olympic gold, she wouldn’t change a thing.She says: “I was incredibly proud of what my body was able to achieve post-natally. “And having my son was the best thing ever. “But I might just get my silver one sprayed gold!”Jessica and Andy went on to have their second child Olivia in 2017 and she is now retired.When she married construction site manager Andy 12 years ago, she was already a national treasure.Her Olympic heroics at age 26 in front of an expectant home nation had capped an already stellar rise in the heptathlon — comprising the 200 and 800 metres, 100-metre hurdles, high and long jumps, shot put and javelin.In 2009, the Sheffield-born star won gold at the World Championships in Berlin and, in 2010, gold in the World Indoor Championships in Qatari ­capital Doha, plus the European Championships in Barcelona.In 2011, she claimed silver at the World Championships in South Korea and, five years later, that was upgraded to gold after Russian star Tatyana Chernova was found to have been doping.After silver at the 2012 World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, there then followed her defining moment atop the podium in London.Today, Jessica says she still gets competitive when she laces up her running shoes. Now aged 39, she adds: “I have done parkruns a few times — my husband was doing it quite a bit at one stage.“I still don’t want to get beaten, especially by someone with a buggy!”After retiring and being ennobled in the 2017 New Year Honours, Jessica won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award that year. She has also launched her own post-natal exercise advice app, become a patron of Sheffield Children’s Hospital and is a TV sports pundit. Oh, and she is launching her own podcast, Gold Minds, where she will chat to some of the world’s greatest achievers about how they overcame real-life challengesYour body is never going to be the same after having a child, whether it’s coming back to exercising or doing the OlympicsJessica Ennis-HillIt means she can finally use the psychology degree from Sheffield University that she gained after leaving school.She says of her podcast: “I get to speak to people about their golden moment that’s changed their life.“They also bring in three items that take us on their journey to reach that moment and the aftermath. “They’ve all been fascinating. “It’s delving into the psychology and mindset.”One of her guests will be British rowing cox Erin Kennedy — a two-time Paralympic champion. Erin, 32, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, but has continued to win medals at the highest level, including gold at the 2024 Paris ­Paralympics.One of her guests will be British rowing cox Erin Kennedy — a two-time Paralympic champion.Erin, 32, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago but has continued to win medals at the highest level, including gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympics,.Jessica says of their chat: “Erin was incredible. “I was sat with my mouth wide open, blown away by what she has been through.“She brought in a wig because that was a huge part of her journey to getting back to ­­winning gold in Paris.”READ MORE SUN STORIESShe adds of podcast work: “As an athlete, you’re wanting to push your-self — and this was something out of my comfort zone I wanted to try.” Jessica’s Gold Minds podcast chats with former Olympic boxer Nicola Adams and former Ireland rugby captain Johnny Sexton are on all major platforms. New episodes land on Wednesdays, the next features sports presenter Gabby LoganJessica wearing the Union Flag after her Olympic triumph in front of her home nationCredit: The Times More

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      in Boxing

      I was more nervous to meet my girlfriend’s parents than I was to push BGT golden buzzer or for boxing fights, says KSI

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      NOT EVEN fighting in front of thousands of people or being watched by millions on TV can make superstar KSI nervous. No, only meeting his girlfriend’s parents for the first time did that.KSI admits meeting his girlfriend’s parents was more nerve-wracking than boxingCredit: GettyKSI hitting the BGT golden buzzerCredit: ITVHe is a guest judge on the ITV showCredit: ITVThe social media influencer, rapper and boxer has lived more than half his life in the public eye after shooting to fame on YouTube. And his career climbed to new heights after being announced as a guest judge on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. KSI pushed his first golden buzzer to automatically send 29-year-old singer Stacey Leadbeatter into the semi-finals. But the new panelist reveals that decision – and boxing in front of sellout crowds – was nothing compared to first meeting his partner’s parents. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe said: “What would I say is more nerve-wracking? I don’t know, meeting my girlfriend’s parents probably was a lot more nerve-wracking than those two events.”Yeah, definitely. Before that, I’m always like sweating and everything. Like I only get nervous when it comes to relationships.”In terms of fighting or in terms of pressing the golden buzzer or in terms of performing in front of thousands, I never get nervous because I just know what I need to do.”I’m prepared and I’m ready, whereas I guess with meeting someone’s parents, you never know what could happen.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite his celebrity fame, KSI keeps his girlfriend private and away from the public eye – but he cherishes the time they spend together. The 31-year-old might just have the most packed celebrity schedule of all time, squeezing in TV and charity appearances into his boxing training. KSI sparks carnage on press conference stage after slapping Dillon Danis with a PANCAKE ahead of boxing grudge fightKSI returns to the ring on March 29 in Manchester against old rival Dillon Danis – three years after the collapse of their original bout. By the time KSI laces up the gloves, he would have played in two charity football matches, in Qatar and the Sidemen match at Wembley. That is also after filming for BGT – but how does he fit it all in? KSI laughs and reveals: “Honestly, I don’t know, I just do it. That’s just how I am. I just make it work.”With the Sidemen match at Wembley Stadium, that’s gonna be insane, 90,000 people screaming.”I don’t even think I’m gonna be able to hear myself. I think that’s gonna be good. “I’m seeing it as like a training session, keeping fit, just running around, passing the ball, having a good time with my mates and raising a lot of money for charity.BGT stars Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, KSI and Bruno TonioliCredit: The Mega AgencyKSI poses with his fellow BGT judgesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/stories/noholdenback/3479470000301991191/?hl=enKSI, pictured in the 2022 Sidemen match, will play in this year’s gameCredit: Alamy”During that, I’ve got like a couple shoots here and there, a couple bits here and there just that I need to do but I just make it work.”I find time to train, whether it’s me waking up early, just to find time to train, I do it. That’s just my mentality, that’s how I am.”KSI has not fought since October 2023 when he lost a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, his first defeat in the ring. He was then forced to cancel his August comeback bout after suffering a hand injury – which he has since recovered from. He also had a fight on his hands just to find an opponent after failing to strike a deal with up to FIVE different names. Even ex-Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge, 44, was bizarrely drafted in before promptly pulling out when KSI made reference to his infamous John Terry feud. It forced the KSI camp to go back over old ground and call upon Danis – a controversial MMA fighter known as Conor McGregor’s training partner. Logan Paul beat Dillon Danis in their 2023 fightCredit: PADanis was DQd for trying an MMA submissionCredit: AlamyIt sparked a mass brawl in the ringCredit: ReutersDanis, 31, pulled out of fighting KSI in January 2023 but made his boxing debut against Logan Paul, 29, last year. It ended in a farcical sixth-round disqualification after Danis attempted an MMA submission in the ring – sparking a mass brawl. The American attacked Paul’s fiancee Nina Agdal online before the bout and is still being sued by the Danish model. So KSI admits to hesitating when offering Danis another opportunity and payday – but vows to put the feud to bed once and for all.KSI, who slapped Danis with a pancake at their press conference, said: “He was the fourth, fifth choice. It’s not the first person I wanted to fight.”I think at the time, I was happy to fight him because when I was just coming back from boxing it made sense.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And now I guess it’s frustrating to have to platform him but you know there isn’t many options, there just isn’t many options.”So fair play for him saying yes, but I’m going to punish him for all the things he’s done to me.”KSI slapping Danis with a pancake ahead of their fightCredit: PA More

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      in Boxing

      Meet Oscar de la Lawyer, UK’s first boxer and solicitor who’s named after ring icon and wows clients with his black eyes

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      OSCAR McCRACKEN is the country’s first solicitor by day and fighter by night – and the owner of arguably boxing’s greatest nickname.The 25-year-old’s uncle Rob used to train Anthony Joshua and still works as Team GB’s head amateur coach.Oscar McCracken is a solicitor by day and fighter by nightCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      He was actually named after boxing legend Oscar de la HoyaHis boxing nickname is amazingly Oscar de la LawyerCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      His father Spencer was also a welterweight fighter – so it was only a matter of time till his son, Oscar, entered the family business. But Oscar tells us: “My dad never wanted me to box.” So instead he played football, captaining his county and even having trials with Birmingham City – his boyhood club.But Oscar was always in the boxing gym – from as far back as he can remember – sparring pro fighters by his teenage years.READ MORE SPORTBy his 18th birthday, Oscar decided he too wanted to be a boxer, like his uncle, dad and brother Spencer Jr before him.But his old man – who had 19 wins, four losses and one draw – had just one rule – study for another career at the same time. So Oscar enrolled into the University of Worcester and achieved a First Class LLB Law with Honours degree in 2022. He was also gearing up for his pro debut when his dad came up with quite possibly boxing’s most ingenious monikerMost read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt all started when Oscar travelled to the Cayman Islands to help corner Matt Windle – a former Commonwealth champion.An argument broke out with a promoter when a cocksure lawyer – who thought he could talk his way out of the dispute – chimed in. Usyk spotted ‘giving Anthony Joshua tips on how to beat Tyson Fury’ in ringside footage at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2.mp4But he was not the only man of the law in the building that day. Oscar said: “An issue cropped up between the promoter and a couple of others. “Then a lawyer came in and thought he was going to just start telling everybody what was what. “But obviously he didn’t know that I’ve got a legal background as well, so we ended up in a bit of an argument – well, discussion.“And after it was fully rectified after quite an intense hour or so. My dad just said, ‘See, I told you Oscar de la Lawyer would sort it.’“The whole room just went up, all the fighters, all the managers, promoters everything, and I thought, ‘Oh, you’ve just thought of the name.’ It’s perfect.” Oscar was actually named after American great De La Hoya too – such was his dad’s love for the Golden Boy. He said: “My dad was a big fan of him back in the day, so that’s what I’m named after.’I didn’t expect any of this’“So it’s just mad how it’s come around now that it just fits perfectly off Oscar de la Hoya, but I can’t believe how much it’s picked.”I didn’t expect any of this.”His dad revealed the amazing nickname to millions on social media – and it also received an extra push thanks to the People’s Paper.Oscar revealed: “The Sun actually did an article! My phone was going, I was playing football because I still play football – I play Saturdays. “I got off the pitch and my phone was going insane. I was like, what’s going on there? ‘Have you seen in this? You’re in The Sun! “I didn’t know anything about this. And from then on it’s just been all about the name, yeah, people love it.” Oscar is a year away from becoming a fully-qualified solicitor and is currently working in the corporate and commercial sector.But Oscar wants to one day mix his two passions to protect young up-and-coming fighters from boxing’s shady, fame-hungry characters.McCracken is a trainee solicitorCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      And he is also 3-0 as a boxerCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      McCracken was named after American legend Oscar de la HoyaCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe said: “Would you want to go and get a manager who’s sticking his face on TV every five seconds, never boxed a day in his life? “But you know, he gets on with the big promoters because he’s got a big mouth, but he can’t guide you.“He’d put you in the wrong fights. That’s why so many prospects are getting beat now. “Or would you want to go with a manager who one had the balls to fight? “I don’t need to fight, but I’ve done it myself because I’ve got respect for fighters and I know how hard it is, and you can see that I’ve done that as well.”Oscar – who welcomed baby son Arthur into the world in November – lives next door to dad and coach Spencer. He is up by 6am for his runs, in the office by 9am, then back into the gym by the evening for more exhausting training. Oscar said: “Sometimes I get in there, my dad’s got like two lads from a different gym waiting to spar me. I didn’t even know I’d be sparring. I’ve had a couple of like little marks and black eyes and that and gone in the office and everyone’s had a look, but what do you expect it’s boxing?“I’m walking into a gym, I could be absolutely knackered and then I’ve got two people waiting. They’re thinking, ‘I don’t care about the law thing.’ “They’re thinking, ‘I’ve got a McCracken here I can smash up and I can go and tell everybody I’ve battered one.’“So then it’s about you’ve got to find the dog in you then of getting through, getting through the session and seeing how much you want it.“If I didn’t want it, there’s no way I would have gotten to my third fight because of how hard it is.” Oscar only just begins winding down by 8.30pm when he eats dinner and puts his son to bed – but it’s now baby Arthur who inspires his long hard days. He said: “Before I had my son, it was all about history but now, I want to lead by example. “I want him to grow up and think, ‘Bloody hell, my dad became a lawyer, which was hard enough from being from a proper working class background anyway, and then being a pro boxer at the same time.’’Like any boxer, Oscar wears his battle scars as a badge of honour – and his clients are big fans.McCracken with brother and trainer Spencer JrCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      McCracken turned pro without amateur experienceCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      Oscar’s uncle Rob formerly trained Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe said: “The firm that I’m with now are fully behind me and clients love it as well.“It’s a talking point, isn’t it? ‘Do you know your solicitor’s also a pro boxer? Then, they’re Googling you and you’re coming up and everything – they love it.“Obviously, I’ve had a couple of like little marks and black eyes and that and gone in the office and everyone’s had a look, but what do you expect, it’s boxing?”Oscar – like his family before him – does not want his son to be a boxer – but if history is anything to go by it will be hard to stop. He laughed: “I hope he don’t box. But listen, it’s like an illness in this family.“You just end up getting sucked into it somehow or the other, and people expect you to be able to fight as well.”Oscar has been rubbing shoulders with Britain’s best since he can remember with uncle Rob having coached Joshua and Carl Froch among others.Whatever you do today, make sure you get a picture with him because he’s gonna be a heavyweight world champion, 100 per cent. He remembers heading up to Team GB’s Sheffield training HQ to watch Carl Froch spar Tony Bellew in 2011.It was there he met a hulking 6ft 6in super-heavyweight known as AJ – who was a year away from winning Olympic gold.Oscar said: “Robbie was like, ‘Mate, whatever you do today, make sure you get a picture with him because he’s gonna be a heavyweight world champion 100 per cent. “I was like, Really?’ He was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He was super friendly, put his arm around you, just so down to earth and humble.“Obviously he hadn’t achieved anything then in terms of what he’s done now, but I took a picture with Joshua and yeah, I’ve been to virtually all his fights.”Oscar is now 3-0 having most recently beat Shane Smith and now looks ahead to another year juggling life as a lawyer by day and being a boxer by night.He said: “Three fights in my first year, I think that’s quite good considering how much I’ve got going on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ll sit down with my dad and and see what he says and we’ll start putting a bit of a bit of a plan together. “There’s definitely scope to go and do something, but obviously it’s just about managing it correctly and not taking it on too much because obviously I’ve got a lot, a hell of a lot going on in my life, but I’m committed to boxing 100 per cent.” McCracken welcomed baby son Arthur into the world in NovemberCredit: @mccracken1 More

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      Adorable moment Lisandro Martinez’s mum helps Man Utd star with rehab after devastating injury KO’d season

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      INJURED Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez warmed hearts after sharing snaps from his mum’s visit.Martinez is in post-surgery rehab after tearing his ACL in the closing stages of Man Utd’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on February 2.Lisandro Martinez posted adorable snaps showing him hugging his mumMartinez is out for the season after tearing his ACL last monthSilvina helped her son with his rehab exercisesThe pair laughed as she urged Martinez to lift his leg higherThe Argentine is out for the rest of the season and is being supported by mum Silvina and his pregnant girlfriend.In his latest update after surgery, Martinez shared pictures from his mum’s visit to his Manchester home.The defender shared snaps of the pair hugging on his doorstep and a hilarious video of her helping him with exercises.His heartwarming Instagram post was captioned: “Thank you for hugging my heart and making me smile. 😁💖 I love you Ma!”READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis mum appeared to keeping his spirits up as she urged him to lift his injured right leg higher in the air.Martinez was wearing his Man Utd training kit and the clip showed him watching his team-mates lose 1-0 to Spurs last Sunday.The centre-back was laying on a rehab bed in his living room and his knee was covered in supportive tape.And fans praised the adorable moment, with one writing: “There’s nothing like a mother’s love and motivation.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another said: “This is so adorable.”A third added: “You’ve got this warrior.”Man Utd ratings: Casemiro disappearing into irrelevance as Real Madrid legend saved again by Bruno Fernandes One more wrote: “Even football players need their mothers.”The 27-year-old was stretchered off at Old Trafford against Palace after injuring his knee.The World Cup winner tussled for the ball with Eagles star Ismaila Sarr late on.But he appeared to get his leg stuck in the turf and was in serious pain.United have not won in the Premier League since his injury, losing to Spurs and drawing 2-2 with Everton this weekend.Martinez underwent surgery this month and gave up an emotional update on social media.He wrote on Instagram last week: “Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance, I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective.”Thanking his club and the Argentine national team, he added: “I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of @manchesterunited , @afaseleccion , my family, friends, team-mates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement.Martinez showed he had the support of long-term partner MuriMartinez showed he had the support of childhood sweetheart Muri Lopez Benitez and their much-anticipated first child.The couple went public with 26-year-old Muri’s pregnancy last October.Martinez and Muri posted a photo of them holding their baby scan, with the defender writing in a message alongside their snap: “We are so happy that you came into our lives. Thank you for choosing us.”They later revealed they were expecting a daughter and have decided to name her Aurora.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince his £56.7million move from Ajax, the defender has had two operations on his foot and damaged the medical ligament in his right knee, although that injury didn’t require surgery.The Red Devils are hoping Martinez will be back to fitness for the start of next season.Martinez has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonThe defender left the field in tears on a stretcher at the start of the month More

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      £45m Premier League star reveals he spends summers working as a farmer four thousand miles away

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      MATHYS TEL has revealed his farming pastime — as Tottenham prepare to take on the Tractor Boys.The 19-year-old, signed on loan from Bayern Munich for the rest of the season, was born in Paris but his family hails from Guadeloupe.Mathys Tel has revealed his love for farming with his family in GuadeloupeTel joined Tottenham on a six-month loan from Bayern Munich in JanuaryTel goes over to the French colony in the Caribbean every year to see them.And the striker — whose side face Ipswich at Portman Road on Saturday —  is happy to get his hands dirty helping his grandpa out with growing fruit and vegetables.The France Under-21 star said: “That’s my country. My parents and my sister come from there. I was born in a small part of Paris.“Every year I go — one week, two weeks  — but I need to go there, for myself, for my confidence.READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWS“Just to see my father happy, my little cousin happy, it brings me a lot of energy.“I help out my grandfather with agriculture.“I take some gloves and big shoes, so that’s good!“It doesn’t matter where I play my football, you have to be humble.  That’s why I go to Guadeloupe to see my family whenever I can.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTel ended up being one of the most exciting transfers of the January window.He completed a deadline-day loan move from Bayern to Spurs, who hold a £45million option to sign him permanently.Spurs fans hold sit-in protest against board and owenrs after Man Utd winGiven Spurs’ horror injury crisis since November – Tel was thrown straight into the deep end in North London.Despite being a Tottenham player for only 21 days, the teen has already played three times.He was subbed on during the club’s 4-0 Carabao Cup second leg defeat at Anfield and started in their 2-1 FA Cup exit to Aston Villa.The forward was then handed a full Prem debut in Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday. More

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      England’s best keeper grew up helping lambs give birth and spent summer working on FARM – now he’s set for Prem transfer

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      JAMES TRAFFORD has always been good with his hands.Right now they are the most talked about in football, with the Burnley keeper, 22, having not conceded for ONE THOUSAND minutes.James Trafford is currently the most talked about EFL playerCredit: INSTAGRAM @burnleyofficial and @eflTrafford has conceded just nine goals all season, keeping 23 clean sheetsCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old grew up with his family in CumbriaCredit: CollectTrafford was raised and worked on a North Cumbrian family-run farmCredit: CollectThe Burnley stopper – who was at Man City’s academy – spoke exclusively to SunSportCredit: CollectAnd he has only let in NINE goals all season, keeping 23 clean sheets.And tonight, as Burnley host  Sheffield Wednesday, Trafford — the Sky Bet Championship player of the month for January — is aiming for an incredible 12th successive shutout.But those safe hands have been put to other uses — such as being shoved up the backside of sheep or mixing manure  with lime!Trafford was raised and worked on a North Cumbrian family-run farm in the Lake District, where his duties included lambing and mucking out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he grimaced as he told SunSport: “The first time I did lambing was aged 11. I had to put my hand up them and pull. “That was far too disgusting and, although it was cool to have experienced that, it wasn’t the best thing.“I also had to muck out. We mixed manure with lime to get the right soil pH acidity. And being in the slurry pit was horrible — the stench. “Only last summer I was helping wrap fleeces and clipping sheep.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTrafford — brought up in Cockermouth, where England Test captain Ben Stokes lived during his teens — was even driving tractors on the farm years before he had a driving license.He laughed: “About 14 or 15, way before I was allowed on the roads.” Video emerges of Cole Palmer losing his mind over England starlet James Trafford after Newcastle ‘agree personal terms’Despite his growing reputation as one of Europe’s finest goalkeeping talents, with a host of Premier League clubs hoping to snap him up, the youngster still loves getting his hands dirty on the farm.He said: “I enjoy it. I do it to spend more time with dad because I always go out for lunch with my mum when I go home and he’s always working.“When I was with dad last month, I was bedding up all the sheep and putting hay out for the ones outside.“We’ve always done that. I remember as a kid on the tractor where he’d sit on the seat and I’d be on the arm-rest, and our dog would be down there.”Trafford revealed that, had his grandfather had his way, he would have been a JOCKEY.The 6ft 6in keeper said: “Grandpa Bill, god bless his soul. I have two cousins then my sister and I.  “Grandpa always said, ‘He has to be a farmer’ but he really wanted one of us to be a jockey — but we were all too tall!”Trafford’s dad James Sr has learned to love football for his sonCredit: CollectTrafford told SunSport that he was ‘helping wrap fleeces and clipping sheep’ last summerCredit: CollectTrafford, pictured with sister Charlotte, says his grandfather wanted him to be a jockeyCredit: CollectHis dad James Sr was never a football expert but has been learning through watching YouTube videos and going to his son’s games.Trafford said: “He’s even using  football terminology now and I’m thinking, ‘You haven’t thought about this, you’ve just listened to it and repeating it’. “But dad loves it for me. As long as I’m happy, he’s happy.”Trafford developed a strong work ethic from his years on the farm that stood him in good stead as he progressed through Manchester City’s academy after being signed from Carlisle aged 12.And he went on to play on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton, where he won the EFL Trophy by beating Plymouth at Wembley in 2023, before going on to play in the Prem last season after Burnley signed him in a £19million deal.Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer had seen so much of Trafford’s heroics as team-mates growing up at City that he was videoed on the touchline predicting his old friend would save Spain’s late stoppage-time penalty in the Euro Under-21s final in Georgia two years ago.Not only did he dive to his right to keep out Abel Ruiz’s spot-kick, he made an incredible reflex stop from Aimar Oroz’s follow-up.Trafford burst on to the scene after saving Spain’s late stoppage-time penalty in the Euro Under-21s final two years agoCredit: GettyCole Palmer had predicted that Trafford would win the game for EnglandCredit: GettyThat save saw the Young Lions win the trophy — and he became the first keeper in the competition’s history to go through an entire tournament without conceding a goal.And in his recent incredible run, he made TWO late penalty saves in last month’s  goalless draw against Sunderland at Turf Moor.Asked if the double penalty heroics at Turf Moor were among he finest, he said: “All the noise around those saves has been great but there are other things  since  that have brought me more enjoyment. Anyone can save a penalty.”Trafford — who looks set for a summer move to Newcastle — was named in the most recent England squad that faced Ireland and Greece in the Nations League in November.That was after he was in the provisional Euro 2024 squad but was cut from the final party.His call-up came after he was axed by then-Clarets manager Vincent Kompany — but Trafford reckons that made him stronger.He said: “I got taken out the team and it was hard to deal with.“Then I knew I was going away with the national team, I was excited.“When I came back  this season, it was my aim to get into the England squad even though I was in the Championship.”Trafford saved two penalties from Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor last monthCredit: RexThe boyhood Chelsea fan was delighted the FA appointed ex-Blues boss Thomas Tuchel.He said: “He’s a brilliant manager who has won numerous things and got a massive reputation.“He will be the best man to win us the World Cup in 2026.”Former NFL star JJ Watt, at the start of this incredible run, vowed to come out of retirement and play for Trafford’s favourite team, the  Cincinnati Bengals, if he does not concede another goal this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere are 13 games left and Trafford said: “When it gets down to single digits he should start worrying!”If he achieves another 13 clean sheets, you can bet Trafford will  continue talking about this season until the cows come home!Trafford progressed through ManCity’s academy after being signed from Carlisle aged 12Credit: Collect More