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      Ryan Garcia feared losing his kids at height of mental health battle but returns to boxing with chance of redemption

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      RYAN GARCIA feared losing his kids at the height of his public mental health breakdown – but returning to boxing is his chance of redemption.The American superstar has spoken honestly in the past about struggling with depression at times in his career. Ryan Garcia drinks from a beer bottle before his fight with Devin HaneyCredit: AlamyGarcia shares daughter Bela and son Henry with ex-wife Andrea CelinaCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia with his first-born daughter RylieCredit: INSTAGRAMAfter beating Luke Campbell in 2021, Garcia took 15 months out of the ring to deal with personal problems behind the scenes. But his fight outside the ring threatened to derail his career before facing Devin Haney in New York last year. Garcia was openly drinking and admitting to smoking cannabis in the build-up to the bout, partying throughout his training camp. Mixed in with worrying social media outbursts and conspiracies, fans and even his loved ones grew concerned for Garcia. READ MORE IN boxingAmazingly, the troubled boxer made it to the ring and beat Haney in a shock upset, only for the result to be overturned after a failed drug test. Now Garcia is back after accepting a one-year suspension – but thankfully turned his life around during the 12 months out.He told SunSport: “That route I was on is not sustainable as a professional athlete. “You can’t be going about things in that manner as a professional and just changing my whole mindset, making sure that I get back to being the best fighter I can be and the best athlete I can be and that was the switch that I made.” Most read in BoxingGarcia revealed he hit his lowest point last June after trashing a Los Angeles hotel room – causing £11,000 worth of damage. He was arrested and charged with one misdemeanour count of vandalism – and feared he would lose his three children in the process. Ryan Garcia says his one-year-old son is already a champion in the making… and has his famous left hookGarcia, who went to counselling, revealed: “I mean, as a father you’ve always got to be thinking about what examples you’re giving to your children.”And I think as a mature man, you have to realise your mistakes and make changes, no matter how they come about.”And I think that’s important. I love my kids and I love my family and making sure that I’m a great example for them is a huge priority for me.”So, I cannot be making those type of mistakes and I take responsibility and I’m ready to show them how great their daddy really is.”Garcia shares his eldest daughter Rylie with ex-girlfriend Catherine Gamez and has Bela with his former wife Andrea Celina.And in December 2023, he welcomed son Henry into the world with Andrea, who he remains close with as they parent together.The Garcia clan rolled into New York ahead of his return fight against Rolando Romero tonight – with boxing allowing him a second chance. Garcia with his son HenryCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia feared losing his kids in the height of his mental health battleCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia with his eldest RylieCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia said: “It’s everything, that’s my career. This is my livelihood, this is how I support my family.”And obviously it’s really important for me to be the best I could possibly be if I’m not that, then it’ll be hard to do anything else.”Garcia – who claimed he was drinking on the week of his fight with Haney – has cut out and traded any damaging vices. He said: “I’m just playing chess. Playing video games, playing golf, honestly.”A clip of Garcia’s woeful driving on the golf course emerged on social media and he laughed: “Yeah, that was bad, right? “But I gotta find some type of hobby, so it is what it is, just enjoying my time with the people around me and that’s it, living the life.”Garcia, 26, dropped Haney, also 26, three times in Brooklyn last April on the way to a surprise points win off the back of his turbulent prepration. Garcia says he was partying in the days before fighting HaneyCredit: FightHype Haney was dropped three times but Garcia’s win was overturned amid the failed testCredit: GettyBut the result was chalked off after Garcia tested positive for ostarine – known to boost muscle growth. He had returned clean tests with VADA in the build-up to the bout and his team blamed contaminated supplements for the positive result.But the positive tests were taken on the day of and 24 hours before the bout at the Barclays Center.Garcia, who was also fined nearly £1million, said: “At the end of the day, I know I didn’t cheat.”I’ll take the ban for a year and that keeps it moving fast. Everybody knows that I didn’t take it.”I know my team, we know we didn’t take anything, so honestly it doesn’t really matter to me at the end of the day.”People are gonna believe whatever they want to believe, they’re gonna believe I’m innocent, the large majority do believe that, so who cares?”Garcia is back in boxing after serving a drugs ban and turning around his mental healthCredit: GettyGarcia says he is better ‘mentally and physically’Credit: RexGarcia returns to top a stunning three-fight card in Times Square against former sparring rival Romero, 29. Haney features in his comeback bout against Jose Ramirez, 32, as a rematch with Garcia is targeted for October. Garcia said: “I think that he has a great chance to beat Ramirez. Ramirez is a little past his prime. So I expect both of us to win, for sure.” Despite his failed drug test and subsequent no-contest the beatdown of Haney has left question marks of the former champion’s confidence. And Garcia goaded: “I have no idea how he’s gonna go about himself. I just know that I was in his head the first time.”It’s hard to look past getting dropped three times, I mean, you have to address that within yourself. So I don’t know how he’s gonna handle that.” Garcia steps up to the 147lb welterweight division to face Romero and said: “I’m just ready to go.”I may have been acting crazy last time around but I was still feeling pretty good physically, but for me this time around I feel good both, mentally and physically.Read More on The Sun”So, you know, I’ve done this before. I’ve fought many fights in my life and I’m ready, I’m in shape, ready to go 12 rounds and ready to do my job.”Watch the full episode of The Sun’s Split Decision featuring exclusive interviews with Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.Garcia returns against Rolando RomeroCredit: RexHaney faces Jose RamirezCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘They get a little bit nervous’ – Canelo Alvarez reveals promise he makes to his daughter before every fight

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      CANELO ALVAREZ revealed his kids are his biggest and most nervous fans – until he reassures them with a simple promise.Canelo has two daughters, Emily and Maria and a son named Saul Adiel – with different women.Canelo Alvarez with his youngest daughter Maria and wife FernandaCanelo makes a special promise to Maria before every fightCredit: fernandagmtzCanelo stands next to eldest daughter Emily, left, with son Saul Adiel next to MariaCredit: @canelo All three of the Mexican superstar’s children are regulars at ringside for his fights – but he has to first put them at ease. Canelo, 34, told SunSport: “They get a little bit nervous, but they like it. They scream, they support me with all they have.”I think Maria is the one with more nervous on herself because she says that she don’t want somebody to hurt me or something like that.”And I say, ‘Don’t worry, that’s why I’m here training and do my doing my best here in training camp so that doesn’t happen.'”READ MORE IN BOXINGCanelo had his eldest Emily when he was just 16 with Karen Beltran – and they remain on good terms parenting together.Canelo had son Saul Adiel, six, with Nadia Sepulveda in 2019 and shares Maria, seven, with his current wife Fernanda. The boxing great has dated Fernanda on and off – welcoming their daughter in 2017 – before marrying in 2021.His two youngest are always in the gym with their super-dad – but it is eldest Maria who only truly understands his superstardom.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCanelo said: “I think they realise a little bit, but not the magnitude of what I do or what I am in boxing.”Maybe my older daughter, obviously she’s 17, so she already realised how big I am. But my other kids Adel and Maria, maybe they realise a little bit.”Canelo Alvarez warns he’s ready to bash more Brit rivals with boxing icon ‘dreaming’ of UK debut Canelo is believed to have met his wife Fernanda over ten years ago before they started dating around the time Maria was born. They broke up but later reconciled before marrying and Canelo – who hopes to retire at 37 – revealed Fernanda wants to add to the Alvarez clan.He said: “My wife wants me to retire at 40! Imagine that, and I say ‘No, I don’t, I don’t think so.’ She likes to see me fighting and all that kind of stuff.”And obviously she wants to have more kids and she wants the other kids to see me in training and seeing what I do in the training camps and this and that.”But I say to her, you know, they’re gonna see me in another areas of my life, in my business and that kind of stuff, but we’ll see.”Canelo returns in an undisputed super-middleweight title decider against William Scull in Riyadh – his first bout outside of North America. A super-fight against Terence Crawford, 37, is also expected to follow in September in Las Vegas as part of a four-bout deal with Saudi’s Turki Alalshikh. Canelo’s eldest Emily, far right, with his son Adel and youngest daughter MariaCredit: GettyThe boxing legend with his eldest daughter EmilyCredit: @caneloSaul Adiel and Maria in the gym with CaneloCredit: @canelo Canelo only penned the bumper contract after walking away from a shock fight with 28-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in May. Talks were advanced for a May 3 bout in Vegas – with news even getting back to Canelo’s youngest daughter Maria. He said: “Maybe her friends told her about the fight.”Because the fathers of her friends told them and everything talking about it – because they don’t know anything about boxing.”That kind of people don’t know anything about boxing and they think Jake Paul is really good fighter. Which he is a fighter, but it’s levels in boxing. “And that’s why my daughter told me, ‘You’re gonna fight with Jake Paul?’ And I said, ‘He’s not on my level my love, don’t worry!'”I think it’s for that fact that people don’t how boxing works.” Canelo still leaves the door open to the spectacle bout – but reveals he is glad the fiasco is now put behind him. Read More on The SunHe said: “I’m very happy. Things happen for a reason and I’m happy with this and I’m gonna enjoy it as much as I can.”Watch the full episode of The Sun’s Split Decision featuring exclusive interviews with Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.Canelo fights William Scull in RiyadhCredit: GettyTerence Crawford is set to fight Canelo in SeptemberCredit: Getty Images – GettyCanelo had to walk away from fighting Jake PaulCredit: Rex More

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      Teofimo Lopez ready to follow in his dad’s footsteps by one day training his son… despite their ‘rough’ experiences

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      TEOFIMO LOPEZ is ready to one day coach his son to become a boxer – despite the sport taking a toll on the relationship with his own dad. Lopez has been coached by his father Teofimo Sr throughout his amateur and professional career.Teofimo Lopez with his dadCredit: GettyTeofimo Sr has always coached his boyLopez and his son JuniorAnd while the two are inseparable, boxing has caused the lines to be blurred between father and son and trainer and fighter. But even so, if Lopez’s three-year-old son Junior wanted to enter the family business, the world champion could not bare pass his boy over. He told SunSport: “I would train my son and I would coach him.”I think that he’ll be in the best hands with me. I’ll definitely be there watching him, step by step. READ MORE IN BOXING”I’ll definitely have other trainers or other mentors that have paved the way for myself to watch him as well, to make sure that my son is in the great hands along the journey of boxing because this road is rugged, it’s rough.”Many bumps and you gotta be a strong, you gotta be strong willed, to be able to conquer all of them.”Lopez will be the first to admit his volatile dad is often a coach first and father second – with boxing always coming first. He said: “Boxing all the time. I mean, it’s not too hard though.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It’s good to sometimes feel like you have many more things outside of boxing but everything always involves in boxing. “This is what I know, this is my world and I love it. And I think that was the thing about my whole situation was the key of trying to find out what was my purpose what is it that I need to do?”Why Devin Haney was ‘smiling ear to ear’ and Teofimo Lopez ‘loved’ Chris Eubank Jr’s emotional reunion with his dadLopez, 27, returns on Friday night in a historic three-fight card staged in New York’s famous Times Square. He defends his WBO super-lightweight title against rival Arnold Barboza Jr, 33, amid inconsistent performances in the ring. Lopez has excellent wins over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor – but escaped with controversial decisions against Jamaine Ortiz and Sandor Martin.Also in action on the night is Ryan Garcia against Rolando Romero and Devin Haney returning to face Jose Ramirez. Lopez especially has history with Garcia, Haney, both 26, and Romero, 29, dating back to their days boxing in amateur competitions. He said: “We all know each other from like the amateurs. That’s what it feels like right now.Read More on The Sun”It feels like we’re in a national tournament. Only thing is that the stage got bigger. “The people know us a bit more and what else can I say? It’s a historic event. But other than that, it’s, no pressure, no rivalry, just entertainment.” Lopez returns to fight Arnold Barboza JrCredit: GettyDevin Haney fights Jose RamirezCredit: GettyRyan Garcia headlines against Rolando RomeroCredit: Rex More

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      Ryan Garcia says his one-year-old son is already a champion in the making… and has his famous left hook

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      RYAN GARCIA says his one-year-old son is already a boxing champion in the making – having inherited his famous left hook. The father-of-three has two daughters, sharing Rylie with ex-girlfriend Catherine Gamez and Bela with his former wife Andrea Celina. Ryan Garcia with his son HenryCredit: InstagramGarcia, famed for his left hook, says his son is a naturalCredit: GettyAnd in December 2023, he welcomed his son Henry into the world with Andrea, who he remains close with as they parent together.The American superstar named his youngest after his dad – who introduced Garcia and brother Sean to boxing aged just seven.Henry still helps train and corner his sons – and Garcia will be there for his boy should he choose to enter the family business. He told SunSport: “If I see him really wanting it, I’ll have no other choice but to support him like my dad supported me, so I can’t take that away from him.READ MORE IN BOXING”If that’s in his heart, like it was in my heart, I gotta be like what my dad did for me. “I have a great example of what it means to believe in your son, so I think that I’m gonna just carry that forward to my son.”If he believes in himself, truly, I believe in him and I know all the ins and outs of of the game now, so it could be that much easier for him.”Despite baby Henry not turning two for another six months, he is already practising his boxing skills with his famous fighting father.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGarcia revealed: “He already has the left hook though, which is crazy.”I’m not kidding. I do mitts and I didn’t even teach him that, I guess it’s in his blood.”Ryan Garcia opens up on failed drug test after having Devin Haney win stripped away from himGarcia, 26, returns to the ring on Friday night against former sparring rival Rolando Romero, 29, to headline an historic card in Times Square.It comes having served a 12-month ban for testing positive for ostarine – known to boost muscle growth – after fighting Devin Haney. Garcia had dropped Haney three times before winning a shock decision – only to have the victory overturned to a no-contest. He had returned clean tests with VADA in the build-up to the bout and his team blamed contemplated supplements for the positive result.But the positive tests were taken on the day of and 24 hours before the bout at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.Garcia, who was also fined nearly £1million, said: “At the end of the day, I know I didn’t cheat.”I’ll take the ban for a year and that keeps it moving fast. Everybody knows that I didn’t take it.”I know my team, we know we didn’t take anything, so honestly it doesn’t really matter to me at the end of the day.”People are gonna believe whatever they want to believe, they’re gonna believe I’m innocent, the large majority do believe that, so who cares?”I cannot be making those type of mistakes and I take responsibility and I’m ready to show them how great their daddy really is.Ryan Garcia Garcia suffered a public mental health breakdown both before and after his fight with Haney.He was even arrested last June and charged with one misdemeanour count of vandalism after causing £11,000 worth of damage in an LA hotel room.But thankfully, Garcia turned it around and has got back on track both mentally and physically after fearing he could lose his children. He said: “I mean, as a father you’ve always got to be thinking about what examples you’re giving to your children.”And I think as a mature man, you have to realise your mistakes and make changes, no matter how they come about.”And I think that’s important. I love my kids and I love my family and making sure that I’m a great example for them is a huge priority for me.”So, I cannot be making those type of mistakes and I take responsibility and I’m ready to show them how great their daddy really is.”Garcia tops the stunning three-fight card outside New York’s famous Times Square. Rival Haney, 26, also returns after a year lay-off to face Jose Ramriez, 32, with a rematch against Garcia planned for later this year. Both have to first win and rejuvenated Garcia added: “I’m feeling good. I mean, I’m just ready to go.Read More on The Sun”I may have been acting crazy last time around but I was still feeling good physically, but for me this time around I feel good both, mentally and physically.”So, you know, I’ve done this before. I’ve fought many fights in my life and I’m ready, I’m in shape, ready to go 12 rounds and ready to do my job.”Garcia’s son Henry was born in December 2023Credit: INSTAGRAMGarcia shares daughter Bela and son Henry with ex Andrea CelinaCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia returns against Rolando RomeroCredit: Rex More

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      Canelo Alvarez, 34, reveals why his own WIFE is trying to wreck his boxing retirement plans

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      CANELO ALVAREZ is no closer to retiring from boxing – if his wife Fernanda gets her way.The Mexican icon turned professional aged just 15 and now prepares for his 67th bout against William Scull on the weekend. Canelo Alvarez with wife FernandaCredit: instagram @fernandagmtzCanelo revealed Fernanda is trying to wreck his retirement plansCredit: GettyFernanda married Canelo in 2021Credit: Social Media – Refer to SourceCanelo has always maintained he will look to hang up his legendary gloves at 37 – vowing not to fight on for too long. But boxing fans could get the all-time great for a further three years – thanks to his model partner Fernanda. Canelo, 34, told SunSport: “Actually, my wife wants me to retire at 40! “Imagine that, and I say ‘No, I don’t, I don’t think so.’ She likes to see me fighting and all that kind of stuff. READ MORE IN BOXING”And obviously she wants to have more kids and she wants the other kids to see me in training and seeing what I do in the training camps and this and that.”But I say to her, you know, they’re gonna see me in another areas of my life, in my business and that kind of stuff, but we’ll see.”Canelo married Fernanda in 2021 but they met almost ten years beforehand – dating on and off until they fully reconciled and wed.The boxing champion has two daughters, Emily and Maria and a son named Saul Adiel – all with different women. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe shares youngest Maria with Fernanda and had his eldest Emily when he was just 16-years-old himself. Canelo’s kids are his biggest fans and watch every one of his fights from ringside – but only after being reassured by their super-dad.Canelo Alvarez warns he’s ready to bash more Brit rivals with boxing icon ‘dreaming’ of UK debut He said: “They get a little bit nervous, you know, they get a little bit nervous but they like it. They scream, they support me with all they have.”I think Maria is the one with more nervous on herself because she says that she don’t want somebody to hurt me or something like that.”And I say, ‘Don’t worry, that’s why I’m here training for and doing my best here in training camp so that doesn’t happen.'”Eldest Emily is the only of his children to truly understand Canelo’s superstardom. He said: “I think they realise a little bit, but not the magnitude of what I do or what I am in boxing.”Maybe my older daughter, obviously she’s 17, so she already realised how big I am. But my other kids Adel and Maria, maybe they realise a little bit.”The couple first started dating in 2016Credit: Instagram / @fernandagmtzThe couple share a luxurious lifeCredit: instagram @fernandagmtzFernanda is a model herselfCredit: instagram @fernandagmtzShe has 1.5m followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @fernandagmtzCanelo returns in an undisputed super-middleweight title decider against Scull in Riyadh – airing on DAZN in the early hours of Sunday morning.It marks his first ever fight outside of North America – with Canelo in love with boxing as much now as he was for his pro debut 20 YEARS ago.He said: “I enjoy it a lot. Believe me, it’s not that I don’t be here anymore. “So I still enjoy this kind of thing, I’m gonna fight outside of United States and Mexico.”So for me, it’s something I really want in my career for many years. So that motivates myself a lot.”Canelo also has the chance to regain the IBF title he had to vacate last July – with Scull inheriting the belt to set up the unification. A super-fight against Terence Crawford, 37, is also expected to follow in September in Las Vegas as part of a four-bout deal with Saudi’s Turki Alalshikh. Canelo’s eldest Emily, far right, with his son Adel and youngest daughter MariaCredit: GettyCanelo with his wife Fernanda and daughter MariaCredit: @fernandagmtzCanelo in the gym with his sonCredit: @caneloCanelo with his eldest EmilyCredit: @emilyc.alvarezCanelo only penned the bumper contract after walking away from a shock fight with 28-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in May. Talks were advanced for a May 3 bout in Vegas – with news even getting back to Canelo’s youngest daughter Maria. He said: “Maybe her friends told her about the fight.”Because the fathers of her friends told them and everything talking about it – because they don’t know anything about boxing.”That kind of people don’t know anything about boxing and they think Jake Paul is really good fighter. Which he is a fighter, but it’s levels in boxing. “And that’s why my daughter told me, ‘You’re gonna fight with Jake Paul?’ And I said, ‘He’s not on my level my love, don’t worry!'”I think it’s for that fact that people don’t how boxing works.” Read More on The SunCanelo still leaves the door open to the spectacle bout – but reveals he is glad the fiasco is now put behind him. He said: “I’m very happy. Things happen for a reason and I’m happy with this and I’m gonna enjoy it as much as I can.”Canelo fights William Scull in RiyadhCredit: GettyTerence Crawford is set to fight Canelo in SeptemberCredit: Getty Images – GettyCanelo had to walk away from fighting Jake PaulCredit: Rex More

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      ‘There was blood everywhere’ – Nigel Benn reveals ‘brutal’ fist fight with son Conor ahead of Chris Eubank Jr showdown

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      NIGEL BENN will lead son Conor into battle against Chris Eubank Jr – but they were not always in the same corner. Conor and Eubank Jr clash in a middleweight grudge match on Saturday at Tottenham’s stadium. Nigel Benn with his son ConorCredit: GettyThe two are now inseparable – but it wasn’t always that wayCredit: GettyNigel is always in his son’s cornerCredit: PAIt comes 35 years after their dads’ brutal yet epic first fight, which ended with a Eubank Sr stoppage victory. They controversially drew three years later and in 1996 Nigel retired from boxing as a two-weight world champion. But after walking away from the sport, his life spiralled out of control and into a battle with drink and drugs. Nigel’s partying also saw him become unfaithful to his wife Caroline – Conor’s mum – causing friction between the two. READ MORE IN boxing The British boxing legend – living in Majorca – split with Caroline and spent a year living with a pastor as a born-again-Christian. Conor attended the school attached to the church as one of just 30 students who followed a Bible-based curriculum. He did not see his dad for those 12 months, sparking a resentment for his old man by the time Nigel returned. Conor, now 28, told The Times: “There was a lot of hate, for sure. I was at a sensitive age where I was becoming a man. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”How could you come back and try to discipline me after you’d been gone for a whole year?”Nigel, 61, said: “He couldn’t stand me. He thought I didn’t like him, but it wasn’t that. Conor Benn’s brother Harley opens door to fighting Chris Eubank Jr’s cousin Harlem after chance meeting in Marbella”I didn’t know any other way. I just didn’t want him to be like me. I wanted him to be different.”Conor was sent to live in the UK – first in Blackpool and then Birmingham – due to his increasingly problematic behaviour. Then, the family all moved together to Australia after Nigel reconciled with his wife. It is there that Conor began boxing as an amateur – and where he first challenged his dad to a sparring session. Nigel recalled: “I had a boot on because I damaged my achilles, so I said to him, ‘Let’s just use the jab.’ “He said, ‘No, I’m going to throw the right hand’. In the heat of the moment, I chipped his tooth. There was blood everywhere.”Conor would amass a 20-2 amateur record while living in Sydney – and continued to call out his dad for a scrap. Nigel said: “It was only me and him in the gym and we just knew we were going to have a spar. Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the info“You’ve got to understand, I was looking to absolutely knock him spark out, and he was thinking the same. “We were throwing punches and didn’t care where they came from as long as they connected.”Conor added: “You can’t understand the full brutality of it. There were no head guards, nothing. “It was emotional because that was the last time I spent with my dad. We thought it was best that I leave Australia because of the trouble I was in. “I flew to England on my own the next day and tried to take boxing more seriously. I went and stayed with Ricky Hatton for four months.”Conor decided to turn professional after touching down in England, eventually settling in Essex under esteemed coach Tony Sims. You can’t understand the full brutality of it. There were no head guards, nothing. Conor Benn on sparring dad Nigel Debuting as the son-of-a-legend, all eyes were on Conor as he went from bungling novice to genuine world level contender over the years. Conor improved to 21-0 by the time he first signed to fight Eubank Jr in a 157lb catchweight contest in 2022. But the bout was axed with just days to go when it emerged the unbeaten welterweight failed two Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency tests. Conor returned an adverse finding for clomifene – a banned substance known to boost testosterone. The Brit spent two years fighting and protesting his innocence after his British Boxing Board of Control licence was removed. Conor had two fights in America – beating Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson up at light-middleweight – as his UK Anti-Doping case dragged on. But eventually, the case against Conor was dropped after the NAPD were “not comfortably satisfied” that UKAD had proved Benn had committed a doping offence. It cleared Conor to fight on home soil again – but still the court of public opinion is out against the boxer. And Conor said: “I’ve struggled with the fact there’ll always be that cloud of, ‘Did he or did he not?’ “It was hard to accept that people will never 100 per cent believe you, but I ain’t done it and I’ve spent over a million quid proving it, so who cares? Say what you want.”Conor nows steps up to the 160lb middleweight limit to fight 35-year-old Eubank. And he predicted: “It could be a really brutal, gory, messy fight. Read More on The Sun”I know it could be, but ultimately I’m not too concerned. I think I will go in there and terrorise him. “Either I’m delusional or hundreds of thousands of people don’t believe in me, but my dad will be proud of me regardless.”Eubank facing off with BennCredit: GETTY More

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      Who is Joe Thompson’s wife Chantelle Perry and how many children did she share with the late Man Utd footballer?

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      MANCHESTER United have paid tribute to former footballer Joe Thompson, who has sadly passed away from cancer at the age of 36.  The club offered their heartfelt support to his family, stating that their thoughts are very much with them during this incredibly difficult time. Here’s what we know about his wife, Chantelle Perry, and their children.Chantelle Perry and Joe Thompson have been married since 2016Credit: Instagram / Chantelle PerryWho is Joe Thompson’s wife, Chantelle Perry?Chantelle Perry is the wife of former English professional footballer, Joe Thompson.The pair married in 2016 after dating for a long time.Sadly, the ex-Rochdale player, who retired at the age of 29 in 2019, faced an uphill battle with his health.He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in 2024.Read more about Joe ThompsonIn a tribute to her husband, who died on April 17, 2025, Chantelle wrote on Instagram: “Our brave and courageous Joey passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, he was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful peaceful setting surrounding by his family when he transitioned. “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.“He was the most Incredible husband,son,brother,friend & father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joes love every single day.”Chantelle added: “It’s been a long battle, and one that he fought with all his might and he did things HIS way!! Most read in Football“He choose his path and walked every step with courage and pride growing closer and closer to god each day whilst still being there for so many others. “He held on to his plans for the future to continue that legacy but It’s now time for him to rest up and watch over us from heaven.Ex-Man Utd trainee Joe Thompson diagnosed with cancer for 3rd time and says ‘aggressive’ lymphoma has spread to his lungs “I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy. Long may his legacy and impact live on!!”Chantelle herself is a beauty entrepreneur and set up the Perriee Spa back in 2015 in Prestwich. By then, she’d already been styling hair for 13 years and had spent the last decade perfecting her own techniques for fitting hair extensions.According to Company House, she still holds a number of senior roles in her beauty businesses, however, she generally keeps a low profile.She was just 27 when Joe was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013, while he was playing for Tranmere. He was given the all-clear a year later, but sadly had to face the disease again in 2017.Chantelle has stood by him since he was diagnosedCredit: Instagram / Chantelle PerrySpeaking in 2019, Joe said he owed so much to Chantelle and their family for standing by him through it all.He told the Liverpool Echo: “I owe it to my body and also to my family who have all seen me go through hell on more than one occasion. “You have all been my light in my darkest days.”Joe said: “It’s definitely going to be a challenge and of course I get really down some days but what I need is people around me to take my mind off it because if I’m on my own for too long I just think about everything too much.She’s been my motivation through some really dark and hard times.Joe Thomspson“I have my loved ones to keep me strong and I’m so lucky to have such a fantastic family.“As a family we’re all really close. On the day I was told I had cancer my daughter just instinctively knew there was something up and she wouldn’t stop crying. It was so strange because the moment the doctor told us she knew something was wrong.“I guess she just knew there was a twinkle in daddy’s eye which wasn’t there anymore. We all slept crammed on the sofa together that night because Lula wouldn’t settle and she usually goes to sleep like clockwork.’How many children did Joe Thompson have with Chantelle Perry?The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Thailula-Lily, in September 2014.The couple share two daughtersCredit: Instagram / Chantelle PErryWhile saying his statement about his cancer returning, he described his wife and daughter, saying: “I would like to thank my wife, Chantelle, who was my rock in my first encounter and will once again be by my side with the same encouragement, discipline and strength. “Not to mention the love shown to me by both my wife and beautiful daughter Thailula-Lily who are both my motivations daily.”A year later, Thompson said about them: “She means the world to me – and my wife. “She’s been my motivation through some really dark and hard times.”She always makes me smile and hopefully she’ll remember that. She sees Daddy as Superman.”Read More on The SunThey had their second daughter, Athena Rae, in 2022.Tragically, in 2024, Chantelle and Joe shared that they had lost their baby son, whom they named Dre Phoenix Thompson. More

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      Beaming Roy Keane shares heartmelting photo of newest grandchild as fans hail ‘king of Grandfathering’

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      ROY KEANE announced the arrival of his newest grandchild with a heartmelting photograph on Instagram.Keane, 53, is already a grandfather to two kids and took to social media to reveal that a third has arrived.Roy Keane shared a photo of his new grandchildCredit: Instagram/officialkeane16The youngster is his third grandchildCredit: Instagram/officialkeane16He said: “My new grandson, big baby ❤️”Fans took to the comments to congratulate the Republic of Ireland and Manchester United legend.The Red Devils themselves said: “Just in time for kick-off ❤️” while ex-Ireland teammate Robbie Keane posted: “Congrats ❤️”Shaun Wright-Phillips said: “Congratulations 🍾” while a fourth follower commented: “Roy Keane king of Instagram and king of Grandfathering 👑”A fifth said: “I immediately read ‘Big Baby’ in your voice 🤣🤣🤣 Congratulations 👍🏻”detail has yet come to light on which of his and wife Theresa’s five children is the parent.The Cork native is notoriously private when it comes to his family life.The only recent spotlight thrust upon his loved ones has been when it emerged that his daughter Leah is engaged to Southampton and England centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis.Most read in FootballThe latter had to field questions on his and Leah’s major life milestone during England’s last international window of 2024 – and did his best to not to give the press too much information.Harwood-Bellis kept his words to a minimum when asked about Keano’s presence in his life.’This is big boy stuff’ rants Roy Keane as Man Utd legend blasts stand-in keeper Altay Bayindir after Newcastle blunderAt a press conference before England’s revenge mission vs Greece, he simply stated: “Yes, it’s something that is good and I take a lot of advice.”But there were plenty of on-air jokes cracked in the ITV studio over the following days as Keane smirked through the gags of colleagues.The best of the lot saw Mark Pougatch quiz Keane on what he knew about the England debutant after he’d marked his first senior appearance with a goal…against Ireland at Wembley.The Man United great was quick-witted as ever in his reply about Taylor and Leah’s looming wedding.He insisted: “Listen, it’s not done and dusted yet.”Things can change very quickly in the Keane household.”Read More on The SunHis playful reaction left co-pundit Ian Wright in fits of laughter.However, Keane did admit that Harwood-Bellis “is a nice kid” and that his family had “done very well.” More