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    Michael Schumacher’s ‘sweet chopper trip to meet first granddaughter’ REVEALED as stricken star ‘dashed to join family’

    MICHAEL Schumacher’s heart warming trip to meet his first granddaughter has been revealed. The legendary Formula One driver flew from his family’s villa in Majorca to their Swiss mansion in a chopper to join his daughter before the birth. Michael Schumacher flew to meet his new granddaughter in SwitzerlandCredit: InstagramThe F1 star became a grandad after his daughter Gina gave birth to baby Millie in MarchCredit: GettyDaughter Gina announced the birth of baby Millie on InstagramCredit: Instagram @ gina_schumacher’s profile picture gina_schumacherGina and husband Iain Bethke were married last year and have now welcomed their first childCredit: InstagramSchumacher took a chopper from the family villa in Majorca to the mansion in SwitzerlandSchumacher’s daughter Gina, 28, became a mother for the first time on March 29 making her parents Michael and Corinna grandparents. Gina welcomed baby Millie to the world in a post on Instagram.The caption read: “Welcome to the world, Millie. Born on March 29th, our hearts are fuller than ever.”We are beyond blessed to have you in our lives. #welcomeMillie.”read more on Formula OneGina’s comments section was flooded with messages of congratulations and well wishes.Messages from the likes of the Mercedes F1 team and Max Verstappen’s mother were amongst the comments.Schumacher, 56, rushed back to his Swiss residence a few days before the birth to join his family for the special moment.The star’s family reportedly hope that the exciting news will give him hope as he battles with his health, according to Bild. Most read in MotorsportThe young family will spend some time in the US with Gina set to compete in western riding tournaments in Las Vegas in August. The F1 legend’s daughter is a well-known figure in the Western riding world and has competed in various prestigious events. Michael Schumacher security guard ‘tried to blackmail stricken F1 star for £12million so he could pay off his debts’Gina revealed she was pregnant shortly after tying the knot to partner Iain Bethke at a villa in Majorca last year.There was speculation at the time that her seven-time F1 champion dad attended the wedding, but there was no proof.Schumacher has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in December 2013 in the French Alps.Michael was left in a coma for 250 days and is believed to have needed around-the-clock care ever since.Since then, Schumacher’s wife Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery.This includes forming a close group of people who are allowed to see the icon.Anyone else is not allowed to see him for fear of his private life being leaked.Read More on The SunLast year Schumacher’s son Mick is thought to have trusted girlfriend Laila Hasonovic with becoming part of the family’s close circle.The 24-year-old was reportedly given a vote of confidence by the Schumachers to see Michael early last year.Schumacher and his wife Corinna are grandparents for the first timeCredit: AlamySchumacher has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in 2013Credit: Getty More

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    England football legend and wife plot move to relocate to Dubai as they eye properties and school for kids

    FORMER England football star Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate are considering relocating to the Middle East, we can reveal.Rio, 46, and Kate, 33, are looking at big-money properties and schools for their younger children in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.Kate is married to former Manchester United legend Rio FerdinandCredit: InstagramFriends say the entrepreneurial pair, who live in Bromley, South East London, are keen to find a home in the Gulf.A source said: “Rio and Kate are seriously considering being based out in the Gulf and are looking for a sprawling home with plenty of bedrooms. “They love the lifestyle and sunny ­weather and have lots of friends out there. It’s a very safe place for families and offers a healthy lifestyle, which suits them well.”The pair met in Dubai in 2016 after being introduced out there by mutual friends.READ MORE ON RIO FERDINANDRio proposed to Kate in Abu Dhabi two years later and the couple tied the knot one year on. He has five kids — Lorenz, 18, Tate, 15, and Tia, 12, with first wife Rebecca Ellison who died in 2015; and Cree, four, and Shae, 21 months, with Kate.The source said: “It holds a special place in their hearts as that’s where they met and both could easily travel back and forth for their work commitments in the UK.“As well as his sporting success Rio has a huge business portfolio now and there is lots of potential in the Middle East.”Most read in FootballInsiders at TNT Sports are concerned that pundit Rio, who also has homes in Portugal and Barbados, will leave at the end of the season.Rio Ferdinand fears that Man Utd might not win again in the Premier League this season The former Manchester United captain has worked for the broadcaster for more than a decade and is seen as integral to their coverage.His management firm New Era has signed a partnership with US talent agency WME.A spokesman for Rio and Kate declined to comment.The couple are looking at homes in the sunny GulfCredit: Getty More

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    Jack Grealish is ultimate family man from loving relationship with disabled sister to tribute to baby brother who died

    JACK GREALISH is one of the Premier League’s biggest stars but at heart he is a loving family man.The Manchester City star dedicated his goal against Leicester on Wednesday to his baby brother on the anniversary of his death.Jack Grealish is a big family man and he dedicated his most recent goal to his late brother KeelanCredit: GettyHe is best friends with sister HollieCredit: INSTAGRAM @jackgrealishHe always makes time for sister Kiera tooCredit: Keira Grealish/instagramThe Man City star often shares his pride in HollieKeelan Grealish passed away from cot death aged nine monthsIt is not the first time he has paid tribute to Keelan, who passed away at nine months old from cot death.When he scored his first senior goal while on loan at Notts County in the 2013/14 season, he dedicated it to Keelan. And in November 2018 while playing for Aston Villa, he did the same after scoring in a 4-2 victory over Birmingham. Grealish choked back tears as he spoke about Keelan following his latest goal and what it means to his family.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England star has been open about his baby brother’s passing and his little sister Hollie’s disability, describing her as his “best friend”.He said previously: “My little brother passed away when I was young.”My little sister has cerebral palsy, so she, you know, she’s like my best friend. I speak to her all the time.”She’ll live with my mum forever, so my mum was always looking after the kids, whereas my dad would take me and my brother to Villa Park on a Saturday.Most read in Football“We are so close. She was born three months premature and they said she would not be able to talk, walk.”And here we are today, and she can do everything.”Grealish has babyGrealish celebrated City’s title victory last season with Hollie on the Etihad pitch.With his winners’ medal around his neck, Grealish hugged and kissed her on the cheek.He often expresses how proud he is of his sister and sang her praises after she began her first job as a waitress.Grealish shared a photo of Hollie at work and wrote: “Go on Hols. First job… Birmingham’s best waitress. Proud of you.”The 29-year-old has previously talked about how Hollie was born three months premature, adding: “They said that she wouldn’t be able to talk, she wouldn’t be able to walk, and do a lot of stuff but here we are and she can do everything.”I’m so close with my little sister. I love her so much.” He has called Hollie his “inspiration” and his “hero”.Although Hollie is his best friend, Grealish always makes time for his other sister Kiera and makes sure to remember Keelan with touching tributes.Read More on The SunAfter his goal on the anniversary of Keelan’s death, Grealish said: “I felt like I deserved to play tonight and I was just happy. It was a nice day because my little brother passed away 25 years ago today.”So this day is always hard in the family. My mum and dad were here and I think this day is always difficult in the family so to score and to win is brilliant.” More

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    Our reality TV show caused family divide but it brought us together with help of baby daughter Esme, says Logan Paul

    LOGAN PAUL revealed baby daughter Esme helped bring his family together – after filming their TV show threatened to divide them.The celebrity household put their lives out there like never before for an eight-parter airing on HBO’s Max.Logan Paul with dad Greg, brother Jake and mum PamJake holds Logan’s baby daughter EsmeNina Agdal with Logan and EsmeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgdceAJ9G1/?igsh=MWFsOXpvM2xra294aQ&img_index=1Called Paul American, the series – which was years in the making – draws back the curtain on the good, the bad and the ugly.Logan told SunSport: “This show has caused a few divides in the family, which sucks for us, but it’s great media.“We’ve shown our whole lives on camera, on YouTube and the internet primarily, and we felt like Max was an outlet where we could go even further.“I don’t know why we felt like that, but maybe because it’s Max and it’s like an incredibly prestigious platform.READ MORE IN BOXING”So we really put it all out there for everyone to judge and and and hate on us. It’s pretty sick.”The show stars Logan, 29, and brother Jake, 28, as well as loving mum Pam and no-nonsense dad Greg. Logan’s fiancee – Danish supermodel Nina Agdal – and Jake’s newly-engaged partner – Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam – also feature throughout.Proud dad Logan welcomed baby daughter Esme into the world last year. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHer arrival was a timely one for the family after the show itself took its toll – but the series also played a part in reconciliation. Asked if his newborn helped bring the family together, Logan said: “Yeah, oh for sure.My dad pitted me and Logan against each other growing up… but my kids will NEVER be like that, says Jake Paul”My daughter Esme, it was amazing for everyone. But, so did the show, to be honest. “There’s been divides, and issues with how the episodes have turned out, some people don’t like certain episodes, other people don’t like others.“It has really brought the family together, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.”Logan – who is signed to the WWE – admits in one episode that he fears for Esme’s teenage years. And he said: “I think whether you have a son or a daughter, like the teenage years generally are like the rebellion.“See it’s a dog eat dog world out there and there may be a tipping point where your child starts to resent you for XYZ.“Maybe they go through a phase that is inherently problematic. “I mean, I’m a new dad, but I think that when children become teenagers, they start to develop  their personality.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They feel like they don’t need their parents anymore, and with that comes maybe some disconnect, I don’t know.”The Max Original reality series PAUL AMERICAN debuts THURSDAY, MARCH 27 on Max. Episodes debut weekly leading up to the season finale on Thursday, May 15.Logan proposed to Nina before their baby was bornCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskNina is a supermodel from DenmarkCredit: SplashJake Paul proposed to Jutta LeerdamCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulJutta is a speedskater from the NetherlandsCredit: Reuters More

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    Jake Paul says having children will prolong his boxing career and wants them to be best pals with brother Logan’s kids

    JAKE PAUL says having children will keep him in boxing longer – and wants his kids to be best friends with brother Logan’s.The YouTuber-turned-boxer became an uncle in September after Logan and his fiancee Nina welcomed daughter Esme into the world. Jake Paul with brother Logan and niece EsmeCredit: @jakepaulJake Paul in training in the gymCredit: @jakepaulJake Paul beat Mike Tyson in his last fightCredit: GettyJake wants babies of his own with girlfriend Jutta Leerdam – but the Dutch speedskater plans to wait until after the 2026 Winter Olympics.Little brother Jake – who boasts of being a super-cool uncle to Esme – dreams of raising up the next generation of Pauls all-together.He told SunSport: “I think it would be great for all of our kids to grow up together.“I think they’re gonna be each other’s best friends because of the fact that they’re gonna be growing up in a crazy world that is so different than most other kids and they’re not gonna be able to turn and trust a lot of people.READ MORE IN BOXING“So I think it’d be good for our kids to be able to be close in age for sure.”Jake recently announced his engagement to Jutta – getting down on one knee behind a stunning backdrop.And now he is ready to juggle the brutal and gruelling life as a boxer with daddy duty – and does not expect fatherhood to soften him as a fighter.The 28-year-old said: “I don’t think so, I think it would do the opposite.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I think it would give me more reasons to fight and more reasons to provide for my family, and probably motivate me more.”Jake is currently 11-1 as a boxer and most recently beat Mike Tyson, 58, in a controversial fight viewed by over 100 MILLION people on Netflix. My dad pitted me and Logan against each other growing up… but my kids will NEVER be like that, says Jake PaulBut he can now add reality TV star to his list of accolades after filming an eight-part series called Paul American alongside his family. The show – airing on HBO’s Max in America – also stars the brothers’ mum Pam, dad Greg and their fiancees Jutta and Nina.And Logan told us: “This show has caused a few divides in the family, which sucks for us, but it’s great media.“We’ve shown our whole lives on camera, on YouTube and the internet primarily, and we felt like Max was an outlet where we could go even further.“I don’t know why we felt like that, but maybe because it’s Max and it’s like an incredibly prestigious platform. “So we really put it all out there for everyone to judge and and and hate on us. It’s pretty sick!”The Max Original reality series PAUL AMERICAN debuts THURSDAY, MARCH 27 on Max. Episodes debut weekly leading up to the season finale on Thursday, May 15.Jake Paul proposing to Jutta LeerdamCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulNina Agdal and partner Logan PaulCredit: Instagram / Nina AgdalLogan Paul with brother Jake, dad Greg and mum PamCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    My dad pitted me and Logan against each other growing up… but my kids will NEVER be like that, says Jake Paul

    LOGAN PAUL awkwardly laughs when brother Jake suggests their parents could have raised them better in a warts ‘n all documentary about the showbiz siblings.Logan said they both have no regrets for publicly feuding for so many years – which was a huge strain for their mum Pam.Logan Paul with dad Greg and brother JakeCredit: INSTAGRAMLogan and Jake grew up competing against each otherCredit: @loganpaul Jake holds Logan’s baby daughter EsmeCredit: INSTAGRAMJake, 28, says with a straight face: “Well, I think if they were better parents, we probably wouldn’t have been fighting.” Older brother Logan, 29, lets out a chuckle and continues: “It’s true. No, I don’t think either of us have regrets.“I mean yeah, we could sit here and say we wish we would have done things differently, but then like perhaps the present wouldn’t look the way it looks now. “And I mean, his comment was facetious, but maybe there’s truth in that.”read more in boxing Jake, who has lived a life being compared to Logan, interrupts with: “I was being serious. My kids won’t fight, they’ll support and love each other.”The pair grew up raised by their no-nonsense dad Greg and loving mother Pam – who have since separated. By their teens, both had moved to Los Angeles in a bid for fame by entering showbusiness. Over the next ten years, Logan and Jake would become two of the biggest stars in the social media era and self-made millionaires.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey first shot to notoriety on the six-second video app Vine and later YouTube – where they became viral sensations. A battle for internet supremacy would then ensue between the two – as the brothers fought it out for clicks, likes and subscribers.Jake Paul says having children will prolong his boxing career and wants them to be best friends with brother Logan’s kidsAnd while the chase for money and success could be blamed for their family feuding, dad Greg is where the finger gets pointed at.The crazy life the family live plays out in an eight-part reality series airing on MAX called Paul American. And Logan says: “In this show, it was incredibly cathartic for us to figure out why we are the way we are sometimes.“And I think one of the things that we discovered was our dad was constantly pitting us against each other – like with everything. “So we both became extremely competitive. And that’s like ingrained in us, whether it’s with each other or the universe and everyone else.”Logan and Jake moved to LA to pursue showbiz careersCredit: Getty – ContributorLogan and Jake Paul with parents Greg and PamCredit: GettyJake celebrates a boxing win with LoganCredit: GettyThe eye-opening and wide-ranging series draws back the curtain on the chaotic life Jake and Logan lead.Jake juggles his career as a boxing star with being a long-distance partner to Jutta Leerdam – a glamorous and successful Dutch speedskater – who he has just proposed to.Logan – signed to the WWE – welcomes baby daughter Esme into the world after getting engaged to Danish supermodel Nina Agdal. Explosive arguments, heartwarming reconciliations and everything in between is laid bare in the series – all in the name of entertainment. Logan says: “This show has caused a few divides in the family, which sucks for us, but it’s great media.“We’ve shown our whole lives on camera, on YouTube and the internet primarily, and we felt like Max was an outlet where we could go even further.“I don’t know why we felt like that, but maybe because it’s Max and it’s like an incredibly prestigious platform. READ MORE SUN STORIES”So we really put it all out there for everyone to judge and and hate on us. It’s pretty sick.”The Max Original reality series PAUL AMERICAN debuts THURSDAY, MARCH 27 on Max. Episodes debut weekly leading up to the season finale on Thursday, May 15.Nina Agdal is Logan Paul’s supermodel fianceeCredit: SplashThe couple are now engagedCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThey welcomed their baby daughter Esme into the worldCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgdceAJ9G1/?igsh=MWFsOXpvM2xra294aQ&img_index=1Uncle Jake with his niece EsmeCredit: INSTAGRAMJutta Leerdam is Jake Paul’s Dutch speedskater girlfriendCredit: AFPThe couple are don’t mind sharing with their followersCredit: @jakepaul More

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

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

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    ‘Like I was made in a lab’ – How Moses Itauma became ‘Project Thanos’ with background from Slovak mountains and Nigeria

    MOSES ITAUMA is a super-freak of a fighter built in a fantasy lab somewhere between the icy Slovak mountains and scorching Africa.The 20-year-old heavyweight prodigy, with a Nigerian father, was born in his mum’s Kezmarok home but raised in Chatham, Kent.Moses Itauma has credited his Nigerian father and Slovakian mother with inspiring him to successCredit: GettyItauma revealed his uncle woke him up at 2am to go to the world’s largest ice bathCredit: GettyItauma’s coach has likened him to Avengers character ThanosLike Itauma, former world champion Anthony Joshua has talked extensively about his Nigerian heritageCredit: GettyThe union between the rugged central-European region – where freezing dips in the Poprad river instill an ice-cold will – and the West-African hotbed of professional warriors like Anthony Joshua, has created the 6ft 3in southpaw superstar.And the code of ultra-discipline his military-focused maternal uncles have taught him has swirled with his father’s fearsome genepool to create a boxing force comparable with Marvel comic super-villain Thanos.When SunSport asks Itauma if the unlikely blend of cultures has created a monster, he tells us: “Yes. 100 per cent.“You probably wouldn’t think of putting those two nations together but I am very proud of my heritage.READ MORE BOXING NEWS“I have a military-like discipline from my mother’s side and I am just a genetic freak from my dad’s side.“It is like I was made in a lab and this was all planned: Project Itauma.“My old nutritionist actually used to call me ‘Project Thanos’, the Marvel character.”When SunSport drops our guard and reveals our age by admitting we have only heard of Thanos via our schoolboy sons, we are firmly informed: “He’s a big powerful purple guy who fights the Avengers.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“He is the villain in the film but, at the same time, he is very powerful and it takes all of the Avengers – who are all individually very powerful – to come together to beat Thanos.”Back on planet Earth, Itauma explains how bringing together two countries separated by 3,000 miles and the Mediterranean Sea has helped British boxing spawn a new superpower who can carry the hopes of the nation on his shoulders, after Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have retired.Moses Itauma ‘could beat’ Mike Tyson’s youngest heavyweight champ record after impressive first round KO of Demsey McKeanHe explained: “Being born in Slovakia and living there for a couple of years, to a Nigerian father, I have that little brag of being a weird mix of heritage.“But I have learned a lot from everyone, if you ever go into my bedroom or my car, everything is spotlessly clean and I know where everything is.“I went to go and work with my uncle in Switzerland for a while and I remember his apartment there being so spotlessly clean and he knew where absolutely everything was and everything had its place.“I remember him telling me that it makes your life so much easier if you know where all the important things are. That’s just one aspect.Itauma is unbeaten with nine of his eleven victories coming via knockoutCredit: GettyIn his last fight, Itauma demolished the highly-rated Demsey McKean in one roundCredit: Getty“Another is, I have a cousin who I went running with in Slovakia, at high altitude, and he is not a boxer or an athlete, he does not run, he’s chubby. But he outran me.“And he was telling me ‘we never quit, we never lose’.“His heart must have been doing cartwheels inside his body but that mentality is nice to see and know it is part of me.”It would be easy to assume that Itauma’s giant dad, who also sired light-heavyweight Karol and amateur footballer-turned-boxer Samuel, might be the sole source of the family’s fighting credentials.But Itauma reveals that the fearless Slovak side of his DNA has played a huge part in his rapid and ruthless rise to world title prominence among so many other Nigerian fighters.He said: “My mum’s maiden surname was Blaschek.“Which is quite well known, where we are from, for the men loving fighting and – not being crazy – but doing crazy things like running up mountains, doing 1000 press-ups and running back down again. They are known for being disciplined.“They are not crazy but they are so disciplined that people might think they are odd.“I remember one Christmas day my uncle saw on the news that there had been the world’s biggest ice bath somewhere and then, at 2am, he got me and my brother down to the lake to jump in for five minutes.“He’s not a complete nutter, just a very disciplined man.“I went to live and work with him for a little while in Switzerland, he might still be up drinking at 2am but then he was up at 4am, doing his press-ups and pull-ups, and taking a cold shower. I was only waking up at 4:30am and he was ready to go.Itauma revealed his family instilled a high level of discipline in him from a young ageCredit: Instagram / m.itaumaThe boxer has trained in extreme conditionsCredit: Instagram / m.itaumaItauma in Zdiar, Slovakia in 2019Credit: Instagram / m.itauma“And then, on my dad’s side, everyone knows about African culture and them being stupidly strong.“Just look at the boxing landscape now, Lawrence Okolie, Richard Riakporhe, Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce, Daniel Dubois and Deontay Wilder, all of Nigerian heritage.“And in the UFC you have guys like Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman, the proof is in the pudding.”The buzz around Itauma has been shaking gym walls for five years, when aged just 15 he started arriving to spar the likes of Joyce and Okolie while still in his school uniform.There has been a concern that the latest British boxing ace was being overhyped and – like Dubois – was destined for a fall.But the one-round demolition of respected Demsey McKean in December opened the floodgates for fanfare and outrageous predictions that we have a mutant mix of Mike Tyson and Oleksandr Usyk on our lucky hands – and Itauma isn’t interested in dampening those flames.“Anything outside of the boxing ring is not really my expertise,” he told us at a Mayfair lunch arranged by manager Francis Warren.“When I get asked questions, I try to articulate the answers as best I can, but it’s not my job, it’s my job to fight. It doesn’t matter how I answer these questions, as long as I am respectful. It’s not my job to talk.“I had a couple of problems going into that fight and my coach even thought about pulling me out.“Dempsey was a big test for me but my coach wondered if it was worth potentially losing.“But I knew I could breeze into the fight, not get hit, and potentially knock him out early and that’s the only reason that the fight happened.“Before the fight, I said to myself ‘if I am the person that I think I am, then I should breeze through Dempsey’. And I did.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So I am the person I think I am.“I don’t need to be overhyped.”Itauma sat down to chat to SunSportCredit: The Sun More