Children parenting and family life

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘How am I going to survive?’ asked non-league star after dream transfer into EFL turned into a nightmare

      by

      A NIGHTMARE summer transfer to Crawley Town left non-league striker Muhammadu Faal asking himself: “How am I going to survive?”From landing his dream move and putting a deposit down on a brand new house for his young family, to being told his contract was INVALID, Faal was left feeling depressed and ashamed.Muhammadu Faal was left worried about finances and work after Crawley let him go following a nightmare three monthsFaal was on top of the world when he was publicly announced as newly promoted League One side Crawley Town’s latest striker on July 22.It came 12 days after his cousin Liverpool star Joe Gomez watched on from the bench as England lost the Euros final to Spain.Faal told The Athletic: “It felt like my second bite of the cherry, my second chance. It seemed like the perfect opportunity.”But less than three months later, Faal’s attitude to football has changed. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe lost the opportunity to play at the highest level in his career so far when the EFL found his contract with Crawley was not valid.The agreement was a six-month contract with an 18-month extension option – which broke EFL rules as an extension period is not allowed to be longer than the initial deal.Faal then says there was told by Crawley’s football leadership that there was no room for renegotiation. A devastated Faal went to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) for support, but was told that they couldn’t help.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “I waited for the PFA, and within those three weeks I wondered, ‘How am I going to pay my bills? How am I going to just… survive? “I’ve got a wife, I’ve got a child, I’ve got rent to pay, bills to pay. How am I going to do this? What am I going to do?’”‘I was a zebra, Shane Duffy was Goldilocks’ – Norwich City star Kellen Fisher on wild Xmas partys, dinner with Delia and team-mates getting eggedMuhammadu Faal was involved in Crawley’s 6-3 preseason defeat to Crystal PalaceHe added: “When Crawley became interested, I thought that this was the chance of a lifetime. I couldn’t miss it. Great playing style, good manager… it doesn’t matter about the terms — I have to take it.”He has since received legal support from Muslim athlete collective Nujum Sport.But what happened before that? Faal signed the contract on July 15 and he completed his medical three days later, with signing pictures taken.The first stumbling block came when club sporting director Tobias Phoenix incorrectly told him he’d failed his medical.Faal recalled to The Athletic: “He told me ‘the deal’s off because you failed’. He said he didn’t want to disclose on what grounds.”But Crawley chiefs seemingly backtracked during a meeting with Faal and his agent just 24 hours later.The move was back on. That day, he was announced as a Crawley player, and appeared on the club’s social media channels.To Faal’s knowledge, at this point he was a Crawley player — though his agent was still pressing the club for a finalised copy of the contract.Setback after setback came again before he was told that he hasn’t been registered yet for a Carabao Cup against Swindon in August.Faal had paid the holding deposit on his dream home less than 48 hours before.He admitted that he was affected by the update — and didn’t perform up to his usual level in training.His senses were correct and he was let go by the club the next day.I felt ashamed, I felt embarrassed. I didn’t feel worthy. Although it wasn’t the case, I felt I’d failed.Muhammadu FaalThe problem was that the contract which Faal had signed was for six months, with an 18-month extension option. Under EFL rules, an extension is not allowed to be longer than the initial contracted period. The issue meant Faal could not be registered.Faal added: “I was in disbelief. My agent and I didn’t know how it could happen. I signed a contract. Surely you can’t just let me go?”At that point, I just wanted to give up football. I didn’t see the point of continuing. My life’s goal was to make it pro and do that to the best of my ability. “But every time I’ve taken the step, I’ve been met by problems outside my control. I love football, but it’s unfair as well.”The Hackney-born ace lost his deposit on the house, but bigger things were also at play.He was now jobless, with his mental health receiving a battering.The 6ft 5in striker explained: “I felt ashamed, I felt embarrassed. I didn’t feel worthy. Although it wasn’t the case, I felt I’d failed.”Faal of Barnet has had spells at Barnet, Enfield and MaidstoneAccording to Faal and his lawyer, his registration was not a key condition of the contract.Faal has since refused to sign the proof of termination document. He feels that he is owed that six-month contract — and is planning to take the club to an employment tribunal, according to The Athletic.In recent weeks, he has joined nearby Worthing to play games — dropping back down three divisions to return to the National League South. He now earns less money than he did before the Crawley move.Faal believes he has contracts with both Crawley and Worthing — but is allowed to play because he is only registered with the latter.When announcing his departure, on September 13, Crawley said Faal had joined Worthing for an “undisclosed fee”.But they would have been unable to receive money for him as an unregistered player — and is instead classed as a free transfer.Faal says Crawley told him that it was done to help the image of all parties involved.READ MORE SUN STORIESFaal began his career in Italy with Serie C side L’Aquila as an 18-year-old, making five senior appearances.He then enjoyed a series of free transfers to non-league sides Dulwich Hamlet, Kingstonian FC and Enfield Town. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen’s MUM ‘could have been one of the best F1 drivers of all time’ but gave up dream at 21

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN could have been following a Formula One legacy crafted by his mum.The Dutchman was crowned a four-time World Champion during the Las Vegas Grand Prix.Max Verstappen’s mum Sophie Kumpen was a champion in kartingCredit: Instagram @sophiekumpenChristian Horner believes she was among the best ten drivers in the worldShe gave up her dream of racing in F1 to raise Max and sister VictoriaCredit: Instagram @sophiekumpenAfter marrying Jos Verstappen in 1996, Kumpen gave birth to Max in 1997His father, Jos was an F1 driver, but Verstappen’s mum, Sophie Kumpen was also a champion in karting and could have been a motorsport great in her own right.That is the view of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who made a stunning claim that she was even among the “top ten drivers in the world”.As quoted by Marca, Horner said: “I competed against her in 1989, in the Junior Karting World Championship. “In that race, there were very talented drivers, such as Jan Magnussen, Jarno Trulli, Giancarlo Fisichella or Dario Franchitti. READ MORE IN F1″And she was among the top ten drivers in the world, without a doubt.”Eddie Jordan is also a huge advocate of her talents and insists she should not be forgotten in the conversation when people speak about Verstappen’s racing tutelage.Speaking to the On the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan said: “Don’t forget that it’s not all about his [Verstappen] dad [Jos], who drove for me as well, but his mother actually is just the best at karting. “She was absolutely an institution. She was amazing.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd it isn’t just F1 team bosses who Kumpen, 50, commands the respect of, with 2009 world champion Jenson Button also heaping praise on her. He said: “Sophie, Max’s mother, was a fantastic driver. Max Verstappen chokes back tears as he thanks Red Bull on team radio after winning fourth F1 world title”When I was racing karting in 1995, she was my partner. I saw how she drove, I know she was very good.”Belgian-born Kumpen started her career in racing at the age of 11 and was the national champion of karting at the age of 16 competing against men.She also finished ninth in the world championships of the Formula A category. But it is her 1995 victory in the Andrea Margutti Trophy, where she beat F1 cult hero Trulli, that stands as the highlight of her career.However, Kumpen quit racing at the age of 21 after getting married to Jos in 1996 before having two children together, Max in 1997 and Victoria in 1999, and deciding to prioritise raising them over her motorsport career.Speaking to Marca, she reflected on how the difficulties of being a wife and mother and the logistics of travelling so much meant she had to give up on her dream.Women in F1Only five female drivers have officially competed in Formula One.The first of these was Maria Teresa de Filippis in the 1958 and 1959 seasons for Maserati and Porsche.Only one has managed to score points in F1, with Lella Lombardi scoring 0.5 points during her career from 1974–1976.Her three seasons in the motorsport also mark her as the most experienced with 17 races (12 starts) to her name with March, RAM and Williams.Olympian skier Divina Galica MBE is the only British female driver to grace the sport but failed to qualify to start a race in three attempts.South Africa’s Desiré Wilson and Italy’s Giovanna Amati in 1980 and 1992 also attempted to qualify to start an F1 race but were unsuccessful.Female drivers have competed in testing events, with Jessica Hawkins being the latest woman to test an F1 car in 2023.However, Susie Wolff was the last driver to take part in an active F1 session in 2015.Wolff is now the director of the F1 Academy scheme for female drivers.She said: “I wanted to get to Formula 1. I had already tried some cars, but I married Max’s father and I had to make a decision. “He was an F1 driver and we travelled a lot. “So I gave up on my dream, but now I’m having a lot of fun seeing that my son is doing what I wanted to do.”Verstappen himself has even spoken about his mother’s racing career when in conversation with Horner.After Horner said “she was very good,” Verstappen cut him off to say: “But then she got married to my dad.”Kumpen and Jos stayed married for 12 years before they got a divorce.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Kumpen never made it to F1, she did return to the track in 2013 once more in 2013 during the Formido Swift Cup.However, her return ended in a crash resulting in a broken vertebra.Kumpen gave up her racing career to raise Max and sister VictoriaShe said she is having fun seeing Verstappen do so wellCredit: Instagram @sophiekumpenKumpen beat F1 cult hero Jarno Trulli in her karting careerKumpen returned to the track in 2013 but crashed out and broke a vertebraCredit: RexF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sasha Attwood and newborn daughter support Jack Grealish at Man City vs Tottenham clash in adorable photo

      by

      JACK GREALISH’S partner and newborn daughter were in attendance at the Etihad to watch Manchester City take on Tottenham.Childhood sweethearts Grealish and Attwood celebrated becoming parents for the first time in with September with their baby girl Mila.Sasha Attwood and baby support Jack Grealish at match,Credit: InstagramAnd Sasha and Mila were seen at the Etihad on Saturday.Taking to Instagram, Sasha posted a photo of herself sitting down with a blue and white stripe coat while holding Mila.Grealish, 29, was named on the bench for the clash.That meant he was powerless to prevent Man City from going 3-0 down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then came on in the 74th minute to replace Rico Lewis.However, he was unable to turn the game around before Brennan Johnson scored a fourth goal for Spurs.That final goal compounded City to their fifth defeat in a row, something they have not seen since Stuart Pearce was in charge in 2006.It also saw Pep Guardiola suffer his worst ever home defeat.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGrealish has played 11 games this season.He is yet to score but has contributed three assists in all competitions.Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood announce pregnancySasha works as a model and influencer.She has been backed to make millions as the “ultimate muminfluencer”.Inside Sasha Attwood and Jack Grealish’s relationshipSasha Attwood and Jack Grealish have become parents for the first time, but their relationship started well over a decade ago…The pair met as teens in Solihull, West Midlands at secondary school, with Sasha previously saying they have been together since she was 15. Jack was already on his way to becoming a professional footballer when he met Sasha.Despite the long-term nature of their relationship, she remained on the sidelines when his career took off.However, intense interest in Jack’s private life came to a head in 2021 when England reached the final of Euro 2020, delayed a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of their romance, Sasha was cruelly targeted by trolls on TikTok and Instagram, receiving 200 death threats a day from “young girls”. The pair were spotted on holiday together following the tournament and slowly began showing more of their relationship on social media when the vile trolling died down. In 2022, they celebrated their 10-year anniversary and purchased a seven-bed mansion set in 24 acres worth £5.6 million.They moved in to the home in late 2023, but Sasha and members of Jack’s family were subject to a terrifying robbery while cheering on the Manchester City star during a televised match just after Christmas. Their latest milestone is Sasha’s pregnancy, which they announced on social media on July 7, and the birth of daughter Mila Rose on September 27. More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Raheem Sterling opens up on ‘difficult’ upbringing as troubled kid before becoming Premier League star

      by

      RAHEEM STERLING has opened up on the “great support network” that saw him overcome a troubled childhood to become a Premier League star.The Arsenal winger, 29, has a foundation in his name that funds knife banks and university places for boys as well as hosting mentoring sessions.Arsenal’s Raheem Sterling has enjoyed an incredible Prem career so farCredit: GettySterling had a troubled upbringing before joining QPR and then Liverpool’s academyCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThat foundation is supporting a campaign launched today by Multibank – a nationwide network of donation hubs designed to help those with cost-of-living struggles.Several weeks ago, Sterling spent three hours with seven young men from Brent’s youth offending service in King’s Cross to act as a mentor, giving advice and telling his own story.Sterling was born in Kingston, Jamaica before moving to London with his mother age five after his father was tragically murdered three years earlier.A difficult upbringing – including being displaced by social housing and regular school suspensions – was turned around from the age of nine when he came across Clive Ellington, a volunteer mentor to young boys who introduced Sterling to his first football club: Alpha and Omega FC in Kingsbury, Brent.read more footballCharity Multibank said one million children arrive at school with dirty uniforms as many families now see detergent as a luxury item. And some 19 per cent of parents polled by The Hygiene Bank said their kids have missed school in the past year because of shame over unwashed clothes, creating a classroom divide.Children are also isolated and made fun of with nasty comments due to poor hygiene, teachers say.On meeting Ellington, Sterling – who also has 82 caps for England – explained: “It was a real difficult period for me in my schooling because it was a time I was getting expelled from school.Most read in Football“I was moving schools, moving around a lot. [Ellington] was a massive help for me to kind of see a different perspective.“I always struggled because of circumstances at home that I couldn’t quite understand myself.“Those actions and things started to play a pattern in my school with my focus, with my behaviour and how I was within the school environment.“[Ellington] made me see different opportunities. I wasn’t too much into football before that. I wasn’t playing, just at school and stuff at home, but he brought me into it at grassroot level.“I was starting to smile again and having a place that I could express myself was a real weight off my shoulder.“Looking back now, it’s easier to see, but as a child you’re probably not understanding what’s going on, but at the same time, taking in what’s going on.“So, you can’t quite understand how to interpret that in your speech and how to communicate that with people.”At 11-years-old, Sterling was picked up by academy systems at Queens Park Rangers and then Liverpool, going on to star for the Reds as a 17-year-old.After seven years at Manchester City between 2015 and 2022 – winning four Prem titles – he joined Chelsea for around £50m before joining the Gunners on loan this summer.Sterling continued: “I give a lot of credit to [Ellington]. It is something that is vital for individuals to have a great support network around them.“Year after year, the progress in my behaviour and in my concentration and just maturing as a young man.”Meanwhile, England rugby star Maro Itoje, who is also backing the campaign, said: “It’s our duty as a society to look out for those who are coming behind us.”Entertainment platforms Sky, Prime Video, TNT Sports and TalkSport have also joined forces to support the campaign.Tottenham are one of the first Prem clubs to also align with the Multibank scheme, focusing on affording basic hygiene products, with a donation bank available at their game against Fulham on December 1.England star Itoje is also backing the campaignDonna-Maria Cullen, executive director at Spurs, said the football club has made donations to its local foodbanks ahead of Christmas in support of the most vulnerable within the community.She said: “We are certain that our football family will unite to ensure young people in our area are able to build their confidence from an early stage in life by having access to basic hygiene products.”Andy Carpenter, head of the Harlequins Foundation, said: “Given our dedication to working with young people living in the poorest areas to address the deprivation-related challenges they face, it was a no-brainer to be a part of this campaign to support those most in need in our heartlands.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMultibank said: “With two in three staff expecting the level of hygiene poverty to increase in their school, we endeavour to get soap, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, in the hands of those most in need.”The Multibank’s 2024 Christmas campaign is designed to raise awareness and respond to rising issues of hygiene poverty. For more information visit: https://themultibank.co.uk/ More

    • 288 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher’s F1 star son Mick opens up on life with dad after accident and reveals ‘I had to find my own feet’

      by

      MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S son Mick has candidly opened up on life after his dad’s devastating ski accident in a rare interview.Schumacher’s family have been fiercely private when it comes to Michael’s health since he sustained life-changing injuries in the French Alps in 2013.Mick Schumacher has opened up on his relationship with his dad in a rare book interviewThe 25-year-old heartbreakingly revealed: ‘I had to find my own feet’Schumacher is arguably the greatest driver in F1 historyHis long-term wife Corinna has even created a so-called inner circle made up of a selective group of Schumacher’s family and closest friends.Mick, who was only 14 at the time of his dad’s accident, pursued his dream of reaching F1 without the icon’s guidance.He raced with Haas for two seasons before becoming a reserve driver for Mercedes in 2023, the team his dad came out of retirement to race for between 2010 and 2012.In a new book “Inside Mercedes F1”, author Matt Whyman, who had unrestricted access to the team, includes a conversation with Mick about his father’s influence.READ MORE ON F1The 25-year-old told Whyman: “I was a crazy kid – everything my dad did, I did.”He was really supportive and a lot of fun, but could also be challenging. “One time in a karting race I braked very late going into a corner and gained a lot of time. When I told him about it, he said, ‘Yes, but you should have braked like that in every corner!’.”Whenever he felt like I was not taking it seriously, he would say, ‘Mick, would you rather go and play football with your friends? If so, we do not need to do all of this’.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I insisted that I wanted to race and he said, ‘Okay, then let’s do it properly’. So we started doing more European karting and I was getting better.”Mick later explained that learned “a lot of technical points” from his dad that he “still uses today”.Formula One’s Highest EarnersHe added: “I started racing in the Formula classes the year after the accident and from that point onwards, I had to find my own feet.”I started karting aged three. I was six when I first went scuba diving. Aged 10 I was skydiving. “My dad was always very open to me trying out whatever I wanted to do and racing is all I wanted to do, because I enjoyed it the most.”Schumacher fell metres away from a popular ski slope that resulted in critical head injuries when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.The F1 legend fractured his skull on another rock and was left with a brain injury. He was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma after surgery on his brain.Schumacher is being cared for by his wife CorrinaThe F1 legend had a tragic ski accident 11 years agoThe coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva, Switzerland to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Schumacher hasn’t been seen publicly since the accident or even heard from.But he is said to have recently broke cover to attend his daughter’s wedding that was held at the family’s £27m mansion in Majorca.Mick, who also attended his sister Gina’s nuptials, is dating model Laila Hasonovich.The Bosnian-born social media star was forced to rubbish the rumours surrounding her and the Mercedes reserve driver’s engagement this week.In a post on her Instagram showing off her jewellery, she wrote: “And no it’s not an engagement ring u guys.”Hasonovich, 23, has reportedly been let into the inner circle of people who are able to see Schumacher.The lingerie model was given the vote of confidence before Gina Schumacher’s wedding.Meawnwhile, unlike the successes enjoyed by his dad, who shares the record with Lewis Hamilton (seven) for the most titles, F1 has proven an unforgiving environment for Mick. He looks set for another season on the sidelines after failing to win a permanent seat for the upcoming campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was reportedly an option for the vacant Sauber seat – however that has now been taken up by F2 talent Gabriel Bortoleto.He was also snubbed by Williams when they needed a replacement for the under-performing Logan Sargeant, but they instead opted for Franco Colapinto.Mick Schumacher with his girlfriend Laila HasanovicF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury’s coach and legendary boxing mentor who helped turn him into world champion dies aged 85

      by

      THE BOXING coach who helped turn Tyson Fury into “The Facebreaker” has died.Dave Stacey, who has died aged 85, was the first coach to teach young Fury boxing at Torbay Amateur Boxing Club, in Devon.The coach helped train Tyson Fury when he was youngerCredit: GettyThe veteran was credited with helping the future champion pick-up the fundamentals during long stints when he stayed with family in the South West.It helped cement the talent that saw him nicknamed “The Facebreaker” after he shattered an opponent’s jaw and eye socket as an amateur.Mike Reardon, the club’s chairman, said Mr Stacey had been the heavyweight’s first coach.He said: “Tyson would have taken part in group sessions for beginners where they learn the basics like stance and how to punch.Read more sport“We have a lot of boys and girls coming and going at the gym and it’s impossible to remember them all, but I think Dave always remembered Tyson because of his size. He was tall for a lad his age.”Fury has said that after his parents separated he spent a lot of time with an auntie and uncle in Torquay.He said in an early interview: “They helped me learn how to read and write. I went swimming and surfing. The first gym I went to was in Torquay.“My dad would hold up his hands and say “one two,” but that was all. He never said he wanted me to box or took me to the gym. Most read in Boxing”He didn’t even know when I first started going to the gym.”The gym where Fury trained was at a former church and Stacey was the head coach there.Fury went on to join Jimmy Egans’s Amateur Boxing Club in Manchester and had his first amateur bout for them when he was 16 years old, in March, 2005.There was a riot after his second amateur bout in Hinckley, Leicestershire, two months later.Dave’s daughter Nicole led tributes, saying: “First and foremost, he was a real family man and was always very proud to tell other people that he felt like the luckiest man in the world to be a husband and father and we really felt that love.”He was a very loyal person and would do absolutely anything for us. People would always describe him as a real character and he was unashamedly himself.“He had the ability to talk to anyone and put them at ease.”If there was a setback of any kind he wouldn’t dwell on it, he would tell people how he felt, pick himself up and take the challenge on. I suppose that’s the boxing mentality and focus.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPaying tribute, a Facebook post from Torbay Boxing Club added: “Torbay ABC are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Stacey, a highly regarded coach for the club.”RIP Dave you were a true legend.”Dave Stacey pictured alongside Tyson FuryFury trained at Torbay Boxing Club after spending a lot of time with an auntie and uncle in Torquay.Credit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson vows to ‘SLAUGHTER’ Jake Paul and drags his own mother into war of words ahead of Netflix fight

      by

      MIKE TYSON has vowed to “SLAUGHTER” Jake Paul in their fight and dragged his own mother into the war of words. The heavyweight great returns to the ring on November 15 for a controversial clash against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.Mike Tyson gives Jake Paul a shoveCredit: AFPTyson’s mum Lorna, who passed away from cancer in 1982It will be Tyson’s first professional fight in almost 20 YEARS – but he remains unfazed by the task at hand. He told talkSPORT: “I see him running around, I have to catch him and slaughter him. “No, [I don’t fear him] because he stepped into the ring. If my mother steps in the ring, she has a problem with me. “Whoever’s in that ring, they have a problem. Don’t go in the ring if you don’t want that problem.”READ MORE IN BOXINGTyson’s mum Lorna actually passed away from cancer in 1982 when the boxing legend was just 16. He was raised by his trainer and mentor Cus D’Amato and the coach’s wife Camille Ewald. But D’Amato also died in 1985 just a year before Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time aged only 20. That kickstarted Iron Mike’s run as the Baddest Man on The Planet, which involved two title reigns. Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he threw the towel in on his career in 2005 after quitting on his stool against Kevin McBride, who also works as a tree surgeon. Tyson did return for a 2020 exhibition with American great Roy Jones Jr – but it was nothing but a glorified sparring session between two icons.Mike Tyson looks ripped at 58 as former heavyweight champ shows off impressive physique before Jake Paul fightNow he will put his illustrious record on the line against 10-1 Paul – who only debuted in 2020. It has been professionally sanctioned over eight two-minute rounds – opposed to the usual three – with bigger 14oz gloves to be worn. Tyson will also have to undertake additional brain and heart tests due to his age after pulling out of the initial July 20 date due to a health precaution. He suffered an ulcer flare-up in his stomach during a flight but was later passed medically fit to resume training. And he talked down Paul’s chances of victory when probed on the controversial 30-YEAR age gap between them. He said: “He’s a good little fighter, but he only has [11] fights. That’s considered an amateur in our field.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson, 58, reveals his kids’ reaction to accepting Jake Paul fight after admitting they are FANS of YouTube star

      by

      MIKE TYSON must put friendship and even his family’s love for Jake Paul aside for their £60million match.The heavyweight great returns to the ring on November 15 for a controversial clash against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul. Tyson with son Morocco, far left, mother-in-law Rita Ali, wife Lakiha Spicer and daughter Milan, far rightCredit: Getty Images – GettyTyson with his daughters Mikey, far left, Milan middle, his wife and son Morocco, far rightCredit: WireImageIt comes after years of championing and hailing the social media star’s impact on the sport. But now Tyson has vowed to END the boxing career he helped start when professional records and reputations go on the line in Texas. He said: “This is business, this is just business, nothing personal.”Tyson, 58, once talked down ever fighting Paul, 27, revealing even his kids are fans of the former vlogger. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe said on the Nelk Boys’ podcast: “I mean my whole f***ing family, everybody loves this little white motherf***er!” Tyson might be the Baddest Man on The Planet to Paul and everyone else – but to his children he is just their old man. He said: “My kids don’t have too much involvement with my boxing career, I’m dad to them.“There’s so many other celebrities they enjoy better than me but I’m dad.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTyson has seven kids, Mikey, 34, Rayna, 28, Amir, 27, Miguel, 22, Milan, 16, and Morocco, 13, and Exodus, who sadly died aged four in 2009. Milan and Morocco were not even born when their famous father fought as a professional for the last time. ‘There’s nothing nice about me’ – Mike Tyson’s chilling warning after saying he needs 10% of his prime to beat Jake Paul That night in 2005 – almost 20 YEARS AGO – he quit on his stool against Kevin McBride and threw the towel in on his boxing career. But now two decades later and he is back and says just ten per cent of his brutal best is enough to beat 10-1 Paul. Tyson said: “I’m just doing really well. I’m doing really well.“I’m very grateful that I’m doing well. I’m just looking forward to the fight, really looking forward to it.“Like when you think about it regardless of how old I am, this guy only has ten fights.“He only has ten fights, if I can fight a little bit with my experience, he only has ten f***ing fights, okay?“If I can fight ten per cent of what I was, he only has ten fights, he couldn’t match that.“And that’s being sincere. If I’m 10 per cent, he can’t match it.”Tyson was initially forced out of the original July 20 fight date after suffering an ulcer flare-up in his stomach during a flight. He has since been passed medically fit to resume training but will undertake additional brain and heart tests due to his age. Both will also be subject to drug testing and they look to become the first boxers to headline an event on streaming giants Netflix. A huge $80MILLION (£60m) purse is being split down the middle but Tyson insists the fight for the ages is NOT money-motivated. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “The money from this fight is not going to change my lifestyle. This is not for financial reasons.“My life is not gonna change, not 1 per cent after this fight, I will always be able to live this way and I’m just doing it because I wanna test myself.”Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: AFP More