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      in Boxing

      Fury v Chisora set to be a Christmas cracker and 62,000 sell-out – Gypsy King can mesmerise millions like Muhammad Ali

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      STAGING an open-air world heavyweight title fight in this country three weeks before Christmas Day seems as daft as putting an ice rink in the middle of the Sahara desert.I was one of many who thought promoter Frank Warren had taken leave of his senses when he announced Tyson Fury would defend his WBC belt against Derek Chisora at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 3.
      Tyson Fury v Derek Chisora on December 3 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is set to be an unlikely 62,000 sell-outCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      It didn’t appear feasible that anyone — other than the most die-hard fans — would pay £1,000 to sit ringside and  brave the possibility of a freezing cold, wet night to watch Fury against a man he’s already beaten twice.
      But Warren’s faith in Fury’s ability to draw a crowd whatever the time of year, or weather, has been fully vindicated.
      Frank told me an incredible 58,000 tickets have already been snapped up and he’s confident he will have a 62,000 sell-out.
      Tyson’s magnetism had 94,000 paying a total of £13million to see him KO Dillian Whyte at Wembley in April — a British record boxing crowd.
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      It wasn’t far-fetched when I compared Fury with Muhammad Ali, for being able to mesmerise millions with the sheer force of his larger-than-life personality and often outrageous rhetoric.
      Though it goes against the grain with a lot of people, because of his past controversial opinions about race, sex and religion, Fury has  become one of the most marketable and best-loved  British sportsmen.
      Just like Ali, Tyson has charisma coming out of his ears.
      Roger Dawson, a  well-known American bandleader, beautifully summed up that kind of charm when he said: “Charisma is the intangible that makes people want to follow you, to be around you, to be influenced by you.”
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      Fury vs Chisora 3: Date, live stream and TV info for huge heavyweight bout
      Warren said: “Since he went to America and twice beat Deontay Wilder, Tyson  has transcended boxing.
      “And I can’t believe there has  been another British fighter who could have attracted such a huge crowd  in the open air on a winter’s night.”
      There has been valid criticism that Fury shouldn’t be having a third battle with Chisora, having dominated him so comprehensively on two previous occasions. 
      Oleksandr Usyk finds it hard to comprehend and the WBA, IBF and WBO champion commented: “It kind of makes me laugh a little bit. Why is he doing this?”
      There is a simple explanation. Fury and Usyk will meet in a blockbuster unification confrontation early next year and Tyson is badly in need of a fight before then to help keep him sharp and focused.
      Just like Ali, Tyson has charisma coming out of his earsColin Hart
      Unfortunately, Anthony Joshua turned his back on meeting Fury next month and all the other top contenders are unavailable.
      Because of their long history —  as well as their two fights, Chisora was also Fury’s sparring partner early in their careers — there is mutual respect between them.
      There’s certainly not going to be any phoney hate campaigns in the build-up.
      As Fury said: “I’ve got nothing bad to say about Derek. He’s a good fighting man and he brings his A-game every time.”
      Chisora may have lost 12 times but only Fury, Whyte and David Haye have stopped him and he’s still in the WBC’s top 15 rankings.
      He may be a 10-1 underdog but anything can happen once the heavyweights start throwing leather.
      Fury knows he daren’t be complacent.
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      It can never be forgotten the Cinderella Man, James J Braddock, was 10-1 when he outpointed Max Baer, Ali was 7-1 to win the title from Sonny Liston and Buster Douglas was 42-1 when he caused the biggest upset of all time by knocking out Mike Tyson.
      There’s no such thing as a certainly — not even in boxing. More

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      in Soccer

      Mason Mount channels Greek God to star in Sports Direct’s Christmas advert

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      MASON Mount channels his inner Greek God as he stars in Sports Direct’s Christmas advert.The England and Chelsea ace, 23, is front and centre in the festive ad alongside Premier League legends Eric Cantona and Thierry Henry.
      Mason Mount channels his inner Greek God as he stars in Sports Direct’s Christmas advert
      Also featuring in the campaign are Three Lions teammate Declan Rice, 23, and Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, 25.
      Iconic commentator Clive Tyldesley, 68, also features in the sportswear store’s “Give Me Football” campaign with a bowl of Brussels sprouts on his head.
      Meanwhile Mason was recently dubbed “Britain’s most eligible bachelor” as he posed on the front cover of Tatler Magazine.
      The Blues and England midfielder, 23, is forging a career in modelling and has given fans a rare insight into his love life.
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      In the mag Mason revealed he doesn’t have time to date due to his commitment to football.
      Mount was in a relationship with model Chloe Wealleans-Watts, 23, who he met back in 2017.
      The pair have split but it is not known when they went their separate ways.
      When asked about his relationship status, Mount told Tatler: “Football is my priority.”
      After being quizzed about whether he was on the dating scene, Mount said with a shrug: “Sometimes when I come up to London.”
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      Mount wouldn’t be short of suitors either.
      He has a reported net-worth of £20million and 5.5m Instagram followers.
      Commentator Clive Tyldesley also features in the campaign with a bowl of Brussels sprouts on his head
      Premier League legends Eric Cantona and Thierry Henry also feature in the Christmas advert More

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      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale’s second indoor golf bar to open by Christmas after winning battle with 80 locals

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      FOOTBALLER Gareth Bale’s latest indoor golf bar will open in time for Christmas after he won a battle with 80 locals.The Wales and Los Angeles FC player, 33, wants to open a chain of the courses in Britain and Dubai.
      After agreeing to cut the bar’s opening hours, Wales football star Gareth Bale has been given the go-ahead to open a second venue in BristolCredit: Getty
      The first of his Par 59 venues opened in his home city Cardiff — and features a booze stop at every hole for players.
      Residents 40 miles away in Bristol objected to a second one, raising concerns that it would encourage drinking and anti-social behaviour.
      But ex-Real Madrid star Gareth got the go-ahead after agreeing to cut its opening hours.
      Its website has began taking bookings for early December, with two nine-hole courses and four interactive dart boards.
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      The venue promises to “bring the competitive world of mini golf to Bristol’s Harbourside!”.
      Its website says that “it will be home to a premium bar, exceptional food from independent kitchen, Dirty Birdie, with plenty of space for casual dining and socialising”.
      The Par 59 team says that it will be “the perfect spot for friends, family and work colleagues alike”.
      Despite their statement, the new venue will be over-18s only.
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      Three Lions song could have lyrics changed and be re-released this Christmas ahead of Qatar World Cup

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      ENGLAND’S iconic World Cup anthem Three Lions could be re-released ahead of this year’s tournament.Lightning Seeds singer Ian Broudie teased an updated version with a festive twist because the World Cup will “only probably ever be at Christmas once”.
      Lightning Seeds singer Ian Broudie (centre) has teased a re-release of the iconic Three Lions songCredit: PA:Press Association
      Frank Skinner (centre) and David Baddiel (right) released the original track with the Lightning SeedsCredit: PA:Press Association
      A new version would celebrate the Lionesses’ Euros victoryCredit: Getty
      Any potential re-release would also reference to the Lionesses’ historic Euros win from the summer.
      The Lightning Seeds originally recorded the famous track with Frank Skinner and David Baddiel ahead of Euro 96.
      Ever since then England fans have spent major tournaments hoping the iconic football’s coming home lyrics would finally come true.
      But with the tournament getting underway next month, there is not much time left for another collaboration.
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      Broudie has revealed it would be “a good idea” to update the iconic song after Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses did exactly that earlier this year.
      The team celebrated their triumph by hilariously interrupting Wiegman’s press conference after the final while belting out the lyrics to the song.
      Broudie said, via the BBC: “The way they played and won, it was so refreshing to watch.
      “And when they came into the press conference and jumped on the table and sang Three Lions, I think we felt like it would be lovely to do something.”
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      The Three Lions kick off their 2022 World Cup campaign in a little over a month against Iran.
      Speaking on a re-release, he said: “I don’t think it’s 100% definite, but it’s definitely on the cards.”
      But while football has already come home this year, Broudie wants Gareth Southgate and Co to get the job done in Qatar.
      He added: “Even if it comes home, you want it to come home again.
      “It’s a bit like ‘oh you just won that, let’s win it again’.”
      Three Lions topped the charts in 1996 ahead of the Euros and in 2018 after England’s run to the semi-finals.
      An updated version released for the 1998 World Cup also reached No1 in the charts.
      Football has already come home once this yearCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate is aiming to lead England men’s team to a first World Cup triumph since 1966Credit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Coleen and Wayne Rooney kit out sons in Christmas outfits two months early

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      CHRISTMAS has come early for the Rooney boys — posing for a picture in the colours their dad famously wore.Kai, Klay, Kit and Cass were pictured wearing matching red festive pyjamas with their names embroidered on the front.
      Coleen Rooney shared a snap of her kids in personalised Christmas outfitsCredit: @gracekelliephotography
      Wayne and Coleen get the kids to pose for a special Christmas picture every yearCredit: Instagram
      The eldest three brothers smiled for the camera as four-year-old Cass cheekily stuck his tongue out.
      The photoshoot was conducted by Liverpool-based photographer Grace Kellie, who first snapped them when the youngest two were just days old.
      Every year ex-Man United ace Wayne and Coleen, both 36, share a snap of the lads – Kai, 12, Klay, nine, Kit, six, and Cass, four – to use for a festive card.
      Coleen, 36, posted the image on Instagram alongside a heart emoji.
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      Grace replied: “Always love capturing your beautiful family.”
      Some fans lovingly mocked the Rooneys, joking it’s too early.
      Next to a laughing emoji, one woman said: “It’s October hun.”
      A man commented: “Bit early like. Let’s get Bonny night out the way first.”
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      Wayne has been living away from Coleen Rooney while he coaches in America
      Coleen Rooney shared the snap on Instagram to her followersCredit: Instagram More