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    When Joe Joyce DESTROYED future world champion Daniel Dubois as he prepares for huge Filip Hrgovic test

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    JOE JOYCE looked on track for the heavyweight title after destroying Daniel Dubois in 2020 – now he fights to save his career.Joyce faces Filip Hrgovic on Saturday in Manchester looking to KO any talk of retirement following his punishing points loss to Derek Chisora last July.Joe Joyce beat Daniel Dubois in 2022Credit: The SunDubois was left with a horror eye injuryCredit: The SunDubois was accused of quittingCredit: The SunThe 2016 Olympic silver medallist was once touted as a contender for the world heavyweight championship. His crowning night came in November 2020 – but no one was there to watch it.Joyce took on Dubois – during the coronavirus pandemic – behind-closed-doors at Church House in London. A handful of people, from select media to fight night officials, watched the anticipated British and Commonwealth title fight. READ MORE IN boxingIt was closely contested until gruesome swelling caused Dubois’ left eye to completely close up as a consequence of Joyce’s jab. Dubois was left unable to see and reduced to taking a knee in round ten – where he surrendered. Joyce’s brilliant lead left hand, punch accuracy and pressure was overshadowed by harsh criticism levelled Dubois’ way.Promoter Frank Warren even had to defend Dubois – who suffered a fractured orbital bone – amid claims he QUIT in the ring. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWarren said: “I understand what they said but he was in pain and had already been fighting three rounds with his eye totally closed.”Anthony Ogogo fought on when he with an eye injury when he shouldn’t have and it ruined his career. David Adeleye and Jeamie TKV forced apart in explosive row ahead of Joe Joyce undercard fight “Everyone can be wise afterwards but he got caught on the eye which was damaged.”Daniel had been telling his corner in between rounds that every time he got caught there it was excruciating and if he had fought on it could have got worse.”They would’ve pulled him out at the end of the [10th] round anyway. He was hampered from that injury from the third round but even if he lost the next two rounds it could have been a draw.”There was nothing in that fight, I had him [Dubois] a round up. But take nothing away from Joe Joyce, he boxed excellently, and he’s now in an excellent position.”They have to wait for the swelling to go down before deciding what to do.”It’s definitely a broken orbital bone and he’s seen a specialist to see if he needs surgery.”Dubois did not need surgery but his road back was not easy. He was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk in nine rounds despite arguing that a low-blow landed in the fifth was instead legal. Zhilei Zhang stopped Joyce in six rounds of their first fightCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunZhang won the rematch by KOCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunBut Dubois bounced back with big wins over Jarrell Miller and Hrgovic – where he won the IBF interim title. And after Usyk vacated the strap to rematch Tyson Fury – beating him twice in 2024 – Dubois was elevated to full champion. He knocked out Anthony Joshua in his first defence in September – marking a stunning career turnaround. For Joyce, things have played out drastically differently. After beating Dubois, he won three on the spin against Carlos Takam, Christian Hammer and Joseph Parker. He was even the WBO mandatory for the title held by Usyk at the time – with talk of also challenging Fury for the WBC belt at Wembley. But he took an interim bout against Zhilei Zhang in April 2023 – suffering a round six stoppage with a similar eye injury to Dubois’.Zhang then brutally KOd Joyce in the rematch – leaving his title hopes in tatters and his career in question. Joyce did return with a routine but uninspired win over Kash Ali in March 2024 but was dropped on the way to a points loss to Chisora. Read More on The SunHe refused retirement and was due to face Dillian Whyte next.But Whyte pulled out with a finger injury – with Hrgovic agreeing to fill in as a replacement for what could be a make-or-break night for Joyce.Joyce and Filip Hrgovic face offCredit: Getty More

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      Golden age of British heavyweights was spoiled when Usyk beat Joshua, Dubois and Fury – now he wants to complete the job

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      THIS was supposed to be the golden age for British heavyweight boxing.At least until Oleksandr Usyk came along.Oleksandr Usyk is hoping to make it two wins from two against Tyson FuryCredit: GettyHe beat the Gypsy King earlier this yearCredit: AFPHe is the current undisputed heavyweight world championCredit: ReutersThe idea of Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua was not just the biggest potential British fight of all time — but this country’s most eagerly-anticipated sporting event.Britain had never before boasted two world-class heavyweights simultaneously at the peak of their powers.Nor several other decent contenders regularly in the top ten of the global rankings.After years of dodging and ducking, years of the kind of political wrangling only this sport can bring, the Saudi takeover of elite boxing ought to have been the conduit for Fury and Joshua to finally get it on.READ MORE ON BOXINGHuge sacks of Saudi money may be morally dubious — but the flipside is that it can make any match worth making.Yet now Fury-AJ may never happen.And if it does, it would be staged a decade too late, just like when Floyd Mayweather finally met Manny Pacquiao in a drab welterweight encounter back in 2015.Usyk is the man primarily responsible. And here in the Saudi capital tomorrow, the Ukrainian with the flawless 22-0 pro record fully expects to complete his one-man rout of British heavyweight boxing’s golden generation.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt is Usyk’s sixth consecutive fight against British opposition and seventh in his last eight.First there was Tony Bellew, in Usyk’s single defence of his undisputed cruiserweight title, followed by Derek Chisora, Joshua (twice), Daniel Dubois and then Fury to become the first undisputed world heavyweight champion of the 21st century.Watch Tyson Fury’s terrifying rant as Gypsy King vows to put ‘f*****’ Oleksandr Usyk ‘in the hurt lockerAll were crushed by an overfed cruiserweight who just happens to be an Einstein of the sweet science.Usyk exploded into our national consciousness in September 2021, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium,  in one of Britain’s first major post-pandemic sporting events.It was Joshua’s homecoming after two fights overseas against Andy Ruiz Jr and a behind-closed-doors bout during Covid.The ‘world-famous home of the Spurs’ never looked so glorious. The party atmosphere was extreme after 18 months of isolation and misery.Usyk,  seen as a highly-skilled technician but almost 20 pounds lighter than champion Joshua, was odds-on to be knocked out.Nobody present that night can forget the thorough schooling Usyk handed out to Joshua as he outclassed the Watford man to claim the WBA, IBF and WBO world titles.Whereas Joshua’s maiden pro defeat by Ruiz had seen him concussed by one massive early shot, this was a masterclass, which dismantled Joshua’s reputation as a truly elite fighter.It also meant another potential clash between Joshua and Fury —    frequently hyped up since the middle of the last decade — was put on hold again.And while the Joshua rematch — delayed by the Russian invasion of Usyk’s homeland — was a far closer affair in Jeddah, the man from Crimea undoubtedly won it.He also took a sledgehammer to boxing’s oldest chestnut — the one which decrees ‘a good big ’un will always beat a good little ’un’.After Usyk knocked out young British hope Dubois in the first defence of his heavyweight belts, came that undisputed showdown here in May.Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchThe Gypsy King was the clear favourite — almost 40 pounds heavier and a man who had outboxed the great Wladimir Klitschko and outpunched the explosive Deontay Wilder to win world titles in extraordinary fashion.Yet after Fury held a slim lead through seven rounds, he was shaken and bloodied by a couple of massive rights in the eighth and saved by the bell in the ninth amid a barrage of blows by the Ukrainian.Usyk earned a split decision  — which ought to have been unanimous — and you will find few experts who don’t believe he will repeat the trick by a more emphatic margin again tomorrow night.In the meantime, this sport’s Saudi paymasters magnanimously allowed an all-British IBF world title bout between Joshua and Dubois to be staged at Wembley — and Joshua was utterly destroyed by the younger man.So AJ-Fury no longer holds any great intrigue.If it were to happen — and  Fury this week played it down,  stating Joshua is ‘in tatters’ after his drubbing from Dubois — it will hold nothing like the same lustre as in years gone by.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd it is Usyk, a thoroughly laudable and eminently likeable man,  who systematically destroyed the dreams of millions of British fight fans.Saturday night, he intends to complete the job. More

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      Zinchenko reveals ‘s***’ Champions League final display left him in tears with Arsenal star not eating for two days

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      EVERY day at Arsenal training Oleksandr Zinchenko gets a reminder of the worst day of his career.It is the painful moment he feels a Champions League trophy slipped out of his hands — and the Ukrainian still blames himself for it.Manchester City’s final loss to Chelsealeft Oleksandr Zinchenko in tearsCredit: The SunZinchenko even lost his appetiteCredit: AFPHis Manchester City side lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the Covid-hit 2021 final in Porto and Zinchenko said: “No two ways about it. I was s**t.”The full-back claimed he was at fault for allowing “my man” Kai Havertz a critical run on goal as the forward scored the 42nd-minute winner at the Estadio do Dragao.He describes it as “probably the worst day in my football life” and says it left an “emotional scar” that has yet to heal.And his former City team-mate Fernandinho often joked he was denied the chance to get an arm tattoo of the big-eared pot because of Zinchenko.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe problem is, he cannot be allowed to move on and forget about it — because he and Havertz are now pals at the Gunners.Zinchenko, 27, said: “If I tell you now what I’m saying to him every day, you would laugh!“It’s better that I will be quiet. Because as soon as I see him . . . my scar. I feel him.“Jokes aside, I mean definitely, one of the most painful moments in my career so far. My wife Vlada, she remembers that day.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The way that she is watching my games is something only the closest circle knows, how she is living these kinds of moments.“That night, when we came back to the hotel, our families were already in our rooms.Jamie Carragher SAVAGES Arsenal on Monday Night Football and says they’re ‘like a Mourinho team without the trophies’“When I opened my door she was waiting for me, she hugged me, we were just crying for a while.“For the next two days probably, I didn’t really eat. It was a super-tough moment.“But thank God I had this experience which made me, for sure, much stronger.“Also thank God that the week later we had training with the national team before the Euros. Football again saved my life. That is how it was.”One way Zinchenko got over his ordeal was a heart-to-heart chat with Andriy Shevchenko, the Ukraine boss at the time.He, of course, was part of AC Milan’s side that lost the 2005 Istanbul final to Liverpool on penalties despite being 3-0 up at half-time.Pep Guardiola’s City went on to become European champions in 2023, beating Inter Milan — also in Turkey’s Ataturk Stadium — to seal an incredible Treble- winning campaign.For the next two days probably, I didn’t really eat. It was a super-tough moment.Oleksandr Zinchenko on Champions League final defeatBut Zinchenko, a four-time Premier League champion with City, had moved to North London at the start of that season for an initial transfer fee of £30million.It was an attempt by boss Mikel Arteta to add experience and a winning mentality to his dressing room.And one way for Zinchenko to erase his memory of missing out would be to win the tournament with Arsenal — who have won two of their opening three games this campaign.Zinchenko, who hopes to play at Inter Milan in the Champions League tonight, reckons City’s dominance of English football must end soon.He said: “It’s not just in football, you cannot carry on like this forever.“For sure, there will be changes. Of course, the players will get old, the manager might look for another job. Something will happen.“The dominance which they have had during the last years is incredible.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The stats and also trophies talk for themselves. Being there, you straight away think of this winning mentality.” l  Believe: The Autobiography by Oleksandr Zinchenko is published by Bloomsbury. RRP £22Zinchenko in Arsenal trainingCredit: AFP More

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      What we know about boxer Dan Azeez’s mum Kike?

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      KIKE Azeez moved from Nigeria to the UK for her future children.Here is everything we know about Dan Azeez’s mother and her support of his boxing career.Kike Azeez migrated to the UK with her husbandCredit: Dan AzeezKike Azeez is a self-employed carer.She is from Nigeria, and she and her husband decided to move to the UK in pursuit of a brighter future for their children.Their goal was to provide them with greater opportunities and a chance to thrive.She has six children, four sons and two daughters, and she raised them as a single mother in a council house in Lewisham, London. Read more on Dan AzeezFighting Covid-19In April 2020 she caught COVID-19.Her condition rapidly got worse and she needed to be admitted to the University Hospital Lewisham in London, where she spent four weeks in intensive care. During this time, her son boxer Dan Azeez was unable to visit her due to hospital restrictions.They cared for me like I was their own mother.Kike AzeezEastLondonLinesHe said to EastLondonLines about the NHS staff helping his mother: “I cannot thank you all enough for saving my mother’s life. Most read in Boxing”Before being admitted to hospital my mum was in a real bad way – she was struggling to breathe, could not speak or move. “We all feared the worse, but even when times got tough, you never gave up on her.”Dan also told Unknown Boxers about his mother’s Covid-19 illness: “They weren’t sure if she was going to make it and it didn’t look good.“As the weeks went on she’s got better and has come out of the ICU, but is still under their care so it’s been tough.”I actually thought I would lose my mum.“I’ve never been in that predictament before, I’ve had friends that have lost their lives, but for it to be your mum.”It’s very difficult, but thankfully she’s getting better.”Supporting her sonDan Azeez has had the support of his mother since the start of his boxing careerCredit: GettyFor Dan Azeez, who held the British light-heavyweight champion title until October 19, 2024, his mother has been a guiding force in his life, offering unwavering support throughout his boxing career.”She has been an important figure in my life, especially helping me build my boxing career. “I attribute a lot of my success to her support – that is why I am saying thank you.”  Dan shared.READ MORE SUN STORIESKike always supported her son and encouraged him.In a recent interview, he shared that his mother played a significant role in his career development by reminding him of his potential, especially during moments of self-doubt when he struggled with confidence. More

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      ‘He won’t want me to end the gravy train’ says former world champion as he calls out Jake Paul ahead of Mike Tyson fight

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      A FORMER Brit world champion has sensationally claimed Jake Paul won’t fight him for fear it’ll bring an end to his lucrative “gravy train”.The YouTuber has ruffled plenty of feathers in the boxing world since turning pro back in January 2020, drawing criticism from many of the sport’s purists.Jake Paul has been on the receiving end of several callouts from retired prosCredit: GETTYEx-super-middleweight champ Carl Froch has been chasing a fight with Paul for well over a yearCredit: GETTYBut the 47-year-old reckons The YouTuber is too scared to fight himCredit: STEVE BELLAnd he’s received absolute pelters following the March announcement of his controversial clash with 58-year-old Mike Tyson.Former Disney star Paul hasn’t been short of fight offers from retired world champions in recent years, including one from Brit Carl Froch.But the former WBC super-middleweight champion reckons the social media sensation will do everything in his power to avoid sharing the ring with him.’The Cobra’ told snooker legend Stephen Hendry: “He’s a commodity, Jake Paul. READ MORE BOXING NEWS”He knows how to make money. So you’ve got to give him respect for that. But he’s not a boxer, [he’s] useless.”Which I keep reminding him about. And you never know. “If I keep poking the bear enough me might just [fight me].”I think he just knows he’ll get beat and he doesn’t want me to end the gravy train.Most read in Boxing”He doesn’t want to get better, does he, by a guy that’s been retired ten years.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFroch, 47, shared fight fans’ outrage when it was announced that Paul would throw down with former undisputed champ Tyson.And ‘The Cobra’ can’t foresee any other outcome than a Paul pounding of the near-pensioner-aged great.Watch Francis Ngannou brutally tell Jake Paul what ‘specimen’ Mike Tyson will do to him after training with boxing iconHe said: “Mike Tyson is an old man, 58 years old by the time he gets into the ring.”You can’t beat the clock. In a game like this, you can play. But physically, – he’s 26 years old. He’ll have a round in him.”If he caught Jake Paul with a big shot, he’d probably iron him out. But is he going to catch him? No.”He’s there to make the numbers up, Tyson.”Tyson hasn’t set foot in the ring since his Covid clash with fellow icon Roy Jones Jr in November 2020, in which he looked every bit his then 54 years.Jake Paul is gearing up to throw down with boxing legend Mike Tyson in NovemberCredit: Rex More

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      Meet Brit boxing’s best social media star who coached in the Maldives and has Snoop Dogg and Sugar Ray Leonard as fans

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      DAN MORLEY – British boxing’s best social media star – is back with a bang.The 28-year-old Epsom welterweight clocked up a modest 8-0 record on the small-hall circuit between 2018 and 2022, to little fanfare.Dan Morley launched his comeback with a perfect liver shot knockoutCredit: RexMorley is now hoping to get a British title shotCredit: Boxing TunesThe 28-year-old coached out in the MaldivesCredit: Instagram @danmorleyboxingHe coached Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown during his time thereCredit: Instagram @danmorley97And a disillusionment with the frustrating sport, combined with the covid pandemic that crippled it, put him on the sidelines for two years and bedridden at mum’s house.In that time though, the self-taught video whizz started creating brilliant boxing clips and biographies on some of history’s greatest boxers.This has earned follows and friendships from superstars from Sugar Ray Leonard, to Carl Froch and even Jackass legend Johnny Knoxville and music legend Snoop Dogg.Morley’s TikTok and Instagram accounts grew to over 500,000 followers and he was invited to teach the sport he loves in paradise hotels in Switzerland and the MaldivesRead more BoxingAnd on July 6 the newly empowered puncher won his comeback with a beautiful body shot in the opening round and he already has another September date secured as promoters who previously overlooked him now chase his signature.The entrepreneur sat down with SunSport to explain his rapid rise from the obscurity of his barber’s chair to his mum’s spare sickbed to a couple of star-studded profiles.“I started during Covid when my barber told me to start a TikTok account,” he told SunSport.“I couldn’t be a**ed with it at first but then I started doing a few about myself and my training but that stuff doesn’t stand out and nothing happened.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMorley also spent time coaching and training in SwitzerlandCredit: Instagram @danmorley97Morley is ready to cause a ripple in the boxing world after conquering social mediaCredit: Boxing TunesEpsom welterweight Dan Morley is a TikTok and Instagram whizzCredit: Rex“But then I caught Covid and was in bed at my mum’s and I asked her if she thought people would be interested in the Cuban style of boxing.“She said ‘probably not’ but I did it anyway and it got about 250,000 views and then the TikTok grew.Brit boxer Dan Morley delivers stunning liver shot KOBoxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard is one of Morley’s social media followersCredit: GettyMusic legend Snoop Dogg is also a big Morley fanCredit: Reuters“Since then a few crazy things have happened, like a friendship with Johnny Knoxville, which is mad, Sugar Ray Leonard follows the account and Carl Froch has sent me messages. It’s amazing and a big confidence booster.“When I was first boxing these big names weren’t paying attention and now they are, for my boxing knowledge.”Too many boxing promoters and broadcasters flogged themselves to the social-media-influencer world at the start of the digital craze and we have seen some thoroughly dismal acts and ‘fights’.Thankfully the sport now seems to be pulling away from the fame-desperate circus act it helped kickstart around 2018 when Watford showman KSI danced with American entertainer Logan Paul in Manchester.But it means a bonafide throwback fighter and boxing fan like Morley has been cautious about using the platforms to boost his well-deserved popularity.Morley’s mum told him nobody would watch his Cuban boxing clip – then 250,000 didCredit: RexHe explained: “I was cautious because it is not my nature to sell-out or make a spectacle of myself.“I had a plan to build my following but I had to do it in the right way, which would benefit me but also help people.“I am not very good on phones, my friends get the hump when I take two days to reply to a message.“I am no good at technology but I taught myself all that and learned how to edit up to four good videos a day.“I had to learn how to clip things probably, merge things together but also learn how to not rip anybody else’s footage off.“In my 18 months out I did over 2,000 posts so I put the work in and have hopefully deserved the following.”Morley teaches boxing in stunning spots in Switzerland and Maldives but can’t switch offCredit: RexMorley’s accounts are must-follow content for fellow boxing nerds, sports fans and even history buffs.And he hopes that the modern tools at his disposal help him teach Generation Z about the incredible and criminally underrated men who paved the way for glitz-and-glamour version of the sport we see today.“I have read every book I can find and I am a proper nerd about it,” he laughed.“I want people to know that Harry Greb lost ONCE in 100 fights and went 45-0 in one year – all while being BLIND in one eye.“Some of these feats are so amazing.“Henry Armstrong won 59 of 61 fights in three years – through SEVEN weight divisions.“People rave about Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson – and rightly so because they are amazing fighters – but it wrongly feels like people think they are the only boxers who ever walked the earth.”I was cautious because it is not my nature to sell-out or make a spectacle of myself.Dan MorleyMorley now has a following that some British world champions would be proud of – or even have their PR people pay for.The pugilism media pioneer has a podcast and book ideas and has been wisely used by Wasserman to present some of their Channel 5 shows.So why on earth is he back in the back in the gym, punishing and starving himself, sparring hundreds of unpaid rounds and risking his life?“I love boxing,” he said. “I took a break from it and that told me how much I love it.“I have goals that I want to achieve, the social media stuff is all-well-and-good but I have not fulfilled my potential.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I built my social media in a way that allows me to do it as a passion, it doesn’t feel like a cringey way of doing things.“I have the followers that I needed and now I love it.”MORLEY AND THE MALDIVESBy Kealan HughesBRIT boxer brushed shoulders with ex-England rugby stars Jason Robinson and Ben Cohen, as well as fitness guru Joe Wicks.Morley even trained members of the Qatar royal family and a then 15-year-old Millie Bobby Brown of Stranger Things fame on the Maldives island of Huvafen Fushi where he stayed in hotel rooms costing £60,000 a night.Time away from the spotlight gave Morley a much-needed break both physically and mentally and he got his love back for boxing, sharing his knowledge first-hand and online.He quickly began to build his fanbase and now boasts 400,000 fans across his social media platforms, including Snoop Dogg, Sugar Ray Leonard and Johnny Knoxville, who recently appeared on his podcast. More

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      Ex-Arsenal cult icon Nicklas Bendtner in shock career change after taking up new hobby during Covid lockdown

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      ARSENAL cult hero Nicklas Bendtner has launched his own gaming company.Bendtner, 36, rolled credits on his turbulent football career in 2019 and is now set for a completely different endeavour.Arsenal cult hero Nicklas Bendtner started his own gaming groupCredit: AFPBendtner spent nine turbulent years with ArsenalCredit: Getty – ContributorAccording to Esports Insider, the former striker created his own group that he calls Legendary Gaming Group.This comes after the ex-Denmark international spent the Covid-19 pandemic playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.Bendtner said, “My own role in the company will be an active one, but what the exact title will be is not 100% decided yet, as it also depends on what roles the other sports profiles coming in will have.”The ex-Arsenal ace propped up a website alongside Morten Jensen, Atle Stehouer, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech.Read More on ArsenalThe site says: “Legendary Gaming Group offers a premier esports experience, blending elite talent development, cutting-edge scouting, and thrilling events. “We collaborate with top brands, NGOs, and sponsors to create impactful partnerships. “Join us to elevate your gaming journey and be part of the future of esports innovation.”Bendtner joined Arsenal’s academy in 2004 from Kjobenhavns Boldklub at the age of 16.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe controversial forward earned a senior call-up in 2005 and went on to amass a total of 47 goals and 22 assists in 171 appearances with the Gunners.The Dane played for the likes of Birmingham, Sunderland and Juventus on loan during his nine-year stint with the North Londoners.Ex-Arsenal striker Bendtner shows off new look in shock appearance in Denmark World Cup 2022 squad announcement video Bendtner also played for Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forest, Rosenborg and Copenhagen before his early retirement at the age of 31. More

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      Heartbreaking story of boxer who’d get beaten up in ring to numb pain of baby son’s fight for his life

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      MACAULAY MCGOWAN was supposed to stop accepting dangerous fights after his baby boy won the toughest one of all.In December 2019 the Manchester super-welter was supposed to welcome his little boy smoothly into the world. Macaulay McGowan is a proud fighter and an even prouder dadCredit: Macaulay McGowanMcGowan lost three dangerous fights in a row after a bright undefeated startCredit: GettyBut brave missus Francesca suffered a placental abruption and internal haemorrhage, robbing little Albie of his oxygen supply.The fearless light-flyweight suffered Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy – or birth asphyxia – and the biggest concern was whether or not he would survive – not even how much brain damage he would suffer.The undefeated new father was almost destroyed and – faced with the added financial and psychological punishment of the Covid lockdown – he took three rushed fights as the rank underdog and lost them all.Incredibly Albie has since beaten odds that daddy could have only dream of and is now walking and talking and attending nursery and dad has rebuilt with six wins, a harsh draw and an even harsher points defeat.Read more boxingBut he’s back in the deep end on Friday on Channel 5, against celebrated German amateur Abass Baraou for the European title, but tooled with a far brighter outlook and side hustle.“They were dark days,” McGowan told SunSport with the sounds of jet engines rattling down the phone.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“I lost three fights on the spin, 30 long rounds, and never felt a thing.”I was using boxing as a distraction from what my son and missus were going through.Anthony Joshua shows the training never stops as boxer does 30 press-ups on PRIVATE JET as all-Brit clash edges closer“Being punched in the face for half an hour by an amateur star or a former world champion was better than facing up to what my lad was going through.“We had no idea how good or bad things would be, we just had to sit and watch and wait and hope and then slowly he got up and started walking and then talking and, although we have to keep an eye on a few things and he’s a bit behind his class with his speech, he has come on so much and has now started at nursery.“Now I am boxing because I love it again and I think I can surprise a few people and upset a few opponents.“I never wanted easy fights and I still don’t. But now I am not just getting beaten up to help numb me to stuff outside the ring.”Macaulay McGowan’s son Albie is even tougher than his dadCredit: Macaulay McGowanMcGowan with heroic wife FrancescaMost read in BoxingIt would be a very emotional phone call if it wasn’t for the constant roar of aeroplanes drowning out some of McGowan’s poignant words.“I’m up a scaffold near the airport,” he says very casually.“When I am not on the school run or training I come and labour for my mate’s construction firm, Broadbent Developments.“I do it right up to a week or two before the fight, they offer to teach me the trades and get me trained up.”But I’m already OCD about boxing and everything else in my life, so I come on site to have a laugh, keep me busy and entertain the lads.”McGowan is as as handy on site as he is in the ringCredit: Macaulay McGowanDespite having so much on his plate, the working-class hero refuses to boast about his ability or chances of beating Baraou. The same cannot be said of seven-year-old daughter and No1 fan Francesca.McGowan explained: “She ran out of a playground recently crying and saying some bigger boys were being mean to her.“I went in to calm everything down and make sure everyone was being kind to each other.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And the lads in there said she had been telling everyone that her dad is a professional boxer who can beat everyone up.“So I will be hiding the belt from her if I get it home, I can’t have her talking me into fights, she’ll be offering me out to everyone and I’ve got to get back on the tools with the lads next week.” More