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    Fans in uproar as Manny Pacquiao, 46, announces comeback to fight for world title… despite not winning in SIX YEARS

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    MANNY PACQUIAO has announced he is coming out of retirement and walking straight into a world title shot – causing fan uproar. The Filipino great took to social media to confirm a July 19 bout in Las Vegas against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Manny Pacquiao has announced he is coming out of retirement aged 46Credit: AFPMario Barrios is set to defend his WBC title against PacquiaoCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsHe posted: “I’m back. On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.”Let’s make history!” Interestingly, neither Barrios nor Premier Boxing Champions – due to promote the fight – spoke out to confirm the bout. But Pacquiao’s post still caused havoc amongst fans with the boxing legend primed for a title shot after four years out and six without a win. READ MORE IN boxing One said: “Legend, but nah don’t do this.” Another added: “Why???? Who wants to see this”One fumed: “Disgrace from the WBC.”Another raged: “Ideal form for a world title shot. Winless for 6 years.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPacquiao’s last win came in 2019, beating Keith Thurman. He was then due to face Errol Spence Jr in August 2021 until an eye injury forced the Texan out, with Yordenis Ugas replacing him.Cacace Crushes Wood, AJ & Pacquiao Plot Shock Returns | Split DecisionUgas sprung a surprise upset on Pacquiao, who announced his retirement after the point loss to run for president in the Philippines. But after a failed election, rumours of a boxing return began swirling for PacMan, who later faced Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in a 2022 exhibition. Pacquiao then returned last July for another exhibition, against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in Tokyo. And the eight-division champ showed his age over the three rounds – with fans urging him never to fight again. But talks were taking place behind the scenes for Pacquiao to make a professional comeback in a bid for the welterweight title. Per WBC rules, a contender must be ranked within their top 15 in order to be eligible for a championship bout. Read More on The SunSo it came as little surprise when Pacquiao sneaked back into the WBC’s top five in mid May – despite his absence from the ring. Boxing’s oldest world champ of all time is Bernard Hopkins, who won a world title aged 49.Pacquiao’s last win came in 2019, against Keith ThurmanCredit: USA TODAY SportsYordenis Ugas defeated Pacquaio in 2021 with the boxing legend retiring afterwardsCredit: APPacquiao lost out in his 2022 presidential campaignCredit: EPAHis last bout was an exhibition in Japan against kickboxer Rukiya AnpoCredit: RIZIN More

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      George Liddard is the West Ham super-fan who went from windscreen fitter to Britain’s next middleweight boxing hopeful

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      GEORGE LIDDARD is hoping to wipe out the middleweight competition having gone from windscreen fitter to boxing prospect. The West Ham super-fan was an elite amateur, winning four national titles and medals on the international stage. Liddard, with girlfriend Tegan Brooks, wears the famous claret and blueLiddard is a regular at West Ham gamesCredit: INSTAGRAMBut he snubbed the chance to earn a place on the Team GB Olympic squad to instead turn professional in 2022 under Eddie Hearn.It came after a brief absence from the ring as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, where Liddard worked for a windscreen fitting company. He told the Hammers website: “I was part of Team England, and then Covid-19 hit, and there was a lot of uncertainty in my life. “During that period, I ended up working with my dad at a windscreen company.READ MORE IN BOXING”I got defeated by a well-known Great Britain fighter in a close fight after the pandemic, and that was the moment I said to myself to give it a go.”I got a text from Tony Sims, one of the legendary boxing trainers, asking me to spar with John Ryder. “So I went down there and gave a good account of myself. I’ve been at the Matchroom Gym ever since and have never looked back.” Liddard is 11-0 and returns on Saturday night at the Copper Box on the undercard of Johnny Fisher’s rematch with Dave Allen. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 22-year-old East Londoner faces Aaron Sutton but has his eyes on fighting for the British title and even world honours beyond that. He said: “I feel as if I’m at a level already where I can win a British title. “I know I’m good enough but have to prove it to the world, and the next fight is another opportunity to do that.”I’m in this game to be a world champion, and I want to win world titles down the line. I will be a world champion someday; I know that for sure. “I look forward to the day I stand there with a world title belt and say, I made it.” Liddard dons the famous claret and blue when he steps into the ring and regularly sits in the Hammers stands outside the ropes. He said: “I couldn’t pinpoint an exact moment when I started supporting West Ham, but I’ve followed the Club all of my life and attend home games now with my sponsor, ABSM Building Services.”I would have loved to have been at the Conference League final, but I was fighting on that Saturday. Read More on The Sun”I remember watching it in the hotel and being ecstatic when Jarrod [Bowen] scored that goal. “I was gutted to have not been there, but I won the fight, so it was a memorable weekend.” Liddard returns against Aaron SuttonCredit: Getty More

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      Play-off final goalkeeper is TikTok sensation who won reality TV series and has Miss Universe star girlfriend

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      ALEXIS ANDRE Jr is not your typical footballer.For the Maidstone United goalkeeper is also a social media influencer who won a hit reality television series and whose girlfriend competed in Miss Universe.Alexis Andre Jr met model girlfriend Zoe Brunet while filming a major TV showCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIHlDSDNuli/Andre aims to return to the National League with play-off-final successCredit: Instagram / @alexis.andrejrThe much-travelled Maidstone keeper will take on Boreham Wood in the National League South play-off final on SundayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIHlDSDNuli/The France-born stopper has around five million followers on TikTok and Instagram, something he started at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic when he was at Bristol Rovers.Andre, whose Maidstone side face Boreham Wood in the National League South play-off final on Sunday, said: “I had nothing to do during the first lockdown.“I make content about anything, about my life and career and everything.“After the first lockdown, I came back to Bristol Rovers and I was bigger than the club because I had so many followers!READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Now they have their own TikTok account.“But I don’t want people to think I am just a social media content creator and not a footballer.“It has never been an issue wherever I have played because I am a professional and respectful, too.”His most recent TikTok videos include dancing with his girlfriend to the latest dance craze, a behind-the-scenes look at Maidstone’s play-off semi-final win against Eastbourne, modelling for a number of fashion houses and quizzing his team-mates on their football knowledge.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe son of a man from Guadeloupe, in the Caribbean, he was abandoned aged four by his Moroccan mother at a railway station in his native Mulhouse.And it formed his “secret” on TV show Secret Story, where contestants all have a secret they are trying to hide.Andre’s partner Zoe competed in the 2018 Miss Universe competitionCredit: Instagram / @alexis.andrejrAndre, who bagged £105,000 after winning it last year, said: “My dad raised me and I have no contact with my mother.“I didn’t miss the love of a mother because my dad, Alex, has given me everything.”He also met his girlfriend, Belgian TV presenter Zoe Brunet – who finished in the top 20 in the 2018 Miss Universe – during filming.Now he is hoping for another win, this time with Maidstone as they look to return to the National League after a two-season absence.The game will take place at the Wood’s Meadow Park ground as they finished higher in the league than the Stones.Andre, who has recorded a divisional best of 23 clean sheets, said: “We have no problem playing there because we are more confident being the away side and we have been all season.“But we know this is a one-off game and we know we have to perform.”Andre spent seven years in the Strasbourg youth set-up and played lower-league football in France and Germany before he joined the Nike Academy, at St George’s Park National Football Centre.Read More on The SunFrom there, he went on trial at Bristol Rovers and signed for the Gas, but only made one senior appearance.Andre, who is also signed to leading model agency SELECT, was signed by Maidstone manager George Elokobi last summer and rates the ex-Wolves defender as the best coach he has worked with.Andre has become a fans’ favourite in his first season with the StonesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIHlDSDNuli/ More

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      Cheeky Mo Salah reveals Liverpool’s Premier League title felt ‘way better without Klopp, Mane and Firmino’

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      MOHAMED SALAH cheekily suggested Liverpool’s title this season felt better without Jurgen Klopp and two of his most famous former team-mates.Liverpool were crowned English champions for a joint-record 20th time today after a 5-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield.Mohamed Salah said the Premier League title was specialCredit: EPAHe joked it was better without Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Jurgen KloppCredit: Sky SportsTalisman Salah added his side’s fourth goal in the rout, taking his league tally to 28 and season tally to 33 goals in all competitions.Salah was also instrumental when the Reds won the title five years ago under Jurgen Klopp alongside attacking partners Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.One of the most notable differences between now and five years ago is the presence of fans in the stadium.Liverpool were forced to celebrate their first title for nearly 30 years effectively without fans due to restrictions put in place from the Covid-19 pandemic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut this time around there will be no lockdown to stop the title party.However, the Kop’s Egyptian king cheekily suggested that this title with Arne Slot feels more special to him.Speaking to Sky Sports, the 32-year-old said: “Ah, this is way better 100 per cent.”The Egyptian then grinned as he joked: “Without Sadio [Mane], without Jurgen [Klopp], without Bobby [Firmino], without everybody…Most read in Football”It feels more special, with the fans.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”But you know, you have a different group now, a different manager and you show you are able to do it again – it’s something special.”Salah is the last remaining star of the famous Liverpool attacking trio which returned the club to the top of both England and Europe with the Champions League.Arne Slot shows his class as he leads Anfield in chant about Jurgen Klopp after sealing 20th title for LiverpoolMane left Liverpool in 2022 to join Bayern Munich while Firmino departed in 2023, with both now playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli respectively.Salah recently penned a new blockbuster £400,000-a-week deal with Liverpool alongside fellow veteran Virgil van Dijk, who was also present in the first PL era title win for the club five years ago.The winger also praised Dutch boss Slot and explained how his tactics have made him an even better player.He said: “You can see the numbers! Now I don’t have to defend much.”The tactics are quite different. I said, ‘As long as you rest me defensively I will provide offensively’, so I am glad that I did. He listened a lot and you can see the numbers.Read More on The Sun”When you play in the Premier League you have to defend but I said that I can gamble and somehow I can make a difference. My number of assists shows that, you can create chances as well.”After keeping much of the squad he inherited last summer, former Feyenoord boss Slot paid tribute to predecessor Klopp and led the Anfield crowd in a chant for the German. More

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      Daniel Dubois vs Oleksandr Usyk ANNOUNCED with fighters to do battle in huge Wembley rematch on July 19

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      DANIEL DUBOIS’ rematch with Oleksandr Usyk has been moved to July 19.Dubois is chasing both revenge and the undisputed heavyweight crown at Wembley, 19 months after his controversial ninth-round TKO defeat. Daniel Dubois lost to Oleksandr Usyk in August 2023Credit: RICHARD PELHAMDubois is out for boxing revenge – at the home of English footballOrganisers have now shifted the fight back a week from July 12.That’s to avoid sharing the spotlight with a mega bill the same night, featuring Edgar Berlanga and Shakur Stevenson in New York City. IBF king Dubois said: “This is the fight I wanted and demanded and now I get my chance for revenge.”I should have won the first fight and was denied by the judgement of the referee, so I will make no mistake this time around in front of my people at the national stadium in my home city.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”I am a superior and more dangerous fighter now and Usyk will find this out for himself.”The response from Dynamite’s Ukrainian opponent was more measured.Unbeaten Usyk said: “I’m grateful to God for the opportunity to once again fight for the undisputed championship.”Thank you, Daniel, for taking care of my IBF belt – now I want it back.”Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDubois is still smarting from his downfall against Usyk in August 2023.Dynamite dropped the icon, who beat Tyson Fury twice, in the fifth round.SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr reveals Daniel Dubois’ chances of fighting Joseph Parker ‘look grim’But referee Luis Pabon deemed the punch a low blow, meaning Usyk had five minutes to recover.Pabon raised eyebrows further by urging the 38-year-old to take more time to get over the punch. Dubois and promoter Frank Warren unsuccessfully appealed to the WBA, asking for the loss to instead be recorded as a no-contest, due to Pabon’s debatable low-blow call.Now, though, Warren reckons the Londoner has the weapons to KO Usyk beyond debate.He described Dubois as the world’s “most destructive and dangerous heavyweight puncher”.The Greenwich Gladiator, 27, overwhelmed fellow Brit Anthony Joshua in less than five rounds last September. More

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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