More stories

  • in

    Fans spot Oleksandr Usyk’s ‘very clever’ tactic for Tyson Fury fight as he shows off body transformation in training

    THINGS are literally looking up for Oleksandr Usyk as a “very clever” training change overshadowed even his amazing body transformation.Size isn’t everything but the Ukrainian is preparing for Tyson Fury’s extra six inches in their world heavyweight title unification fight by raising his game substantially.Oleksandr Usyk used a specially-raised punchball in trainingCredit: Instagram / @uskyaaUsyk has to look and aim higher before facing Tyson FuryCredit: Instagram / @uskyaaBoxing enthusiasts spotted him jabbing up at a specially-elevated punchball as the 6ft 3in stylist gets ready for the 6ft 9in Gypsy King on May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.And after the unified champ posted his unusual clip on Instagram, one fan posted: “Very clever…. target is placed high.”A second observer claimed: “That height is right on.”A third wrote: “I see you have this bag set high up to simulate 6’9 Fury.”READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd another predicted: “Fury’s head will be bobbling like that in a couple months.”Usyk also looks more toned than ever, but Fury has been hailed for his own peak condition six weeks before their mega-money showdown.The Mancunian’s sparring partner Ty Mitchell posted pictures this week of the Brit looking his leanest yet.Mitchell then predicted “total “domination” for his friend against Usyk.Most read in BoxingMeanwhile, promoter Frank Warren is among those claiming the Gypsy King, 35 will exploit what he calls the 37-year-old’s “Achilles heel” – his body.But fans who saw Usyk pounding his extra-tall punchbag seemed divided over the likely outcome.Wally Downes Jr and Chisanga Malata discuss Whether Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua will happen this yearThose backing his British rival claimed the older man was “Too short to hit the king”.And another suggested: “Fury will destroy that body and be victorious.” More

  • in

    I’m a Champions League winner – I cut out five major foods for my ‘Caveman’ diet… it’s a way of living

    MARCOS LLORENTE has insisted that his ‘caveman’ diet will stay with him until he dies.The Spanish midfielder was a part of the Real Madrid side that won the Champions League in 2018.Marcos Llorente eats a diet based on the Paleolithic eraCredit: INSTAGRAMThe midfielder will not eat ultra-processed foodCredit: INSTAGRAMLlorente, 29, lives off an unusual diet which is often nicknamed the the ‘caveman diet’ and the ‘stone age diet’.It consists of food that would have been eaten in the Paleolithic era, also known as the Old Stone Age.He has ruled out any food that he considers to be ultra-processed such as pasta, bread and even cereal.Instead, he indulges in food such as meat, fish, and vegetables, as well as “high-quality” cheeses.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said on Cadena SER programme El Larguero: “It would be eating what was eaten in the Paleolithic.”You would have to eliminate all ultra-processed foods. Don’t even look at them. And also cereals. “Everything that is pasta, bread, wheat, rice… also dairy. Only high-quality cheeses.”I eat everything. Meat, like the steak that I love. Fish, eggs, vegetables. And carbohydrates like potatoes, sweet potatoes and cassava.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”With the Paleolithic diet, I will go 100 per cent. It is a lifestyle and a way of living. With that I will live and with that I will die.”That’s how it is. I do it for health, not because of football. Football stars’ weird phobias”I am clear that when I finish my career, I will continue to take care of myself just as much or more than now.”Llorente now plays for Atletico Madrid and will be taking on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday evening.Speaking about the match, he said: “I’m calm at the moment. There will be time to get nervous on Wednesday.”It’s good to live it calmly. I’m looking forward to the game and I think it’s a great opportunity for us. “We are very excited. It is a great opportunity for this season.”Entering the Champions League semi-finals is another story.”The team is very eager and has plenty of motivation. The fans are going to make it a very special match.”What is in the Paleolithic diet?THE Paleolithic diet is based around what people would have eaten over 3.3 million years ago.
    What can you eat?

    Fruits
    Vegetables
    Nuts and seeds
    Eggs
    Lean meats, especially grass-fed animals or wild game
    Fish, especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel and albacore tuna
    Oils from fruits and nuts, such as olive oil or walnut oil

    What can you not eat?

    Grains, such as wheat, oats and barley
    Legumes, such as beans, lentils, peanuts
    Dairy products, such as milk and cheese
    Refined and added sugar
    Added salt
    Starchy vegetables, such as corn, jicama, peas and white potatoes
    Highly processed foods, such as chips or cookies More

  • in

    Ex-Liverpool and England icon shows off trim figure after stunning weight loss leaves him ‘looking incredible’

    FORMER Liverpool star Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock showed off his trim figure after his incredible weight loss journey.Ruddock has shed the pounds over the last few years and now looks completely transformed.Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock showed off his trim figure ahead of a trip to AlicanteThe former defender is delighted he can now fit into an extra large t-shirtRuddock played for Liverpool and EnglandCredit: GettyThe former defender began his weight loss journey in 2021 after meeting James Argent of The Only Way Is Essex fame and learning of his transformation.Ruddock now looks completely different and is feeling “on top of the world” ahead of a trip to Alicante, Spain.He shared some photos of himself looking trim on Instagram, and boasted being able to fit into an extra large t-shirt.Ruddock captioned his post: “Morning people, I’m off to Alicante for a few days for work 😉 🇪🇸 ⛳️READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Do you like my new polo? It’s only an XL!!”I can’t remember the last time I was in an XL…I really feel on top of the world! ❤️”I’ll be skipping through Gatwick Airport this morning. 😎”Fans and pals congratulated Ruddock on his turnaround and complimented his new look.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROne commented: “Keep going mate looking unreal 👏”Another added: “Looking incredible! 👊🏻”Neil Ruddock and Paul Merson get emotional as they make up after blazing row on Harry’s Heroes: Euro Having A Laugh Ruddock’s former Liverpool team-mate said: “Love it.”Former Soccer AM host Adam ‘Smithy’ Smith said: “Mate you look so good! Smashing it legend 👏”Ruddock’s weight loss has come with added perks with the former England defender claiming his manhood has tripled in size after he lost seven stone. More

  • in

    Sports stars who got jacked after retiring including hulking Torres and Seedorf after Ozil body transformation

    SPORTS stars always find it hard when they retire after years of success in their craft.And that frustrating transition usually shows on their physique as they are no longer required to maintain elite fitness levels.Mesut Ozil looks unrecognisable following his recent body transformationCredit: Instagram @m10_officialOzil stood out during his time at Arsenal and Real MadridCredit: GettyBut there are also those who refuse to give up on the routine that turned them into world-class sportspeople. In fact, there are some who find all the new down time as an opportunity to take their fitness to the next level.And by doing so, they prove that age is indeed nothing but a number after hanging up their gear.SunSport look at SEVEN star athletes who got absolutely ripped after retirement:Read More on SportMesut Ozil Mesut Ozil stunned football fans around the globe with his stunning body transformation.Ozil shocked the world when he retired at the age of 34 last year following a brief stint with Istanbul Basaksehir.However, the German has since hit the gym and has built some unbelievable mass that led to praise from former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.The legendary playmaker appears to be in better shape than his days at Real Madrid and Arsenal.Most read in FootballZe Roberto Ze Roberto experienced tremendous success with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.The former midfielder also won two Copa America honours with Brazil.Fernando Torres looks bigger than ever with new bodybuilder frameHowever, the 49-year-old never looked as good as he does now as he nears his 50th birthday.Ze Roberto has taken up a career as a personal trainer and looks like he could return to action on a moment’s notice after adopting a healthy lifestyle without smoking, drinking and eating junk.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERZe Roberto is a personal trainer and looks good enough to play againCredit: https://www.instagram.com/fcbayern/Ze Roberto experienced success with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern MunichCredit: EPAFernando Torres Fernando Torres set the world alight during his time at Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.However, Torres’ performances significantly deteriorated after he joined Chelsea on a then record £50million deal.The legendary striker hung up his boots in 2019 and quickly swapped his lean figure with a bulked up physique.The Spaniard now looks more like a former UFC fighter rather than a football great at the age of 40.Fernando Torres looks more like a former UFC athlete rather than an ex-footballerTorres played for Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and ChelseaCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdClarence Seedorf When thinking of one of the best midfielders of all time, Clarence Seedorf is always among the first names that come to mind.Seedorf made a name for himself during his time at Ajax, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and more notably AC Milan.The Dutchman rolled credits on his glittering 22-year career in 2014 but never stopped grinding.Now Seedorf looks good enough to make it to Netherlands’ team ahead of Euro 2024 despite his advanced age of 47.Clarence Seedorf looks good enough to play in Euro 2024 for the NetherlandsCredit: INSTAGRAM @clarenceseedorfSeedorf is considered by many as one of the best midfielders of all timeCredit: EPAChris Tremlett Chris Tremlett reached fame in cricket during his 15-year career in the sport.Tremlett put together a series of glittering performances until his retirement in 2015.And the 42-year-old looks better than ever after he started lifting weights.One should wonder how far he could bat with his new bulky figure…Chris Tremlett looks unrecognisable after retiring from cricketCredit: Instagram @christremlett33Tremlett retired in 2015 following a 15-year career in cricketCredit: PA:Press AssociationDwayne Johnson Dwayne Johnson is arguably the biggest star in Hollywood following a series of blockbuster action movies.And Johnson has a lot to thank his physique for, which makes it hard to believe he’s 51 years old.The American actor, though, always looked fit as he enjoyed a legendary career in professional wrestling as The Rock.The 10-time world champion put the sport on the map during the Attitude Era in the late 1990s and early 2000s.But the ex-WWE Champion’s figure during his glory years in the ring doesn’t compare with the jacked physique he boasts these years.No wonder he will wrestle at the main event of WrestleMania 40 next month…Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson will main event WrestleMania 40Credit: InstagramThe Rock looks far better and jacked than he did in his glory yearsCredit: AP:Associated PressAntonio ValenciaAntonio Valencia was one of the best full-backs in the Premier League during his time with Manchester United.Valencia went on to win two Premier League titles, the 2016 FA Cup, and the 2017 Europa League.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Ecuador legend retired in 2021 but it seems like Sir Alex Ferguson’s influence is still present.The 38-year-old continues to look after himself and it shows with a new muscly physique.Antonio Valencia shone bright during his time at Manchester UnitedCredit: Action Images – ReutersValencia has swapped his lean figure for a bulky physiqueCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CuWuZ1xMrsB/ More

  • in

    Inside Tyson Fury’s new diet that sparked amazing body transformation for Usyk fight as he shares pic of bland lunch

    TYSON FURY has shared his new diet with fans as the heavyweight boxer has undergone an amazing body transformation.The Gypsy King continues his preparations ahead of his upcoming blockbuster clash against Oleksandr Usyk fight on May 18.Tyson Fury has undergone an amazing body transformationCredit: instagram @greg_thenutritionistThe Gypsy King shard his new diet with fansCredit: instagram @tysonfuryIn recent weeks fans have applauded Fury’s weight loss after his fight with the Ukrainian in February was postponed due to a cut he sustained during sparring.And Fury has given fans a glimpse of what he is food he has been fuelling up with to take on Usyk in Saudi Arabia.He shared a very basic meal of chicken, rice and a salad which does not look to appetising but has formed the strict diet plan by the boxers nutritionist Greg Marriott.In an interview with Men’s Health earlier this month Marriott revealed Fury is eating 3,000 calories on rest days and between 4,500-6,000 when training.READ MRE IN BOXINGThe diet have been geared around Fury having enough energy to train but also managing a reasonable weight.And while Marriott claimed the WBC champion is in “amazing” shape he needs to lose more weight before his fight with Usyk.He told Men’s Health: “I can promise you, you’re gonna see a different Tyson Fury.”Whatever I tell Tyson to do, he just adheres to it. He puts 100 per cent trust in me. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”So for Tyson really, there is no challenges because he knows he’ll be in peak condition. He’s been there, done it and got the t-shirts.”I think for this fight, he just thought ‘I just want to get back to looking great’, and with that comes feeling great too, and being able to do the rounds.Tyson Fury hints at major tactical tweak as he trains for Oleksandr Usyk fight”He’s happier knowing that he’s already in amazing shape now. He doesn’t have to think about getting weight off anymore. We’ve already done that. I’ve already got him the weight off.”You’re gunna see another 50% on top of where he is now.”At the moment the 35-year-old is eating up to six meals a day whereas he had previously had one or two meals a day.His meals include having two slices of sourdough toast, avocado butter spread with fresh garlic tabasco and black pepper for breakfast, as well as fresh plum tomatoes and lean beef mince sausages. Breakfasts can also include Oatmeal and protein with fresh nuts and chia seeds, and omelettes.For dinner Fury has a 400 gram filet steak with Dijon mustard, as well as roasted vegetables including broccoli, asparagus and beetroot.Last year Fury faced criticism for his body conditioning after he scraped a win against Francis Ngannou after a split decision.But his next against Usyk heavyweight bout will elect its first unified champ in 24 years in May with a staggering £100million prize pool up for grabs READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Ukrainian will enter the ring bearing the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO titles, while Fury will defend his WBC heavyweight title. And the winner will be awarded a newly minted “undisputed” championship belt.Fury faced criticism for his weight after Francis Ngannou fightCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Fans left shocked by Tyrone Mings’ body transformation after ACL injury led to severe leg muscle wastage

    FOOTBALL fans have been taken aback after seeing Tyrone Mings’ right leg.Mings, 31, has been sidelined since August after suffering a horror ACL knee injury on the opening weekend of the season – a 5-1 defeat to Newcastle.Tyrone Mings has revealed his injury rehabilitationCredit: GettyMings shared images of the timeline from when he first picked up his ACL injury in AugustCredit: Instagram / @tyronemingsMings revealed he went to the USA for three weeks as part of his rehab programmeCredit: Instagram / @tyronemingsThe Aston Villa defenders Instagram post showed as he started getting back to doing mobility workCredit: Instagram / @tyronemingsExercises included standing and falling on a mat in one motionCredit: Instagram / @tyronemingsMIngs described this as ‘moving like an athlete’Credit: Instagram / @tyronemingsAs he steps up his recovery, the Aston Villa defender shared images and videos of his rehab journey, which he described as a “real eye-opener”.Alongside the videos Mings shared a helpful caption alongside each in an Instagram post.His first post showed his knee in a brace following the injury he suffered at Newcastle last summer. The second was a video which showed his leg with plaster as he tried to do some light stretching with it – with a creaking able to be heard as his leg moved.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMings also posted the moment where he stood for the first time without crutches following the injury before his next post featured him laying down and stretching with the aid of a band.That video highlighted the “muscle wastage” on Mings’ leg, with his right leg looking far thinner than his left by this point.This is a condition known as muscle atrophy, which is the decrease in the size of muscle tissue due to a lack of physical activity.And fans were stunned at the visible difference between his two legs. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMings shared video footage of him doing exercise on a machineCredit: Instagram / @tyronemingsFans could not believe the level of muscle atrophy which Mings had gone throughCredit: Instagram / @tyronemingsThe condition describes the decrease in the size of muscle tissue due to a lack of physical activityCredit: Instagram / @tyronemingsTaking to social media, one fan said: “The muscle change after an injury is so mad!! Glad you’re nearly back Ty.”A second said: “What a horrible injury to have. Hope he gets back to his best.”Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024A third added: “Brutal rehab.”Another said: “That must have hurt a lot…damn!”Mings’ struggles were not just physical, with his Instagram post also detailing how his first four months of rehabilitation felt.He also revealed how he went on a training programme to Philadelphia in the USA for three weeks to meet Bill Knowles; a reconditioning specialist who has had clientele including the likes of Callum Wilson, Danny Welbeck and Tiger Woods. His comeback routine involved Mings doing exercises to get “moving like an athlete”.These included going from a standing position to laying on his back and getting back up in one motion and him tuning his agility as he moved from side to side on another device – which left Mings visibly knackered. The next step shown was him “learning to coordinate ‘running patterns again’” as he was seen doing a high-knee run on a trampoline.Mings signed off his post with a picture from Villa training last week where he appeared to be in high spirits. He is not the only star at Villa to have suffered an ACL injury this season, with Emiliano Buendia also out with a similar issue he suffered merely days before the defender. Manager Unai Emery said on the pair: “Always they are in our mind.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They have spirit and they support us in the training ground. I think all the season they are going to be out, but hopefully they can train at the end of the season. “Then starting next season being fine to come back like before.”Mings is nearing a return to fitness based on his most recent snapsCredit: Instagram / @tyronemingsHe was seen fine-tuning his running in one post as he was ‘learning to coordinate running patterns again’Credit: Instagram / @tyronemingsVilla boss Unai Emery has said he hopes Mings will be back to his best from next seasonCredit: Instagram / @tyronemings More

  • in

    Anthony Joshua’s incredible body transformation revealed in pictures as he gears up for Francis Ngannou fight

    ALL EYES will be on Anthony Joshua when he tips the scales to fight Francis Ngannou as the fascination on his weight continues. AJ’s fluctuating size has been a major talking point throughout his career as he looks to find that goldilocks number. Anthony Joshua’s fluctuating size has been a major talking point throughout his careerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAJ looks ripped and ready before fighting Francis NgannouCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingWhen he made his professional debut, he scaled 16st 6lb before knocking out Emanuele Leo inside the opening round. By the time he became world heavyweight champion – three years and 16 fights later – he was at 17st 4lb. Joshua then raised eyebrows a year on in his fourth title defence as he bulked up to a then-heaviest 18st 2lb before beating Carlos Takam. AJ was accused of looking sluggish during the ten-round stoppage and returned to beat Joseph Parker on points at 17st 4lb.READ MORE IN BOXINGThat was considered to be around his sweet spot until he was stunned to a first defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019. Joshua was 17st 9lb before being dropped four times and stopped in seven rounds of his US debut in New York. For the rematch – with his reputation on the line – he shrunk down to 16st 13lb to box and move his way to a career-saving victory. Before Joshua suffered defeat again, to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021, he claimed his weight was the least of his worries. Most read in BoxingJoshua weighed 18st 2lb before beating Carlos TakamCredit: SportsfileHe slimmed down to 16st 13lb before beating Andy Ruiz Jr in their 2019 rematchCredit: The SunANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I don’t really focus on my weight. It’s just training. I just put in the work.”Joshua was 17st 2lb the first time against Usyk and put on just 4lb for the rematch, which he also lost on points. The Sun’s Wally Downes Jr tells Francis Ngannou his ‘legs are looking skinny’ and he’ll ‘give him some tips’ after media workoutAJ then returned in April of 2023 against Jermaine Franklin and did so at an all-time heaviest 18st 3lb before winning by decision. Joshua went back down to 17st and 12lb before knocking out Robert Helenius in August. And for his most recent win, a five-round stoppage of Otto Wallin, he did so at 17st 13lb. Ngannou meanwhile scaled 19st 3lb before his boxing debut against Tyson Fury in October. Joshua at an all-time heaviest 18st 3lb before beating Jermaine FranklinCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAJ was 17st 13lb before his last fightCredit: GettyFrancis Ngannou scaled over 19st before fighting Tyson FuryCredit: AFPThe ex-UFC champion even floored Fury only to lose a controversial split-decision. And even AJ’s promoter and biggest supporter Eddie Hearn fears the monster of a man. Hearn told SunSport: “When you’re that strong, you can change a fight at any given moment. “You can be dominating a fight for five or six rounds and walk into one, and a fight can be over.“This is probably the most nervous I’ve been for a fight because it’s a little bit of the unknowns about Ngannou. “I’m looking at him like, ‘Can you even hurt him? Can you push him back?’ READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s just a freak of nature, but I still stand by the fact that AJ is better in every single department, and he’s got to show it on Friday.”Joshua and Ngannou facing offCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Inside Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren’s five vs five boxing tournament with mouthwatering fight set to top bill

    EDDIE HEARN reveals ‘We’ve got some unbelievable surprises up our sleeves’ as he prepares to take on Frank Warren. The British pair of promoters have put years of bitter feuding behind them to come together in Saudi Arabia. Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren will put their stables together for a 5v5 tournamentCredit: GettyThey are co-promoting blockbuster bouts in the controversial Gulf state after Middle Eastern powerbroker Turki Alalshikh brought the two together. And the latest treat for fans will be Hearn and Warren putting their stables against each other for a five-fight tournament. Each promoter will choose two weight classes while Turki Alalshikh will get the final pick with everyone kept in the dark until the big reveal. Hearn told SunSport: “We’re going to pick two weight classes, Frank’s picking two weight classes and His Excellency chooses another weight class. READ MORE IN BOXING”No one knows the fighters until they meet at the official press conference in London. “So you will pick the best available fighter from that weight class that you have. “And the big reveal will be in London. We’ll fill the weight classes this week, it will be announced I think Saturday after Joshua-Ngannou. “We’ve got some unbelievable surprises up our sleeve. It’s going to be a big format everybody’s talking about it and genuinely, we cannot lose. We must not lose this. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe historic event is eyed for June 1 in Riyadh with Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol topping the deal in a light-heavyweight undisputed super-fight. The undercard will be made up of Hearn’s men versus Warren’s and the Machroom Boxing chief will do everything he can to gain bragging rights. Exclusive Frank Warren Interview ahead of AJ vs Ngannou – reveals AJ turned down HUGE offer from him in order to join SkyHe said: “We were talking about the 5v5 and he went, ‘I ain’t losing this!’ And I said, ‘I ain’t losing this!’ “I’m going into that changing room and I am giving Churchillian speeches to my fighters, potentially win bonuses and saying, ‘Listen, you’ve got to win this fight.’ “That’s why we want the fights to be pickem’ fights so we’re sitting ringside just excited. “The opportunities for our fighters are incredible and that’s the main thing.”The promoters signed a deal for the 5v5Credit: Instagram More