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    I was smoking marijuana aged 13, now I’m two-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist, says Anthony Joshua

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has revealed that he smoked marijuana until he was 13 years old.The Brit was able to kick the habit and become one of the best boxers in the world.
    Anthony Joshua smoked marijuana until he was 13Credit: BBC Sport
    AJ stopped smoking and went on to become a two-time world championCredit: Getty
    AJ, 34, became the two-time heavyweight world champion as he beat Wladimir Klitschko and Andy Ruiz Jr.
    He also won gold at the London Olympics in 2012 and a year later he turned professional.
    However, his success in the boxing world may never have happened if he had not stopped smoking.
    During an interview with Louis Theroux, he said: “If you can’t get the distractions out of your life, you can’t get your full attention on improving as an athlete.
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    “For me, when I stopped smoking I was able to progress.”
    AJ admitted that he was smoking the class B drug up to six times a day.
    He was kicked off the GB Olympic team in 2011 after police discovered cannabis in his car.
    The boxer was charged with possession with an intent to supply a class B drug.
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    His punishment was a non-custodial sentence of 100 hours of unpaid work as well as a 12-month community order.
    He had previously spoken about how his life has been affected by the incident.
    This is because his record is always brought up when he enters the US, however he is still able to get into the country.
    In the interview, Joshua also admitted that in his youth he once fought six men at once.
    The result of the fight left him with scars on his knuckles.
    He added: “I used to get in fights a lot when I was younger.
    “My skin doesn’t heal too well.
    “This knuckle, I went to get chicken one evening and I ended up fighting six guys on my own.” More

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    Eddie Hearn CONFIRMS Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn for January with two huge stadiums set to host mega-fight

    CONOR BENN’s family grudge match with Chris Eubank Jr will take place in January, promoter Eddie Hearn has claimed.The surging welterweight was set to face the former IBO super-middleweight champion last October before a pair of failed pre-fight drug tests scuppered the latest instalment of the family feud.
    Conor Benn was due to face Chris Eubank Jr last Octover before a pair of failed drug testsCredit: Reuters
    Negotiations over the domestic grudge match resumed after Benn’s return to the ring in SeptemberCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.
    Promoter Eddie Hearn expects the fight to take place in JanuaryCredit: ALAMY
    Despite returning to the ring in September for a short-notice showdown with Rodolfo Orozco, Benn – the son of British boxing great Nigel – is currently NOT licensed to compete in the UK.
    The British Boxing Board of Control and UKAD both appealed the National Anti-Doping Panel’s ruling that Benn was innocent of intentionally taking the banned fertility drug found in his system.
    But Hearn is confident the BBBofC and UKAD won’t slap his man with a suspension, so much so he’s claimed January joust with Eubank Jr will come to fruition.
    The Matchroom Boxing chief told iFL TV: “In terms of Benn-Eubank, that fight is going to happen in January in the UK.”
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    Hearn, however, admits the fate of the fight is currently in the hands of the BBBofC, saying: “We will make the fight.
    “Conor Benn is not suspended and we will apply to the British Boxing Board of Control for sanctioning.
    “It’s up to them whether they sanction it or not.
    “He’s not suspended, legally, and we don’t see how he can’t be sanctioned to fight.
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    Conor Benn is still not licensed to box in the UKCredit: PA
    “We’ll let them make their decision.”
    Negotiations over the mouthwatering domestic dust-up – which could take place at the Principality Stadium or the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – have reached the business end.
    And Hearn expects an agreement to be reached as early as next week.
    He said: “We’re in final negotiations with both sides to finalise a deal.
    “If we don’t get it done, we’re morons. But sometimes, we’re morons.
    “I expect everybody to be sensible and get that deal over the line as quick[ly] as next week. And we’ve got to get it done.
    “I know people will say, ‘Oh, you’ve been saying this for a while.’
    “Yes, we were waiting for December 23. [But. January, UK, Benn-Eubank, I believe is happening.” More

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    Ex-porn star and football WAG, 27, jailed after trying to traffic 14lbs of coke into Spain…but shock texts gave her away

    A FORMER porn star and football WAG has been jailed for almost three years after shocking texts revealed how she trafficked 14lbs of coke into Spain.Mia Etcheverria was one of five seized at Carrasco International Airport, in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo.
    Mia Etcheverria was one of five seized by cops after trafficking 14lbs of cocaine into SpainCredit: instagram
    The former porn star was married to Richard Morales, a Uruguayan football starCredit: instagram
    Morales, right, played for Osasuna and Malaga during his club careerCredit: AP:Associated Press
    The adult actress, and ex-wife of Uruguayan football star Richard ‘Chengue’ Morales, 48, was nabbed by cops on June 24.
    While the gang of five made their way through the airport, police carried out a routine check on one of the men.
    Officers found his two suitcases had hidden compartments containing six slabs of cocaine with a staggering total weight 14lbs 5oz.
    Cops then pulled over the rest of the group, including three women aged 26, 27, and 36, and a 35-year-old man.
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    Etcheverria initially denied having any knowledge of the drug plot but confessed later during a plea-bargaining deal, according to local reports.
    Police then found Telegram messages while investigating the WAG’s mobile phone where she was seen giving other gang members tips on how to avoid being caught.
    She told them: “It is your attitude that will determine your trip, you understand? Travel listening to music.”
    Etcheverria added: “When you get off the plane, take photos (but do not upload anything) until you reach your destination. As touristy as possible, trust me.”
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    Her lawyer, Pablo Casas, claimed at the time of the group’s bust that his client “was unaware of the contents of the suitcases”.
    The ex-porn star – real name Camila Navarro – was one of the main stars on the Uruguayan adult channel Divas TV.
    She shares two daughters with Morales, who made 27 appearances for Uruguay between 2001 and 2005.
    The footie ace played for Osasuna and Malaga during his club career.
    Morales paid all her legal fees during the trial and said in a statement: “Nowadays, more than ever, my only priority is my daughters and their well-being, and I will protect them from any media exposure related to this issue.
    “I understand that we are both public figures in different contexts, but I consider it unnecessary to constantly refer to me and my daughters.”
    She has been jailed for two years and seven months after previously facing 18 years in jail for the offense.
    It comes after a former Leeds Utd player was jailed for shifting cocaine for a major crime gang after cops smashed a secret EncroChat network.
    Paul Shepherd, 45, worked as a “trusted courier” for the four-man drug racket by moving cash and drugs around for them.
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    And Sebastian Guilhaus, a former Married at First Sight star, was charged with drug trafficking after cops said they seized almost £47,000 worth of meth during a raid.
    He was arrested in June by the Serious and Organised Crime Branch detectives at his Adelaide home.
    Morales paid all of Etcheverria’s legal fees during the trialCredit: instagram
    The 27-year-old has been arrested for two years and seven monthsCredit: instagram
    Etcheverria was one of the main stars on the Uruguayan adult channel Divas TVCredit: instagram More

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    Conor Benn to make shock ring return THIS WEEKEND in Orlando with star still not licensed in UK after failed drug tests

    CONOR BENN will make a shock return to the ring in Orlando THIS WEEKEND – despite not being cleared to fight in the UK.The surging welterweight contender’s career was brought to a screeching halt last October when it was revealed he failed a pair of drug tests ahead of his cancelled clash with Chris Eubank Jr.
    Conor Benn will make a shock return to the ring this weekendCredit: GETTY
    Benn’s career was on a knife-edge after he failed two drug tests ahead of his cancelled clash with Chris Eubank JrCredit: Getty
    Benn will be back in action against 24-year-old Rodolfo OrozcoCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING
    Benn, 26, isn’t currently licensed to compete in the UK due to the ongoing and controversial doping saga.
    But that hasn’t stopped him and his team from pursuing a fight – which will take place in Orlando, Florida this Saturday.
    The Destroyer will lock horns with Mexico’s Rodolfo Orozco on the undercard of Richardson Hitchins’ super-lightweight clash with Jose Zepeda.
    A delighted Benn said: “I am undefeated in the ring, and in spirit. A return on Saturday is a step closer to redemption.
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    “After that,  I’m putting the 147-160 divisions on notice. 
    “You are looking at a determined man with a deep desire to beat them all.”
    Benn is currently licensed by the Florida Athletic Commission, so he won’t be violating any rules by competing.
    Promoter Eddie Hearn is delighted to have him back in action – despite the uncertainty over his ability to box in the UK.
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    Conor Benn hasn’t fought since his demolition of Chris van Heerden last AprilCredit: GETTY
    The Matchroom Boxing chief said: “Conor Benn is back and I’m looking forward to seeing him pick up where he left off.
    “He’s ready to go straight in for a big fight now but his trainer Tony Sims will be pleased to get him back sooner against a game opponent in Rodolfo Orozco.
    “Conor is looking unbelievable in the gym and I cannot wait to see him back in the ring where he belongs on what is a fantastic fight card in Florida.”
    The undefeated Benn’s career was left in tatters after he tested positive for the banned fertility drug clomiphene – which can elevate testosterone levels in men – before his cancelled clash with Eubank Jr.
    The son of British boxing great Nigel protested his innocence from the get-go and was cleared by the National Anti-Doping Panel in July.
    UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control, however, have appealed the decision.
    The date for the outcome of the appeal is currently unknown.
    Conor Benn’s fighting future in the UK is still well and truly up in the airCredit: PA More

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    Jake Paul called out by Amir Khan despite THREE STONE difference as ex-champ vows to pack on pounds to ‘beat him up’

    AMIR KHAN has vowed to pack on the pounds to come out of retirement and fight Jake Paul. The British boxing legend hung up the gloves following his February 2022 loss to bitter rival Kell Brook.
    Amir Khan vowed to pack on the pounds to come out of retirement and fight Jake PaulCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Jake Paul after beating Nate Diaz in his last fightCredit: Getty
    But Khan – who is serving a drugs ban following his final bout – has refused to rule out a comeback.
    And he is even willing to go up in weight to take on YouTuber-turned boxer Paul.
    He said on Heart radio: “Jake Paul, he gets on my nerves a little bit.
    “I think the way he conducts himself, the way he acts, and he’s just full of himself as well and he thinks he can fight, he’s only been boxing for like a year, so yeah, I’d love to fight him.
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    “He’s been very lucky though, he’s a little bit heavier than me but I don’t mind putting the pounds on just to beat him up.”
    Paul, 26, was beaten for the first time in February this year, losing a split-decision to Tommy Fury, 24, in Saudi Arabia.
    But he returned in August to beat ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38, over ten rounds in Texas.
    He weighed 185lb (13st 2lb) for the bout, while Khan was 149lb (10st 6lb) for his loss to Brook, 37.
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    The 2004 Olympic silver medallist, 36, is currently serving a two-year drugs ban following a failed test last year.
    He was found with traces of Ostarine in his system, which aids weight loss and muscle growth.
    The substance is prohibited by United Kingdom Anti-Doping, who Khan co-operated with during their investigation.
    UKAD confirmed Khan’s ban – after it was referred to the National Anti-Doping Panel – but he doubled down on unknowingly consuming the substance.
    A statement read: “Mr Khan’s case was heard by the independent tribunal on 24 January 2023 and in its written decision dated 21 February 2023, the panel found both violations proved, concluded that Mr Khan had established that they were not ‘intentional’ within the meaning of ADR Article 10.2.3 and imposed a two-year ban on him.”
    Amir Khan retired after losing to Kell BrookCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    Pro footballer who crashed his car and smashed into driver after taking laughing gas is jailed

    A PRO footballer has been jailed for a year for causing a horrific car crash after taking laughing gas.Flynn Clarke’s BMW swerved into the opposite carriageway in April last year – and into a motorhome.
    Flynn Clarke has been jailed for a year for causing a car crash after taking laughing gasCredit: Getty
    A court heard the Norwich City player, 20, lost control after clipping a kerb while exiting a roundabout.
    The driver of the motorhome which suffered significant injuries, while a male passenger in the BMW said he feared he’d never walk again.
    Clarke, who has also played for Scotland’s under-21 side, admitted three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
    Peterborough Crown Court heard he also accepts having used nitrous oxide – more commonly known as laughing gas.
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    However, there were “unclear and conflicting accounts” whether it had been taken at the time or immediately prior to the collision.
    Jailing Clarke for 12 months and banning him from driving for 30 months, Judge Sean Enright said his actions had led to “immense harm”.
    Prosecutors said witnesses had described the young professional footballer driving in an “indecisive manner” and struggling to stay in his lane prior to the crash, which occurred on the A47 near Thorney, Cambs.
    He was driving with his girlfriend in the front passenger seat and three male friends in the back, the court was told.
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    Clarke’s BMW then swerved into the opposite carriageway and ploughed head-on into a motorhome.
    The owner of the motorhome vehicle, a HGV driver, said he has been unable to work since the crash which left him with a fractured pelvis, knee, hip and ankle.
    He has since been forced to undergo multiple operations including a hip replacement.
    In a victim impact statement read to the court, he added that his injuries had left him unable to do things he previously took for granted – including playing football with his grandson.
    The victim said: “Over the last 16 months I have been in pain and discomfort.
    “This incident sends a shiver up my back when I think of it, and how the consequences should have been very different.”
    A 21-year-old passenger in Clarke’s BMW told the court he’d feared he may never walk again after being airlifted to hospital with internal bleeding, having sustained a broken collar bone, sternum and vertebrae.
    The young man added he could be in pain for the rest of his life and that, while Clarke did not set out to cause the crash, he “has to live with the consequences”.
    Clarke’s defence counsel, Tommy Dominguez KC, said the crash had occurred due to a “momentary lapse of concentration” and added that Clarke had shown “significant remorse”.
    “He has not looked to offer any excuses,” he said. “He has taken full responsibility for his actions.”
    The court was also told Norwich City was likely to terminate the footballer’s employment if he was sent to prison.
    Judge Enright also banned Clarke from driving for 30 months.
    Clarke, born in Peterborough, Cambs., was signed by Norwich in 2021 after just a handful of senior appearances for Peterborough United.
    He had a brief loan spell with League Two club Walsall last year and was signed on loan earlier this month by National League outfit Dagenham & Redbridge.
    He made his debut for Scotland’s U21 side in September last year and was on the score sheet during a 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland.
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    In a statement, Norwich City said they would ‘”consider the matter internally in accordance with its own disciplinary procedure”.
    It is currently not illegal to possess or use nitrous oxide. However, earlier this week MPs voted in favour of making it a Class C drug. More

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    Logan Paul denies being ‘on STEROIDS’ and demands Dillon Danis be checked for STDs as drug testing row explodes

    LOGAN PAUL has denied being “on steroids” following the news he’s yet to have been drug tested ahead of his boxing match with Dillon Danis.The social sensation is just weeks away from a spectacular showdown with the MMA star in a grudge match in Manchester.
    Logan Paul is set to face Dillon Danos in a grudge boxing fight next monthCredit: DAZN
    Danis has accused the YouTuber-turned-boxing of being on performance-enhancing drugsCredit: TWITTER@MRBEAST
    Paul has vehemently denied being “on steroids”Credit: AP
    Danis has accused the YouTuber-turned-boxer of taking performance-enhancing drugs – despite him never failing a pre-fight drugs test.
    He recently told controversial streamer Adin Ross: “He’s on a piece. Bro, have you ever seen him?
    “He’s f***ing juicy as t***s. I was asking him, ‘Where do you inject it?
    “Your a** or your back?”
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    Paul has taken exception to the notion of being on PEDS, saying on his podcast: “I’m not on steroids, I’m not on steroids.
    “I don’t know how many times I need to clarify this.”
    Danis – a long-time pal of UFC superstar Conor McGregor – recently revealed that he and Paul haven’t been tested ahead of their October 14 cash.
    Paul, 28, insists he’s more than happy to be drug tested – so long as Danis submits to an STD test.
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    He said: “I don’t know why we aren’t doing VADA testing.
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    “The conversation was never had with me. I’m more than happy to do it
    “I do have one request: Dillon laughed at me at the face-to-face. But if I do a drug test, I want him to do an STD test.
    “I’m just curious to see what’s going to show up. He laughed at me, he played it off.
    “He wasn’t interested in doing that. I wonder why. Watcha got?”
    Paul is no stranger to denying PED use, saying during an appearance on comedian Andrew Schulz’s podcast: “Shut the f*** up – guys.
    “I think honestly it’s because I drink Prime. The conversation [about drug testing] never happened.

    “I said ‘Dillon, you want to do your f***ing USADA testing, I’ll do an USADA test.
    “‘You take an STD test and the results are public.'”
    The build-up to the pair’s fight has been dominated by Danis’ relentless targeting of Paul’s fiancee Nina Agdal on social media.
    The Bellator star has repeatedly shared photos of the Danish model with her former partners.
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    Agdal was recently granted a restraining order against the New Yorker after claiming his targeted campaign caused her to suffer ” humiliation, emotional distress, and reputational harm”.
    In her lawsuit, she also accused Danis of sharing hacked content from her Snapchat and a private photograph from a “romantic encounter” with a former partner ten years ago. More

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    Ex-LaLiga ace could be killed ‘very quickly’ after swapping football for drug trafficking where he earned 6 TIMES wages

    FORMER La Liga star Koke has admitted he could be killed at any time after being jailed for drug trafficking.The ex-Malaga, Marseille and Sporting Lisbon striker received a six-year prison term from a Spanish court in May.
    Former Marseille and Malaga striker Koke has said he could be killed ‘very quickly’ after he was jailed for drug traffickingCredit: AFP
    The former pro has been sentenced to prison until 2027Credit: AFP
    Koke was found guilty of heading a 30-strong gang that smuggled mainly cannabis, but also cocaine.
    The 40-year old, whose real name is Sergio Contreras, has already spent some time in prison.
    However he is currently being allowed to stay at his home in Marbella.
    The much-travelled striker also played for Greek side Aris and clubs in the US, Azerbaijan, Germany, Bolivia and India.
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    Koke turned to crime after retiring from football in 2016 following a second spell with Aris.
    He told Canal Plus: “As a footballer I had the chance to earn a lot of money.  I was on around £800,000 a year.
    “But in the ‘other’ business I would make in two months what I earned in a year playing football.
    “However, you put your life at risk.
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    “In France you can get killed very quickly in the world of trafficking drugs.
    “Here in Spain I could get killed as well, although I am not scared.
    Koke finished his career at Greek outfit ArisCredit: Rex
    “I have contacts everywhere, but don’t get me wrong – I am no Pablo Escobar!
    “This was not a way that I chose, but something that I found in my life.
    “When people hear me described as an ‘international trafficker’ they think: ‘F****** hell, what has he done?’
    “Life is complicated for me right now.  I am awaiting to go back into prison.
    “I have to pay for the stupid things I have done, and to be finished with all of this as soon as possible.
    “There is an open prison system in Spain for people who have been playing silly b*****s.
    “I will go back to jail.  I don’t know for how long, but I have a sentence until 2027.
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    “There were lots of French people in the prison, including some from Marseilles.
    “I saw lots of Marseille football shirts in the jail!”
    Koke has seen Marseille shirts in prison – he played for the club between 2004 and 2006Credit: AFP More