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      How does the Unify League work?

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      THREE years after the Super League was canned following a severe fan-led backlash, a rebranded version called the Unify League has been put forward by promoters A22.Here’s everything you need to know about the newly proposed competition and how it would work.Fan protests scuppered the proposed Super LeagueHow does the Unify League work?The Unify League, a rebranded version of the European Super League, is a proposed football competition aiming to challenge UEFA’s Champions League.Unlike the widely panned Super League, which would have seen 12 breakaway rebels — including the Premier League’s Big Six — guaranteed entry, all positions will be earned by domestic performances in the previous campaign.The Unify League would consist of 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.Qualification would be similar to the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.read more on the unify leagueHow does the Unify League work?A NEW version of the European Super League has been proposed – now branded as the Unify League. Here’s all you need to know about how it works…Who plays in it?The proposed competition would see 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.All positions will be earned by performances in domestic competitions the previous campaign – just as it currently is with the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.What’s the format?There would be FOUR leagues: Star League, Gold League, Blue League and Union League.The top two divisions, Star and Gold, would each have 16 teams in them, split into two groups of eight.The groups of eight would play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches per club each season.The bottom two divisions, Blue and Union, would have 32 teams each, split into four groups of eight.They would also play each other home and away.In the Star and Gold leagues, the top four of each group would play a two-legged quarter-final.In the Blue and Union, it would be the top two teams from each group making up the quarter-finals.The winners of those matches would then progress to a “final four” week of one off matches to provide the champions of the four different leagues. Those games would be played on a neutral ground.How many English teams will take part?The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the Star League.Two English teams would go into the Gold League.Up to five further slots for Prem teams would be spread across the remaining pair.FormatThe 96 clubs would be divided into four tiers:Star League: 16 teamsGold League: 16 teamsBlue League: 32 teamsUnion League: 32 teamsThe top two divisions, Star and Gold, would each have 16 teams in them, split into two groups of eight.The groups of eight would play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches per club each season.Most read in FootballThe bottom two divisions, Blue and Union, would have 32 teams each, split into four groups of eight, who would also play each other home and away.Knockout stagesThe top four of each group would play a two-legged quarter-final In the Star and Gold leagues.SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to first Champions League draw under radical new formatIn Blue and Union, the top two teams from each group would make up the quarter-finalists.The winners of those matches would then progress to a “final four” week of one-off matches, played on a neutral ground, providing the champions of the four different leagues.Throughout the competition, the winning side would play a total of 18 matches.Promotion & relegationAnnual promotion and relegation would occur between the leagues.Promotion into the Blue League would be based on domestic league performance.A22 envisages the 14 league phase games being played between September and April.How many English teams will take part?The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the Star League.Two English teams would go into the Gold League. Up to five further slots for Premier League teams would be spread across the remaining pair.Women’s competitionA women’s competition would run alongside the men’s.However it would feature two leagues instead of four — just the Star and Gold Leagues.Start date & prizesWhile no formal start date has been set, SunSport understands that there is a provisional target of competition launch in September 2026.The prize fund is also yet to be confirmed, but A22 promises £330m in “solidarity” payments to smaller clubs and countries.The total prize fund is expected to exceed the current £2bn for the Champions League and £700m for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.Unify streaming platformThe Unify League would be streamed through a branded Unified platform, accessible via an app, which would feature:Live match streamingFree-to-watch matches with advertisingA subscription option to eliminate ads and access premium featuresHighlights, match insights, analysis and club-specific contentInteractive fan community featuresStreaming for both men’s and women’s matchesChallengesThe December 2023 ruling from the European Courts stated that Uefa’s attempts to stop a breakaway tournament went against EU law, potentially paving the way for the Unify League.Despite this ruling, the Unify League faces significant hurdles:Premier League clubs are currently unable to join due to UK government legislation.The proposal still needs official recognition and approval from various football governing bodies.There is likely to be continued resistance from fans and traditional football institutions.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Unify League represents a bold attempt to reshape European football, offering a new competition structure and innovative streaming model.However, its success will depend on overcoming substantial regulatory, legal and cultural obstacles in the football world.Will the Unify League get off the ground?By Martin LiptonThe biggest complaint about the original European Super League was it was a closed shop.But the Unify League proposal would see teams qualify on merit, just as they do for the current Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.But whether people accept it is another matter.Many people will still think this is just another version of the same old thing, the rich wanting to get richer.Maybe that’s right, but I can see the appeal for the clubs here – one of which will be a prize fund much bigger than what is currently offered for competing in Europe.I think there’s a genuine chance that this could be the first thing that brings down the UEFA dominance of club competitions.But there are a lot of obstacles in the way.It’s proposed that it could start in September 2026.I don’t believe it can be as quick as 18 months, but money talks.We are into uncharted territory.This is very different from April 2021 when the whole thing crashed and burned so quickly.This could be real.This could happen and if it did, would change the face of football. More

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      in Boxing

      Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor: Date, live stream, TV channel and fight card for huge featherweight bout

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      THERE is some featherweight action set to be on the undercard of the highly-anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor will open the fight card in what is an all-British bout.Isaac Lowe set to fight on huge December 21 fight cardCredit: GettyLast time out, Lowe, 30, had fought on the undercard of the first fight between Fury and Usyk, where he won by decision against Hasibullah Ahmadi.McGregor, 27, is making a quick turnaround where he last fought just two months ago where he earned a TKO victory against Deiner Polo.Lee McGregor makes a quick turnaround to be on huge fight billCredit: GettyWhen is Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor?The featherweight fight will be on Saturday, December 21.The bout will be held at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.The all-British clash is part of a stacked card for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2.Fight times will be confirmed a week before the fight but the main card, which includes Lowe vs McGregor, begins 7pm UK time.What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?The FULL card will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office, and Sky Sports Box Office.All three will offer the action as a pay-per-view event – both DAZN and TNT have priced it at £24.99, while Sky has set a slightly cheaper price tag of £24.95.The action will also be available to stream on their apps.Also, SunSport will be live blogging all the action from Riyadh as it happens.READ MORE IN BOXINGFull cardOleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury, for Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titlesSerhii Bohachuk vs. Israil MadrimovMoses Itauma vs. Demsey McKeanJohnny Fisher vs. Dave AllenDennis McCann vs. Peter McGrail, for McCann’s European super bantamweight titleIsaac Lowe vs. Lee McGregorFury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematch More

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      When is the Carabao Cup semi-final draw? Date, live stream FREE, TV channel, ball numbers and results

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      CARABAO CUP draws are often known for throwing up some blockbuster ties – and the semi-final encounters will be no different!Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri and Kai Havertz fired Arsenal comfortably into the quarter-final stage, while Liverpool booked their spot with a marginal victory against Brighton.Tottenham sent Manchester City home in the tie of the fourth roundCredit: GettyManchester United thumped Leicester 5-2 at Old Trafford with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both bagging a double.As for Chelsea, the Blues went crashing out at the hands of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle.But the tie of the fourth round saw Tottenham hand Manchester City a defeat in what arguably started their downfall this season.And all the fans of the above teams are now eager to know when the Carabao Cup semi-final draw will be IF their team makes it there.Read more on Carabao CupWhen is Carabao Cup semi-final draw?The Carabao Cup semi-final draw will take place on Thursday, December 19.It will begin shortly after the conclusion of Tottenham’s blockbuster quarter-final match against Manchester United which kicks-off at 8pm GMT.Meaning the draw is likely to start from around 10:30pm GMT depending on stoppage time and penalties if it goes that far.What TV channel is the Carabao Cup semi-final draw on and can it be live streamed for FREE?The Carabao Cup semi-final draw will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.Subscribers of NOW TV can watch the draw via the NOW TV or Sky Sports app,However, the Carabao Cup semi-final draw will be broadcast for FREE on the official Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog is set to have the entire coverage of the draw.When will the Carabao Cup semi-final matches take place?Carabao Cup semi-final first leg matches are set to take place on Wednesday, January 8While the second leg encounters are set to get underway on Wednesday, February 5.Most read in FootballCarabao Cup quarter-final schedule and resultsWednesday, December 18Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – 7:30pm GMT (Sky Sports Main Event)Newcastle vs Brentford – 7:45pm GMT (Sky Sports +)Southampton vs Liverpool – 8pm GMT (Sky Sports Football)Thursday, December 19Tottenham vs Manchester United – 8pm GMT (Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football) More

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      Why has Mykhailo Mudryk been suspended from playing football?

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      MYKHAILO MUDRYK has been struggling for premier league minutes this season – now he’s potentially looking at a lengthy ban from football.Reports suggest the winger has tested positive for an illegal substance and will be facing a strong punishment preventing him from playing football.Reports claim Claim Mykhailo Mudryk failed a drugs test in late OctoberCredit: APMudryk has now been provisionally suspended by the FA after they were made aware of his initial A-sample failure.Chelsea and the player are now waiting the result of the B-sample, which if it comes back positive, will confirm the original test.Why has Mykhailo Mudryk been banned from football and how long is the ban?Mudryk could be facing a potential ban from football for FOUR YEARS after testing positive back in late October.The Ukrainian, 23, is said to have tested positive for Meldonium, which is a metabolic substance that is similar to insulin.Read more on Mykhailo MudrykThis substance is said to help the body quickly restore energy so it can prepare for new loads of physical stress.Meldonium has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances since 2016.What is Meldonium? Meldonium, also known as Mildronate is a performance enhancing drug that is a banned substance with similar properties to insulin.It is used in heart disease therapy but is also claimed to enable athletes to withstand greater stress, use oxygen more sparingly and restore energy levels quickly.Most read in FootballThis substance was most notably used by former Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova, who tested positive back in 2016.It saw Sharapova receive a two-year doping ban, which was then cut to 15 months following an appeal.How long are drugs bans in football?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK could be banned for up to four years after failing a drugs testBut what are the rules regarding drugs in football?There is a big difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.Recreational drugs – such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD and MDMA – carry a six-month suspension.However, this ban can increase to up to two years if a drug is detected when a player is tested after a match.But performance-enhancing drugs carry a far more severe punishment.And crucially the alleged drug Mudryk tested positive for, meldonium, falls under that category.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code’s standard ban is four years.That is how long Paul Pogba was suspended for following his failed drugs test – although it was later reduced on appeal to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code under the WADA authority so will follow their lead and procedures.Should Mudryk’s follow-up secondary ‘B’ sample also test positive, he is likely to be hit with at least an 18-month ban but it could be as high as four years.The only person in football currently banned on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping rule violations is Craig Campbell.The former Scottish striker was banned for four years in December 2022 after being convicted of dealing cocaine. What did Mykhailo Mudryk’s statement say?The Chelsea winger, who was bought for £88million back in January 2023, released a statement on Instagram this morning detailing that he did not purposely break any rules.He wrote “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance.“This has come as a complete shock as I have NEVER knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.“I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.“I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.” More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 fight purse: How much are stars making for huge rematch?

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      THE highly anticipated rematch goes down this weekend where Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will battle it out in their massive rematch.Fury, 36, lost his first ever professional fight to Usyk last may in what was a controversial split-decision – and the two men are set to split an even bigger pot of cash than they did first time round.Oleksandr Usyk became undisputed heavyweight champion on May 24Credit: GettyAfter the fight, the Gypsy King saw a staggering £85million enter his bank account, in what was a contracted 70-30 purse split.And this meant Usyk cashed in around £30m for the fight to go alongside his heavyweight belts.The two are now set to meet in the ring once again in Riyadh to cap off what has been an excellent 2024 for heavyweight boxing.What is the Fury vs Usyk fight purse?The official purse for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk is yet to be revealed. read more Fury vs UsykHowever, as seen from the previous Saudi Arabia events, there will be a huge amount shared between the two men.Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchIt is expected that Usyk will receive a much higher pay split compared to his last fight against Fury.This is because the Ukrainian is now the defending champion and is seen as the A side of the bill.Reports suggest the total payout of the fight will be £150m – an increase of £35m compared their first bout.Most read in BoxingHow much does the Fury vs Usyk PPV cost?The FULL card will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office, and Sky Sports Box Office.All three will offer the action as a pay-per-view event – both DAZN and TNT have priced it at £24.99, while Sky has set a slightly cheaper price tag of £24.95.The action will also be available to stream on their apps.SunSport will also be live blogging all the action from Riyadh as it happens. More

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      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2: UK start time, TV channel, live stream and undercard for HUGE heavyweight rematch

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      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk battle once more to wrap up a stunning year of heavyweight boxing!The two juggernauts went head to head in the first heavyweight undisputed fight this CENTURY – with Usyk winning a brilliant contest by a split decision.Oleksandr Usyk won by a split decision in MayCredit: GettyAnd in a bout fit for that mantle, Fury and Usyk played out a thrilling battle with both fighters in control and also struggling at various points in the fight.Usyk started on top before showboating Fury won the middle rounds and appeared to be well on top.However, a brutal ninth-round volley saw Usyk badly rock Fury and swing momentum back his way by forcing a standing eight count.With four major world titles up for grabs both men gave it their all in one of the best fights in memory.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt went to the judges with the fight ending in a controversial split decision going in the Ukrainian’s favour – 115-112, 114-15, 114-113.Wally Downes Jr reacts as Usyk dethrones Tyson Fury is epic Saudi clashWhen is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch taking place?Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 takes place on Saturday, December 21.The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia hosts the big fight.The ring walks are expected at a slightly earlier time of 10pm BST – this is 1am local time.Most read in BoxingWatch Fury Vs Usyk 2 live on DAZN*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue.How to Watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 live on DAZNGet ready to rumble with Fury vs Usyk 2 live on DAZN Pay-Per-View! Here’s how:Buy the PPV: Get access to the fight by purchasing the PPV on DAZN.No Commitment, 7-Day Free Trial: With your PPV purchase, you’ll also receive a 7-day free trial of DAZN. Enjoy all the action and explore DAZN’s sports lineup with no extra cost!First Month Free: Monthly DAZN subscribers can get their first month for free when signing up!No Subscription Required: The PPV price is all you need to pay. There’s no obligation to continue after your free trial ends.Don’t miss the biggest fight of 2024! On December 21st “Gypsy King” Tyson Fury takes on “The Cat” Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in what promises to be the rematch of the century — order now and start your free DAZN trial today!What channel will the fight be on?DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office and Sky Sports Box Office will all be broadcasting Usyk vs Fury once again.The cost to purchase the PPV on TNT and DAZN is £24.99, while the event is priced at £24.95 on Sky Sports.Usyk vs Fury 2 on TNT Sports Box Office can be watched on discovery+, EE TV, Virgin Media TV and Prime Video. You do not need to be a TNT Sports subscriber to buy this event.Fury vs Usyk full cardAs well as Fury’s rematch with Usyk, there are five other brilliant fights on the card. Israil Madrimov, who narrowly lost to Terence Crawford in August, takes on Serhii Bohachuk. Brit heavyweights Moses Itauma and Johnny Fisher face challenges in Demsey McKean and Dave Allen respectively.The undercard gets underway from 6pm GMT.Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury; For Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titlesSerhii Bohachuk vs Israil MadrimovMoses Itauma vs Demsey McKeanJohnny Fisher vs Dave AllenIsaac Lowe vs Lee McGregorWhen is the weigh in?Fury and Usyk’s weigh in takes place on Friday, December 20.The fighters will tip the scales from 5pm GMT, before their final face off.Fury vs Usyk fight week scheduleThe full fight week has been confirmed ahead of the big one.Tuesday, December 17 – Grand Arrivals – from 5pm GMTWednesday, December 18 – Media Workouts – from 4pm GMTThursday, December 19 – Press Conferences – from 3pmFriday, December 20 – Weigh-In – from 5pm GMTDaniel Dubois is now the IBF heavyweight championCredit: REUTERSWill all heavyweight titles be on the line in the rematch?This time round, however, it will NOT be an undisputed heavyweight title fight.This is because Usyk vacated the IBF title following his win so the mandatories for the belt could get their shot.READ MORE SUN STORIESDaniel Dubois was upgraded to the IBF heavyweight champion, and has since defended it in dominant fashion – knocking out Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in front of a British record 96,000 crowd.So it is only Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles up for grabs. More

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      Who is Kelly Cates? Sky Sports host rumoured to be joining Match of the Day

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      KELLY Cates is a trailblazing British sports broadcaster who has paved the way for women in the predominantly masculine world of football coverage.Reports have emerged that she is set to quit her job at Sky Sports and take on a new role hosting Match of the Day.Kelly Cates is a leading sports broadcaster who has worked on both TV and radioCredit: Getty – ContributorShe reportedly joining the Match of the Day team following the departure of Gary Lineker, who started hosting the show in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdWho is Kelly Cates?Kelly Cates was born in Glasgow, Scotland on September 28, 1975.She is the daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish and has established herself as a respected figure in sports journalism.Kelly was married to Tom Cates between 2007 and 2021, with the couple sharing two daughters together.Broadcasting careerThroughout her career, she has worked for various networks and covered numerous high-profile events.read more on kelly catesShe’s been on BBC Radio 5 Live since 2013, presenting iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sundays up until 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role on the BBC was reduced, but Kelly returned to host midweek sports show 5 Live Sport, while also providing coverage for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.History-makerShe made history as the first female presenter on talkSPORT.Kelly has also presented ITV’s World Cup and Channel 4’s Paralympic Games coverage.Most read in FootballHer versatility as a broadcaster is evident in her work across television and radio platforms.Beyond her broadcasting career, she is known for her involvement in charitable work, serving as an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and Unicef.I was driving into work and decided not to sign my Sky Sports contract – it’s the scariest decision I ever madeMatch of the DayIn mid-December 2024, reports emerged claiming Kelly is set to make a significant career move.She is reportedly set to join the BBC’s Match of the Day team following the departure of longtime host Gary Lineker, who started hosting the show in 1999.The former Spurs and Barcelona striker became one of the best and most-loved sports broadcasters in the country. It is understood that the move would see Kelly leave her current position at Sky Sports to team up with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman on Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2.The three presenters would share hosting responsibilities on a rotating basis, it’s understood.If confirmed, the change would mark a new era for the staple English football highlights show, which was hosted by Gary for 25 years.Sky Sports bosses are reportedly sad to see Kelly leave her roles at the broadcasting giant. More

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      in Motorsport

      WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event live stream FREE: How to watch epic New York show

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      TIME to take a trip down memory lane as WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event returns tonight – and fans can tune in for FREE!The iconic event is back on the big screens for the first time since it was last aired in 2008.And it is expected to be jam-packed with nostalgic moments which includes Hall of Famer Jesse “The Body” Ventura on commentary.Jesse Ventura will be on commentary duties at WWE Saturday Night’s Main EventCredit: GettyFurthermore, the card is stacked with battles for THREE championship belts and a new title on up for grabs.This historic show also marks the final event before WWE makes it major move to Netflix in January.But first and foremost, fans want to know how they can watch WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, and you can find out below.Where can I watch WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event for FREE?Fans in the US can tune into WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC.While fans in the UK will be able to stream the entire action for FREE on WWE’s official YouTube channel.These huge events are typically only available via the WWE Network or on TNT Sports Box Office.But this will all change in January, 2025 when the WWE complete the switch to Netflix as part of a mega $5billion deal.Most read in MotorsportWhen is WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event?WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place TONIGHT – Saturday, December 14.It is scheduled to get underway 8pm in the US.Fans in the UK will have to wait until 1am before seeing the action unfoldWhat is the WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event FULL card?Here is the full card for this iconic event:WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin OwensWorld Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER (c) vs. Damian PriestWomen’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Iyo SkyWomen’s United States Championship final: Bayley or Chelsea Green vs. Michin or Tiffany StrattonSami Zayn vs Drew McIntyreWhat has been said?Mike Johnson of PWinsider reported that WWE planned to finish off the feud between Seth Rollins and Bronson Reed before Reed sustained a broken foot injury.However, Drew McIntyre’s early return from the treatment table will see him go straight into the ring against Sami Zayn.Speaking on his absence, McIntyre said: “I was off the past two months. “My last match was a Hell in a Cell match, a very brutal match. I got hit in the head at one point, I needed 16 staples to close a wound on the top of my head.”I suffered a family loss as well. So I had to go back to Scotland, deal with that, re-evaluate my priorities.“I realized that I had probably given a bit too much to my profession and to my colleagues and not enough to my family. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Kind of realized I’ve been giving too much for the past 17 years, and it’s time to probably start taking a little more, so I’m very much going into tonight with the mentality, I’m gonna take what’s mine, I’m gonna beat up people that deserve to be beat up. “Yeah, this is gonna be an interesting phase for Drew McIntyre.” More