More stories

  • in

    Who is ring girl Sydney Thomas?

    SYDNEY Thomas is a ring girl who has become a social media sensation. The star rocketed to fame when she was on duty for Jake Paul and Mike Tyson’s boxing match on November 15, 2024.Sydney Thomas is a famous ring girlCredit: Instagram/@iamsydneythomasSydney is also a model in her spare timeCredit: Instagram/@iamsydneythomasSydney stood ringside at Jake Paul’s fight with Mike TysonCredit: Reuters – USA Today SportsMeet Sydney ThomasSydney was born in 2003 and is an aspiring model. She rocketed to fame in 2024 and has even hinted that she may pursue her dream of becoming a full-time ring girl. Even the YouTuber Jake Paul has become a fan of the model. According to Sydney, the former-Youtuber-turned-boxer told her to “keep doing your thing” because she was “doing a great job”.Read More on SportStar of the show at Jake Paul vs Mike TysonSydney was the breakout star of Jake Paul’s boxing match with Mike Tyson which took place on November 15, 2024. Over 60 million people watched the thrilling fight unfold on Netflix, where Sydney worked as a ring girl. She took to Instagram to describe how “grateful” she was for the opportunity. Sydney also described the fight, in which Jake Paul was victorious, as “historic”.Most read in BoxingSocial media influencerSince appearing at Mike Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul, Sydney’s social media accounts have been flooded with new fans and followers. She has over one million followers on TikTok (as of December 11, 2024) and uses the social media platform to share insights into her life. Fans claims Jake Paul’s win over Mike Tyson was ‘fixed’ as new footage of fight emergesIn one video, she revealed the secret to her success.She said: “I think the biggest investment you can make in your life is an investment in yourself, so that’s where I spend most of my time.” When she isn’t working as an influencer, Sydney is a student at the University of Alabama.Sydney Thomas’ dating historySydney opened up about dumping her boyfriend as her career began to take off. She said that she had “no problems with him at all” and even added that he was “great”.However, the star felt that she needed time to “discover who I am”.Sydney added: “As hard as it was to lose him and lose each other, I feel like it’s all part of God’s plan. “It works out in the end.”The ring girl opened up about the kind of man that she is looking for in the future. She said: “I need a man that’s taller than six foot. I’m a tall girl, so I’d like a tall man in my life.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I also need someone who is respectful. “That’s honestly one of the biggest turn-offs for me – when a man isn’t respectful.” More

  • in

    Lauren Price vs Bexcy Mateus: UK start time, live stream, TV channel and full card for welterweight title fight

    LAUREN PRICE returns to the ring this weekend as she faces Bexcy Mateus in a defence of her welterweight world titles. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold-medallist holds the WBA, IBO and Ring Magazine titles at 147lbs and is undefeated so far as a professional. Lauren Price is the WBA and Ring Magazine champion at 147lbsCredit: PAPrice is 7-0 as a pro, with her biggest win coming against Jessica McCaskill back in May. It was on that night she picked up her world titles, but now she’s looking for more gold, and a win over Mateus could put her in a huge fight. Natasha Jonas’ fight with Ivana Habazin for the IBF and WBC welterweight titles takes place on the same card, and the hope for promoters Boxxer is that Jonas and Price win their bouts to set up a fight between themselves. When is Price vs Mateus?Lauren Price’s defence of her WBA title will take place on Saturday, December 14.The fight will be held at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre in Liverpool, England.The fight, which is co-main event is likely to get underway from around 9pm GMTThe main event between Natasha Jonas and Ivana Habazin will be on straight after.What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?Price vs Mateus will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena in the UK.You can live stream all the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.Jonas vs Habazin full cardAlso on the card is Natasha Jonas’ welterweight unification fight against Ivana Habazin.Stephen McKenna and Viddal Riley are in action on the bill too.Natasha Jonas vs. Ivana Habazin, WBC & IBF welterweight titlesLauren Price vs. Bexcy Mateus, WBA welterweight titleStephen McKenna vs. Lee CutlerViddal Riley vs. Steve Eloundou NtereMark Jeffers vs. Elvis AhorgahMason Cartwright vs. TBAFrankie Stringer vs. Tatenda MangombeMikie Tallon vs. Benn NormanMost read in Boxing More

  • in

    Natasha Jonas vs Ivana Habazin: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, full undercard for welterweight unification bout

    NATASHA JONAS returns to the ring this weekend against Ivana Habazin in what should be an all-action fight. Jonas, 40, hasn’t fought since her narrow win over Mikaela Mayer in the summer and she is now looking to unify her IBF welterweight title. Natasha Jonas is looking to keep hold of her IBF belt against Ivana HabazinCredit: GettyHabazin holds the WBC belt at 147lbs and will be equally keen to walk away from Liverpool with two titles in her possession. If Jonas wins, then she’ll be looking to unify her titles against, potentially against Team GB Olympic star Lauren Price, who won gold in Tokyo three years ago. Price is in a fight of her own on the same card against Colombian Bexcy Mateus. When is Jonas vs Habazin?Natasha Jonas’ big clash with Ivana Habazin will take place on Saturday, December 14.The fight will be held at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre in Liverpool, England.The main event is likely to get underway from around 10pm GMT.What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?Jonas vs Habazin will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena in the UK.You can live stream all the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.Jonas vs Habazin full cardAlso on the card is Lauren Price’s world title fight with Bexcy Mateus for the WBA belt. Stephen McKenna and Viddal Riley are in action on the bill too. Natasha Jonas vs. Ivana Habazin, WBC & IBF welterweight titlesLauren Price vs. Bexcy Mateus, WBA welterweight titleStephen McKenna vs. Lee CutlerViddal Riley vs. Steve Eloundou NtereMark Jeffers vs. Elvis AhorgahMason Cartwright vs. TBAFrankie Stringer vs. Tatenda MangombeMikie Tallon vs. Benn NormanMost read in Boxing More

  • in

    What happened to West Ham star Michail Antonio?

    THERE are fears that West Ham striker Michail Antonio may never return to the pitch again after his horror accident on Saturday afternoon.Since signing from Nottingham Forest in 2015, Antonio has established himself as West Ham’s all-time Premier League leading goal scorer with 68 goals.Michail Antonio’s footballing career is in jeopardyCredit: GettyThe Jamaican forward also played a key role in West Ham’s 2023 Europa Conference League triumph – the Hammers’ first major trophy in 43 years.But it has now been revealed that Antonio’s return to action is in jeopardy following the news that broke last weekend.And SunSport can explain exactly what has happened to the versatile footballerWhat happened to Michail Antonio?Michail Antonio “shattered” his legs after being involved in a horror car crash.Read more on Mihcail AntonioShocking images showed the West Ham striker had smashed his £260,000 Ferrari FF into trees.COLLECT PIC OF WEST HAM FOOTBALLER MICHAIL ANTONIO TRAPPED IN HIS FERRARI SPORTS CAR FOLLOWING A CRASH IN EPPING FOREST,ESSEX TODAY-07/12/24Credit: Steve BellAnd it was reported that Antonio was trapped for 45 minutes before being cut free by a fire crew.Antonio was then airlifted to a London hospital were he underwent surgery on his lower limbs.It is now understood the dad-of-four’s best-case scenario will be a one-year recovery time.Most read in FootballWhat has been said?West Ham put out a statement confirming that Michail Antonio has undergone surgery.The statement read: “West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon.”Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days.”Everyone at the Club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and expresses its sincere gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news.”A heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and first responders who attended to Michail in the immediate aftermath of the incident, and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery.”The Club will provide further updates when appropriate.”Ahead of West Ham’s Premier League match with Wolves on Monday, December 9, Hammers players warmed-up in special ‘Antonio 9’ shirts as well as walking out in top adorning the striker’s name.West Ham players showed their support to Michail Antonio during the warm-up before their Premier League clash with WolvesCredit: PAMichail Antonio’s first words since the crashThe Premier League star asked a witness who rushed to his help three worrying questions after the crash.He was disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’Samuel WoodsSamuel, a carer from Regent’s Park, told The Sun: “I said to him ‘hello’ to see if anyone was alive.“I heard sirens and told him that help was on its way.“He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’“The paramedics got there really fast. I couldn’t believe what happened. The car smelt of petrol.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSamuel, who does not follow football and did not recognise the star, went on: “I looked at him and thought, ‘He’s in big trouble’.“I just said, ‘You’ve had an ­accident’. He didn’t reply. He was looking around trying to make sense of what I just said. He was sitting in the passenger side.” More

  • in

    Who is Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace and how long has she been dating the Chelsea midfielder?

    COLE Palmer’s career is going from strength to strength, with awards in 2024 including PFA Young Player of the Year and England Player of the Year.Off the field he’s not doing so badly either — here we get to know his beautiful girlfriend Connie Grace.Cole Palmer and girlfriend Connie Grace looked elegant together at GQ’s Men of the YearWho is Connie Grace?Connie Grace is Chelsea and England player Cole Palmer’s girlfriend.She hails from the attacking midfielder’s hometown of Manchester.Connie is very popular on social media, with over 25k followers on Instagram and more than 11k on TikTok.Connie loves to share photos of herself travelling the world with her fanbase, with snapshots from locations including Bali and Dubai.read more on connie graceCareerConnie is currently employed as a beautician.She works at a salon based in Stockport.A full set of plain acrylic nails there would set you back a reasonable £35.Relationship timelineWhen Cole and Connie first hooked up hasn’t been reported.Most read in FootballTheir relationship came to light in July 2024, when Cole was spotted getting cosy with Connie off the coast of Ibiza.The pair were all smiles on their summer getaway — relaxing on a boat and riding the waves on a paddleboard together.Cole Palmer reveals he failed PE in hilarious interview as fans tell Chelsea star to consider going into comedyFollowing a frolic in the Mediterranean Sea, they hopped back on their luxury boat to dry off.Among Cole’s possessions onboard was red and white England speaker, which appeared to have his Three Lions shirt number, 24, printed on it.At the time a source told The Sun: “They are both young and just going with the flow and enjoying the summer together.”Cole and Connie pictured paddleboarding in July 2024Credit: SPlashThey were then photographed hand-in-hand at the PFA Young Player of the Year award in September.Next up they were snapped together at GQ Men of the Year, held at Kensington Roof Gardens.Connie joined Cole and his mum Marie at the high-profile event.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was their photographic debut as a couple at a specific public appearance.Cole went for the timeless look of black tuxedo and bowtie, while Connie opted for a daring cut-out dress in the same colour. More

  • in

    Meet Dan Ashworth: Ex-Man Utd sporting director who has left Red Devils after just five months following turbulent reign

    DAN Ashworth is a true footballing man who has progressed through the beautiful game’s ranks all the way from player to club director.He was most recently Manchester United’s sporting director but has now left his role at the club following their 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. Dan Ashworth is the sporting director at Manchester UnitedCredit: PAWho is Dan Ashworth?Born on March 6, 1971, in Norfolk, England, Dan Ashworth began his footballing journey in Norwich City’s youth academy.Though he didn’t make it as a professional player at the highest level, he had stints with non-league clubs including Eastbourne Town and St Leonards.Ashworth also spent time training in the US with West Florida Fury before returning to England.Transition to football adminAfter retiring as a player, Ashworth quickly moved into football administration.read more on dan ashworthIn 2000, he was appointed as the academy director at Peterborough United.He then moved to Cambridge United to work as the director of their Centre of Excellence in 2001.West Bromwich AlbionAshworth’s big break came at West Bromwich Albion, where he started out as a youth team assistant in 2004.He progressed through the ranks, eventually becoming the club’s sporting and technical director in December 2007.Most read in FootballAshworth gained a reputation for his scouting abilities and player recruitment during his time at the club.FA and England’s DNAIn September 2012, Ashworth was appointed as the FA’s director of elite development — a role he took up in March 2013.He was instrumental in creating the ‘England DNA’ — a comprehensive plan aimed at developing elite players for both the men’s and women’s national teams.Brighton and Hove AlbionIn 2018, Ashworth joined Brighton and Hove Albion as technical director.His tenure at the Seagulls was marked by the club’s establishment as one of the Premier League’s best-run teams, known for their shrewd recruitment and player development.Newcastle UnitedAshworth’s success at Brighton caught the attention of Newcastle United, who appointed him as Sporting Director in February 2022.Dan Ashworth pictured at St. James ParkCredit: GettyHe played a crucial role in Newcastle’s rapid ascent, helping the club secure Champions League qualification in the 2022-23 season.A statement from the club read: “Newcastle United are delighted to announce that Dan Ashworth will become the club’s sporting director after an agreement was reached with Brighton & Hove Albion to release him from his current contractual obligations with immediate effect.”The terms of this agreement will remain confidential between the clubs and are subject to Premier League approval.”Newcastle United will issue further information following the relevant approval process.”A Brighton statement read: “Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Brighton.Dan Ashworth resigned from his position as Brighton’s technical director to take up a similar role at NewcastleCredit: PA”The terms of this agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval, will remain confidential between the clubs.”We would like to thank Dan for his services and wish him well for the future.”Move to Manchester UnitedIn February 2024, Manchester United made an official approach for Ashworth.This led to a period of gardening leave imposed by Newcastle, as negotiations between the clubs began.On July 1, 2024, The Red Devils confirmed Ashworth’s appointment as their new sporting director, following an agreement with Newcastle.The two clubs released a joint statement reading: “Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford were pictured leaving Ineos HQ following the meeting“The terms of this agreement remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle United thanks Dan for his services and wishes him well for the future.”Ashworth threw himself into the job quickly, playing a major part in the signings of Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs De Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui. But the season didn’t start well and by November manager Erik Ten Hag was sacked, having left the club languishing in 14th place. Ruben Amorim was hired to take over after an impressive four years managing Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. Amorim has managed five games so far but has only won one game in the Premier League, drawing with Ipswich and losing to Arsenal and Forest. Following showdown talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Forest last night, Ashworth has quit by mutual consent.READ MORE SUN STORIESSir Jim Ratcliffe is said to have been pivotal in the call to part ways.This follows SunSport’s exclusive story from three weeks ago which revealed that United’s new hierarchy were locked in a blame game over their summer business. More

  • in

    Who is West Ham striker Michail Antonio? Jamaica star ‘stable’ after horror car crash

    WEST Ham striker Michail Antonio was taken to hospital following a horror car crash.A witness told The Sun they first saw car at 12.50pm on Saturday December 7, but the West Ham star wasn’t cut out by fire crews until around 1.45pm.The Hammers posted confirmation of the smash and an update on the star’s condition: “West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area. Wreckage from Michail Antonio’s horror crashCredit: X”Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.“At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family. “The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”Who is Michail Antonio?Born on March 28, 1990 in Wandsworth, South London, Antonio is 34-years-old.Starting his career at Tooting & Mitcham United, a non-league side, the attacker climbed the English footballing pyramid to the very top.After impressing in non-league, Antonio secured a move to Reading but spent the majority of his time on loan at other clubs. Loan spells with Cheltenham Town, Southampton, and Colchester led to the forward securing a permanent move after a loan with Sheffield Wednesday.Most read in FootballThe attacker scored 12 goals in 64 appearances for the Owls before making a £1.5 million move to Nottingham Forest.Michail Antonio celebrates scoring a stoppage time equaliser for ForestAntonio netted 16 goals in 50 appearances for Nottingham Forest, a record that caught the eye of Premier League team West Ham United.The Hammers signed the forward for £7 million in September 2015, completing Antonio’s rise to the elite of English football.West Ham United CareerSince his move, Antonio has established himself as West Ham’s all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League.Furthermore, the attacker played a vital role in winning the 2023 Europa Conference League – the Hammers’ first major trophy in 43 years.Antonio has now scored 68 goals for the HammersCredit: GettyInitially, Antonio played a variety of roles in the squad – appearing as a right-back and a winger. Shortly, the attacker established himself as West Ham’s starting forward and remains a key member of the match day squad.International Playing CareerIn 2016, Antonio rejected the opportunity to play for the Jamaican national side and was called up to the England team by Sam Allardyce and Gareth Southgate.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite being called up, the forward never made an appearance for the Lions and switched his allegiance to Jamaica in 2021.Now, the striker has five goals in 21 appearances for The Reggae Boyz. More

  • in

    Who is West Ham striker Michail Antonio’s ex-wife and how many kids do the pair have?

    HAMMERS striker Michail Antonio met his ex-wife Debbie Whittle in January 2011.The pair formed a strong relationship, growing from best friends to husband and wife, but split up after the birth of their fourth child.On December 7 2024, West Ham United confirmed Michail Antonio was involved in a horror car crash.Who is Michail Antonio’s ex-wife?On July 6 2017, the couple agreed to tie the knot before holding their wedding ceremony at Staffordshire stately home.In January 2024, Antonio appeared on the High Performance Podcast opening up about his recent divorce from his ex-wife and the role of therapy throughout his career. The striker said: “‘I was going through my divorce and stuff, and I honestly couldn’t get my head around it. “After we won, the whole team went out, the gaffer (David Moyes) went out, got steaming, a couple of boys didn’t sleep for two days, just got drunk for two days.Michail Antonio and his ex-wife Debbie Whittle on their fifth wedding anniversary”I was asleep on the coach and went back to the hotel. I was just mentally drained because of everything that was going on outside of my football and then I went back to the hotel and went to sleep while everyone was out partying.”It wasn’t until probably December where I was in a better place where I was like “Oh my God, I’ve won a European championship.”Antonio opened up about the pressure to perform for a new contract at the elite level.Most read in FootballHe said: “As soon as your life depends on it, as soon as you have people constantly berating you and criticising you, it becomes a job.”So, it doesn’t matter how good it is, it doesn’t matter how much you love the game, it becomes an actual job for you.”I started therapy because I was really struggling. And how I grew up, it was never a thing. I thought therapy was for crazy people. But therapy changed my life. “At first it was awkward, I’m not going to lie. You’re sat in the room, someone was there and goes, “How are you?””And your natural response is “Fine”. So, he’s like, ‘So why are you here?’ I was like, “To be honest, like, football, I’m struggling with football, I split up with my missus”.’How many children does Michail Antonio have?The Hammers striker likes to keep his private life out of the public eye but it is known that he has four children with ex-wife Debbie.Junior, Miles and Myla have all featured on Antonio’s social media.In June 2020, the striker announced the birth of his fourth child with Debbie Whittle. During lockdown, Antonio home-schooled his eldest three children whilst juggling the birth of his youngest.The West Ham striker and his family on Christmas eveHe said: “I’ve got three kids and my wife was pregnant until she had a baby on Sunday, so it was difficult home schooling and getting the time to go for runs and stuff.”But knowing that the season was going to get back on, we just needed to get on top of it and ensure we stayed fit because we knew we weren’t going to have much time to get back into it.“Aaaarghhhhh! I feel like home schooling should be a torture! “If someone is doing something wrong, you should send kids to them and go ‘teach these kids!’ because, do you know what, it was the hardest thing I’ve done in my life and it made me emotional. “Teachers, I appreciate you!”Horror car crashOn December 7 2024, West Ham United confirmed the striker had been involved in a horror car crash.In a post on X, they wrote: “West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The Club will issue an update in due course.”Photographs from the scene showed extensive damage to the front of the vehicle. More