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      in Boxing

      How boxing legend played by Sydney Sweeney beat cocaine addiction before surviving murder attempt by vicious hubby

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      WITH a bullet lodged three inches from her heart and several stab wounds, boxing champ Christy Martin lay on the floor and prepared to throw in the towel.But then a voice in her head said it was not her time to die just yet.Boxing champ Christy Martin beat addiction and survived a murder attemptCredit: GettySydney Sweeney will play Christy in a film about her lifeCredit: instagram/sydney_sweeneyShowing incredible strength and de- fiance against her monstrous husband Jim Martin, who had just tried to kill her, Christy dragged herself outside, where a passing stranger took her to hospital.Now, 14 years on, the woman who made female boxing mainstream, fought as the undercard to Mike Tyson and was the first female slugger to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, is being played by Sydney Sweeney in a movie about her life.This week, the actress was unrecognisable during filming on location in North Carolina.The as yet untitled flick will show how the fighter from small- town West Virginia took the sporting world by storm, earning more than £3million during 35 undefeated bouts, only to lose herself in domestic violence and drugs.READ MORE ON BOXINGChristy, now 56 and happily married to a woman having divorced violent former manager Jim, is keen to make one thing clear: “It is not a boxing movie.”She said in an exclusive interview: “That was the main thing I wanted to stress when I met the producers.‘Not born to box’“This is the underdog story. It’s about domestic violence, sexuality and sexual abuse.“I’m a coal miner’s daughter from a small town and no one expected I would make it. And at the same time, I had all these other things happening in my life.Most read in BoxingHuge Hollywood sexbomb unrecognisable on set of new movie – but can you guess who it is?“I hope it’s a movie that, in ten years, a father will sit down with his daughter and say, ‘These are the things I don’t ever want you to endure. I don’t ever want you pushed into a relationship’.“I want parents to watch it then say to their children, ‘If you’re gay, we will love you no matter what’.“I want people to know that to be a professional boxer, you don’t have to sell your soul to the devil. It’s a complex story and I hope it’s got a lot to say to lots of different people.”It was November 2010 when Christy, following years in an abusive marriage, finally plucked up the courage to walk out the door.Enraged Jim stabbed his wife multiple times in the chest and shot her once with her own pink revolver.The bullet narrowly missed her heart and her leg was cut almost to the bone.But in a heroic effort, she managed to escape and flag down help.Anyone But You actress Sydney, 27, signed up to play Christy despite — or perhaps because of — being famed for racy TV shows, rom coms and horror movies until now.Both women hail from unfashionable US towns. Sweeney is from Spokane, Washington, while Christy grew up in Mullens, West Virginia.But while the Hollywood star, who set pulses racing in Euphoria and White Lotus, is engaged to producer Jonathan Davino, Christy spent much of her life hiding her sexuality.Heterosexual actors playing gay roles has proved controversial in the past.Sydney coming onboard is huge. I met her over a Zoom call the other day. She has a mixed martial arts background, so she understands combat sports. It’s not exactly the same, but she understands the mentalityChristyBut Christy said: “I wasn’t worried that a straight person would be playing the part.“I was more concerned how she would feel portraying a gay person. I think she will do fine. It’s acting, so you get to be whoever you want, straight or gay.“Too much is put on that stuff. Let’s just be us and whatever happens, happens.”She added: “Sydney coming on board is huge. I met her over a Zoom call the other day. She has a mixed martial arts background, so she understands combat sports. It’s not exactly the same, but she understands the mentality.“I watched her in Anyone But You and I liked her. It will be interesting seeing her being me and I’m excited.“Sydney is an A-lister. If you ask a young guy who she is, they know her, so I think she’s pretty cool.”Christy first boxed in college, aged 18, when she was secretly dating a woman.Raised in America’s devoutly religious Rust Belt, her parents would not have approved and fighting was an escape.At her current home in Austin, Texas, Christy said: “I was definitely not born to box.Sydney has mainly starred in rom coms and horror films in the pastCredit: GettyChristy in the ring in 1996Credit: Rex“I accidentally stumbled into boxing while I was in college. I thought it would be a great challenge and I got hooked.“My mother wasn’t happy about it and my dad said, ‘If you are going to do it, get trained and don’t get hurt’. I trained very hard.“I think the instinct to go for a knockout came from the emotional turmoil within me. I knew I was gay and I knew it wasn’t going to be accepted.“My family was very religious. When I was six, an older cousin sexually molested me and I didn’t tell anyone because I was scared. I had a lot of internal turmoil and, when you get into the boxing ring, you can be aggressive and violent and that is acceptable.“But to learn the skills I had to spend hours in the gym on hand pads trying to improve my hook and jab. I had to work really hard. Nothing came easy for me.”‘Prayed to survive’The sporting star was 22 when she met Jim, who was 25 years her senior. They married in 1991, at a time when she was becoming a household name, on a run of 35 consecutive fights undefeated and appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1996.The same year, she fought on the undercard to heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson in a bout promoted by Don King.Boxing brought unimaginable riches and she estimates she made around $4million in a career that stretched from 1989 to 2012, and saw her win the WBC female super-welterweight title in 2009. Christy with her husband and trainer JimCredit: GettyThe boxing great and her wife, Lisa HolewyneCredit: instagram/christymartinpromotionsMeanwhile, her troubled personal life ended up bringing nothing but pain.She said: “Jim controlled every move I made and every person I spoke with. I was his ATM machine, his only source of income, and he isolated me.“I tried to love him and be happy, but he knew I had feelings for women and he would threaten to expose me. It was not easy to be accepted as a female boxer, and I was always worried my fans would turn against me if they found out I was gay.”In 2007, she began using cocaine to escape the misery and it took her three years to kick the habit.She said: “My husband was supplying me with coke and I was snorting it. Before I even got out of bed in the morning, he would bring a line to me. If I complained I was tired after the gym, he would crush up a line before I had the chance to take my gloves off. I would be up for days — coke, coke, coke — and I was drinking a lot of beer. I wouldn’t even leave the house because I was afraid someone would see me high.“I’m lucky I didn’t die. I looked in the mirror one night and thought, you look like an addict.When I lay down, I was ready to dieChristy on night Jim tried to kill her“And I had to accept, you don’t look like an addict, you are an addict.“It took me a couple of days to get clean, but I had to realise, this is not who I am.”Christy’s husband had always vowed he would kill her if she left him.And in 2010, when she finally plucked up the courage to walk out of his life, he attempted to make good on his word.Having found the strength to fight back from the brink, Christy now lives with fellow former boxer Lisa Holewyne, 58, who she fought in Las Vegas in 2001 and married 16 years later.Christy said of the night Jim tried to kill her: “When I lay down, I was ready to die.“But at some point during the attack, I told him, ‘You can’t kill me’, and I prayed to survive.“I believe God had a plan for me, which must be talking about domestic violence and stopping others from going down that path.“And I hope my ex spends every day of his life in jail.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If he ever gets out, I am convinced he will kill me and, who knows, he might. I still look over my shoulder sometimes. He always told me, ‘If I can’t kill you, I will find someone that will’.“I get the occasional message from someone who has been in jail with him, and that shakes me up a bit.”Jim stabbed wife Christy multiple times in the chest and shot her once with her own pink revolverCredit: AlamyChristy was the first female slugger to grace the cover of Sports IllustratedCredit: Supplied More

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      in Soccer

      Thomas Tuchel is ruthless, demanding and humourless but he’s a WINNER – and just what England need for next manager

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      ENGLAND’S new manager has a ruthless streak that has seen him fall foul of players and club bosses — but it might be just the job for the Three Lions.Those who know him best admit Thomas Tuchel has not been out to win any popularity contests while fighting his way to the top.England’s new manager Thomas Tuchel has the ruthless streak the Three Lions needCredit: PATuchel played for German club Augsburg before a series of injuries ended his careerCredit: PATuchel is said to put ‘tactics and results over all’Credit: PAFootball writer Carsten Germann told The Sun: “He’s absolutely unhumorous. “He’s not a coach for the people.“He’s a football scientist, he puts tactics and results over all. “But that winning mentality is what England could need.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTuchel, the 51-year-old former chief coach at Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain, was caught on video bawling out a young striker — and French superstar Kylian Mbappe said the only German word he learned from him was “scheisse” (s***).Tuchel, who has followed rival Jurgen Klopp into posts at various club sides, has also been known to bristle if compared to the former Liverpool boss.Experiences that have shaped him include one seven years ago, while manager of Borussia Dortmund, when he survived a bomb attack on the team bus, with shrapnel striking seats close to him.And the father of two ended his 13-year marriage to an ex-journalist after allegedly beginning an affair with a Brazilian businesswoman 14 years younger than him.Most read in FootballBut there are also accounts of him offering warm words of encouragement to stars in one-to-one chats — and paying for his cleaner’s son to receive life-saving medical care.Tuchel was born in the small town of Krumbach in Bavaria, and was coached by dad Rudolf with the local side. Thomas Tuchel gives his first message to fans as England manager At 15 he was spotted by top-flight German club Augsburg, and he played three times for the national Under-18s.Yet teammate Heiner Schuh recalled: “He had few friends as he was exacting and demanding.”Defender Tuchel turned professional at lower league Stuttgart Kickers. He never drank with the other players and is still almost teetotal, often opting for drinking warm water.A series of knee injuries ended his playing career when he was at FC Ulm, aged just 24.The cartilage damage was considered wear and tear by the insurers, so he did not get a payout. He said: “I was insured for everything apart from this one lousy condition.”Tuchel waited tables at the Radio Bar in Stuttgart in 1999. It helped him become more gregarious and fund his business administration course at university.A year later he was hired as a youth coach at top side Stuttgart, before moving on to Augsburg’s second team and then Mainz 05.In a shock move he was promoted from under-19 coach to first team manager in 2009.IS TUCHEL RIGHT MAN FOR THE THREE LIONS JOB?YES: says Shaun SHAUN Custis, Head of SportYES, it would’ve been ideal if we could have had an Englishman.But football is not an ideal world and nobody who listened to Thomas Tuchel yesterday could doubt his passion for the job. He loves our football history and he loves the country.He is our third foreign coach but the first to convince us this is made for him. Sven-Goran Eriksson would have left in a year for Man United had Alex Ferguson not stayed. Tuchel rejected United this summer still hoping he’d get the England gig. Fabio Capello gave the impression he was doing us a favour.Tuchel is a top coach and a proven winner whose dream is to deliver us the World Cup. What more could we ask for?NO: says Harry Redknapp, Ex-Prem managerI WANTED an Englishman. I’m very patriotic.All the clubs are owned by foreign owners and they bring a foreign manager in.With the FA and the money we spend on coaching courses and everything else it’s sad.Thomas Tuchel lost his job quite quickly at a couple of clubs. It’s not like he’s been a massive success. People say you’ve got to be a great coach for England, (but) you just have to have a bit of common sense. Pick the best players, make them feel great about themselves, make them feel good about playing for England, let them know we can go and win a trophy, that the team is fantastic.Harry spoke to Sky SportsAll of Tuchel’s trophies as a managerTuchel pictured with rival Jurgen KloppCredit: AFPBut Tuchel’s thin skin could be a problem as England coachCredit: GettyANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobTuchel admitted at the time that the Bundesliga club had been willing to take the risk because it had worked with Klopp in the past.In the same year he married Sissi, a journalist at the highly respected national newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung.She reportedly gave up her career to bring up their two daughters, Emma and Kim.Sissi, who is very private, was seen by his side celebrating successes on the pitch as unfashionable Mainz twice qualified for the Europa League.But an amateur cameraman caught Thomas screaming at young striker Shawn Parker for almost a minute in the dressing room after one game — before telling him: “So go join the under 17s.”Club executive Christian Heidel wanted his manager to engage with the fans and media more — like the popular Klopp did. But he regretted starting a conversation saying, “with Kloppo we used to . . .”In an unauthorised biography titled Rulebreaker, Heidel said: “That’s when Thomas started yelling at me, ‘How dare I?’ “The conversation was over. “I thought to myself, ‘Whoops, I hit a nerve’.”He’s very sensitive to criticismFootball writer Carsten GermannEngland’s Liverpool players, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, may do well to remember that anecdote.Indeed, Tuchel’s thin skin could be a problem as England coach — where flak comes with the job.Carsten, who has interviewed Tuchel, said: “He’s very sensitive to criticism.”Who has Tuchel coached?Here is a list of the England stars that have already worked with Thomas Tuchel…Harry Kane – Bayern MunichEric Dier – Bayern MunichMason Mount – ChelseaReece James – ChelseaBen Chilwell – ChelseaCallum Hudson-Odoi – ChelseaRuben Loftus-Cheek – ChelseaRaheem Sterling – ChelseaRoss Barkley – ChelseaTammy Abraham – ChelseaConor Gallagher – ChelseaHowever his undoubted talents led Dortmund to hire him as Klopp’s replacement in 2015.Two years later he won Germany’s equivalent of the FA Cup and reached the quarter final of the Champions league.In April that year a controversial 3-2 defeat against Monaco showed how hard it can be to know the truth about Tuchel’s character.It came after he survived the team bus attack, which left him being viewed by some as a heroic defender of his squad, and by others as a callous villain.Sports journalist Pit Gottschalk’s book Locker Room Whispers reported he responded to seeing tearful players by saying: “I’m supposed to beat Bayern with these wimps?”The manager gave a totally different account. He had been angry that his side had been ordered to play the game against Monaco just 24 hours after the bombing.He said: “We had the feeling we were being treated as if our bus had been hit by a can of beer.”Bizarrely, it turned out that perpetrator Sergei Wenergold hid homemade devices filled with hydrogen peroxide and a dozen bolts close to the bus in order to make money on the stock exchange.Shortly before the attack he “bet” that the club’s shares would drop.In November 2018 Wenergold, 35, was jailed for 14 years. The fallout from the incident caused a rift with Dortmund’s chief executive and Tuchel was dismissed.He joined PSG, taking the French side to their first Champions League final. He’s a football scientist, he puts tactics and results over allFootball writer Carsten GermannHowever it was reported that he fell out with star player Mbappe as well as Brazilian sporting director Leonardo, and he lost his job.Before leaving the French capital, Tuchel heard his cleaner’s son was going to hospital and paid for his care.In January 2021 he arrived in London, replacing Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager.Tuchel took them from ninth in the Premier League to fourth, qualifying for the Champions League, but lost in the FA Cup final to Leicester.Off the field, there were problems with Tuchel’s marriage. He started a relationship with Brazilian Natalie Guerriero Max, 37, and in 2022 he split from Sissi.Natalie, who still lives in London, could be one of the reasons he was keen to take the England job.An insider said: “Thomas is obsessed with Natalie, but he is still close to his children and is a good father who sees them often.”Tuchel led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021, masterminding victory against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.Yet he was dismissed by the club’s new American owners in September 2022. An email included in Sissi’s divorce papers suggested that he had been fired for “’off-field reasons” with the players “losing respect for him.”But the manager remained in demand. Hired by Munich, he won the league title in his first season before a poor set of results the following year led to yet another departure.Three Lions fans will be hoping Germany’s loss is England’s gain.Cops at the team bus after the bomb attackCredit: Getty Images – GettyForgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.German laughter at rivals’ boss bidBy Rob PattinsonTHE Sun’s front page announcing Thomas Tuchel as the new England boss was the talk of Germany yesterday — even being retweeted by its ambassador in Britain.Diplomat Miguel Berger cheekily added a laughing emoji as he sent out yesterday’s splash with the headline “Football’s coming home” translated into German. He wrote: “A German manager for England! Congrats to Thomas Tuchel. A brave decision.”Reaction across Germany was mixed, with many gleefully mocking Tuchel’s deal to manage their arch rival.Bild, the country’s biggest-selling newspaper, used a picture of The Sun’s splash and claimed England must be desperate if we were turning to a German. It said the ideal outcome would be England losing the World Cup final to Germany on penalties.An online vote had 80 per cent of Germans gloating England would not win the World Cup with Tuchel.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd one journalist wrote: “The desperation on the island must be enormous if they admit that only a German can help now.”Upmarket magazine Der Spiegel promised Tuchel “can be trusted” but warned he would inevitably “face anger” for crossing the North Sea.Diplomat Miguel Berger retweeted The Sun’s front page with the headline ‘Football’s coming home’ translated into German More

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      in Soccer

      Well done, Annie Kilner for taking control over cheat Kyle Walker – now it’s time to hit him where it hurts

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      ANNIE KILNER has consulted divorce lawyers over wayward husband Kyle Walker.And I couldn’t be happier for her.Annie Kilner has consulted divorce lawyers over her husband Kyle WalkerCredit: GettySince he first got together with wife Annie, Walker has been unfaithful many timesCredit: Refer to CaptionIf you are not au fait with Kyle Walker, let me explain.On the pitch for England and Manchester City, he is an amazing, talented footballer.Off it, his life is an absolute car crash, which could be turned into a Carry On film.Since he first got together with Annie, he has romped in a car with Ex On The Beach’s Laura Brown and fathered two children with reality TV star Lauryn Goodman.READ MORE FROM JANE ATKINSONHe exposed himself in a bar and snogged another woman.During Covid he had a party with two sex workers.And he has been caught twice urinating in the street after a session in the pub — most recently just two weeks ago.He has run rough­shod over his relationship with Annie. And I don’t know how she has held it together.Most read in FootballShe always appears to look steely, strong and determined when she is out with their four children — the youngest of whom was born in April — or watching him on the pitch.But her confidence must have been absolutely crushed over the years. Imagine the anguish and pain she has gone through.Drama at Kyle Walker’s Home: Annie Kilner vs Lauryn GoodmanThis is a woman who was a normal working-class girl from Sheffield when she fell for local lad Kyle at the age of 16.He was playing football but he wasn’t the megastar he is now.She fell in love with him, knowing he could one day play for England or get injured and end up on benefits.He hit the jackpot in his career — with the salary to go with it — but Annie has been the one to pay the price.Terrible behaviourShe has tried to deal with it and chucked him out of the house — and taken him back. Multiple times.She has slated Lauryn, had public spats with her, apologised to her and told friends she wishes Lauryn was dead.Annie bravely admitted that his terrible behaviour even became “acceptable”.And some have said that his wealth has cushioned his behaviour while others have slammed her for not leaving before now.But leaving any man — rich or poor — isn’t easy when you’ve spent half your life with him and have four kids together.Any woman who has been cheated on knows that it takes a long while to regain your strength afterwards and come out fighting. Now Annie has. She is finally, thankfully, taking control.She recently sought advice to make sure she could get half of his £150,000-a-week salary and this week she has gone a step further and met with lawyers to discuss legal proceedings to end her marriage.Strength and courageI bet those who love her are proud of her.Annie has shown strength and courage.She has also given an important message to all those kids who idolise her husband — that there must be consequences for your actions.This summer, a survey of 1,306 children aged six to 17 across the UK revealed that almost a fifth wanted to be a footballer.They rank second only to parents as the people that youngsters admire the most.You could argue that Kyle is only a role model on the pitch but thanks to sponsorship deals and five million followers on social media, he is a role model, and influencer, off it too.Children across the country this summer stuck his picture into Euro 2024 albums.They stayed up late to watch him play and, week in week out, they idolise him at Manchester City.Nobody wants to see a marriage end.But nobody wants to see a woman cheated on and humiliated either.Now Annie can have the greatest revenge of all by hitting him where it truly hurts — his wallet.The England defender also secretly fathered TWO kids with reality TV star Lauryn GoodmanCredit: AlamyRihanna at the reddyLESS is more – unless you’re Rihanna.In a new promotional photoshoot, she sports amazing scarlet hair, blue fur coat and a red snakeskin outfit that involves a skirt attached loosely to a bustier to show off her bum.Rihanna posed with amazing scarlet hair, a blue fur coat and a red snakeskin outfitCredit: savagex.comThe singer and businesswoman completes the style with a smouldering pout and terrifying long talons.Most of us would look like we had walked out of the local brothel but she somehow manages to pull it off.BORIS JOHNSON has insisted refurbishing his Downing Street flat was necessary because it looked like a “crack den” once he had pulled the carpets out.You have to wonder how he knows what a crack house looks like.50 still niftyI COULDN’T be happier for the newly married Miranda Hart.But I do wish everyone would stop being so shocked that she tied the knot at the age of 51.I do wish everyone would stop being so shocked that Miranda Hart tied the knot at the age of 51Credit: GettyThe actress was 49 when surveyor Richard Fairs came to her £2million home to deal with mould.It was during the pandemic and she was struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome after being diagnosed with Lyme disease.In her new book, she says she was so ill that she never thought she would find love and was “fading away”.I get that.But now a million relationship experts have taken to social media to discuss how to find love over 50 as if she is some dinosaur.We are no longer living in the dark ages and no woman should be written off in their 50s – or think that they are either.Rights bill so wrongREMEMBER a time when we were all desperate to get out of the house, mingle and live a normal life when Covid struck.Now, thanks to the Government’s new Employment Rights Bill, we can all return to that because flexible working, including working from home, will be made the “default for all” where possible.So no mingling in the office, no chatting by the coffee machine when you are feeling down, no making lifelong friends.And forget office flirting because Zoom and Teams really don’t cut it for the fun things in life.I’ve worked from home for more than a decade because I live hundreds of miles from head office.If I could go in every day, I would.I’ve grown sick of the amount of times people have said: “Oh, but you work from home,” as though I spend my life on the sofa watching This Morning or baking banana bread.In fact, unless you are a grade A skiver you end up working more because your home is your office and you can’t get away from it.Plus there is no free coffee and the heating bills are a fortune.We should be careful what we wish for.Tash leaves KittenWHEN Natasha Hamilton announced on Friday that she had quit Atomic Kitten, I was in utter shock.Natasha Hamilton announced on Friday that she had quit Atomic KittenCredit: RexI didn’t even know the band was still going.Ticket farce unfareI HAVE sympathy for train passenger Sam Williamson, who mistakenly underpaid for his ticket by £1.90 and now fears a criminal record and huge fine.He used the Northern Trains app to buy an Anytime ticket to central Manchester last month and used his 16-25 railcard for a discount without realising it can only be used under certain conditions.Sam Williamson mistakenly underpaid for his ticket by £1.90 and now fears a criminal record and huge fineCredit: SWNSWhen an inspector grilled him and told him the mistake, he immediately offered to buy a new ticket or pay a penalty.Instead, the jobsworth reported him and now Sam faces prosecution.Sam says it isn’t even clear on the app how you can use the railcard.I had the misfortune of using Northern last month and had a similar experience.I wanted to buy a cheaper ticket from the app but was told I had to buy one from an employee who, when I explained that the app ticket was cheaper, told me: “Northern don’t care what the customers pay.”Super. Maybe if the train firms did care and explained their baffling price structures, we wouldn’t hate travelling with them so muchSpice boy hitMY new motto is: Don’t buy things after drinking wine.My latest credit card purchase is Brooklyn Beckham’s chilli sauce.My latest credit card purchase is Brooklyn Beckham’s chilli sauceCredit: GettyI saw his mum Victoria plugging Cloud23 on Instagram (obviously) and forked out £30 on two bottles of it as I love spicy food.He’s been slated for his choice of careers but I can confirm Brooklyn, below, is actually pretty good at this one.READ MORE SUN STORIESThink Tabasco but not as harsh, with a lovely smoky hit.I just hope that he ditches the fancy box it comes in and gets it on a super­market shelf to avoid the big price tag. More

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      in Soccer

      Meet world’s biggest WAG with more fans than Georgina Rodriguez & pals like Madonna… can you guess her footie boyfriend?

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      WITH 64.4 million fans on Instagram, she’s got more followers than Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez.But chances are Brits may not have heard of Brazilian superstar Anitta, who can lay claim to the title of the world’s most popular WAG.Brazilian megastar Anitta is officially the world’s most popular WAGCredit: GettyDespite being worth a reported $50m, she remains relatively unknown in the UKCredit: AlamyWith multiple accolades under her belt, the singer says she’s ready to take on the English-speaking worldCredit: Savage X FentyCareer highlights for the star so far include performing at the Rio Olympics opening ceremony and joining Madonna on stageCredit: Instagram @anittaOne of the biggest Latin musicians of her generation – with more than 30million monthly Spotify listeners, a Grammy nomination, and collaborations with stars such as Cardi B and Kylie to her name – Annita is said to be worth a cool $50million.So she’ll certainly be out-earning her footballer beau, Vinicius Souza, who hails from plucky Championship side Sheffield United.From humble beginnings in a Rio de Janeiro favela, Annita has conquered South America with her chart-topping hits, even performing at the Olympics opening ceremony.Fiercely independent, she acted as her own manager for years, and has even sat on the board of Latin America’s biggest banks.Read More FeaturesAnd a viral video of her getting a tattoo on her bum spiralled into a controversial political scandal engulfing then-president Jair Bolsanaro.So just who is the “Queen of Brazilian Pop”?Humble originsWith an artisan mum and a car battery salesman dad, Anitta was born in 1993, growing up in the Honório Gurgel favela, one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Rio de Janeiro.Following her parents’ divorce when she was a toddler, the family found themselves even more strapped for cash. Most read in FootballThe future pop-megastar slept in the same room as her mum and brother, as this was where their aircon was – but they could only afford to switch it on for a few minutes every night.Anitta has spoken since about how much family means to her – and how they keep her humble.“Family is the thing that makes me feel grounded,” she said, speaking to Nylon mag.“When I come back home, I’m treated as the same motherf***er as always. I speak to them literally every day.”While she’d always declared at a young age that she was destined to be a star, it was a viral video uploaded in 2010 of her singing into a stick of deodorant that led to that becoming a reality.At just 16 years old, she caught the attention of record label Furacão 2000, which specialises in a style of music called “funk carioca”.Family comes first for the superstar, who grew up in a room with her mum and brotherCredit: InstagramRio – Brazil’s second largest city – is home to landmarks such as Christ the Redemeer and the Sugarloaf MountainCredit: AlamyAfter releasing her first single, Meiga e Abusada, in 2012, she then brought out her self-titled debut – which went straight to number one and is certified platinum in her home country.Shortly after this, the music video for her second single, Show Das Poderosas, went viral.In less than a week, it became Brazil’s most-watched music video on YouTube of all time.Now, with 32.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify, she’s widely considered to be Brazil’s biggest female popstar.She’s won four Latin American Music Awards, three MTV Music Video Awards, and has been nominated for a Grammy for best new artist – while her 2022 hit Envolver spawned a TikTok challenge of twerking with your head on the floor.The star has also frequently cited Madonna as an inspiration, and performed alongside her in front of 1.6 million people on Copacabana Beach in Rio.Fiercely outspokenAnnita isn’t afraid to do things her own way, having acted as her own manager until 2019, maintaining total control over sponsorship partnerships, business deals, and directing her own music videos.She has spoken confidently about showing off her cellulite – but is also happy to talk about her plastic surgery journey, which includes a nose job, jaw-line reshaping, and multiple breast reductions. Speaking to Nylon she said: “I won’t be pretending I’m some type of way that I’m not.”Annita joining Madonna – who she cites as one of her biggest inspirations – on stage earlier this yearCredit: GettyThe superstar has only gone from strength to strength since going viral on YouTube in 2010Credit: AlamyAs one of Latin America’s biggest stars, the singer has performed with stars including Snoop Dogg and Cardi BCredit: Getty“Girls don’t need men for s**t. We got vibrators, we got friends – we got gay friends, which is way better than any other f***ing husband. Trust me.”While she proudly embraces her sexuality, she’s also made it clear that she’s so much more than just a sex object.She told Today: “I don’t care about talking about sexuality. It’s part of our life, and it’s a big part of who I am, so I don’t mind at all being asked about it. I love being a sexual person. It’s part of my character. “I just don’t like it when people think that’s just it. When people treat me as if ‘Oh, being sexy is all she knows.’ No, that’s not all I know. I was managing my own career for so many years. I’m a business woman. “I can’t be reduced to just sex – I do so much, and I still want to do much more.”Insta’s biggest WAGsWhile Anitta may take number one spot, here are the other WAGs that have stacked up the followers on Instagram… and become stars in their own right.Georgina Rodriguez – 61.6mAntonela Roccuzzo – 40.3mBecky G – 47.4mVictoria Beckham – 33mPerrie Edwards – 19.2mAlisha Lehmann – 17mPilar Rubio – 11mBruna Biancardi – 10.6mLeigh-Anne Pinnock – 10mDiletta Leotta – 9.1m‘15million boyfriends’Since coming out as bisexual in her first Netflix documentary, Vai Anitta, in 2018, the star has been open about her relationships – and the variety of her dating life.“I hate hiding things,” she told Nylon. “Yeah, [I] f*** girls too.”She’s previously been linked to stars including Brazilian singer Mr Thug, dancer Ohana Lefundes, Colombian megastar Maluma, and 365 Days actor Simone Sussina.And in 2017, she took a leap into marriage, tying the knot with Brazilian businessman Thiago Magalhães in a private ceremony in the Amazon rainforest. But things only lasted for a year before they split.Anitta – who says she has ’15 million boyfriends’ – has a love life that’s hard to pin downCredit: GettyAnitta was married to businessman Thiago Magalhaes for a yearCredit: RexThe Brazilian star has most recently been linked to Sheffield United midfielder Vinicius SouzaCredit: RexMost recently, Anitta’s been linked with Sheffield United and former Flamengo player Vinicius Souza, with the pair recently seen together at Paris Fashion Week, as reported by Billboard.But while he may be her boyfriend for now, she’s happy to admit that exclusivity in relationships isn’t exactly something she craves – and she’s been in plenty of open relationships before.“I have 15 million boyfriends, whatever,” she told Nylon.“If the guy makes me feel respected and incredible, I don’t care if he sleeps with another woman. I’ve had boyfriends who never cheated on me, but they treated me like trash.”I stopped caring about all of the things that I used to care about, like record sales, or the number of people talking about me. Now, I honestly just want to have a good timeWhile she’s always had a free-wheeling attitude to life, a hospitalisation in 2022 that left her thinking she was “going to die” led to further enlightenment.“I got really sick and was so physically ill I couldn’t work, and I hadn’t stopped working in so many years,” she told Today, adding: “It was a big wake up call.”Doctors investigated her illness for five months to no apparent avail.It was only after travelling to Mount Everest to heal with shamans that things got better.“After my health issues, I started taking better care of my spirituality. I follow Yoruba religion, and I had to jump into that. I dove into myself, and everything that makes me feel peace,” she said.“I stopped caring about all of the things that I used to care about, like record sales, or the number of people talking about me. I used to care so much. Now, I honestly just want to have a good time.”She counts celebrities such as Camila Cabello among her palsCredit: GettyAfter performances at Coachella and more recently in London, she has her sights set on global dominationCredit: GettyBum tattoo scandalWhen it comes to activities outside of music – and outside of jetting around the world to see her lovers – Anitta has also kept herself busy in the world of business.In 2019, she became Head of Creativity and Innovation for the Brazilian version of the drink Skol, launching Skol Beats – a citrus take on the beer, coming in several fruity flavours.And in 2021, she became a member of the Board of Directors of Nubank, the largest Fintech bank in Latin America – and even played a crucial role in getting the bank listed on the Brazilian stock exchange.While she’s no stranger to dipping her toe into politics, being an outspoken advocate for protecting the environment and LGBT rights, she also became embroiled in a political scandal for a very different reason.In February 2021, a video went viral showing Anitta getting “I love you” tattooed on her bum.One year later, right-wing Brazilian artist Zé Neto took a swipe at the star – because of a political debate over government subsidies for the arts, known as the Rouanet law.And I was thinking that all I was doing was an intimate tattoo“We are artists who do not depend on the Rouanet Law,” he said to the crowd.“Our fee is funded by the people. We don’t need to put a tattoo on our butt to show that we are doing well.”Anitta’s hordes of fans turned against him – and it was exposed that Zé Neto himself had relied on public money to fund his shows.READ MORE SUN STORIESEventually, the spiralling scandal led to state public prosecutors investigating funding irregularities in 29 municipalities across the country.“And I was thinking that all I was doing was an intimate tattoo,” the star later posted on X. More

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      in Soccer

      How love rat Kyle Walker’s ‘clever’ wife is ‘no doormat & had been plotting to cash in on his cheating for FIVE YEARS’

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      KYLE Walker’s wife Annie Kilner had been plotting to cash in on his cheating for years, pals told The Sun.The despairing mum of four allegedly asked at least four footballer’s wives for advice before marrying the love rat to ensure financial “security” in case he strayed again.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie had been plotting to cash in on his cheating for years, pals saidCredit: XposureAnnie and the football star in 2018 before their public falloutAnnie, above watching Kyle during the Euros in June, was said to have been looking at her options as far back as 2019Credit: Paul Edwards – Commissioned by The SunInsiders claimed Annie was looking at her options as far back as 2019, when she first dumped Premier League footie ace Kyle, 34, over his affair with Ex On The Beach star Laura Brown.It comes after we revealed yesterday that Annie, 31, has demanded £15million cash from the Manchester City defender to fix their relationship after he fathered two children with Lauryn Goodman.In messages seen by The Sun from five years ago, before the couple tied the knot, Annie glumly conceded, “It’s the same old s**t, he’s been doing it for ten years”, before asking pals for their opinions on how to future-proof herself financially.Annie, who started dating Kyle aged 16, also seemed to predict that he would betray her again, writing to a friend at the time: “He’s going to have a lonely end . . . ”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe went on to marry the footballer in 2021, but kicked him out of their £4million Cheshire mansion in January this year as it emerged that he had fathered a second child with Lauryn, 33.‘Cut losses and run’Friends said they believed it was only a matter of time before Annie pulled the plug on the 17-year relationship for good.A source added: “Annie married Kyle for love, but she also knew in her heart of hearts she had to do it to secure a financial windfall for herself and their children.“She has been formulating a get-out plan for some time in terms of finances. Annie is actually very astute and is no one’s fool.Most read in Football“People may assume she is a doormat, but Annie is clever and she was aware that she’d need to marry Kyle to have access to his money.“When she first dumped Kyle in 2019, Annie sought advice from her married Wag friends about her options and what she should do.Kyle Walker’s furious wife Annie ‘will only give their troubled marriage another go if he pays her HALF his fortune’Lauryn, 34, said the multi-millionaire footballer, 33, told “Some said she should leave him at the time, cut her losses and run. But others warned marrying him would be the only way she could really secure herself financially.”Friends told us that Annie herself later agreed, revealing to them: “Marrying Kyle would give me security if he ever does it again.”Messages Annie sent to pals not long after she temporarily gave Kyle the boot in 2019 also reveal her despair at his wayward antics off the field. Soul-searching in the wake of the cheating scandal, Annie then wrote to a friend: “I have been his backbone all these years. I helped to make him what he is.”I have been his backbone all these years. I helped to make him what he isAnnieA pal said: “Annie was at her wits’ end and didn’t seem to be getting help from anyone, which is why she started to speak to her married friends about what they would do.Annie has demanded £15million cash from the Manchester City defenderCredit: AlamyKyle fathered two children with Lauryn GoodmanCredit: Splash“By this point she’d been with Kyle for well over a decade. In her eyes, she had given everything for their relationship and cheating is how he repaid her loyalty.”When Kyle and Annie were still apart in early 2020, he slept with Lauryn Goodman — a short-lived affair which resulted in the birth of their son, Kairo. Later that year, he held a sex party in lockdown and issued a grovelling apology.He said at the time: “I want to apologise to my family, friends, football club, supporters and the public for letting them down.”Despite his infidelities, Annie took Kyle back and he secretly proposed that summer. Before they wed in a low-key ceremony in November 2021, Annie confided in friends that when Kyle had begged for another chance, he had promised they would marry.And friends said Annie walked down the aisle hoping they could work things through as a family. But she took some comfort in knowing that, if Kyle cheated again, she would be able to divorce him and get her share of his money.They added: “Annie had been with Kyle since she was a teenager. She felt they had true love and, by this point, they had children together.“Annie desperately wanted them to be a family, but she knew she had to think with her head rather than just with her heart.“She married him for love, but also to protect herself. She wanted to stake her claim for the money.”Just over two years after their wedding, Annie’s worst fears were confirmed when reality TV wannabe Lauryn messaged her around Christmas to reveal she had given birth to a second child with Kyle.Lauryn now has Kairo, four, and Kinara, one, with the footballer — who pays her huge sums of money for their two children.The humiliation at Kyle’s deceit was compounded for Annie by the fact that when Lauryn told her Kyle had cheated again, she was pregnant with their fourth child. Marrying Kyle would give me security if he ever does it againAnnieAnnie has since allowed Kyle to move back into the Cheshire pad they share with their four boys on a “trial basis”.But friends told The Sun Annie’s motive was purely to let Kyle have time with their children while she weighed up her options — including the demand to be paid around £15million. A source said: “Annie’s worst fears came true when Kyle cheated again, but this time she has the security of being his wife.“It’s exactly what she was thinking about five years ago when Kyle was begging for her to take him back and promising to marry her.“Annie has spoken to solicitors with Kyle about getting the money into her account for her and the boys.“He has a fortune of almost £30million and she wants half of it. She has stuck with Kyle through thick and thin, through every humiliation and pounding from online trolls and forum gossips.’Thick and thin’“Kyle accepts what he has done and has been open to the conversations and has spoken with solicitors about Annie’s position. “He has desperately been trying to make amends, but knows Annie has been pushed to the limit with this.”Pals said that Kyle’s recent court case with Lauryn over child support had added to Annie’s uncertainty over whether she should take him back. Documents which were made public by a judge in July revealed how Lauryn was using Kyle like an “open-ended cheque book”, demanding an astroturf pitch and air conditioning for the £2.4million home Kyle bought for her and their children to live in.He also makes provisions for the kids, including helping with the cost of her nanny, transport and nursery fees.Those close to Annie told The Sun it smarted for her to see another woman cashing in.A source said: “Annie created this family unit with Kyle and has been by his side through thick and thin.“She’s been a loyal partner and a good mother to his children, and she wants what is rightfully hers.“She had no idea the extent Kyle had been paying Lauryn until the court case and she hit the roof. She hates the idea of her cashing in.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Annie is trying to make it work with Kyle, but she doesn’t know what will happen.“But going forward she knows her future is secure, whatever they decide to do.”Kyle had an affair with Ex On The Beach star Laura Brown in 2019Credit: laub212/InstagramAnnie out with baby in buggy earlier this monthCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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      Kyle Walker’s furious wife Annie ‘will only give their troubled marriage another go if he pays her HALF his fortune’

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      KYLE Walker’s wife has demanded £15million cash to save their marriage.Mum-of-four Annie Kilner, 31, wants around half of the Manchester City star’s £27million fortune to fix their relationship after he fathered two kids with Lauryn Goodman.Kyle Walker’s furious wife Annie Kilner has demanded £15million cash to save their marriageCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAnnie, 31, wants around £27million of Kyle’s fortune after he fathered two kids with ex-mistress Lauryn GoodmanCredit: Dan CharityAnnie learned the truth in a text from Lauryn last December – pictured, Annie, Kyle and their children at the Qatar World Cup in December 2022Credit: GettyShe is understood to have obtained preliminary legal advice ahead of any split that would see her net half of Manchester City defender Kyle’s fortune.The £150,000-a-week ace, 34, played in their 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at the weekend — but off the pitch his personal life continues to backfire.Tensions are said to have risen recently after Annie’s sister Sian gave birth to a son after a fling with a married man.It mirrors Kyle’s torrid situation with influencer Lauryn, who had two children with him while he was with Annie.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERA source told The Sun: “It’s a s***show at the moment.“Kyle and Annie are arguing about pretty much everything.“She’s told him she will only consider giving it another go if he gives her half of his money first.“She’s been told she’s entitled to half of his wealth if they split — and doesn’t want another penny of her share going to Lauryn.Most read in Football“She wants the independence and security divorce would bring her, but wants to try and keep her family together at the same time.“Annie and Kyle have spoken with solicitors about making this financial arrangement happen.Kyle Walker moves back in with wife Annie Kilner after fathering second child with ex“He is happy for her to have the money as he wants security for them — regardless of how their relationship ends up.“Kyle wants financial security for Annie and his boys. “Their relationship changes from week to week, but at the moment she can’t see a way of saving the marriage and has said she is considering filing for divorce. “It has been a really tough time for Annie.”Sources say revelations about Sian have created tensions between both families.Another said: “Sian gave it to Kyle with two barrels over everything with Lauryn but now it seems it is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.“Kyle is throwing Sian’s behaviour back in Annie’s face every time there’s an ­argument and using it as an excuse to make his behaviour acceptable.“He is saying that Annie can’t have a go at him when Sian has done a very similar thing — basically acting as if it is the norm.“Sian has always had a go at him about what he has done to her big sister — now she has done the same with another man.“Sian doing this is just an extra layer to the mess that Annie doesn’t need.”Kyle fathered two kids with Lauryn GoodmanCredit: SplashTensions are said to have risen recently after Annie’s sister Sian gave birth to a son after a fling with a married manCredit: InstagramLauryn, 33, became pregnant while Kyle was on a break from Annie in 2019.Their son Kairo was born in April 2020. Kyle and Annie then rekindled their relationship and got married in 2021.But a year later he reconnected with Lauryn and she gave birth to their second child — daughter Kinara — in August 2023.Annie learned the truth in a text from Lauryn last December.A source said: “They had an emotional phone call. “They both apologised to each other — Annie for revealing the gender of Lauryn’s child which had devastated her.”Annie, who was pregnant with her and Kyle’s fourth child at the time, was left reeling and announced their split two weeks later. This April she gave birth to her and Kyle’s son Rezon.The family holidayed in Turkey this summer. Pals said Annie is still weighing up her options and, while Kyle was in and out of the family home, she wanted him in their sons’ lives.A source said: “Annie is insisting to friends they are not back together and just trying to navigate a way forward. “All she really cares about is the kids and will do all she can to protect them.”The Man City star with his wife Annie and three of their four kidsCredit: AFP or LicensorsPals said Annie is still weighing up her optionsKyle spoke to The Sun in January of his regret over cheating on Annie.He said he wanted to repair the relationship but admitted he had broken Annie’s heart. Kyle said: “I’m sorry I’ve had a second child with Lauryn and hurt my best friend. It’s horrible to say that out loud. I’ve hurt someone I truly believe is my soulmate.”In June and July, Annie travelled to the Euros in Germany with their sons, but the couple appeared worlds apart in pictures.READ MORE SUN STORIESLess than 48 hours after England’s final defeat to Spain, Kyle was in court to thrash out a financial settlement with Lauryn.A judge later accused Lauryn of using him like “an open-ended cheque book”. More

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      in Soccer

      Football’s most cringey adverts revealed from Southgate at Pizza Hut to Messi flogging face cream & Beckham’s Sharpies

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      THEY are often accused of hamming it up on the football pitch.But the game’s top stars can be just as bad off it – you only need to look at former Man United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, who dressed up as a butcher and played an accordion to advertise Danish bacon.We look back at the footie stars who have flogged everythingCredit: GettyAnd he is not the only ace with a side hustle in cringey commercials.Nadia Cohen looks back at the footie stars who have flogged everything, from tomato juice to pens . . . Kevin Keegan appeared in an ad for Sugar PuffsDutch legend Robin van Persie and Ryan Giggs did a Japanese tomato juice advertGareth Southgate did a commercial for Pizza Hut following his famous Euro ’96 penalty missCredit: PAPETER SCHMEICHEL – Danepak baconPeter Schmeichel dressed up as a butcher and played an accordion to advertise Danish baconDavid Beckham promoted SharpiesRONALDO – Japanese ‘facial fitness’ gizmoChristiano Ronaldo in an ad for a Japanese ‘facial fitness’ gizmoJimmy bullard flogs Wash n Go shampooJohn Barnes apeared in an ad for Just EatHarry Kane has become the face of 3Bears porridgeCredit: 3 BearsFootball genius Lionel Messi once did an ad for Japanese face creamFootball genius Lionel Messi once did an ad for More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Daniel Dubois’ strict upbringing from hours of press-ups, no internet to vid that made him want to be world champ

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      DANIEL DUBOIS’ fearsome fists that floored Anthony Joshua bear the scars of a childhood being relentlessly drilled for boxing stardom.The 27–year-old South Londoner stunned Wembley Stadium on Saturday night when he knocked out the crowd favourite in the fifth round to retain his IBF heavyweight title.Daniel Dubois’ fearsome fists bear the scars of a childhood being relentlessly drilled for boxing stardomCredit: GettyDubois stunned Wembley Stadium on Saturday night when he knocked out the crowd favourite in the fifth roundCredit: GettyDaniel floored Anthony Joshua and secured his world heavyweight titleCredit: AFPAfter defeating two-time world champion Joshua, 34, Daniel looked towards his dad Dave, who had moulded him to be a king of the ring with a punishing training schedule.From the tender age of five, Daniel, whose nickname is Dynamite, was being coached at home to be a boxer. And by the time he was in his teens, his regime would include three to five hours of gruelling press-ups every day without food or water.Spending so much time with his hands against the floor left them permanently marked.Read More on SportDaniel’s market trader dad Dave, 63, whose real name is Stan, revealed he pushed his son hard in the quest for boxing glory.He said: “I wouldn’t give him food or water until he’d finished. That’s why he’s so powerful.“I just wanted to strengthen his mind because boxing is a hard sport. Not anyone can do it.”The Sun’s boxing correspondent, Wally Downes Jr, who had a ringside view of Daniel’s knockout right hook during Saturday’s showdown, said of the fighter’s reaction to winning: “Dubois’ celebration seemed muted for a kid who’s torturous training regime has left permanent scarring on his shovel-like hands.Most read in Boxing’Very disciplined’“But behind the scenes, he got to hug his giant father and we saw in full flow this unconventional family affair that has just derailed the AJ gravy train.”Before to the Joshua fight, Don Charles, who is 6ft 5in and Daniel’s current trainer, told how the young champ invests everything in his sport.AJ vs Dubois: Round-by-roundHe said: “He’s very disciplined away from boxing. You never read about Daniel Dubois going to night clubs, causing havoc, drinking, smoking, none of that.“He eats well. His dad does all his meal preps. They’re all home cooked.“It comes from a very strict background. His father is very, very, very strict with him. Always has been with all his children, not just Daniel, and that’s the product of that. He’s a very, very disciplined individual.”Daniel, who still lives at home, does not booze or party, and reportedly has little time for girlfriends due to his determination to be a boxing icon. His mobile has no internet after he was warned off phones as a kid.But he is not the only Dubois that father-of-11 Dave has sculpted for boxing success.Sculpted for boxing successHis daughter Caroline, 23, is considered to be one of the world’s best female boxers, while two of his other sons, Prince, 20, and Solomon, 12, are also aiming for glory in the ring.Dave would make Caroline and Daniel run laps around their estate in Deptford, South London, every other day to keep fit. Once, cops intervened, fearing the youngsters were being forced to do it by their father.Both children were home-schooled by Dave, who briefly put Caroline into mainstream education after being warned that social services may pay him a visit.I didn’t see much of the street because, from about the age of eight, dad kept me in the boxing ring. The training he put me through became so toughDaniel DuboisBut none of Daniel’s siblings has yet matched what he did at the weekend.Most of the record 96,000 crowd at Wembley were there to cheer on Anthony Joshua.Few commentators gave Daniel much chance of beating his Olympic gold medal-winning rival.Dubois had previously lost to Britain’s Joe Joyce and Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk in controversial circumstances in major bouts.In 2020, he was cruelly branded a “coward” by fellow heavyweight Dillian Whyte for signalling he could no longer go on in his European title fight against Joyce.It was revealed later that Daniel’s eye socket had been broken and he was struggling to see.Young talent Daniel, aged 12, triumphs in the ringCredit: InstagramHard press-up routines marked young Daniel’s handsCredit: InstagramThen, in August 2023, Usyk dropped to the canvas in the fifth round of their world heavyweight bout. But the referee ruled Daniel had landed an illegal “low blow.” Usyk went on to win, with the British boxer dropping to his knee at one point, unable to take the blows any more.Since then, Daniel has come back stronger than ever.He became the interim International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight champion in June by beating Croatian Filip Hrgovic.Usyk’s decision to continue with a rematch against Tyson Fury rather than take on Daniel again meant that the belt was handed to Dubois.After that, Daniel revealed that his dad had said, “You’re going to be world champion,” adding: “It’s all come to pass now, hasn’t it?”The way Dave tells it, he had a heavenly vision that Daniel would take one of boxing’s biggest crowns.He said: “I used to have a lot of visions when I was young, and I always followed them.From left, Prince, Caroline, dad Dave, Daniel and SolomonCredit: GettyDubois poses with his father Dave after a training session at the Peacock Profighters GymCredit: GettyDaniel aged nine with ex-boxing champ James DeGaleCredit: Instagram“I got a vision saying I needed to have some children and put them into boxing, so that’s what I did.“It was like I had been blessed by God. Everything I touched turned to gold.”Dave, who is a single parent, sold posters on market stalls in London.His fascination with boxing rubbed off on Daniel, who is the eldest son from his former second wife.The boxer said: “My dad would tell me stories about the world heavyweight champions.“One day, he put on a video of Lennox Lewis against Frank Bruno. That fight was the moment I knew that I wanted to be a world champion.”Dave started taking his son to a boxing gym from the age of eight.It kept him out of trouble.Daniel said: “I didn’t see much of the street because, from about the age of eight, Dad kept me in the boxing ring. The training he put me through became so tough, incredibly hard.“But my dad knew what the reward could be. Not once did I think of walking away. I dedicated myself totally.” The young sportsman also had a go at sprinting and swimming, but it was clear his talents were most suited to throwing punches.He trained in the renowned Peacock and Repton boxing clubs in East London.But it seems that his single-minded father often fell out with the coaching staff there. Daniel once said: “We changed gyms so often because the coaches didn’t seem to get along with my dad.”My dad knew what the reward could be. Not once did I think of walking awayDaniel DuboisStarting out, the future world champion won a couple of schoolboy titles and joined the Team GB set-up in Sheffield, with the intention of representing his country at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. But his dad convinced him to turn professional rather than continuing as an amateur in the Olympic set-up.While sparring in Sheffield aged 17, it is rumoured he knocked out AJ, a story Daniel will not confirm.In 2017, Daniel signed with promoter Frank Warren and knocked out his first opponent in a professional bout, Marcus “Caveman” Kelly, in 35 seconds.From then on, he won fight after fight, using his quick punches to floor sparring rivals. Until this weekend, though, he was not a household name — and that is because he is far from your typically flamboyant boxer.He does not boast about his victories or dance around the ring. Even when he beat Joshua, he stood calmly on the canvas as chaos erupted.Before Charles, he was trained by Martin Bowers and Shane McGuigan. Shane, who is the son of Irish boxing legend Barry, was coaching Caroline, too. However, a family rift means that Caroline, a gold medallist for Team GB at the 2018 Youth Olympics, is no longer in the Dubois fold.Instead, she is being trained by Shane and has moved away form their Hertfordshire family home. What was behind the differences is unclear.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Daniel does not have any regrets about sticking with his dad’s disciplinarian approach — retreating from the world to train for his bout with Joshua.The title-holder, sometimes called Triple D for Daniel Dynamite Dubois, said: “It’s been like prison, I’ve just been grinding. Have all the pleasure later. There is plenty of time for that.” More