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    Joe Joyce taken to hospital after Zhilei Zhang beating with eye injury update after brutal heavyweight defeat

    JOE JOYCE was taken to hospital due to the horror eye injury he suffered in defeat to Zhilei Zhang. Joyce was left with gruesome swelling following six rounds of left hands and combinations from Zhang.
    Joe Joyce was taken to hospital due to the horror eye injury he sufferedCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    It gave referee Howard Foster no choice but to stop the contest following the advice of the ringside doctor.
    And beaten and bruised Joyce revealed after his first defeat that he would take a precautionary trip to the hospital.
    He said: “I couldn’t get away from his straight left.
    “He kept on nailing me in the eye and it swelled up my eye. I can still see through it, but I think it’s just bruised.
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    “But just a formality, I have to go to hospital now to get check it’s not like fractured or anything.”
    According to iFL TV, the overnight hospital checks revealed no fractures to the eye.
    Joyce’s title hopes have been left in tatters following the shock technical knockout loss.
    Speaking out on Instagram, he posted: “Gutted, so annoying that I lost, but credit to Zhilei Zhang for giving me a good fight and getting the victory. I’ll be back.”
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    Zhang commented: “You are a warrior and true gentleman. You will come back stronger.”
    Joyce, 37, lost his WBO interim title and mandatory shot at the full belt held by Oleksandr Usyk, 36.
    Zhang, who turns 40 in May, inherits the belt and pole position while opening the door to a rematch.
    He told SecondsOut: “Yeah, I’ll do it if Joe Joyce wants to do it. I’ll do it in London, New York, or China.”
    Zhilei Zhang after defeating Joe JoyceCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    Watch moment doctor holds up fingers to assess if Joe Joyce can see through horror swollen eye before calling off fight

    JOE JOYCE saw his fight with Zhilei Zhang waved off after the ringside doctor deemed him unable to continue. The heavyweight’s world title dreams have been hugely dented after his right eye was left gruesomely swollen.

    Doctor checks on Joe Joyce’s eye in the cornerCredit: Getty
    The fight was waved offCredit: Reuters
    Referee Howard Foster twice took Joyce, 37, over to the doc, who assessed the damage and extent of the injury.
    On the second occasion, cameras caught the moment the medic covered Joyce’s left eye and asked how many fingers he was holding up.
    The Londoner did return the correct answers – in two and one – but the damage was already done.
    Foster was advised to wave off the fight and Zhang, 39, was handed a shock technical knockout win after six rounds.
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    It saw Joyce lose his WBO mandatory title shot and interim belt, which guaranteed him a crack at Oleksandr Usyk’s belt.
    He said after defeat: “I’m just disappointed with my performance.
    “The right hand he just kept hitting me with, I just couldn’t get out of the way so respect for Zhilei Zhang big bang.
    “I twas a good fight, I could have done better because I haven’t fought a southpaw for so long but credit to him because he’s a good fighter.
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    “I gave it my all, I think I could do better but it’s just disappointing. I expected to win like I normally do but thanks to all the support and congratulations.”
    Joyce has a rematch clause and the possibility of a second fight in China has been mooted for Zhang, who pulled off the upset.
    Zhang said: “Today belongs to me. It belongs to everyone who showed up, belongs to every Chinese that showed up.
    “Im 39 years old but I’m disciplined, I train hard. Next step I’m gong for the title.”
    Joe Joyce was beaten for the first timeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    Premier League stars desperate for help after becoming addicted to ‘snus’ drug

    PREMIER League aces are seeking help after becoming addicted to tobacco product snus, The Sun has found.The pouches are put in the mouth like old-fashioned chewing tobacco and are seen as less harmful than cigarettes.
    Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, pictured in 2016, used snus for its supposed calming effectCredit: Fame Flynet
    Swedish-made snus is not illegal but can’t be sold in the UK due to cancer fearsCredit: Corbis – Getty
    But with many players hooked and struggling to cope, the Professional Footballers’ Association is investigating amid health fears — and the impact on kids who may copy their role models.
    Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, Man United centre back Victor Lindelof and Newcastle defender Emil Krafth have used snus for its supposed calming effect.
    Now the PFA has launched workshops highlighting the risks.
    We found some users are getting through 25 tea bag-style pouches — which are placed under the top lip — each day.
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    A source said: “Many are now hooked as they don’t realise snus contains more addictive nicotine than a cigarette.
    “Club doctors fear usage is spiralling out of control.”
    Swedish-made snus is not illegal but can’t be sold in the UK due to cancer fears.
    Tubs are as little as £5 online.
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    The PFA said it has trialled workshops on potential snus risks and recognises “the need to roll this education out to the entire membership”. More

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    Referee sprints into crowd to perform CPR on ill fan on her DEBUT.. with 28-year-old official also medical student

    AN Italian referee desperately tried to save a fan’s life after they fell ill in the crowd, according to reports.A supporter was taken ill in the closing stages of Thursday’s Serie D match between Vastogirardi and Avezzano.
    Thursday’s Serie A match between Vastogirardi and Avezzano was halted due to a medical emergency for a fanCredit: YOUTUBE
    Referee Cristiana Laraspata ran over to the stricken fan and performed CPRCredit: YouTube
    The stricken fan was eventually taken to a nearby hospitalCredit: YOUTUBE
    The officials and players were quickly alerted of the emergency, which prompted ref Cristiana Laraspata to stop the match.
    And she bravely ran to the crowd and provided medical treatment for the fan.
    Laraspata – who is a medical student – immediately gave the stricken fan CPR.
    But, according to Gazetta Regionale, her efforts were in vain as the fan tragically passed away.
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    The man – who has yet to be identified – is said to have passed on shortly after arriving at a nearby hospital.
    In an interview with Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, Laraspata – who was making her Serie D debut – said of the incident: “They were endless moments.
    “For a moment the gentleman even seemed to have recovered.
    “I did everything to save him ”
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    Nicola Favia – the president of the Puglia Regional Referee Committee, said of Laraspata’s bravery: “She experienced a baptism on a day she will never forget.
    “I felt calm as she was sorry for what happened, the unfortunate fate of this person is certainly a more important aspect than the sporting context in which he found himself.
    “Cristiana represented a positive example, an always valid message: life before each game.
    “We must say that she was cold and waiting for official help she was the first to rush from the field to the grandstand to operate the first intervention.
    “She was making her debut in Serie D ”.
    The fan tragically passed away shortly after arriving at the hospitalCredit: YouTube More

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    I broke Glenn Hoddle’s ribs when I gave him CPR, says Spurs fan who saved his life after cardiac attack

    THE man who saved Glenn Hoddle after his heart stopped has re­vealed he broke seven of the footie pundit’s ribs giving him CPR.Spurs fan Simon Daniels was reunited with Glenn on telly yesterday.
    Ex-Tottenham and England ace Glenn Hoddle was reunited with heart surgeon Stephen Edmondson and fan Simon Daniels, who both saved his lifeCredit: Rex
    The former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder was visibly emotional when Simon joined him and heart surgeon Stephen Edmondson as they were being interviewed on Good Morning Britain.
    Sound engineer Simon’s last-minute appearance came as he was working on ITV’s Lorraine in the studio next door.
    Glenn, 65, said: “You can imagine how emotional I feel with these two guys sat here.”
    Simon said: “I broke seven of Glenn’s ribs so I’ve got that on my CV.”
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    Presenter Kate Garraway joked “So you’re not a Spurs fan?” and he replied: “No, I am a Spurs fan.”
    Glenn had a cardiac arrest on his 61st birthday in 2018 while working as a pundit for BT Sport.
    Simon’s first aid kept him alive long enough to be rushed to hospital for open-heart surgery.
    A bypass op was then carried out by Mr Edmonson at St Barts, London.
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    Simon said: “I could tell that Glenn was seriously unwell.
    “Just being able to do CPR, and do it quickly, you give someone that chance of making it.”
    Glenn said: “I’m only here because of Steve and Simon. These guys saved my life.” More

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    Bournemouth star David Brooks in line for Wales return after 536-day cancer lay-off, confirms boss Robert Page

    DAVID BROOKS is in line for a Wales return in June following his cancer battle.The Bournemouth ace, who has recovered from Stage-2 Hodgkin lymphoma, had a cameo as a substitute in the 3-0 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa last weekend after 536 days out.
    David Brooks could make his return to the Wales teamCredit: Alamy
    Coach Robert Page has said he could play a part in the futureCredit: AFP
    Then Brooks, 25, scored a hat-trick in a 45-minute outing for the Cherries’ development side as they beat Portsmouth 5-2 in the Hampshire Senior Cup on Tuesday.
    Wales boss Robert Page has hailed Brooks’ powers of recovery but left the 21-cap star out of his squad for this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Croatia and Latvia because he felt it came too soon.
    But Page has given Brooks the realistic target of a summer comeback for the Dragons, with Group D clashes versus Armenia and Turkey.
    Page said: “We had a positive conversation. It’s a great achievement for him after what he has been through.
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    “He has had his first involvement, and it’s all about his rehab now and getting match fitness.
    “It was unrealistic for him to come for these two games against  Croatia and Latvia. But I have told him about how important he is for me — and to the future of Welsh football.
    “There are camps in June, and he can’t wait to be a part of it again.
    “He is an incredible talent, so to have someone like him coming back into the fold is great for all of us and gives us all a lift.”
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    Brooks’ treble versus Pompey did not go unnoticed by his Wales team-mates, who are preparing for their opening qualifier in  Split on Saturday.
    Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham, a close pal of Brooks for club and country, said: “I was buzzing.
    “I knew he had a game, and I was checking on my phone… one goal, David Brooks, two goals, three goals.
    “I was slightly disappointed when I saw the goals themselves. I wouldn’t say it’s the most exhilarating hat trick I’ve ever seen in my life!
    “But it was good to see, especially with what he’s gone through. And to have an amazing moment of coming on the other day for his first Premier League game back.” More

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    Bournemouth star David Brooks scores a hat-trick on his first start since his cancer battle

    DAVID BROOKS hit a hat-trick on his first start since his cancer battle.The Bournemouth ace, who had a cameo at Aston Villa last weekend, netted three in a 45-minute outing as the development side beat Portsmouth 5-2 in the Hampshire Senior Cup.
    David Brooks came on after 536 days on the sidelines following his cancer battle as a second half substitute against Aston Villa last weekendCredit: PA
    Brooks netted his treble by bundling in the first from close range before a strike with both his left and right foot in front of the watching Cherries boss Gary O’Neil at the Vitality Stadium.
    Bournemouth’s official twitter account tweeted: “The perfect return for @DRBrooks15.
    “The winger netted a hat-trick for the development squad this evening.”
    It was the first time Brooks has scored since August 2021 when he found the back of the net against Nottingham Forest.
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    The 25-year-old has battled back from his Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in October 2021.
    But the Wales attacker revealed he was ‘cancer free’ last October.
    After 529 days, Brooks was in the Bournemouth matchday squad and an unused sub against Liverpool earlier this month.
    Then Brooks, who has 21 Welsh caps, came off for the final 11 minutes of the Cherries’ 3-0 Prem defeat at Villa Park on Saturday.
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    But Brooks will hope his goalscoring return can provide a personal boost ahead of the season run-in and a possible Wales return for Euro 2024 qualifiers in June.  More

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    Tottenham splash out on ‘well-being guru’ so under-fire stars can relax with yoga, art classes and poetry readings

    MILLIONAIRE stars at Prem giants Spurs were branded selfish and savaged for not being able to perform under pressure – and now they are being pampered with a “well-being guru” to keep stars happy.Fiery boss Antonio Conte faces the boot for turning on his own team after a string of dismal results culminating in last weekend’s capitulation at rock bottom Southampton which ended in a 3-3 draw.
    Tottenham stars spotted in trainingCredit: Rex
    They are in line to be supported by a ‘well-being guru’Credit: PA
    But rather than toughen up the “Spursy” line-up, the club is splashing out on a new employee to meet their off-field needs – including yoga, art classes and poetry readings.
    The executive will work alongside Tottenham’s psychologists who monitor stars’ state of mind, and player care officers who tackle mundane tasks like sourcing motors and opening bank accounts for players including Harry Kane.
    They will be expected to set up health and well-being activities for the squad, and create a network of mental health “first aiders” to assist struggling staff and players.
    An ad reveals: “The Club is seeking a Health & Wellbeing Lead to develop the Health and Wellbeing Services across the club.
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    “As the Health & Wellbeing Lead, your primary focus will be on our employees.
    “You will work with key stakeholders on supporting our development of elite players (including boys / girls and Women’s).
    “The Health & Wellbeing Lead will drive workforce awareness and development about mental health and embed it into all aspects of the business.”
    The exec will “produce quarterly and annual reports on health & wellbeing noting key areas of progress and development, including documented rates of staff and player wellbeing and present to key stakeholder groups”.
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    Spurs stars will be treated to yoga classesCredit: Getty
    And also be taught in art classesCredit: AFP
    And “facilitate appropriate risk assessments and risk management”.
    The candidate will “work closely with already existing health & well-being contributors within the business (this includes, e.g. Club Psychologists, Player Care Manager, Player Liaison, Medical, the Head of Safeguarding, HR, and Safeguarding Officers)”.
    And “develop a programme of day-to-day wellbeing activities for staff on all sites”.
    Last night furious Spurs fans hit out at the club.
    Shiraz Harwood said: “No wonder the players can’t cope on the pitch – they are pampered and treated like princesses. It’s pretty pathetic.”
    John Hobson said: “Conte was right after all. The club is a joke.” More