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    Watch Thierry Henry torment his opponent in Match for Hope to win penalty in cheekiest way

    ARSENAL legend Thierry Henry has rolled back the years – at the expense of influencer Tobi Brown. The Gunners legend, 47, is playing for Team KSI in the 2025 Match for Hope.Thierry Henry was up to his old tricks in the 2025 Match For HopeCredit: YouTube / @ChunkzThe French superstar began doing keepy-ups to trick defender Tobi BrownCredit: YouTube / @ChunkzHenry tempted influencer Brown into a rash tackleCredit: YouTube / @ChunkzThe Frenchman immediately appealed for a penalty for handballCredit: YouTube / @ChunkzHenry joined a host of fellow legends for the charity event in Qatar. And the 47-year-old showed off some of the flair that made him one of the Prem’s best-ever players. With his side leading 3-2 just before the break, Henry began doing keepy-ups as he took on YouTube star Brown.Tobi – known as TBJZL – was bamboozled by the Frenchman’s fast feet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe lunged forward to try and tackle, with his arms flailing about in the process.Henry waited for Bown to commit and then attempted to cross, with the ball striking Tobi’s arm.The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot, with Henry producing a trademark grin for the cameras. One fan responded: “Thierry Henry with the masterclass! Tobi didn’t stand a chance there!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “Pure filth.”While a third argued: “i know its a charity game, but how is that a pen?”Kate Abdo left in disbelief as she hides face after Thierry Henry’s controversial comment live on CBS Sports Earlier in the contest, Team KSI went behind after a bizarre head-loss from their captain.KSI put through his own goal under no pressure from the opposition, crumpling to his knees in embarrassment. Fans were quick to brand his effort the “worst own goal ever.”The Match for Hope aims to raise money for an estimated 70,000 schoolchildren in countries around the world.It sees teams of both influencers and ex-pros go head-to-head, with Henry, Alexander Del Piero and David Silva all involved this year.Last year’s edition raised more than £7million for charity. More

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    Embarrassed KSI scores horror own goal before getting brutally mocked by opponent in Match for Hope

    KSI has been brutally mocked after a bizarre own goal in the 2025 Match for Hope.The YouTuber-turned-boxer, 31, left fans and teammates bemused after the bizarre moment during the charity match in Qatar. KSI put through his own goal in Friday’s Match for HopeCredit: XThe YouTuber bizarrely found the back of the net as he attempted a clearanceCredit: XKSI fell to the floor and was mobbed by ecstatic players from the other teamCredit: XKSI – captain of his own XI in the contest – attempted to cut out a cross from fellow streaming star iShowSpeed eight minutes into the game. But the 31-year-old inexplicably turned the ball into his own net as he tried to clear. KSI sank to the floor in embarrassment, with rival captain Chunkz diving on him in celebration.One fan gasped on X: “This is the most KSI thing to happen.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnother said: “I think that might be the worst own goal ever.”While a third claimed: “KSI with the most scripted own goal of all time.”The Match for Hope aims to raise money for an estimated 70,000 schoolchildren in countries around the world.It sees teams of both influencers and ex-pros go head-to-head in a chaotic 90 minutes.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLast year more than $8.8million (£7million) was raised for charity. The chas will be split between schools in Palestine, Sudan, Mali, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Pakistan.Incredible body-cam footage shows what it was like to play against Hazard, Drogba & Co after Match For Hope charity gameThis year’s edition features legends including Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry, Alessandro Del Piero and David Silva. While ex-Premier League bosses Arsene Wenger and Mauricio Pochettino are in the dugouts. KSI’s unfortunate moment opened the floodgates at both ends of the field. The goals flowed before halftime, with SIX flying in as both defences crumbled in Qatar.And despite KSI’s bizarre OG, his team triumphed 6-5 in a thriller. More

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    Sidemen Charity Match 2025: Date, kick-off time, stream FREE and confirmed line-ups for Wembley Stadium showpiece

    THE Sidemen Charity match returns for 2025, as KSI and the Sidemen take on the YouTube Allstars in HUGE clash at Wembley Stadium.The sixth iteration of the match takes place at Wembley Stadium, with the Sidemen having visited many stadiums around England throughout the history of the event.KSI will play with YouTube group the Sidemen of Sidemen FCCredit: Richard Sellers/PA WireSidemen FC vs YouTube Allstars is an event to raise money for charityCredit: Kieran Cleeves/PA WireDespite taking the game to the 90,000 capacity stadium, Sidemen sold out the stadium in just THREE HOURS.The Sidemen are taking on the YouTube Allstars, and currently hold a 4-1 record in five matches, ranging back to 2016.How to watch Sidemen FC vs YouTube Allstars?In previous years, the game has been shown via a live stream on the Sidemen YouTube channel, and this year is expected to be the same.The match will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025.Kick-off is expected to be at 3pm, but further details will be confirmed closer to the day.The match will take place at Wembley Stadium in London.Who is playing in the Sidemen Charity Match?Confirmed for Sidemen FC will be their seven members:Olajide Olatunji aka KSISimon Minter aka MiniminterTobi Brown aka TBJZLJoshua Bradley aka ZerkaaHarry Lewis aka W2SVikram Barn aka VikkstarEthan Payne aka BehzingaNames will be confirmed on the Sidemen social media channels, but so far they have announced:LazarBeamFanumMore names to follow…Most read in FootballHistory of the Sidemen Charity MatchThe group first took to the pitch against the YouTube Allstars in Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium in 2016. Sidemen FC won the game 7-2.KSI announces Wayne Bridge replacement for Misfits Boxing after ex-Chelsea star pulled out over John Terry jibeYouTube Allstars picked up their first win against Sidemen FC in a much closer contest a year later at The Valley, home ground of Charlton Athletic.Goals from streamer Castro and YouTuber Chris MD were the difference in an anomaly 2-0 win for the Allstars.To date, the 2017 YouTube Allstars are the only team to keep a clean sheet in any iteration of this match, and the only version of the team that have a win over Sidemen FC.The Valley became a regular spot for the Sidemen to host these games, as they played there again in 2018 and 2022.In 2023, the YouTube group dared to go bigger, and sold out the London Stadium in a thrilling 8-5 win over the Allstars, having won 8-7 the year prior.In short, don’t be a goalkeeper in the Sidemen Charity Match.Are tickets still available for Sidemen Charity Match?In short, no, tickets are now officially sold out on the Sidemen FC website.Despite upgrading to the 90,000 seater stadium, the YouTube sensations had no problem selling out the match.READ MORE SUN STORIESWembley has hosted YouTube events before, with Hashtag United owner Spencer Owen, otherwise known as Spencer FC, hosting the EE Wembley Cup there.An early iteration of Sidemen FC actually faced Spencer FC in the first game in 2015. The EE Wembley Cup was played four times in 2015, 16, 17 and 18. More

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    Match for Hope 2025 LIVE SCORE: KSI and IShowSpeed’s star-studded teams face off in huge charity match – latest updates

    MATCH for Hope is here, and there are some huge names taking part in Qatar!Team Chunkz and IShowSpeed will go head-to-head with Team KSI and AboFlah in a blockbuster charity match.Football legends such as Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta and David Silva will feature alongside some of the biggest names on the internet.Kick off time: 5pm GMT/8pm local timeFREE live stream: Chunkz’s official YouTube channelTeam Chunkz x IShowSpeed: Thogden, Tobi Brown, Harry Pinero, Manny Brown, AJ Shabeel, Andres Iniesta, David Silva, IShowSpeed, Chunkz, Taiyo, Kimura, Eman SV2.Team KSI x AboFlah: David Vujanic, KSI, Danny Aarons, Angry Ginge, Miniminter, Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Del Piero, Musaed Al Fouzan, Billy Wingrove, AboFlah, Thierry Henry.Donate to Education Above All FoundationFollow our live blog below…Waiting gameWe’re still waiting for the live stream to kick off and the 10,000-plus people waiting on Chunkz’s YiouTube channel are not taking to it too kindly… We’re sure the stream will kick in any second now.Copy linkCopiedOne hour to go!Match for Hope 2025 kicks off in one hour!The match is available to watch for free on Chunkz’s Youtube channel.Stay tuned to this page to catch all the actions as it happens.Copy linkCopiedBREAKING: Match for Hope 2025 lineups confirmedTeam Chunkz x IShowSpeed: Thogden; Tobi Brown, Harry Pinero, Manny Brown, AJ Shabeel; Andres Iniesta, David Silva; IShowSpeed, Chunkz, Taiyo, Kimura; Eman SV2.Team AboFlah x KSI: David Vujanic; KSI, Danny Aarons, Angry Ginge, Miniminter; Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Del Piero, Musaed Al Fouzan; Billy Wingrove, AboFlah, Thierry Henry.Copy linkCopiedWinner stays on!Watch as Chunkz gives his verdict on who is the best midfielder in the world.Copy linkCopied30 Minutes until lineupsWith just two hours until Match for Hope 2025 kicks off the starting lineups for Team Chunkz x Team IShowSpeed and Team AboFlah x Team KSI will be out shortly.Stay tuned to this page to find out who starts as soon as they’re in.Copy linkCopiedTIM CAHILL spills the secrets behind Everton’s turnaround under David MoyesThe Everton legend will be the assistant manager for Team Chunkz x IShowSpeedCopy linkCopiedEXCLUSIVE Mauricio Pochettino interviewWatch as Team Chunkz x IShowSpeed manager Mauricio Pochettino gives his thoughts on the current situation at former club Tottenham HotspurCopy linkCopiedSpeed working on his shooting ahead of tonight’s matchSpeed might need a bit of work on his finishing before kick-off…Copy linkCopiedKSI mocked by Team Chunkz x IShowSpeedWatch as Team Chunkz and IShowSpeed take the mick out of KSI’s new song “Thick Of It” in the pre-match press conference.Copy linkCopiedWho are the influencers to look out for?Football influencer Billy Wingrove, one half of F2Freestlyers, will certainly be one influencer to keep an eye on. Wingrove spent time in Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur academies as a youngster and has a wand of a left foot.Members of British Youtube group The Sidemen who will be involved include, KSI, Behzinga, Miniminter and Tobi Brown.From America, popular streamers, IShowSpeed and Fanum aren’t renowned for their football skills but should provide an entertainment factor and viral moments during the match.Copy linkCopiedWhat happened last year?Last year’s edition of Match for Hope was filled with goals with team Chunkz emerging 7-5 victors over team Aboflah in a highly entertaining affair. The sides were managed by Arsene Wenger and Antonio Conte respectively.The 2024 edition saw the likes of Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos, Didier Drogba, David Villa and Kaka taking part in the charity event.Both Didier Drogba and David Villa left with braces and viral moments were created, with IShowSpeed missing an open goal after being squared the ball by Eden Hazard.Copy linkCopiedWhere can I watch the match?Match for Hope 2025 is expected to kick off at 5pm GMT/8pm local time, at Stadium 974 in Qatar.The match will be broadcast on BeIn Sports globally, but there is no TV coverage in the UK however, it will be streamed LIVE on Chunkz’s Youtube channel, free to watch anywhere.Stay tuned to this blog to catch all the action as it happens!Copy linkCopiedGood afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of Match for Hope!It’s matchday in Qatar as Team Chunkz x IShowSpeed and Team KSI x AboFlah go head-to-head in a huge charity match.The match brings huge social media influencers and football legends together to raise money for children’s schools in Palestine, Sudan, Mali, Rwanda, Tanzania and Pakistan.Around 22 million people watched last year’s event and $8.8 million was raised for the cause.This year you will see Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta, Andrea Pirlo, David Silva and many more stars playing in the game.Mauricio Pochettino and Arsene Wenger will be managing the respective sides.Copy linkCopied More

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    Misfits Boxing’s Carla Jade reveals her hardest battle is outside the ring – and the thing that would hurt her most

    INCREDIBLE CARLA Jade has managed to juggle a blooming boxing career and a successful ring girl business alongside being a busy mum of four.But the brunette beauty, 35, wouldn’t swap her hectic life for anything else.Brunette beauty Carla Jade is the mum-of-four who has taken Misfits Boxing by stormCredit: Instagram @carla_jjadeCarla is the current Misfits Boxing lightweight women’s championCredit: PA’Killa’ Carla Jade recently defended her belt against Melanie Shah at Misfits Boxing 20Credit: PAJade was recently in action against bare-knuckle boxer Melanie Shah at Misfits Boxing 20 at Co-op Live in Manchester, where she defended her lightweight belt.It’s been a remarkable journey for the champ who has wowed her four kids with her exploits in the ring, as well as the fact she gets to rub shoulders with YouTuber KSI.However, despite barbs aimed at her online by her rivals on social media, and punches thrown by juggernauts in the squared circle, being a mother serves up tougher challenges.”Everyone always talks about the boxing and everything like that – but for me, my hardest battle is always outside of the ring,” Carla told SunSport.”I am always juggling everything and making sure everything’s done. You know, I’ve got the kids, I’ve got a business, then I’ve got the boxing.”I say it’s hard, but I have four amazing kids. They’re so lovely, so helpful.”They’re my whole inspiration. So as much as it’s hard, you can’t be upset because you’re busy juggling your lottery win. It’s the best thing ever being a mum.”The kids are the only thing in the whole world that… you know, obviously I love boxing, I love my friends, I love my family, but if you took them away from me that would hurt.”From ring girl to boxing sensationCarla’s children, aged 19, 18, 15 and 10, saw their mum in the ring before she became a Misfits Boxing sensation.Meet Sydney Thomas, The Next Big Ring Girl StarShe has regularly shown off her stunning figure at PFL and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship events.While the fierce fighter also runs a stable of promo models with her own agency, Finesse Ring Girls.Carla said: “It’s funny because they didn’t care so much when I was a ring girl.”I think the only time my son showed an interest was when he saw an ad for BKFC when he was playing his FIFA video game, and he was like ‘oh, is that the show you worth with?’ “When I first started boxing, it wasn’t much of a shock to my kids because they already know I’m not a very conventional person.”At first they weren’t majorly interested, but when I won the belt they thought it was the coolest thing in the whole world.”Also, they’re not YouTubey kids, but they were impressed I get to hangout with KSI and other influencers who are big in their world.”I think now they’re kind of in awe of me!”So far, Carla’s children have yet to watch mum live in action at one of her bruising or bloody bouts.”Yeah, they don’t come to the fights,” Carla explained.Alongside her boxing career, Carla Jade is a ring girl and runs her own businessCredit: https://www.instagram.com/carla_jjadeGlam Carla’s kids have watched their mum in action in the ringCredit: Instagram @carla_jjadeCarla revealed that her son had a watch party with his friends for one of her fightsCredit: Instagram @carla_jjade”I did ask them if they wanted to come to my last fight – but being in Manchester it was a bit far for them to travel.”They watch it on TV, though. My son, bless him, is so cute. He had a watch party with his friends when I fought Nikki Hru.”I have to remember that they’re watching, so I can’t get too carried away and say something I shouldn’t! “But my older children understand it. They understand it’s work, so when I got slapped by Melanie in the press conference they knew it wasn’t like getting slapped in the street by someone!”The parenting juggleCarla admitted the hardest thing she faces as a Misfits boxer is the time it takes away from her kids.”Time management is really tough,” she confessed.”I have never really had a 9-5 job, so doing the school run hasn’t been an issue.”I’ll drop them off at school, go to the gym, get all my training done, then I’m able to pick them up later.”Sometimes sparring sessions are in the evening, depending on what girls are available. Before I go back out, I’ll do the dinner for them.Carla has made sacrifices to conquer the Misfits Boxing worldCredit: https://www.instagram.com/carla_jjadeCarla revealed eight-week training camps can take her away from valuable time with her four childrenCredit: https://www.instagram.com/carla_jjadeDespite an often gruelling schedule, Carla is grateful to be a part of Misfits BoxingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/carla_jjade”My 19-year-old can cook, so she prepares her own meals or will help feed the others. She’s an angel.””It can be hard when it gets closer to the fights and we’ve got proper eight-week training camps.”But, I am very lucky because if you break it down, it’s eight weeks, one night, and it’s good money.”Of course I get tired, and driving back home after a sparring session late at night is tough.”I’d rather do that, though, because it means I can have little moments with my children – like take the dog for a walk or draw a picture with my youngest.”I can’t complain. It’s a small sacrifice to pay. I’m the champ. If it was an easy life, everyone would be doing it.”A dangerous gameCarla knows she puts herself at risk in the ring, which hits home being a parent. “It’s only recently I thought about the dangers,” she told us.”Coming into it, I knew I would have to go and spar and get punched in the head by other girls.”At times, the next day I have suffered with a bad headache. You’re wearing eight ounce gloves, no head guards, so it’s proper boxing when it’s fight night.”It’s a serious sport, so I just make sure I protect myself, look after my body. I take my weight cut seriously, and Misfits look after us as well.”They make sure everyone’ s on weight, we are tested by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency), so they’ve proven to be such a professional organisation.Mum Jade confessed she has thought about the dangers her boxing career could poseCredit: Instagram @carla_jjadeCarla poses with sparring partner Aria Wild following a session in the gymCarla is happy to fight in the ring to provide for her familyCredit: Instagram @carla_jjade”At the same time, I could go out and, heaven forbid, get hit by a bus tomorrow.”I want to live my life to the full, provide for my family, and I think I can do that safely in the boxing ring”It’s great to have a place I can show off my skills, personality, and get paid.” More

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    Inside Jake Paul’s private jet as YouTuber-turned-boxing star splashes out on brand new plane

    JAKE PAUL has declared he is “going global” – after purchasing his first private jet. The YouTuber-turned-boxer, 28, has splashed the cash following his mega-money fight with Mike Tyson. Jake Paul has shown off his brand-new private jetCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/The YouTuber-turned-boxer recently picked up a £32million cheque for fighting Mike TysonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/Jake also gifted himself a Maybach SUV in the same colour as his planeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/The 28-year-old enjoyed five-star service on his new jetCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/He kicked back and watched some TV after hitting the skiesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/Paul bagged £32million for stepping into the ring with The Baddest Man On The Planet last November. The 28-year-old has gone from making YouTube videos in his bedroom to rubbing shoulders with boxing legends in under a decade. He recently declared: “I’m the new face of boxing.”You cannot have the biggest fight of 2025 without my name involved.”READ MORE ON JAKE PAULJake is estimated to be worth a whopping £62million. Now a portion of that hard-earned cash has gone into his newest plaything – a stunning private jet. Paul revealed his newest purchase to his 18.5 million followers on TikTok.Dancing on the runway with a huge bottle of champagne, a luxury £175,000 Mercedes Maybach with a giant bow could also be spotted behind the boxer.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPaul then showcased the plane in action, lounging on a bed mid-flight before tucking into a plate of nachos.He sat back to watch some ESPN, before a flight attendant brought some hot towels. Jake Paul brands Canelo Alvarez ‘an owned slave’ in social media rant after dramatic collapse of their $200m fight dealJake captioned the clip: “Bought my first jet. Went global cause I’m global. Silly me.”Paul is reportedly finalising his next fight following the dramatic collapse of his bout against Canelo Alvarez.The pair were poised to announce a shock May 3 bout in Las Vegas.But Canelo walked away just days beforehand to instead sign a deal with Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.Paul hit out at the Mexican superstar with his next fight now in the works after talks dramatically broke down.Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson round-by-roundMIKE TYSON’s long-awaited return to the ring didn’t have the fairytale ending fight fans dreamed of.SunSport’s boxing expert Wally Downes Jr recaps one of the drabbest and most forgettable nights in boxing history.And he didn’t hold back, issuing a scathing assessment of social media sensation Jake Paul.Round OnePaul says “I love you, Mike” just before the opening bell sounds. He quickly runs away and holds the boxing legend.Tyson draws a big reaction from the crowd as he lands a jab and a good right hand.Verdict: 10-9 TysonRound TwoPaul ran away in the opener and held – just like we thought he would.Tommy Fury had it first and now Mike Tyson. It’s clever because Tyson will tire. Paul tags Tyson’s body with a straight right.Tyson looks spent now. 180 seconds in and the fight looks over.Verdict: 10-9 TysonRound ThreeThe legend cannot even keep his gumshield in. As expected it’s a waste of time. Paul has run away until the 58-year-old has tired.Shooting ducks in a barrel now. Tyson might get hurt here. Paul lands a couple of clumsy shots and Tyson wobbles backwards.Tragic after three.Verdict: 10-9 PaulRound FourThis is proper rubbish. The crowd are bored and boos are being heard.This is just two tired big lumps going at it.  One a legend, one a promoter.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound FivePaul jabs the body and aims right for the head and another one-two clips the icon.Tyson cannot keep his mouthpiece in, he is gasping for air. Paul lands a left hook but then so does Tyson.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound SixThank God these weren’t three-minute rounds. We are getting about four punches per round.Tyson is gasping in the air but replays show a left hook did graze Paul’s beard.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound SevenTyson slips a jab and tries an uppercut. The commentator admits it has been a “sad” spectacle.The AT&T stadium has been utterly stunk out. Paul is looking just as tired as Tyson.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound EightGo back to YouTube, Jake. You’re an excellent conman. But you’ve never been a boxer.The Judges decide: 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. I’m glad Tyson gets paid and has stayed safe.But what a laughable performance from Paul to add to his stinker with Tommy Fury.Verdict 10-9 PaulSunSport’s final scorecard – 78-74 for Jake PaulClick to read the full round-by-round breakdown.He posted: “Done with this little money chasing, no respect having nut. “Bent the knee and became just like the rest.”[I’m] working on finalizing the next fight.”Paul’s bout with 58-year-old Tyson was broadcast live on Netflix. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe event was a record breaker for the streaming service as it peaked at 65 MILLION concurrent streams.It made the boxing bout one of the most watched sporting events of all time.Jake showed off the plane’s interior, which included a swanky bed areaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/The 28-year-old fought Tyson in a bout shown on Netflix in NovemberCredit: Getty More

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    Inside collapse of Jake Paul’s $200m fight with Canelo Alvarez as boxing legend thought bout was TOO BIG for Netflix

    JAKE PAUL was on the verge of a sensational deal to fight Canelo Alvarez – but it was KO’d after a dramatic turn of events overnight.The YouTuber-turned-boxer and Mexican great were poised to this week announce a shock May 3 bout in Las Vegas.Jake Paul was close to agreeing a fight with Canelo AlvarezCredit: GettyCanelo walked away from a deal to fight Jake PaulCredit: APBut Canelo walked away just days beforehand to instead sign a deal with Turki Alalshikh – Saudi Arabia’s powerful boxing powerbroker.It brought an end to one of the most remarkable 24 hours in boxing. A mega-fight even rival promoter Eddie Hearn claimed was worth $200MILLION went up in smoke following a five minute phone call. And SunSport is here to reveal exactly what transpired over three months of talks between the two camps.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt all started in December, one month after Paul beat Mike Tyson in their controversial clash on Netflix.Outrage surrounded the fight as Tyson returned at 58 for his first professionally-sanctioned bout in 20 YEARS.He had only faced Roy Jones Jr – aged 54 at the time – in an exhibition four years earlier – which was nothing more of a glorified sparring session.Nevertheless, over 100 MILLION tuned in on Netflix – causing the streaming service to collapse.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd over 70,000 fans turned up at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium in Texas – banking £14.5m in ticket sales alone.This caught the attention of Canelo – who managed to generate £7.2m in the same stadium for his 2021 win over Billy Joe Saunders.Jake Paul brands Canelo Alvarez ‘an owned slave’ in social media rant after dramatic collapse of their $200m fight dealPaul and his team – looking to match the commercial success of their event with Iron Mike – reached out to Canelo’s camp for talks in December.Alvarez – managed by his trainer Eddy Reynoso – left negotiations in the hands of Al Haymon of Premier Boxing Champions.Canelo has worked with Oscar de la Hoya and Hearn previously but his last three bouts had been with PBC – and he wanted to keep it that way.Talks between the opposing camps progressed into January.And while a verbal agreement for Canelo to face Jake Paul in his next fight was struck – nothing had been officially signed.The bout would be at the 200lb cruiserweight limit with the T-Mobile Arena in Vegas already booked – targeted for Netflix – over 12 rounds.According to a social media post from Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian – Canelo’s team initially suggested a 190lb catchweight contest.But Bidarian argued allowing Paul to fight at the 14st 4lb cruiserweight limit of 200lb would garner more public interest.’THIS WASN’T A COINCIDENCE’After all, size was the only thing on paper in the celebrity’s favour.Canelo – a champion in four weights from 154lb up to 175lb – has been called out by prankster-gone-prizefighter Paul since as early as 2021.But the ex-undisputed super-middleweight king always laughed it off as nothing more than nonsense from the former Disney Channel actor. That was until recently, when Canelo and his team began to open the door to the idea.This wasn’t a coincidence. There was a strategic plan in place for Canelo to begin publicly considering the idea of fighting Paul.That way fans would start to recognise that the previously impossible bout was no longer just a wild fantasy of Paul’s.By the new year it looked as though a deal was edging closer – all while Canelo travelled to London for a glitzy Ring Magazine event.CANELO’S CHANGE OF MIND In the midst of talks with Paul’s camp, Canelo was also looking to a September super-fight against unbeaten American Terence Crawford.Alalshikh – who purchased The Ring Magazine from De la Hoya – had proposed a three-bout deal with Canelo.But Alvarez’s regular Cinco de Mayo fight date – held over Mexico’s annual celebration in May – was yet to be finalised.Paul was to fill that space with Crawford taking the September date over Mexican Independence Weekend.Canelo later returned home from the capital having held talks with Alalshikh over the Crawford fight.And it seemed business with Paul and Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season was being dealt with separately – and would not interfere with each other.That was all about to change.By early February, Canelo and Paul were close to being able to announce the Sin City blockbuster.But then, Canelo had a sudden change of mind. He informed Paul’s team that he no longer wanted the bout on Netflix – he felt it was too big not to be on PPV.PBC are in their first year with Amazon Prime – who also have a box office platform.But Paul and his team stood firm. In their eyes the fight was only ever heading to Netflix.They had already conceded that Canelo would get A-side treatment.That included having his name first on the poster while walking to the ring and having his name announced after Paul. As discussions continued about the fight being on PPV or Netflix – Alalshikh entered the frame with an ultimatum.Either Canelo walks away from a deal with Paul or the Crawford fight – and any other subsequent follow up bouts – were off the table.WHAT HAPPENS NOW? Alalshikh felt Canelo – still 34 and with four more years planned in the sport – could take a novelty payday against Paul at a later stage.And he thought the fight – which most would deem farcical – only served to diminish the magnitude of Canelo versus Crawford.So Alalshikh phoned up Canelo – and claimed he needed just five minutes to complete one of boxing’s most dramatic U-turns.He offered a new bumper four-bout deal – starting on May 4 in Saudi – progressing into September against Crawford and then two fights in 2026.But Canelo would have to forfeit his clash with Paul – something that he appeared to do at the drop of a hat. It was quickly announced that Canelo was now fighting William Skull, 32, on the morning of Sunday May 4 in Riyadh. That would cater to prime-time Saturday night viewing in America.And it will be for the undisputed super-middleweight world titles – after Skull inherited the IBF version Canelo had to vacate.A win for Canelo also gives Crawford, 37, the chance to challenge for all four 168lb titles at the Las Vegas Raiders’ 65,000-seat stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIESPaul – beaten only by Tommy Fury in 2023 – meanwhile went back to the drawing board and is gearing up to announce his next opponent.But there is still hope talks with Canelo can be revisited – perhaps with the fight now bigger than ever after the fiasco that so publicly transpired. Turki Alalshikh with CaneloCredit: InstagramJake Paul in training for his next fightCredit: Instagram More

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    World Cup winner’s Wag dubbed ‘hottest woman in the world’ and ‘from another planet’ after stunning in series of bikinis

    MATS HUMMELS’ girlfriend Nicola Cavanis took social media by storm with a series of bikini posts.Roma star Hummels, 36, and Nicola, 26, went public with their relationship in October when they appeared together at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.Nicola Cavanis took social media by storm with a series of bikini snapsCredit: Instagram / @nicolaNicola recently started dating Roma star Mats HummelsCredit: Instagram / @nicolaNicola’s snap on Instagram attracted thousands of likesCredit: Instagram / @nicolaThe model has amassed a staggering 2million followers on Instagram thanks to a series of glam pics.This time the German posted a compilation clip that showed her trying on a series of different bikinis.It appears like she was trying to send a message of freedom and self-determination citing a song by the German music duo Rosenstolz in the caption.Nicola posted on Instagram: “If I let myself be caught, then it’s only by life, as Rosenstolz would say.”Read More on FootballThe model’s snap attracted over 60,000 likes, one of which was from Hummels, and her fans stormed the comments’ section.One fan posted: “You are beyond perfect, the hottest woman in the world.”Another posted: “Incredible again, Nicola.”A third wrote: “You are from another planet.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “You look beautiful.”And that one gushed: “Wow!”Meet Germany star Mats Hummels’ new model wag Nicola Cavanis, 25, who loves Wimbledon and is banned from getting tattoosHummels enjoyed tremendous success across two stints with Borussia Dortmund where he won two Bundesliga titles and two German Cups.The centre-back also made it to the Champions League final twice with Dortmund.The defender also won three league titles with Bayern Munich and experienced tremendous success on the international stage as he conquered the 2014 World Cup with Germany.The German joined Roma in September and has since amassed a total of one goal in 14 appearances.Scroll down for more from Nicola CavanisNicola and Hummels went public with their relationship in OctoberCredit: GettyModel Nicola is the new girlfriend of HummelsCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAThe 26-year-old works for ‘Munich Models Germany’Credit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe is 10 years younger than ex-Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund man HummelsCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLANicola has attended Wimbledon in the pastCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe has two million followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLANicola often shares stunning photos on her social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe is a lover of tennis, ice cream and beerCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLANicola is banned from getting tattoos by her modelling companyCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe also has a legion of followers on TikTokCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLA More