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    Cause of West Ham star Michail Antonio’s horror crash wasn’t booze or drugs, cops say – as striker remains in hospital

    COPS have ruled-out drink and drugs as causes of West Ham star Michail Antonio’s horror crash, sources claim.Officers are working on the basis no third-parties were involved in the moments before the £260,000 wrecked Ferrari FF was wrecked in Essex, on Saturday.Michail’s Ferrari FF hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on SaturdayCredit: GettyMichail miraculously survived the horror crash with only a fractured legCredit: Steve BellHe was stuck in the wreckage for nearly an hour before being airlifted from the siteCredit: UKNIPIn a tribute to their team mate West Ham players wore Michail Antonio shirts ahead of their game with WolvesCredit: PAAnd there has been no suggestion of excessive speeding – raising the spectre Antonio’s miracle escape could be a freak accident.A source said: “Drink and drugs have already been ruled out, and officers are not currently looking for anyone else.“There is no smoking gun as far as cops are concerned right now – but they have to investigate because the smash was so serious and caused such extensive injuries.“Just because cops are involved doesn’t mean a crime has been committed.”Read more SportSkid-marks show Antonio was driving uphill from Theydon Bois to Waltham Abbey, when his motor slid off the road.The crash took place at 12.50pm on Saturday as the front end of Storm Darragh swept across the country – with locals saying the route can be treacherous with run-off, in heavy rains.The wreck of Antonio’s rare supercar was said to be in a tight-security lock-up – rather than the usual compound cars involved in crashes around the M25 in Essex.Sources said it was set to be kept there in case investigators needed to examine it as part of an investigation into the star’s shocking near-miss.Most read in FootballThe striker was continuing to recover from surgery to a broken leg on Tuesday, amid fears the fracture could shorten the 34-year-old’s career.Dog walker Samuel Woods, also 34, told how Michail was seriously dazed when he saw him trapped in the ripped-apart motor.Major update on Michail Antonio as West Ham star undergoes surgery after horror Ferrari crashSamuel told The Sun: “I said to him, ‘Hello’ to see if anyone was alive. He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’ I couldn’t believe what happened.”The driver’s side of the high-powered car was ripped apart by the impact with a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday. Michail was sent flying across the interior to the passenger side.Drivers reported seeing smoke pouring from the motor.The star was trapped inside the supercar for almost an hour in the wreckage before being airlifted from the scene.He had to be cut free from the 2011 Ferrari FF and was rushed to hospital.Cops have appealed for dashcam footage in a bid to understand the lead-up to the smash.They said an investigation by its Roads Policing Unit had been opened.In a heartfelt tribute, Hammers stars wore shirts featuring Antonio’s name and number ahead of their clash with Wolves at London Stadium.Team-mate Jarrod Bowen said: “Mic has been longer than I have, everyone loves him. He’s a big character in here.”Those few hours on Saturday were difficult. He’s not just a team-mate he’s a friend of ours, he’s been a friend of ours for many years. A dad as well to beautiful children.”And you see the support, I just want to say thank you for all the support from everyone.”Michail moved to West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015 for £7 million,READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has since become the top Premier League scorer for the East London club, with 68 goals in 268 games. The athlete also co-hosts the BBC’s Footballer’s Football podcast alongside Callum Wilson from Newcastle.Michail Antonio’s incredible riseBy Jon BoonThe outpouring of love from the football community for Michael Antonio has been massive, with the striker recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.After impressing in 2008, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract.Antonio said: “They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham.He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.Away from football, Antonio has bravely opened up about his mental health struggles in recent times.The Jamaica international was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.He revealed: “I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle…” More

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    Michael Schumacher hard drive feared to contain leaked ‘intimate’ photos & files is MISSING, blackmail trial hears

    A HARD drive feared to be filled with Michael Schumacher’s “intimate” pictures and medical files has gone missing, a German court heard.Three suspects who allegedly orchestrated a £12m blackmail plot against Schumacher appeared at Wuppertal District Court near Dortmund.Details around seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher’s blackmail plot have been revealedCredit: AlamyThe former security guard for the Schumacher family Markus F allegedly planned the blackmail plotCredit: FacebookBouncer Yilmaz T was also hired to extort £12million from Schumachar’s family, it is claimedMichael Schumacher and his wife Corinna before his accident in 2013Credit: AlamyThe extortionists have been accused of threatening the Ferrari star’s family and conspiring to leak private pictures of him on the dark web. The photos were part of a cache of 1500 computer files including personal videos, medication lists and the contents of Schumacher’s patient file.They were allegedly stolen by a former security guard who worked for the Schumacher family.All the data was reportedly transferred to two hard drives and four USB sticks. more on the f1 legend However, one of the hard drives which may still hold data on the F1 legend has gone missing.All three accused face prison sentences if convicted. Yilmaz T, 53, a former bouncer at the large Grey nightclub in Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, is believed to have had the hard drive.He is thought to have initiated the extortion, by calling the Schumacher family and claiming to act as a middleman for other parties.Most read in MotorsportYilmaz T revealed he had two hard drives filled with the sporting legend’s medical records and private pictures.He is alleged to have threatened to leak them on the dark net. Schuey’s family awarded £170k damages over AI-generated ‘chat with F1 star’He claimed that he hid the hard drive with family members and friends.But while cops were able to recover the four USB sticks and one of the hard drives, the second one was not found.The former bouncer claimed to have received all the data from Markus F, 53, who is said to be the mastermind of the sickening plot.Markus F worked for Schumacher’s family as a security guard for years. He allegedly stole the data and passed it on to Yilmaz T. Markus F has been charged with aiding and abetting extortion and violating personal privacy.He has two prior convictions, including fraud in 127 cases, and in this case, he is charged with If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.PLOT’S ‘MASTERMIND’Yilmaz T’s son, Daniel L, 30, is also accused of supporting him in threatening the family by setting up an encrypted Gmail account and transmitting files.Yilmaz T claims he joined the plot to help a nurse – who has not yet been named – who also worked for the Schumachers. He told the court: “Completely honestly I didn’t see it the way it all came out. “Ok, it went badly, but…I was also given some pressure myself. “For example, the nurse became unemployed, so she wasn’t in a good financial situation. “And I was supposed to sort out money to help her out.”Markus F – who is accused of being the plot’s mastermind – worked as a security expert for Michael Schumacher for nine years.He is thought to have provided the original computer files which he wrongfully obtained during his work for Schumacher’s family to the ex-bouncer.Markus F also worked for the German Honorary Consultate in Egypt.In court, he refused to say a word other than to confirm his name and address. But in a statement read by his lawyer, he claimed that he had been asked by Corinna to digitalise copies of photos taken of her husband.Schumacher’s wife Corinna, 55, has filed a motion to protect her husband, which will allow her to exclude the public from the trial if the seven-time world champion’s current state of health is discussed.The F1 star, who hasn’t been seen or heard from for over a decade after a horror ski crash, has been looked after by his close-knit family since the accident.The seven-time world champion’s family have kept his health a guarded secret for years.Markus F was allowed inside the famous Schumacher inner circle for upwards of eight years as Michael’s wife Corinna felt he was a trusted aide.Earlier this year, the relationship drastically declined as Corinna was forced to sack him due to changes to her husband’s care plan.This allegedly turned him bitter as he started to hatch a plan to extort the Schumacher family. What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10 years ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from the hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.Schumacher’s family contacted the Swiss authorities to file a report about the alleged blackmail plot, with Swiss police then working alongside German cops to investigate the case.Cops arrested Markus F, along with Yilmaz T and Daniel L. for the alleged blackmail plot earlier this year.Authorities said they were able to track down the alleged extortionists through “technical measures”.Senior public prosecutor Wolf-Tilman Baumert, spokesman for the Wuppertal public prosecutor’s office, said: “After the advanced investigations, we currently assume that the accused son may have acted more as an accomplice.”Speaking for the first time at Wuppertal District Court, Yilmaz T said he had done nothing wrong – it was all to help out a poor nurse.He told the court: “I contacted the family. I told them that I could get the data and that I would then call back in 3 days and see if they were interested.”READ MORE SUN STORIESYilmaz T disclosed that the nurse, who has not yet been named, had also worked for the Schumacher family.However, Yilmaz T later confessed that he had never even met the nurse and that he had only been shown a picture of her by Markus F. More

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    Tomas Soucek reveals heartwarming video call with Michail Antonio as he dedicates celebration to stricken West Ham star

    TOMAS SOUCEK has revealed the heartwarming call with Michail Antonio before West Ham took on Wolves.The Hammers star was the victim of a terrifying car crash that saw him airlifted to hospital.Tomas Soucek dedicated his celebration to Michail AntonioCredit: GettyHe also shouted Antonio’s name into the cameraCredit: AlamyAfter the match, Soucek admitted that the team spot to Antonio before the gameCredit: Sky SportsThe West Ham star was involved in a terrifying car crash on SaturdayCredit: GettyHis £260,000 Ferrari was left wrecked after colliding with a treeCredit: Steve BellAntonio, 34, had to be cut free from his £260,000 Ferrari FF after it hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday.He has since undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture in a London hospital.West Ham beat Wolves 2-1 on Monday night in their first match since the shocking incident.After the game, the Czech midfielder revealed that he and the rest of the team spoke to Antonio on a video call.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe told Sky Sports: “It was a tough week for us and his family. It’s really tough but we are happy he came to the position he can be.”We saw him before the game, we had a video call with him before the game.”I was so happy, he smiled to us and he gave us all the best and so happy for him. I can’t wait to visit him.”He’s a lovely guy, so happy. He had a few jokes and wished us all the best.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s the top scorer for West Ham, one of the best West Ham have had.”This was great we saw him today, I wish him all the best.West Ham fans pay emotional tribute to Michail Antonio with ninth-minute applauseJarrod Bowen also paid tribute to AntonioCredit: GettyMohammed Kudus also displayed Antonio’s shirt after his offside goalCredit: PAThe West Ham team wore pre-match jackets in honour of AntonioCredit: GettyMichail Antonio’s incredible riseBy Jon BoonThe outpouring of love from the football community for Michael Antonio has been massive, with the striker recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.After impressing in 2008, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract.Antonio said: “They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham.He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.Away from football, Antonio has bravely opened up about his mental health struggles in recent times.The Jamaica international was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.He revealed: “I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle…”Read more about Michail Antonio’s incredible rise and life away from the game.”These things happen, but hopefully he will be even better soon.”Soucek, 29, opened the scoring with a header and dedicated his goal to his team-mate and showed nine fingers in reference to Antonio’s shirt number.He added: “I dedicated it to him, I said to myself that I want to score even more today. “Antonio has been here since I came and he’s been my favourite.”It’s tough not to play a long time without him. This is for him, he’s a massive player and he’s in my heart.”It was really tough. I was with the kids and I saw the information on my phone.”I messaged everyone what I could on how he is. I wish him all the best, I was so scared as to what was going to happen.”Mohammed Kudus made his own salute to Antonio as he scored and celebrated with his stool while also handing a shirt with the star’s name on the advertising board.However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.Matt Doherty equalised for the visitors in the 69th minute.However, West Hame star Jarrod Bowen fired in the winning goal just two minutes later.The captain made his own tribute to Antonio as he held up the forward’s shirt towards the stands.The whole team were involved in a tribute to their team-mate before kick-off as they warmed up in shirts with “Antonio” on the back.The whole crowd in the stadium rose to their feet in the 9th minute to applaud the Jamaica international.The victory would have eased some pressure on Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui, with the club now nine points from the bottom three.READ MORE SUN STORIESReports had claimed that former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is open to replacing the Spaniard should he be sacked at the London Stadium.After the full-time whistle emotions boiled over as a huge brawl broke out after a disagreement between Bowen and Mario Lemina.Lopetegui dedicates win to AntonioJulen Lopetegui dedicated West Ham’s win over Wolves to star Michail Antonio.He said: “Mick is a very special player, a special guy, we love him a lot and we are very happy to be able to dedicate this victory to him. “It has been a tough few days for a lot of reasons. Today we are happy because we achieved three important points.”It was a very difficult match, as all the matches in the Premier League are, and we overcame different moments in disallowing the goals.”We had a lot of shots, the first very clear chances we had in the first half we didn’t take advantage of – we did the same against Leicester and in the end we lost. “Today after we started winning, making it 2-0 was more or less key, so the disallowed goal and them equalising was a trigger moment to be strong in our mentality. I think we did that. “I am happy for the players to have the possibility to dedicate this victory to Mick and his family. They deserve this.” More

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    Ryan Reynolds left in disbelief after watching Wrexham star’s wonder goal that was assisted by Storm Darragh

    RYAN REYNOLDS was left gobsmacked by Wrexham’s stunning winner against Burton Albion – which had a little assist from Storm Darragh.The Red Dragons ran out 1-0 winners at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday thanks to a 65th minute strike from midfielder Elliot Lee.Elliot Lee secured Wrexham victory against Burton Albion in styleCredit: SKY SPORTSThe midfielder scored straight from a corner in the 65th minuteCredit: SKY SPORTSHollywood A-lister and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds wasn’t in attendance at the Pirelli Stadium to witness Lee’s stunnerCredit: RexReynolds gave an x-rated reaction to Lee’s stunner on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@VANCITYREYNOLDSLee sent the travelling Wrexham fans into pandemonium by finding the back of the net straight from a CORNER.The 29-year-old’s stunner spread like wildfire on social media and quickly came to the attention of club co-owner Reynolds.And the Hollywood A-lister couldn’t help but give an x-rated response to the goal.Along with a clip of Lee’s goal, the ‘Deadpool’ star wrote on his Instagram story: “FFS, Elliot Lee.”READ MORE ON WREXHAMFootie fans were blown away by Lee’s strike, although many were quick to point out by the incredible winds battering the UK courtesy of Storm Darragh played a role in the goal.One wrote on X: ‘Almost like there was a 90mph wind or something.”Another said: “Storm Darragh assist.”And another said: “Yeah, because the conditions didn’t help in anyway.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice.”He can’t seriously claim that he meant to score that goal.”But Elliot, who now has 35 Wrexham goals to his name, insists he MEANT to find the back of the net from the set piece.I’ve tried for the last three years to join Wrexham but I think my surname will stop me, admits ex-Premier League star James Chester He told Wrexham’s YouTube channel: “We do a lot on set pieces and with Parky (Phil Parkinson), he gives us license to shoot.”And that’s, basically, what the plan was today with the wind – just shoot for goal and see what happens.”The keeper will be under pressure and luckily for me ones gone in the back stick.”Victory over Burton Albion fired Wrexham joint-top of the League One table.Phil Parkinson’s charges are currently level on points with Wycombe Wanderers.Wrexham will be back in action on Tuesday night, welcoming Crewe Alexandra to the SToK Racecourse. More

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    Tommy Fury seen for the first time after announcing that he has cancelled his fight against UFC fighter Darren Till

    TOMMY Fury has been seen for the first time after announcing that he has cancelled his boxing fight.The former Love Island star sensationally pulled the plug on his showdown with Darren Till. Tommy Fury has been seen for the first time since he pulled out of his boxing fightCredit: tommyfury5570/SnapchatThe boxer immediately got back in his brothers ringCredit: tommyfury5570/SnapchatTommy, 25, seemed to put the controversy behind him as he immediately got back in the ring. He donned a black vest and matching shorts as he rehearsed his moves in a new snapchat video. The younger brother of World Champion Tyson Fury made full use of his siblings personalised gym. His muscles were on full display as he weaved around the ring, practising his punching technique. READ MORE ON TOMMY FURYHe broke a sweat as he showed off a display of hooks, jabs and a furious set of uppercuts.This was after pulled out of the match just 19 Days after their huge Misfits event was announced to the world.He was due to come face-to-face against the former UFC welterweight title challenger in Manchester on January 18.He wrote a raging essay to his fans on his Instagram stories as he explained why he withdrew from the boutMost read in BoxingThe former reality star wrote: “For the one simple reason being that Darren has stated over and over that he does not want to abide by professional boxing rules.”And that if he is losing the fight he will resort to kicking and other stupid MMA tactics.Reality TV star, 37, and former world champion offer to replace Tommy Fury after pulling out of Darren Till fight”I am a professional boxer, I have been out of the ring for over a year and I wanted this to be a great BOXING fight for the fans.”I have wasted weeks in training camp. We are working hard to get a new opponent and date.”I promise to get a better opponent and better fight for you guys. Good news around the corner.”However, Till’s team previously insisted he will remain on the card as new opponent will be lined up.Several names that have been put forward include Geordie Shore’s Aaron Chalmers, 37, who was 5-2 record in MMA and has had five boxing bouts.The reality star exclaimed: “Tommy Fury has absolutely s*** his pants to fight Darren Till.”Till’s put it on him and his dad at the press conference and they’ve f***ing s*** themselves saying he’s gonna head kick him.”Here it is, I was in negotiations to fight Darren Till in December until Tommy came along and he’s obviously went with the Tommy Fury fight.”Tommy has now s*** his pants, so I was game to fight Darren in December, January, February, so I will happily step in and take Tommy Fury’s place and fight Darren Till.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He can happily throw head kicks at me because he’ll get one straight back. No danger whatsoever, so there you go.”Tommy sensationally pulled out of his fight with Darren Till, just 19 days after it was announcedCredit: AlamyHe practised a range of punching techniques as he weaved around the ringCredit: tommyfury5570/SnapchatTommy’s muscles were on full display as he flaunted his movesCredit: tommyfury5570/SnapchatIn his essay to his fans on social media, he said he wanted to abide by boxing rulesCredit: tommyfury5570/SnapchatTommy claimed his opponent (pictured) wanted to use ‘stupid MMA tactics’Credit: AlamyTommy claimed he is working hard to find a new opponent for a ‘better’ fightCredit: GettyAaron Chalmers (right) has offered to fight Darren instead of TommyCredit: EPA More

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    Reality TV star, 37, and former world champion offer to replace Tommy Fury after pulling out of Darren Till fight

    DARREN TILL has been flooded with offers to replace Tommy Fury after their Misfits fight collapsed. Fury was due to face Till at the £365million Co-Op Arena in Manchester and on DAZN PPV on January 18. Tommy Fury pulled out of fighting Darren TillCredit: AlamyBut the 2019 Love Islander posted a message on social media to reveal he was pulling out of the fight. He cited Till threatening to HEAD KICK him as the reason for withdrawing. Till’s team have insisted he will remain on the card with a new opponent being lined up. Several put their names forward, including Geordie Shore’s Aaron Chalmers, who was 5-2 in MMA and has had five boxing bouts. READ MORE IN BOXINGChalmers, 37, said: “Tommy Fury has absolutely s*** his pants to fight Darren Till. “Till’s put it on him and his dad at the press conference and they’ve f***ing s*** themselves saying he’s gonna head kick him. “Here it is, I was in negotiations to fight Darren Till in December until Tommy came along and he’s obviously went with the Tommy Fury fight. “Tommy has now s*** his pants, so I was game to fight Darren in December, January, February, so I will happily step in and take Tommy Fury’s place and fight Darren Till. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“He can happily throw head kicks at me because he’ll get one straight back. No danger whatsoever, so there you go. “I haven’t fought in over a year, I’ll happily step in against Darren Till boxing any time. Whether it be January, February, you let me know. Tommy Fury cancels boxing fight against UFC’s Darren Till just 19 days after it was announced “Because one thing I have got is b*****s and I certainly won’t be pulling out because someone says they’re going to throw a head kick.” Former super-middleweight world champion Billy Joe Saunders – who has not fought since defeat to Canelo Alvarez in 2021 – also called out Till. And Saunders, 35, told talkSPORT: “If there’s a chance to obviously, I could get in there, me and Darren Till.”It’s not really proper boxing, Darren is right really in a way, I’ve heard him say it.”So it wouldn’t be the real me, but listen, if he’s gonna lose out on a few quid and there’s someone out there that wants me to step in, then obviously my phone’s there for a conversation to be had.”Saunders formerly campaigned at the 168lb division of 12st but Till’s bout with Fury was scheduled for heavyweight. But Saunders said: “Listen the shape – it doesn’t really matter what shape.”I wouldn’t be considering getting down to no stupid weights or putting in any weight clauses so we’ve got to reach certain weights. I’m not really bothered.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If we got in the ring 15 stone (210lbs) I’m not bothered. It doesn’t really matter to me. “To me, it’s a field where if I’m good enough I should beat him.”Billy Joe Saunders has offered to fight Darren TillCredit: Getty Images – GettyAaron Chalmers has also called out TillCredit: PA More

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    Boxer Mikaela Lauren, 48, left unrecognisable after horrific beating by world champion 15 years her junior

    BOXER Mikaela Lauren was left completely unrecognisable after suffering horrific swelling in her last fight.The Swedish slugger took a beating at the hands of WBC welterweight champion Michaela Kotaskova late last month.Mikaela Lauren before she went to war with Michaela Kostakova last weekendCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKAELALAUREN76The 48-year-old was battered from pillar to post for ten roundsCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKAELALAUREN76The Swedish slugger suffered horrific swelling around both of her eyesCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKAELALAUREN76Her eyes were completely closed the day after the fightCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKAELALAUREN76Lauren poses in much healthier-looking daysCredit: @mikaelalauren76/NF/newsXCzech clubber Kotaskova battered the 48-year-old for ten straight rounds to retain her belt in a lopsided decision victory.Lauren left the ring battered and bruised and a shell of herself.And the shiners the Swedish slugger was sporting as she left the ring nearly closed in the hours after the one-sided beatdown.Lauren shared a series of post-fight snaps and videos of herself with her 80,000 Instagram followers.READ MORE BOXING NEWSShe revealed the severity of her injuries in one of the videos by taking off her glasses and laughing at the fact her eyes were swollen shut.The swelling was the result of a crack in Lauren’s skull, which she claims she suffered due to several accidental head clashes.She wrote in her accompanying caption: “It has been a bit quiet on my part as I have needed some time to heal myself and reflect on everything.”First I want to congratulate @michaela.kotaskova and @boxteambounce and thank you for the chance.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMikaela Lauren, https://www.instagram.com/p/DDJrtdZIhpkCredit: Instagram @mikaelalauren76″You win some – you lose some and, unfortunately, it didn’t go all the way this time.”Even though I didn’t get my boxing to 100%, I still showed that I belong at the top.Gervonta Davis stuns boxing world by announcing retirement at just 30″I’m incredibly proud that I fought so hard in all 10 rounds despite all the accidental “scalding” (head collisions) that caused me to crack my head first and then have a HUGE swelling on my forehead and eyebrows that interfered and obscured my vision.”The night after the game, the hematoma (swelling/blood collection) from the “scaldings” in the forehead descended over the eyes and became so swollen that my eyes were completely blocked.”It made it so that I could not open my eyes and see. Had to be escorted around like a blind person.”Lauren almost wasn’t allowed to fly back home due to fears over her injuries.She continued: “When we stopped over in Zurich, I was not allowed to fly on without a medical certificate (competition doctors had already looked at me but left no certificate).”Me and my head coach Alex then had to stay and go into the hospital and do an X-ray which fortunately showed that everything looked good.”Had no headache and no nausea so I wasn’t really worried, but of course nice to check everything and take the safe for the unsafe.”All planes home were then fully booked, so we had to make another layover before we finally landed at Arlanda 22 hours after departure from the hotel.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Luckily now the swelling has subsided a bit and I can properly open my eyes again, but I can say that I have been more beautiful in my days”However, it looks worse than it is, and now I just need to rest and spend time with family.” More

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    Ex-Premier League ace Tommy Widdrington, 53, suffers two strokes as Strictly star son Kai thanks fans for support

    FORMER Prem star-turned-manager Tommy Widdrington is recovering well after suffering two strokes last week.The 53-year-old has been supported by his loving family, including his Strictly star son Kai, after being rushed to hospital with a sudden illness on November 27.Tommy Widdrington was rushed to hospital after suffering from two stokesWiddrington has been undergoing scans and tests since as part of treatment for an ischaemic stroke at Southend General hospital.He is now manager of National League side Aldershot Town, having overseen 82 matches since joining them in April last year.His eldest son Kai is a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, while the youngest, Theo, plays for Aldershot.Kai took to Instagram to send a touching message, writing: “Thank you to everyone who has sent their messages of love and support.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA club statement, on behalf of his family, read: “Being of good health prior to Wednesday, and historically in general, his response to this episode and the initial treatment has been very encouraging.”He has made very good progress and is feeling and looking a lot better already.”He returned home late Tuesday afternoon to begin further rehabilitation.”He is very appreciative of all the messages of encouragement he’s received from all corners of the football world.”Most read in FootballIt is not yet known when Widdrington will be well enough to return to the dugout.Kai thanked fans on his Instagram storyTommy Widdrington spent four years playing in the Premier League with SouthamptonHis family added: “He also wants The Shots fans to know he has total faith in the staff and the players in his absence and looks forward to being back in the dugout when he’s deemed fit enough to do so.”The statement continued: “Tommy’s wife, Sharon, and immediate family have of course rallied and will continue to support his recovery and hope and have made this statement in the hope that it will quash any possibility of misinformation being circulated.”Widdrington’s illness came just four days after his side’s 2-2 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge.Aldershot host Wealdstone in the third round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.And in his place, the club will be led by assistants Hugo Langton and Richard Dryden.What is an ischemic stroke? An ischemic stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked, cutting off blood flow and damaging brain cells. Common symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack include your face dropping on one side, not being able to lift your arms, and speech problems.It can also change how you think, feel and communicate. It’s the most common type of stroke.It accounts for about 87 per cent of all strokes.Newcastle-born Widdrington made his name as a midfielder with Southampton, who he joined as a kid in 1987.After making his First Division debut in 1991, Widdrington become a big player for the Saints following their promotion to the Premier League a year later.In total, he netted three goals in 90 games at St Mary’s.Widdrington went on to star at other clubs including Grimsby, Port Vale, Hartlepool and Macclesfield.He retired from playing in 2005 after a second spell at Port Vale.But four years later, Widdrington returned to the beautiful as a manager with Salisbury City.He has since taken charge of Hemel Hempstead, Eastbourne Borough and King’s Lynn – as well as two interim stints at Bristol Rovers.Widdrington has been at current club Aldershot for 21 months, winning 32 of his 82 matches at the helm.The Hampshire-based outfit currently sit 17th in the National League, with just one win in their last five games.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd they’ve conceded the second most goals in the league this season (33), three less than Boston United (36).Son Theo, 25, currently plays for Aldershot, scoring one goal and providing one assist this term.Widdrington scored three goals in his 90 Saints appearances More