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      in Boxing

      Confessions of a ring girl: You get covered in blood, sweat & tears – and the way my boxer lover two-timed me was brutal

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      GEMMA Jones has wowed fight fans as a ring girl for seven years and worked at around 700 events – but she has revealed it is far from the glamorous life people might think it is.From cheating boxers to wardrobe malfunctions and insane pre-fight diets, Gemma tells The Sun the truth about life in the ring. Gemma has worked as a ring girl for seven yearsShe has performed at over 700 fights and still loves it at the age of 37The stunning 37-year-old can perform at up to two events every weekend, sometimes working from 1pm until midnight.She earns up to £500 every time, covering mainly MMA, cage fighting and bare knuckle bouts – and juggles her work with being a mum-of-three and another job as a skin treatment expert.Here she lifts the lid on why the life of a ring girl is definitely not all superstars and stilettos….Why I’ll never date another boxerI’ve got a lovely boyfriend, he works in fashion and we were friends for five years before we started going out last year.But four years ago I did date a boxer for a few months until I found out in the worst way possible that he was a cheat.I love boxing and was in the audience for a fight when my friendtold me not to look behind me.I did and right behind me was my boyfriend and anotherwoman who it transpired was actually his girlfriend of years.It all kicked off and he even blamed me and tried to accuse me of causing problems – and it turned out I wasn’t the only woman he’d cheated with.While some of the boxers are lovely, others think they’re God’s gift to women and are very arrogant. I’m never going to risk getting one of the bad ones again.We’re a knockoutPart of the job description is looking great. I’m not one for make-up most of the time, but I’ll spend a good hour or more doing my hair and make-up before I go into the ring. I get my nails done regularly too and go on sunbeds.I carry a huge bag full of everything I need with me – including spare tights as they often get laddered getting into the ring.But it’s not glamorous, the big changing rooms are rightly reserved for the fighters, so sometimes we have a small dressing room, but others we’re doing it in the loos.Conor McGregor parties with his army of ring girls in club just weeks before comeback at UFC 303 vs Michael ChandleThere have been times when other girls have been sent away as they don’t look as good as their photographs.I have to look smiley even when I’ve got a huge wedgie up my bottomIt might sound awful, but I think it’s fine – the bottom line is it is about looking gorgeous in the ring. It would be like someone wanting to be an accountant who can’t do maths.I used to be a model before my best friend asked me to join her doing this. I love my job and don’t think it’s exploitative at all.There are boxers who for religious reasons don’t want us in the ring with them and that’s fine.And if there are going to be children at the show we cover up more and wear leggings rather than skimpy shorts and long sleeves.Gemma admits it’s ‘all about looking gorgeous in the ring’Suffer to be beautifulThere are days when I don’t feel my best. When I first started I used to only drink water for two days before a fight.I can’t do that any more but I’m fairly careful with what I eat. I start my day with a cup of tea, but then I drink lemon water for the rest of the day.I have a meal replacement shake and then a healthy supper. And I work out in the gym too.If I do have a day when I feel bloated, I’ll wear not one but two pairs of shapewear pants.I have to be up there looking smiley, while it feels like I’ve got a huge wedgie up my bottom.I’m just grateful we aren’t allowed to wear stilettos – there’s a worry they’d pierce the floor of the ring so we either wear block heels or trainers.Crowd pleasing… or notWe aren’t only there to announce the round they’re on. We lead in the boxers and get into the ring with them.And we get the crowd enthused, so we might blow kisses back to men who blow them at us, or go in and mingle with people who want to take selfies with us.We are often in front of an audience of over a thousand – the smallest venue I do is around 700.I’ve held the wrong number up or held it upside down, even though I never drink on the jobGenerally, they are pretty good. If women are there they are much more likely to shout abuse like calling us s**gs. I can only remember one occasion when a man shouted abuse at me, and then his girlfriend came and sat down next to him and I realised why.If that happens though, I can talk to one of the promoters and people will get removed – there’s no reason why we should put up with abuse for doing our job.Gemma has worked in most types of combat sports including MMAShe has also worked at bareknuckle bouts and cagefighting eventsBut it’s often far from glamorous, with the girls having to get ready in the toilets sometimesDanger zoneYou have to be prepared to be covered in blood, particularly at a bare knuckle fight – and then at the end you often get hugged by the fighters, and covered in sweat, and the loser sometimes ends up crying so you get soggy from their tears.I always feel sorry for the loser, they’ll have trained for months and it’s such a blow to their pride.The crowd can kick off in a fight and I’ve nearly been hit by a beer bottle.But my worst injury was during a cage fight. I was in there while they warmed up and one of the fighters accidentally pushed me and I ended up with my face pressed against the bar.The outfits are extremely revealing and risk wardrobe malfunctionsMishaps and mayhemI’ve made so many mistakes in my years. I’ve fallen down the stairs leading boxers in and got stuck getting into the ring.The first time I did it, I was so nervous. The other girl waslovely and very experienced and told me just to copy her walk. I looked like Bambi on ice skates, but I soon got used to it and now sashay like a pro.I’ve also held up the wrong number for the round, or held it upside down or even the wrong way round – despite the fact that I never drink on the job, though some girls can, it’s notgenerally forbidden.I live in fear of my boobs popping out when I bend over to get in the ring, so though I wear push up bras, I make sure they’re sturdy ones that will hold me in whatever.My other nightmare is when I’m on my period – our bottoms are so skimpy we cut the strings off our Tampax so they can’t accidentally be seen.For the love of itUnless you’re an absolute top ring girl, there isn’t a lot of money in it.I top up my income by being an aesthetics practitioner, though I don’t do my own Botox and lip fillers.Some ring girls are with agents, but my best friend and I have got great contacts so we sort our own bookings and I could work every weekend if I wanted to.If you use an agency, you might get to the bigger fights, but there’s loads of competition.And of course your agent takes a big slice of your money and you don’t get much unless it’s a massive fight.I usually get paid between £120 and £500. And the vast majority of ring girls are on the same as me.But I love doing the job, so don’t have any plans to give up.And though I’m 37, I’m by no means the oldest ring girl – some do it well into their 40s.It’s a huge buzz standing in the ring with everyone cheering and clapping and the atmosphere is great.And I’ve been doing it for so long that I’m friends with some of thepromoters and even the boxers. One of them I know really well and he finds it funny to lick my face after he’s won. And I love boxing too.Gemma juggles her ring girl work with another job and raising three girls, including Kacy, who is disabledFriends of daughter Caitlan, left, tease her about her ‘foxy’ mumGemma, with youngest daughter Olivia, says her kids are her ‘everything’Kid glovesLike any working single mum it’s a constant juggling act. But I’m incredibly lucky with their fathers.Caitlan, 18, and Kacy, 16, have the same father and Olivia, 10, has another one, but both dads are brilliant.And their mums have always been happy to help too – they have “nan fun” weekends. I’ve been estranged from my own mum though since I was 11 so she’s not part of their lives.I find it funny that my daughter’s friends found my Instagram and always go on about me being foxySome promoters are happy for your kids to come along, but I’ve never done that.The crowds can get unruly and I don’t want to risk their safety, however unlikely it is that they’d be hurt.But I have always made quality time for them, they are my everything and when I’m there, I’m 100 per cent present for them.I have them all through the week and try to have one weekend amonth with them. And if they are ever ill or need me, I’ll cancel my work to be with them.Kacy is disabled. She was 10 weeks premature and at six weeks old she got septicaemia and meningitis.So we have carers that help with her as she needs someone with her 24 hours a day.I don’t know whether Caitlan or Olivia will follow in my footsteps and be ring girls – at the moment neither of them are keen, but they think it’s a “cool” job.I find it funny that Caitlan’s friends found my Instagram and always go on about me being foxy.She isn’t embarrassed though, she’s good at banter and gives as good as she gets.Party timeI’m friendly with some of the boxers and know their ways.For example some of them hate being spoken to before a fight – they’re getting in the zone and focusing only on the fight. Others are nervous and want to chat.I’m actually really boring – I barely drink and have got three daughters, so I’m not up for partying after a fight. I’m usually knackered from all the adrenaline and often have a three-hour drive home to Wrexham from the fight.You do hear about wild parties and girls targeting boxers. But I don’t really experience that scene, the most I’ve done is go for a couple of drinks afterwards.And generally speaking, these men are athletes who don’t want to undo all their hard training by getting legless.At the end of the day we’ve all worked hard and want to get home to our beds… alone!Gemma doesn’t use an agent but still earns up to £500 a showGemma, on the right, said she is friends with some of the fighters but would never date one again More

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      in Soccer

      Jermaine Jenas will RETURN to talkSPORT in just days – after being sacked by BBC for ‘inappropriate texts’

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      JERMAINE Jenas will return to talkSPORT in a matter of days – just months after being sacked by the BBC.The former One Show host was dropped in August last year amid allegations of workplace misconduct.Jermaine Jenas is due to return to broadcasting at the weekendCredit: AlamyJenas on talkSPORT the day he was sacked from the BBCCredit: TalkSportJenas spoke exclusively to the Sun about the scandal in AugustCredit: Andrew StyczynskiOn the same day it was confirmed he had lost his £190k-a-year Beeb job, Jenas, 41, anchored talkSPORT’s drive time show – and is due to return to the radio station for the first time over the weekend.The ex-England and Premier League midfielder is pencilled in to form part of the commentary team for the Aston Villa vs Tottenham match. Bosses at talkSPORT were made aware of his BBC sacking moments before he went on air in the summer.It later emerged he had been dismissed after sending explicit texts to two female colleagues.READ MORE ABOUT JENASIt came after the broadcaster had issued reformed workplace culture guidelines in light of the Strictly Come Dancing and Huw Edwards scandals.Jenas made an initial return to broadcasting in October – at the Emirates stadium covering Arsenal v Liverpool for an overseas network which was not shown on British airwaves.JENAS HAS HIS SAYSpeaking to the Sun at the time of his sacking, Jenas apologised to his wife but denied being a sex pest.He insisted he had done nothing illegal but said he was sorry if he made the women involved uncomfortable. Most read in FootballSpeaking less than 24 hours after The Sun revealed he had been fired from Match of the Day and The One Show following the complaints, Jenas said: “I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry.He was sacked in an excruciating online meeting with HR and senior corporation execs, including being shown a string of X-rated messages he’d sent.Jermaine Jenas hints at next job as he teases ‘exciting stuff’ he has been working on after BBC axingHe told the Sun: “I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry.”I have let myself down, my family, friends and colleagues down, and I owe everyone an apology — especially the women with whom I was messaging. I am so, so sorry.“I am sorry for what I have put them through.“I think it would be fair to say I have a problem. I know I self- sabotage and have a self-destructive streak when it comes to my relationship especially, and I know I need help. And I am getting help.“I have made a lot of mistakes, and I am asking myself a lot of questions at the moment. I know there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and it will be hard.“Before any of this became ­public, I saw my private doctor and after a long discussion, booked in for therapy to try and address these issues, where they stem from, and why I have been doing this and hurting the people I love.“I’m not proud of what I wrote and what I said. And I do consider it cheating, yes, although nothing physical ever happened.“This is all on me and I fully accept there is a level of responsibility that needs to be upheld when you’re a member of the BBC.“And I fell below those standards. I must take the responsibility.“I was given an incredible opportunity and I know it’s on me that right now I feel I have lost everything. I feel like people are judging me and that I am the number one target right now in the country.”Jenas – who had previously been tipped to replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host – revealed he was sacked by the BBC five days after the initial HR consultation process began.The BBC’s Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski informed all staff of the former Spurs star’s sudden dismissal only after The Sun had broken the story online.Jenas insisted he thought this “says everything about the BBC’s handling of it all really”.While former colleagues, both on and off screen, had been advised not to contact him due to the legal situation, he says several well-known faces and production staff have offered their support.Jenas said he knows one of the women involved through work and she gave him her mobile number at a boozy work event.They then “frantically” sexted over 24 hours but he claims it ended amicably.Speaking at the West Lodge Park hotel in North London, Jenas denied sending any sexual pictures or videos.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “That was not the case.”After being told of the allegations against him, Jenas lied to his wife Ellie in a desperate bid to stall and “find a way out of this mess”. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs’ restaurant ‘suddenly CLOSES’ as devastated workers ‘told by text they’d been sacked’

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      A RESTAURANT co-owned by Premier League legend Ryan Giggs has closed with “immediate effect”, it is claimed.Staff of George’s Dining Room and Bar in Worsley, Manchester, were reportedly told by text they’d been sacked yesterday.Ryan Giggs at George’s with his two fellow co-ownersCredit: MEN MediaGeorge’s Dining Room in Worsley, ManchesterCredit: www.georgesworsley.co.ukThe note left at the restaurant on Friday nightCredit: MEN MediaThe ex-Reds midfielder, 51, opened the venue on Barton Road in 2014 with two old school pals.Signs on the door on Friday night said it was closed for the weekend “due to unforeseen circumstances”.However, texts sent to staff by bosses said the restaurant has closed for good, reports the Manchester Evening News.The messages reportedly stated they “regret to announce that with a heavy heart we have no alternative but to close George’s effective immediately”.READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGSThey added: “This is due to the obvious reduction in trade and business against the huge increases in costs of operating the business and the ongoing cost of living crisis.”Staff are said to have also been told they will be paid any outstanding wages in “due course”, as well as notice payment, as well as redundancy pay for “those to whom it applies”.One staff member told the news outlet: “It came totally out of the blue, we were all supposed to be working today and then we got the text messages through, we are all stunned.”When George’s opened over a decade ago, Giggs said it had been a lifelong dream of his to own a restaurant alongside childhood friends Kelvin Gregory and Bernie Taylor.Most read in FootballHe had described it as a “really different offering for the area”, with a launch event attended by former Manchester United teammates Bryan Robson, Nicky Butt, and Gary Neville.In 2015, a new terrace was added to the restaurant.Ryan Giggs helps with training session for Salford CityGiggs has also since teamed up with Sky Sports pundit Neville on the GG Hospitality Group, which launched Hotel Football at Old Trafford and the Stock Exchange Hotel in the city centre.The Sun has approached George’s and Giggs’ reps for comment.RETURN TO DUGOUTElsewhere, Giggs has helped to transform Salford City FC after returning to the dugout for the League Two outfit almost three years after stepping down as Wales head coach.He has taken a more hands-on role with the first team in recent months and has been spotted in the dugout alongside manager Karl Robinson during games.The Wales and Manchester United legend is a co-owner of the Ammies alongside his former Red Devils teammates Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and investor David Beckham.Giggs also began working as the club’s director of football last year.However, the former Welsh national team manager now seems to be lending his experience of coaching to the staff at Moor Lane too as he takes up a match day role on the touchline.The star became manager of his country in 2018, before being arrested on assault charges two years later.READ MORE SUN STORIESGiggs, who has always denied any wrongdoing, stepped down from the role in June 2022 ahead of his trial, where a jury failed to reach a verdict.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Giggs in the dugout for Salford City this monthCredit: RexGiggs playing for Manchester United in 1991Credit: GettyGiggs with Manchester United’s Class of 92 who went on to dominate the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance and earning £60 a week – I never thought I’d end up playing in the Premier League

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      JORDAN HUGILL used to sign on the dole and queue up every two weeks for his giro.And when he did get a job — pulling pints in a Middlesbrough boozer — the idea of becoming a professional footballer felt like a pipe dream.Jordan Hugill never thought he’d make it to the PremLittle did he expect he would rack up 412 appearances —  and 92 goals.Rotherham striker Hugill went from earning £120 a fortnight to a reported £30,000 a week.And he is proud of a career that saw him get a £10million move to West Ham and £5m switch to Norwich, play in the Prem and win promotion from the Championship with the Canaries as well as from League One with Preston.Now the 31-year-old has his heart set on helping the Millers return to the Championship and win the EFL Trophy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHugill — who has appeared for 17 different clubs in his 15-year career — said: “When I was 19, I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance so I’ve been on one hell of a journey.“Back then I never thought I would be a footballer, let alone make it to the Premier League.“That’s something no one can take away from me. I’m proud of what I’ve done and achieved and I’d like to think I’ve still got a good number of years to go.”Hugill hit rock bottom after damaging his ACL while playing for non-league Whitby and was out for ten months. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd his gloom was only exasperated by being out of work.He added: “I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League side“I worked as a barman for two years before getting my big break at Port Vale.”But after playing for the Valiants and Preston — as well as doing the hard yards on loan at the likes of Tranmere and  Hartlepool — he got another massive opportunity thanks to David Moyes.Seven years ago yesterday Hugill completed his move to West Ham   during Moyes’ first spell with the club — a brief six-month relegation firefighting mission.Hugill said: “Moyes was brilliant with me. He understood I wasn’t a signing that was going to  light the world on fire.I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.Jordan Hugill“He knew with time he was going to develop me, so I was working with him every day to improve, and I got to be the best I’ve ever been.“Then at the end of the season they didn’t renew his contract, and I was left in the dark when Manuel Pellegrini came in.”After loan spells with West Brom and Cardiff, Hugill joined Rotherham two years ago — and helped the club stay in the Championship before they eventually went down last summer.This season he has mainly been used as a sub in the league.Striker Hugill joined West Ham for £10million in 2018He has come off the bench 14 times while making four starts — managing  a single goal against Stevenage back in October.Hugill is expected to be on the bench again as the Millers travel to leaders Birmingham today, sitting seven points off the play-offs.However, he has featured prominently in the EFL Trophy games — scoring four goals from four starts.And he hopes to shoot Rotherham into the semi-finals by beating League Two opponents Bradford at New York Stadium on Tuesday.Hugill continued: “I’ve enjoyed playing in the trophy games because I’ve not only been starting, I’ve been scoring too.“When I look back on my career, I’ve achieved an awful lot.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve got a Championship winners medal, I’ve got a League One promotion medal, I’ve got a nice case with a ball in it  that says I’ve made a Premier League appearance.“It would be great to add another medal to that collection.”Hugill was given a chance by David Moyes during his first managerial stint at West Ham More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 icon Johnny Herbert AXED from role he’s held for 15 years just months after Max Verstappen row

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      JOHNNY HERBERT has been axed from his F1 driver steward role after 15 years of service, the FIA have confirmed.The FIA said Herbert’s panel job was “incompatible” with his media work after the Englishman clashed with Max Verstappen last year.Johnny Herbert will no longer serve as an F1 driver steward from the 2025 seasonCredit: GettyHerbert said Max Verstappen had a ‘horrible mindset’ after his performance in MexicoCredit: GettyHerbert found himself in hot water with Verstappen’s camp in OctoberCredit: GettyA statement from the FIA on Wednesday read: “It is with regret that we announce today that Johnny Herbert will no longer fulfil the position of F1 driver steward.“Johnny is widely respected and brought invaluable experience and expertise to his role.“However, after discussion, it was mutually agreed that his duties as an FIA steward and that of a media pundit were incompatible. “We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavours.”READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTThe former driver provided his opinions on F1 in the media via various outlets during the 2024 season.But Herbert found himself in hot water with Verstappen’s camp for his comments about the Red Bull driver’s performance at the Mexican Grand Prix in October.He accused the 27-year-old of having a “horrible mindset” and urged him to tone down his aggressive style in a column for a betting website.The 60-year-old had been on the four-person stewards’ panel who handed Verstappen two 10-second time penalties in Mexico for clashes with title rival Lando Norris.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVerstappen’s dad Jos openly questioned whether it is a good idea for stewards who apply the rules in races to also have a platform to share such strong opinions in public.He told Dutch media: “The FIA should take a good look at the staffing of the stewards, who they put there and whether there is no appearance of a conflict of interest.”Red Bull announce 22-year-old will be Max Verstappen’s new team-mate hours after Sergio Perez exit Herbert defended his right to express his views publicly and stated his opinions were separate from his professional work.He said: “Everyone has an opinion. Martin Brundle has an opinion. Why can’t I when I am not at the racetrack? “The racetrack has been my world for 50 years. If I do not quite agree with what I see on the racetrack I will say so. “It is not just Max – I will criticise anyone if I feel it is warranted. Is there any bias? No, of course not.”Clearly, after assessing the situation, the FIA does not agree that the two roles can be performed without a conflict of interest.Keen to avoid perceptions of bias from their stewards, the governing body has decided to avoid further rows of the same nature.A new driver steward is now needed for the Melbourne race on March 16, following Herbert’s exit.READ MORE SUN STORIESHerbert worked as a pundit for Sky Sports F1 while he acted as an FIA steward.But he dropped from Sky’s F1 presenting team after 11 years at the end of his contract before the 2023 F1 season.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      in Soccer

      Roman Abramovich denies owing UK £1billion over tax dodge ‘that helped fund Chelsea’

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      FORMER Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has denied allegations he knowingly owes the UK up to £1billion in unpaid tax.The Russian oligarch had been accused of using the money as part of a botched tax dodge to help fund his purchase of the Premier League club in 2003.Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003Credit: GettyHe denies having any knowledge or being personally responsible for any unpaid tax.The BBC and Bureau of Investigative Journalism claimed leaked documents show hedge fund investments worth £4.7billion were managed in the UK, despite being routed through firms in the British Virgin Islands.They claimed the money can reportedly be traced back to funding Abramovich used to buy Chelsea.But the oligarch’s lawyers said he “always obtained independent expert professional tax and legal advice” and “acted in accordance with that advice”.READ MORE SPORT NEWSRapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him ON THE BRINKChelsea are close to escaping a points deduction for payments during Abramovich’s ownership, it is claimed.The Stamford Bridge club paid an £8.6m fine to Uefa in 2023 when they confessed to the illegal payments made to agents and players.Chelsea were under legal obligation to own up to the breaches, with Prem legal chiefs investigating the matter for 18 months.But it has emerged that the Blues are now negotiating a financial settlement with Prem legal beaks.Most read in FootballThis would allow them to avoid a points deduction.Last year it was claimed Chelsea were days from going out of business before Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought the club from Abromovich in 2022.The oligarch was sanctioned by the UK over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, meaning he was forced to relinquish control of the club.Joe Ravitch, the banker who oversaw the complex sale of the club to Boehly and Clearlake, claimed there would have been “catastrophic consequences” had the deal not gone through when it did.Ravitch, an American merchant banker who also worked on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United, revealed Chelsea were on the brink of liquidation before the £4.25billion deal was finally approved. More

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      in Soccer

      Former Liverpool and Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez lined up for shock management return with league and cup champions

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      RAFA BENITEZ is being lined up for a return to management in a country he has never coached in before.The former Liverpool and Newcastle boss has been out of work since leaving Celta Vigo in March 2024. Rafa Benitez is being lined up for a return to management with Brazilian side BotafogoCredit: APAccording to the Daily Mail, Benitez is down to the final two candidates to manage Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo.He is said to be in advanced talks with the Brazilian club – which is owned by Crystal Palace majority shareholder John Textor.The job is still vacant after Artur Jorge left the club in December – since joining Qatari side Al Rayyan. Benitez is believed to have impressed leading members of Botafogo’s hierarchy – leaving him in pole position to take the role.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPortuguese coach Vasco Matos and Argentine Tato Martino are also other contenders linked with the job. Benitez made his name winning two LaLiga titles with Valencia in Spain. He then joined Liverpool in 2004 – guiding them to a famous Champions League trophy that season. Benitez left Liverpool with an FA Cup also to his name and later joined Inter Milan. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe returned to England with Chelsea on an interim basis in 2012 – departing with a Europa League trophy.Benitez had further stints with Napoli, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Dalian Pro in China, Everton and most recently Celta Vigo. He was sacked by Celta Vigo after just five wins and 24 points from 28 matches in eight months. Kris Boyd says common sense has prevailed after Mohamed Diomande won his red card appeal More

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      in Boxing

      People started fights in cafes but terrifying gunpoint robbery was last straw, I had to leave UK, says Amir Khan

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      AMIR Khan’s gunpoint robbery was so horrifying he no longer lives in the UK.The 38-year-old – one of Britain’s best and most beloved boxers – had a £72,000 watch snatched off him by a masked gunman on the streets of East London in April 2022.This was the moment Amir Khan had his watched robbed at gunpointHe is now living with his wife and kids in DubaiKhan admits he no longer felt safe in the UKA gun was pointed at Khan’s face – in front of terrified wife Faryal – before robbers demanded his diamond-encrustedFranck Muller Vanguard Chronograph watch. Two men – Dante Campbell and Ahmed Bana – later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and possession of an imitation firearm.Bana was jailed for nine years and eight months – while Campbell was locked up for seven years and nine months.The watch was also returned by police. READ MORE on amir KhanBut the attack was so frightening that Khan relocated to Dubai with his wife and three kids – Lamaisah, ten, Alayna, six and Muhammad Zaviyar, four.Khan told SunSport in the UAE: “Look, I can walk around wearing anything, doing anything.”I can leave my car door open, it’s just so much safer here. I think the law is much more strict, I think people like us need that.”Look, I’ve been to cafes, to places where people have started fights and they’ve said something and before you know it there’s a gang of people outside.Most read in Boxing”I don’t need that in my life – I’m a retired fighter. I’ve been fighting all my life, there’s no point starting fights on the streets or getting into problems.”Then the gun crime happened, I just wanted to give the watch away and said, ‘There you go, what do you want? Do you want the watch? There you go, take it.’Terrifying moment gunman robs former boxer Amir Khan “It’s no skin off my nose. I got the watch back and the poor guys got around 12 years each between four of them. Look, it is what it is, the law always catches up on you.”I think maybe it’s a message to people, don’t be stealing, don’t be carrying guns because you will get punished when you’re caught.”Khan – who formerly reigned as light-welterweight world champion – and his brother Haroon were attacked by six men in Birmingham in 2012. The pair are said to have fought off the would-be thieves who allegedly tried to steal Khan’s £125,000 Range Rover. Khan was involved in another street fight in 2017 in Manchester when a group attacked him during a road rage incident. And in the aftermath of the gunpoint robbery, Khan and his family were left too fearful to remain in the UK.He said: “Imagine if I had my kids with me that time. My wife was with me. Even she hates being around or going places.The boxing legend is happy living in DubaiKhan with his children, left to right, Alayna, Zaviyar and LamaisahCredit: Doug SeeburgKhan with wife Faryal Makhdoom at their Dubai homeCredit: Doug Seeburg”We get invited to UK events and stuff like that and I have to turn a lot down because I just don’t know what can happen.”It’s sad to say but look, I still love the UK. The safest I feel is Bolton, where I live, my hometown. I know everyone there and everyone knows me.”It’s just when you’ve go out of town it gets a little bit scary sometimes, you just don’t know what can happen, you don’t know the area that well, you don’t know the people there.”It just gets a bit scary and being recognised everywhere you go, people know you, you’ll always be the attention of the place wherever you go. It makes it a little tough and scary as well.”Despite Khan’s robbery ordeal, he remains one of Britain’s most celebrated fighters. He retired in 2022 following a defeat to Kell Brook – but only now gets shown the respect he rightfully deserves after hanging up his gloves.Khan said: “I thank all the fans, honestly. I’ve been boxing a very long time, literally all my life. READ MORE SUN STORIES”When you retire, that’s when you realise you was a great champion for Great Britain. I put some great fights on television at home. “I had great times, UK fans, I do love them and they were amazing.” Khan retired after losing to Kell BrookCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunKhan held light-welterweight titlesCredit: Reuters More