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    I had to give up digging holes in roads around Kent to secure stunning first-round KO on Joshua vs Ngannou undercard

    LOUIS GREENE went from digging holes and fitting water pipes to knocking out a highly-touted prospect on the Anthony Joshua undercard in Saudi Arabia.The 31-year-old locked horns with undefeated Liverpudlian Jack McGann in the preliminary fights on the mega-money Joshua vs Ngannou card.Louis Greene knocked out Jack McGann on the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou undercardCredit: GETTYGreene was digging holes in Kent roads just weeks before the biggest win of his careerCredit: GETTYGreene entered the contest as a huge underdog, with many seeing him as a lamb to the slaughter.But he bagged the biggest win of his career with a vicious right hook in the first round that left McGann out for the count.Dad of two Greene was overcome with emotion after the fight and revealed he quit his day job in a bid to make one last run at rising up the super-welterweight ranks.’The Medway Mauler’ said: “I gave up work for this. READ MORE IN BOXING”I jumped from job to job that fit around [my training], provided for my kids, and being able to fight for a living.”For this one, I gave up work completely to come here and put on a show.”I knew I was going to do it. I was confident all week.”I’m not a betting man, my brother just won a couple of grand on me because he bet this round.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT”I was digging holes, fitting water mains with my pal George, who is sitting there, in the slum we live in.”Greene was quick to pay a heartfelt tribute to his dad, who he credits for saving him from a stint behind bars.Louis Greene SHOCKS boxing world with first round TKO win over Jack McGannHe added: “Me and my dad come from nothing,” he said. “Absolutely nothing!”Just a working class background and I was a bad kid. I was on my way to prison and my dad saved me, stuck by me, and my dad is a Postman.”My dad is here with me now sharing all of this.”I can’t even put into words how it feels.”I had a son when I was 16 years old and I feel like I owe my life to him.”Greene plans to celebrate with a good old-fashioned boozy knees-up when he gets back to the UK.He said: “It’s going to be rammed with the beers when I get back, boys.” More

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    Francis Ngannou’s anticipated MMA return date REVEALED ahead of massive Anthony Joshua boxing fight

    FRANCIS NGANNOU is set to return to the cage THIS YEAR – depending on how his mega-money business in the boxing ring plays out. The ex-UFC champion last year put his cage career on hold to cross over to the boxing ring. Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou ahead of their boxing boutCredit: GettyBut he did so after signing for UFC’s rivals the Professional Fighters League, who gave Ngannou the green light to box. The Cameroonian takes on Anthony Joshua tomorrow night in Saudi Arabia just five months after making his ring debut against Tyson Fury. And while training in Riyadh, he watched from ringside as Renan Ferreira knocked out Ryan Bader. It earned Ferreira the right to welcome back Ngannou to the cage with the PFL once he is done with British superstar AJ. PFL founder Donn Davis told SunSport: “Francis is our partner, we always work with his schedule. “He wants to become the Bo Jackson of combat sports; champion in boxing, champion in MMA, so we’ll work with his schedule. “It could go earlier or it could go later but he will face “La Problema” – who destroyed Bader who is a savvy Bellator veteran. “Destroyed him in 21 seconds and he was really out in eight. That’s the next fight for Francis whether it’s in the summer or whether it’s the end of the year.Most read in BoxingANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We’ll work with that boxing schedule with whatever happens 48 hours from now when he probably knocks out Joshua.” Ngannou, 37, dropped Fury, 35, on his boxing debut but suffered a controversial split-decision loss. Did you spot the subtle change Francis Ngannou made to taunt Anthony Joshua during intense face-off?Fury now faces Oleksandr Usyk, 37, for the undisputed crown on May 18 having pulled out of their initial February 17 date with a cut. The winner between Joshua, 34, and Ngannou, 37, have been promised a shot at the unified champ. But whatever the results in the ring, Ngannou WILL be back in the cage within the next year. Davis added: “If not this year, two months after. We’ll call it Feburary 2025. “In the next 12 months, 100 per cent Francis is a PFL cage fighting Ferreira.”PFL owner Donn Davis with Francis Ngannou More

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    Charity football match pits MPs against retired pro to highlight Women’s Aid’s work stamping out domestic violence

    A CHARITY football match pitted MPs against a retired pro to highlight Women’s Aid’s incredible work in stamping out domestic violence.The organisation picked a squad of talent from the Professional Footballers Association, Fulham FC – and The Sun newsroom – to take on the Parliamentary team.Jonathan Gullis MP grapples with the Women’s Aid team’s star striker Bas SavageCredit: Paul EdwardsStephen Kinnock MP was also involved in the game at Fulham’s training groundCredit: Paul EdwardsThe Women’s Aid team defend a free-kick next to Robin Millar MPCredit: Paul EdwardsThe match was for the Women’s Aid campaign Football United Against Domestic AbuseCredit: Paul EdwardsBas Savage, who earnt cult hero status at Brighton & Hove Albion for his mesmerising moonwalk celebration before working for the PFA, was crowned man of the match.His five goals helped the Women’s Aid team to a resounding 6-2 victory in the Football United Against Domestic Abuse friendly at The Cottagers’ training ground in New Malden, south west London.Stephen Kinnock, Robin Millar, Jonathan Gullis, Karl McCartney, Ben Bradley and Justin Madders were among the MPs playing on Tuesday – alongside Lord Graham Evans.The Sun was represented by deputy editor-in-chief James Slack, editorial legal counsel Oliver Doherty, former news editor Brandon Malinsky, news reporter Andy Robinson and sport reporters Joshua Jones and Henry Tomlinson.Women’s AidThey were joined for the 8.30am kick-off by Fulham staff, including club CEO Alistair Mackintosh and others who work with the Premier League team’s foundation.Teresa Parker, who developed the Football United Against Domestic Abuse campaign for Women’s Aid, said: “Everyone has a role to play in raising lifesaving awareness of domestic abuse, both men and women, and we know that football can be a powerful force for good.“Today showed exactly that, and at Women’s Aid we’d like to thank the men’s Parliamentary Football Team for playing the Women’s Aid team at Fulham FC, as well as our incredible players from The Sun, The Professional Footballers’ Association and from the Fulham FC staff team, who led us to a 6-2 win against the parliamentarians.“Starting important conversations about domestic abuse means that survivors know that help is out there, and there are people who will understand and believe them.”Most read in FootballThe Women’s Aid side won 6-2 against the Parliamentary teamCredit: Paul EdwardsThe Women’s Aid team consisted of players from the PFA, Fulham FC and The SunCredit: Paul EdwardsThe Parliamentary team included six MPs and a LordCredit: Paul Edwards More

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    Chelsea set for major coaching shake-up with new special role despite Mauricio Pochettino insisting they don’t need it

    CHELSEA are set to sign set-piece specialists despite manager Mauricio Pochettino dismissing their importance.The Blues have lagged this season under Pochettino as they are 11th in the Premier League and lost the Carabao Cup final to Jurgen Klopp’s young Liverpool side – despite splashing £1billion in two years.Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is set to sign set-piece specialistsCredit: GettyChelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino insisted there is no need for set-piece specialistsCredit: RexThe West Londoners are also struggling in set-pieces as Pochettino’s men have only scored six times from set plays this term, while other teams are already in double figures.According to The Telegraph, Chelsea’s co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have already sounded out candidates to work within the new department.The set-piece department will operate across the entire club, rather than focusing solely on the senior team.However, there is no indications as to how closely those coaches would work with Pochettino and his staff.Read More on ChelseaThe Argentine tactician insisted he doesn’t need that kind of help by declaring “football belongs to the players, not to the specialists”.Pochettino said last month: “We work a lot on set-pieces. We have specialists. “We are a coaching staff in charge of everything. We have a group of analysts for set-pieces. “After that, it is about the quality of the player. It is about the takers. We don’t have a specialist. Maybe Chilly [Ben Chilwell] is good in the delivery, but we don’t have a specialist after that.Most read in Football“When you have good takers, and of course, Wolves have good takers, and like Manchester City have or other clubs. “It is not down to the work. We work similarly. But the problem is to have good takers.”Jade Lebeouf’s most liked Instagram postsThis turn of events raises questions as to how much influence Pochettino currently has at Chelsea.When asked about Conor Gallagher’s contract, which runs out in 2025, the ex-Tottenham boss suggested this is between the club and the player as he has to stay “in his place”.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPochettino said on Friday: “It’s only between the club and Conor that can make the deal. I am the coach that needs to be in my place. I cannot say nothing.”Asked why he would not comment, the ex-Southampton boss said: “Because there is nothing to win for me. What am I going to say? I am the head coach. “My job is to coach the team and to pick the decisions for tomorrow [against Brentford], for the starting 11 and squad, and try to improve the players and try to win games. That is my job.“We have a very good relationship with the owners and sporting directors. “My office is always open and we have a very good relationship and dialogue. We are open to help in the way they think or believe we can help.” More

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    Barcelona ‘open talks’ with Prem legend about becoming manager with bizarre clause that will let him keep current job

    BARCELONA have contacted Portugal boss Roberto Martinez over the prospect of replacing Xavi in the dugout this summer, reports suggest.The Barca manager has announced he will leave his post in June once the season is complete and club chiefs are rigorously searching for his replacement.Barcelona have contacted Portugal manager Roberto MartinezCredit: GettyMartinez has been offered the chance to continue coaching Portugal after replacing XaviCredit: RexA number of candidates have been touted, including the likes of Barcelona B coach Rafa Marquez, ex-Germany and Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has also been linked with the Blaugrana but he quickly dismissed those rumours as “totally fake news”.According to FootballTransfers, however, Barcelona have approached Martinez, 50, over the possibility of taking over the top job at the Nou Camp.The Catalan giants are offering the ex-Swansea, Wigan and Everton boss an initial one-year deal with the option for one more.Read More on FootballBarcelona are also on board with the Spanish tactician juggling his current job as Portugal’s head coach, which will allow him to continue working with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.Barca have been keeping tabs on the Premier League hero for a long time as they almost signed him in 2021 before ultimately turning to Xavi following Ronald Koeman’s dismissal.Club president Joan Laporta is a big admirer of Martinez, who has close ties to Barcelona because of his relationship with the Cruyff family. The ex-Wigan star is godfather to one of the sons of Jordi Cruyff, who is the son of Barcelona legend Johan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReports suggest Martinez has previously expressed interest in coaching the Spanish giants.The Catalan head coach is no stranger to success as he shocked the world when he won the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013 after beating Manchester City in the final.Sports reporter Melissa Reddy works up a sweat as she shows off her gym routineHe also led Belgium to third place in the 2018 World Cup as well as the top spot in the FIFA rankings.Roberto Martinez’s Managerial Record

    2007-2009: Swansea
    2009-2013: Wigan
    2013-2016: Everton
    2016-2022: Belgium
    2023-: Portugal

    Trophies: League One (Swansea – 2007-2008), FA Cup (Wigan-2013) More

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    Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel ‘open to replacing Xavi at Barcelona but wants to take Erik ten Hag’s job at Man Utd’

    THOMAS TUCHEL would consider bossing Barcelona – if he can’t get the Manchester United job.That’s the claim from Germany after the ex-Chelsea chief agreed to leave Bayern Munich this summer.Thomas Tuchel could land another huge role when he leaves BayernCredit: GettyAnother former Blues’ manager, Graham Potter, is the current favourite to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford – closely followed by Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and ex-Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui.But SportBild journalist Christian Falk says Tuchel’s “priority” is a Premier League return – with United topping his wishlist.However, if Ten Hag holds onto his position, or if new Red Devils’ minority owner sir Jim Ratcliffe looks elsewhere, then Barca could beckon.Nou Camp legend Xavi has refused the Spanish giants’ request to U-turn on his pledge to quit as boss at the end of the season.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd the race to replace him appears wide open.Falk has named Tuchel as a willing contender – but the ex-PSG chief faces tough competition from fellow German Hansi Flick.It leaves at least four of Europe’s traditional giants – United, Real, Bayern and Liverpool – staring at major managerial decisions this summer.Indeed, Tuchel has also been mentioned as an option to follow Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLIt appears Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is so far Liverpool’s top target.But Bayern have also been linked with the former Spain midfielder, who played for the Bundesliga club as well as the Reds and Real.I won iconic Treble at Man Utd… but I fear I’ll have to BUY a football club to ever land another managerial job More

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    I’m a former boxing world champion – but I used to live a very different life as a forklift driver

    SAM EGGINGTON fights Abbas Baraou tonight as he looks to win the European light middleweight title.The Birmingham-born fighter has never been afraid to take a fight and his 34-8 record is testament to that.Sam Egginton has been one of the most entertaining fighters in the game since making his professional debutCredit: ReutersIn an interview with The Daily Mail in the lead-up to the Baraou bout, he revealed that he only ever got into boxing to earn some money on the side while working a factory job operating forklift trucks.Eggington said: “I had my son at 17 and I was a forklift driver, and there were rumours that I was going to get made redundant, last in, first out, sort of thing.”And my mate at the time, Craig Cunningham, he was turning professional, and I heard this thing about journeymen. They box every week, they get paid every week, win, lose or draw.”I was like ‘Craig, give your manager a ring, I’ll do that’, and that’s when it started. I won the Midlands Area title and then a few sponsors came in and I thought I could probably make this my job. READ MORE IN BOXING”As the sponsors came in, I put more into training which was giving me more confidence to say I’m going to be a champion instead of a journeyman. “I was sparring good kids as well, and that didn’t resonate to me until my coach was telling me these things. So again, a few sponsors came in, I won the Area title and it snowballed from there.”Despite starting with intentions of being a journeyman, Eggington’s career soon saw him fight the likes of former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi, and Frankie Gavin.He also won the IBO super-welterweight belt two years ago.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis entertaining style saw him win back-to-back fight of the year titles in 2020 and 2021 for his bouts with Ted Cheeseman and Bilel Jkitou.Eggington lost to Cheeseman on points before being on the right end of a close-call against Jkitou in two classic fights. Fans fear Anthony Joshua will be ‘sleeping for a week’ after Francis Ngannou BREAKS scale on punch machineTalking about his title fight with Baraou, the 30-year-old said: “I don’t look at much of him or what he’s done. I leave that to the team to tell me what I should do off it. “If he comes for a fire-fight then I’m all there for that. If he wants to box and move then I’ll negotiate that.”Eggington was also defiant when asked about the prospect of retirement.Despite only being 30, he has now fought over 40 times, leading to many speculating that he won’t stay in the fight game for much longer but he said: “It irritates me [The prospect of retirement]. “I’m 30, I’m in my prime. Yes, I’ve had a lot of fights, I’ve been here a lot of years, but any other 30-year-old, no one is asking about retiring. No one is asking how much they’ve got left. “I just need people to have that perception of me that “Sam’s still here”. He has had a long career and people have enjoyed it, but he’s still here the same way he was when he was 25.” More

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    ‘Gary, what have you done?’ – Pochettino hits out at Neville AGAIN after Chelsea ‘billion-pound bottle jobs’ jibe

    MAURICO POCHETTINO has hit out at Gary Neville AGAIN as Chelsea delivered a response to his “billion pound bottle jobs” jibe.Conor Gallagher fired the Blues in the FA Cup quarter-final by the skin of their teeth with eight seconds of normal time remaining.Mauricio Pochettino hit out at Gary Neville againCredit: RexChelsea fell behind early on when a defensive error led to Mateo Joseph scoring his first senior goal as Leeds went ahead after only nine minutes.Nicolas Jackson made it 1-1 then Mykhailo Mudryk gave Chelsea a 37th-minute lead before Joseph was on target again to level the scores.Pochettino said: “It’s like Gary, my friend, what have you done? His opinion now is a run and a run and a run. I cannot be upbeat about that.”With all my love to Gary, it is not fair to use this type of word for a team that is so brave and a club that always shows it fights for big things.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”What can we do? Now only with this type of performance, show that we are brave, can win games, and of course, nothing to say, we keep moving.”It is not important for the team, it is not important for us, because we know who we are and how we behave and why we lost the game against Liverpool is nothing to do with this.”It is because of all different things. You need to accept opinions. But that is not for us. “We know we are brave, working hard, and if people want to be run and run and run this comment… look, nothing to say. It is opinion and that’s it. We won.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNeville’s blast came after Chelsea’s League Cup loss to Jurgen Klop’s Liverpool. He said: “Klopp’s kids against the blue billion-pound bottlejobs”.Chelsea 3 Leeds 2: Gallagher nets last-gasp winner ease pressure on Pochettino as Blues edge out brave Whites in FA CupExplaining his dig, Neville later clarified: “I feel bad now! No, look, I’m not going to sit here and say it was an instinctive commentary moment… I mean, it was instinctive because I didn’t know what was going to happen in extra-time.”But Peter [Drury] did about 35 seconds after the goal and Carra did about 25 seconds and I was getting angrier. Grab this opportunity, don’t have regrets! “Just from a playing point of view, the idea of a team not seizing the day, seizing the moment, grabbing the opportunity, all those things we say to each other in lives as young people, that we want a team to grab this moment. Chelsea shrunk.”I used the word “shrunk” and maybe “bottle” is a very strong word, but playing with absolute fear, froze, whatever you want to call it, that’s what we saw in extra-time.”Ultimately, I don’t want that tag to stick with them because the reality is that there are a lot of talented young players there who may go on.” Neville blasted Chelsea as ‘billion pound bottle jobs’Credit: Rex More