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    Dave Allen is the ex-supply teacher turned boxer who overcame gambling addiction to become heroic fans’ favourite

    DAVE ALLEN has lived several lives, from supply school teacher to gambling addict and now, thankfully, a beloved boxing star. Allen started as an amateur aged 16 and had just ten bouts before turning professional in 2012 – snubbing the chance to join the GB Squad. Dave Allen opened up on his gambling addiction, which he has bravely overcomeCredit: First Round TVHe was 20 when he made his debut but only three years later Allen had only fought seven times and was in need of cash. The heavyweight made ends meet as a sparring partner – earning around £500 a week – but it was not enough. So he got a job as a supply teacher – lying on his CV to get the gig – before returning to the ring in 2015. But by then, Allen was gripped by a horrific gambling addiction which started after making a £1 bet on the horses with his dad when he was just eight. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd after being introduced to online betting, the boxer’s life began to spiral. He bravely said on ex-middleweight champion Darren Barker’s podcast: “It just snowballed really. “I used to go to the bookies and play on the machines there, they were great times.”But the online stuff is where it got bad for me because it was so easy, it was numbers on the screen. Most read in Boxing”Probably at the worst? It’s difficult to say really. I wasn’t gambling that much in my early 20s, but I was gambling everything that I had. “As I got a bit older, I was gambling way more, tens of thousands of pounds. Maybe into hundreds of thousands overall.”John Fisher opens up on his son’s brutal fight against Dave Allen after he needed brain scan Allen – who has sparred Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk – said winning the bets was the route of his addiction not the cash. He explained: “I have no interest in the money at all. “The kind of gambler I am, it’s not about the money for me. When the money runs out, that’s the only issue.”I never wanted to withdraw any money, I just wanted to keep winning. To be honest, at that time it was like an escapism from real life.”Allen revealed his routine consisted of going to bed at 6am and waking up by 2pm to catch the first race of the day. Fortunately, Allen has overcome his addiction with the help of his sister and wife, who he shares a son and daughter with. As I got a bit older, I was gambling way more, tens of thousands of pounds. Maybe into hundreds of thousands overall.Dave Allen He said: “Since I was 26, I’ve not been in control of my own money. “So at 26, I said to my sister, ‘You’re going to have to look after my money, to be honest.'”My sister set me up a bank account and for the last seven and a half years if I want any money at all, I have to text my sister and now my missus, I get a card and they send me money.”Because, if I could still gamble now, I think I would. I’ve spent mad money on mad s***, I was spending ridiculous money and when I boxed Luis Ortiz, I did it for the money, really.”I think I owed a few quid at the time of the Dillian Whyte fight, I think I lost about eight grand on the day of the fight, I didn’t clear too much more than that really.”Allen has also become a trainer and manager to young fighters to also keep himself on track. He said: “I need it as much as them, start training the kids seven or eight years ago and that’s my sustainability really. ‘He’ll get knocked out'”It’s really kept me on the straight and narrow.”Allen initially retired from boxing in 2020 aged 28 after a brutal knockout loss to 2008 Olympic bronze medallist David Price.But he returned a year later and has fought eight times since, remaining a hugely popular figure amongst British fans. Allen, 33, is coming off a controversial split-decision loss to Johnny Fisher, 26, in Saudi Arabia last December. But the pair now rematch on Saturday at Fisher’s adopted home of the Copper Box Arena. And Allen – who dropped Fisher in round five – warned: “If he fights me May 17th he’ll get knocked out because I’ll be sharper, a little bit fitter.Read More on The Sun”If he boxes me it will be hard work, of course it is. But I don’t think at the Copper Box he’ll hold it together and box. “He’ll get in a fight at some point. I’m not the biggest puncher but I hit too hard for him and I’m too strong for him. He’s tough, though.”Johnny Fisher controversially beat Dave Allen on pointsCredit: ReutersThey rematch at the Copper BoxCredit: PA More

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    Watford appoint little-known Uruguayan, 42, as new manager after controversial Tom Cleverley axe

    WATFORD have named a little-known Uruguayan as their new manager.Former Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano, 42 comes in just a week after the mid-table Championship side sacked Tom Cleverley.Paulo Pezzolano arrives having been axed by Real Valladolid in NovemberCredit: GettyWatford sacked Tom Cleverley last week after 19 months in chargeCredit: PAIncredibly, Pezzolano is the Hornets’ 22nd manager since Gino Pozzo became club owner in 2012.Cleverley’s axing angered many fans after he arrived as interim chief in March 2024 and landed the permanent job a month later.But the ex-Manchester United midfielder paid the price for Watford slipping out of play-off contention in the second half of this season.The Hornets picked up just five wins in 2025.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCleverley departed after Watford finished the campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday on May 3.However, appointing Pezzolano appears something of a gamble.The ex-midfielder’s only previous managerial role in Europe was his last job.He was in charge of LaLiga team Valladolid from April 2023 until his sacking in November last year.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKValladolid went on to finish bottom this term, with just 17 points – meaning relegation.Before that spell, Pezzolano bossed home-country clubs Liverpool Montevideo and Montevideo City, then Mexicans Pachuca and Brazilian team Cruzeiro.Pezzolano has landed his second managerial post in EuropeCredit: GettyWatford’s sporting director Gian Luca Nani said in a statement: “Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad.“He has had success at virtually every club, including league titles and promotions, but it is his work on the training ground that impressed the most when we undertook our research.“He has innovative ideas and processes which he transmits passionately to the players. “We believe Paulo is the leader we need as we refocus ahead of the new season. He is fully aware of our ambitions and determination to push for promotion and embraces that challenge.”Nani added: “The club achieved great success when making similar appointments in Slavisa Jokanovic, Javi Gracia and Xisco Munoz.”And we hope our fans welcome Paulo and wish him every success as we try to achieve the owner’s clear aim of challenging for a return to the Premier League.” More

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    Carlo Ancelotti’s son ‘offered first job in management’ just hours after dad agreed to take over as Brazil boss

    CARLO ANCELOTTI’S son has reportedly been offered his first job in management.Davide, 35, is on the lookout for his next job after his dad agreed to take over Brazil.Davide Ancelotti (R) is reportedly set to become Rangers managerCredit: GettyHe has been the assistant to father Carlo at multiple clubsCredit: GettyThe father-and-son combo worked together at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and currently, Real Madrid.However, they will both be leaving the LaLiga giants at the end of the season.While Ancelotti is heading to the southern hemisphere, his son is set for a move to Scotland.Reports have claimed that Davide has been offered the manager job at Rangers.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Scottish outfit is on the lookout for their replacement with Barry Ferguson set to leave at the end of the season.The former Ibrox captain was installed as the boss temporarily after Philippe Clement was sacked in February.He has helped the club to an almost certain second-place finish in the SPL.Davide has gained interest from elsewhere due to his impressive CV.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLast year, he was linked with Ligue 1 outfit Stade de Reims following Will Still’s exit.The coach has also been of interest for Serie A side Como, should Cesc Fabregas leave the club.Carlo Ancelotti named Brazil coach as former Chelsea boss makes history after leaving Real MadridDavide may be delayed getting to Rangers as he is reportedly set to assist his dad for June internationals against Ecuador and Paraguay.Rangers had previously been linked with former Premier League managers Russell Martin and Sean Dyche.The pair have been without clubs since they were sacked by Southampton and Everton this season.Meanwhile, Davide will leave Real Madrid along with his father after a successful four-year spell.He was in the dugout as the club won two LaLiga titles and two Champions Leagues.Inside Ancelotti’s trophy cabinetCarlo Ancelotti has won a stunning amount of honours during his playing and managerial career…Playing career:RomaSerie A x1Coppa Italia x4AC MilanSerie A x2Supercoppa Italiana x1European Cup x2European Super Cup x1Intercontinental Cup x1Manager career:JuventusIntertoto Cup x1AC MilanSerie A x1Coppa Italia x1Supercoppa Italiana x1Champions League x2Super Cup x2Club World Cup x1ChelseaPremier League x1FA Cup x1Community Shield x1Paris Saint-GermainLigue 1 x1Real MadridLaLiga x2Copa del Rey x2Supercopa de Espana x2Champions League x3Super Cup x3Club World Cup x2Intercontinental Cup x1Bayern MunichBundesliga x1DFL-Supercup x1 More

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    Tyson Fury’s dad rips into son’s corner and claims he saved Gypsy King getting KO’d by Oleksandr Usyk

    JOHN FURY has blasted his son Tyson’s coaching team and claimed he saved him from getting knocked out by Oleksandr Usyk. Fury, 36, lost his undefeated record and WBC belt in a points loss to Usyk, 38, last May and narrowly escaped being stopped in round nine. John Fury claimed he saved son Tyson from getting knocked out by Oleksandr UsykCredit: SplashFury with trainer SugarHill StewardCredit: GettyBut father John – who came under fire for his corner work in the aftermath of the fight – said he is the sole reason his son was not KO’d.John told SecondsOut: “Well, if it wasn’t for me in his corner he’d be knocked out. Simple as that.”He was listening to the wrong instructions and got caught going to the left of a southpaw. I’m a southpaw, you don’t go to the left on me because I’ll catch you.”He was listening to ill-adviCe, too many people in the corner and I’m his father, if it wasn’t for me, he not only stayed in the fight he won the 11th, he shared the tenth because his legs were gone in the tenth.READ MORE IN BOXING”He was a miracle man to get out the ninth round but it was me who kept him in there. If it had been left to them, he’d have been knocked out.”Fury has been coached by Sugarhill Steward – nephew to legendary trainer Emanuel – since 2020 while also having ex-world champion Andy Lee as assistant. But dad and former boxer John fumed: “He was listening to people that haven’t got any fighting experience.”And at the end of the day, if he was that good of a trainer, Sugarhill, his uncle Emanuel would have left him the top job, wouldn’t he?Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He would’ve left him the full business, Jonathan Banks ended up with it. Why didn’t Tommy Hearns have Sugarhill? Why didn’t Lennox Lewis have him?”Why didn’t all the other Kronk fighters have him? There’s a reason for it. Why do all these British fighters have him and sack him? Because he’s incapable and I’m the first to say it.Tommy Fury calls out ‘b****’ Jake Paul after making boxing comeback after 18 months”I don’t mind the man as a man, I’m talking on boxing terms only. The man is a very nice man, he’s never done me no harm in any way shape or form.”But, we’re talking boxing politics here and they just don’t work Tyson hard enough, he’s too soft with him and Tyson’s telling him what to do half the time.”And like I say, they’re not going to tell him he’s wrong because they need the money.”Sugarhill has also coached the likes of Ben Whittaker and Lawrence Okolie in the past – later splitting with both. He was mentored by his late uncle Emanuel, who shot to fame as the trainer to the likes of Lewis and Wladimir Klitshcko. But after Emanuel’s death in 2012, his former fighter Banks inherited his stable including Klitshcko. Sugarhill has also worked with former world champions in Anthony Dirrell and Adonis Stevenson. And Fury credited the American for turning him into a power-puncher, with two stoppages over Deontay Wilder. Read More on The SunThe Gypsy King was beaten again by Usyk on points in their December rematch – without dad John in the corner – and retired a month later. But, with rumours of a future fight against Anthony Joshua, 35, Fury recently reunited with Sugarhill in his Morecambe gym to tease a comeback. Sugarhill with his uncle EmanuelCredit: @kronksugarhillOleksandr Usyk twice beat Fury on pointsCredit: PA More

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    Blow to Steven Gerrard as he loses eye-watering sum of money after pal’s business closes with huge debts

    FOOTIE manager Steven Gerrard has pulled the plug on a company flogging “healthy” water.The former Liverpool midfielder and England captain pumped £371,524 into Angel Revive, which was run by a friend.Steven Gerrard has lost an eye-watering sum of money after his pal’s business closed with huge debtsBut he has lost most of his money along with fellow investors who ploughed £2.5million into the business, which has closed with huge debts.Gerrard owns a 25 per cent stake.The 44-year-old has had £50,000 of his investment back, but remains massively out of pocket.The company has debts of £542,220, including £398,353 in unpaid rent.READ MORE ON STEVEN GERRARDPaperwork said: “The company has negative reserves and is dependent on continued financial support of directors and shareholders.”Gerrard is among contenders for the managerial job at his Scottish giants Rangers, who he managed previously for three years from 2018, winning the Scottish Premiership in 2021.The Gers are seeking a permanent manager after sacking Philippe Clement in February, with former midfielder Barry Ferguson being placed in temporary charge since.Gerrard left Ibrox to take over as Aston Villa manager but was sacked in October 2022 after winning just two of 12 games.Most read in FootballHe then took up the manager’s job at Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq, but left by mutual consent in JanuarySteven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq More

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    Ex-Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag ‘neck-and-neck’ with Arsenal legend Fabregas to replace Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen

    ERIK TEN HAG and Cesc Fabregas are the leading candidates to replace Xabi Alonso as Bayer Leverkusen boss this summer, according to reports.Alonso, 43, announced on Friday that he is leaving Leverkusen at the end of the season having led the club to an undefeated Bundesliga title last term.Xabi Alonso has announced he is leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the seasonCredit: RexFormer Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is in the running to replace AlonsoCredit: GettyComo manager Cesc Fabregas is also being consideredCredit: GettyNow the retired midfielder appears to be heading to former club Real Madrid to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the hotseat of one of football’s biggest jobs.Now Leverkusen are out to find his replacement and it appears that former Manchester United boss Ten Hag and ex-Arsenal star Fabregas, 38, are the top targets for the German outfit.Ten Hag, 55, has been without a job since he was sacked by United in October, while Fabregas has impressed during his maiden season in charge of Italian outfit Como in Serie A.German outlet Kicker claim the pair are “neck-and-neck” for the vacancy as thing stand. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt’s thought that Ten Hag would command a higher wage packet than Fabregas, but Leverkusen would have to fork out in excess of £10m to convince Como to let go of Fabregas – given his current contract runs until 2028.Fabregas, whose Como side are on course for a top-half finish in Serie A despite only gaining promotion last term, is understood to have a long list of suitors.While Ten Hag has been waiting to find the right job, revealing in February that he “didn’t know” what the next step in his career would be.He told SEG Stories: “I don’t know how my career will develop. But I’m going to try my best.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Provided something comes along that suits me. There are so many other things I could do.”Maybe in football, in a new position as a manager. That’s an option. And maybe something completely different.Erik ten Hag reveals he HAS returned to work and may never go back to management after Man Utd sacking”I’ve been working with my brothers lately. We have our own company. Or rather, they have their own company.”But we also run a company together with our father. That’s also something I love to do.”I can now give that more attention and it’s also a lot of fun.”It’s claimed that Ten Hag has already begun negotiations with Leverkusen over the job, but nothing is yet agreed.Ten Hag was sacked in October despite winning both the League Cup and FA Cup in his first two seasons as Red Devils boss.He was axed while United were languishing in 14th place in the Premier League – one spot higher than the position they hold (15th) some six months later. More

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    Carlo Ancelotti ‘reaches agreement to LEAVE Real Madrid’ as manager’s likely next job is revealed

    CARLO ANCELOTTI and Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement over his exit, according to reports.It was reported last month that the Italian was set to leave the Spanish giants after being eliminated from the Champions League and beaten in the Copa del Rey final.Carlo Ancelotti has reached a verbal agreement over his Real Madrid exitCredit: RexAncelotti is set to take charge of Brazil during the summer international breakCredit: RexAncelotti has been heavily linked the vacant post of the Brazil national team, where he is said to have agreed a deal to take over through to the end of the 2026 World Cup.Conversations have been ongoing with Madrid over the terms of his exit which were largely dependent on reaching an agreement over his salary for the remainder of his contract at the Bernabeu.The 65-year-old has a deal which runs until 2026 after signing an extension in December 2023.But according to The Athletic, a verbal agreement on those terms has now been reached, with only formalities left to be sorted out before an official announcement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe move is expected to be announced before the end of the LaLiga season and may even come after next Sunday’s El Clasico.However, it will mean Madrid need to find a new manager BEFORE the Club World Cup in the United States starting on June 14.Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is the frontrunner to land the permanent job, although director of football Santiago Solari is also being seen as the favourite for an internal option.Ancelotti has been in talks with Brazil’s football federation (CBF) since March and had been expected to sign a contract with them in late April, but the move stalled due to his talks with Madrid over compensation.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBrazil have World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay coming up when the club season finishes, with those matches taking place on June 6 and June 11 respectively.Ancelotti re-joined Madrid in 2021 and won two league titles and three Champions Leagues to make him the most decorated coach in the club’s history with 15 titles overall.New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal He has been described as the “dream” of CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues.Whoever takes over from the legendary boss at the Bernabeu could be joined by a fellow new arrival in Trent Alexander-Arnold, who today announced he was leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.The 26-year-old said it was “easily the hardest decision of my career” in an emotional statement earlier today, though Liverpool themselves were far more blunt with their own statement.Madrid may need to fork out a transfer fee to see him playing for them at the Club World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti has now won 28 trophies More

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    Tottenham coach Ryan Mason wanted by West Brom to become new boss… but Baggies hit by major hurdle

    TOTTENHAM’S Europa League progress is causing problems for West Brom’s bid to land coach Ryan Mason as boss.Highly-rated Mason, 33, is part of Ange Postecoglou’s staff and Spurs’ desperate need to win the competition is his priority.Ryan Mason is wanted by West BromCredit: GettyThe Baggies are willing to wait before deciding on their next manager, but a delay over Mason leaves the door open for other candidates to move into pole position.Tony Mowbray was sacked by West Brom last month after getting only five wins in 18 league games, ending their play-off hopes.The Baggies’ season officially ended on Saturday as the club had to settle for a 9th-placed finish.The club were four points off the top six despite boasting the fifth-best goal difference in the league.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpurs have one foot in the Europa League final after they saw off Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg of their semi-final.It is likely to be an all-English final against Manchester Utd in Bilbao on May 21.Mason, 33, harbours ambitions to be a manager one day – but also is keen to do the right thing by Tottenham.The former midfielder had two stints as interim Spurs boss following the exits of Jose Mourinho in 2021 and then Cristian Stellini, who himself has succeeded Antonio Conte, in 2023.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOutside of those brief spells as boss, Mason has worked as an assistant manager, technical coach and head of academy coaching at the North London club.Ex-England international Mason was forced to retire as a player in 2018 after a sickening head clash with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill while playing for Hull a year earlier.Moment Graham Potter ‘loses entire West Ham fanbase in 20 seconds’ with shocking Tottenham comments_1His brief spells in charge of Spurs saw him oversee 13 games, winning six, losing six and drawing once – including a 1-0 defeat to Man City in the 2021 Carabao Cup final.Mason had previously been linked with a move to become the Anderlecht manager.In October 2024, it was reported that he held talks with the Belgian club but ultimately stayed put in North London.Ryan Mason’s full record as interim managerHere’s a look at the 13 results managed by Ryan Mason during his two spells as Tottenham’s interim boss…Post MourinhoLeicester 2-4 SpursSpurs 1-2 Aston VillaSpurs 2-0 WolvesLeeds 3-1 SpursSpurs 4-0 Sheffield UnitedMan City 1-0 Spurs (Carabao Cup final)Spurs 2-1 SouthamptonPost ConteLeeds 1-4 SpursSpurs 1-3 BrentfordAston Villa 2-1 SpursSpurs 1-0 Crystal PalaceLiverpool 4-3 SpursSpurs 2-2 Man Utd More