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    Brenden Aaronson so at home at Leeds after getting engaged to high-school sweetheart and winning over doubters

    YORKSHIRE will forever have a special place in Brenden Aaronson’s heart.Not only is he enjoying the best season of his career with Leeds but it is the county where he got engaged to his high-school sweetheart Milana D’Ambra.Brenden Aaronson has enjoyed a redemption season with LeedsCredit: GettyThe American has been an ever-present for Daniel Farke’s Championship leadersCredit: PAAaronson has even found time to get engaged to partner Milana D’AmbraCredit: Instagram @baaronson7The USA international, 24, got down on one knee in the famous Harrogate park, The Stray, and the happy couple are due to “march up the aisle together” next year.He told SunSport: “It was so nerve-racking. It was the whole build-up to asking the question but thankfully she said, ‘Yes.’”Getting ready for the wedding will be more stressful than any game of football. “But Milana has helped me a ton in my life so it’s really great we’re getting married.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is an exciting time for Aaronson and he hopes to make this season one to remember by helping to shoot Leeds back into the big time.And next year is set to be his greatest yet – playing in the top flight again then almost immediately after the nuptials across the pond he hopes to appear for USA at the World Cup on home soil.Top-of-the-table Leeds travel 36 miles south down the M1 on Monday to take on second-placed Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United.It’s a far cry from the 5,500 miles-plus journey and a six-hour time difference he negotiated when the two sides last met at Elland Road in October.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAaronson had played a full 90 minutes for USA in Mexico, playing at high altitude in Guadalajara, in a game that did not finish until just before 6am UK time on the Wednesday.Yet he remarkably started against the Blades on the Friday night in a 2-0 win.Leeds manager Daniel Farke gives his reaction to draw with Burnley And the midfielder has so far played in all 33 Championship games this season, which is testament to his remarkable stamina.He said: “It’s always tough with the national team, going all the way to the US and back, but I’ve done it for the last four and a half years playing club football in Europe so I’m used to it.”We played that game at high altitude in Mexico and it was so difficult.”Then that night I got on a private jet with a bunch of European-based Americans, flying either to London or Amsterdam.”It’s a good little system where all the clubs from Europe and the US football federation chip in to charter the planes to allow us to get back home a day earlier.”I got back for Thursday and was available to play Friday.”Afterwards I felt dead! But I knew if I could get through the game and play at my level then get through to the next week and have some days to relax and sleep I could do it.”And that’s what I’ve been doing all season. I’ve been able to keep confidence in what I’m doing.”World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarAaronson has turned around fan opinion this season. Having played 36 games in the Premier League after joining from Red Bull Salzburg in May 2022 in a £24.7million deal, he activated a relegation-release loan clause to spend last season with Bundesliga club Union Berlin to anger supporters.And there was a hostile response on social media when it was announced Aaronson had decided to come back this season.He said: “It’s tough when you see people are doubting you but I stayed away from the internet and focussed on myself. “I’m a people pleaser and care about other people’s feelings. I like to make people happy and prove to them how good I am.”I learned from the Prem season when I was first here and when I came back I learned a ton on focusing on myself and believing in myself. “I’ve let myself work over the fans and continue being like that.”Aaronson has scored eight times this season for LeedsCredit: GettyAaronson – nicknamed the Metford Messi back home – bucked the trend in the small New Jersey town by taking up “soccer” while most of his friends were into baseball and American Football. While his younger brother Paxten, 21, also has become a professional footballer and got a senior USA cap to his name, currently on loan at Dutch club Utrecht from Eintracht FrankfurtAnd although he is half-decent at basketball, and has played Lacrosse, football has always been his passion.He grew up supporting Liverpool while idolising the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Philippe Coutinho. He also had a soft spot for Tottenham when Luka Modric was strutting his stuff in North London.Aaronson – whose dad Rusty is a football coach – progressed through the ranks of MLS side Philadelphia Union and has gone on to win 47 caps for his country.The 24-year-old has already earned 47 caps for the United StatesCredit: APThe Leeds star is so excited that the World Cup will be co-hosted by his homeland alongside Canada and Mexico – and has enjoyed working under new coach and former Chelsea, Tottenham and Southampton coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took over in September.He said: “I cannot speak highly enough about Poch. I’ve only had him for two camps now and each one I’ve learned new things.”The formation, the way he wants to play, suits me. That’s what I like about it. Learning new things.”Although Aaronson was not even born when the USA staged their last World Cup in 1994, he has read, watched and listened to many stories about that tournament.He said: “It’s crazy England didn’t even qualify for that one. Dad always tells me how amazing the vibe was.”It kickstarted soccer in America. It made everything boom a lot more. This one will make it even bigger. “We’ve got some great stadiums and the whole atmosphere is going to be amazing.”But Aaronson hopes his home nation does not repeat part of the opening ceremony of that tournament .. when Diana Ross famously shot at an open goal and missed!He laughed:”“We should definitely avoid that this time around!READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it’s hopefully going to be a great year for me – playing in the Premier League, getting married and playing at a home World Cup.”It’s going to be awesome.” More

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    Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil makes shock career change after retiring from football

    FORMER Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has made a shock career change after retiring from football.The German-born Wold Cup winner has entered the world of POLITICS.Mesut Ozil has made a shock career change after retiring from footballOzil  made 244 appearances for the Gunners between 2013 and 2021Ozil has been a longtime supporter of Turkish president Recep Tayyip ErdoganOzil has become a member of Turkey’s ruling AK Party’s central council at a congress meeting in Ankara.The legendary midfielder was one of 39 new appointees into a key decision-making body called the Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK).Ozil, who ended his club career in 2023 with Istanbul Basaksehir, has been a longtime supporter of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.Tens of thousands gathered in a sports hall congress as Erdogan secured his ninth re-election as AKP’s leader.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe congress was attended by 31 representatives from 16 political parties across 13 countries, along with 62 ambassadors and 34 mission representativesIn 2019, Ozil chose Conservative leader Erdogan as the best man at his wedding to Amine Gulse, a former Miss Turkey.But his association with Erdogan has previously sparked controversy.A 2018 photo of Ozil and fellow German star Ilkay Gundogan alongside Erdogan triggered a political backlash in Germany.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOzil, previously held up as a symbol of a multicultural Germany, retired from the German national team soon after.He said: “I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose.”Mesut Ozil shows off incredible body transformation in new video as ex-Arsenal star takes fans inside insane workoutsThe third-generation Turkish-German was born in Gelsenkirchen and was a key member of his country’s 2014 World Cup-winning side.He won 92 caps and was voted the national team’s player of the year five times since 2011 by fans.Now, with his political career taking shape, Ozil is set to play a new role within Turkish politics under Erdogan’s leadership.But in his prime, he was regarded as one of football’s best playmakers.Ozil scooped trophies with Werder Bremen, Madrid and Arsenal during a glittering club career.His incredible body transformation made headlines last September.He wowed fans when he lifted up his top to show his ripped six-pack, captioning an Instagram post: “1 year very hard work.”READ MORE SUN STORIESReacting to the body transformation, one follower wrote: “Animal.”Another added: “Bro is going to WWE.”Ozil’s sensational body transformation made headlines last SeptemberThe German has undergone a crazy body transformation More

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    ‘The problem wasn’t him, it was the coaching’ – Inside Antony’s career revival after leaving Man Utd hell for Real Betis

    MANCHESTER UNITED outcast Antony is back on the road to glory – all thanks to a manager still hailed as an Etihad hero.The Brazilian winger finally found an escape route from his Old Trafford hell with a six-month move to Real Betis in January.Antony has found his goalscoring boots at Real BetisMan Utd flop Antony looks a far happier prospect playing in La LigaCredit: PAThree goals in his first four games made him an immediate hit with fans, in a flying start to life in La Liga.According to one Betis legend, it is all because Antony’s new gaffer has put the freedom and fun back in his game…and that man is ex-City boss Manuel Pellegrini.The Chilean manager has an eternal place in the hearts of City fans as the man who led them to the title in the season always remembered for Steven Gerrard’s slip.And Antony should be just as thankful at swapping the shackles and stress of United for a boss who believes in him again.Read more football newsGabino Rodriguez is a Betis great, after nearly 200 games for his boyhood club, and the man who had a key role in David de Gea’s career during his days as Spain’s Under-21 coach.Now a respected pundit, Rodriguez is convinced Antony has struck gold and in the perfect place to rediscover the form which made him one of the world’s top wide boys.Rodriguez insisted: “It is obviously a bit too soon for a full assessment, but this footballer has class, no doubt about it. Technically he is a very gifted player.“The initial impression is he’s landed on his feet at Betis. He scored in his first game, I can see hunger in him and the fans are very happy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Personally I have no doubts that Antony will adapt really well to Pellegrini’s system because the manager likes to play attacking football.“Betis continuously go down the wings and Antony is the type of player who suits this coach well.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers ever“Under another one he would struggle in all aspects, and that’s what happened at United. For me, Antony’s problem wasn’t him, but a coaching one.”While Pellegrini – replaced by Pep Guardiola in 2016 – had a cautious public profile, his side were full of in-your-face flair, hitting 102 goals as he led City to their second Prem crown.It is an approach he has stuck with in four years at Betis, and Rodriguez reckons Antony couldn’t have a better manager to get him back to the top.He added: “Watching how he has developed in the few matches he’s played so far, I think he’s one for a very distinct kind of coach – and the clearest and closest example is Pellegrini.“There are others who take a more defensive approach and focus more on running and marking or covering.“They are the ones who tend to have a more direct style and use long balls. Players like Antony completely disappear in those sort of matches.”The born-again Brazilian is a world away from the one which left Manchester without starting a Premier League game all season.Ruben Amorim decided to let Antony leave on loan in JanuaryCredit: GettyBrazilians Vitor Roque and Antony have developed a good relationship on the pitchCredit: RexInsiders say he is already a popular figure in the dressing room, and a squad containing another couple from his homeland made settling in much easier.Rodriguez revealed: “He has a very good relationship with his compatriot Natan and don’t forget Victor Roque is also Brazilian.“There are other South Americans like Giovanni Lo Celso, Cucho Hernandez and Chimmy Avila too, which does help at the start when you are in a new place.“I’m told Antony has been well-received in the team and didn’t walk in with an air of superiority just because he came from United.“He’s been quite the opposite, very humble, with a real eagerness to work. Things like that are highly valued at Betis.“Antony just needed the type of coach who could spark him – and under Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorin, everything surrounding United looked like a funeral.”Antony has scored three times in four games for Real BetisPrevious Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag failed to get the best out of the £80m signingCredit: GettyWhether Betis have the cash to turn the loan move into a permanent one is debatable. Rodriguez reckons they will certainly give it a go.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I believe there is no definite buying option to his loan, but if he continues playing at this level, I am sure the club will try and find a way to keep him.“The player clearly likes the club and Sevilla is a very welcoming and friendly city. I am sure he is very comfortable here with his family.” More

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    Former Chelsea and Tottenham star now living completely new life as a supply teacher

    EVERY day is a school day for former left-back Clive Wilson now he works as a permanent supply teacher at Roding Valley High School in Loughton in Essex.Manchester-born Wilson has been at Roding since 2019 — teaching year 11-16s.Today, Clive Wilson is a supply teacher at a school in EssexCredit: RexClive Wilson starred at Tottenham Hotspur in the 1990sCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe 63-year-old said: “I started to work in education in 2008.”After retiring from football in 2000, the ex-defender worked for Le Coq Sportif and Ted Baker before going to university and getting a degree in sports science.He revealed: “The odd thing was I fell into teaching by pure fluke.“I was at a golf driving range one day and there was a lovely guy there who was a Fulham fan and recognised me as a former footballer and asked what I was doing.read more on chelsea“He talked to me about the possibility of teaching. He suggested I should pop to a couple of local schools and have a look at them with no pressure, purely just to see what I thought.“I went along more as something to rule out really.“However, it had the complete opposite effect and I really thought it would be the type of job that I would enjoy.“I’m so grateful for his advice at the range. I haven’t looked back!Most read in Football“The odd thing is I have two brothers and a sister and two of them are teachers, too.Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football enjoying his hobby as a painter “I used to be one of those people who would tease them about them having the best job with a quarter of the year off with holidays.“Then I started teaching. Wow, was I mistaken! Believe me, you need that time.”Growing up, Wilson always wanted to be a footballer but thought it had passed him by when he had not been spotted by the age of 14.He left school at 16 and went to college to study electrical and electronic engineering with the intention of becoming an electrician.But in the last year of college he was spotted playing at Hough End — Manchester’s equivalent to London’s Hackney Marshes.He said: “Len Davies was a Manchester City scout in the days when people would scout the local talent.“And it went from there. I am a case in point that it’s never too late to chase your dream. “I joined at the time of Alex Williams, Andy May, Steve Kinsey, Tommy Caton — sadly no longer with us — and Steve Mackenzie, a 17-year-old Malcolm Allison signed from Crystal Palace, who went on to score one of the great FA Cup final goals.“The club reached successive FA Youth Cup finals in 1979 and 1980.“Sadly we lost them both to Millwall and Aston Villa. I played in the latter final.”Wilson still remembers his City debut — a League Cup tie against Stoke in October 1981 at Maine Road.Left-back Wilson made his debut with Man CityCredit: PAWilson is fondly remembered at Loftus Road where he played for QPRCredit: Getty – ContributorHe recalled: “I was excited at the thought of maybe getting a chance on the bench. Back then there was only one or two subs at the most.“But when I saw manager John Bond had named me in the team, reality suddenly hit me knowing I then had to go out and do it. All of a sudden I was playing alongside players who I thought were on a different level. But it all went OK and we won 2-0.”Clive spent eight years at Maine Road along with a small loan at Chester City for a season.Then he took on a new challenge in 1987 when he headed south to Chelsea.He said: “I liked the idea of playing for a club in London but then I had the biggest culture shock in terms of trying to find anywhere affordable to live!“I realise it’s nearly 40 years ago but you could get a three-bedroom house in Sale for £35,000.“In London I was lucky if I could buy a garage for that!“The first season at Stamford Bridge wasn’t great after being relegated from the top flight.“Not only that but we had the agony of losing a relegation play-off.“They were those two seasons when teams from the top flight would go into two-legged semi-final and final play-off games against teams from the second tier.Wilson hung up his boots in 2000 after a stint at Cambridge UnitedCredit: Getty“Sadly, we lost against Middlesbrough over two legs in the final.“However, we bounced back the following season — scoring 99 league points from our 46 games.”Wilson maintains his best playing years were under Gerry Francis at QPR between 1991 and 1994.He said: “In reflection, I think so. We finished fifth in the first all-new Premier League campaign in 1992-93 followed by another top-half finish the following season.“Then I think Gerry had a falling out with the club over the sale of Les Ferdinand and soon after he moved to Tottenham as manager.”Wilson ended up reuniting with Francis at White Hart Lane in 1995.He said: “Rangers boss Ray Wilkins wanted me to stay but, with no offence to QPR, I was 34 and I saw the switch to Spurs as possibly my last opportunity of playing at one of English football’s big clubs.“Working again with Gerry made it familiar for me, too.”He spent four years in North London but by the time he switched to Cambridge in 1999, he knew his football career was slowing down.Wilson admitted: “I was 38 and was picking up niggly injuries.Wilson is now enjoying life as a supply teacherCredit: RexWilson played for Spurs between 1995-199Credit: PA:Empics Sport“I was still undecided in that 1999-2000 season whether that would be my final year, but realised a few weeks after the end of the season that was it.“I never did go into my last game with any fanfares about it being my finale. And it suited me that way.“I loved my time as a player and I often get kids ask me why I am a teacher when I used to be a top-flight footballer. There is a concept that top-flight footballers have always been well paid.“It was a different time in English football. But I would never complain about it.“The game gave me a great grounding in my life. I am extremely proud of my 20-odd years in the game.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis last week has been an opportunity for Wilson to take a well-earned break from the classroom for half-term.He said: “It’s been a nice pause but I’ll enjoy going back in and mixing with children who, in the main, are a pleasure to teach and work with on a daily basis.”Wilson occasionally returns to Loftus Road and makes guest appearancesCredit: RexNow 63, Wilson leads a different life to his football careerCredit: Rex More

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    Zhilei Zhang brutally knocked out by Agit Kabayel as Chinese warrior, 41, stopped for first time in career

    AGIT KABAYEL climbed off the deck to chop down 20-stone, 6ft6in Zhilei Zhang.The underdog gave away six inches in height and three stone in weight but beat the breath and enthusiasm out of the loveable veteran inside six fun rounds.Agit Kabayel beat Zhilei Zhang in a desert dust-up in RiyadhCredit: GettyThe German picked himself off the canvas to beat the giant Chinese veteranCredit: GettyZhang was unable to take anymore punishment in the sixth roundCredit: GettyBarring a fifth-round knockdown, Kabayel showed exactly how a good little’un beats a good big’un, flooding Zhang’s basement until the Great Wall fell.China’s 41-year-old southpaw started the bout like a man who knew time was not on his side.FOLLOW THE ACTION FROM RIYADH WITH OUR BOXING LIVE BLOGZhang chased the Kurdish German around the ring, slashing at his head from every angle.READ MORE ON BOXINGKabayel, 32, was clever and stayed out of range, he stabbed at Zhang’s body and threw the occasionally looped right hand.Twenty stone Zhang started to fatigue from as early as the second but every punch Kabayel connected with his shaven bowling-ball of a head bounced right off.The better shots from the 2017 Derek Chisora conqueror were the whipped hooks to Zhang’s never-ending torso.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMost read in BoxingMoments after Callum Smith and Josh Buatsi had put on a valiant show of light-heavyweight body punching, these two titans gave us an XXL version, in slower motion.Kabayel seemed confident that surviving the first half of the bout would allow him to pick off an exhausted veteran late on.Worrying new footage shows moment Deontay Wilder gets brutally KO’d by Zhilei Zhang while COMPLAINING to refereeKabayel poured on the pressure thick and fast in the fourth, like chilli sauce on kebabs, his self-confessed guiltiest pleasure.But Zhang was far more resilient than the sort of late-night pitta bread that melts limply in your hands at 3am.Kabayel was coasting the fifth after a minute of one-way action.But Zhang threw a three-punch combination that looked clumsy when the first two missed, but the final right hook shot landed flush and Kabayel was decked and had to crawl up after eight seconds.Kabayel rallied though and almost burst Zhang with a body assault as soon as the sixth started.It looked like Zhang was beaten and needed to take a knee but he battled on and kept taking blows.Eventually, Kabayel toppled the giant and Zhang folded into the canvas and could not rise in time to continue.Kabayel had hit the canvas during a dramatic fifth roundCredit: Getty More

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    Callum Smith rushed to hospital after handing Josh Buatsi first defeat of career in fight of the year contender

    CALLUM SMITH was rushed to hospital after handing Josh Buatsi the first defeat of his career with an age-defying performance of brilliant brutality and courage.The Liverpool light-heavyweight hero looked close to retirement after punishing losses to Canelo Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev left him beaten and adrift.Callum Smith slugged his way to a stunning win over Joshua BuatsiCredit: GettyThe unbeaten Buatsi had been favourite heading into fight nightCredit: ReutersBut Smith put on a show to seal the WBO interim light-heavyweight titleCredit: ReutersBut he stood up to the tough Ghana-born favourite, sucked up all of his best shots and won a unanimous decision.The three ringside judges had the horrible job of splitting the two marvellous men – with Steve Gray going far too wide –  and decided: 119-110, 115-113 and 116-112. FOLLOW THE ACTION FROM RIYADH WITH OUR BOXING LIVE BLOG Smith was then rushed to hospital for an injury to his eye, while Buatsi was assessed by medics at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.READ MORE ON BOXINGDespite both light-heavy beanpoles being tall and technical range-fighters, the best action of the opener was up close and personal.The pair clinched and swapped hooks like little Mexicans.Buatsi, 31, scored with a hook double to head and body but then Mundo landed a left hook to the ribs that echoed around the Riyadh arena.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMost read in BoxingSmith was bundled down once but it was rightly called a split that didn’t need a count.Smith, 34, made a bright start to the second and made his ringside family roar with clever uppercuts.But a Buatis left hook clipped his cheekbone and silenced the travelling Scousers and another even round followed.By the third round, former super-middle world champ Smith was using his superior experience and reach to score from a safe distance.But then Buatsi peppered him with body blows toward the end of the session and for a second it seemed like Smith was folding to the canvas.Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender Watch the full episode of Contender on Sun Sport’s YouTube channel NOW as we exclusively go behind the scenes with Lewis WilliamsTypically he dug deep and held on, even landing a long right hand before the bell.In the fourth round, the two brilliant Englishmen glued their foreheads together and went to war.Hooks slashed in from both sides as their torsos took a leather but it was Smith who walked back to his corner with a cut and welt around his right eye.Smith enjoyed his best round in the fifth after Buatsi made a horrible start. The Croydon ace spent the first two minutes tucked up in his shell, absorbing blows on his tight guard.Smith battled on despite a bad cut above his right eyeCredit: GettyHis combination work earned Mundo a unanimous decision winCredit: GettyHis only respite came when a blow blew the mouthguard out of his mouth.Smith totally dominated the session and Buatsi needed a drastic change of pace.But it was Smith who raced up the gears, battering Buatsi throughout the sixth, with referee Howard Foster looking on the cusp of a stoppage.Suddenly, with ten seconds left of the one-sided beating, Buatsi landed a huge left hook and it was Smith who was buzzed and struggling and glad to hear the bell.Both warriors needed a breather in the seventh and took a break from the brutal hooks and right hands they had swapped.They exchanged long and safe jabs and recuperated, it was a well-earned rest in a superb fight that was almost impossible to split.Buatsi ate three scything right hands in the eighth that forced him backwards but, just before the bell, it was Smith who had to stagger backwards, onto the ropes, when he was tagged back with a reverse one-two.In round nine, Buatsi completely gave up defending against Smith’s right hand and was peppered with the same predictable blow to make it a clear round for the 30-2 veteran.The win extends Smith’s pro record to 31–2Credit: ReutersIn serious danger of drowning in the desert, Buatsi turned the tide in the tenth and ran away with the round with clinical combinations, thrown from angles.But when he got greedy Smith shot back with that right and bought himself another round.Smith’s daddy-long legs started to betray him in the eleventh, when Buatsi’s fresher engine started to make him look the most likely winner. But both heroes kept punching and ducking and digging deeper and deeper.They hugged before the start of the 12th, it was boxing perfection, the best of Britain.Smith was forced into the backfoot but it was from there that he landed a right hand and left hook that wobbled Buatsi.It was Smith’s turn to lose his gum shield with 50 seconds to go but there was enough time for both magnificent men to finish with a gunfight.READ MORE SUN STORIESSmith’s team, led by brother Paul, raced into the ring to celebrate and Callum climbed the corner turnbuckles to wave victoriously to the crowd.The pair embraced and waited for the judges to decide that Smith was back among the light-heavyweight world title race. More

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    Tyson Fury ‘ages 30 years’ in bizarre Instagram post as Gypsy King declares ‘father time now’

    TYSON FURY has given fans a bizarre glimpse into his future – after calling time on his glittering career. The Gypsy King decided to hang up his gloves last month following 16 years in the ring. Tyson Fury hung up his gloves after his loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GettyThe 36-year-old has called time on his career on a number of occasionsCredit: PATyson has hinted this time he may retired for good with his latest Instagram updateCredit: InstagramFury, the unified heavyweight world champion from 2015 to 2016, lost just two of his 37 pro fights.Fans are convinced that Tyson, 36, will come out of retirement to fight again.He has announced his retirement five times in total, with his last hiatus from the ring in 2022.But despite rumours he will fight again, Tyson appears to be preparing for life after boxing. READ MORE ON BOXINGTaking to Instagram on Saturday, the 36-year-old heavyweight uploaded an apparently doctored snap of him sporting a full white beard. Fury captioned the pic: “Father time now.” One fan responded: “See you in two weeks when you get bored.”Another laughed: “You aged yourself 30 years with your own hype.”Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a third joked, referencing Tyson’s dad: “Big Johns had a glow up.”And a fourth predicted: “Until you announce AJ [Antony Joshua] in summer…”‘Greedy Belly has been my best opponent’ – Oleksandr Usyk reveals how he really feels about Tyson Fury Fury left boxing behind again following his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.A blockbuster all-British bout against Anthony Joshua has been long in the making. Despite Fury’s retirement announcement, AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn is pushing to get the fight on. Hearn told IFL TV about an ultimatum he has given Fury, saying: “Maybe there is a conversation in a week or two weeks or three weeks time.View of The Sun’s boxing expert: ‘I think it’s a ploy’By Wally Downes JrCALL ME a miserable fat little boxing cynic, but Tyson Fury’s latest retirement just doesn’t wash with me.It wasn’t too long ago we were hearing he had a ten-fight deal with Saudi Arabia, that he was gonna fight Anthony Joshua twice, then he was going to face Joseph Parker twice.He was planning on doing every fight in the world – there was even talk he’d rematch Francis Ngannou and do a better job.IF he has retired, then he goes out with an incredible career having made over £300million in boxing events alone, let alone all the extra stuff.He does so having sacrificed bundles of his own life for such success.We know his wife Paris suffered a miscarriage going into the first Olesandr Usyk fight.We know for Deontay Wilder III, his little girl was put in intensive care, he barely even trained for that fight, he was sleeping on the hospital floor.IF he has retired, IF it is genuine, then it’s been an incredible career.And for the big showman, it’s probably a nice little short sharp way to go out by just posting a video while sat inside his car.But I can’t help but think that it’s a bit of a ploy to drive AJ a little bit crazy.AJ was at the Ring Awards the other day and put out a social media post saying “Fury, where are you? I’m looking for you.”It’s the only fight that AJ wants, and Fury being wise and looking at the Floyd Mayweather playbook, knows that once you retire, you have to be coaxed out of retirement.And how do you coax someone out of retirement? Loads more readies.The fact of the matter is, Fury has always told us: I’m a prize fighter, I do it for money, I’m gonna do it for as long as I can and make as much money as I can.So the idea that he suddenly ducks out now doesn’t seem to ring quite true.As Fury made the announcement, I was with Frank Warren and he said hadn’t spoken to Tyson about it today, but that he hopes that it’s true, that Fury’s done enough and made enough money.IF it’s true, then what an incredible career.Fury and AJ have put British boxing on the map where it’s not been for decades, not since Lennox Lewis 25 years ago.So thank you, but rather than being at his leaving party, which I’m sure The Sun would be invited to, I suspect we’ll see him boxing AJ in Riyadh in a few months. “We say to Fury, ‘Just to let you know, you don’t wanna fight AJ, in the summer, August, September, because if you want to come out of retirement, now is the time to do it’.”The only things I know are AJ wants to fight Fury and he wants to fight for the world heavyweight title, that’s it.”Hearn additionally told Sky Sports: “We will ask the question.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Frank Warren was saying, ‘Well, he’s retired’.”I know but it’s still my job to say we are going to make our decision, just double-checking there’s no chance he’s going to fight.” More

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    talkSPORT presenter opens up on 50-yard Premier League ‘clearance-goal’ after being forced out of Chelsea

    JASON CUNDY turns the clock back to 1992 and the first month of the all-new Premier League.The 55-year-old former defender, who now works for talkSPORT co-presenting the Sports Bar with Jamie O’Hara, reflects on his freak ‘clearance’ goal from 50 yards to give Tottenham the lead at Ipswich.Jason Cundy talks THAT goal for Tottenham against Ipswich in 1992Cundy scored a fluky goal from past the half-way lineCundy is now a presenter on talkSPORTI would love to tell you I looked up, spotted Ipswich keeper Craig Forrest off his line, measured my shot from 50 yards and the ball flew in just as I had planned.But here’s the TRUTH of what really happened 33 years ago.I was just inside Ipswich’s half and the ball was played into a space which I thought was going to end up being a 50-50 challenge between myself and Jason Dozzell.My thought process was that I wanted to make sure I got to the ball as quick as possible to avoid there being any sort of contact between the two of us.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhat played out was Jason didn’t make the expected challenge by which time I was fully committed.My proposed tackle ended up being a completely freakish clearance  that ballooned in the wind and sailed over the top of a flailing Forrest in the Ipswich goal.As a defender, I didn’t score that many goals in my career — in fact this was my only one for Tottenham. But because it’s completely niche, this one resurfaces whenever a collection of madcap Premier League goals are replayed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s also odd how 30 or more years can blur certain moments . . . and facts too.It wasn’t until I looked back at this game to see that Tottenham were bottom of the table going into this game in the all-new Premier League.The Tottenham team take the INEOS Grenadier 4×4 for a spinAnd that this draw took us off the foot of the league. It took me by complete surprise because I had no recollection that we had started so slowly.I had joined Tottenham in March, 1992 back in the days when the ‘transfer window’ went on until March. The move came completely out of nowhere.Manager Ian Porterfield called me in and told me Chelsea had accepted an offer from Tottenham.  I wasn’t happy with the way it was  a ‘done deal’ and no one had even talked to me.But back then, if I had decided to turn it down I could have quite literally been thrown into the reserves and never played in the first  team again.I heard again from Porterfield shortly after that a meeting had been set up with Tottenham’s Terry Venables. And that was it.It was odd because Peter Shreeves was manager when I joined Tottenham with Terry taking training.Then we started 1992-93  with Doug Livermore and Ray Clemence in charge.Sadly, despite spending four years at White Hart Lane — with a couple of loan spells at Crystal Palace and Bristol City — my time at the club was blighted with injuries.By pure coincidence I ended up switching from Spurs to Ipswich in 1996 and so was back at the ground of this bizarre goal moment.It also meant that one of my new team-mates was Forrest — the unfortunate keeper who conceded my crazy goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESI have to say even before we became good friends I had so much sympathy for him for having to watch those endless repeats of the goal.It’s crazy to think that he played for 17 years, made 56 appearances for his country —  yet most people only remember him for either my strike or conceding nine at Manchester United in the Premier League! More