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      in Motorsport

      The £26bn Red Bull tycoon who holds Christian Horner’s future in his hands… and whose playboy son has scandal of his own

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      HE’S the Formula 1 tycoon who could single-handedly steer Christian Horner’s career to safety.Red Bull owner Chalerm Yoovidhya holds the biggest stake in the company and is said to be the most important supporter of the embattled team principal.Chalerm Yoovidhya, pictured next to wife Daranee, shows his support for Christian and Geri at the weekendCredit: GettyThe Red Bull owner with three-time world champion Max VerstappenCredit: APF1 boss Horner, who is married to ex Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, was rocked last week after bombshell ‘sext’ messages with an alleged female colleague were leaked online.Only 24 hours before, he had been cleared of misconduct towards the woman by an internal probe – allegations he had always denied.Now, an astonishing civil war has broken out at Red Bull after Jos Verstappen – the dad of superstar driver Max – warned the team will “explode” if the 50-year-old stays.While some high profile figures in the company have reportedly turned on Horner, Chalerm – who is worth £26billion – remains his most crucial public ally.Read more on Christian HornerAt the Bahrain Grand Prix over the weekend, the pair were pictured together alongside their wives, Geri and Daranee, as they celebrated three-time world champion Max winning the first race of the new season.Thai billionaire Chalerm is the oldest son of Chaleo Yoovidhya, who co-created the energy drink brand with Dietrich Mateschitz.The late Dietrich Mateschitz was Horner’s biggest championCredit: GettyDietrich’s son, Mark, has taken over his role in the F1 teamCredit: GettyAustrian businessman Dietrich spearheaded the development of Red Bull’s sporting division, handpicking Horner to launch their F1 team and proving to be his biggest champion until his death in 2022.Since then, Horner has made close ties with Chalerm, while Dietrich’s own heir, Mark, is believed to have cooled on the scandal-hit team leader, according to Mail Online.Most read in MotorsportAway from the track, the Yoovidhya empire spreads across multi-million pound properties, vineyards and businesses, from London to Bangkok.But the playboy lifestyle of one of Chalerm’s 11 children has presented the family with a scandal of their own – and one far darker than Horner’s.Horror smashIn 2012, Charlem’s son Vorayuth was allegedly involved in an accident in Bangkok in which a cop was killed.He has been effectively on the run ever since – as the clock runs down on prosecution time.Verstappen breaks silence on Christian Horner ‘sexting’ probe as pressure mounts on Red Bull 3 weeks after shock claimsVorayuth – known as ‘Boss’ – has been pictured travelling around the world on private jets, enjoying lavish holidays in Japan, Monaco, Venice and Laos in Asia and celebrating a birthday at Gordon Ramsay’s London restaurant.He is believed to own a home in London where he keeps a black Porsche Carrera with the personal number plate BO55 RBR – short for ‘Boss Red Bull Racing’.Last month it was revealed a former top policeman in Bangkok faces charges of helping Vorayuth escape justice along with other senior figures.The saga began 12 years ago when it was claimed the 42-year-old hit policeman Wichean Glanprasert with his Ferrari on a main drag in Bangkok. The officer’s mangled body was dragged down the block along with his tangled bike.Cops followed a trail of brake fluid to the Yoovidhya family’s gated property nearby, where they found Vorayuth’s car with its bumper hanging off.A chauffeur was first blamed for the accident but Vorayuth, who attended the exclusive private school Bradfield College in Berkshire,  later turned himself in and admitted being behind the wheel. Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya seen outside his house in LondonCredit: APVorayth’s Ferrari was found smashed up after an accidentCredit: AFPHis attorney claimed alcohol found in his system was drunk to steady his nerves after the crash.The family put up £12,000 for bail and he went home the same day, quickly resuming his jet-set lifestyle. He was seen three months later at the Red Bull Singha Race of Champions in Bangkok, surrounded by friends and cousins.It took Thai police another five years to issue a formal arrest warrant in 2017 when Vorayuth fled Thailand and his passport was revoked.  Interpol issued a ‘red notice’ to arrest him pending extradition but it appears to no longer be posted on its website.He has since failed to show up at court with lawyers claiming he was too busy to appear or had important appointments – including one in London.Chalerm sees Horner as some sort of foster sonEx F1 driver Ralf SchumacherThe Thai statute of limitations – the time in which someone can be prosecuted – started to expire on potential charges of speeding, hit and run and causing death by reckless driving.Then, in 2020 the police suddenly announced they were dropping all charges.The move provoked fury and a boycott of Red Bull products in Thailand, where campaigners complain of a two-tiered justice system – one for the poor and  another for elites.It emerged that at the time of the accident the dead policeman’s brother signed a contract with the Yoovidhyas to receive around £75,000 in compensation if the family agreed not to start criminal or civil proceedings.However, the deal didn’t shield them from a case brought by Thai prosecutors and, after the outcry following Vorayuth’s acquittal, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered a new investigation.He said the original probe had been “compromised” and fresh charges of drug use and causing death by reckless driving were laid against Vorayuth in 2020.Who is Jos Verstappen?A FORMER F1 driver himself, Jos achieved two podiums in 106 races but is been better known for being the father of three-time world champ Max Verstappen.
      Jos can frequently be seen behind the scenes at Red Bull during the race weekends and takes pride in supporting his son publicly.
      However, he has been the subject of some scrutiny in the past.
      After an incident in 1998 at a karting track where another man suffered a fractured skull, he avoided a suspended jail sentence after agreeing an out-of-court settlement with the victim.
      Ten years later, he appeared in court, charged with assaulting his wife, Sophie Kumpen.
      He was found not guilty of assault, but guilty of threatening Kumpen in text messages and of violating a previously issued restraining order.
      He was fined and sentenced to three months of a probational, suspended prison sentence.
      And in January 2012, he was arrested following accusations that he drove a car into his ex-girlfriend but was released two weeks later after the charge was withdrawn.
      He has overseen his son’s career like a hawk and now, with a wedge drive between himself and Horner, it leaves Max Verstappen in an awkward position

      Since then, cops have run out of time to prosecute the drug charge and the driving offence is set to run out in 2027.Last month several government officials and cops were accused of a conspiracy to help Vorayuth escape the country.Police chief Somyot Poompanmoung and other suspects face being charged with an abuse of power in order to aid an individual to avoid prosecution.Somyot was last year accused by the National Anti-Corruption Commission of tampering with evidence by altering the speedometer of Vorayuth’s Ferrari.Humble beginningsThe scandal is a long way from the humble beginnings of Vorayuth’s grandfather, who was once a farmer on his family’s duck farm.Born to poor Chinese immigrant parents who traded fruit in a town to the north of Bangkok, Chaleo Yoovidhya got a job as an antibiotics salesman before quitting to set up his own pharmaceutical firm in the early 1960sHe said “divine inspiration” helped him create an energy-boosting drink, which he named Krating Daeng.Austrian salesman Dietrich found the drink cured his jet lag and went into partnership with Chaleo in 1984, launching Red Bull.While the drink became a ‘go to’ for party animals, Chaleo was deeply private and had not given an interview in 30 years when he died in March 2012 aged 88.As the eldest of two sons, Chalerm took over the business empire and Red Bull Racing was born in 2005.The family are said to own five multi-million pound properties in London as well as a luxurious gated home in Bangkok.Chalerm has 11 children with wife Daranee and one owns a £5.9million townhouse in Chicago.Since 2001, the F1 businessman has also run a winery in Dallas, Texas, called Siam.’Foster son’ relationshipChalerm is said to see Horner like a foster sonCredit: GettyWith Chalerm owning 51 percent of Red Bull – with Austrian Mark Mateschitz retaining 49 per cent – he could be the deciding factor on whether Horner remains team principal.As Geri Halliwell stood by her man at the weekend, packing on the PDA at the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Red Bull owner also made a show of support.He and wife Daranee were pictured laughing and joking with the Horners on the terrace in the clearest sign yet that Christian has the ear of the big boss.Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher previously described Horner as a “kind of foster son” to Chalerm.Speaking before Horner was cleared by Red Bull, he said: “He stands by him unconditionally.”Horner has said he is “absolutely confident” he will ride out the biggest storm of his life.Only time will tell if he’s correct.Horner, with wife Geri, says he is confident he will keep his jobCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      How ‘freak’ athlete Francis Ngannou would have been a star in totally different sport… if he was born in America

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU could have been a star in a totally different sport… had he been born in America. Ngannou’s remarkable story saw him leave Cameroon at the age of 26 to seek a better life in Europe. Francis Ngannou ahead of his fight with Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyNgannou put the work in during training campCredit: @francisngannouStrength and conditioning coach Trippe Hale with NgannouCredit: @trippe_haleAnd after battling homelessness and border control, he made it to France after 14 horror months on foot. From Paris he became a prizefighting sensation, winning the UFC title after just eight years in the sport. But last year he put his MMA career on hold to cross over to boxing for a blockbuster bout with Tyson Fury. The mother of all upsets even looked on the cards when he floored Fury, 35, only to lose a controversial split-decision. READ MORE IN BOXINGNow he returns to the ring on Friday against Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia. Helping whip the 6ft 4in, 19st monster of a man into shape is strength and conditioning coach Trippe Hale. And Hale warned Joshua, 34, that Ngannou, 37, is just as frighteningly powerful as he looks. He told SunSport: “He is a big boy, he’s a freak. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“But with that it’s not always about making him bigger or stronger, it’s about making him more mobile, more stable, more in shape, a better conditioned athlete. “Everybody has all the tools and resources in the world for recovery but I feel like they take away from the condition side.Francis Ngannou turned down mega money from UFC before boxing switch“This is not the case with Francis, every single muscle he has are go muscles. “You have show muscles and go muscles, his might look like show muscles but they are go muscles. “Every single muscle in his arm, you will feel that when he punches you.” Ngannou linked up with Hale after he left the UFC and lost access to their Performance Institute and the coaches there. He joined boxing coaches Dewey Cooper and John M’Bumba as well as MMA head trainer Eric Nicksick in the camp. And after a test run against Fury, Hale said: “His confidence is way higher.“Last time he would wonder if he was in good enough shape, he would question things like that. He’d say, ‘Do you think I need another week? Do you think I need this?’“There’s been no questions about that. He understands he went the ten rounds with one of the best in the world.The pair have been working together for a yearCredit: @francisngannouHale is part of Ngannou’s boxing teamCredit: @francisngannouNgannou put his MMA career on hold for boxingCredit: @francisngannou“I think he knows inside what he needs to feel like and what he needs to accomplish, Dewey, John and Eric were a lot harder on him this camp in sparring. I think that’s played a big impact on his will.” Joshua’s coach Ben Davison is renowned for his analytical boxing brain and attention to detail. But Hale insisted anyone would be wasting their time banking on film study from his boxing debut against Fury. He said: “I mean it’s a big time growth from last camp, he’s a completely different boxer.“If people are watching film on the last fight, that’s a completely different person than you’re going to deal with in this fight. “And that’s what I’m excited about.” Hale has been in the coaching game for over 17 years and has worked with athletes from basketball to baseball. Ngannou returns to face AJ in only his second boxing boutCredit: @francisngannouThe ex-UFC champion has been described as a ‘freak’ athleteCredit: @francisngannouNgannou stands 6ft 4in tall and weighs over 19 stoneCredit: @francisngannouBut his bread and butter is American football and he knows and NFL talent when he sees one – and Ngannou has all the makings of one. Hale said: “If he was born in America, he would be playing in the NFL, no doubt about it. “He wouldn’t have a choice! Especially if I got a hold of him, he wouldn’t have a choice. But what position would Ngannou be if he traded the ring for the field? “He would definitely be a DN, defensive end,” Hale said. People don’t understand how fast he is the guy can run. “He can run so I could definitely see him being like a Myles Garrett, who was defensive player of the year this year. READ MORE SUN STORIES“He definitely has that body type, that size, that kind of speed. He would definitely be an NFL football player if he was born in America.” Joshua facing off with NgannouCredit: AFP More

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      in Soccer

      Mark Clattenburg was a referee for the Instagram age… why on earth is Gladiators star working at Nottingham Forest?

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      IF you’re a strange enough person to train to become a referee, there’s one excellent rule of thumb you’re supposed to live by.If nobody notices you, you’ve had a good game. And if you hardly ever get noticed, you’re a bloody good ref.Mark Clattenburg is one of the Premier League’s most recognizable refereesCredit: GettyHe is now working at Nottingham ForestCredit: PAI never was a particularly good ref. I jacked it in after 18 months – not long after a woman running the line for her son’s Under-12s team likened me to Adolf Hitler because I over-ruled her offside decision.If you’re being compared to a genocidal maniac, I figured, then the low-profile thing isn’t really happening.Which brings us to Mark Clattenburg, who has never run a Reich either, but who certainly seems to have debunked the ‘quiet-ref-is-good-ref’ myth.The perma-tanned Geordie – now causing a stir at Nottingham Forest as the Premier League’s first referee analyst – was a ref for the Instagram age.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe took charge of the Champions League Final and had a tattoo of the trophy on his arm. Likewise the Euro 2016 final.He broke rules by travelling from a match alone because he had Ed Sheeran tickets.He was at the centre of a sewage storm over a verbal bust-up with Chelsea players. And another about his business debts. And another about Craig Bellamy.Yet despite his limelight-hogging, Clattenburg was undoubtedly one of the world’s best referees.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAt the height of his powers, Clattenburg quit to take a job at the Saudi FA. Then similar posts in China, Egypt and Greece, where he met Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.And now on TV’s Gladiators, where he arbitrates on lycra-clad contestants rolling around in giant hamster balls.Premier League manager flips at assistant referee for ‘disrespectfully’ eating SANDWICH during conversation after match So it’s fair to say Clattenburg isn’t one for the quiet life – just like his new boss, the ‘larger-than-life’ Marinakis.So after Paul Tierney dropped an almighty conker during injury-time, then Liverpool scored a 99th-winner to defeat Forest on Saturday, it was little surprise to hear of Marinakis kicking off in the tunnel and Clattenburg giving media interviews in the City Ground’s ‘mixed zone’.Now Tierney was clearly wrong to award a drop ball to Liverpool after he’d halted a Forest attack so that Ibrahima Konate could receive treatment.One minute and fifty seconds later, Darwin Nunez scored the only goal. So yes, Forest were hard done by, but who knows, Liverpool might have scored a late winner anyway. Liverpool usually do.The question is ‘what on Earth is Clattenburg doing at Forest?’To me, it’s obvious why Clattenburg took the job. Same as most people take most jobs, for money.But why did Marinakis take the unprecedented decision to add a former ref to his club’s staff?Interestingly, it doesn’t appear to be to educate players on the laws of the game.Forest skipper Ryan Yates says he hasn’t spoken to Clattenburg since the club employed him a fortnight ago.My conclusion, then, is that Marinakis appears to believe Clattenburg’s appointment might influence top-flight referees, some of whom are his friends, to give Forest more favourable decisions.This is not to imply that Premier League refs are in any way easily influenced. It’s always best to assume cock-up rather than conspiracy on that front.Nor even to infer that Marinakis feels they might be influenced.Just that – perhaps in some intangible way – Clattenburg’s appointment might sway even one key decision in Forest’s favour. A decision that might be the difference between relegation and survival.Otherwise, what’s the point of employing him?Howard Webb, head of refereeing body PGMOL, had no prior knowledge of Clattenburg’s appointment and can do nothing about it.And Pgmol insist Clattenburg will receive no favourable treatment, compared to any other club official who asks for clarification over decisions.Half an hour after the final whistle, managers or other club staff are allowed to request to speak to a ref.Interestingly, in his post-match interviews on Saturday, Clattenburg stated that he asked to speak to Tierney in the referees’ room and Tierney refused.Yet this was only because another Forest staff member had already done so.But Clattenburg’s Forest gig could be troublesome for Premier League chiefs.During Forest’s FA Cup home clash with Manchester United last week, Clattenburg and Webb were shown on BBC TV sitting next to one another and chatting.Webb watches one or two games per week live and chose Forest v United, with the home club deciding to sit the pair together.Clattenburg has been very critical of Pgmol and the two former elite refs are not bosom buddies.And United were awarded a late winner despite a long VAR check.But what if Forest had been awarded that major decision?Would it have looked good for Webb and Clattenburg to be seen chatting?Maybe we are just being too cynical and suspicious.But, more pertinently, Marinakis appears to be motivated by the possibility of marginal gains.And if there is any suggestion that employing Clattenburg might do Forest any good at all, then many more clubs will seek to add former refs to the payroll.Maybe we will then see two ex-refs working as club analysts for rival clubs speaking to the media post-match, giving opposing views on controversial decisions.And maybe referees themselves might start speaking after matches, as they often did a couple of decades ago.Or maybe my old refereeing instructor was right all along. That a good ref is a ref you never notice.TIME TO SWITCHJude Bellingham crossed paths with a referee on the weekendCredit: AFPFOOTBALL lawmakers seem hell-bent on tinkering with the world’s most popular game in umpteen different ways.Yet the most obvious beneficial major change, the introduction of a stop clock to erase controversies over time-keeping, is always ignored.The extraordinary decision to disallow Jude Bellingham’s ‘winner’ for Real Madrid against Valencia, because the referee had blown the final whistle a second earlier, was only extraordinary because there was no clock with an official end point.Covention has it that referees tend not to blow for full-time at such a point, but why rely on vague conventions when this is a flashpoint which could be easily averted?A NOD TO ARTDarwin Nunez headed Liverpool’s winning goal against Nottingham ForestCredit: AlamyWHAT a wonderful Saturday it was for lovers of good, old-fashioned, towering, headed goals.Due to widespread copycat Pep Guardiola tactics — as well as concerns over concussion —  the sight of a big centre-forward taking a leap and nutting one home has become increasingly rare in the Premier League.But this weekend we saw Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, Everton’s Beto, Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz and Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea all reviving this ‘dying art’.ALL TOGETHER NOW: “WALLOP!”Fans have tuned on Mauricio PochettinoCredit: AlamyIT’S never great for a manager when his club’s supporters turn on him — but it’s not necessarily fatal.But when the fans turn on the club’s owner, that’s when the manager tends to get sacked pretty damned soon.So while Mauricio Pochettino won’t have enjoyed Chelsea fans telling him to “f*** off” at Brentford this weekend, he should be far more concerned about the Blues faithful calling Todd Boehly a “c***”.NEV-ER MIND THEMGary Neville, right, and Jamie Carragher have been vocal about Chelsea and Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyLAST week’s Premier League news cycle was dominated by Mauricio Pochettino responding to Gary Neville’s criticism of Chelsea, and Erik ten Hag having a pop at Jamie Carragher over his criticism of Manchester United.There is one way to avoid all this.Just stop talking about what Neville and Carragher think. It only encourages them.READ MORE SUN STORIESWHITE TIME WHITE PLACEJimmy White is set to have a film made about himCredit: GettyJIMMY WHITE’S life story is to be the subject of a Hollywood movie.Given Tinseltown loves a happy ending, the six-time World Snooker Championship runner-up might finally get to see himself lifting the trophy at the Crucible. More

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      in Boxing

      Inside world of bare-knuckle MMA dubbed ‘most VIOLENT show’ where ‘skulls vibrate’ in brutal bouts made by ex-UFC star

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      JORGE MASVIDAL is providing fans with the “most VIOLENT show” on Earth by mixing his two passions together. Masvidal became a cult hero during his UFC days and stands as the proud owner of the fastest knockout in octagon history. Ex-UFC stars Junior dos Santos and Fabricio Werdum in bare-knuckle MMACredit: Gamebred Bareknuckle 5MMA legend Jorge Masvidal promotes the boutsCredit: Gamebred Bareknuckle 5Werdum left brutally marked upCredit: Gamebred Bareknuckle 5But nearly 20 years before rendering Ben Askren unconscious in five seconds with a flying knee, the American was a feared street fighter. He shot to underground fame on YouTube brawling on the streets of Miami for $500 at a time after being recruited by viral sensation Kimbo Slice. So when Masvidal launched Gamebred Fighting Championship in 2021, he married together his two loves to produce sweet violence. He introduced bare-knuckle MMA, where fighters compete without gloves on in the cage, which returns on Saturday streaming free on Kick. READ MORE IN MMAMasvidal, 37, told SunSport: “There’s more submissions, there’s more knockouts, there’s more cuts, it’s more violence. So it’s not everybody’s cup of tea.”But for the right type of person that wants to see two trained killers going at it with no gloves and see what would happen in real life this is it right here. “When we did Junior dos Santos’ fight with Fabricio Werdum over a period of five hours we had a million views. “That just shows, like man, we’re heading down the right path. This is the right cup of tea for a lot of people are we’re going to keep pushing this product that nobody has. Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“And on March 2nd, I bring you the world’s most violent show, Junior dos Santos versus Alan Belcher for the heavyweight title.” Masvidal says bare-knuckle MMA bouts have a brutal 80 per cent stoppage ratio. Jorge Masvidal insists making amends with Jake Paul will not stand in way of mega-fight after confirming boxing switch He added: “People are just going to sleep, sleep from ground and pound. “Because they get hit with that bare-knuckle fist and they’re on that mat and they don’t get to absorb it. “It’s all on their skull freakin’ vibrating. Those are pretty gnarly. Some submissions and obviously a lot of blood. “You’ll see a guy with a submission and as he’s squeezing he’s pouring blood and this guy’s pouring blood and it’s just a bloodbath. “That’s definitely something you don’t see as much with the padded gloves. But the knockouts when they do happen are just violent.” Masvidal credits much of his career to Slice but what would the street fighting king think of bare-knuckle MMA? “He’d be sitting there ringside with me handing out belts, having a good old time just promoting fights and finding the future talent,” Masvidal replied.  Masvidal says bare-knuckle MMA bouts have an 80% stoppage ratioHe called it the ‘most violent show’Masvidal admits ‘it’s not everybody’s cup of tea’Bare-knuckle MMA launched in 2021“I always give a big shout out to Kimbo because he allowed me to come onto his platform back then when he was a rockstar on YouTube, getting millions of views. “Nobody knew me and he asked me, ‘Hey, do you want to come fight on my platform?’ He opened that door for me as a mixed martial artist and pro fighter to just build a platform.” Masvidal emotionally announced his retirement from MMA last April in his home of Miami following defeat to Gilbert Burns. But surrounding himself immersing himself in promoting fights has done nothing to itch the scratch that has plagued him since hanging up his gloves. And now Masvidal has confirmed he is coming back this year – but not in the MMA cage. He said:“Does a dog miss a bone, brother? Hell yeah, every mother f***ing day. “I’m coming back to do boxing this year, that’s definitely maybe something the UK didn’t know too much about. READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m definitely going to be doing boxing this year.” Masvidal intends to come out of retirement for a boxing switchCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      I starred in hit TV series Euphoria but now I’m signed to Jake Paul and tipped to be boxing’s biggest star

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      JAVON WALTON is being tipped as a name to remember in boxing – but some will already know exactly who that is. Walton had over 85 amateur bouts and several junior titles but he shot to fame with his role in Emmy-award winning HBO series Euphoria.Javon Walton has signed for Jake Paul and Most Valuable PromotionsWalton makes his pro debut under Paul’s MVPHe shot to fame starring in Emmy-award winning HBO series EuphoriaSo when the 17-year-old made the decision to turn professional, YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul snapped him right up. And Paul – who has spent the last six years going from prankster to prizefighter – believes he has boxing’s next big thing on his hands. Paul, 27, told SunSport: “He has everything it takes. And that’s the beauty of it. It’s up to him and bringing it into reality 1,000 per cent. “But I see it for him, he has the talent, he has the following already and he has Most Valuable Promotions, the name speaks for itself. READ MORE IN BOXING“He has people around him like Amanda Serrano, surrounded by GOATs since day one and being around events like this as part of his global debut, it doesn’t get any bigger or better than this. “I see no reason why with his family, his dad, the people in his life, Nakisa helping steer the ship that he can’t be the star of boxing.” Walton was first taken to the gym by his boxing-mad dad DJ at the age of just four. He said: “I really fell in love with it and I’ve been boxing ever since.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAt the same time as competing up and down the country, Walton was also making a name for himself as an actor. He has also featured in Utopia, The Umbrella Academy, and 2022 film Samaritan alongside Rocky creator Sylvester Stallone. EXCLUSIVE: Jake Paul says ‘eight-figure’ fight offer to Tommy Fury has been ‘RESCINDED’ after rival refused to ‘f***ing listen’But now he is ready to let his hands do the talking on Saturday night in Puerto Rico, making his pro debut against Joshua Torres. Walton said: “However, people support me, they support me, I appreciate the support at the end of the day. “Of course, I’d like people to know more about my amateur background for sure but not everyone is going to know about that. “That’s what I’ve got to do Saturday night, I’ve gotta prove to everybody why I’m in the ring in the first place and show everybody that I’m really about this.” Walton already has over 5million Instagram followers and is following the same blueprint that has afforded his new promoter so many lucrative fights. Paul said: “This is the new model of how to become the biggest in the sport and it’s starting from day one, it’s having that audience and backing it up in the ring. “You look at some of the biggest modern stars, the youngest ones, it’s me, Ryan Garcia and that came from branding and marketing themselves. “I believe the biggest fighters from the next generation will have their own content, have their own pages, have their own audience from maybe other places, podcasts whatever it might be. Walton with MVP co-founders Nakisa Bidarian and Jake PaulWalton had over 85 amateur boutsHis dad DJ, left, first brought his son to the boxing gym aged four“And this is the new model and that’s why this is so exciting is that he already has the people and the eyeballs and now it’s just going to compound. “And it’s almost greater when people doubt him or don’t think he’s going to be able to rise to the top of the sport because that journey and that story is more fun to follow than someone who is just starting out and you don’t know their name and their 22-0.” Walton – whose last role was in true crime drama Under the Bridge – refused to close the door on his acting career despite boxing taking a front seat. He revealed: “I won’t say this is an end on the acting world at all or projects in the future. “But the priority right now is boxing and to accomplish everything I can accomplish right now in the boxing world.” Walton’s most high profile gig was the role of Ashtray through two series of the acclaimed Euphoria. He starred alongside Angus Cloud and the two become close friends on and off set. Sadly, Cloud passed away aged 25 last year following an accidental drug overdose but his life will live long in the memory for Walton. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe young boxer said: “He was a good friend to me. He was a super great guy on set. “I knew him for about six years because we got to build that chemistry on set and he’s definitely going to have a special place in my heart forever.” Angus Cloud with co-star WaltonCredit: @onwardwannaCloud sadly passed away in 2023Credit: @onwardwanna More

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      in Soccer

      Saudi Pro League is set to bite chunks out of top competitions with Premier League first in line… but it’s not all bad

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      THE Saudi Pro League may currently resemble a retirement earner for notable footballers — but don’t be complacent about its motives.Behind it lurks a different animal. One that could bite chunks out of successful European competitions, our Premier League first in line.Ruben Neves bucked the current trend by leaving for Al-Hilal when still at his peak and he reckons the Saudi Pro League could be huge within two yearsCredit: GettyAgeing legends like Neymar could be laughing all the way to the bankCredit: AFPThe Saudis have been ruthless in tempting star golfers away from the PGA Tour.  Within three years, their LIV Golf series has filleted the all-powerful PGA of stars including Jon Rahm, Paul Casey and five-time Major winner Brooks Koepka.The billions required comes from the Public Investment Fund, a sovereign wealth fund which recently bought 80 per cent of Newcastle United.Persuading the Saudi population to watch fading football stars  seems in some towns about as popular as camel-racing — there are fans but not in great numbers.  I predict that progress will accelerate, quickly.READ MORE TOP STORIESOnce it was something of a  speciality among men and a taboo among women. Now? Attendance figures bottom at 133, more the number you might expect of, say, West Allotment Celtic of the Northern Football League here.But on the positive side, the average crowd is growing — over 8,000 and the all-time highest 59,600. Oil barons are not noted for financial surrender and quitting the  soccer project will not  happen.It will surely far outlast the China bid to take over major clubs in the UK. Three of the four have quit. Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLOnly one, at Wolves, has lasted more than a few years. So, the retirement plan for Cristiano Ronaldo and like-minded beneficiaries is going to continue drawing in fellow internationals of the standing of Neymar, Fabinho and Karim Benzema — who doesn’t like the money-no-object scene and neither did Jordan Henderson.No matter, plenty of others are queuing.Cristiano Ronaldo responds with bizarre gesture after rival fans chant Lionel Messi’s name during Al-Nassr gameAs far as European standards are concerned, many of the tempted two dozen were close to being put out to grass.Not all. Ex-Wolves’ captain Ruben Neves, 26, chose to move to Al-Hilal. A £47million fee eased his former club’s Financial Fair Play figures, leaving time for the Portuguese to return eventually to Europe.He isn’t sure he will move back. Where else could he earn £300,000 a week?  He says: “I don’t plan to do it soon. Saudi Arabia could have one of the most important leagues in the world within two years.“The quality of the players who arrive is very high. If each team goes for eight foreigners of that level, this almost becomes a PlayStation championship, in which we can choose the players as we wish.”This is strong testimony for the groundwork put in by the planners who are on track to host the 2034  World Cup in  Saudi.They have already captured the staging of the Italian and Spanish Super Cups and host top sports events — including track-and-field athletics, tennis and horse racing, including the £16m Saudi Cup.But a major football league would be an impressive coup for Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the driving force behind Saudi Arabia’s advance into the modern era.Money is no object and in a country of 27million people, football reaches places no other sport can.Its wealth will continue to attract excellent players, young as well as older,  bigger crowds and a growing challenge to the wealth and attraction of the Premier League and equivalents elsewhere.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is a temptation to regard the Saudi version as an enemy. It isn’t.But it is a rival with benefits —  excellent pay for players, good conditions for spectators, involvement of more women spectators and women players, too. More

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      I’m a former Tottenham ace, now I run a footballers’ prayer group led by Champions League star

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      JOHN BOSTOCK has seen it all in football.Boy wonder and big transfer to perennial loanee and out on his ear.John Bostock says he is the happiest he has ever been playing at Notts CountyCredit: RexBostock joined Spurs from Crystal Palace aged 16 back in 2008Credit: AFPPlaying abroad, playing up the English pyramid to wondering, at only 21, if he even wanted to keep playing.It has been one heck of a journey for the South Londoner, 32, who made major news half his life ago when he left Crystal Palace as a teen sensation for Tottenham.Yet after a fascinating career of 15 clubs and five countries, Bostock says he is the happiest he has ever been and still going strong with League Two Notts County.He has become a mentor to other players, particularly those who share his faith after setting up his influential Christian football society ‘Ballers in God’ in 2015.It gives him perspective when reflecting on his headline-grabbing switch in 2008 from Palace to Spurs, who face each other on Saturday.Bostock told SunSport: “I’ve come to a place where I see my career as an instrument I can use to help other people with what they’ve been through.“And maybe I had to go through what I’ve been through for me to understand that.“The move to Spurs made a lot of noise. I remember I would get the train to school, open up the papers and see my face on the back page.Most read in EFL“It had a big impact on how I saw life. “I realised that my identity couldn’t be built on what people think of me, that if I believed everything people say about me, I’d be in trouble. “I believe if you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die by their rejections.”Bostock remembers well the “messy” switch, which saw Spurs initially announce his signing, only for Palace to deny publicly that an agreement had been reached.Then-Eagles chairman Simon Jordan was livid and it eventually went to a tribunal.Bostock understands the frustration felt from the Palace side but explained: “We told the club we wanted to stay and the offer wasn’t what they said it was going to be.Bostock on…After all his years in football, worldly-wise John Bostock gives his verdict on:
      Palace and Spurs starlets: “Eberechi Eze is a player I really love to watch. I don’t know him closely but we’re in touch. It’s wonderful to see a player like that from South London shining on the pitch and also representing Jesus.
      “Micky van de Ven has been colossal at Spurs. I watched him at Wolfsburg because one of our Ballers in God, Felix Nmecha, was his team-mate there.
      “Cheick Doucoure is injured for Palace but I was with him at Lens, he was a young player coming through and had some really good attributes. Palace will miss him.”
      Best player he played with: “Luka Modric. He was incredible. I didn’t know he would go on to win the Ballon D’Or but he was always a step ahead.”
      Favourite coach: “Luke Williams. I’ve never worked under a manager like that. He was very, very rounded tactically, man-management… he’s a very special person.
      Happiest time at a club: “I’m really happy now at Notts County. I love the football we play, the fans are brilliant, where I’m at in life. But get me on a pitch somewhere with a ball, I’m happy. Wherever that is, I’ve learned to be happy.
      One piece of advice for young players: “Learn to deal with disappointments very well. I wish someone had told me, ‘John, you need endurance for this game’, because you do. It’s a tough game and it takes a lot.”

      “We asked for another offer and they said, ‘Well, this is it’. So we said this is what we’ve got elsewhere. We moved on.“I would have loved to have played for the club for longer. I’m very grateful I was able to play for them at all.”Expectations were high at Tottenham given Bostock had made his Palace debut at 15.But ultimately he only made four appearances for the Lilywhites across five seasons where he was loaned out to Brentford, Hull, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon and MLS side Toronto.When his deal expired, his confidence was low and with no offers coming in, he questioned if the game was even for him anymore.But his love for the sport was recaptured with a season playing under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the second tier of Belgium football with OH Leuven.Further stints abroad followed to Lens – where he played with current Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure -, Turkish side Bursaspor and then back to France with Toulouse.He returned to England due to family reasons and for the last two years has been with County, where he is preparing for a hostile trip to Bradford on Saturday.In 2015, he set up Ballers in God which has grown significantly and has a following of over 300,000 people on Instagram. The organisation provides support for believing players, with Zoom prayer meetings every morning, weekly online catch-ups and end-of-season retreats. It is international too, with Borussia Dortmund star Felix Nmecha one of many ‘group’ leaders.Bostock was not religious growing up but had “an encounter with Jesus” at 15 – just before his move to Spurs – after his sister Tara found God and invited him to church.Hearing the Gospel for the first time had a profound effect. He recalled: “I said a very simple prayer that day and my life has never been the same since.”Palace star Eberechi Eze offered unsolicited praise last month to Ballers in God, writing on Instagram that the organisation work was “truly incredible and inspiring”.A touched Bostock said: “He didn’t need to do that but it was very encouraging. “I love watching Eze play, and I’m not just saying it because he’s a fellow believer. He’s like a throwback, the way he glides past players and plays without fear.“To know his journey, the rejection he’s had, and to see him thrive now at a Premier League club, it’s really wonderful to see.”Bostock’s mentoring really came to the fore during Covid, when so many players lost their purpose as football ground to a halt.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I talk to players about everything I’ve faced because I’ve been the wonderkid, I’ve been the traveller, I’ve been without a club, I’ve been injured, I’ve had surgery, I’ve had a lot of noise about me, I’ve had no noise about me.“I feel like I’ve faced it all in some capacity. That has really equipped me to help others who go through stuff.” More

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      Geri Halliwell ‘left humiliated’ as she faces ‘worst PR crisis of her career’ amid Christian Horner sexting scandal

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      ON January 29 this year, Geri Horner, née Halliwell, took to Instagram for the last time.To her 1.4million followers she posted a glamorous, heavily airbrushed magazine cover of herself, headlined “Perfect”.Geri Halliwell’s life now seems far from ‘perfect’ after being publicly humiliated with infidelity claims against her husbandCredit: RexRed Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner has been accused of ‘sexting’ another womanCredit: GettySocial media is, indeed, a cruel beast. Fast-forward five weeks, and the poor, very publicly humiliated star’s life seems anything but.At 3.45pm on an otherwise non- descript Thursday — although, ironically, a leap year when women are encouraged to subvert tradition and propose to their men — Geri discovered husband Christian Horner was caught sexting another woman.Sure, there is no suggestion of a physical affair, but 79 leaked WhatsApp messages show her husband clearly was in the throes of an emotional one.(A nadir, of course, that he nipped to an aeroplane toilet to self-pleasure).READ MORE GERI HORNERIn the words of the Spice Girls themselves, “Stop right now, thank you very much.”Indeed, for a woman who has spent the past 30 years espousing Girl Power, the situation in which she now finds herself is anything but.It is, though, one that millions of women have found themselves in since time immemorial — a libido-led husband.But few have had their relationship meltdowns played out on such a global scale.Most read in MotorsportOne can only imagine the sheer inner turmoil the heartbroken superstar must now be battling.The Spice & Speed Empire: Christian and Geri Horner’s £50M JourneyUtterly devastatingPutting the obvious personal trauma aside, put simply, as PR nightmares go, this doesn’t get much worse.A source close to Geri said yesterday: “This is humiliation on an international scale for Geri, and it’s almost impossible to imagine what she’s going through right now.“Christian has always privately asserted that the claims levelled against him were nonsense.“She’s not the type of woman to go through someone’s phone, so to see these in black and white after all his protestations of innocence is utterly devastating.“Geri has been bombarded with messages of support, and texts checking in on her, but she’s largely shutting everyone out, and simply trying to put one foot in front of the other.“Of course, to leave Christian — and walk away from the blissful life they’ve built for themselves — would be the ultimate act of ‘girl power’.“But as anyone with kids knows — not to mention a hinterland of love and connection — that is easier said than done.”Geri has been bombarded with messages of support amid the claims against her husbandCredit: Doug Seeburg – The SunTo further rub salt into the wound, today alienated Geri has awoken 3,000 miles from home, in the Middle East. For a woman idolised by millions, never will she have felt more alone.Geri was already safely ensconced on a private jet heading to Bahrain, where Christian is attending today’s Grand Prix — having a combined marital fortune of £480million does have its perks — when the tranche of messages were leaked.It was too late to turn the plane around. Her day from hell had begun. Whatever happens now, Geri would do well to “own” the narrative.Geri knows of this woman, and had no qualms about their working relationshipRed Bull insiderTo either come out swinging — issue a statement saying she and Christian have no secrets and made the joint decision to move on and make a go of things.Or hire a pitbull divorcee lawyer, and hit the Red Bull boss where it hurts.Whether she does either remains to be seen. I’m told Geri is now directing media inquiries to her legal team.But not even the best lawyer in the world can undo time, or take back those damning messages.Former Spice Girl Geri is seeing her relationship meltdown played out on a global scaleCredit: RexGeri, famed for that Union Jack dress, has spent the past few years steadfastly rebranding her carefully cultivated image.Out went the provocative ensembles, in came a plethora of all-white outfits, literally a symbol of purity and chastity.Again, how ironic this now looks in the face of her husband’s sexts.(Although, quite how he managed to woo Geri with such chat — at one point he waxes lyrical about Coco Pops, and let’s not go there with the “finger” text — is in itself baffling).In the past few years she’s become a children’s author, has done countless charitable acts and moved to the countryside, where she’s more likely to be seen in Hunter wellies than six-inch Christian Louboutins.In another unfortunate plot twist, I’m told Geri was “personally aware of” the appointment of the female colleague at the centre of this tawdry scandal.A Red Bull insider says: “Geri knows of this woman, and had no qualms about their working relationship.“This was the woman for whom her husband turned. Again, this is a bitter, bitter pill to swallow.” The reaction on social media has been mixed. Naturally “Christian Horny” gags are rife: “Has Christian been showing people his horn?” is another comment doing the rounds.While many sympathise with the Spice Girl, who brought absolutely none of this on herself, others are less forgiving.Underneath her last “Perfect” Instagram post, yesterday scores of so-called fans posted unkindly.“Where’s the girl power now? A woman has spoken, where’s the support,” queried one, a reference to Horner allegedly abusing his position — something his F1 team have cleared him of and he strenuously denies.Others, more alarmingly for Geri’s PR team, have brought up the manner in which she and Christian got together in the first place.They mixed socially before they began dating, first meeting at the 2009 Monaco Grand Prix.Christian left his long-term partner Beverley Allen just six months after the birth of their daughterCredit: Desmond O’Neill Features LtdThey officially got together, though, after the Formula One boss left his long-term partner Beverley Allen just six months after the birth of their daughter, Olivia. But the pair were spotted cavorting in a North London pub by a friend of mine long before they went public with their romance.“They were very flirty, joking to pub goers they were engaged,” said my friend at the time.When Beverley was approached about it for comment, she denied all knowledge — and the story went away.There is no suggestion of any cheating, but it’s clear they had developed a strong bond long before things got serious.Christian’s parents were reportedly devastated when he left Beverley to be with the chart-topping star — and shunned the couple’s 2015 nuptials at St Mary’s church in Woburn, Bedfordshire.On Instagram yesterday, one anonymous user posted: “Wondering if Geri feels empathy for Beverley now that [a similar] thing has occurred with her.Before it was Geri/Christian when Bev was pregnant/bed-ridden/giving birth and abandoned when most vulnerable.“Now Christian appears to have done the same thing to Geri and their slightly older son. Karma does have a way.”Ouch. Meanwhile, Geri has cut herself off from her one-time Spice Girl “rocks”.The band, minus Victoria Beckham, were due to be getting together soon to discuss tour dates for a comeback.Deeply loyalA source added: “Geri has gone into lockdown which now puts the wider Spice plans on hold.“The quartet always intended to mark their 30-year anniversary with some shows in 2024, as well as other commercial activity, but it seems unlikely this will happen now.”Spiritual Geri is a big fan of self-help books. (During my last interview with her she earnestly recommended one to me, adding: “Rejection is God’s rejection” when I told her I was newly single.There is no amount of self-help books that can get her out of this pickle.It is hard not to have some sympathy with the well-meaning mother of two (she also happily co-parents stepdaughter Olivia with Christian).From personal experience, Geri — a former UN Goodwill Ambassador — is kind, deeply loyal and hugely family-orientated.I last saw her during lockdown. The previous week she had secretly visited the Whittington Hospital in North London, handing out care packages to frontline nurses.She didn’t court the publicity because she didn’t need to.Unwittingly being thrust into the eye of this media s***storm, then, must be all the more galling for a kind, hard-working, incredibly generous woman intent on living a quieter lifeREAD MORE SUN STORIESAnd you wouldn’t wish this scenario on your worst enemy.For a woman of 51, who once said: “I’ve really learned how important it is to empower women”, only time will tell how empowering her next act will be.Christian and Geri Horner have been a happy family with children (left) Bluebell, (centre) Montague and (right) OliviaCredit: Getty Images – Getty More