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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua called out by former UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer who went viral for brutal KO after just 36 SECONDS

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has been called out by bare-knuckle boxer Ben Rothwell – following his 36 SECOND knockout. Rothwell had 53 MMA bouts – including an 11 year stint in the UFC. Anthony Joshua has been called out by bare-knuckle boxer Ben RothwellCredit: GettyRothwell is a bare-knuckle championCredit: GettyBut he signed for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in 2022 and has won all four of his bouts. Rothwell, 43, became BKFC champion after knocking out Mick Terrill, 41, in 36 seconds and now wants a run at regular boxing. He told Ariel Helwani: “Right now I’m a free agent, I very much love the BKFC, I love David Feldman and I would like to continue, even finish my career here.”How much time have I got? Maybe a year or so, it really depends. But Francis Ngannou, Anthony Joshua, guys who beat them guys. READ MORE IN BOXING”To put the gloves on and prove how good at boxing I am would very much be a bucket list. “I just don’t feel like I’ve ever gotten to show the boxing world how good of a boxer I am.”Ngannou, 38, walked out on the UFC to pursue boxing in 2023. He dropped Tyson Fury, 36, on his debut only to lose a controversial split-decision.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNgannou then faced Joshua, 35, last March but he was brutally knocked out in two rounds. The ex-UFC champ then returned to the MMA cage in October – beating Renan Fereira, 35, in the PFL. Tyson Fury WILL still fight Anthony Joshua and they’ll even be friends after, says British champ in shock predictionJoshua meanwhile was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, in September and has not returned since. And Rothwell wants to showcase his skills in both the boxing and BKFC ring. He said: “Right now the BKFC and UFC fans just say I’m a brawler. “They don’t understand my precision, they don’t understand how capable I truly am but if I got to fight one of them that would be a huge opportunity for me to show the world how good I really am.”Before I am done fighting, I want to bring as much respect to this belt as possible. “If I have to step away for a fight I think the BKFC would back me. I believe we’re going to get something figured out and I will defend this belt.”Rothwell left the UFC for BKFCCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Justin Kluivert’s glamorous life, from travelling world on private jets to romantic engagement to fiancee

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      JUSTIN KLUIVERT has emerged as one of the most impressive players in the Premier League in recent weeks.The Bournemouth star has sprung into the limelight having found a golden touch in front of goal.Justin Kluivert is enjoying the form of his life at BournemouthCredit: GettyHe is dating stunning TikToker Shanna TaihuttuCredit: InstagramHe lives a glamorous lifestyle with his fianceeCredit: InstagramThey got engaged in the MaldivesCredit: InstagramKluivert, 25, has managed 11 goals in 25 league games this season but his best game came against Newcastle.The attacker netted a hat-trick at St James’ Park, his father’s, Patrick, old stomping ground.The Dutchman’s dad enjoyed a successful footballing career that saw him star for the likes of Newcastle, Barcelona and AC Milan.There was a lot of hope hype over Kluivert going on to replicate his father’s career.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe struggled at clubs such as Roma, RB Leipzig and Nice but has now found a new home on the South Coast.Kluivert has excelled under Andoni Iraola and is helping the Cherries push for European football.He enjoys a luxurious lifestyle off the pitch as well as he travels the world and is a hopeless romantic.He is dating TikToker Shanna Taihuttu, who regularly shares updates on her account.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis includes posts of her baby bump and of the couple being intimate.They announced that they were expecting their first child in October last year.Milos Kerkez talks about his football career journey to join Bournemouth He also travels a lot when not playing footballCredit: InstagramHe went fishing with fellow footballer Lucas Da Cunha in CannesCredit: InstagramHe often shares updates on his Instagram pageCredit: InstagramKluivert makes sure to stay healthy when awayCredit: InstagramHe often travels in styleCredit: Instagram @justinkluivertOne recent video also revealed that they had got engaged as she filmed the setting of Kluivert’s proposal.On Kluivert’s Instagram, he regularly posts pictures from his matches as well as himself travelling.Last year, he visited the Maldives and went cycling and canoeing with Shanna before getting engaged. In 2023, he went to Ibiza and Amangiri, which is a Native American-themed luxury resort hotel in Canyon Point in the Lake Powell region of Utah.America is a popular spot for Kluivert to visit as he has also travelled to the Dodgers Stadium in LA to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers.He usually travels in style with pictures of a private jet shared on his social media with his French Bulldog also on the flight.He has visited the Dodgers Stadium in LACredit: Instagram @justinkluivertHe visited a Native American-themed luxury resort in 2023Credit: InstagramThe resort is in UtahCredit: InstagramHe cosied up to a fire while on the tripCredit: InstagramHe is the son of football legend PatrickCredit: Instagram @justinkluivertCan you name the famous fathers? More

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      in Boxing

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

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

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      in Soccer

      Why Ange Postecoglou hasn’t been sacked by Tottenham – from player power to trophy boast and Daniel Levy relationship

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      WHEN the anti-Daniel Levy noise cranks up, it usually leads to change at Tottenham.The change that fans are demanding right now is in the boardroom — but usually that ends up coming in the dugout.Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou with boss Daniel LevyCredit: GettySpurs fans have voiced their angerCredit: RexAnd, yet, the chairman with one of the itchiest trigger-fingers in football appears to be bucking the trend of a lifetime by sticking by manager Ange Postecoglou.That is despite Spurs slumping to 15th and being in danger of getting sucked into a relegation battle.Although the Aussie reacted snappily to a fan accusing him of just that as he walked down the tunnel after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester.And this despite the ‘Levy Out’ chants during, and after, that miserable home defeat to the Foxes — who had lost their previous seven on the spin — reaching new decibel levels.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAs well as the chants, banners were unfurled in the stands which included one saying: “24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy . . . TIME FOR CHANGE.”The question is, why is Levy sticking by Postecoglou right now?It is baffling the football world and is multi-faceted in its answer.First of all, the dismissals Levy has presided over — and there have been 12 permanent ones during his near-quarter of a century at the helm — have normally been preceded by a relationship breakdown between himself and the manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat was the case with Harry Redknapp and later with Mauricio Pochettino, whose comments to the media towards the end of his reign irked Levy.­But that fracturing does not appear to have happened with Postecoglou, who has resisted every opportunity to criticise the Spurs higher-ups publicly.Ange Postecoglou gives Tottenham fan death stare in tense tunnel confrontation after Leicester defeatIn this painfully quiet transfer window, staggeringly, Spurs have recruited no outfield players despite their injury crisis.Yet the nearest that Postecoglou has come to a pointed comment has been to say the club would be “playing with fire” by not signing anyone.Player power has had an influence, too. Nuno Espirito Santo — now flying high with Nottingham Forest — was sacked after just ten Prem games in part after losing the dressing room.Italian firecracker Antonio Conte castigated his players to the point of no return in that amazing press-conference meltdown at Southampton in March 2023… and was gone soon after.The chairman with one of the itchiest trigger-fingers in football appears to be bucking the trend of a lifetime by sticking by manager Ange Postecoglou.Yet Postecoglou’s crocked squad, by all accounts, are just about still behind him.Then there is the fact Levy has tried chopping and changing managers before — the average tenure of a boss during his reign has been 23 months — to little effect.And Pochettino’s five-plus years in charge heavily skews that figure.So the supremo, who celebrates his 63rd birthday next month, has tried a different tack in recent years.Mauricio Pochettino left with no silverware won at SpursCredit: AFP or licensorsAntonio Conte castigated his players to the point of no returnCredit: RexNuno Espirito Santo was sacked after just ten Prem gamesCredit: PAIt used to be that he was involved in just about everything.Harry Kane would go on to become the greatest player in the club’s history but back when he was a teenager, you would not expect the chairman to be as heavily involved in an academy player’s contract negotiations as Levy was back then.Yet that has eased off of late, to a certain extent, with the likes of Rebecca Caplehorn — director of football administration and governance — technical director Johan Lange and Scott Munn, chief football officer and de facto No 2 to Levy, taking more prominent responsibilities.These are among the individuals Levy is understood to consult when weighing up big calls.Along with external individuals like Leon Angel, head of leading sports agency CAA Base, former managing director of football Fabio Paratici and, in years gone by, David Pleat.The new approach does not mean patience with Postecoglou will last forever at Spurs.But there is considerable sympathy for his crock crisis, with ten senior players out injured against Leicester.While there is also cause for hope from the cup competitions and Europe.Postecoglou has been hit with injury problemsCredit: AlamyVictory over Elfsborg on Thursday night will secure a last-16 spot in the Europa League.And winning the competition outright would not only end the club’s 17-year trophy drought but also get them back into the Champions League.Spurs are joint-favourites to win that competition and should have some senior players back for the knockout stages.And how easy would it be to hire a replacement for Postecoglou right now anyway?Consider the months-long pursuits of successors to Jose Mourinho and Conte, when Kane was still at the club and Tottenham’s position in the league was relatively strong (seventh and fourth respectively).Even if they managed to prise someone like Andoni Iraola away from high-flying Bournemouth, he would still have the same injury problems and the same inexperienced squad.But the other factor is, this time, changing the manager would not quell the anger from supporters towards Levy. If anything, it would increase it.It is questionable whether that deflection strategy even worked in the past but were Levy to do it now, all the heat would be on him and him alone.’The trust looks to have gone’That may be the case already, and certainly seemed to be on Sunday as enraged supporters called for his head.The trust looks to have gone with a number of fed-up fans, whose gripes include controversial change to season-ticket concessions and a reduction in wage-bill spending.Former Tottenham goalkeeper Michel Vorm, 41, reckons there could be a way to start fixing this seemingly-broken relationship between Levy and the fanbase.The Dutchman told SunSport: “He’s quite open. His office is always open to have a chat.“I know that his love for Tottenham is massive. He won’t approach players that quick — but he is far more approachable than people know.“Maybe if he would be a bit more open in public, people would then understand more what’s going on behind the scenes at the club.”A protest against Levy and the ownership is planned ahead of next month’s home game against Manchester United by activists Change for Tottenham.These calls-to-arms have not had the desired effect in the past.Michel Vorm reckons there could be a way to start fixing this seemingly-broken relationship between Levy and the fanbaseCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe ENIC Group even marginally increased their majority shareholding to 86.91 per cent in December, which does not hint at an imminent exit.Yet Jamie Coughlan, of Change for Tottenham, said: “The pressure the fans are cranking up will have an effect.“Whilst ultimately he is the chairman, the club is still owned by ENIC.“The bad press that we are creating may affect future sponsorship deals or partnerships, which could lead to the real ownership looking to sell.“What I think has changed is the fact it won’t be long before he has severe pressure placed on him elsewhere.”Those who have worked with Levy talk about his extraordinarily thick skin.But that last point could have some validity. Levy is on record as saying the club are looking for fresh investment.Should potential investors be put off by a toxic atmosphere in the ground, maybe that could affect Levy’s thought process. READ MORE SUN STORIESLikely it would far more than how he is perceived by supporters.But Levy does not appear to be going anywhere and, for now at least, the same can be said for his manager.Levy could stick with manager PostecoglouCredit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      I’m gay but hid my sexuality in macho football world…it led to behaviour I deeply regret, says shamed ex-ref David Coote

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      SACKED referee David Coote has revealed he turned to cocaine over fear of coming out in the “macho world” of the Premier League.Tearful Coote said he took coke to “escape” after being forced to hide being gay.David Coote says he felt unable to come out as gay as he feared the abuse he received for doing his job would get even worseCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdThe Sun exclusively revealed film of him snorting powder at last summer’s Euros in GermanyCoote says he has been in an ‘incredibly dark place’ since news emerged of his drug-taking at Euro 2024Credit: PACoote also admitted he was “not sober” in his rant at ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, and got abuse and death threats as a ref.The sacked 42-year-old told how living a lie led him down paths that eventually torpedoed his career.Coote told The Sun: “I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years in particular.“I didn’t come out to my parents until I was 21. I didn’t come out to my friends until I was 25.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTE“My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to be in that position. But I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that.“I hid my emotions as a young ref and I hid my sexuality as well — a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being.“And that’s led me to a whole course of behaviours.”He says he has been in an “incredibly dark place” since news emerged of his drug-taking at Euro 2024. Without the support of family and colleagues, he added, “I’m not sure I’d be here today”.Most read in FootballGiving his first interview since the scandal broke, he said he hoped to help break down the “macho world” of Premier League football.He added: “I’ve had issues around my self-esteem — and that relates to my sexuality. I’m gay and I’ve struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of time.Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder“I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref and to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult.“There’s a lot to be done throughout football and more widely in society with regard to discrimination.“I didn’t want to be that person that was putting their head above the parapet to be shot at, given the abuse we all get as a referee in any event.”Coote was suspended last October after footage showed him calling then-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “c***”.The Sun then revealed a film of him snorting powder at last summer’s Euros in Germany.We also told how he tried to arrange a drugs party during Spurs’ Carabao Cup win over Man City on October 30.Coote was then the subject of a new FA probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to order — before he was eventually fired.In an emotional interview, he says a “pressure cooker” of suppressed emotion, combined with a punishing work schedule, left him wanting to “escape” with cocaine.Coote was suspended last October after footage showed him calling then-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘c***’Credit: XThe sacked 42-year-old said living a lie led him down paths which eventually torpedoed his careerCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdHe said: “It’s not something I was reliant on day by day, week by week, month by month.“I’ve had long periods where I’ve not used it — but it was one of the escape routes I had. Just getting away from the stresses, the relentlessness of the job. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to say that I took that route.”He recalled: “In 2023 I lost my mum very suddenly. At the same time my uncle was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. After Covid and the introduction of VAR, six officials were suddenly needed for each game.“I was selected by Fifa for the U17 World Cup in Indonesia, as well as the Euros and Olympics last year.“It meant that over the course of the 2023-24 season I was involved in more than 90 games — often back to back. At the end of last season I went straight into the Euros and that was incredibly pressurised. I had another tournament coming up immediately — heading to Paris for the Olympics.”The cocaine footage saw him inhale a 4in line up a US banknote. Another image showed his bank card next to six chopped-up lines.I’m gay and I have struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of timeHe said: “I don’t recognise myself in the cocaine video. I can’t resonate with how I felt then, but that was me. I was struggling with the schedule and there was no opportunity to stop. And so I found myself in that position — escaping.”Coote is still being probed after a pal told him he was putting money on Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski getting booked before a 2019 clash against West Brom.Coote did caution the player and later messaged his friend: “I hope you backed as discussed.” However he told The Sun: “There was no agreement prior to the game. I went and did my job. The player committed a yellow card tackle.”He added: “I received nothing for it. I’m really disappointed that anything like this has come out because it tarnishes the integrity of the game. And whatever people think of me as a referee, as a human I have always gone out and done my best on the pitch.”Coote says he was merely trying to “deflect” the pal but admitted: “I wasn’t in a great place, and I was messaging people that in hindsight I shouldn’t have trusted. I was naive.” Coote says he “made some really poor choices and I really wish I could turn back the clock now and do things differently”.But he said he can instead take responsibility. After seeking therapy, he has kicked his drug habitCoote believes the dramatic turn of events which cost him his beloved job in football has helped him re-evaluate his lifeCredit: GettyCoote said: “I put on this hard exterior. Football became a place where I could go and referee and be engrossed in the game.“But then I’d come home and it would be more difficult because I’m living a double sense of being.“To other people who are in my situation, I’d say seek help and talk to somebody because if you bottle it up like I have done it has to come out in some way.”’POOR CHOICES’Coote believes the dramatic events which cost him his beloved job in football has helped him take stock.He said: “It’s been incredibly tough because I loved the game. I started refereeing when I was 14.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve found it easier since knowing my fate and being able to re-evaluate what’s important to me.“To spend some quality time with family and friends, and take time to make sure I’m in the best place to move forwards.”’IT’S A VERY BRAVE MOVE’By Amal Fashanu, niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are. Football is still failing in this regard.” More

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      in Boxing

      Amir Khan reveals talks with KSI’s camp and opens door to shock fight after controversial Wayne Bridge bout collapses 

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      AMIR KHAN is open to a shock fight against KSI – if the price is right. The British boxing legend retired in 2022 following defeat to long-time rival Kell Brook. Amir Khan is open to a shock fight against KSICredit: ReutersKSI is looking for his next opponentCredit: PABut he has been linked with a comeback ever since and last year became a surprise name in the running to face KSI. Khan revealed talks were ongoing only for no offer to be made – and he is keeping the door open if the money makes sense. He told SunSport in Dubai: “That’s the thing I don’t understand, they just call my name but they don’t wanna give an offer, you know what I mean?”How can you really take something seriously if there’s no offer given or they don’t want to talk?READ MORE IN BOXING”At the end of the day, look we’re prize fighters, we talk numbers. “If the numbers match then yeah, it’s a fight, but if not, then if it’s all just hype and talk, it’s not gonna work.”But look,yeah there was talks about it and they asked me a question, if I’ll be up for it. Yeah, I mean look, I’m a fighter.”Every fighter is up for a fight so yeah, let’s see.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKhan, 38, was beaten in six rounds by Brook, also 38, in his last fight. And he served a two-year ban after testing positive for ostarine – a substance known to build muscle mass and increase stamina.An independent tribunal accepted Khan’s argument that he did not knowingly take the substance – ruling out “deliberate or reckless conduct”.KSI, 31, meanwhile is yet to return since suffering defeat for the first time, losing a disputed decision to Tommy Fury, 25, in October 2023. He was due to fight YouTuber Slim Albaher, 30, and former MMA fighter Anthony Taylor, 35, in a wild TWO-on-one bout. But he pulled out last summer due to a hand injury – which he has now recovered from. There was talks about it and they asked me a question, if I’ll be up for it. Yeah, I mean look, I’m a fighter. Every fighter is up for a fight so yeah, let’s see.Amir Khan on KSI fight The social media sensation-turned-boxer is in line to return to the ring in March – and ex-Chelsea star Wayne Bridge was due to be his opponent. They even faced off in the ring at Misfits 20 in January – where KSI controversially brought up Bridge’s infamous feud with John Terry. KSI referenced an alleged 2009 affair between Terry and Bridge’s ex-partner Vanessa Perroncel. Former model Vanessa – who shares a 18-year-old son Jayden with Bridge – has always denied the alleged affair with Terry. Bridge, 44, later pulled out of the bout due to KSI’s personal attack. It leaves the co-founder of Misfits Boxing – home to celebrity-style crossover bouts – in need of an opponent. And 34-6 Khan added: “It’s hard to motivate yourself for a fight like that because it’s not really a big, big fight.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And it’s obviously a fight that you’re gonna go into and probably just lace them guys up.”But they did say that they were interested in doing it – but like I said, let’s see.”KSI facing off with Wayne BridgeCredit: Misfits Boxing More

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      in Soccer

      Gary Neville tells Match of the Day legend ‘please stop putting me forward as Man Utd manager’

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      GARY NEVILLE has begged legendary football presenter Des Lynam to stop touting him for the Manchester United job.The former Red Devils defender, 49, briefly went into management after hanging up his boots in 2011. Gary Neville has responded to MOTD legend Des Lynam touting him for the Man Utd jobCredit: RexLynam believes Neville is the man to bring the good times back to Old TraffordCredit: GettyNeville played over 400 times for United, winning eight Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, and three FA Cups.The 49-year-old joined Valencia in 2015 for his first foray into management but endured a dismal time in LaLiga.After winning just 10 games out of 28 at the Mestalla, Neville was sacked and has since carved out a career as a successful pundit. Ex-Match of the Day host Lynam was recently asked who he thought should “save” United from current boss Ruben Amorim’s reign.READ MORE ON MAN UTDLynam indicated Neville would be the best man for the Old Trafford hot-seat as he understands and “loves the club.”Neville responded on Saturday, telling Sky Sports: “Des Lynam was the doyen, the God of hosts and presenters in that era. “Someone with an unbelievable voice, great delivery, great humour. “I always got on with Des but if you could please stop putting me forward as the manager of Manchester United it would be quite helpful. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I understand where you’re coming from – I do understand the club, I do love the club, I do believe I can communicate well. “However, I don’t want to go back into coaching number one. And number two, I don’t believe that I’m the best man for the job by a long way.”Gary Neville to make special request to broadcaster over future plans Neville also revealed his Sky Sports pundits had mocked him over Lynam’s claim.He continued: “It gives my friends and colleagues, particularly Mr Jamie Carragher, the opportunity to giggle quite a bit on a Thursday afternoon when he sees the headline. “I love Des to bits but I’m pretty sure he’s not right on that one. “I feel bad to tell him he’s not right because he’s someone with such vast experience.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.Despite not sharing Lynam’s view on his coaching credentials, Neville did credit the 82-year-old with helping him into punditry.Neville previously told The Overlap podcast: “I love Des Lynam. I met Des Lynam in 2002. “My first ever punditry gig was 22 years ago. I broke my foot before the World Cup in Japan and South Korea and ITV asked me to be a pundit. “I had the most incredible time, it was the moment that I recognised I wanted to go into punditry because of the people I was surrounded by.”The fellow pundits on that panel were Bobby Robson, Terry Venables and Paul Gascoigne. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I totally don’t belong in that panel from the point of view of football greatness and coaching. “What I could give them was the current understanding of what was happening in that [England] dressing room.” More

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      in Soccer

      Inside non-league club funded by Bitcoin whose owners are worth 20 times Wrexham bosses – and targeting Premier League

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      A NON-LEAGUE club funded by Bitcoin owners is aiming to reach the Premier League.Real Bedford currently tops the Southern League Central Division One in the ninth tier of English football.Real Bedford are aiming to hit the big time from non-leagueCredit: Instagram @realbedfordThe club is funded by bitcoin millionairesCredit: Instagram @realbedfordDirector Peter McCormack wants the club to merge with Bedford Town FCCredit: BBCThe club is co-owned by Peter McCormack who is aiming to make the club bigger than local rivals.He is keen to see the club overtake Kettering Town, then Northampton Town, MK Dons and then Luton Town.His end goal is to lead the promised land of the Premier League.McCormack wants has made a proposal to merge Real Bedford with Bedford Town FC.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “As a proud Bedfordian, nothing would make me happier than seeing our town represented at the highest levels in men’s and women’s football.”We’ve made amazing progress with Real Bedford, but this merger unlocks the potential to achieve something truly special in the town.”I understand that fans of Bedford Town may feel some apprehension, but this only works if we come together to make it a success.”By combining the strengths of both clubs, we’re building a united front that can deliver league football to Bedford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m excited about what lies ahead and look forward to working with everyone to achieve our shared ambitions.”The club benefited from investment from Gemini founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss in April 2024.Football stars’ weird phobiasThe club could merge with Bedford Town FCCredit: INSTAGRAM Bedford FCThe pair invested £3.6million into the club in Bitcoin and became co-owners with McCormack.McCormack believes that the investment can help propel the club up the football ladder.He claims that the pair are worth much more than Wrexham’s Hollywood owners, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.He said: “I think Wrexham’s goal is the Premier League and they are up to League One now and they are backed by Ryan Reynolds and his wealth, but Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are worth twenty times his net wealth and there are two of them.”He has revealed that the aim of the club is to reach the EFL in the next decade.He added: “The short-term goal was always football league for the men’s side in ten years.”If we go up this year, that will be three promotions in three years, leaving us with three left to do in seven years, and I think that is ambitious, but we think we can do that.”The clubs are still “waiting to hear back” from the FA and Southern League to approve the merger.It would then be decided where the club would be placed in the football pyramid.The legal agreement for the merger must be signed off by the end of March so it can be ready for the 2025/26 season.Bedford Town FC director Jon Taylor has released a statement on the potential merger of the two clubs.He has admitted that joining the clubs could “create something special”.He said: “As someone who has been deeply involved with Bedford Town FC for many years, I am incredibly proud of our club’s rich history and the role it has played in our community.”This proposed merger represents a unique opportunity to build on that legacy and take football in Bedford to the next level.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I understand that this news may raise questions or concerns for our loyal supporters.”However, I truly believe that by combining the heritage and passion of Bedford Town with the innovation and commercial success of Real Bedford, we can create something special.”Who are these famous footballers? More