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      in Boxing

      I’m a 6ft 9in former basketball star but I quit the sport… now I’m a boxer who could secretly help dethrone Tyson Fury

      by

      SIX years ago Darren Sealy walked away from professional basketball to pursue boxing – now he is involved in the world’s biggest fights. The 6ft 9in heavyweight shot hoops in Spain and Lithuania before returning to the UK to play for London-based sides.
      Sealy is now a professional heavyweight boxerCredit: Instagram @darrensealy
      But after picking up personal training as a side hustle due to a lack of funding on the court, Sealy soon began coaching full time.
      That is when he was introduced to boxing, and given the chance to put his towering frame to use in a whole different way.
      Sealy told SunSport: “I was always in a team sport, but I knew I’d love to give it a go one day. 
      “I would always train, I always knew what I had to do, just with the basics, but I never took it seriously until I was in my mid to late 20s.” 
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      Sealy had 14 fights before turning pro, five in the white collar circuit and eight as an amateur.
      He was then granted a professional licence from the British Boxing Board of Control in August of 2022.
      But Sealy’s life would change forever when a year later heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury signed to fight MMA star Francis Ngannou.
      Realising a gap in the market for 6ft 9in sparring partners to replicate Fury’s size, Sealy reached out to Ngannou’s camp.
      Most read in Boxing
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      And following talks in London after a press conference, Sealy was invited to spar the ex-UFC champ.
      After a successful rehearsal, he would later travel with Ngannou for two weeks of sparring in Saudi Arabia.
      He revealed: “I was in contact with Dewey Cooper, his head coach and obviously he had his fight with Fury. I’m relatively the same height, same build. It just made sense really. 
      “The sparring partners they were looking for needed to be the same height and same build and, speaking to Dewey, I went out to Saudi and finished up camp with them.” 
      Ngannou, 37, almost caused the mother of all upsets when he floored Fury, 35, only to lose a controversial decision.
      But the performance did not surprise anyone in the Cameroonian’s camp, including Sealy.
      He said: “I wasn’t shocked by the performance whatsoever because I saw the work rate that they were putting in. 
      “I saw his performances in the sparring and saw how much he was putting in, which was great.
      Francis Ngannou brought Sealy into his campCredit: instagram @darrensealy
      Ngannou finished up his sparring with Sealy in SaudiCredit: Instagram @darrensealy
      “I wasn’t shocked on the night as well because the man’s power cannot be uncredited. 
      “You don’t want to be hit clean by him, and when Fury was we saw what happened.”
      Fury’s split-decision meant his undisputed title decider with Oleksandr Usyk remained intact, although postponed from December to February 17.
      One of Ngannou’s sparring partners was also recruited by Usyk, 36, who then recommended Sealy to the Ukrainian.
      Before long, Sealy was back in camp tasked with the job of mimicking the Gypsy King.
      He said: “It’s all about connections, building connections and relationships and being confident to put yourself out there and put a good performance on. 
      “Putting your best foot forward and putting the best Darren on like I did in Saudi it enabled me to come into camp with Usyk because he’s fighting the same opponent.” 
      Usyk’s southpaw skills and eccentric personality remains somewhat of an enigma in boxing – but Sealy revealed he is as down to earth as they come.
      Sealy is now in camp with Oleksandr UsykCredit: instagram
      He said: “If someone walked in the room that didn’t know boxing you’d almost have to tell them, ‘That’s the heavyweight champ.’ 
      “Because he doesn’t carry himself with any type of, ‘Hey, look at me.’ Or, ‘You can’t come near me.’ He’s a very, very relaxed person, has time for everybody. 
      “You can always ask for a little bit of advice from him, English might be a different language to him but he still respects you and wants to listen to you. 
      “For someone of his credibility, his accolades and achievements, I think he’s one of the nicest people in boxing that I’ve ever met.” 
      Fury and Usyk will meet in what is the heavyweight division’s first ever four-belt unification bout.
      So the historic occasion is not lost on Sealy, who said: “I reflect on it when I’m not sparring, when I’m having my own personal time.
      “I think it’s important to reflect and live in the moment because if I’m thinking too far ahead or thinking what’s next then I’m not soaking up the atmosphere, not relishing the opportunity. 
      “I know there’s not too many people that are my height and have the privilege to be a part of these camps. 
      “So by all means I am living up to the opportunity but I am living up to the expectation. It’s been two amazing experiences, two amazing camps.” 
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Sealy, 32, suffered defeat on his pro debut last March against experienced journeyman Phil Williams, 38.
      But he gets the chance to exact revenge and right the wrong in a rematch on February 10 in Brentwood. More

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      in Soccer

      I won the Euros with Man Utd hero but then suffered depression before finding spiritual guru

      by

      NEVER mind a game of two halves, for 60-year-old former Denmark striker Lars Elstrup it’s been a life of two halves.For the first 30 years his passion was playing football and living out his dream by becoming a professional.
      Lars Elstrup for Denmark in the 1992 EurosCredit: Rex
      Elstrup believes he reached his utopia by helping his country win Euro 92, playing a major part by scoring the decisive goal in their 2-1   victory over France — their must-win final group game.
      But after quitting the game aged just 30, the last three decades have seen him battling depression and subsequently being diagnosed as bipolar.
      But through the darkness he has discovered spirituality and is smiling again thanks to his Indian guru, His Holiness Parama Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji.
      Elstrup said: “It’s true that since retiring from football I’ve been looking for this place in my mind where I am without anxiety and fear.
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      “I believe I have now found it with my Indian guru. I stopped playing when I was 30. I was worn out, my body and mind was damaged.
      “What I have learned in the last 30 years is to look elsewhere to find myself again.
      “My Indian guru has a higher consciousness and helps me escape from a busy world. Somewhere I can enjoy a happy and joyful life.
      “When I quit football I looked at all different ways of getting my mental strength in a spiritual  world with exercise from yoga and meditation.
      Most read in Football
      “I keep my body and mind right. My last depression ended on  January 1, 2022.”
      As kids growing up, Elstrup and his older brother, Peter, would be forever playing football.
      Elstrup followed his sibling from their local team Randers Freja to Brondby, before being quickly  spotted by Dutch club Feyenoord.
      He spent two seasons at the Dutch club before moving back home to Odense, where he scored 17 goals in 28 league games in the 1988-89  season.
      His impressive scoring abilities caught the attention of Ray Harford at Luton, who were in England’s top flight the old Division One back then, and they signed him for £850,000 in 1989.
      Elstrup said: “When I joined Luton it was for a club-record fee.
      Elstrup playing for Luton against Crystal Palace in 1990Credit: Rex
      “When I look back to my time at Luton, I cannot convey my thanks to the players and management enough.
      “It took me ten games before I scored my first goal at Millwall but the camaraderie and team spirit and help they gave me was unbelievable.
      “I knew very little about the Hatters when I joined, apart from the fact they won the Littlewoods Cup in 1988.
      “The club was in transformation with players when I joined.
      “We had to win the last game of the season at Derby to stay up, which we did.
      “The following season, I scored 19 goals — 15 in the league, including three hat-tricks — the highest  number of goals in a single season by a Danish player in the English top flight, a record that still stands to this day.
      “In an identical twist, we also had to beat Derby to stay up at home that season. It was my last game for the club at Kenilworth Road.
      The Dane retired from football at 30Credit: Alamy
      “I scored the second goal to win the match. I left at the end of the 1990-91 season.
      “I was homesick and wanted to go back to Odense in 1991, which I did.”
      But Elstrup was about to experience a footballing fairytale as Denmark were given a late call-up to Euro 92 in Sweden.
      He said: “I was on holiday, staying at my parents’ summer house.
      “It was two or three days before the Euros when I was contacted and asked to be part of the squad.
      “Yugoslavia had qualified ahead of us but a civil war had caused them to pull out of the tournament. We had to beat France in our final group game.
      “They were unbeaten in 22 games. I came on in the 68th minute and scored the winner ten minutes later. We qualified to the semi-finals. It was quite unbelievable.
      ‘It was very emotional for me’
      “Peter Schmeichel then saved a penalty from Marco van Basten in the semi-final shootout with Holland.
      “I converted one of the penalties and we beat Germany in the final. It was an absolute fairytale.
      “The day after we went to Denmark to an unbelievable reception.”
      On  April 24, last year, the former Hatters favourite made a surprise appearance at Kenilworth Road for the first time in 32 years.
      Elstrup was the Hatters’ guest  of honour for their 2-1 win over Middlesbrough.
      He added: “It was very emotional for me — to be welcomed back with such warmth by the management and fans.
      “I was met in reception with great smiles and chief executive Gary Sweet cancelled a meeting to  see me.
      “I had never met him before. I wanted to shake his hand but he said, ‘Come here, Lars, that is not enough’ and gave me a big hug. I felt very humbled.
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      “Being back at Kenilworth Road brought back so many fond memories.”

       The Unhappy Hero is published by Pitch, priced £25. More

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      in Soccer

      Football stars who broke Hollywood – from snogging A-list sex icon to Arsenal legend who refused to utter Spurs line

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      FOOTBALL is a notoriously short career, with most players forced to retire before they are 35.It’s not surprising, then, that some turn to the big screen to launch a second career – with many Premiership legends heading to Hollywood to make their fortune.
      Ian Wright with director Daniel Kaluuya and co-star Kane ‘Kano’ Robinson at the launch for The KitchenCredit: Getty
      Vinnie Jones cracked the movie world in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking BarrelsCredit: Alamy
      But the movie world is a tough nut to crack – and only a handful of footballers have made it.
      Ian Wright is the latest to make movie news starring in the Netflix film The Kitchen, released this weekend.
      He follows in the footsteps of fellow player Vinnie Jones whose hard man roles, in the likes of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, are now more memorable than his football.
      Here we look at the football stars who have made it to Hollywood – and one who has a THIRD career as a singer.
      Read More in Features
      Vinnie Jones
      Vinnie Jones famously broke into America by appearing in Guy Richie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
      The 59-year-old, from Watford, was still playing football when he was cast in the 1998 British gangster film.
      Vinnie, who is worth at least £7million, used his reputation for aggression on the pitch to help him land hardman roles on the silver screen.
      He was infamously pictured grabbing Gazza’s testicles during a 1988 game between Wimbledon and Newcastle.
      Most read in Football
      Eric Cantona starred with Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Richard AttenboroughCredit: Rex
      He was infamously pictured grabbing Gazza’s testicles during a 1988 gameCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But Vinnie is now best known for his acting after appearing in Hollywood hits such as Mean Machine, Gone in 60 Seconds and X-Men: The Last Stand.
      David Beckham
      David Beckham made America his home in the final years of his footballing career after signing a £128million five-year contract with MLS team LA Galaxy in 2007. 
      And rubbing shoulders with Hollywood A-Listers obviously inspired Golden Balls to try out a bit of acting himself.
      Just like Vinnie, Becks, 48, worked with Guy Ritchie on the 2017 blockbuster King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.
      Becks worked with Guy Ritchie on King ArthurCredit: Alamy
      He had a cameo role as a grumpy knight in the film, which grossed £116million at the box office. 
      And he also made an appearance as a projectionist in Ritchie’s 2015 film The Man From U.N.C.L.E. 
      Eric Cantona
      Eric Cantona was never short of confidence during his footballing career.
      And he was no different when he turned his hand to acting as he had no qualms about playing himself in the 2009 Ken Loach film Looking for Eric.
      In 2003, King Eric was voted Manchester United’s best ever player for his time at the club between 1992 and 1997. 
      Eric played a courtier in the movie ElizabethCredit: Alamy
      The star played himself in Looking For EricCredit: Alamy
      The Frenchman’s reputation took a hit when he kung fu kicked a fan at a Crystal Palace game in 1995.
      However his popularity endured thanks to the 57-year-old’s charismatic personality. 
      That same charisma translated on screen when he played the role of a French diplomat alongside Cate Blanchett in the 1998 smash hit Elizabeth. 
      The move led to a slew of acting roles in his native France, most recently in the miniseries Inhuman Resources and the action thriller AKA. 
      He recently launched a singing career, releasing a single, The Friends We Lost, in May 2023. 
      Ian Wright
      Wrighty’s first role was the 2011 movie Gun of the Black Sun
      Ian Wright stars in The KitchenCredit: Netflix
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright has become the latest footballer to bag a Hollywood role with his upcoming part in the Netflix film The Kitchen.
      Wrighty, 60, is already a familiar sight on our TV screens thanks to his weekly appearances on Match of the Day.
      And his latest appearance in The Kitchen, which is being directed by Hollywood A-Lister Daniel Kaluuya, is not the first time he has acted. 
      He also starred in the 2011 film Gun of the Black Sun and appeared as himself in the popular Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso. 
      But Hollywood has clearly not changed the former England striker after he reportedly refused to praise Tottenham on the show. 
      He apparently demanded the line “Tottenham are a great side” be changed as he knew if he said it he would never be able to return to north London.
      Stan Collymore
      The former Liverpool player wanted to be 007Credit: AP:Associated Press
      He romped with Sharon StoneCredit: Planet Photos
      Striker Stan Collymore once admitted in an interview that he wanted to be “the first black James Bond”.
      And although the 52-year-old didn’t bag the 007 gig, he did land a top role alongside Sharon Stone.
      In 2006 he appeared alongside the A-Lister in Basic Instinct 2, which grossed more than £30million. 
      In the film, Collymore, who played for Nottingham Forest and Liverpool in the 90s, shared a hot and steamy scene with Stone.
      In it, the pair become frisky in a car before Collymore crashed into the River Thames.
      Stone tipped Collymore for Hollywood greatness after his appearance in the film – but he never bagged another big role again.
      Zinédine Zidane
      Zidane was a Real Madrid legendCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He looked very different in his Asterix role
      Zinédine Zidane is widely known for his skills on the pitch – and the headbutt that marked the end of his career as a player.
      However, he also starred in a couple of films, proving he has more about him than football alone. 
      The Real Madrid legend enjoyed a cameo role in the 2008 film Asterix at the Olympic Games, which grossed more than £100million.
      The 51-year-old also played himself in the 2005 film Goal! The Dream Begins, starring alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.
      But Zizou reportedly became peeved when he was left waiting for Becks to turn up to film their scene together for the flick.
      Paul Breitner
      The German player scored in two World Cup finalsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Potato Fritz was not so legendaryCredit: Alamy
      German midfielder Paul Breitner is one of only four players to have scored in two different World Cup final matches.
      He also belongs to another tiny club of players who have starred in films during their careers.
      The 72-year-old landed parts in two German films.
      His first flick, a Spaghetti Western called Potato Fritz, was filmed in 1976 while he was still playing for Real Madrid. 
      Breitner took on the role of a bandit-hunting Sergeant in the film, which was panned by critics. 
      He appeared again on the silver screen with the 1983 German flick Der Zappler.
      And he returned one more time with the 1986 film called Kunyonga – Mord in Afrika.
      Sadly none of the movies enjoyed the kind of success he achieved on the pitch.
      Pelé
      Escape to Victory was among the first to feature playersCredit: Alamy
      The Brazilian legend also starred in a bizarre TV series about aliens
      Brazilian football icon Pelé was one of the first to make the jump from football to films. 
      He starred in the 1981 sports movie Escape to Victory, appearing alongside Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone.
      The legend also landed a role in Os Estranhos – a 1969 Brazilian TV drama about humans making first contact with aliens. 
      His successful acting career continued with a cameo role in the 2001 film Mike Bassett: England Manager – a mockumentary about a small-time football manager who is put in charge of the national team. 
      Pele, who died in 2022, also became the face of many brands in television adverts throughout his life.
      He filmed commercials for American Express, Mastercard, Pepsi, Atari, Emirates, Louis Vuitton and others. 
      Zlatan Ibrahimović
      The Swedish ace played for Man UnitedCredit: Getty
      Zlatan cut his famous hair and donned Roman armour for his debutCredit: Pathe
      Footballing superstar Zlatan Ibrahimović made his big screen debut last year as a Roman warrior. 
      The Swede played a Roman called Caius Antivirus in the 2023 French-language film Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom.
      Ibrahimović also recently appeared in the Italian TV comedy series Vita da Carlo. 
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The former Manchester United player has the potential to enjoy a glittering career in Hollywood thanks to his unbelievable confidence. 
      During his time as a player, the 42-year-old earned a reputation for being cocky and was often accused of arrogance.  More

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      in Soccer

      I’m football freestyler worth around £10m with fleet of supercars and property empire after injury forced career change

      by

      MEET Liv Cooke, football’s most extravagant freestyler who boasts a property empire and a fleet of supercars.The 24-year-old from Lancashire is an Instagram favourite and boasts over two million followers, while on TikTok that number is more than double.
      Meet Liv Cooke, football’s most extravagant football freestylerCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Liv’s accrued a huge wealth that has seen her splash the cash on some amazing motorsCredit: INSTAGRAM
      For her side hustle Liv has become a huge property developerCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Fans have seen her pulling off the most amazing stunts, including her party-piece – juggling a mobile phone and tablet from a great height. Her videos draw in billions of views.
      But it’s as a property developer in the North West where Liv is raking it in.
      Her company has clients including Premier League footballers, Blue Peter presenters and the Great Britain taekwondo Olympics team.
      She also houses women who are victims of domestic abuse, and has helped develop two new 3G pitches in her local community.
      Read more football news
      Cooke’s hard work has paid off, allowing her to live a lifestyle to envy.
      The female sport influencer owns a fleet of super cars, including a £170,000 Ferrari 488 and a Lamborghini Urus worth £200,000.
      From football to freestyling
      Liv grew up in a football-mad house with two older brothers who played the game.
      She starred for Blackburn Rovers at youth level, alongside future Lionesses Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone and Keira Walsh.
      Most read in Football
      However, as fate would have it, a cruel back injury meant she had to forget about becoming a pro when she was 14.
      Instead, Liv turned to skills training. She practiced juggling a football while sat down, just to make sure she didn’t lose her touch, and a new career blossomed.
      She decided, ultimately, to enter the world of freestlying from then on.
      It was a decision, Liv told the Guardian in 2022, that she didn’t take lightly.
      She said: “It was a stupid decision, really. But I felt it in my heart that it was the right thing to do and I just went with that.
      “It all looks intentional in many ways, but actually, for me, football was never a career. I was heading down that way, but I never once thought ‘I wonder how much money I’m going to sign for’, it was never about that for me.
      “I love football so much and I was going to do it for the rest of my life, and I didn’t care if I made £10 or £10,000 an hour.
      “My enjoyment wasn’t materialistic and it wasn’t financial. It was getting out there, winning on the weekends and enjoying the game with my team.”
      Liv began freestyling when her football career was cut short aged just 14Credit: INSTAGRAM
      One of Liv’s party tricks involves saving a mobile phone from smashing by flicking it in the airCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Outrageous stunts
      Liv has come a long way since showcasing her freestyle skills at a school in her hometown Leyland, Lancashire, in 2015.
      In 2017, she competed in the Super Ball open football freestyle championships, where she was crowned the world football freestyle champion and the youngest in history to ever take the title.
      That scored her commercial work – most notably with the likes of Adidas, Lidl and Channel 4, as well as presenting gigs with the BBC for their sadly cancelled MOTDx show.
      But it’s on social media where the younger crowd will know her.
      In 2021, she was confirmed as the highest earning female athlete TikTok creator at the time.
      She boasts 5.5 million followers on the platform and a further two million on Instagram.
      Her videos border on insane and ingenious.
      From saving mobile phones and tablets from falling out of windows with her feet to ball-juggling on the back of a jet ski while her best pal and partner-in-freestyle crime, Olivia Weedall,steers, her stunts are outrageous.
      Conservative estimates of Liv’s wealth start at around the £10m markCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Liv shows off her ball juggling skills while being towed by a jet skiCredit: INSTAGRAM
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
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      Property empire
      But it’s with her property portfolio where Liv is making serious money.
      Her first foray as an investor and developer came when she was just 19 – a two bed apartment in Lancashire. She then added a one-bed flat in Manchester soon after, and a serious hobby had begun.
      Over the years, she has continued to add to her property empire, and has helped house Premier League footballers, as well as BBC presenters.
      Better still, her properties also house women who have been domestically abused and are looking for a safe place.
      Explaining how she got into property, Liv told the Lancashire Post: “I’ve always been obsessed with being successful and the mindset and worth ethic it takes. I study the greats in any field, originally for motivation when I was training to become the world’s greatest freestyle footballer.
      “I loved Grant Cardones story how he came from nothing to achieve his dream, his relentless drive inspired me in training. Through watching him for inspiration for work ethic I inadvertently gained real estate knowledge
      “After achieving my dream, my profile grew, my career progressed and I was earning nice amounts of money.
      “I then realised I could probably turn these riches into wealth with my basic understanding of real estate. So when lockdown hit and we couldn’t travel or go outside I seized my chance to dive into learning real estate.
      “I read something like seven books and watched a thousand hours of YouTube content on investments/developments in my first week. Similarly to how I ascended rapidly in freestyle football, I got obsessed with real estate.
      In 2019, Liv began to invest in propertyCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Liv now lives the jet set lifestyle and is a star of the business worldCredit: INSTAGRAM
      “My first project commenced not long after, I’m not one to sit around thinking about doing something.
      “The following week I began searching for my first project and had an offer accepted on a property I intended to renovate and convert into a high cash flowing asset. Safe to say I dived into the deep end with material costs flying up due to Covid restrictions.”
      Fast cars
      Although Liv has remained coy about her net worth, estimates online claim she could be worth over £10million.
      Judging by the lifestyle she lives, those guesses don’t seem so far-fetched.
      Her car collection is to be envied, and she regularly shares pictures of her amazing motors on Instagram.
      ‘Barbie’ pink is seemingly her favourite colour – boasting a £200,000 Lamborghini Urus and a £170,000 Ferrari 488 in that hue.
      Other cars seen in her fleet include a Lamborghini Huracan worth £235,000, a Rolls-Royce Phantom with a price tag of around £400,000 and a Mercedes-Benz G-Class that starts at £130,000.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Liv has amassed an impressive car collection through the yearsCredit: FACEBOOK
      A £200k Lamborghini Urus is one of Liv’s prized possessionsCredit: FACEBOOK
      Meet Liv Cooke, football freestyler and property developer, who drives a fleet of LamborghinisCredit: Facebook
      While, when she travels she flies by private jet.
      Clearly, she’s living life in the fast lane. More

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      in Soccer

      I’m an undefeated MMA star but my brothers are making their own way as Man Utd hopefuls

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      IBRAGHIM IBRAGIMOV is the undefeated MMA prospect looking to make his way to the UFC – but he could end up being overshadowed by his football-playing brothersThe Russian-born Brit is a perfect 6-0 in his mixed martial arts career and is one of the most highly-touted teen fighters in the UK.
      Ibragim Ibragimov is an undefeated Brit teenage MMA prospectCredit: INSTAGRAM@IBRAGHIM.60
      The Russian-born Brit has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in the sportCredit: INSTAGRAM@IBRAGHIM.60
      Ibragimov is 6-0 and on course to become a starCredit: INSTAGRAM@IBRAGHIM.60
      The 19-year-old could be overshadowed by his football-playing brothersCredit: INSTAGRAM@IBRAGHIM.60
      Ibraghimov, 19, regularly rubs shoulders with some of the biggest British names in the sport – including former UFC title challenger Darren Till and PFL star Brendan Loughnane.
      The teen sensation is well and truly on track to make it to the UFC – but his brothers could end up becoming bigger stars than him.
      Ibragimov’s younger brothers – Amir and Gazik – are working their way through the ranks of Manchester United’s youth teams.
      Amir, 15, is considered to be one of the best prospects in United’s academy and was recently invited to train with the first team.
      READ MORE IN MMA
      The midfielder has seemingly already been earmarked for a future leadership role having captained United-14s and Under-15s.
      His displays for the club’s younger teams have seen him rewarded with five appearances for the Under-18s.
      Despite also being held in high regard by the club’s coaches, Gazik, 14, has yet to be called up to train with the senior Red Devils.
      Amir and Gazik are often cheered on by their fighting brother Ibraghim, who proudly shares their highlights and achievements on his Instagram.
      Most read in Football
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      Ibraghimov’s younger brothers Amir and Gazik play for Manchester United’s youth teamsCredit: INSTAGRAM@AMIR_IBRA7
      Amir and Gazik aren’t the only members of the Ibraghimov family trying to make it at the Premier League giants.
      The duo’s youngest brother Muhammad is also on the club’s books following a move from Manchester City’s academy last November.
      The starlet was proud as punch with his move to United, which he lauded with his near 7,000 Instagram followers.
      Along with a snap of himself holding up a club shirt, he wrote: “Here to create history.”
      Given United’s recent willingness to promote academy stars to the first team and give them starts – Kobbie Mainoo being a testament to the fact – it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that either Amir or Gazik will be handed full debuts in the coming years.
      And who knows, they could by then have a UFC star of a brother cheering them on at Old Trafford.
      Amir has even had a sitdown with club legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: INSTAGRAM@AMIR_IBRA7 More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Kyle Walker’s amazing car collection, from a £235,000 Lamborghini Huracan to a £200,000 Bentley Bentayga

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      KYLE Walker has made a £27million fortune as one of the Premier League’s best players.From an apprentice at Sheffield United to making his name at Tottenham, before becoming a Premier League champion at Manchester City – the defender, 33, has had a great career.
      Kyle Walker has made a £27million fortune playing football
      In 2017 Walker splashed the cash on a Lamborghini Huracan
      The interiors of the Lamborghini Huracan are plush
      Away from the pitch, his riches have seen him splash the cash.
      One of his favourite things to spend his money on is luxury cars.
      Walker has owned a variety of motors, including some stylish SUV’s.
      But, he really has a penchant for fast cars, as SunSport discovered when looking through his epic collection.
      Read more Kyle Walker news
      Lamborghini Huracan, £235,000
      After completing his big move from Spurs to City for £45million in 2017, Walker bought his most expensive motor.
      He joined new teammate Sergio Aguero as a Lamborghini owner.
      The right-back got himself a Huracan, which he was seen driving to training in his first few weeks at the club.
      It’s one of the fastest cars on the planet – capable of reaching 0-62 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
      Most read in Football
      Bentley Bentayga, £200,000
      When the Bentayga was released in 2015, footballers all over the world put their name on the waiting list for one.
      Walker, along with England pal Raheem Sterling, were just two of the first in line.
      The Bentayga was Bentley’s first foray into the SUV market – and it’s a beautiful car.
      The 2016 models boasted a simply huge twin-turbo W12 engine.
      Walker has been seen behind the wheel of a £200k Bentley Bentayga
      The Bentayga had a waiting list of footballers clamouring to buy one
      Check out these amazing collections

      Audi RS7, £115,000
      Although he was spoiled with the Bentayga in terms of comfort and class, Walker clearly has a preference for a more sporty motor.
      Recently, he’s been seen driving to training in a stylish RS7 that comes with a hefty £115,000 price tag.
      This Audi can hit a top speed of 190 mph.
      Better still, it does 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds meaning it’s not too shabby at all.
      Most recently, Walker has been seen in a Audi RS7
      Mercedes AMG-GT R, £160,000
      Perhaps the award for Walker’s best-looking motor goes to his stunning AMG-GT R.
      It truly is a work of art from a design standpoint, and it doesn’t lack in performance either.
      It’s just shy of his Lamborghini’s top speed of 201 mph at 198 mph.
      This Merc’s M178 twin-turbo 4-litre V8 engine generates 510 horse power.
      read more sport features
      The Mercedes AMG-GT R is Walker’s most stylish car
      The interiors make this Mercedes look like a race car
      Mercedes S-Class, £92,000
      One of the ultimate saloons, that gives comfort, reliability and is driven by the elite.
      Don’t be fooled by the fact it’s Walker’s cheapest motor, it still oozes quality.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Depending on the model, it can reach 0-62 mph in 3.3 to 5.6 seconds – but you don’t buy it for its speed.
      But it’s built with cutting-edge technology, including ambient lighting which gives you a choice of 64 different colours.
      Saloon car do not come any classier than an S-Class Mercedes
      Cutting-edge technology is a staple of the S-Class More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Kyle Walker’s amazing lifestyle, from Cheshire love nest he lived in with Annie Kilner to his epic car collection

      by

      KYLE WALKER has enjoyed a storied career at the top.The Man City defender, 33, has won numerous Premier League titles, as well as the Champions League.
      Kyle Walker has amassed a £27million fortune from his football career
      Walker has owned a series of luxury cars including a £230k Lamborghini HuracanCredit: Getty
      On Instagram Walker has given fans a glimpse of his Cheshire propertyCredit: Instagram / @kylewalker2
      While the veteran right-back is also a key component of Gareth Southgate’s England set-up.
      His success on the pitch has afforded him a luxury lifestyle off it.
      Walker has amassed a fortune believed to be in the region of £27million.
      And he has invested his money into property, while spending his cash on fast cars.
      read more kyle walker news
      SunSport looks into how Walker lives his life.
      Stunning home
      Walker, originally from Sheffield, splashed some of his fortune on a property in Cheshire in 2019.
      It boasts six bedrooms, and was bought as a love nest for him and childhood sweetheart Annie Kilner, before their marriage woes.
      It features a swimming pool, a sizeable marble hot tub, as well as a five-a-side football pitch.
      Most read in Football
      Back in 2020, demanding more privacy, Walker built a 13ft-high, 52ft-wide screen around the property so passers-by couldn’t see inside.
      He won a planning battle, after neighbours complained – calling the structure “unsightly”.
      Walker often shared glimpses of the home on Instagram to his five million followers.
      That included a snap of him watching football on a plush sofa with framed football jerseys on the wall.
      Another photo showed him wearing an apron in the kitchen.
      Keen gamer Walker also showed off where he liked to play Fortnite in a separate picture.
      Walker’s Cheshire mansion features a stunning outside swimming poolCredit: Instagram
      Chef Walker is happy to prepare meals in his modern kitchenCredit: Instagram
      Gamer Walker also loves playing Fortnite in his games roomCredit: Instagram / @kylewalker2
      Walker earns around £160k-per-week at Man CityCredit: Instagram / @kylewalker2

      Walker’s baby mama Lauryn Goodman
      Walker, who earns around £160,000-per-week at the Etihad, bought a £2,5million seaside mansion for his baby mama Lauryn Goodman.
      Amazing cars
      Over the years, Walker has prided himself on filling his garage with some stylish cars.
      In his first season as a Man City player in 2017, he was seen driving a £235,000 Lamborghini Huracan to training.
      One of the fastest cars on the planet, it’s capable of reaching 0-62 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
      It wasn’t the only Lambo parked in the car park – with former teammate Sergio Aguero also being a fan of the supercar and owning one.
      A fan of sporty cars, in 2019 he was seen behind the wheel of a brilliant Mercedes AMG-GT R that has a starting price of £160,000.
      They can reach a top speed of 198 mph and run off a M178 twin-turbo 4-litre V8 engine.
      Another luxury car Walker enjoyed was his £200,000 Bentley Bentayga.
      That became a footballers’ favourite – with fellow England footballer Raheem Sterling also owning a Bentayga.
      read more sport features
      Walker seen behind the wheel of his Mercedes AMG-GT R worth £160kCredit: nb press ltd
      In 2019, it was alleged Walker romped with reality TV star Laura Brown in a Bentley BentaygaCredit: Getty
      Walker drives into training in a £115k AudiCredit: Cavendish Press
      Other motors Walker has been spotted with are Mercedes S-Class (from £92,000), and has also driven into training in a £115,000 Audi RS7.
      Tattoos
      Walker is no stranger to getting ink.
      His first ever tattoo was his name, K. Walker with a star next to it.
      However, amusingly he had a second star added next to it after his pals ribbed him that he gave himself such a low rating.
      Walker also has an eye tattoo on his forearm in loving memory of his late grandfather, who introduced him to football.
      He said: “I got this eye for my grandad, who took me to Sheffield United and got me into football. He passed away.
      “I got the eye to say he’s always looking down on me and he guides me through a lot.”
      Walker’s youngest son’s birthday is written in Roman numerals below his chest.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      While an angel tattoo on his right shoulder commemorates the loss of his sister’s baby.
      Walker’s life is befitting of one of the Premier League’s most famous footballers, who has reached the top and made serious money.
      Walker has a variety of tattoos including his name written on his hand
      Dad Walker has his son’s birthday writen in Roman numerals across his chest
      An eye on his forearm represents his late grandfather
      An angel shoulder tattoo is dedicated to the loss of his sister’s baby More

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      in Boxing

      What Eddie Hearn said to Anthony Joshua after being left stunned by Francis Ngannou’s body

      by

      EDDIE HEARN admitted he was left stunned at the sheer size of Francis Ngannou. The ex-UFC champion takes to the ring for the second time on March 8 in Saudi Arabia against AJ.
      Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou ahead of their March 8 fightCredit: PA

      And the two came face to face for the first time at a press conference, where promoter Hearn saw Ngannou up close.
      He was left gobsmacked at the size of the 6ft 4in and 19 stone MMA star.
      Hearn told Queensberry Promotions: “Francis Ngannou was talking and I was looking at him thinking, ‘Look at the size of your head, your neck!’
      “I actually turned to AJ and thought, ‘Actually, you look like a middleweight compared to this guy.’
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “I mean it’s the first time AJ has ever actually competed with anyone who is remotely the same in terms of frame and mass.
      “This guy is bigger. So we hear the stories about how strong he is, we hear the stories about how hard he can punch.
      “I still find it difficult to subscribe to, I don’t believe you can just stroll into the sport and just beat the elite.
      “But he so nearly did it against what many regard as the best heavyweight in the world.
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      ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT
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      “So we take him very, very seriously. It’s a fight full of jeopardy but one that if you use your brain, and use your skill and your speed, you should win.”
      Ngannou, 37, dropped Tyson Fury, 35, on his boxing debut last October but lost a controversial decision.
      And with the Gypsy King snubbing a rematch to fight Oleksandr Usyk, 36, for the undisputed crown, Ngannou was forced to look elsewhere.
      But Joshua, 34, who weighed 17st 13lb in his last fight, vowed not to underestimate the Cameroonian like those before him.
      He said: “If Tyson underestimated Ngannou, I sure won’t. Francis has lost the element of surprise with me.
      “We knew Francis had a reputation as the biggest puncher in the world but the surprise was how well he boxed.
      “He was exceptional on the inside and made life very complicated for Tyson. So much so that I do belong to the opinion that he beat Fury.” More