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      in Boxing

      Meet Power Slap star Sheena Bathory, who broke a breast implant in training and wants to fight at a Misfits Boxing event

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      THERE are few more brutal sports in the world right now than Power Slap.Leading the charge is glam Hungarian beauty, Franciska Szabo – better known as Sheena Bathory.Franciska Szabo – better known as Sheena Bathory – is taking the world of Power Slap by stormCredit: _francesca_szabo/instagramBathory’s reactions to getting struck in Power Slap have caused a stir onlineBathory also suffered a terrible injury when her breast implant brokeCredit: Instagram @_francesca_szaboShe went viral when a clip of her taking a vicious slap from fellow MMA rival Christine Wolmarans made her barely flinch, and responded by blowing a kiss at her opponent.Incredibly, it was watched over 136 million views – making her more popular than Taylor Swift online.It hasn’t been all plain sailing, especially since Bathory broke her breast implant in training back in September.However, she has set her sights on the Misfits Boxing world – having started boxing training – and wants to take on current champ Julia Poca.Read more Misfits newsSpeaking exclusively to SunSport, Bathory said: “I have always followed Misfits Boxing.”There are obviously so many beautiful women who compete who show their badass side.”I can relate to boxing. It’s something knew in my life, but I was grappler and wrestled, so it would be challenging.”It’s important for me to also keep my feminine side.Most read in Boxing”Being a badass and being sexy, I think Misfits Boxing does that very well and I’d love to be a part of that.”TrainingFormer MMA fighter Bathory also used to wrestle, so she’s battle hardened when it comes to a tough training regime.Power Slap star Sheena Bathory says her key to success in ‘dangerous sport is being able to take a smack & not pass out’But, preparing for a Power Slap contest requires different preparation.She said: “I work out with rubber bands to practice my arm swing and slap, that helped me a lot.”For my jaw line I have a jaw exerciser that I bite down on too.”The neck is very important, but because of my MMA training, which involves wrestling and kickboxing training, I get hit many times and that helps to make me physically stronger.”Hungarian fighter Bathory loves competes wrestlingCredit: GettyBathory is also trained in kickboxing and judo – competing in MMACredit: GettyBurst breast implantLast month, though, Bathory was floored by a horror injury when her breast implant broke during a particularly aggressive training session.She explained: “It happened in a rough training camp in Budapest.”My sparring partner didn’t hold back, and I had a few kicks to my breasts.”When you are on the floor and training, you don’t really realise the pain because it’s constant.”The next day I saw some bruising above one of my breasts, and I felt some inflammation in my body.”I went for blood work, and my results were very high.”A friend, who was an MMA fighter, said to me I had to do an MRI on my breast in case it got damaged.Power Slap is incresingly popular but hugely controversialBy Jack FiggPower Slap is UFC boss Dana White’s newest and potentially most dangerous venture yet. The American MMA promoter helped the UFC go from struggling business bought for just $2m to a global powerhouse now worth over $20BILLION. But White’s passion has now shifted across to his new Power Slap league – where defenceless opponents withstand blows to the brain. Doctors are outraged and have warned it MUST be banned before disaster strikes. Chris Nowinski, a Harvard Ph.D. and former wrestler, claimed participants ‘may never be the same’ after taking the repeated blows to the head. But White has remained unfazed and shared Power Slap’s huge social media numbers with clips soaring into the millions of views. And he remarkably said: “This will be the biggest sport in the world. This will be bigger than the UFC. This will be bigger than the UFC.” White helped catapult MMA into a mainstream sport but only time will tell if lightning will strike twice with Power Slap. Sometimes, actually, my huge breasts were making it difficult for my boxing because I couldn’t keep my arms down!””Incredibly, the right one implant was smashed to pieces. It got into my blood, and it was really painful. It was insane.”They took the implant out, and i’m not getting them back now because I want to focus on the competitions.”Sometimes, actually, my huge breasts were making it difficult for my boxing because I couldn’t keep my arms down!”I am now three pounds lighter, so it will help me with the weight cut.”It was a blessing, even though it sounds so tragic!”Last month, Bathory had to remove her breast implants after one burst in trainingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Czwz9_4vODu/Blonde beauty Bathory revealed the pain was off the chartsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Czwz9_4vODu/read more sport featuresTaunting a rivalBathory became a viral superstar when she blew a kiss at rival Christine Wolmarans after being struck by a hard slap.She barely flinched, which drew 136 million views in a clip shared on Instagram. More than anything on a Taylor Swift reel.”My feelings are very mixed when I am competing in Power Slap,” Bathory said.”I used to do wrestling and judo. There’s something about entertaining, which is important to me, but I still want to be there as an athlete.”It came out naturally, why can’t I show my emotions? In judo you can’t, you have to respect the judges and the opponent.”In Power Slap you get more freedom. And by the way, the slap from Christine was really strong! When she slapped me, I felt off for one second before then thinking, ‘Oh, I’m back!'”I blew a kiss to say, ‘It wasn’t bad, but now it’s my turn’.”Bathory’s moment of glory in Power Slap went viral on InstagramCredit: YouTube / Power SlapBig personality Bathory thought her Power Slap was a turn-on for menCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Czwz9_4vODu/Bathory continued: “I think people appreciate that women can tolerate really high pain.”I also think it was very attractive for many men, who messaged me they wanted to die by my slap!”Men, maybe, weren’t even aware they wanted to get slapped until seeing this video!”Dana White supportPower Slap has been backed by Dana White, with the UFC chief executive officer founding the sport in 2022.”It’s definitely a privilege to work in the same industry as Dana White,” Bathory revealed.”He motivates me every day to train harder because I would also love to compete in MMA.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Hopefully, I can get his attention by fighting in both because he’s the GOAT of this industry.”I am truly very grateful that I can be in the same circle.”Bathory revealed it was a pleasure to work in Power Slap with Dana WhiteCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Czwz9_4vODu/UFC chief Dana White founded Power Slap in 2022 More

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      in Boxing

      I married my coach before he tried to KILL me, then fell in love with rival – now Sydney Sweeney will play me in movie

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      CHRISTY MARTIN had a life and career fit for the big screen – and her story from escaping death to marrying an old opponent is heading to Hollywood.The boxing legend was stabbed and shot by her ex-husband and trainer Jim Martin after years of abuse. Christy Martin survived a murder attempt from her ex-husband and trainerCredit: ReutersJim Martin coached and married ChristyJim is now serving 25 years in prisonIt threatened to bring a tragic end to one of the sport’s most inspiring and influential careers. But after overcoming the frightening ordeal, Christy revealed in a Netflix documentary how surviving that day was her greatest victory.She said: “I came to some realisation that I got my 50th win when I got off the floor, November 23, 2010.”Christy’s boxing journey began in 1986 when she was dared by her friends to enter a toughwoman contest. READ MORE IN BOXINGShe knocked out all three of her opponents and pocketed $300 while becoming hooked on the sport. Christy was then put in contact with coach Jim by a promoter – and her life would never be the same. Jim – embarrassed at the thought of even training a women – instructed his boxers to try break Christy’s ribs and punch her out the gym.He soon found out that was not an option. Most read in BoxingJim, speaking from Orange County Jail in Florida, said: “Christy’s got a granite chin. “You hit her with a sledgehammer and she’s still standing there looking at you.”Inside the astonishing real life story of Christy Martin, who Sydney Sweeney will portray in upcoming Hollywood biopicChristy was forced to fight for free to even get a shot by promoters, earning as little as $60 if she ever did get paid. But as her KO streak grew so did her relationship with Jim – before one day something out of the ordinary happened.Christy revealed: “After one of the fights, you know you’re so excited and everyone’s so happy. And I kissed him.”I don’t even know what happened.”Christy had grown up a secret lesbian, hiding it from her family despite being in a relationship with an old school friend Sherry Lusk. She soon went public with her relationship with cornerman Jim – who was 25 years her senior and even older than her dad. The two married in 1991 after buying their rings from Walmart and three years later Christy was signed to legendary but controversial promoter Don King. King was initially going to watch tapes of Martin’s previous fights to help him decide whether to give her a contract – but after his TV stopped working he instead made her shadow box in front of him and saw enough to give her a deal.The two married in 1991Credit: GettyJim trained Christy during her riseCredit: AFPBut King was not the only iconic boxing name to take notice – an incarcerated Mike Tyson was among Martin’s admirers.So much so by the time he came out of jail in 1995 – after serving three years for a rape charge – he wanted her on his undercard.Tyson said: “I believe I was in jail and they were talking about “Coleminer’s daughter”, she’s knocking out people, she’s really exciting.”I’m like, ‘Get the f*** out of here.’ But then I started going to some of her fights. “She throws a lot of hard punches, crowd-pleasing. She gave everybody their money’s worth. So I said, ‘Put Christy Martin on my undercard.'”Martin made history by fighting in the first-ever women’s bout on pay-per-view the night Tyson knocked out Frank Bruno in 1996. She was booed into the ring with fans convinced it was no more than a novelty act – but Martin was cheered out.Martin fought Lisa Holewyne in 2001 and made jibes about her opponent’s sexuality – despite her secret lesbian past.She throws a lot of hard punches, crowd-pleasing. She gave everybody their money’s worth. So I said, ‘Put Christy Martin on my undercard.’Mike Tyson She admitted: “I said a lot of rude comments about homosexuals. But also, Jim did encourage that type of behaviour.”And I would tell him, ‘Jim, you don’t understand, I’m gonna keep saying this stuff and somebody from my past is going to creep up.”As Martin’s career as a star boxer reached its height in the early 2000s – her private life was the opposite. She wanted to bring in a new trainer – but husband Jim would not tolerate the thought – and made it known during a sparring session. Christy said: “He knocked me out. I’d never been knocked out. I’d never been dropped even. “You know when you’re hitting someone in the right spot. You know when you’re hitting someone hard enough to knock them out. “He knew exactly what he was doing. Is it abuse? Yeah, he’s smart. He disguised it. “All I wanted to do was leave him, all I wanted to do was live my life freely.”Christy Martin and Lisa Holewyne fought in 2001 before later getting marriedCredit: AFPChristy begged for Jim to divorce herCredit: GettyIn 2003, Christy stepped up to super-middleweight to challenge Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila despite the ONE STONE weight difference. Laila dominated the bout but Jim refused to pull Christy – perhaps on purpose as punishment.Christy said: “He could’ve stepped up and stopped it. I could always say, ‘Jim stopped it, I didn’t quit.’ “But I quit and that’s hard for me to live with.”In the years following, Christy and Jim became hooked on cocaine, even using it while training for fights. Christy said: “If I was hitting the heavy bag, I’d say, ‘Jim, I’m so tired. Do you have any more?’ He’d say, ‘Keep hitting the bag.'”He would go cut a line, I’d still have my gloves on. I was high all the time. But I couldn’t stop, I didn’t want to stop.”The relationship was disintegrating behind the scenes and Christy pleaded for divorce. She said: “I would tell him, ‘You know I’m a lesbian, so let’s get divorced! I’m begging you to please divorce me.'”I went as far as to write up a contract, I’ll take care of all these expenses, just please leave.’ “He hit me and knocked my tooth through my lip. Blood went everywhere.”Jim denied that Christy asked for a divorce. But he made her fight on in the ring. In 2010, Christy reconnected with her old partner and friend Sherry on Facebook – but she claimed Jim threatened to kill her if she left.Eventually, Christy did walk out and Jim released explicit images of her in retaliation.”This was my revenge,” he admitted. But the compromising pictures pale in comparison to what would come next as on November 23, 2010 an argument broke out between Christy and Jim. ‘Please don’t let me die’Following a physical altercation, Jim stabbed Christy four times and ignored her desperate pleas to help. Christy said: “He stopped everything and just left me laying there… I could hear my lung gurgling. So I know it’s filling up with blood.”He’s walking in and out of the room to see if I had to died yet. I’m begging him, ‘Please don’t let me die. I’m sorry Jim, I made a mistake. Truth is, I love you.'”But then by the time I realised he can’t let me live I was like, ‘Oh, f*** you. I never loved you. You’ve been a piece of s*** the whole time. I’m your personal ATM, you’ve done nothing but use me.'” Jim did eventually walk back towards Christy – only to fire a shot into her torso. Christy remembered: “He stands at my feet with my own pink 9-millimeter. I told him, ‘You don’t have the balls to shoot me.’ And he shot me.'”My mind’s like, ‘No, I don’t wanna die. I have to get out. I have to save me. Some way, I have to save me.'”Jim callously left Christy to die – but she was not done fighting yet. My mind’s like, ‘No, I don’t wanna die. I have to get out. I have to save me. Some way, I have to save me.Christy Martin after being stabbed and shot by her ex-husbanfAs her former trainer took a shower, Christy miraculously escaped the house on to the road where a stranger took her to hospital.Jim fled and slept in a tool shed behind an abandoned home – still clutching on to a blood-soaked knife – until police found him.The murder attempt exposed Christy’s sexuality – but she received widespread support from the boxing world. Amazingly less than a year after the attack – with a bullet still lodged in her back – Christy began training for a comeback bout.And she was seconds away from winning her return fight only for the ringside doctor to pull her out after she broke her hand. Christy had just one more fight – losing in 2012 – before suffering a stroke. By that time, her and Sherry had split up and soon Holewyne – almost a decade from their bitter bout – got back in touch. Jim was also standing trial in 2012 and was later sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison for the attempted murder. Christy during the 2012 trialCredit: GettyJim was later sentenced to 25 years in prisonCredit: GettyFive years on from Jim’s sentencing, Christy married former rival Holewyne in 2017 with the two happily together to this day.She said: “I love her without question and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. I’m happy in my own skin.”Christy – who was inducted into the boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 – now works as a promoter and motivational speaker. And her incredible life story is set to be depicted by Sydney Sweeney in a biopic directed by David Michod. Sweeney, 26, told Deadline: “I grappled and did kickboxing from 12-19 years old. “I’ve been itching to get back into the ring, train, and transform my body. “Christy’s story isn’t a light one, it’s physically and emotionally demanding, there’s a lot of weight to carry. But I love challenging myself.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite all the accolades in and outside the ring, Christy’s biggest triumph was surviving her evil husband. She said: “That was not just my 50th win but that was my biggest win of my life.” Christy Martin beat Lisa Holewyne a decade before they fell in loveCredit: GettyThe two are now happily marriedCredit: GettySydney Sweeney is set to play Christy in a Hollywood biopicCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Caroline Dubois yet to watch brother Daniel’s fight with Anthony Joshua after opening up on family fallout

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      CAROLINE DUBOIS still has not watched brother Daniel’s stunning win against Anthony Joshua in full – amid a family fallout. Unbeaten Caroline moved out of her family home following a rift with dad and former mentor Dave – also known as Stan. Daniel Dubois with his sister Caroline Dubois in 2019Credit: GettyThe pair used to train and live togetherCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut there has since been a family falloutCredit: nstagram @carolinedubois1And the lightweight prospect is so focussed on her own career that she did not even tune in to brother Daniel’s world title fight with AJ. She told Seconds Out: “I didn’t watch it but I saw the end, the stoppage and the knockdowns. “And from what I heard and what everybody’s saying, as you said “resounding” – it was a beatdown from the first to the, fifth? Fifth round.” Caroline is one of Stan’s 11 children, with her young brothers Prince, 20 and Soloman, 12, also amateur boxers. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd she was once part of a tight-knit family under the guidance of her imposing father. But a row forced the family apart, with Caroline moving out of the family home and remaning trained by coach Shane McGuigan. Meanwhile, big brother Daniel parted ways to join Don Charles, who McGuigan recommended as a new cornerman to dad Stan. But such was the nature of the bitter falling out, Caroline has also lost touch with Daniel, who is coming off the biggest win of his career. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShe said: “I don’t speak to him anymore.” Caroline believes moving out of the family home for independence is what caused friction with her father. Anthony Joshua warned not to repeat tactic that ‘didn’t do s*** for him’ as he’s told to rematch Dubois straight awayShe opened up: “My dad’s got 11 kids in total, with my mum he’s got seven, and I’m the middle child. “One thing you know about the middle child is that sometimes they get overlooked and they don’t get that attention and they have to fight for it.”My dad was only paying attention to the boxers and to the boys. He didn’t really focus about the girls, by his own admission, he didn’t pay attention to my sisters.”And so I guess as a young kid, you see that and you think, ‘Okay, what can I do?’ And I said, ‘I want to box.'”I pestered him, I pestered him and he saw, ‘She truly has got a fire in her that’s different from her brothers. My dad put Daniel in boxing, but with me, I asked for it.”I guess what it was is he just wanted me to stay a certain way. But I was nine years old and I’m growing.”I went to school, my brothers didn’t go to school. I was on the GB team, I went to the Olympics because I was a good amateur.”I used to travel a lot. You know, I went to Buenos Aires, Argentina, I went to Bulgaria, Serbia.I don’t speak to him anymore. Caroline Dubois on brother Daniel “I travelled everywhere and I think that helped open up my mind, helped change me, change my perspective.”I saw how other people treated their children and my mind opened up. I saw what was acceptable and what I wanted to accept. My boundaries got bigger.”And I remember coming to a conclusion for myself, ‘Who am I boxing for?’ “When I suffered my first amateur defeat of all time, I went 60 fights, never lost a fight, I lost for the first time and it was the most heartbreaking moment.”I remember crying for days. I wasn’t experienced and I wasn’t getting the support. One thing that my dad was honest about is that he stopped supporting me when I was 16 years old.”With boxing, he just stopped looking after me and supporting me and stopped pushing me because he didn’t like the way that I was changing.”As he says, I was becoming more independent and I wanted more for myself. And I just was like, what am I doing this for? It was like a penny drop moment.’I’m leaving home, I’m moving out'”I was like, ‘I’m doing it for myself, I’m doing this shit for myself.’ I’m not dying, making weight, sweating out, not eating for days, and as a woman I lose my period. “I’m not doing this for some other guy who couldn’t care less. I’m doing it for myself, I’m doing it for my future.”I took that decision. And it started to get very toxic and very bad in the household. He kept saying, ‘Why can’t you be more like Daniel? You need to be like him.'”I can’t be like him and I wouldn’t want to be like him. And that’s not disrespect, but we’re different people. It was a decision that I had to make, I spoke to my brothers and sisters about it.”I was like, ‘Okay, I’m leaving home, I’m moving out. And they were like, ‘Okay, I want to come with you.'”My younger brother and sister, they both moved out with me. So we left home and that’s what happened.”My dad’s now saying that I saw the change in her. He says, he never liked female boxing. That’s absolute BS. And I just wanted to call that out.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCaroline, 23, is 10-0 in her career with the WBC interim title to her name. Daniel, 27, meanwhile defended his IBF belt against Joshua, 34, with the pair now in talks for a rematch. Caroline is the interim WBC championCredit: Instagram / wbcboxingDaniel Dubois knocked out Anthony Joshua at WembleyCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Forgotten former Premier League goalkeeper saves three penalties from three different players in same game

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      HIS three Premier League spells are difficult to recall.But his THREE penalty saves from three different players in the same LaLiga match will never be forgotten.Alex Berenguer was first to be foiled by Paulo GazzanigaCredit: X / PremSportsTVGazzaniga then kept out a poor penalty from Inaki WilliamsCredit: X / PremSportsTVEx-Prem stopper Gazzaniga promptly guessed correctly for a third time to block Ander Herrera, following a re-take of Williams’ kickCredit: X / PremSportsTVPaulo Gazzaniga was something of a triple flop in the Prem.But his treble stop for Girona in a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao was a feat any goalkeeper can only dream of.Incredibly, the home side went on to sneak their win with a 99th-minute SPOT-KICK of their own – straight after Athletic defender Aitor Paredes saw red for two quickfire bookings.Gazzaniga, 32, won a single cap with Argentina six years ago.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut after launching his career with Gillingham, he failed to break through in five years with Southampton.His spells at Tottenham from 2017-2021 and Fulham in the following two years largely went the same way.And after a season on loan with Girona, he moved to Spain permanently in June 2023.Gazzaniga was solid enough last term – but surely nothing will match his spectacular achievement against Athletic.Most read in FootballFans were bowled over by the display of GazzanigaCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe dived full length low to his left to keep out Alex Berenguer’s sidefooted penalty on 28 minutes.Yaser Asprilla fired Girona in front but Oihan Sancet pounced from close range to level for Athletic before the break.I didn’t like Sir Alex Ferguson – but what legendary Man Utd boss did after I quit football will never leave meGazzaniga then produced two more spot-kick blocks just before the hour mark.First he foiled a mediocre effort slotted to his right by Inaki Williams.And although the penalty had to be retaken as Gazzaniga’s feet were off the line, he promptly conjured an almost identical save from ex-Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera.So three times in all he guessed correctly to complete a rarely-seen trio of penalty blocks.Athletic were seething six minutes into added time when VAR ruled Paredes pulled Czech midfielder Ladislav Krejci back inside the box.Paredes went off for two yellows in a minute, for the foul and dissent.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd in went the penalty from Girona skipper Cristhian Stuani – showing Athletic how to do it as he tucked the ball confidently into the bottom right corner.But once the THIRTEEN extra minutes had finished it was Gazzaniga, not Stuani, who dominated the plaudits. More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher’s son Mick’s F1 career ‘OVER’ aged just 25 after shock decision made

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      MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S son, Mick, could be facing a premature end to his F1 career, according to reports.The 25-year-old is set to miss out on a permanent seat for next season after spending 2024 as a Mercedes reserve driver.Mick Schumacher could see his career in F1 ‘ended’ according to MarkoMick was tipped for a seat with Sauber – soon to be Audi- but that now looks to be off the cards, according to Bild.New Sauber boss Mattia Binotto allegedly favours keeping veteran ex- Mercedes driver Valtterri Bottas instead, whose contract expires this year.If that happens, Schumacher will miss out on the last available remaining seat in F1 for the 2025 season.Audi took a 100 per cent stake in Swiss company Sauber in March, with the team set to debut in 2026.READ MORE F1 NEWSBottas – who previously helped Lewis Hamilton to several world titles at Mercedes – is set to stay with current partner Nico Hulkenberg.This is despite the fact that Bottas has failed to win a single point with Sauber and sits bottom of the current F1 standings.Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko believes this could spell the end of Schumacher’s time in F1.Marko said: “I think if Schumacher doesn’t get this seat, then the Formula One story is over for him.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I think Audi’s car will certainly not be a winning car next year. There would have been no pressure for Audi or for the driver. There would be a good comparison with Hulkenberg.”If it is really the case that Bottas gets the chance, then the whole thing is even more incomprehensible to me.”Mick came through the ranks of the junior adaptations before joining Ferrari’s driver academy in 2019.Ralf Schumacher announces he is in a same-sex relationshipHowever, despite success in F2 and F3 formats, Schumacher struggled when he moved into the professional senior ranks with Haas.He raced for two seasons for Haas, finishing 19th and 16th before being let go.If he fails to secure his future, he will have the support of stunning fiance Laila Hasanovic, who is believed to be one of the few people outside the family allowed access to Michael’s exclusive inner circle.The seven-time F1 champion has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury while skiing in the French Alps in December 2023.But it is believed 55-year-old Michael was at his daughter’s wedding that was held at the family’s £27m mansion in Majorca last weekend.Mick Schumacher with partner Laila Hasanovic🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal star Mikel Merino is lover of notorious bull run with La Liga cult hero dad and pro-basketball star mum

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      THE SPANISH city of Pamplona is famous for its Running of the Bulls festival.Every summer, daredevil locals volunteer to lead the bulls – often 10 or more – down narrow streets at high speed in an event that attracts hundreds of tourists from around the world.Mikel Merino is in contention to make his Premier League debut with ArsenalCredit: GettyArsenal ace Merino is a fan of the notorious Pamplona bull runCredit: AFPMerino is the son of Osasuna legend Miguel Angel Merino and basketball hero MaiteA regular face in the crowds is Arsenal’s Mikel Merino, 28 – a local Pamplona lad from the province of Navarre and an admirer of the power and unpredictability on show.There was a time during his upbringing at the famed Osasuna academy where Merino was viewed in a similar light: a midfield talent with an impressive physique – now standing at 6 foot 2 inches – but one who lacked control.Former Osasuna coach Jose Manuel Mateo told SunSport: “There was a period in which he was physically a very powerful player but was still not developed enough to move his body.“It was a bit difficult for him. He was very strong, really advanced for his age, something special that was above the others, but missing something muscularly.Read More on Arsenal“But by the end of his time with us, he was technically and physically a complete player. People could see he would reach the top immediately.“A great left foot, he had potential aerially, covered a lot of the pitch, stepped into both attacking and defensive areas with great ease and a lot of potential to score goals.”Merino arrived at the Osasuna academy at the age of 16 in the summer of 2012, already a minor celebrity thanks to his father Angel Miguel – a club legend of nearly 200 appearances turned youth coach.His towering stature for one so young however came from his mother Maite – a professional basketball player in her prime – while his brothers were also ready-born athletes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOsasuna’s most successful products include ex-Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta and former Gunners full-back Nacho Monreal, yet would often have their great youth talents snatched by neighbouring rivals Athletic Bilbao, such as Javi Martinez – a nine-time Bundesliga champion and two-time Champions League winner with Bayern Munich.But there was never a chance of Merino deserting, such was his love for family-club Osasuna, a decision that turned out to be pivotal in the long run.Emotional reason for Spain hero Mikel Merino’s celebration revealed as incredible footage from 33 years ago is unearthed In a tumultuous 2014/15 campaign that saw Osasuna narrowly avoid relegation from the Spanish second tier, Mateo was made interim coach in February 2015 and immediately promoted an 18-year-old Merino to the first team.Mateo explained: “What Osasuna gives young players is a charm, with demanding conditions that give them the necessary attributes to succeed.“The fact that players from here go on to play at big clubs, you can see they have been motivated by being in the lower leagues, showing their potential.“[Merino] Is proud to have become the type of player he is with us. It was special to see him arrive in the first team, like when you go to the salt and see the players from the quarry.“His debut came about in a very compromised situation, and from there he rose. It was an indisputable pillar of his famous rise to where we see him now.“To be thrown in and to do what he did, there was no doubt that he was no longer just a footballer, but one who was going to end up where he is now at Arsenal.”Becoming an ‘influential player’Merino played a starring role the following season, driving Osasuna to La Liga promotion via the play-offs with four goals in 34 league appearances.Mateo added: “Ever since, in every club he has been at, he has been an influential player.”From the outside, this perhaps did not look to be the case during underwhelming spells with Borussia Dortmund in 2016/17 and Newcastle in 2017/18.But Merino soon found a home at Real Sociedad before being highlighted by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta this summer as a vital cog in the club’s Premier League title charge.No doubt Spaniard Arteta was impressed enough by compatriot Merino’s influence on Spain’s Euros triumph in July – including a quarter-final extra-time headed winner to knock out Germany – to bring him to the Emirates for £32million.Merino is in contention to make his Prem debut on Saturday against Southampton after finally making his first appearance in the mid-week Champions League 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain following a freak shoulder injury in his first training session back in August.But there are those at Osasuna who are already counting down the days until Merino ends his career back in Pamplona in a fairy tale return.READ MORE SUN STORIESMateo said: “Having had a father who has been a player and then to see the son, for those of us who are ‘Osasunistas’ it fills us with pride. That root continues to be maintained.“When a player touches the roof of football, at world or European level, to have them return would bring that pride back. It would be beautiful.” More

    • 275 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      I scored the winning goal when Arsenal last lost a league game at home to Southampton, now I’m a tiler at 65

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      SOUTHAMPTON have failed to win in their last 28 league games at Arsenal – stretching back 37 years.Former Saints midfielder Glenn Cockerill reflects on that last win in North London and his next visit to Highbury the following year with Saints, when he suffered a broken jaw in a 2-2 draw.Glenn Cockerill was part of the Southampton team that last won a league game at ArsenalCredit: Times Newspapers LtdCockerill scored the winning goal for Southampton against Arsenal 37 years agoCockerill is now a tiler but still works with SouthamptonThe former midfielder works as a tiler and, at 65, says he hopes to retire next year. He is still involved in football with Saints and his tireless charity work — including a legends match which takes place next weekend. His son Brody is part of the Bromley academy.WITH just over 10 minutes left, Colin Clarke nodded on a long free-kick into the Arsenal area and lightning-quick Danny Wallace prodded the ball home.If you would have told me then, as we walked off the pitch at Highbury, that a Saints side would not have won at Arsenal in the league before I was 65, I’d have thought you were having a laugh.Read More on FootballI actually thought my old team were going to win at the Emirates in 2023 when they were 2-0 up and then 3-1 ahead with two minutes remaining, but the Gunners pegged them back to 3-3.It’s hard to comprehend that it was 37 years ago when we last won there — and even more crazy that there is a whole new generation that don’t even remember Arsenal’s old Highbury ground.It was one of the grandest stadiums to play in, with a huge marble entrance. As a player it was always one of those away games I really looked forward to.But you knew as an opponent going to Highbury (or the Emirates as it is now) that it was always one of the most difficult places to get anything from the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAt the time of this match, George Graham’s side were top of the table but, under manager Chris Nicholl, we were a very underrated side.During my eight wonderful years as a Southampton player, six of them were spent playing alongside Jimmy Case in midfield.Arsenal player ratings vs PSGWe formed a great understanding on the pitch and a lifelong friendship off it. I never stopped learning from him and we’d always cover for each other during games.But what a player he was! It angers and frustrates me when I see so many players with half his talent playing for England when I look and see he never won a Three Lions cap.Here was a guy who won the European Cup three times with Liverpool.Jimmy had one of the hardest shots in the game, could unlock defences with sublime passes with either foot and could play all over the pitch. And he was as hard as nails as an opponent.We should have won in our next game at Highbury the following season when we were leading 2-0 before my jaw was broken. The game ended up 2-2.Even 36 years on, I have no wish to comment on what Paul Davis has had to say about the incident (which led to a nine-game ban and a £3,000 fine).Unforgettable injuryFrom my own perspective, one moment I was playing and the next I was knocked out cold. When I came round all I can recall is our physio, Dennis Rofe, asking if I was OK and whether I knew what the score was.The crazy part is that I played on for the rest of the match not having a clue that I had a badly broken jaw.It seems almost Stone Age compared with today where players are treated in cotton wool where anything medical is involved, and rightly so. I never thought for a moment about coming off!We always had fish and chips on the way home from a London away game. It wasn’t until I tried to eat the fish I realised my whole jaw and mouth wouldn’t work.I made my way to the front of the bus, told the manager and the medical staff. I was taken straight to hospital and within a couple of hours was in surgery having an operation.All I wanted to do was get back playing again as soon as possible. The irony was I returned with Davis’ ban still running.Next generationAs far as this season is concerned, I reckon Russell Martin and Southampton are going to need around eight wins and a smattering of draws if they are to stay in the Premier League.Arsenal is one of the toughest games they’ll face this season but we saw last week another newly-promoted club, Leicester, run them very close.I am very proud that my son Brody is one of the apprentices and part of the academy at new League Two side Bromley.At 16, he’s got so much more natural talent than I ever had.But he’s also a very grounded lad and has so much dedication.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’s got a long way to go but he’s on the right path with an ambitious club and learning every day.I am hoping we get a huge turnout on Sunday week (October 13) when a Saints’ Legends side play against a Russell Martin XI at St Mary’s — with everything to fund chosen charities in the Southampton area. More

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      ‘It used to do my head in’ – Aaron Ramsdale reveals what upset him most at Arsenal after being benched for David Raya

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      AARON RAMSDALE revealed the one thing that bothered him the most after being replaced as Arsenal’s starting goalkeeper by David Raya.Ramsdale, 26, impressed between the Gunners’ sticks during the 2022-23 campaign as he helped Mikel Arteta’s men come close to the Premier League title and was named in the PFA Team of the Year.Southampton star Aaron Ramsdale revealed what upset him the most about being benched at ArsenalCredit: X/ BBCMOTDRamsdale was replaced by David Raya in Arsenal’s goal last seasonCredit: AFPRamsdale hated it when cameras switched to him watching on from the bench every time Raya committed a blunderCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunHowever, the now Southampton star was immediately overtaken by Raya, 29, last season when he arrived on loan from Brentford before ultimately signing a permanent deal in the summer.That led the England international to a £25million move to St Mary’s during the summer transfer window.The keeper broke his silence about his time on the North Londoners’ bench with a surprise revelation as to what he hated the most about his predicament.Cameras would often switch to Ramsdale watching on with the rest of the subs every time Raya committed a blunder in goal last season.Read More on ArsenalAnd the ex-Sheffield United star was absolutely livid every time the TV crews panned to him trying to get his reaction.Ramsdale told the BBC: “It used to do my head in.”Coming off the pitch and then my wife would say, ‘You were on TV five times again today’.”Why someone would pan to me when someone makes a save or a goal goes in and it pans to me on the bench.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I do think the story was bigger than what it needed to be. I do think it put pressure on David at time as well.”Ramsdale returns to the Emirates on Saturday for the first time as an opponent since his move to Southampton. Aaron Ramsdale COMPLETES £25m Southampton transfer as England goalkeeper’s Arsenal career comes to an endAnd the shot stopper revealed Raya was the first one to text him after his departure to Saints.Ramsdale added: “I did an interview with David Seaman about my new contract and how I wanted to emulate him and be there for eight, 10 years. A couple of months later I was out of the team.”I tried my hardest to dislodge David out of the team. I do think now the rewards are showing. He’s started the season incredibly well.”He was actually the first person to text me on my move here from the boys at Arsenal. But no he was great, he was top.”Like I say he’s made some big, big saves this season and kept them in some games. I’m just desperate he doesn’t have one of those games again on Saturday.”Meet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendantTolami Benson – partner of Bukayo SakaBenson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.Helene Spilling – partner of Martin OdegaardA professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023. Sophie Weber – partner of Kai HavertzWeber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.Milly White – partner of Ben WhiteThe couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro TrossardThe pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan RiceLauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron RamsdaleGeorgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019. More