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      in Boxing

      Boxing champion sentenced to death in Iran for third time for ‘corruption on earth’ and ‘protesting’

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      IRANIAN boxer Mohammad Javad Vafaei-Sani is facing execution for a third time after being convicted of “corruption on earth” during anti-government protests in 2019.The 29-year-old athlete was arrested in March 2020 and accused of setting fire to a government building – which he denied.Iranian boxer Mohammad Javad Vafaei-Sani has been sentenced to death for the third timeThe 29-year-old athlete was arrested in March 2020 and accused of setting fire to a government buildingCredit: Youtube / @WIONHis death sentence is being compared to the execution of wrestler Navid AfkariCredit: AFPIt’s claimed that the boxer was subsequently put through horrific “severe physical and psychological torture”, AS reports.Vafaei-Sani’s case has been commonly compared to wrestler Navid Afkari, 27, who was accused of killing a state security guard during the anti-government protests in 2018 and hanged in 2020.Vafaei-Sani was convicted in December 2021 of “corruption on earth” – which is considered to be the most serious charge under Iran’s penal code and punishable by death.His lawyer Babak Paknia said on X that despite the Supreme Court overturning the previous verdict, “the majority opinion of the investigative judges (consultants to the Branch 3 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court), in opposition to the Supreme Court judges, has again issued a death sentence for ‘corruption on earth’.read more world news”This ruling can be appealed.”Figures show Iran carries out around 250 executions a year, in addition to a 100 executions of children each year.The country’s barbaric system of punishments includes hanging from cranes in public, use of horrific electric shocks and flogging.Vafaei-Sani is one of the many Iranian athletes who have been sentenced to death by the government or killed during protests in recent years.Most read in BoxingAs reported by Iran Wire, volleyball player Ali Mozafari was killed during protests in 2022.Footballer Mohammad Ghaemifar was fatally shot by regime forces a month later and was reportedly targeted and cornered in an alley.And bodybuilder Ehsan Ghasemifar, 32, was killed during protests in December 2022.He was “surrounded by security forces while livestreaming on Instagram” and his family were urged to say his death was due to a “heart attack”, says Iran Wire.Other Iranian athletes have suffered the same fate for decades.Navid AfkariNavid Afkari was a champion wrestler before his deathCredit: EPAIran hanged champion wrestler Navid Afkari in 2020 on a trumped-up charge of killing a security guard during protests.He is believed to have been tortured and forced to sign a confession letter.Handwritten letters from him detailed 50 days of beatings and attempted suffocation.”The Islamic Republic of Iran is about to execute an innocent person,” he said in a final voice message.Navid was hanged – and his death sparked outrage around the world, with even then US President Donald Trump decrying Tehran.Habib KhabiriHabib Khabiri was a national footballing hero – but was killed aged just 29Credit: IranWireDescribed as the closest thing Iran has ever had to American national hero Kobe Bryant, Habib Khabiri was hanged by Iran.He was the captain of Iran’s national football team and a hero.Habib scored a dramatic winning goal in the 1978 World Cup qualifying game against Kuwait.But he was arrested and executed when he was aged just 29, being hanged for being a member of a dissident group.He was killed among 40 others at the notorious Evin Prison.”Habib was the Iranian Kobe Bryant,” commentator Manook Khodabakhshian told Sports Illustrated in 1998.”Sometimes when I watch Kobe Bryant, I see Habib Khabiri. He was only 16 or 17 when he started to play for the national team. He was a very creative player.”So young, such a happy guy.”Mahshid RazaghiHabib (bottom) also saw his teammate Mahshid Razaghi (top) be arrestedCredit: CSDHI NewsAnother footballer who played alongside Habib, Mahshid Razaghi was a member of the Iranian team that went to the Olympics.He was arrested for selling anti-government newspapers – and was sentenced to one year in prison in 1980.But the footie star was never released.Mahshid was left rotting in jail until 1988 – when he was executed along with a wave of other political prisoners as part of the infamous massacres by the Death Commission.His brother Ahmad was also executed just days later, with up to 30,000 people estimated to have been killed in the purge.Foruzan AbdiForuzan Abdi was the volleyball team’s captain – but she was executedCredit: FacebookAnother high profile athlete, Foruzan Abdi was the captain of the Iranian women’s national team.She was arrested in 1981 and sentenced for eight years in prison for supporting a dissident group.Just like Mahshid, she was never released from her prison.And she was killed along with thousands of others as part of the 1988 purge.Majid Jamali-FashiMajid Jamali Fashi claimed he was tortured and forced to confessCredit: APIran killed kickboxer Majid Jamali-Fashi after a show trial which was shown on TV.He was accused of working for Israeli spies and assassinating a nuclear scientist in Tehran.Pictures were paraded on TV of an Israeli passport said to be his – only for it to be exposed as one edited from Wikipedia.Majid is alleged to have been tortured into to confessing, and he is believed to have doomed after being mentioned in a leak by Wikileaks.He was hanged.Houshang MontazeralzohourHoushang Montazeralzohour was reportedly executed by firing squadCredit: CSDHI NewsFive years after he represented Iran at the Olympics as a wrestler, Houshang Montazeralzohour was executed by firing squad.He was a national champion in his weight class and competed for the his country at the Summer Olympics in Montreal.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he was arrested along with 29 others in 1981.Houshang was allegedly tortured and then shot dead by firing squad. More

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      in Soccer

      Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal 250-man axe list includes Man Utd-mad comms officer, club historian & kit man of 40 years

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      IT all got a bit emotional down at Carrington last week.While there is talk about a reboot of Manchester United under Sir Jim Ratcliffe there are things going on behind the scenes which are genuinely affecting morale.Mann Utd comms officer John Allen got a shirt and a goodbye speech from Erik ten Hag but just wanted to stay at the club he lovesCredit: SuppliedUnited’s minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is making brutal decisionsCredit: GettyStaff are being fired left, right and centre, 250 of them.It has been talked about in this column before but it deserves a revisit following the exit of a good guy called John Allen from the communications team.John is 40 and has worked for United for 25 years, starting in the ticket office before moving into the media department in 2011.He is United through and through. Something he inadvertently showed when he amusingly failed to keep his emotions in check after the Red Devils completed a 3-2 derby day comeback from 2-0 down at the Etihad in April 2018.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe press seats are just behind City fans and they were less than impressed with his reaction to Chris Smalling’s winner as he let out a cheer.Still, that is John.So on Thursday,  at his last press conference, he was understandably struggling to keep his emotions in check for a very different reason as he said goodbye.Manager Erik ten Hag gave him a team shirt with the No 25 on the back representing his years at the club and made a little speech thanking him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “John, 25 years is a very long time. You are proud of this club and proud that you worked here. You feel so connected with this club. It is a difficult moment to say goodbye.“I know you as a good colleague and a very good support for me.“I wish you all the best for what is coming, it will be great for you because you are so competent.Inside Man Utd’s wild two-day bender after winning Champions League as Paul Scholes admits he didn’t sleep for 48 hours“I wish you all the best in your work but also for your family, too.”The regular United press pack also gave him a present. It all had the air of a happy retirement but it wasn’t, this bloke was getting the shove and he didn’t want to go.Pausing to hold back the tears, John said: “It has been the biggest honour coming from Manchester to work with all these managers.“This is my club and to be able to do this, I am very lucky.”John doesn’t know why he has to leave, he is just one of those 250 Ratcliffe’s new broom is sweeping out to trim the wage bill.Also out this week was club historian Cliff Butler after 40 years working at United and Alex Wylie after the same time as kitman.Emotional goodbyes are being replicated all over the club while other members of staff are having their workloads, in some cases, doubled.That’s business, the new minority shareholder might say.But these are people’s lives.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. Ed Woodward, right, was seen as the Glazers’ man but wanted the bestCredit: AFPWith all the money that swills around football it all seems a drop in the ocean compared to the size of players’ contracts. But it is a drop which is continuing to have serious ripples.How can you aim to be the biggest and the best again when so many corners are now being cut?The man who used to run the club, Ed Woodward, came in for plenty of stick as he was seen as the Glazers’ man.But members of staff were well looked after under him. It may have been seen as largesse but it was Manchester United and he wanted everything to be the best.It was why so much money was spent on the pitch as well, not always on the best recruits in what was seen as a scattergun approach.Still, they showed the world they remained a major name.Of course the new financial rules are restricting everyone and things have to change.READ MORE SUN STORIESI’m not sure John’s departure was necessary in the grand scheme of things.And that can be said for plenty more at the self-proclaimed ‘biggest club in the world’.Man Utd ratings vs Crystal Palace as Andre Onana saves the day for wasteful Red DevilsMANCHESTER UNITED were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace as they missed a flurry of first-half chances.Erik ten Hag shocked fans this afternoon when he left Marcus Rashford out of his starting XI.And the Red Devils failed to make a breakthrough – dropping two more points.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his Man Utd player ratings…ANDRE ONANA – 8/10Had one save to make just before half time – a comfortable one from Eberechi Eze.And then, a worldie double save to keep out Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr, rivalling the one made by Arsenal’s David Raya in mid-week.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7One of United’s most consistent performers who continues to impress week by week. Strong in the tackle and great positioning to stop Palace counters.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7Lost an early duel with Jean-Philippe Mateta which put the Frenchman in but it was pulled back for a foul. Blamed his boots and changed them moments later.Unlucky with a brilliant header from a corner that was somehow kept out by Dean Henderson and made a superb last-ditch tackle to stop Eze in the second half.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Another player who came close to scoring but for the brilliance of Henderson, swivelling and turning in the six-yard box with a stabbed effort.Lucky not to be sent off for a ridiculous two-footed lunge that narrowly avoided contact with Daichi Kamada.DIOGO DALOT – 7Played as a left winger for most of the first half, such was United’s dominance.Brilliant pick out only for Garnacho to hit the crossbar.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Covered ground well and linked defence with attack. Drifted forward more in the second half without seriously threatening.An insane Cruyff piece of skill in the second half was worth the admission fee alone.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Kept things ticking over and picked some nice passes at times but his lack of pace and physicality was evident.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tenacious in ensuring Palace’s midfield could not get a foothold in the game and grazed the top of the bar with a volley into the ground just before the half hour mark.Was United’s most creative player on the ball and should have had one goal to his name at least.AMAD DIALLO – 6Showed glimpses with some darting runs but never possessing the intent and aggression to force anything meaningful from it.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Had a personal battle with Henderson, one that he ultimately lost.Early chance to show it was the right call to start ahead of Marcus Rashford squandered – put through by Zirkzee but 1v1 effort palmed away by Henderson.Smacked the bar in a similar position from Dalot’s through ball and came close to knocking one in from close range.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 6Linked up well with Garnacho, dropping deep and slipping the winger in that should have led to the opener. Headed wide from a Diallo corner just before the break.Rightly subbed off on the hour mark as his influence waned.SUBS:MARCUS RASHFORD (ZIRKZEE, 61) – 6Did very little to convince Erik Ten Hag to throw him back into the starting XI, but was barely given the service either.MANUEL UGARTE (ERIKSEN, 76) – 6United certainly appear calmer and more solid with him at the base of their midfield.RASMUS HOJLUND (DIALLO, 76) – 6Still getting minutes back into his legs after returning from injury, but this is one of his more forgettable cameos. More

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      in Soccer

      I was dubbed Man Utd’s ‘secret weapon’ under Solskjaer and Ten Hag… now I’m 4,000 miles away in crazy new job

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      IMAGINE being a history-making coach on the way up at Manchester United – then deciding the job wasn’t “crazy” enough for you.That was pretty much the dilemma facing a multi-lingual master tactician – labelled an Old Trafford “secret weapon” for his set-piece planning.Eric Ramsay rejected Championship sides then switched to MinnesotaCredit: GettyRamsay left Man Utd for the MLS in FebruaryCredit: ReutersHe explained the strain facing Erik ten Hag and ex-Man Utd bossesCredit: AlamyEric Ramsay now 33, was also the youngest ever Brit to get the Uefa Pro Licence – all of five years ago.He was as highly valued by Red Devils’ boss Erik ten Hag as he was by the Dutchman’s predecessors Ole Gunner Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.Ramsay, however, craved to be the main man himself.Such offers arrived from the Championship – reportedly Barnsley, Blackpool and Swansea.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut the former Wales assistant coach instead opted to take over Major League Soccer club Minnesota United in February this year.Ramsay has now explained why he believes it’s the perfect fit – despite some bizarre regulations – along with praising United’s recent procession of under-fire managers.He told The Times: “I don’t think you can really grasp that until you’re inside a club like that, the level of pressure that brings.”Turning to Solskjaer, Rangnick and Ten Hag, he added: “I’ve really learnt across all three of them.Most read in FootballHe spent three years coaching at Old TraffordCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The reason these guys get to this level is real conviction in their ideas, they are incredibly good communicators, very comfortable being guys at the front of organisations with millions of eyes turned their way all the time.”I think that takes real weight, real strength and an absolutely unwavering conviction.”Fans all spot Wright’s reaction to Hart screaming in his face after Man City goal against Arsenal But if the strain of Old Trafford is intense, Ramsay revealed “really crazy stuff” in the MLS.Teams play on through international breaks, even though academy players not on the “main roster” can only play TWICE for the senior side.Ramsay said: “In England, if you had an injury crisis over a prolonged period, you’d be able to draw upon your best under-23 players. “Here, that can only happen up to two games because the players’ union feels like it’s exploitative to not give the player a first-team contract but for him to be playing for next to no money.”That issue, however, is only the start.Ramsay added: “The travel is lengthy. Every away game is a chartered flight and you’re often going to somewhere like Colorado where you’ve got a unique climate issue to deal with — you’re playing at altitude. “We really suffered there. It was far more marked than I’d expect it to be in terms of how it influenced the performance.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rated Ramsay highly“Everybody’s exact salary is well known… designated players can be paid beyond the salary cap and everybody else at a rate relative to their position in the squad.“It’s for all this that I wanted to come. I knew it would be a real challenge. “It would be something very different to going into the Championship in England as a head coach for your first role.”Minnesota are still challenging for a Western Conference play-off spot – after Ramsay’s instant success was followed by a poor run and then a revival.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut asked if he eventually expected to return to Britain, he replied: “Of course”.For now, though, he is “just taking it (the MLS) for what it is and enjoying it in its entirety”.Man Utd ratings vs Crystal Palace as Andre Onana saves the day for wasteful Red DevilsMANCHESTER UNITED were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace as they missed a flurry of first-half chances.Erik ten Hag shocked fans this afternoon when he left Marcus Rashford out of his starting XI.And the Red Devils failed to make a breakthrough – dropping two more points.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his Man Utd player ratings…ANDRE ONANA – 8/10Had one save to make just before half time – a comfortable one from Eberechi Eze.And then, a worldie double save to keep out Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr, rivalling the one made by Arsenal’s David Raya in mid-week.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7One of United’s most consistent performers who continues to impress week by week. Strong in the tackle and great positioning to stop Palace counters.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7Lost an early duel with Jean-Philippe Mateta which put the Frenchman in but it was pulled back for a foul. Blamed his boots and changed them moments later.Unlucky with a brilliant header from a corner that was somehow kept out by Dean Henderson and made a superb last-ditch tackle to stop Eze in the second half.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Another player who came close to scoring but for the brilliance of Henderson, swivelling and turning in the six-yard box with a stabbed effort.Lucky not to be sent off for a ridiculous two-footed lunge that narrowly avoided contact with Daichi Kamada.DIOGO DALOT – 7Played as a left winger for most of the first half, such was United’s dominance.Brilliant pick out only for Garnacho to hit the crossbar.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Covered ground well and linked defence with attack. Drifted forward more in the second half without seriously threatening.An insane Cruyff piece of skill in the second half was worth the admission fee alone.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Kept things ticking over and picked some nice passes at times but his lack of pace and physicality was evident.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tenacious in ensuring Palace’s midfield could not get a foothold in the game and grazed the top of the bar with a volley into the ground just before the half hour mark.Was United’s most creative player on the ball and should have had one goal to his name at least.AMAD DIALLO – 6Showed glimpses with some darting runs but never possessing the intent and aggression to force anything meaningful from it.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Had a personal battle with Henderson, one that he ultimately lost.Early chance to show it was the right call to start ahead of Marcus Rashford squandered – put through by Zirkzee but 1v1 effort palmed away by Henderson.Smacked the bar in a similar position from Dalot’s through ball and came close to knocking one in from close range.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 6Linked up well with Garnacho, dropping deep and slipping the winger in that should have led to the opener. Headed wide from a Diallo corner just before the break.Rightly subbed off on the hour mark as his influence waned.SUBS:MARCUS RASHFORD (ZIRKZEE, 61) – 6Did very little to convince Erik Ten Hag to throw him back into the starting XI, but was barely given the service either.MANUEL UGARTE (ERIKSEN, 76) – 6United certainly appear calmer and more solid with him at the base of their midfield.RASMUS HOJLUND (DIALLO, 76) – 6Still getting minutes back into his legs after returning from injury, but this is one of his more forgettable cameos. More

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      in Athletics

      Who is Akim Williams? Meet Mr Olympia star known as BKbeast

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      IN some bodybuilding circles, Akim Williams is thought of as the strongest man in the world.The bodybuilding titan will be appearing at Mr Olympia 2024, thrilling fans who have been waiting for his return. Akim Williams has won huge competitions such as the Toronto Pro 2024Credit: GettyAkim’s arms are 23-and-1/2-inches wideCredit: GettyHe is often referred to by his nickname BKbeast, which stands for Brooklyn Beast, but bodybuilding wasn’t always Akim’s dream.Instead, he once thought about doing something quite different. Computer geniusAkim was born on August 20, 1984, and didn’t take any interest in bodybuilding in his youth.Instead, he decided to study computer science at Long Island University.Read more in Mr Olympia In the university gym, he was hesitant to try out weights.He told Muscular Development: “I was afraid to even try squats, because I had heard they were really bad for your knees,” he says.“Honestly, the first few months in that weight room, all I did was bench press because it was all I cared about.”However, a chance meeting changed his perspective. Most read in AthleticsIt was by pure serendipity that he ran across a man called Ken Thompson, nicknamed “Coach T”, who taught him that lower reps help you to build thicker, denser muscle mass.Just a few months later, he made it to the top five at the Chicago pro and, within seven years, he grew from 150lbs to 300lbs. Arnold Schwarzenegger helped make the Mr Olympia competition famousCredit: GettyMr Olympia starThe BKbeast will be appearing at Mr Olympia 2024, where he hopes to avenge his performance in 2022.He has opened up before about how he didn’t bring enough supplies to Mr Olympia 2022, which made him feel drained and tired whilst waiting to go onstage.That same year, he was caught in a car accident which took him out of the bodybuilding game for some time. Akim recovered from his crash just in time for Mr Olympia 2024 and even won the Toronto Pro title that same year. He has previously appeared at other Mr Olympias, such as the 2016 competition where he came in 15th place.In subsequent competitions, he ranked: 9th in 2019, 6th in 2020, 9th in 2021 and unranked in 2022.He reached 7th place in the 2020 Arnold Classic and 5th in the 2021 Arnold Classic, but has yet to win the title.In 2023, he slipped back to 6th place at the Arnold Classic but had won at the Tampa Pro just the year before.Hardcore trainingAkim has a hardcore training regime to maintain his 23½-inch arms.At one point in his career, he even weight 300lbs which is no easy feat to maintain.His routine involves lots of low reps to build mass and he forgoes any supportive weight gear.McDonald’s is one of Akim’s favourite restaurantsCredit: GettyMcDonald’s diet Akim has admitted that he often follows a “hardcore diet”.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe once only ate food from the McDonald’s menu for a year, in a bid to build his mass.Luckily Akim was successful and he didn’t struggle to lose any additional weight that he had gained (where most people do struggle). More

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      in Boxing

      Eddie Hearn nightmare as Anthony Joshua’s career left in Frank Warren’s hands after shock announcement

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      EDDIE HEARN signed Anthony Joshua to a lifetime deal in 2021 — but it now seems bitter rival Frank Warren has the keys to the star’s career.The warring British promoters went head to head in a Saudi shootout in June which involved ten fighters, five fights and double points for the winning captain.Anthony Joshua with his promoter Eddie HearnCredit: ReutersDaniel Dubois is all smiles alongside promoter Frank WarrenCredit: ReutersArsenal fan Warren, 72, wiped the floor with his 45-year-old nemesis — who recently donned a Spurs top — winning all five bouts to win 10-0.And in the build-up to AJ v Daniel Dubois on Saturday, Hearn claimed the Wembley fight was worth 20 points alone.That all adds up to a 30-0 defeat for red-faced Hearn.This was a bad night for Joshua and it was a bad night for Hearn, who needs a positive story for his looming Netflix doc-series following his Matchroom stable.READ MORE IN BOXINGJoshua now needs to cling to hope of a rematch with Dubois, a comeback bout with Joe Joyce or face British champ Fabio Wardley.Hearn had suggested that Joshua would invoke a rematch clause to take on Dubois again.However, when asked if such a clause existed, Warren said: “No. I don’t think there is. “They can have it if they want, I’ve not got a problem with that.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd Hearn later backtracked on the rematch clause, saying only that Joshua had a fight left on his Riyadh Season contract which could end up being against Dubois.Another potential opponent waiting in the wings is British sensation Moses Itauma, 19, who fancies facing anyone.AJ vs Fury fight unlikely after devastating Dubois masterclass at WembleyBut guess which promoter guides the careers of those men? Yes, it’s Warren.Most of Hearn’s success has been built on the London 2012 guys — led by AJ — that he snapped up.Hearn and Joshua have been on a magnificent journey. The pair have made millions, broken records and banked titles.But it is worrying Hearn does not remember that Joshua has always been vulnerable to left hooks and right hands.In the amateurs, even in big gloves and headguards, he was stunned by Mihai Nistor and dropped by Dillian Whyte.In the pros, Whyte wobbled him again in 2015 and Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko battered him in 2017 but failed to finish him off.Tubby Andy Ruiz dropped him four times and another Ukrainian star — Oleksandr Usyk — punched him in the face for 72 minutes.On Saturday night’s Dubois defeat in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley, Hearn said: “That’s probably the only time in his whole career I’ve seen him really hurt.“So it is not bad having won two world heavyweight championships and 13 world championship fights.“And that’s the only time he’s really been hurt. To a point when he couldn’t get up.’Are you not entertained? I’m a gladiator’ – What Dubois and Joshua said after brutal fightDANIEL DUBOIS annihilated Anthony Joshua’s dream of becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion, writes Wally Downes Jr.Joshua was floored FOUR times as Dubois landed an astonishing fifth-round knockout in front of a record 96,000 Wembley crowd and millions of TV viewers to retain his IBF belt.AJ, 34, never recovered after being downed in the first round of last night’s Battle of Britain showdown as a huge Dubois right-hand haymaker caught him flush on the chin.Here’s what they said after the fight:DANIEL DUBOIS“Are you not entertained? I’m a gladiator, a warrior to the bitter end. This is the biggest win of my career. I couldn’t let this opportunity go and now I want to go to the top level of this game.“I’ve been on a roller-coaster ride and this is my time. I’m not gonna stop until I reach my full potential.”ANTHONY JOSHUA“As p***ed off as I am, it is what it is.“I had a sharp, fast opponent and there were a lot of mistakes from me. Credit to my opponent and his team.“We rolled the dice and came up short. You know I’m p***ed but I’m going to keep cool and give respect to my opponent.”FRANK WARREN (DUBOIS’ PROMOTER)“It was a phenomenal fight, like  Hagler v Hearns.“A brilliant fight and everybody has seen a champion’s performance tonight.“Daniel has shown his courage, his skills.“AJ caught him with a shot towards the end and I was worried, but what a fabulous, fantastic fight.”EDDIE HEARN (AJ’S PROMOTER)“AJ shipped a huge right hand  in the first round and  was fighting on heart.“He hurt Daniel at the end of the fourth and then again in the fifth, but got greedy and walked on to a right hand and that’s all she wrote.“I’m sure Anthony will exercise the rematch clause.”“Heavyweights get knocked out all the time. You never want to see a heavyweight get knocked out but that is the first time in his career that he has been properly hurt.”Hearn claims that as soon as Joshua shows any sign of mental decline, the 34-year-old will be wise enough to save himself.The Matchroom mogul added: “You never want to carry on too long.“But at the same time, AJ is a heavyweight who does not actually have that many miles on the clock.“Fighters sometimes need saving from themselves — but AJ is a smart guy. He has got a big team of people around him.“We all know we’ve seen the best AJ over the last year. It’s difficult to say that just because he got chinned, that’s it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But, of course, he’s in the closing chapters of his career, there’s no doubt about that.”Hearn’s next chapter is equally as intriguing. He needs a big win against rival Warren — and fast.Dubois knocked out AJ in round fiveCredit: GETTY More

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      in Soccer

      My dad is flying high as National League boss… but I’m making my own way in the Premier League and England’s Under-21s

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      JACK HINSHELWOOD is enjoying a “family feel-good factor” as an ever-present in his unbeaten Brighton side — while dad Adam is flying high in the National League as manager of York.The 19-year-old, who netted a thumping header in Sunday’s 2-2 home draw with Nottingham Forest, represents the fourth generation of his clan to play professionally.Jack Hinshelwood’s header put Brighton 2-1 up in Sunday’s home Premier League clash but fellow unbeaten side Nottingham Forest nicked a 2-2 drawCredit: RexHinshelwood, seen celebrating his goal, has shown maturity this campaign by playing at left-back after previously mainly featuring on the rightCredit: PADad Adam Hinshelwood managed sixth-tier Worthing then took over York last season to keep them up and guide them to third place this termCredit: Ian WhittakerHe revealed: “It’s a good feeling in my family at the moment with my dad doing so well.“There was a point last season where I was injured and he’d just got the job and we were having a bit of a tough moment.“But we’ve come through it together as a family.“To see him flying now, I am really happy — and I hope it carries on because it brings that family feel-good factor.”READ MORE TOP STORIESAdd in Jack’s recent debut for the England Under-21 side that beat Austria 4-1 at Kenilworth Road and the Hinshelwoods — including his uncle Martin, a former Brighton boss — are on a roll.Jack said: “I had to get about 12, 13 tickets for them to come and watch — which is usual for most home games as well.“It’s always nice to have them in the crowd — especially when it’s a landmark moment and you get a good result.“Having them there to talk to is really helpful, I think — something other people might not have.Most read in FootballThis old Hinshelwood family picture includes Jack, far right, dad Adam, fourth right, and grandfather Paul, second rightFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But at the same time they let me just crack on.“They know I know what I need to do to be successful.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsSeagulls’ manager Fabian Hurzeler rates Hinshelwood a future captainCredit: Reuters“And I have to listen to people at this club and not be satisfied with where I am at but keep working hard to improve.”Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has talked of the academy graduate as a “future leader” of the team and praised his “unbelievable” attitude and mindset.That has helped him adjust to playing at left-back this season after making most of his 17 Prem appearances on the right.He insisted: “To be honest, I’m not really bothered where I play. Whatever gets me in the team, I am happy.“I just want to be out there playing football, as simple as it sounds.”One of his most testing afternoons came against Bukayo Saka in last month’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates.He admitted: “I can more than acknowledge that the first ten to 15 minutes was tough.“It was what I was expecting but to get through that and not concede early, which helped, enabled me to really grow into the game.“I am young and learning — it was a great experience for me.”“It’s what I’ve been working towards my whole life — to be in these moments.“I am just really enjoying the challenges that I am coming up against and I don’t fear anything, to be honest.”Sunday’s dramatic stalemate left Brighton both unbeaten on nine points from five games.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth managers saw red in an ugly flare-up after Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was sent off for his second yellow card – a reckless lunge.But even that exchange couldn’t overshadow Danny Welbeck’s glorious free-kick goal for the Seagulls.Here’s another view of Hinshelwood’s brilliant goal vs ForestCredit: RexThe Sussex teenager has the world at his feetCredit: PA More

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      Middlesbrough coach Grant Leadbitter hoping to save lives as he backs cause close to his heart on Sunderland return

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      GRANT LEADBITTER uniquely enjoys legendary status at both Sunderland and Middlesbrough – but he will be wearing much more important colours ahead of tomorrow’s derby.The 38-year-old came through the ranks at his boyhood Black Cats and played a huge role under Roy Keane in their 2007 promotion campaign.Grant Leadbitter captained Middlesbrough to promotion in 2016Credit: GettyThe star enjoys legendary status at both Boro and SunderlandCredit: PA:Empics SportHaving followed the Irishman to Ipswich, he returned to the region in 2012 with Boro and captained them to the Premier League in 2016.Leadbitter headed back to his first love Sunderland two years later and became the first player since Bobby Kerr in 1973 to lift a trophy for the club at Wembley when they won the Football League Trophy.The much-loved midfielder hung up his boots in 2021 but is now back at Boro as Michael Carrick’s first-team coach.As he prepares to head to the Stadium of Light and to the spot where his late father’s ashes are buried under the pitch, Leadbitter is now backing something else very close to his heart.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe is a patron of the If U Care Share Inside Out campaign that encourages people to talk by ‘getting what’s on the inside out’.Fans will spot players from both teams wearing the If U Care Share Inside Out t-shirts in the warm-up before the lunchtime showdown in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day.The idea is the brainchild of the Chester-le-Street based mental health and suicide prevention charity If U Care Share.The charity was founded by Matthew Smith and his family in 2005 after his brother Daniel O’Hare’s death by suicide and it has provided prevention advice and support to families affected by suicide. Most read in ChampionshipLeadbitter said: “It’s a very important cause to me and a lot of people from the North East. “Dan’s family started the charity in his memory and his younger brothers Matthew and Ben have dedicated themselves to raising awareness.“In memory of Daniel, we are hoping to help other people, and that is so important. It’s about making sure no one else takes their own life and trying to get the statistics down.Roy Keane made £800 off Sunderland players but lost dressing room with training ground trick that immediately backfired“Both ourselves and Sunderland promote the charity every year and it’s all about creating awareness.“On Saturday, there will be nearly 45,000 at the Stadium of Light with a lot more people watching at home, and if we can deliver a message, even if it’s to just one person, we could save another precious life.”Last month Matthew completed a 700 mile to every Premier League ground to raise vital funds for the charity, running from Bournemouth, across the south coast, through the seven London clubs, before a gruelling leg to Ipswich, followed by the Midlands, Liverpool, Manchester, before landing at St. James’ Park less than three weeks later.The aim is to raise £135,000 – with 135 being the number of people such as family, friends, work colleagues, health and emergency professionals – who are impacted when one person takes their own life.If U Care Share co-founder Matthew added: “We would like to thank Sunderland and Middlesbrough football clubs for their continued support for the Inside Out campaign and giving such prominent backing to a simple message which saves lives.”Visit ifucareshare.co.uk for more info.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.Players from both teams will wear these t-shirts pre-matchCredit: MFC More

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      David Raya went from playing non-league and returned from facial reconstruction to become Arsenal hero with wonder save

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      ARSENAL fans’ hearts were in their mouths when Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui appeared odds-on to header a rebound home from his saved penalty.But, hero of the hour David Raya, 29, pulled off the most epic of double saves to ensure the Gunners ended up unscathed in their Champions League opener in Bergamo.Brilliant David Raya has established himself as Arsenal’s No1Raya’s wonder double save against Atalanta spared Arsenal’s blushesA horror injury playing for Blackburn left Raya’s career hanging in the balanceJust 10 years ago, the Spain international was turning out for non-league Southport.However, it was a moment at Blackburn that would define the shotstopper’s incredible courage and bravery.It was an incident that could have, ultimately, put an end to Raya’s career before he would become No1 at the Emirates.In a collision with West Brom’s Jay Rodriguez at the Hawthorns, the former Brentford goalie suffered a serious face-altering injury.Read more football newsMedics rushed to the pitch to give him oxygen, as he lay stricken on a stretcher.He was immediately hospitalised, where he was treated for his injury.Former Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray revealed the sickening extent of the blow in his post-match interview.’His nose was almost pushed into his skull’Speaking to BBC Sport, Mowbray revealed: “The players were feeling sick with what they saw.Most read in Football”He is in hospital. The bone at the top has been pushed into the skull almost and the nose is sort of hanging off really. The players could not look at it, it was that bad.”Baggies forward Rodriguez was equally as shocked and revealed he was devastated about what happened. Arsenal star David Raya shows off new look after undergoing hair transplantHe said: “It’s not nice to see. I was chasing the ball, I tried to get out of the way but I’ve caught him with the top of my foot. “I’ve been told he’s gone to hospital and I’m gutted about that.”Luckily, Raya’s injury was less serious than first feared.When he returned, he wore a protective mask for two weeks.He did have to have nose reconstruction surgery, but waited until the end of the season.At the time, Raya told the Lancashire Telegraph: “It’s not impeding me to breathe or anything and if I had the surgery now [during that season], I would be out for six to eight weeks.”I think it’s the right decision to wait, even though my nose isn’t the same.”It can happen to anyone, it can happen with a header to a centre-back, so that won’t change my type of play or anything.”Players were left shocked by Raya’s horror injury to his noseRaya wore a protective mask when he returned from injury for two weeksNon-league startBefore Raya’s move to North London was completed this summer in a £27million deal, he was plying his trade in the lower leagues.Raya joined Blackburn when he was just 15 from third tier Spanish side UE Cornella for the meagre fee of just £10,000.For the 2014-2015 season, he was loaned out to non-league Southport to ease their relegation fears from the Conference Premier at that time.”He was a young goalkeeper right down the pecking order at Blackburn,” ex-manager Gary Brabin said.”You’re thinking, ‘is he going to be experienced enough for this relegation battle?’ Because you need strong characters.”A new manager comes in, the team is bottom of the league and a lot of people’s heads were down and they were considering what’s next. But that wasn’t the case with David. He was an unbelievable character, confident and bubbly and it was lovely to feed off that and spread it among the squad. It was a great team spirit.”It was his feet that really impressed me. The way David was so confident, we played a lot more football on the ground than other teams at our level and we quickly got out of those bottom four places. He was integral to that because of how good he was.”We felt safe having him at the back and it wasn’t just keeping the ball out, he was starting our play. He was our starting point and it was successful for us.”Raya was plucked from obscurity when he played for Spain third tier team UE CornellaBlackburn Rovers signed Raya when he was just a 15-year-old prospectFor the 2014-15 season, Raya was loaned out to non-league Southportread more sport featuresEstablishing himselfBy the 2017-18 season, 6ft Raya established himself as Rovers No1.His ability on the ball, as well as his cat-like reflexes propelled his side to promotion from League One to the Championship.One thing that stood out amongst his peers were the size of his hands.Former player coach at Rover, Steven Drench, who Raya once called his mentor, also revealed how the future Prem keeper stood out amongst his peers.”The thing about David is he’s not your normal 6ft 4in, 6ft 5in goalkeeper and he’s been fighting against that stereotype,” Drench told Sky Sports.”So, he has to have that little bit more spring, power and athleticism.”You have to be able to make those saves that would be top-drawer saves. But the way he moves around the goal and the way he plays with his feet makes him the all-round package.”When he made a save, we’d always joke that he’d spin on his bum and go the other way. I didn’t want to take that away from him because he could cover the goal that quickly.”You see some of the saves he makes now, he’s saving the ball two or three yards past his post because his feet are that quick. He’s that agile and powerful that when he does take that step, he’s covering more of the goal. He’s making difficult saves look very, very easy.READ MORE SUN STORIESRaya celebrates with fans after helping Rovers get promotedNow Raya is a firm favourite with the Arsenal faithful”And if you ever meet him, he has hands like shovels, they’re massive.”It’s those shovels Ollie Watkins and now Mateo Retegui can testify thwarted their goal efforts. More