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      in Boxing

      Inspirational boxer Michael Watson walking miracle mile for 60th birthday – 34 years after Chris Eubank fight tragedy

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      MICHAEL WATSON is walking another miracle mile to celebrate his 60th birthday.The British ring legend suffered catastrophic brain injuries in his 1991 super-middleweight world title loss to Chris Eubank Sr.Michael Watson (left) suffered serious brain injuries in a 1991 bout with Chris Eubank SrCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdWatson, middle, pictured with his doctor Peter Hamlyn and SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr. (right)Credit: Wally Downes Jr.Dr Peter Hamlyn saved his life with emergency surgery that night and has remained by his side ever since.In 2003 the inspirational pair completed the 26-mile London marathon, over six hard days with a support bus to sleep on between shifts.Now, on Wednesday April 16, at the National Police Memorial in St James’ Park on the Mall, the pair will once again hit the streets at 1pm to raise money for The Brain and Spine Foundation.Watson – whose spirit and strength is staggering to spend a single second around – hopes his fans will help get him over the line again, especially after he hit 60 on March 15.READ MORE ON BOXINGHe told SunSport: “I am absolutely looking forward to the mile because I love a challenge.”It’s Peter’s fault I have been roped into it again, he challenged me to do it for the Brain and Spine foundation and, stupidly, I said ‘yes’.”I would do anything for him, because I class this man as my hero.”Seeing my fans, who have always supported me so much, will be a big push to get it done too.Most read in Boxing”That will be the energy and the will to keep pushing on, every little bit helps and hearing my fans cheering me, that will spur me on and get me over the line.”I never made it to world champion but my fans regard me as one.”Queensberry’s hall-of-fame promoter Frank Warren donates £25,000 to The Brain and Spine Foundation Eubank Sr was at the end of the line in 2003 to celebrate his friend’s unfathomable achievement.And he was at Watson’s recent milestone birthday party, where he gifted him a Rolex watch.It was another touching moment shared between the pair, after the tragedy that befell them both on that haunting night at Tottenham’s White Hart Lane stadium.Incredibly Watson – flanked by marvellous carer Haroun Topalak, devoted friend and PR star Geraldine Davies and Dr Hamlyn – feels happier now than he did when he was a prime prize fighter and he wants to thank British boxing fans for that.Watson said: “Chris has true love and respect for me.”Chris is a good soul, he is a very emotional man and he has a lot of respect for me.”I still feel like the boxing community is in my corner and I have great people around me.”I still feel like my fans are there for me, when I see anybody in the street, they still call me ‘Champ’.”I feel so privileged to be English because I feel so loved by my fans, the English people make me feel like the peoples’ champion and that I am in their hearts and that will never fade away.”British boxing fans make me feel so appreciated and it makes me feel overwhelmed and blessed to be who I am.”From where I have come from, I am a miracle. My life has been amazing because of the people I have around me.”I am living my purpose on this earth.”I have been through a grueling process but I believe in a higher power and that everything happens for a reason.”When I was in the limelight I was troubled and not at peace, I was lost.”But now I am at peace and I am happy and content, I am at peace.”I feel so privileged to be English because I feel so loved by my fansMichael WatsonIncredible neurosurgeon Dr Hamlyn operated on Watson after horrific delays in getting him medical attention.And he was by his bedside for the 40-day coma he faced and the six-years he spent in a wheelchair.The duo will walk the mile together again and Hamlyn continues to be amazed by the physical recovery and mental fortitude Watson continues to show.Dr Hamyln said: “Michael is truly amazing. I have never seen a man survive that type of injury.”He faced year after year of struggles and showed incredible determination.”What you see now is a laughing, walking, talking, laughing joking guy.”But he went through an appalling ordeal and he only got through it thanks to his own incredible determination.”And one day, when I asked him why he kept helping me do things for the charity, he said: ‘to help people less fortunate than me’.”And that blew me away, he is just different.”The Brain and Spine Foundation also have 50 runners doing the full 26-mile London Marathon, with Watson a team captain.READ MORE SUN STORIESQueensberry’s hall-of-fame promoter Frank Warren has generously donated £25,000 for the cause and more donations can be made here.Sponsor Michael Watson and the 50 runners doing the London Marathon for The Brain & Spine Foundation here… More

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      in Soccer

      Anyone with an ounce of spirit should want Bournemouth to beat Man City to keep romance of the FA Cup alive

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      THERE are no Premier League fixtures this weekend — but don’t feel ashamed if you haven’t even realised.It’s hardly been a bumper year for the so-called greatest league  in the world.Bournemouth could offer a massive FA Cup miracle for the romanticsCredit: GettyBournemouth take on Manchester City in the FA CupCredit: GettyNewcastle broke a monotonous run by winning the Carabao CupCredit: RexThe last time a club outside the Big Six won a cup was in 2013 with Wigan in the FA Cup and Swansea in the League CupCredit: GettyLiverpool have fast-walked the title race and Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton have been hell-bent on relegation since last August.So who would have thought the two cup competitions would be left to stop the entire nation switching off altogether and doing something less boring instead?The cups have been bulldozed and bullied to make way for expanding European competition.Boiled down with second legs and replays scrapped to relieve the heavy legs of players grinding it out to satisfy the demands of clubs looking beyond two relatively tiny trophies offering a few quid in prize money. Read More on FootballNewcastle’s victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final this month was a spectacular bloody nose for the Big Six.It’s five down and one to go in the FA Cup, which means “little” Bournemouth have the opportunity to finish the job. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham  all have a surprise weekend off as we reach the quarter-final stage.Anyone with an ounce of romance, spirit and  sporting fun should be willing the Cherries on against Manchester City. If not, you should never again pass an “I am not a robot” test.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA winner from Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Fulham, Crystal Palace or Preston North End is a rarity.And not since 2013 have both our domestic trophies been won by teams from outside the “elite” in the same season. That’s when Swansea won the League Cup and Wigan beat City in the FA Cup final. Prior to that, it was 1988 with Luton and Wimbledon.Erling Haaland reveals bizarre bedtime habit including special glasses and taping mouth SHUT on Logan Paul podcastIn between, it is the same old names and the same old finals. Prior to this year, the previous nine Carabao Cups were shared between Liverpool and the Manchester clubs.For one year only, Leicester broke the FA Cup stranglehold of Arsenal, City, Chelsea, United and Liverpool that has existed since 2014.What we are seeing now is football’s equivalent of Halley’s Comet entering our solar system.Come May, screw up your eyes and you may be able to visualise the glowing tail of glory for a team which doesn’t treat Wembley as a second home.The Cherries have never won  a major trophy, nor Palace, nor Fulham, nor Brighton.Preston, synonymous with the great Sir Tom Finney, have had big stars but no significant silverware since the 1938 FA Cup.Breaking traditionVilla and Forest are shaking up the establishment in the league but you must rewind to the 1990s to find either winning a cup of note.What it will mean for the  supporters of these seven clubs to reach the FA Cup semi-finals or beyond fires the imagination.And it serves as a beacon of hope for anyone wishing to salvage a crumb of interest in a mundane season in the league. Players love the cups, the fans adore them.Attendances throughout this year’s Carabao Cup were 20 per cent up on last year and their highest for almost a quarter of a century.If Bournemouth beat City on Sunday it’s a huge shot in the arm for the much-maligned cups, for fans and for fun. So what if it’s bad for business and for the big boys?Fans ticked off with ToddTODD BOEHLY is feeling the heat from Chelsea fans over his 41 per cent stake in US ticket resale outlet Vivid Seats.To the extent the supporters’ trust has written to the Premier League demanding they probe their club chairman over a  potential conflict of interest. Fair enough. No trip to Stamford Bridge is complete without the sight and sound of several shady characters loitering by Fulham Broadway Tube station offering tickets for the coming game at inflated prices.So much so that the London club emailed fans last week to trumpet their actions targeting this criminal scourge. They claim to have stopped more than 1,000 people entering the ground with dodgy tickets, cancelled more than 1,500 memberships linked to dodgy tickets and arrested dozens of people through matchday operations.Meanwhile, Boehly, the man at the top of the club, is raking it in via his investment in what the Premier League label an “unauthorised” ticket website.They urge fans to “exercise extreme caution” when dealing with firms like Vivid Seats.It’s almost as if it’s one rule for one and one for another. In football? Surely not?A bore’s no drawEVERYTHING about England’s recent two matches was highly interesting — apart from the two matches. Thomas Tuchel, Dan Burn, the build-up, the team selection, the hope.But as usual the ties were as flat as a pancake and sparked a debate about the entertainment value of qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Don’t think the boredom level of these insipid games hasn’t been  discussed at the top level.Not that long ago a plan was hatched to expand the Euros to 32 teams.The continent’s top-ranked countries would face each other in an extended Nations League to leave 16 sides. Lesser-ranked nations would do similar, eventually leaving 32 teams.Almost everyone was up for it apart from Europe’s rights-holding broadcasters, who seem to think England v Albania on a Friday night is just what the nation wants to see on their TVs.London bawlin’AS domestic football returns, a plea. Can London-based clubs stop playing London Calling by The Clash, fronted by Joe Strummer, during every pre-match build-up?Yes, we know the song is about the city — it’s in the title — and your club is in that city. But that’s it. It’s not that big a deal.And by endlessly forcing this irony upon fans, you have worn out what should be cherished as a post-punk classic by one of the greatest rock bands of all time.Just stop it. Please.FA party Ful of itIF you have £120 to spare you too can enjoy a night out at Fulham’s 1975 FA Cup final celebration dinner come May.A selection of team members from the day will entertain guests with memories of the showpiece — which they LOST 2-0 to West Ham.READ MORE SUN STORIESSounds like a silly idea —  then again, Newcastle held open-top bus parades after losing the 1974 FA Cup final and 1976 League Cup final.Even more daft, someone I know actually went to BOTH. More

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      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen likes bombshell Instagram post comparing Christian Horner’s Liam Lawson axing to ‘bullying’

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has liked an Instagram post accusing Red Bull of “bullying” Liam Lawson. It came after Lawson was dropped to Racing Bulls in favour of Yuki Tsunoda, who has been promoted to race alongside team-mate Verstappen.Max Verstappen liked an Instagram post accusing Red Bull of ‘bullying’ axed Liam LawsonLiam Lawson has been brutally ditched by Red BullCredit: APLawson has been replaced by Japan’s Yuki TsunodaCredit: PAVerstappen, the four-time world champion, is understood to be unhappy about the team’s decision to axe Lawson so fast.Many believe Lawson, 23, should have been given more than two races to prove himself and get used to the RB21.The Dutchman’s actions raise further questions about his relationship with the Milton Keynes-based team.Tensions grew last year after allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” from a female employee aimed at team principal Christian Horner.READ MORE IN F1Horner has since been cleared of those allegations by two separate internal investigations, but Verstappen’s future with the team has been questioned.Red Bull confirmed on Thursday morning that Lawson and sister team driver Tsunoda would switch roles for the Japanese Grand Prix.The New Zealander will return to second team Racing Bulls as team-mate to French rookie Isack Hadjar.In a statement, Red Bull said Lawson was pulled out of the firing line after his “difficult” start to the campaign.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLawson’s nightmare season began with him dropping out in Q1 at the rain-swept Aussie GP, before crashing out of the opening race in Melbourne.A week later, the Kiwi again qualified last in both the sprint and race for the Shanghai GP – despite sitting in the second-best car in F1 last season.Red Bull’s Christian Horner gives low down on car before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix The RB21 might be tailored for Verstappen, but mustering a P15 finish in Shanghai was too much for Horner.Meanwhile, Tsunoda – who earns nearly double Lawson’s £800,000 salary – qualified fifth in Australia and ninth in China but finished outside of the top 10 for both races due to strategy calls.The ruthless call has drawn criticism from the F1 world.Former Dutch F1 driver, Giedo van der Garde – who drove for Caterham in 2013 – was one who has been particularly critical of the shock move.Van der Garde took to Instagram to share his disgust, writing: ” Yes, you gotta perform. Yes, the pressure is insane. “But in my opinion this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements. “They made a decision – fully aware – gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit.”Don’t forget the dedication, hard work and success Liam has put in his career so far to achieve the level where he is now.”I remember my own blood, sweat and tears – and that was to reach F1. Let alone driving for an absolute top team. “Yes, he underperformed the first two races – but if anyone’s aware of that it’s himself.”Former F1 star Giedo van der Garde has launched a scathing defence of LawsonCredit: GettyVerstappen, interestingly, liked the post but it seems he has since un-liked it.Lawson was promoted to Red Bull in the off-season, succeeding Mexican driver Sergio Perez.Tsunoda is expected to become Verstappen’s sixth different partner at Red Bull since he made the step up in 2016.That is after Daniel Riccardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Lawson.Red Bull said they were making use of their unique position as the only team on the grid with four race seats, arguing it was a kindness to Lawson.Team principal Horner said: “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and, as a result, we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.“We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start.“It makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well.”Horner is hoping 24-year-old Tsunoda’s experience will help with the team’s developing of the RB21.The decision will surely make things awkward between rivals Lawson and Tsunoda, who have shared fiery words in recent days.Tsunoda was more than pleased when quizzed about a potential swap before the news was announced on Thursday.The Japanese star said: “Yeah, 100 per cent. The car is faster, I’m sure.”But a fuming Lawson hit back, saying: “He can say whatever he wants.”I’ve raced him for years, raced him in the junior categories and beat him.”If I look back over our careers, I was team mates with him in F3 and I beat him.“In Euroformula I was team mates with him, [and] in New Zealand, and I beat him there.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Then in F1 last season I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no.”He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”Lawson and Tsunoda have been team-mates in junior and senior teams More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda’s bitter six-year rivalry as Red Bull become first F1 team to axe driver this season

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      THINGS are about to get a lot more awkward between long-term rivals Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson.Habitually ruthless Red Bull have dropped Lawson for sister team driver Tsunoda after just TWO races of the 2025 season.Liam Lawson has been brutally ditched by Red BullCredit: RexLawson has been replaced by Japan’s Yuki TsunodaCredit: GettyLawson, 23, has been dumped by Red Bull chiefs after failing to get to grips with the RB21 during the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix.With the structure set up between Red Bull Racing and sister team Racing Bulls, driver rotations are possible among the four seats.Lawson’s nightmare season began with him dropping out in Q1 at the Aussie GP, before crashing out of the opening race in Melbourne.A week later, the Kiwi again qualified last in both the sprint and race for the Shanghai GP – despite sitting in the second-best car in F1 last season.READ MORE IN F1The RB21 might be tailored for Max Verstappen, but mustering a P15 finish in Shanghai was too much for team principal Christian Horner.Meanwhile, Tsunoda – who earns nearly double Lawson’s £800,000 salary – qualified fifth in Australia and ninth in China but finished outside of the top 10 for both races, due to strategy calls.The decision to overlook Tsunoda for Lawson when replacing Sergio Perez – who endured a nightmare 2024 season- before Christmas was a strange one.Having already spent four years in F1, Tsunoda is significantly more experienced than Lawson, who had entered only 11 grands prix in two short spells across 2023 and 2024.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTsunoda, 24, will be given a baptism of fire on home soil as he’ll officially replace Lawson at the Japanese Grand Prix next weekend.Meanwhile, the New Zealander will return to second team Racing Bulls as team-mate to French rookie Isack Hadjar.But there appears to be no love lost between Lawson and his replacement driver, who have known each other since their teens.SunSport takes a look inside their growing rivalry.Law and order showdownIn the past week, there has been a fiery war of words between the pair, who have raced each other all the way back to junior formula.Tsunoda was more than pleased when quizzed about a potential swap before the news was announced on Thursday.The Japanese star said: “Yeah, 100 per cent. The car is faster, I’m sure.”But a fuming Lawson hit back, saying: “He can say whatever he wants.”I’ve raced him for years, raced him in the junior categories and beat him. “If I look back over our careers, I was team mates with him in F3 and I beat him.“In Euroformula I was team mates with him, [and] in New Zealand, and I beat him there.“Then in F1 last season I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no.”He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”Lawson cited his regular wins over Tsunoda as the reason being picked ahead of himCredit: GettyJunior yearsTsunoda and Lawson were team-mates many times during their junior careers.The New Zealander outscored Tsunoda in the 2019 Euroformula Open, where both drove for Motopark.The order was reversed in the FIA F3 series that year, though they drove for different teams.They faced each other again in the New Zealand Toyota Racing Series the following year. Lawson narrowly failed to reclaim the title he won the year before while Tsunoda, making his debut in the series, finished fourth.McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown is among those who queried Red Bull’s decision to promote Lawson instead of Tsunoda.Lawson said he “couldn’t care less” about his opinion.He added: “I think he’s still hurt because I talked about his national anthem.” The pair have been team-mates in junior and senior teamsCredit: GettyRacing Bulls and AlphaTauriTsunoda had been at Red Bulls’ junior team AlphaTauri since 2021 -having been the top rookie in F2 – before his foe joined in 2023.AlphaTauri has since transitioned into Racing Bulls.They raced against each other in the latter stages of 2024 after Lawson replaced Daniel Ricciardo at the then-named RB team.The Japanese driver out qualified Lawson 6-0 and went 4-2 in their race finish head-to-head. Tsunoda was the 12th best driver on the grid last season, finishing with 30 points – which was 12 behind Pierre Gasly.Meanwhile, Lawson finished 21st, with a respectable four points picked up across his 11 races.The advantage on the timesheet lies with Tsunoda – perhaps inevitably, given he has raced in 89 F1 races compared to just 13 for his rival.Yuki Tsunoda will represent Red Bull in his home GP in Japan on April 6Horner’s Red Bull rejectsLawson will be advised that his demotion is an opportunity for him to rebuild his career, in the same way as earlier Red Bull rejects Gasly and Alex Albon have done.Gasly was demoted to the second Red Bull team after just half a season in 2019 in a swap with Albon, who was given a season and a half before being demoted to reserve driver in place of Perez.The Frenchman has since moved to Alpine and Albon to Williams, and both have thrived.Perez no longer has an F1 seat after being dropped at the end of last season with a multi-million pound pay-off.The decision to ace Lawson has been described as “performance-based” and the team’s “duty of care” to take him out of the firing line.Verstappen is second in the F1 Drivers’ Championship on 45 points, whereas Lawson has not scored any.Christian Horner said it was a ‘sporting decision’ to drop Lawson for TsunodaCredit: RexTeam principal Horner said: “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.”We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions: to retain the World Drivers’ Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors’ title, and this is a purely sporting decision.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car.”We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Who is Michael Schumacher’s son Mick? Former Mercedes driver who has found new motorsport seat

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      THERE’S a certain weight that comes with being the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher – and son Mick has found all about it in recent years. Mick, 26, had been tipped to succeed his father’s impeccable racing standards the second he set foot in a karting track.MickSchumacher’s time at Haas was mistake-ladenCredit: AFPSebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher have had a striking relationship throughout the yearsCredit: AlamySchumacher last role in F1 was with MercedesCredit: GettyHowever, Michael Schumacher’s youngest child has found his competitive motorsport career dwindling.Mick was last seen in a Formula 1 pit garage last December as a reserve driver for Mercedes.He left his position at the end of the 2024 season to focus on his newfound role in endurance racing.Nowadays, he is striving to get back to the elite staring of the racing world. READ MORE IN F1Life in father’s footsteps Born and raised in the Swiss village Vufflens-le-Chateau, Schumacher was born into a racing royalty with his father and uncle Ralf both in F1.The generational success that his father set that weighed heaviest in his formative years in racing and beyond.Mick had a good karting career – fishing runner-up at the World and European level – before making the jump to European Formula 3, winning the championship in his final season with Prema Racing.He would follow that up with another title Formula 2 in 2020 ahead of Brit Callum Ilott and future Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda. Most read in MotorsportMick had test drives with Alfa Romeo and Haas – aided by his association with the Ferrari Driver Academy – then signed with the latter as a full-time driver in 2021.Schumacher’s two-season F1 career was characterised by rookie blunders and team deficiencies, initially alongside controversial team-mate Nikita Mazepin – son of Belarusian-Russian oligarch and sponsor Dmitry – and than outperformed by Kevin Magnussen.In his second season, the German driver scored his first and second lot of points in back-to-back weekends at Silverstone and the Red Bull Ring in Austria, where he registered a career-best sixth finish.However, Schumacher was released from his contract going into the 2023 season as the team altered direction with successor and racing journeyman Nico Hulkenberg.Recently, he has served as a reserve driver for both Mercedes and McLaren – not suiting up for either team. Track switch Schumacher made his first ventures into the World Endurance Championship with Alpine while still occupying his reserve driver duties.Schumacher has continued to race with Alpine’s World Endurance Championship six-man Hypercar team full-time after achieving his maiden podium finish at the 6 Hours of Fuji. Additionally, Schumacher also competed in the 2025 Race of Champions in Sydney at the start of the month alongside family friend Sebastian Vettel with Will Brown pipping him to a semi-final spot in the main draw. Racing future Schumacher still harbours hopes of returning to F1 as a driver with the 2026 new regulations era providing the first real opening for a seat, particularly with Cadillac’s incoming arrival to the grid. “Formula One has always been my dream and will always be my dream. But the WEC is the number one priority,” he told Sky Germany. “That requires 100 per cent dedication.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on to add: “My dream is a dream, but when I’m in the car, I’m 100 per cent in the car. The dream lives on in the moments when I have free time and can think about it.”Cadillac have expressed a public interest in signing an American driver with a big-name, and in motorsport, it doesn’t get bigger Schumacher. More

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      in Boxing

      Trailblazing boxer Inder Bassi won huge battle for Sikh fighters and now faces clash at legendary football ground

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      INDER BASSI hopes to leave behind a lasting memory in the boxing ring – having already done so outside of it.Bassi is 14-2 in his career – turning professional in 2019 – off the back of a title-winning amateur career of 50 wins out of 75. Inder Bassi is a 14-2 professional boxerHe features on SunSport’s Contender series on YouTubeHere he is sparring in the famous Peacock Boxing gymBassi is hard at work preparing for his next boutBut one of the biggest fights Bassi had during his time in the unpaid ranks was the old rule that amateur boxers had to shave off all facial hair. The welterweight from Basildon is a proud Sikh – a religion which prohibits the cutting or shaving hair. Bassi helped campaign to change the the amateur boxing rule – which was in place to stop cuts due to the coarse texture of facial hair. And in 2019, the ban was lifted by England Boxing thanks to the help of Bassi, who features in SunSport’s latest Contender episode on YouTube. READ MORE IN BOXINGThe trailblazer told us: “The overturning of the beard ban – people associate that with my name. “It’s weird because you weren’t allowed a beard in the amateur boxing and like I said, in the professional game, you’re allowed. “In Muay Thai, kickboxing, in any other contact sport you were allowed just weren’t allowed in the amateur boxing. “That held a lot of Sikh boxers back. The belts are something every fighter wants and I want them myself, I’m hungry for belts. Most read in BoxingBassi had to shave his beard in the amateursBut he helped change the boxing ruleHe will be remembered for his work inside and outside the ringCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But it’s more so for people to remember me as a good man who done something for my community. “The more I fight, the more I win, the more belts I win I’m going to continue smashing them glass ceilings in. They are my belts as well.Moses Itauma: Future Heavyweight King is on Track to Break Mike Tyson’s Record I Contender Documentary”They are my belts that are metaphorical, I can’t see them, I can’t show nobody them but that’s what people are going to remember me for.” Bassi is training out of the Peacock Gym in East London – which has welcomed some of boxing’s greatest ever through its doors. He said: “It’s one of the most notorious gyms in the country. Floyd Mayweather’s been here, loads of legends. Prince Naseem’s trained here. “To belong to a gym where them kind of fighters have trained, it is quite special.” In our episode, Bassi spars hard rounds against an international German boxer in preparation for his next fight. The 28-year-old has won his last two fights having lost an English title bout against Sean Noakes in July. His promoter Jon Trethewey said: “I am a bit biased, Sean won on the night and he did deserve to win, can’t deny that. “But I don’t think we saw the best of Inder that night.” Bassi was beaten by Sean Noakes in an English title fightCredit: PAHe has bounced back with two wins sinceCredit: PANow Bassi has bounced back, he has landed himself a huge fight at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge. The event is headed up by American legend Roy Jones Jr and former European champion Spencer Oliver. Bassi will take on Lucas Ballingall from Portsmouth, who is 18-2, in the Battle of The Bridge event which is airing on Fight Zone. And Bassi said with a smile: “When I tell people I’m boxing at Stamford Bridge, some say, ‘Oh man, you could have picked a better stadium!’ “But it’s exciting. Everyone’s excited.” It is the first-ever boxing event staged at Chelsea’s West London home – and Bassi was blown away when he visited the SW6. He said: “Expect the unexpected and put in the work and opportunities will come. It’s genuinely a mad sport. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But to be boxing here, when I got the call up to say, you know what you’re on the show, it was a big thing for myself. “I was a bit shocked. It’s everyone’s dream to be boxing on the big shows in front of the bright lights.”Bassi is set to fight at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge groundHe was blown away on a visit to Stamford Bridge More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a chef who gave up my restaurant to work with Prem ace – here’s secret ingredient that has helped him win 9 trophies

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      PREMIER LEAGUE footballers often have strict diets but one superstar uses a special ingredient to get ahead.Broth – for soup, to use in rice or even to DRINK.Diogo Prego is a personal chef to a Manchester City starCredit: Instagram / @golden_chefs_Diogo quit his own restaurant and prefers life as a personal chefCredit: Instagram / @golden_chefs_His client’s favourite meal is a cod fish from PortugalCredit: Instagram / @golden_chefs_That is the ingredient one Manchester City star eats every day, often multiple times.His personal chef Diogo Prego is a big believer in the ingredient due to its health benefits, as he makes sure his client maintains a healthy diet.Diogo told SunSport: “It is always in the freezer and I use it for soup, to cook rice and even to drink. Beef broth is very healthy and full of collagen.”We use natural food like steaks, spinach, broccoli – all this healthy stuff.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He does not eat sugar, we follow a healthy diet with lots of broth – broth that I prepare for him.”No sugar means thinking outside the box when making snacks and cookies.Diogo does his grocery shopping every day in Manchester’s Northern Quarter to ensure the City star always eats the freshest ingredients.The player he works for is a big fan of Poke bowls and Pad thai pre and post-match but his favourite is a cod dish from back home called Bacalhau à Brás – a mix of salt cod, potatoes, onions and eggs.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe City defender is also a fan of poke bowlsCredit: Instagram / @golden_chefs_Diogo always uses fresh ingredients to ensure a healthy dietCredit: Instagram / @golden_chefs_Diogo is proud he has opened up the Prem winner to new dishes although he still likes his cheat meals – burgers and pizzas.He continued: “Pre-match and post-match we need to do slow-absortion carbs, nice protein and fruits.Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival Anfield”Barley, homemade pasta. Post-match normally it is a poke bowl, it is full of omega three, carbs. It is great for recovery.”I prepare all the time homemade protein bars, homemade cookies without sugar. Immunity boosts which I batch cook.”Diogo was trained as a chef in Portugal and he quit a restaurant he owned for five years before getting to work with the City star.He is happy to have the hard work and long hours of restaurant life behind him and has become friends with his client, even going to concerts with him.However life working for a Prem star is not without its challenges.Diogo added: “The only thing that makes me cook a little more than I was expecting is Beef Wellington. It’s a pain in the a**.”I have lots of things to prepare – snacks, broth, dinner – and I have to keep the kitchen and cupboard organised.READ MORE SUN STORIES”One of the hardest parts of my job is trying to do new things every week.”Trying to balance a nice menu is quite hard. Cooking every day different dishes it is hard to read a lot and watch a lot of food programmes. But he is not fussy so it is easy.”Sweet treats for the defender contain no sugarCredit: Instagram / @golden_chefs_ More

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      I played against England at World Cup then became David Beckham’s team-mate – now I want to be a Premier League referee

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      CHRIS BIRCHALL never made it to the Premier League as a player – but is eager to get there in retirement.The former LA Galaxy midfielder played alongside David Beckham during his MLS days. Former Port Vale and LA Galaxy midfielder Chris Birchall is training to become a refCredit: Paul TongeThe midfielder played alongside England legend David Beckham in LACredit: GettyBirchall also faced England in the 2006 World Cup for Trinidad and TobagoCredit: GettyAnd now he is retraining as a referee, all thanks to a special PGMOL initiative for former pros.Birchall is part of the ‘Player to Match Official’ programme, a joint venture between the PGMOL and the Players Association. The scheme aims to fast-track ex-players into officiating over a three-year period.Birchall, who played most of his club football for Port Vale, hung up his boots in 2017. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow 40, he believes the scheme is vital to bring through the next generation of referees. Birchall told Sky Sports: “If you were a professional who finished at 32, 33, there wouldn’t be an opportunity because you’d be 45 before you had the chance.”This is why this programme is so exciting because it opens doors to ex-players to come through into the game and use their experience to not be better referees.”But to try and be as good as they individually can, because there are some exceptional referees coming through who haven’t played the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”A lot of people say this is what the game’s been crying out for, but you don’t want to be the person to say ‘ex-players are going to become better refs’. “It’s just another string to the bow of officiating.”Former LA Galaxy star Birchall goes from playing with Beckham to being a refereeEx-pros including Coventry winger Carl Baker and Milwall midfielder Liam Trotter are also enrolled in the course. And Birchall has big ambitions – with a spot in the Premier League within his sights.He continued: “Sometimes, someone will ask you a question like, ‘Where do you want to be in three years?’ “I want to be in the Premier League. I don’t want to come across as arrogant, but the opportunity is there to be in the Premier League. “So, my goal within that three to four years is to be officiating in the Premier League.”What do David Beckham’s tattoos mean?HandsStarting with the hands, and David Beckham has the word “Love” inked across the top of his left hand, with a swallow on either side.This is joined by the numbers 723, a combination of the shirts he famously wore for Manchester United and later Real Madrid.On his little finger, he has the year he was married.Becks also has a small female-stick figure designed by his daughter Harper.The devoted husband has “Posh” tattooed on a finger as a nod to wife Victoria Beckham’s Spice Girls nickname.ArmsBecks has two sleeve tattoos on both his arms with the centrepieces paying tribute to his marriage to Victoria.The most famous of his body art comes in the shape of her name along the inside of his forearm, which is inked in Sanskrit.Both Posh and Becks have Hebrew tattoos, which they got to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.The matching tatts translate to, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”.Meanwhile, Becks also has a separate rose inking on his left arm to mark the couple’s tenth anniversary.NeckOne of Beckham’s most famous tattoos is on his neck, which is a gothic style cross and wings.It is symbolic of to his religion and acts as a protective guardian of his son Romeo, whose name is tattooed just below the angel wings.Beckham also has the name of his daughter, Harper, on the side of his neck.This was later updated to include the words “Pretty Lady”, to mark her fourth birthday.BackBeckham’s back tattoos serve as tribute to his sons.He has angel wings at the top as a sign of protection for them.Becks has both his eldest on Brooklyn, and his youngest son Cruz’s names inked across his back.BodyBeckham has a large chest tattoo that is an image of himself as Jesus, with three cherubs representing his sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz.The footy ace also has a vertical tattoo down his left side in Chinese symbols – this translates as “Death and life have determined appointments”.Paying homage to his father, he has an inking of a ship at full mast – which is identical to the same one his dad has.Birchall spent much of his early career in England’s lower leagues, playing for Vale, Coventry and Brighton.His world was turned upside down in 2009 when he joined the Galaxy in Los Angeles, replacing Beckham on his debut.Speaking to SunSport last year, Birchall said: “David was great with me.”Although I played with him towards the end of his career, wow what a player. “He could pick you out with a pass from 40 yards.”There was banter between us as English guys. “He’d come into training every morning and say to me, ‘Hi, Mr Perfect’ and I was like, ‘If anyone should be called that it’s you!’”Before playing with David Beckham, Birchall played against him on the biggest stage of all.Though born in Stafford, he was called up by Trinidad and Tobago by virtue of his mum being born in the country’s capital Port of Spain.Playing with Man Utd legend Dwight Yorke, Birchall would score one of the most famous goals in the country’s history as he scored a long range equaliser in a home play-off against Bahrain.The Soca Warriors would then win 1-0 in the Middle East to earn a spot at the 2006 World Cup.And there, while playing club football for Port Vale, he took on Becks and England’s Golden Generation.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere, the Caribbean Islanders stubbornly held the Three Lions to a goalless stalemate until the 83rd minute where Peter Crouch netted a controversial opening goal.The England striker was seen pulling on defender Brent Sancho’s dreadlocks to head home before Steven Gerrard netted a second in stoppage time. 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