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      in Boxing

      Inside the life of Frank Warren’s wife Susan – what we know about the former Vogue model

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      SUSAN Warren is the wife of boxing promoter Frank – but she has been a star in her own right.Once a celebrated Vogue model, Susan met Frank in the early 1970s.Susan was a model before meeting FrankCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSusan and legendary boxing promoter Frank have been married for over 40 yearsCredit: Enterprise News and PicturesAt the time Frank was beginning to make waves in the boxing world.They have now been married for over 40 years.During that time Frank has become a household name by promoting some of the biggest British fighters in recent history including Frank Bruno, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, Joe Calzaghe, Prince Naseem Hamed, Amir Khan and Tyson Fury.Susan prefers to stay away from the limelight, focusing on their family and personal life.read more on frank warrenFamily lifeSusan and Frank have two sons, George and Francis.George is involved in the family business, Queensberry Promotions, where he works as a boxing promoter and manager. He has been increasingly visible in the fight game and is following in his father’s footsteps, helping to manage boxers and promote events.Like his brother George, Francis had been working for Queensberry.Most read in BoxingHe left the company in 2022 to focus on starting his own company, Champion Sports Management.My dad was questioned over Frank Warren’s assassination attempt… now we’ve joined forces to make boxing’s best fightsFrank said in an interview with Seconds Out about his son leaving: “I’m pleased for him, he has got a fantastic roster of fighters that he is managing and looking after.“So he, quite rightly said, ‘Look Dad, I don’t think that I can do it justice and I want to focus on my management company’.”So, God bless him and good luck to him, and that’s what he is doing. We’ve got quite a few of his fighters on our roster and we continue to promote them and work very closely with them, he’s doing his own thing and that, for me as a Dad, is a real joy.” More

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      in Soccer

      Well done, Annie Kilner for taking control over cheat Kyle Walker – now it’s time to hit him where it hurts

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      ANNIE KILNER has consulted divorce lawyers over wayward husband Kyle Walker.And I couldn’t be happier for her.Annie Kilner has consulted divorce lawyers over her husband Kyle WalkerCredit: GettySince he first got together with wife Annie, Walker has been unfaithful many timesCredit: Refer to CaptionIf you are not au fait with Kyle Walker, let me explain.On the pitch for England and Manchester City, he is an amazing, talented footballer.Off it, his life is an absolute car crash, which could be turned into a Carry On film.Since he first got together with Annie, he has romped in a car with Ex On The Beach’s Laura Brown and fathered two children with reality TV star Lauryn Goodman.READ MORE FROM JANE ATKINSONHe exposed himself in a bar and snogged another woman.During Covid he had a party with two sex workers.And he has been caught twice urinating in the street after a session in the pub — most recently just two weeks ago.He has run rough­shod over his relationship with Annie. And I don’t know how she has held it together.Most read in FootballShe always appears to look steely, strong and determined when she is out with their four children — the youngest of whom was born in April — or watching him on the pitch.But her confidence must have been absolutely crushed over the years. Imagine the anguish and pain she has gone through.Drama at Kyle Walker’s Home: Annie Kilner vs Lauryn GoodmanThis is a woman who was a normal working-class girl from Sheffield when she fell for local lad Kyle at the age of 16.He was playing football but he wasn’t the megastar he is now.She fell in love with him, knowing he could one day play for England or get injured and end up on benefits.He hit the jackpot in his career — with the salary to go with it — but Annie has been the one to pay the price.Terrible behaviourShe has tried to deal with it and chucked him out of the house — and taken him back. Multiple times.She has slated Lauryn, had public spats with her, apologised to her and told friends she wishes Lauryn was dead.Annie bravely admitted that his terrible behaviour even became “acceptable”.And some have said that his wealth has cushioned his behaviour while others have slammed her for not leaving before now.But leaving any man — rich or poor — isn’t easy when you’ve spent half your life with him and have four kids together.Any woman who has been cheated on knows that it takes a long while to regain your strength afterwards and come out fighting. Now Annie has. She is finally, thankfully, taking control.She recently sought advice to make sure she could get half of his £150,000-a-week salary and this week she has gone a step further and met with lawyers to discuss legal proceedings to end her marriage.Strength and courageI bet those who love her are proud of her.Annie has shown strength and courage.She has also given an important message to all those kids who idolise her husband — that there must be consequences for your actions.This summer, a survey of 1,306 children aged six to 17 across the UK revealed that almost a fifth wanted to be a footballer.They rank second only to parents as the people that youngsters admire the most.You could argue that Kyle is only a role model on the pitch but thanks to sponsorship deals and five million followers on social media, he is a role model, and influencer, off it too.Children across the country this summer stuck his picture into Euro 2024 albums.They stayed up late to watch him play and, week in week out, they idolise him at Manchester City.Nobody wants to see a marriage end.But nobody wants to see a woman cheated on and humiliated either.Now Annie can have the greatest revenge of all by hitting him where it truly hurts — his wallet.The England defender also secretly fathered TWO kids with reality TV star Lauryn GoodmanCredit: AlamyRihanna at the reddyLESS is more – unless you’re Rihanna.In a new promotional photoshoot, she sports amazing scarlet hair, blue fur coat and a red snakeskin outfit that involves a skirt attached loosely to a bustier to show off her bum.Rihanna posed with amazing scarlet hair, a blue fur coat and a red snakeskin outfitCredit: savagex.comThe singer and businesswoman completes the style with a smouldering pout and terrifying long talons.Most of us would look like we had walked out of the local brothel but she somehow manages to pull it off.BORIS JOHNSON has insisted refurbishing his Downing Street flat was necessary because it looked like a “crack den” once he had pulled the carpets out.You have to wonder how he knows what a crack house looks like.50 still niftyI COULDN’T be happier for the newly married Miranda Hart.But I do wish everyone would stop being so shocked that she tied the knot at the age of 51.I do wish everyone would stop being so shocked that Miranda Hart tied the knot at the age of 51Credit: GettyThe actress was 49 when surveyor Richard Fairs came to her £2million home to deal with mould.It was during the pandemic and she was struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome after being diagnosed with Lyme disease.In her new book, she says she was so ill that she never thought she would find love and was “fading away”.I get that.But now a million relationship experts have taken to social media to discuss how to find love over 50 as if she is some dinosaur.We are no longer living in the dark ages and no woman should be written off in their 50s – or think that they are either.Rights bill so wrongREMEMBER a time when we were all desperate to get out of the house, mingle and live a normal life when Covid struck.Now, thanks to the Government’s new Employment Rights Bill, we can all return to that because flexible working, including working from home, will be made the “default for all” where possible.So no mingling in the office, no chatting by the coffee machine when you are feeling down, no making lifelong friends.And forget office flirting because Zoom and Teams really don’t cut it for the fun things in life.I’ve worked from home for more than a decade because I live hundreds of miles from head office.If I could go in every day, I would.I’ve grown sick of the amount of times people have said: “Oh, but you work from home,” as though I spend my life on the sofa watching This Morning or baking banana bread.In fact, unless you are a grade A skiver you end up working more because your home is your office and you can’t get away from it.Plus there is no free coffee and the heating bills are a fortune.We should be careful what we wish for.Tash leaves KittenWHEN Natasha Hamilton announced on Friday that she had quit Atomic Kitten, I was in utter shock.Natasha Hamilton announced on Friday that she had quit Atomic KittenCredit: RexI didn’t even know the band was still going.Ticket farce unfareI HAVE sympathy for train passenger Sam Williamson, who mistakenly underpaid for his ticket by £1.90 and now fears a criminal record and huge fine.He used the Northern Trains app to buy an Anytime ticket to central Manchester last month and used his 16-25 railcard for a discount without realising it can only be used under certain conditions.Sam Williamson mistakenly underpaid for his ticket by £1.90 and now fears a criminal record and huge fineCredit: SWNSWhen an inspector grilled him and told him the mistake, he immediately offered to buy a new ticket or pay a penalty.Instead, the jobsworth reported him and now Sam faces prosecution.Sam says it isn’t even clear on the app how you can use the railcard.I had the misfortune of using Northern last month and had a similar experience.I wanted to buy a cheaper ticket from the app but was told I had to buy one from an employee who, when I explained that the app ticket was cheaper, told me: “Northern don’t care what the customers pay.”Super. Maybe if the train firms did care and explained their baffling price structures, we wouldn’t hate travelling with them so muchSpice boy hitMY new motto is: Don’t buy things after drinking wine.My latest credit card purchase is Brooklyn Beckham’s chilli sauce.My latest credit card purchase is Brooklyn Beckham’s chilli sauceCredit: GettyI saw his mum Victoria plugging Cloud23 on Instagram (obviously) and forked out £30 on two bottles of it as I love spicy food.He’s been slated for his choice of careers but I can confirm Brooklyn, below, is actually pretty good at this one.READ MORE SUN STORIESThink Tabasco but not as harsh, with a lovely smoky hit.I just hope that he ditches the fancy box it comes in and gets it on a super­market shelf to avoid the big price tag. More

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      in Soccer

      Brazil stars including Vinicius Jr and Raphinha face ban from national team in bizarre proposal

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      BRAZIL’S Europe-based heroes  would be banned from international football under a radical idea from the country’s president.Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva claims “there are no stars” abroad – which might surprise fans of Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Ederson and Co.Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr would be among a string or Europe-based superstars affected by the type of ban Brazil president Lula wantsCredit: GettyMan Utd duo Casemiro and Antony are others that would be shut outCredit: GettyThe Brazilian president says he’s discussed the idea with his nation’s football chief.And if such a proposal was ever activated it would mean the end of World Cup dreams for a host of top performers in Europe’s major leagues.Arsenal have three leading Brazilians – all Gabriels – in Magalhaes, Jesus and Martinelli.Two come from Manchester United, although Casemiro and Antony have been under almost as much pressure for their efforts as their struggling Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag.READ MORE TOP STORIESMeanwhile, a couple of the world’s best goalkeepers are with the Prem’s top two sides.Alisson is currently out injured for leaders Liverpool, while fellow stopper Ederson has won six titles in seven seasons with champs Manchester City, who now also have compatriot Savinho in their bulging squad.Spain offer arguably Brazil’s hottest talent in Vinicius Jr, as well as the brightest prospect in 18-year-old Real Madrid team-mate Endrick.And don’t forget Barcelona wideman Raphinha.Most read in FootballArsenal have three top Brazilians in their squad, including attackers Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel JesusCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLula was emboldened to speak out on his hopes after Botafogo duo Igor Jesus and Luiz Henrique netted in Friday’s vital 2-1 comeback win in a World Cup qualifier away to Chile.It means Dorival Junior’s Brazil have edged up to fourth after disappointing performances in the South American group.Vinicius Jr breaks down in tears in emotional moment during press conference after three questions about racismLula argued Brazil lack overseas players as good as legends like “Garrincha or Romario”.He insisted their contingent abroad instead contains just “a bunch of young players who are not yet stars”.Lula added: “In Brazil, there are good players of the same quality (as those abroad). So [the national team should] give opportunities to those who are here.”However, even if his proposal gained any traction in Brazil, it would almost certainly get nowhere thanks to Fifa rules.Football’s global chiefs ban political interference in team matters.Lula has reportedly mentioned his beliefs to Brazilian Football Confederation president Alejandro Dominguez.But any political attempts to formally stop overseas stars from playing for the country could even lead to Dominguez being suspended.And other possible sanctions include what would surely be the greatest one for the country’s football supporters – being banned from the World Cup.However, Lula’s leap into the country’s main sport did lead to an equally bizarre but more light-hearted suggestion.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne fan on X reckons the 78-year-old is a dead ringer for one of Britain’s most famous businessmen, a former Tottenham co-owner of The Apprentice fame, who is 18 months younger.He posted: “Sir Alan Sugar needs to leave the Brazilians to it.”Brazilian president Lula da Silva has been compared to Sir Alan SugarCredit: ReutersLondon entrepreneur Alan Sugar has a famous Brazilian look-alikeCredit: BBCWho are these famous footballers? More

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      in Soccer

      Karren Brady: The Premier League is the envy of world football.. now Man City’s rivals must fight to save it THIS WEEK

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      PREMIER LEAGUE meetings are usually cordial, professional and unobtrusive affairs.All 20 clubs, plus their executives, sit in a room and ignore the massive elephant that also lurks in every meeting — the ongoing litigation and the £50million-plus of legal costs racked up fighting and defending claims.Man City made it four straight Prem titles in may and now face a big fight with the Prem off the field, but so far have a winning PR teamCredit: ReutersPep Guardiola’s men are predictably again in contention for the top-flight crown but it’s less easy to say what will happen in a big meeting next weekCredit: GettyBut at the League meeting next week that elephant is going to get an introduction, as we have just tripped over his trunk.Manchester City versus the Premier League feels like a boxing match, where at the end of the final round both fighters put their hands up claiming the victory.If the judges of this heavyweight bout were the public, then City would be clear winners.They not only have the world’s best team on the pitch but also have the best off it too.READ MORE TOP STORIESTheir PR and media team got their message across while making the Prem’s set-up look like a lower league outfit by comparison.But it’s not the public or the media the Premier League has to worry about.It’s the clubs, the rules that govern them and what on earth happens now.Next week’s meeting is to decide exactly that.Most read in FootballMan City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut how did we get here?Most supporters have never heard of the term APT — Associated Party Transactions — or knew about the new rules regulating them when they came into play in 2021.Love rat Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner fires first warning shot of divorce after secretly meeting with lawyersAPT rules were accepted by the majority of clubs — although by no means all — and were put in place to ensure that all clubs’ sponsorship deals reflect a true and fair market value.It was hoped to prevent clubs from earning revenue through inflated sponsorship deals from companies related to their owners.This is important, as the value of sponsorship and other commercial revenue is used to offset the costs of the clubs, like player salaries, agent fees and the manager, which leaves you with a number, usually a loss.If you go over the League’s number of what they consider to be an acceptable loss — as Everton and Nottingham Forest did — you get a fine, a points deduction or possibly both.So, the higher your sponsorship, the higher your costs can be and the less you get into trouble.City challenged the legality of these rules, alleging the APT Rules breach competition and public law and the League’s application of the rules also breached public law standards.The Prem claims the three-man Arbitration Tribunal endorsed the overall objective of their rules.No one wants it to become a competition between too few clubs, usually by rich ones who can afford multiple multi-million transfers and top wages.They also agreed that if the price of an APT is evidently not at fair market value — what anyone else OTHER than the party connected with the owner would have paid — then the competition will be distorted as the club would be benefitting from what effectively is a subsidy.The Prem needs a financial system to ensure that football is, remains and will always be competitive.The undiminished competitiveness of the Premier League is the envy of every other foreign league and club and the reason why our top-flight is the best in the world.No one wants it to become a competition between too few clubs, usually by the rich ones who can afford multiple multi-million transfer fees and top wages.So next week clubs have to agree to make the necessary changes to the APT rules to address the Tribunal’s concerns.This requires 14 votes — at least 14 clubs have to agree — or the whole system is thrown into chaos.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt needs to be so that the system can continue to be effective.We must stop clubs spending whatever they like to get an unbeatable team and create an uncompetitive league. More

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      in Soccer

      Jurgen Klopp’s outrageous Red Bull salary revealed with ex-Liverpool chief earning more than 18 Premier League managers

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      JURGEN KLOPP’S colossal salary at Red Bull has been revealed – and he’s set to earn more than EIGHTEEN Premier League managers.The former Liverpool boss signed a lucrative deal to become the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull this week.Jurgen Klopp’s HUGE wages at his new Red Bull job have been revealedKlopp will oversee the management of RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side.But, with such responsibility, comes eye-watering wages.In leaving Liverpool, Klopp temporarily waved good bye to an incredible £15m salary.But the German won’t be penny-pinching any time soon, as he earns between £8-10million in his new Red Bull role, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis will see the 57-year-old bank more than 18 Prem bosses.In fact, only Mikel Arteta’s £10m and Pep Guardiola’s £20m at Manchester City beats Klopp’s reported wage.He is set to earn around the same as Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, who is collects £8m.Klopp will earn more than under-fire Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, who bags £6.75m annually.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Klopp reportedly netted £15m in his final years at Liverpool, making him the second highest paid boss in the Prem behind Pep.The former Dortmund manager has signed a long-term contract with Red Bull but will not begin in his new job until January 1 2025.Arne Slot aims dig at Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss says ‘I’m a stupid manager if 12.30pm kick offs are more difficult’ Klopp has been assured that he can exit this contract if there is a concrete offer that he wishes to pursue.The German had been enjoying his time off, stating that he didn’t want to take up a coaching role and needed a rest after making his decision at the start of the year.The position of the German national team head coach remains an option for him.Klopp has been linked to the Germany job in the past and has made no secret of his desire to become manager one day.In 2023 he said: “It’s not completely out of the question that I’ll be the national coach at some point.“But it has to fit. And so far it hasn’t. And if I end the contract in Liverpool, then nothing will definitely be done for a year.”The legendary Reds boss left Anfield after almost nine years in charge in May after announcing that he was “running out of energy”. More

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      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho’s daughter Matilde to marry partner Danny Graham in lavish ceremony hosted at Special One’s £2million farm

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      TORRENTIAL rain looks set to put a dampener on Jose Mourinho’s daughter’s wedding in Portugal tomorrow.Matilde Mourinho and her fiancee Danny Graham are set to tie the knot tomorrow at a family farm in Azeitao near the Fenerbahce football manager’s native city of Setubal with 300 guests expected to attend.Matilde Mourinho is set to marry Danny GrahamShe is the daughter of Jose MourinhoCredit: GettyThe manager is thrilled at the prospect of becoming a grandfatherCredit: Rex Features300 guests are expected at the weddingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/The 28-year-old stunning jewellery designer admitted ahead of the ceremony she was hoping for good weather, saying: “Obviously, I don’t want it to rain.”But her wish for her big day looks set to come unhinged 24 hours before she says: ‘I do.’Weathermen are predicting heavy rain and possibly thunderstorms for tomorrow.A yellow weather warning is currently in place for Setubal and the surrounding area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn the positive side the sun is expected to shine on the happy couple for the post-ceremony second day of their weekend celebrations at a country estate in Azeitao called the Herdade do Peru.London-based Matilde, who has been dating her partner since 2016, spoke about her hope the rain would stay away on podcast ‘By Annabelle.’She added: “I am so happy at the idea of having all my friends and family together to celebrate in the same place.“It’s non-negotiable that my friends and family are there.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The day can be as perfect as you dream it can be, but if the people who you would want to share it with are not there, then it’s not worth it.”Tomorrow’s event has been dubbed the wedding of the year by Portuguese press.Jose Mourinho’s daughter Matilde wins award for her jewellery company Mourinho has hinted at getting a tattoo to celebrate having a grandchild when the time comesThe couple have been dating since 2016Credit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/The guest list has not been released for the weddingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/As well as the official ceremony at the Mourinho family’s POUNDS two million home in Azeitao and Sunday’s post-wedding get-together at Herdade do Peru, a pre-wedding dinner for around 80 guests has also been organised for tonight at the pretty town’s Jose Mario da Fonseca Museum House.An official guest list has not been revealed ahead of the wedding.Graham is not to be confused with former Swansea City star Danny Graham.Matilde’s partner is a director and co-founder of a property consultancy company called “Agace and Graham”.She has also found her own success away from football despite the fame of her father.She graduated with a Master’s degree from Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design in 2021.Portuguese TV station CMTV reported earlier this month the Mourinho home in Azeitao is one of several properties he is said to own in Portugal.It had undergone major refurbishments ahead of the wedding so the ceremony could be staged there.The former Manchester United and Chelsea manager has previously spoken about becoming a grandparent.He admitted that he would add to his trophy tattoos with one to celebrate the birth of a grandchild.He said: “This one I promised everyone.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The idea was to get a unique tattoo that only I could have: the three European cups won.”The next one I might get if my son or daughter had a baby girl or boy; it would be a special gift, and a tattoo could be a nice way to celebrate it.”Matilde Mourinho – Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/Credit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/ More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Erling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Johansen’s romance, from house hunting to preparing to become parents

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      ERLING Haaland looks certain to become a dad, if his latest social media post can be be believed.The Norwegian hotshot, 24, was on target twice against Slovenia on Thursday night in a Nations League clash.Man City ace Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen have kept their romance under wrapsAfter scoring a brace for Norway, Haaland confirmed his girlfriend was pregnantThe pair’s romance has blossomed on and off the pitchAfter the game, he celebrated by sharing a photo on X sucking his left thumb and with a ball under his jersey.Above the picture were baby and coming soon emojis, which sparked rumours that Haaland was teasing that he is about to become a dad.The latest reveal comes just a few days after the Man City striker was seen with girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen house-hunting in Cheshire.Both are big indications that Haaland and Isabel are ready to settle down together.Read more football newsThe pair are longterm loves, having met growing up together in Byrne.How it beganHaaland and Isabel were united by football in their homeland.They met each other when they were kids, who shared a mutual interest in the beautiful game and played for Byrne.Like Haaland, she too was an aspiring footballer in her youth who dreamed of becoming pro.Most read in FootballIn a rare interview, she recalled: “We were just kids, kicking a ball around without a care in the world.”Thierry Henry and Micah Richards pinpoint Erling Haaland’s biggest flaw that ‘Harry Kane can do’ on CBS Sports coverageThey soon became inseparable friends.She continued: “We were inseparable on the pitch.”We didn’t know it back then, but those moments were the foundation of something much bigger.”Romance blossomedAs Haaland’s career began to take off at RB Salzburg, love with Isabel reportedly blossomed.They stayed in touch, following his move from Molde.”We always kept in touch,” Isabel said.”It didn’t matter where we were—we always made time for each other.”A move to Borussia Dortmund didn’t hurt their love, and in fact solidified things for the better.She moved to support his dream of becoming a Bundesliga success, while chasing her own – playing women’s football in Germany.Haaland met pretty Isabel when they were kids in Byrne, NorwayLove blossomed for the pair after Haaland moved from Norway to pursue his careerSoon, Isabel moved to the UK to be with Haaland when he signed for Man CityWhen he moved to England, after signing for Man City, she joined him in Manchester.Rare sightingsOver the years, Haaland and Isabel have valued their privacy.They rarely shared any intimate moments on social media together, preferring to keep their love to themselves.A fleeting glimpse of their romance appeared when Haaland had a break in his busy schedule.In 2022, they were spotted enjoying a short break in Marbella together when City weren’t in midweek action.A couple of years later, they were spied in Capri, Italy on board a yacht.But, Isabel is more at home living a quieter life.”I’m happiest when I’m with the people I love, doing the things I enjoy,” Isabel shared. “That’s what keeps me grounded.”She added: “We just want to live our lives without too much fuss.Isabel revealed she loves the quiet life which helps her to stay groundedHaaland and Isabel are rarely seen in public and prefer to keep their romance privateHaaland and Isabel show off their bikini bodies on board a yachtread more sport features”At the end of the day, we’re just like any other couple.”House huntingHaaland, who reportedly earns around £865,000-per-week after bonuses, has already amassed a net worth of around £30million.Finally, he looks ready to invest that money into a property on our shores.Currently, he is believed to be renting a property in Alderley Edge, which is understood to belong to the Kamani family who own BooHoo and PrettyLittleThings.He already owns a £6million mansion in Marbella, where he enjoys spending his time in the summer.Haaland also has a £2.6m three-bedroom apartment in Oslo.Earlier this week, Isabel and the 6ft5in forward were spotted chatting in the street to an estate agent as they explored an amazing £3.5m mansion in Cheshire.The property – which is being sold by a Premier League star – boasts six bedrooms and six reception rooms, along with its own gym, swimming pool and steam room and sauna.And the modern mansion, built in 2017, is just a five-minute drive from the home of Haaland’s best mate and City winger Jack Grealish.This week, Haaland and Isabel were spotted looking at a £3.5m Cheshire mansionHaaland is believed to already own an impressive property portfolioIt is owned by West Ham footballer, Danny Ings.Baby on boardHaaland became Norway’s all-time top scorer with his brace against Slovenia.Despite the massive achievement, he had more pressing things to tell the world.With his thumb in his mouth and a ball tucked underneath his shirt to resemble a baby bump, Haaland stared down a camera lens giving fans a not so subtle hint he was to become a dad.The social media snap was simply captioned: “👶🏼🔜”.The post drew plenty of reaction from the football world.Teammate, and recent first time dad Jack Grealish, commented: “😍😍😍.”Kalvin Phillips shared: “Love it big fella congrats 😍❤️”.READ MORE SUN STORIESInside Keane and Haaland’s feudRoy Keane’s feud with the Haaland family seemingly began all the way back in 2001 when Keane hit Alfe Inge Haaland, Erling’s father, with a horror tackle.After a barren spell for Haaland earlier this season, Keane said: “The levels of his general play are so poor. He has to improve that. He is almost like a League Two player.”Keane upgraded him to a “Championship” player after Haaland scored against Nottingham Forest.After scoring four against Wolves, Haaland said: “I don’t care about that man.”But Keane highlighted Haaland’s behaviour when he was subbed off, saying he behaved “like a spoiled brat”.Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones caught the wrath of Keane’s death stare when he dared to question that label considering his quartet of goals.The football world has reacted to Haaland’s newsHaaland and Isabel have revealed they are to become first time parentsWhile former teammate Aymeric Laporte wrote: “😮😮👏👏”.With parents like these, expect baby Haaland to be a decent player too. More

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      in Boxing

      Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol is a Beauty and the Beast story between boxing poet and terrifying KO artist

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      RUSSIAN fighting is a dirty phrase around the world right now but it’s providing one of the most beautiful boxing scenes possible this weekend.Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev have been forced to leave their homes – for the USA and Canada respectively – as Vladimir Putin tries to fight the rest of decent civilization.Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol go head to head on SaturdayCredit: GettyAnd there are unlikely to be any white, blue and red flags raised or Russia national anthem played in Riyadh.But hopefully politics can be put aside as we watch possibly the finest pugilism contest available on planet earth right now.There are bigger-money bouts around, rematches and trilogies to dream about, there are definitely more outrageous showmen and trash talkers in the bleeding business.But when you combine their amateur pedigrees and achievements, with their undefeated professional records and their blatant clash of styles – and add in a dash of personal spite dating back decades – you are left with poetry in punching.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe undisputed light-heavyweight battle between Kyrgyzstan’s 33-year-old and 39-year-old Dagestani Beterbiev is boxing’s Beauty and the Beast in a setting as dramatic as Alladin’s desert.It is a bout Walt Disney would struggle to dream up himself. But we are all lucky enough to tune in this Saturday.AMATEUR CODEHairy Beterbiev started winning major medals for the Russian amateur side almost TWENTY years ago.He was robbed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics when pitted against a Chinese light-heavyweight opponent who went on to win a controversial gold.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBeterbiev burst onto the scene 20 years agoCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAnd by the time London 2012 Games came around he had moved up to heavyweight and only lost to another eventual golden boy in Oleksandr Usyk.In over 300 bouts he won multiple golds and silvers in the World and European Championships.Dmitry Bivol beats Lyndon Arthur in convincing fashion on AJ vs Wallin Day of Reckoning undercardAnd he only moved up to heavyweight, swapping 75kgs for 91kgs – toward the end of his amateur days – because it was too easy in the division below and Russia wanted winners in all divisions.Dmitry Bivol’s amateur career finished with another staggering record of 268-15 but he never made it to the Olympics or the World Championships as there were even more talented and experienced fighters ahead of him, like Egor Mekhontsev who won gold at London 2012 at light-heavy.Because of the six-year age gap, the pair rarely trained or travelled to tournaments together – Beterbiev was a seasoned senior while Bivol was a promising junior – but in 2012 they apparently did spar and Bivol remembers it well.“When I moved into the national team in 2012, he was already there as the No1 and he was the leader at that time,” he said.“He was a cruiserweight at that time and I was a super-middleweight.“Before the Olympic Games we did a few rounds of work together but it wasn’t proper sparring, it was just good work to help guys going to the Olympic games.”Beterbiev is a little more brutal about his protege-turned-prey.“He was not a sparring partner for me,” he said. “He can say whatever he likes.“I never needed him, from a lower category, to spar with me.”In 2012 I was fighting at 91kg and he was 75kgs. It’s not even a little bit true.”PRO RECORDSBoxing has been hurt by fighters, promoters and broadcasters protecting undefeated records.Bviol is 23-0Credit: Getty Images – GettyBut these two have thoroughly deserved their magnificent numbers.Bivol is 23-0 and has the scalps of former world champions like Jean Pascal, Joe Smith Jr and Zurdo Ramirez on his record.He has also dominated Brits Craig Richards and Lyndon Arthur on points.But, most impressively and famously, he controlled Canelo Alvarez so comfortably – in the Mexican’s adopted Las Vegas home – that he got a unanimous decision win over him in 2022, something even the legendary Gennady Golovkin failed, unfairly, to do.Beterbiev’s record is simply terrifying.The bearded brute has a 100 per cent knockout record, having battered all of his 20 opponents inside the distance.Tough Englishman Callum Johnson managed to drop Beterbiev early in their 2018 clash but he was then brutalised before the fourth-round finished.In 2019 Beterbiev won his second light-heavy belt by bludgeoning dangerous Oleksandr Gvozdyk so severely he needed two days in hospital and retired for two years.And his last two TKO wins came against brave Brits as Anthony Yarde and Callum Smith were stalked, slashed and saved by their wise trainers.STYLES MAKE SUPER FIGHTSBivol is a beautiful boxer with the trademark European point-scoring style.The clean-shaven beanpole bounces in and out of range and uses his long arms to tag his opponents, just when they think they are safe.His trademark dig is a long lead left-hook he somehow lands as he leaps backwards out of danger.The Canelo performance is the perfect example, his poise and precision was staggering to watch as he made boxing’s then pound-for-pound No1 look like a novice.It’s not always exciting, Saudi fans booed his dominant but dull decision win over Arthur last year.Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol: When is it, UK start time, live streamBut it is masterful and an acquired taste, like French haute cuisine, abstract art or The Guardian.The caveman in the opposite corner could not be more different.Beterbiev did not last 10 years on the Russian amateur squad by being some dimbulb brawler, there are brains behind his brawn.But he is essentially a human wrecking ball who smashes things to smithereens.Yarde put on a decent performance and lasted eight competitive rounds but he knows why other opponents endure far less.He explained: “Beterbiev takes away their souls – he beats them up for however many rounds they last.“Ours was like a normal fight, because we were trading, he seemed human, until the end.”THE BELTSWe must not let the four major sanctioning bodies block great fights with their own self interests, self-serving rankings, lucrative sanctioning fees and often baffling mandatory challengers.But we have all four of the belts on the line here and it is the pinnacle of the sport.Four belts are on the lineCredit: GettyBivol brings the WBA crown to the table, Beterbiev puts his WBC, IBF and WBO belts on the line.The winner will undoubtedly be the finest 12st 7lbs fighter on the planet and – depending on the manner of the victory – able to compete with Oleksandr Usyk, Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue for the mythical honour of P4P king of all of the different divisions.THE START OF A RIVALRY?This fight was already overdue before Beterbiev suffered a knee injury that postponed their June 1 duel.The rebuilt slugger will be 40 in January so the dream of a multi-fight story seems sadly unlikely.The two were due to fight in June but didn’t because of an injury to BeterbievCredit: ReutersIf there is a draw or a controversial decision, then we may see the fantasy fight a second time.But if Beterbiev batters Bivol inside the distance – or the silky younger man outhinks and outskills the veteran – then there will be no call for a rematch.The most likely scenario is the winner moves up to cruiserweight where 14st 4lbs monsters like Jai Opertai and Bournemouth’s WBO champ Chris Billam-Smith operate.OUR PREDICTIONMuch will depend on how Beterbiev’s body – especially the rebuilt knee – copes with chasing Bivol around the ring.If the ruptured meniscus, the painful surgery and the rapid return – after just 10 months since his last fight – mount up against Beterbiev, then he could be in for a long night.Bivol is younger, fresher, faster and taller but he does not possess the thudding power that Beterbiev wields to pummel people into defeat.It feels crazy to back against the man who made a mockery of the odds to beat Canelo.But Beterbiev feels like a fighting machine who only knows how to seek and destroy.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe bookies can barely split them – and neither can we – but Bivol by stoppage seems impossible whereas a Beterbiev KO or decision are both perfectly sensible ideas.So we pick Beterbiev – just. 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