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      in Soccer

      Former EFL star who won trophy at Wembley now runs £10MILLION business after breakdown prompted him to quit football

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      LEE BROWN enjoyed one hell of a career in the Football League.Two Wembley wins, more than 400 EFL appearances and a reputation as one of football’s nice guys.Lee Brown during AFC Wimbledon’s match with Salford City, one of the last games of his careerCredit: RexBrown celebrates securing Bristol Rovers’ promotion back to League One with a 92nd minute winnerCredit: PA:Press AssociationBrown, left, celebrates winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2019Credit: ReutersStarting out at QPR, he really made a name for himself at Bristol Rovers, scoring a dramatic 92nd minute winner on the final day of the 2015-16 season to secure back-to-back promotions for The Gas.He moved across to Portsmouth in June 2018, winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley the following season in front of 80,000 fans, before returning to his London roots and finishing his career at AFC Wimbledon.At 33, Brown rejected a new deal at Plough Lane, instead opting to pursue “other business interests”.Dubbed ‘Lee from football’ wherever he went for his bubbly personality and jokey antics on the pitch, Brown has now lifted the lid on the man behind the mask in a candid new interview.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking to the Portsmouth News’ chief reporter Neil Allen, the former Pompey man revealed football “had to go” as two worlds collided.He admits he could have easily carried on playing, and was still a regular in the AFC Wimbledon defence, but behind the scenes all was not well.He said: “I had to quit for my own sake. I was in a dark place, I’d had a mental breakdown, something had to give.‘I could no longer juggle football full-time and run a full-time business.”Most read in FootballNow 34, Brown runs a thriving property business called B3 Homes. He employs 20 staff, and boasts an impressive portfolio of luxury pads, with many selling for well in excess of £1million.B3 Homes “develop niche, high-end residential homes across London and the South East”Credit: Instagram b3.homesInside one of the properties Brown’s property portfolio has builtCredit: www.b3homes.co.ukJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAmong the current projects are a £1.3million house in Purley, a plot of three more houses in the same area and an ultra-modern detached family home in Warlingham.It all started when, at 26, he used his £25,000 savings pot to buy a house in the Filton area of Bristol, and built another house in its garden.Harry Redknapp phoned me up out of the blue to sign for ‘f***ing s****’ team – it was one of best moves of my careerHe had no money left to pay people to help build the house for him, so ended up doing it in his spare time while still playing League One football!Brown continued: “I’d never held a tool in my life, but I have this obsessive nature where I need to learn about everything.” If I was doing the plumbing, I would research how to be a plumber and, all of a sudden, knew how to run pipes. I would sit there until 3am until it sunk in.”Lee Brown wheels away in celebration after scoring for PortsmouthCredit: RexThe business grew and grew, but eventually Brown reached breaking point.He recalled former working from as soon as training finished until extremely late at night, and working again before hitting the training pitches the following morning.But it all became too much for him, and football had to go.”I was building six houses over in Purley, two in Cobham, while training every day and playing matches on a Saturday.”I lived in a pressure cooker, rocking in the chair at points because of so much stress.”I could not cope, physically or mentally. I had to give up football – or I would have been a goner.”Brown admits he shut off those around him, and the tipping point was when he broke down in tears in AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson’s office.Lee Brown lifts the Vanarama Conference Playoff Final trophy as Bristol Rovers secured their return to the Football LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyEx-Spurs and Charlton man Jackson gave Brown a fortnight off, regularly checking in on the veteran defender.He returned to the Wombles team in November 2024, making a further 22 appearances before bidding football farewell at the end of the season.Now almost a year into his post-football life, Brown is back to his bubbly self and is reaping the rewards of his hard work.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe finished: “I had to sacrifice my football career after biting off more than I could chew. But, sitting here now, I am good.Actually, I’m more than good. I’m happy.” More

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      in Boxing

      British Boxing card hit by ‘uncalibrated’ scales storm as furious trainer BOYCOTTS weigh-in after interrupting presenter

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      TRAINER Joe Gallagher threatened to BOYCOTT the weigh-in before his fighter’s world title bout due to “uncalibrated” scales. Natasha Jonas – coached by Gallagher – faces Wales’ Lauren Price for the unified 147lb welterweight world titles tonight at the Royal Albert Hall.Joe Gallagher said the scales were not calibrated correctlyCredit: ReutersHe was ready to boycott the weigh-insCredit: PABut drama unfolded when Gallagher claimed the official scales used at the weigh-in one day before fight night had not been correctly calibrated – meaning it could produce incorrect results. He interrupted Sky Sports’ MC and said: “No, there’s no weigh-in until these scales have had calibration.”I need to a see a certificate of calibration on these scales. Everyone’s weighed light on it today and usually these scales come with a calibration sticker on it. “Until that calibration sticker is here today, that they’re bang on weight, then there will be no weigh-in for the main event. READ MORE IN BOXING”Them scales need a calibration sticker on it. They’re the rules, I’m only playing by the rules.” Price later came in at 10st 5lb while Jonas – fully clothed – came in at 10st 6lb.Boxxer, promoting the event, said in a statement: “The scales were calibrated and the British Boxing Board of Control are happy that everything is correct” The all-women’s card is topped by Jonas and Price, an Olympic gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympics four years ago.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPromoter Ben Shalom said: “I think Joe believes that they were half a pound too light.”Ultimately, Lauren has come in lighter than Natasha so really it doesn’t make too much of a difference. When does WWE-backed TKO Saudi boxing league start and what does it mean for Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren?”I think Joe is protecting his fighter ahead of an unbelievable night tomorrow night and a huge pressure fight for both of them.”The pressure is on. It’s as much a battle of the trainers as it is a battle of the fighters – two of the best trainers this country has ever produced going head to head. It’s fascinating.”Price added: “There’s been drama all week. Gallagher is trying to make it about himself, but it’s Jonas vs Price.”Cool, calm, collected. Just looking forward to going out and showing how good I am.”I make the weight perfectly every camp, I’m a professional, it’s my natural weight as well.”It makes for a great fight, I respect Tash, I’m proud to be part of it. I’m in my prime, it’s my time and I’ll be taking those belts back to Wales.”Jonas and Price fight for the welterweight titlesCredit: PAControversy surrounded the weigh-insCredit: PA More

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      in Boxing

      Floyd Mayweather on course to lose unbeaten record to unknown 42-0 boxer who feared he would die in horror kidnapping

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      ROAD WARRIOR Abel Mendoza has been been building a record that matches the great Floyd Mayweather – but it almost cost him his life. Mendoza’s undefeated 42-0 record has been flying under the radar thanks to bouts in Mexico, South America, Jamaica and even South Korea. Abel Mendoza is the 42-0 boxerCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelHe is close to breaking Floyd Mayweather’s 50-0 recordCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelHis career has been going under the radarCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelBut it was after his last win in December – a win over Yonnaiquer Rondon in Colombia – that he was left staring death in the face. Mendoza was kidnapped in the back of a taxi alongside his friend and faced a fight to survive. Recalling the harrowing experience, he told SunSport: “I thought we were gonna die. “I thought they were gonna take us, hold us for ransom. At that moment I thought, man, I was disappointed.READ MORE IN BOXING”And in that moment I thought to myself – that’s when it just kind of hit me like – no I can’t die like this. I’m not gonna die.” Before turning professional in 2016 in Texas, Mendoza says he had close to 300 amateur bouts. He even beat Lamont Roach – who most believed was robbed of victory against superstar lightweight champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.Mendoza said: “I thought he beat Tank and I knew Lamont was gonna be a a hard fight for Tank, but a lot of people didn’t believe it.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 29-year-old is managed by brothers Scott and David Tetreault – who have taken his boxing career around the globe. But still Mendoza is without his big break, despite a shiny record to defend. When does WWE-backed TKO Saudi boxing league start and what does it mean for Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren?He said: “I haven’t been working with anybody or no other fighters wants to take a chance. They see my record, maybe they’re intimidated. “But I would have thought it would be the other way like, ‘Oh, he’s 42-0. Let me take his unbeaten record.’ But it’s not like that.”Mendoza took his career on the road in a bid to build his record, fighting largely in Mexico and up to EIGHT times a year.But six of his last eight have been in Colombia – with the most recent sparking his horror kidnapping ordeal. Mendoza claims he hailed down a cab after his Uber app stopped working – before a group of thugs robbed the boxer and his friend. He said: “Two guys get into the back and one of them had a screwdriver, the other one had a knife.”The driver, he turns around, he’s like, ‘Shut up, shut up, don’t talk.’ And I’m just in shock. I just couldn’t believe it.”And then they keep driving. I kept telling him like, ‘Hey man, let me go. You can take all my things here.’Mendoza has fought all around the worldCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelMendoza poses with boxing legend Manny PacquiaoCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelHere he is rubbing shoulders with UFC boss Dana WhiteCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabel”They just kept telling me to shut up. They hit me, I gave him my phone, gave him everything and all the money that I had.” Mendoza spotted an ambulance – first mistaking it for a police car – when he decided to fight his way out. He said: “I look at my friend and I’m like, ‘Right now’ because they don’t know English.”So I’m like, ‘Hey, right now.’ And my friend’s like, ‘All right.’ So I punched the guy and I opened the door.”My friend kicks the seat and he grabs the guy – because you could tell they weren’t fighters – and I opened the door and jumped out and my friend did the same thing.”He grabbed him and he took the knife and he jumped out too and we ran to a gas station.”Despite the terrifying ordeal, Mendoza is still not put off boxing away from home. He said: “I’m not afraid. I’ve been to Korea, I’ve been to Mexico a lot, even in New Mexico. I probably won’t go back to Colombia.”I mean, I’ll go anywhere, it’s what I’ve always done.”No I can’t die like this. I’m not gonna dieAbel Mendoza Mendoza improved to 42 wins before the kidnap attempt – moving ever closer to Mayweather’s record-breaking 50-0.But Mendoza insists: “The goal has always been trying to win belts. “I wanna become a world champion and I really don’t care about getting to 50-0. I have a lot of fights because I like to fight. “I love to fight. I have a lot of fights, I would rather take a fight than stay inactive and that’s why I have a lot of fights.”The goal is not to get to 50-0, the goal is to become a world champion. “If I get to 50-0 while that happens, it happens but I’m just trying to become a world champion.”Mendoza thought his big break was coming in February when Floyd Schofield pulled out of fighting WBC champ Shakur Stevenson.The Texan was ready to travel 8,000 miles to Riyadh to replace Schofield – but Britain’s Josh Padley was just a seven-hour flight away.Abel Mendoza snapped with Jake PaulCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelBrave Padley was beaten in nine rounds as Mendoza said: “My team reached out to them and they were trying to make it happen.”But I guess somebody from the UK was closer so they found him and he was there. It happens.” Mendoza has also called out 11-1 YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul – despite their FIVE STONE weight difference. But he said: “I just put it out there that I’d fight Jake. I actually think Jake’s a decent fighter, so that was one of the reasons why I put that out there.”I don’t know if he’s at the elite level. I think that’s whatwe’re all waiting to see… if if he’s at the elite level.”But from what I’ve seen, he looks pretty decent.”Mendoza is now just waiting for his big opportunity – warning boxing bigwigs he is open for business. He said: “I’m ready to fight, I wanna fight the best so I can prove myself that I am the best. I’m a free agent, so that’s a good thing.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m able to work with whoever right now and there are a few promoters interested. “But I’m just trying to be patient and just waiting to see what happens.”Mendoza is ready for the big timeCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabel More

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      in Soccer

      Fist-swinging street fighter Matheus Cunha is making us forget everything we once knew about Brazilian footballers

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      IT IS TIME to forget everything we used to believe about ­Brazilian footballers.Gliding around a pitch, Samba ­soccer, tiny sky-blue shorts, lovers, philosophers, 40-a-day smokers. Gone.Matheus Cunha was sent off for lashing out at Milos KerkezCredit: GettyHe had scored a spectacular goal earlier in the gameCredit: GettySocrates became iconic for his long hair and headbandCredit: Getty – ContributorHe smoked regularly during his playing daysCredit: Times Newspapers LtdConsigned to the dustbin of history in just a few weeks. Matheus Cunha has replaced all that with the 2025 version.An eye-bulging, fist-swinging, raging street-fighter looking for a tear-up on the cobbles of any market town.Those who grew up in the late 1970s and 80s have fuzzy childhood memories of Socrates, Zico, Falcao.Football at a snail’s pace. Ice-cool virtuosos waltzing while the Europeans combusted under searing sunshine at World Cups.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEven if they didn’t win, they lost in style and with good grace.Socrates was more than an elegant midfielder.He got through almost as many women as fags, was married four times and loved a beer.And it only further romanticised his reputation during the politically incorrect 20th Century.A left-leaning intellectual, Socrates wouldn’t punch a four-eyed, ginger-haired, Ipswich steward.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd rather than kick s**t out of Bournemouth’s left-back, he would light up a B&H and consider Karl Marx while performing keepy-ups.Wolves’ irascible striker should take note as he awaits the outcome of a second FA misconduct charge in less than two months.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsThe Brazilian is facing an extended banCredit: GettyGrabbing Milos Kerkez by the throat and appearing to launch his head towards the young Serb in last Saturday’s FA Cup tie felt quite un-Brazilian.Then fighting the friends trying to save you from further trouble is simply not done down in Rio.And if you harbour ambitions of a move to clubs like Arsenal, who are taking a serious interest in Cunha’s abilities, it might pay to be a bit more Socrates and a little less sock it to ’em.For years Brazil maintained a dignified position as the intelligentsia of the game. Brazilian footballers were a beacon on the South American continent.They were not the snappy Uruguayans overly-aggressive Argentines — they were jazz musicians in football boots.Even hot-headed ex-Chelsea and Wolves striker Diego Costa opted to represent Spain despite being born not far from Brazil’s Atlantic coast.It’s not that silly to think his government quietly suggested he switch nationalities because his fiery temper would ruin their reputation.Cunha is not all bad news.The sensational goal scored with a tiny backlift of his right boot prior to his latest meltdown would win serious approval from the ghosts of Brazil’s silky past. Which begs the question why such a talented player is so far removed from the Samba stars of yesteryear?The closest to an answer is that prior to pre-globalised football, the transfer rat-run between Latin America and Europe was a barely-trodden path.Socrates spent one season outside of his homeland — playing roughly two dozen games for Fiorentina in Italy.Plus a cameo role as player-coach of non-League Garforth Town in his 50s.Zico played less than 40 times for Udinese, also of Italy, then wound up his career in Japan.Falcao managed 100 or so appearances at Roma over two years.But the vast majority of their careers were spent safe from the Europeanisation of their approach to the beautiful game. That has all changed.Real Madrid’s dynamic winger ­Vinicius Jr was shipped to Real Madrid’s youth set up at 18.Willian was carted off to Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk at 19 on a pathway to England. It’s a now familiar pattern.Cunha quit South America before kicking a competitive ball aged 18 to join Swiss side Sion.From there he headed for RB Leipzig, Hertha Berlin and Atletico Madrid, before landing up in the Black Country where he is now fighting the world to avoid Premier League relegation.Perhaps he has just been tainted by the European model of pumped-up, win-at-all-costs football.REF’S SLOT OF BOTHERArne Slot has been fined for his outburst at Michael Oliver after the Merseyside derbyCredit: ReutersLET us all stop and think of David Coote for a moment as Liverpool boss Arne Slot goes back to work £70,000 lighter.Slot’s incendiary outburst at ref Michael Oliver at the end of last month’s fiery Merseyside derby showed what officials have to put up with at times.And it has parallels with his predecessor Jurgen Klopp raging at Coote for not awarding his team a penalty against Burnley some years earlier.As indefensible as ‘not sober’ Coote’s racist remarks were, he didn’t come up with the idea of letting rip at the German for a bit of fun.It was a reaction to the kind of in-your-face verbal violence Oliver had to swallow at Goodison Park when Slot’s team had simply drawn a match.This was Slot’s first serious offence in the Premier League, so let’s give him that.But referees are human despite what many people think. They have feelings.And long memories.CIT IT OUTNico O’Reilly helped Man City past Plymouth in the last round of the FA CupCredit: GettyANYONE else an ABC in the FA Cup this year? Anyone But City!It’s not their fault but to reinstate some romance back into the competition, can one of the other seven quarter-finalists win itManchester City have won the Prem four times in a ­row, FA Cup twice in the past six years and the bloody Champions League.Any two from Preston, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Fulham, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest would make for a refreshing final on May 17 — and a memorable day out for their fans.JURGEN’S JACKPOTJurgen Klopp admitted he was out of energy as Liverpool managerCredit: AlamyJURGEN KLOPP said he had ‘run out of energy’ so needed to quit Liverpool at the end of last season.Yet the club’s accounts show Klopp and his staff still trousered a whopping £9.6million pay-off.I know you can get money for voluntary redundancy but were Liverpool looking to cut numbers like Manchester United are? And even if they were, would Klopp have been ‘at risk’.Such generosity. Not so much You’ll Never Walk Alone as you’ll never need a loan. Not with that kind of golden goodbye anyway.READ MORE SUN STORIESWAD-ING INJames Wage beat Luke Humphries at the UK OpenCredit: GettySTORY of the week has to be darts’ lickgate scandal where James Wade was called ‘disgusting’ for licking the neck of rival Luke Humphries at the UK Open.Perhaps that is what they mean by ‘tongue-sten shafts’? More

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      in Athletics

      Meet the Greta Thunberg of Team GB Athletics who has turned down events to avoid flying

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      ECO WARRIOR Innes FitzGerald is ‘gutted’ the British Athletics squad took a flight not the Eurostar to Holland for the European Athletics Indoor Championships.The Greta Thunberg of track-and-field might only be 18 years old, but she cares deeply about highlighting environmental issues.Innes Fitzgerald cares a lot about highlighting environmental issuesCredit: GettyShe prefers not to fly to eventsCredit: GettyTwo years ago, FitzGerald – who is studying Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Exeter – skipped a cross-country event in Australia in “solidarity” of the “climate breakdown”.And to attend a race in Turin, she took trains, coaches and even rode a bicycle instead of taking a straightforward, direct flight to Italy.Yet for this latest event in Apeldoorn, she reluctantly flew with teammates into Amsterdam because she did not have enough time to sort out a train schedule.FitzGerald, who hails from Beer in Devon, said: “Unfortunately, this time, I hadn’t managed to sort it out.READ MORE ON SPORT“Logistically, it’s been quite complicated. I’ve been very busy with uni stuff and other different family issues.“I do feel like I should be getting the train there and that’s definitely something I’m going to be doing in the future.“And for me, it’s quite gutting that the whole team aren’t going together on the train, considering it’s so close and so easy to do.“But I’ll continue to talk out about environmental issues in the future, because I know it’s really important. I strongly believe that we as athletes have a responsibility.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“There’s always more they can do, whether that’s World Athletics or British Athletics, or any other organisations.“I think there’s always more to be done and I’ll continue to campaign for that. ‘See you next week’ vows Sharlene Mawdsley as she preps for Euro Champs with ‘lots of hard work, good food & goodies’“Whenever I’m getting on a flight, it’s never easy. I’m always thinking: ‘Oh, I shouldn’t be doing this.’“But I know that I’ve got to go to these championships to fulfil my dreams as a professional athlete.“So, it’s just about balancing that and trying to do as much as I can in other areas of my life to try and make up for it – and speak out and raise awareness.“Greta is very inspirational. She has managed to mobilise so many young people.“I think it’s a compliment to be associated with her. If I can do anything near to what she’s done, then I’ll be very happy.”Her first appearance wearing a senior GB top will be on Saturday morning in the heats for the women’s 3,000 metres.A successful junior cross-country runner, FitzGerald finished third in the indoor trials in Birmingham but was selected when second-place Laura Muir suffered a calf injury.FitzGerald is coached by Gavin Pavey – the husband of five-time Olympian Jo – and she said: “There’s not too much pressure on me because of my age and it’s my first senior GB vest.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I just want to go out there and enjoy it. Hopefully I’ll get into that final. That’s where I believe I belong.“Hopefully I’ll compete for one of those medals. But just getting close, that’s the main thing.”Personal best(s)Here is a look at FitzGerald’s recent best times…1500m: 4.15:04 (Watford, 2022)3000m: 8.40:05 (Ostrava, 2025)5000m: 15:26.76 (Manchester, 2024) More

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      in Boxing

      I sunk $100,000 into my boxing career before one punch changed my life… now I’m signed to Jake Paul

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      LUCAS BAHDI sunk $100,000 of his own money into his boxing career – but one punch saw the gamble all pay off. Bahdi was an unknown outsider in July 2024 when Floyd Schofield pulled out of fighting Jake Paul’s highly-touted prospect Ashton Sylve. Lucas Bahdi knocked out Ashton Sylve with a monstrous left hookCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsBahdi was signed by Jake Paul afterwardsCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsSo when the Canadian got the call on three weeks notice to replace Schofield – he backed his lightning quick hands to steal Sylve’s thunder.Bahdi, 31, told SunSport: “I was going in as a B-side opponent. They didn’t expect anything from me. “That was an event to showcase Ashton and I came in and I stole the show.”They didn’t really know much about me at the time but they got to learn real quick.” READ MORE IN BOXINGBahdi sensationally came from behind to knock Sylve out and leave the 21-year-old faceplanting the canvas after a devastating left hook.The lightweight became a star overnight and was quickly signed by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions banner. But what fans did not know was Bahdi had been quietly making a name for himself on small shows in Mexico and Canada. He was just praying an opportunity would come his way – estimating he spent $100,000 (£77,000) of his own cash to fund his career. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBahdi said: “When I first turned pro, I was fighting like every four or five weeks.”I fought nine fights in nine months and I funded my whole career from from my pro debut till about 11-0, 12-0.KSI lifts lid on meeting with Turki Alalshikh and teases fight talks… but blasts Jake Paul as ‘disgrace to boxing’ “And if I didn’t do that, I probably wouldn’t have got that opportunity to fight Ashton.”Because I would have had only a couple of fights or I would have been with the local promoter.”I think everything played out in my favour. I bet on myself and I definitely pulled through.”Bahdi’s sixth-round KO of Sylve was fitting for any Hollywood movie script – but he says that is nothing compared to what he experienced in Mexico. One bout – during the covid pandemic – saw Bahdi travel without any friends, family or coaches.And he was staring defeat in the face when both his hands were busted and his eyes almost closed shut due to damage sustained. Bahdi revealed: “Five weeks before, I broke my left hand. I was so frustrated with everything that I didn’t care.It was the craziest story – they could have made a movie on that night. Lucas Bahdi “I said, I’m still gonna go and I’m gonna knock him out with one hand. And in the first round, I broke my good hand!”So I was in there with two broken hands and it was the middle of the second round when I realised something is really wrong with my good hand at the time.”Things weren’t going well for me after that point, the third round was a terrible round and I was getting touched up pretty good.”Both my eyes were almost swollen shut and in the fourth round, I ended up catching him with counter left hook and knocked him out.”It was the craziest story – they could have made a movie on that night. “From before the fight, till after the fight, to going home, traveling alone with two broken hands, with almost two eyes that are swollen shut.”There could have been a movie on that. I couldn’t even pack my bags. ‘It’s only a matter of time'”To get out of the hotel, I literally had to get the front desk to help me. It a crazy eventful experience, to say the least.”Bahdi is now a 135lb contender being pushed with the help of YouTuber-turned boxer Paul. And Bahdi said: “He’s not only a boxer himself, he’s a promoter, so he’s got to put both hats on and it’s not easy to do. But he’s amazing for the sport.”He’s amazing to be a part of his team because he’s got such a big influence and he’s he’s making waves in the boxing scene right now as you can see and I think this is only the beginning.”Bahdi is 18-0 with 15 KOs and returns on Friday in Canada against Ryan James Racaza, 28, himself unbeaten in 15 bouts.And he warned the champions at lightweight that it is only a matter of time until he comes hunting for their gold. Bahdi warned: “I think in the next six to 12 months, I’ll be fighting for titles. It’s only a matter of time. I’m only a couple of fights away.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m aiming for the champions, whether it’s Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, Loma or Keyshawn Davis. For me, I don’t care.”I’m gonna be knocking on their doors very soon and if they don’t answer, I’ll be kicking them down.”Bahdi’s brutal KO of SylveCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsHe is now 18-0 looking for a world title shotCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable Promotions More

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      in Boxing

      ‘It’s f***ing brutal’ – Dillon Danis reveals horror knee injury left him suicidal before turning his career around

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      DILLON DANIS has opened up on how his horror knee injury left him in the darkest of places – and how boxing has been an unlikely source of light.The American shot to fame in 2016 after being hired by Conor McGregor as a jiu-jitsu training partner before the Irishman’s rematch win over Nate Diaz. Dillon Danis recovered after horror knee injuriesCredit: @dillondanisHe has turned it around to embark on a big-money boxing switchCredit: SplashDanis has since become a controversial and outspoken figure in fight sports after going 2-0 in MMA. But two agonising knee injuries suffered in training left him bed bound and depressed.Danis, 31, told SunSport: “It was terrible. F***ing terrible.”I mean, I don’t want to get too dark, but it does get a little suicidal because you can’t do what you love and you’re stuck in a bed in a brace, you can’t move for eight months.READ MORE IN BOXING”I had it twice, so yeah, it’s f***ing brutal. You don’t know if you’re ever gonna be the same again.”There’s a lot of s***, man, it’s one of the worst things that you can go through as an athlete.”Danis’ last fight in the cage was 2019 and he became more recognisable as an internet troll than professional fighter. And despite limited striking skills, Danis chased big-money boxing bouts against the likes of Jake Paul. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe pulled out of a 2023 fight against KSI before eventually facing Paul’s brother Logan in his boxing debut in 2023. Danis does now return to the ring once more to fight KSI on March 29 in Manchester – three years after their initial bout was axed. KSI reveals penalties in Dillon Danis’ contract to stop rival performing MMA moves in ring And, the New Yorker also has an MMA return scheduled for May against ex-UFC star Tony Ferguson, 41. It is a sudden turn of events for the 31-year-old – who welcomed his son into the world one month before fighting Logan. Danis said: “I’m fine money-wise, it’s just more for my legacy in my career.”I wanna get back just fighting, that’s what I love to do. I have to do knee surgeries and now I’m more healthy. “So I just wanna be active, but obviously having a son is great, but you know, providing, but I have money, so it is what it is.”Danis was disqualified in the sixth and final round against Logan after attempting an MMA-style submission move. And he had no plans of ever getting back into the boxing ring – until a mega-money offer came in from old enemy KSI.Danis said: “I didn’t wanna box again, to be honest with you. Danis welcomed his son into the world in 2023Credit: @dillondanisDanis is out to provide for his boyCredit: @dillondanis”I want MMA but then this fight came around and it was KSI and redemption and there was a lot of things into it.”A lot of money, and you know me and KSI’s backstory, him being close to Logan.”So yeah, I mean it is what it is. I knew that KSI always needed me with this fight. I don’t need him. He needs me.”KSI is yet to return since suffering his first defeat in the ring, losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, the night Danis fought Logan. And the British YouTuber-turned-boxer was left scrambling for an opponent after ex-Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge, 44, pulled out.That was after KSI made reference to Bridge’s infamous feud with former team-mate John Terry.So Danis was called in as a late replacement – offering him and KSI the chance to finish their feud once and for all. But Danis said: “I just feel like he’s not equal to me. I was saying he’s like a little brother to me, so I don’t know, I don’t really care about the guy.”I’m gonna knock him out and get my money and go and fight Tony. So it is what it is. It’s an easy boxing match.”He’s gonna run around for six rounds. I know how he is. I’m just happy to punch him in the face.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe bad blood between the two escalated on stage at the press conference when KSI slapped Danis with a PANCAKE. Danis had to be held back by a team of security as he desperately tried to get his hands on KSI – who wheeled off in laughter. KSI slapped Danis with a pancake at their press conferenceCredit: PA More

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      Inside Jermaine Jenas’ split with wife of 13 years Ellie, from sexting scandal to hope of reconciliation and Xmas snub

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      JERMAINE JENAS and his wife of 13 years Ellie have separated, following his sexting scandal and axing from the BBC.The former One Show host and Match of the Day pundit was sacked from his £190,000-per-year job with the broadcaster, after he was accused of sending inappropriate text messages to two female colleagues.Jermaine Jenas and Ellie Penfold have separatedCredit: GettyJenas revealed all to The Sun about his sexting scandalCredit: Andrew StyczynskiJenas, Ellie and their children pose for a family holiday snapCredit: Instagram @jjenasThe ex-footballer vowed to save his marriage.However Ellie has released a statement on Instagram revealing they have parted ways.It read: “I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it’s necessary.”After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways.Read more on Jermaine Jenas”We will remain friends and continue to co-parent. We kindly ask that you respect our children’s privacy during this challenging time.”Thank you, Ellie.”The decision will be a blow to Jenas, who has returned to work at talkSPORT, after he publicly apologised to Ellie “for all the BS” caused by the fallout.SunSport looks inside their sad split.Most read in FootballThe aftermathJenas and Ellie were on a family holiday in Spain when he was quizzed by BBC bosses about his explicit text messages to the female workers.He admitted sneaking off to talk to his bosses in a secret video call about the allegations.Jermaine Jenas’ wife Ellie breaks silence on sexting scandal & tells The Sun: ‘It’s been tough’When they returned, the Beeb made the decision to cut ties with Jenas.The ex-Tottenham midfielder, 42, insisted he hadn’t done anything illegal and the messages were exchanged by two consenting adults.However, Ellie was left raging.She kicked him out of their £1million Hertfordshire mansion In an interview with The Sun, he said: “We’ve not really spoken properly since. She’s absolutely raging.”Trying to repair thingsJenas and Ellie tied the knot in 2011.They share two daughters, Geneva and Olivia, and boy, Jacob, together.Jenas also has an older daughter, Sancha, from a previous relationship who lives in the United States with her mother.Privately, Jenas had hoped to save his marriage.Jenas told us he hoped to save the marriage to EllieCredit: Andrew StyczynskiAfter the sexting scandal, Ellie kicked Jenas out of their £1m homeCredit: Instagram @elliejenasAn incredibly sorry Jenas apologised to his wife for his inappropriate text messagesCredit: Instagram @jjenasread more sport featuresHe said back in August: “It’s just about the children right now. It’s the school holidays and they’re trapped in the house because photographers are outside my house.”They’re like, ‘What’s going on, Daddy?’. It’s tough.”He added: “I’ve got to take responsibility and I’ve apologised to all of them.”I don’t know what to say about that, to be honest with you.”It’s just hard at home for the kids right now. My wife’s a real one.”My wife is solid and she’s amazing. She is kind. She just needs some time.”In that time, Ellie launched her personal care brand Preppy in November at an event she was seen without her wedding ring.While she shared photos on Instagram of girls’ nights out with her friends.Ellie told The Sun: “It has been an incredibly hard and difficult time for myself and my family.”My only focus has been on our children and building my brand Preppy.Ellie seen on a girls’ night out in DecemberCredit: InstagramWhen the scandal broke, Ellie pushed herself towards her work with her brand PreppyCredit: INSTAGRAMJenas shared a gushing tribute to congratulate his wife for her brand launchCredit: Instagram”Now I just want to move forward.”Naturally this has been hard for me but my only concern has been our children and that will not change.”Jenas also posted his own gushing praise for his wife on social media, following her launch.He wrote on Instagram: “Couldn’t be more proud of this woman, 3 years ago you had a great idea and this week you got to make that idea a reality. “Starting a brand is hard enough, but working hard and being committed to getting it done even with all the B******T I’ve dragged you through recently should be enough evidence that you’ll make it a success.”Xmas snubBut, by the time Christmas came, Ellie hadn’t thawed.On Christmas Day, Jermaine was absent from any photos she shared on Instagram.However, the kids were all beaming in matching pyjamas in one she posted of them standing in front of a tree.Intriguingly, they both shared a journey on The Santa Steam Express with the kids.Jenas, who was seen wearing his wedding ring, captioned the snaps: “Some Christmas fun with the family.”While Ellie posted the same pictures separately with emojis including a Christmas tree, dog, snowflake, snowman, and a heart.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnfortunately, it didn’t work out for the pair.But, as their social media suggests, they will be putting their kids first, despite their personal woes.Ellie shared a snap of the children on Christmas Day togetherCredit: Instagram @elliejenasThe family united for the children for a trip on The Santa ExpressJenas poses with one his children on the family ventureEllie wasn’t able to forgive Jenas and confirmed their split on Instagram More