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      in Soccer

      From fiercely protective dad to mum’s sacrifice – how Jobe Bellingham is finally stepping out from brother Jude’s shadow

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      SIBLING rivalry is a rite of passage, but for the Bellingham brothers it has also formed the basis of their football careers.Jude, 21, has been hailed a generational talent — and now little brother Jobe is emerging from his 6ft 1in shadow.Jude Bellingham’s little brother Jobe, above, is finally stepping out from his brother’s shadow – and making a big name for himself on the pitchCredit: Shutterstock EditorialJobe and Jude with mum Denise and dad MarkCredit: InstagramJobe, left, and Jude as young kidsCredit: Instagram/jobebellinghamAn exceptional talent in his own right, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder is being pursued by three German clubs and was part of the Sunderland team which was promoted to the Premier League on Saturday night.It came less than a month after the North East Football Writers’ Association named him Young Player of the Year.Reacting to Jobe’s part in Sunderland’s historic win, ecstatic Jude posted a photo of a video call they had together, captioning it: “SO F****** PROUD”.And chuffed Jobe told reporters: “I always believed — you have to believe.“When you’ve got supporters like this and a group of lads like that, you always have to believe.”Celebrating Jobe’s win yesterday, Jude reposted a fan photo of the two brothers holding their respective trophies at Wembley, captioning it “WemBelli”.The England midfielder won the Champions League last year at the stadium with Real Madrid while his family watched.‘Demanding on the pitch’Given Jude’s huge success, it is no wonder Jobe likes to make sure that his sibling stays grounded — by teasing him for being dependent on their mum.Denise Bellingham has followed her eldest from the UK to Dortmund in Germany, and then on to Madrid.“Maybe if Jude could learn how to cook and drive, mum could come back and live with me — but nah, Jude is useless,” Jobe quipped in Out Of The Floodlights, a YouTube documentary about his brother’s life in Spain.Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at WembleyJobe began his professional career at Birmingham City in 2021 — a year after his brother left the team.The 6ft 2in powerhouse was the team’s second-youngest player at 16 years and 107 days old when he made his first team debut — only Jude started younger.We’d play on a Tuesday and he’d turn up in his school uniform. It was mad. He’d just played a game for his school, and then he was sitting on the bench for usLee Bower, ex-Bristol City ManagerLee Bowyer, who snapped up both Bellinghams, saw Jobe as the “baby” when he arrived on the subs bench.The former manager said: “We’d play on a Tuesday and he’d turn up in his school uniform. It was mad.“He’d just played a game for his school, and then he was sitting on the bench for us. He was very respectful and wanted to learn. His feet were on the ground.“His parents are a big drive for him. He wanted to make his own name. The potential was there. The attitude was there.“He’s a nice, well-mannered boy but demanding on the pitch — he didn’t shy away from anything. He has confidence, but not arrogance.”Jobe chose to use just his first name on his Black Cats shirt instead of his surname to distinguish himself from his brother.His former team-mate Troy Deeney said it showed Jobe wanted to carve out his own identity, and constant comparisons to Jude were unfair.Troy told Sky Sports: “Whenever people talk about Jobe, it’s always ‘Is he as good as his brother?’ or ‘Jude was doing this and that at his age.’“Jobe is going to be successful — he already is successful.“I don’t think any of us could ever put ourselves in his shoes of being a young person trying to find himself in life, and then having a brother that’s a world-famous superstar.“No matter what you do, you’re always going to be compared to that.”Jobe, right, and Jude at the Louis Vitton show at Paris Fashion Week in 2023Credit: GettyReacting to Jobe’s part in Sunderland’s historic win, ecstatic Jude posted a photo of a video call they had together, captioning it: ‘SO F****** PROUD’Credit: InstagramStepping out from his brother’s shadow, Jobe signed to Sunderland for £1million on June 14, 2023.Unfortunately, his brother unintentionally stole the limelight as Jude’s move to Real Madrid was announced on the same day.For both Bellinghams, football has been a huge part of their life, as they grew up watching their father in non-league matches.Southend-born Mark, 49, scored 700 goals by the age of 40 at Midland League Division Two side Paget Rangers in 2016.The retired policeman is thought to have played in approximately 850 games but still describes himself as “not very good”.He is fiercely proud of both his children, often reminding journalists “I have two sons, you know” when they ask about just one.Mark lives with Jobe in the UK and does his best to keep the family unit tight despite the distance between them. The lads often fly to each other’s games when their schedules allow, and their parents rack up air miles to spend time with both.After a spectacular performance this season, it appears Jobe might be following in his brother’s footsteps yet again, as Jude’s old Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund are eying up the youngster.‘That’s Jobe, he’s ours’German newspaper Bild reported that Dortmund are offering £25million to get the footballer on their books this summer.Jobe has also caught the attention of RB Leipzig and yesterday met with Eintracht Frankfurt.The teen’s fancy footwork has even reached the ears of Real Madrid, thanks to his two goals in Sunderland’s victory against Rotherham in August 2023.JOBE AND JUDEJOBE AGE: 19CLUBS: Birmingham City, SunderlandENGLAND CAPS: 0WEEKLY PAY: £12,500PROFESSIONAL DEBUT AGE: 16 years and 107 daysBRAND DEALS: Adidas for Sports DirectLOVELIFE: Currently singleROOM-MATE: Dad MarkJUDE AGE: 21CLUBS: Birmingham City, Borussia Dortmund, Real MadridENGLAND CAPS: 42WEEKLY PAY: £220,000PROFESSIONAL DEBUT AGE: 16 years and 38 daysBRAND DEALS: Adidas, SKIMS, Louis VuittonLOVELIFE: Dating influencer Ashlyn CastroROOM-MATE: Mum DeniseRecalling being taunted by his boss, Jude said: “I’m in shock that he’s scored twice and then as we’re coming out, (Carlo) Ancelotti goes to me, ‘F***ing hell, we bought the wrong one.’“And I’m like, ‘you’re joking’. He says, ‘No seriously, I’m going to bring him in.’“I said, ‘Well where are you going to play him?’ He says, ‘In your position.’ I was like, ‘F*** that!’.”Dad Mark will be keen to see Jobe stand on his own two feet and not just follow his brother’s footsteps.I think every time I’m with my brother, I’m just laughing. We’re just constantly making jokes. We barely really talk about footballJobe on JudeSpeaking in Out Of The Floodlights, he said: “I want Jobe to have his day — finally, for someone to say, ‘He’s not Jude’s brother’.“We’ve got the Sunderland fans — no connection to Jude now — who can say, ‘That’s Jobe, he’s ours’.”Mum Denise added: “I just want to see Jobe on the pitch, in a Jobe shirt — not a Bellingham shirt — starting and having his moment.“I want him to start and have his moment.”Off the pitch, the brothers don’t talk about the beautiful game.In the series, Jobe said: “I think every time I’m with my brother, I’m just laughing.“We’re just constantly making jokes. We barely really talk about football.”The brothers have been seen dining in Caribbean restaurant Turtle Bay in County Durham and Italian eaterie Romano’s in Cleadon near Sunderland.They have also attended Louis Vuitton’s show in Paris together, while Jobe has modelled for Adidas and Jude topless for Kim Kardashian’s underwear brand SKIMS.But Jobe has yet to emulate one aspect of his brother’s life — a string of stunning girlfriends.Jude has been linked to Dutch model Laura Celia Valk and You-Tuber Azra Mian, and is now dating US catwalk star Ashlyn Castro.With Jobe’s star on the rise, he won’t struggle to get a stunning girl to have on his arm if he wants one.Jude has been linked to Dutch model Laura Celia Valk and YouTuber Azra Mian, and is now dating US catwalk star Ashlyn Castro (above)Credit: InstagramJobe and mum Denise in the stands during Euro 2024Credit: PA More

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      in Boxing

      Josh Taylor shows off brutal face injuries after crushing Ekow Essuman loss and explains why he stormed out of the ring

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      JOSH TAYLOR apologised to his fans and vowed to fight again after storming out of the ring following a nightmare homecoming. Taylor moved up to welterweight after signing with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions in a bid to revive his career. Ekow Essuman defeated Josh Taylor on pointsCredit: SNSBut in his first fight back in a year, the Scottish great was handed a humbling points loss against Ekow Essuman in Glasgow. The ex-undisputed world champion refused to stick around to congratulate Essuman and thank the 13,000 who came out in support. But Taylor, fuming with the scorecards, posted: “I would just like to apologise to all the fans last night for leaving the ring before having an interview and before taking the time to thank you all for showing up and showing out, as you always have done over the past 10 years. “I headed to the changing rooms because I did not want to say something in the heat of the moment or that I’d later regret on live tv. READ MORE IN BOXING”Your support means the world to me and you’ve created wonderful memories for me that will stay with me until the day I die. “You’ve all helped to create some incredible moments in my life and despite the result, last night was another special night that was right up there, so thank each and every one of you. “Thank you to Queensberry for bringing a big show back to Scotland and to Ekow once again on the victory.”Taylor became undisputed super-lightweight kingpin in just 18 fights and found himself in the top ten pound-for-pound discussion. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut cracks in his career started to appear after a controversial split-decision win over Jack Catterall in 2022. He was then beaten by American Teofimo Lopez, 27, in 2023 before losing his rematch to Catterall, 31, last May. Hamzah Sheeraz opens up on sparring Justin Bieber in LA gymDefeat to Essuman, 36, now his third on the spin leaves Taylor’s career in tatters but the southpaw insisted he will fight on. Sporting a battered face and swollen eye, the 34-year-old told iFL TV: “I’ll be back to the gym in a couple of weeks. “That’s the mistake I’ve made in the last couple of years. Got into that routine. I’ve had one fight a year since 2020, it’s just not enough activity. “Congratulations to Ekow and his team. He fought a good fight, it was a great fight and I’d love to do it again to get it back. “But he’s obviously well entitled to go and do other things. He’s been waiting for his chance so he’s going to want to look onto bigger fights. “But I’d love to get it on again and have another good fight because it was a good fight.” Taylor was left with a battered face More

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a child

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      CALLUM WILSON revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12 and how seeking therapy a year ago saved him from his demons.The father-of-two forward, whose Newcastle contract expires next month, bravely spoke out during Mental Health Awareness week and hopes his story will inspire others to ask for help.Callum Wilson revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12Wilson has represented England at senior levelCredit: GettyHis Newcastle contract expires at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyEngland international Wilson, 33, bared all about growing up in Coventry as one of six children with a single mum and with a different dad to his siblings.The Leeds transfer target spent time in foster care and had to regularly use food banks while also staying in safe houses after witnessing domestic violence at home.He told Jake Humphrey on the High Performance podcast: “I cried myself to sleep at night. I got to about 12, 13 – it was like suicidal moments.”When I say I cried myself to sleep, I was just praying to God like ‘take me out of this environment, I want to become a footballer’.”read more in football He admitted: “I’ve walked alongside the train track and was building up the courage to jump basically in front of the train. “I’ve tied cables around my bedroom rail and my PlayStation remote controller to see if it was strong enough to hold my weight.“Football really was my saviour, it was my escape.”Wilson, though, refuses to blame his mother for any of his unstable upbringing, saying: “It was my mum on her own, all my siblings in the house. Most read in Football”We had a three bedroom council house. Food was sparing to come by. That, along with a bit of turmoil.“I probably have a lot of aggression from that point, but football was a place that I could be aggressive in my position on the pitch and it would be ok. So it was like a release really.”Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdDespite all of the success in his career on the pitch, Wilson admitted that he had started to become more aggressive over recent years and he started to gamble.Though he hailed a Newcastle physio for spotting he needed help and making him take it – which felt “like a weight was lifted” after the very first session.He added: “Once I started speaking, and revealed everything I’ve been through in life, she was like ‘Wow, how have you got to this point already without not seeing a therapist?’“I speak to my wife about it, but I didn’t want to blur the lines with our relationship. “She’s not my therapist, she’s my wife and the mother of my children, so I didn’t want to burden her with problems. “You can speak to a therapist and it does feel a sense of relief afterwards.“It’s an investment in yourself and more than worth it. I’m probably learning a lot about myself now – little traits that I have that were obviously triggered by things as a kid. I’m really happy.”YOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organizations provide support:CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.ukMind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123Movember, www.uk.movember.comMeanwhile, Wilson appeared to wave goodbye to Newcastle with a tearful solo lap of honour round the St. James’ pitch on Sunday after the Magpies had secured Champions League qualification.Although Magpies boss Eddie Howe refused to rule out a potential stay.Howe said: “Let’s wait and see. We’re going to sit down and talk with his representatives.“What I can say is Callum Wilson is and has been just an incredible footballer for Newcastle. “Someone who epitomises the spirit that’s got us to where we are really professional. Brave.“To come here and be the No.9 in the manner and the moment that he did in the club’s history. Read More on The Sun”It was a difficult moment and the club needed hope and Callum gave them hope, led the line with that responsibility and the pressure that role brings unbelievably.“He brings a positivity to the group. He’s a leader within the change room. He’s just been incredible and let’s wait and see what happens.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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      in Soccer

      Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fans

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD broke down in tears in his Liverpool farewell – and received an incredible Anfield send-offThe departing right-back was benched for the Premier League champion’s final game of the season at home to Crystal Palace.Trent Alexander-Arnold shed tears in his Liverpool farewellCredit: GettyLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk embraces with Alexander-ArnoldCredit: EPAAlexander-Arnold won two Prem titles at LiverpoolCredit: GettyHe was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s 3-2 loss to Brighton and faced BOOS at Anfield after coming off the bench against Arsenal. Even Jurgen Klopp – who handed Alexander-Arnold his debut – condemned the boo boys. But in his last game for Liverpool, he came off the bench in place of Conor Bradley and received a warm welcome by fans. Alexander-Arnold was also cheered when he received his winners medal and the boyhood Red kissed the badge in response.READ MORE IN football While on the bench he looked like he was fighting back tears – but he could not hold it in at the final whistle.He peered around Anfield while wearing Liverpool red for the final time and gave his team-mates a farewell hug.He tapped and kissed the badge he has worn for 20 years while cheers echoed around Anfield. And that will be the lasting memory he would have hoped for before stepping out as a Liverpool player for the final time. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlexander-Arnold admitted he was not sure what reception he was going to get at Anfield – but demanded one more match in red.He said: “I didn’t know what to expect stepping out at Anfield today after what had happened. “But I wanted to play for the club one more time, I told the manager, and he trusted me. “The reception I got means so much to me. I have never felt more loved and more cared for than today. “I hope that one day the fans and supporters of this club are able to recognise the hard work I put in for this team. “From six to 26, 20 years is a very long time. I have loved every second of it, it has been an honour and a privilege to be a part of this club. “I’ll remember these moments for the rest of my life. This day will go down as the best in my life.”Trent struggled to hold his emotions in checkCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold made his Liverpool debut in 2016Credit: PAHe won the Champions League in 2019Credit: Getty – ContributorLiverpool won their first title in 30 years in 2020Credit: AFPIt’s little surprise TAA was so emotional, the defender did come through Liverpool’s academy – making his debut aged 16 in 2016 under Klopp.He later became a first-team regular in the German’s side, winning the Champions League in 2018.One year later and Alexander-Arnold helped Liverpool to the league title – their first in 30 years. In 2021, Alexander-Arnold signed a new four-year Liverpool deal. And despite talks throughout the season, Liverpool could not manage to convince the player to extend it once more.An offer which would have made him one of the highest-paid full-backs in the world was said to have been rejected. Madrid are believed to have made a cut-price £20million bid for the defender in January – but Liverpool rejected it. Alexander-Arnold, though, had his heart set on the Spanish capital where England team-mate Jude Bellingham has been since his £115m move in 2023. Finally, on May 5 Liverpool finally confirmed his exit with a blunt statement. It read: “Trent Alexander-Arnold has informed Liverpool FC of his intention to leave the club this summer upon the expiry of his current contract.” Alexander-Arnold said: “I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. “I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. “I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it.”I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here.” He told fans directly: “There’s a lot I would like to say. The main thing is a massive thank you. “You guys have been there from the start with me, you guys have supported me, been there.“I’ve felt the support, the love, everything that you guys have done has never been unnoticed by me, I’ve loved every single minute of it. “I hope they have felt that has been reciprocated and that I’ve given everything I could to the club.“I’m just hoping that we’re able to carry on winning games, the noise [around my decision] doesn’t take away from the fact of what we’ve achieved this season.“It has been an amazing season. It has been amazing to be part of it and I just hope that everyone is able to maybe not dwell on this news for too long and be able to celebrate what the rest of the lads have done.”Liverpool legend and former Madrid star Xabi Alonso is expected to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.England team-mates Jude Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold are closeCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold is expected to play in the Club World Cup for Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnd Reds boss Arne Slot warned: “He’s going to leave anyway so why not, it might be the first gift I can give Xabi Alonso.”I wasn’t completely happy with every single minute he was on the training ground.”In my opinion there were certain moments he could do more, to put it mildly.”He’s going to leave anyway so why not, it might be the first gift I can give Xabi Alonso.”I wasn’t completely happy with every single minute he was on the training ground.”In my opinion there were certain moments he could do more, to put it mildly.” Alexander-Arnold was defended by fuming ex-manager Klopp after being subjected to boos by his own supporters. Klopp said: “I don’t want to tell anybody what they shall think, I don’t want to tell you what you have to think.Jurgen Klopp spoke out in defence of Alexander-ArnoldCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold received his ex-manager’s backingCredit: Getty”But I can tell you what you think is wrong. That’s what I can do. Because I’m an old man and I don’t waste time hiding my opinion.”Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the players that made it all happen.”This boy, 18-years-old, scored a free-kick in Hoffenheim where if he doesn’t score that we don’t qualify for the Champions League.”Against Barcelona he did the most cheeky thing in the world and set up the goal for 4-0, a result and a game which will not happen again.”I don’t tell you that you should not be disappointed, you should not be angry. I tell you don’t forget. “This club doesn’t forget. We are famous for not forgetting, we don’t forget anything. I watched the game where he came on and I heard the booing.”I switched the telly off because, honestly, I could not have been more disappointed in this moment.”This is not us. 100 per cent not us. Be angry, don’t understand, whatever.Alexander-Arnold with Liverpool manager Arne SlotCredit: APSlot gave the inbound Madrid star a farewell against PalaceCredit: Reuters”This boy, I was there everyday, if he didn’t give everything I would tell you now. But everyday he gave absolutely everything to this badge.”Now he decided after 20 years at this club that he wants to go somewhere else.”Why didn’t he sign a new contract?’ I hear this from fans, this money discussion: ‘He goes without a transfer fee’.”If somebody should be angry about that it’s the owners, but they are not.”He wears the Liverpool badge in the skin. But now he plays for another club. We decide how we deal with that.”Read More on The SunThe inbound Real Madrid star held back tears on the benchCredit: ReutersAlexander-Arnold and Mo Salah hug at AnfieldCredit: APCurtis Jones hugs Alexander-ArnoldCredit: AFPAlexander-Arnold got his hands on the league title againCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Not happening’ – Moses Itauma next fight decision made moments after undefeated Brit’s latest brutal KO

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      MOSES ITAUMA has had a major step up in competition ruled out as his next opponent.The Chatam clubber continued his surge up the heavyweight ranks in Glasgow on Saturday night with a blistering second-round KO of Mike Balogun.Moses Itauma blew Mike Balogun out of the water in the Glasgow clashCredit: PABoxing fans are keen on seeing the Chatam clubber take on Martin Bakole nextCredit: PAPromoter Frank Warren has ruled out the prospect of Itauma fighting Bakole nextCredit: GettyItauma dropped the American three times as he stretched his perfect record to 12-0, with ten of those wins coming via knockout.Boxing fans are keen for the 20-year-old to take a step up in calibre of opponent, with Congolese-born Scot Martin Bakole being touted as an ideal opponent.But Itauma promoter Frank Warren insists Bakole, who was blown out of the water in his short-notice showdown with Joseph Parker in February, isn’t in the running to face the prospect.When asked if the 31-year-old could face Itauma next, Warren told Queensberry Promotion’s YouTube channel: “No!READ MORE ON ITAUMA”Bakole’s got to be able to get himself in shape, the state of him, not happening.”Bakole was ringside for Itauma’s battering of Balogun and had some choice words for the slick southpaw.He said: “Moses has got a beautiful career before him. I want him to build up his career.”But big Martin Bakole, [right] now, I think it is too early for him. Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMartin Bakole has warned Moses Itauma he’s too big a step up in opponent at this moment in timeCredit: GETTY”I want him to work hard and maybe be a world champion tomorrow.”But I don’t want him to pick me now because he’d be making a big mistake.Moses Itauma: Future Heavyweight King is on Track to Break Mike Tyson’s Record I Contender Documentary”He’s playing with the fire. [But] he’s a man. If he thinks he can handle me, I’m open to it.”Itauma said of his latest demolition job: “I appreciate Mike Balogun, he is one tough cookie.“I couldn’t believe he got up from the second one.”Thanks to Mike Balogun for taking the fight, because nobody else would.”I don’t have to worry about doing rounds, but my team wants to see me in a 10-rounder.”And then I want in with the big dogs.” More

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      in Boxing

      I won’t be like Tyson Fury and have seven comebacks, when I retire I’m FINISHED, warns Josh Taylor

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      JOSH TAYLOR warned he will not contend with Tyson Fury as the comeback king – as he looks to fight against the threat of retirement. The Scottish former undisputed light-welterweight world champion moves up from 140lb to 147lb against Ekow Essuman in Glasgow tonight. Josh Taylor with Tyson Fury in 2021Credit: GettyAnd he does so off the back of two consecutive defeats with Taylor all-but putting his career at the top of the sport on the line. But he warned if and when he does retire, it will be for real, unlike his old pal Fury who has made a habit of going back on his word.Taylor, 34, said: “I ain’t going to be no Tyson Fury having six and seven comebacks. Once I’m finished, I’m finished.READ MORE IN boxing “But I’ve still got a lot of ambition and I’ve still got a lot of drive left to achieve more. It [retiring] hasn’t even crossed my mind yet to be honest with you”I’ve not even comprehended losing, it can’t come into my mind. It can’t happen, it won’t happen.”If that does happen and I have to go and climb back down the ladder and fight lesser opponents to get back up to where I am now – no, I’m not doing that. I’m here to be the best.” Taylor became the four-belt undisputed kingpin in just 18 fights but escaped with a split-decision against Jack Catterall in 2022. Most read in BoxingHe was then beaten by Teofimo Lopez in 2023 and lost to Catterall in their rematch last May. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTaylor admits he could retire a happy man – but still has plenty left to achieve after moving up to welterweight. He said: “This is a new journey for me, the first fight at a new weight.Ekow Essuman is the former basketball hopeful turned boxing champ looking to spoil Josh Taylor’s big comeback”I haven’t done anything yet. A lot of people are writing me off, saying, ‘He’s done, he’s finished’. No chance, I’m a long way from being finished yet.”I’ve got a lot of fire in my belly to prove people wrong again. This is Josh Taylor 2.0 – and it starts on Saturday night with a comprehensive win.”If I become a two-time, two-weight world champion, then I can retire a happy man. To be honest, I could retire a happy man right now.”I could retire tomorrow and be, like, one in 60 million or whatever population in the UK, the only one to become the undisputed world champion in the four-belt era.”I think I can sleep quite easily at night having achieved that. But I know six months down the line, I’d be thinking, ‘I could have done more, I could have got more out of it’. That would bug me.”23.05.2025 Josh Taylor v Ekow Essuman Official Weigh-In …………………………Credit: Kenny Ramsay More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Horrendous’ – Moment boxer Terri Harper clashes heads with Natalie Zimmerman to leave her with horror ‘blood mask’

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      NATALIE ZIMMERMANN was left with a horrific gash on her head after her world title fight with Terri Harper.The German challenged the Doncaster destroyer for the WBO women’s lightweight title at the Keepmoat Stadium on Friday night.Natalie Zimmermann locked horns with Terri Harper for the WBO lightweight title on Friday nightCredit: PAThe German suffered a horrific cut in the final round of the ten-rounderCredit: PAThe cut was caused by a nasty clash of headsCredit: DAZNZimmermann was permitted to continue but was unable to get the winCredit: REUTERSZimmermann turned in a spirited display but was outclassed for 10 straight rounds on her way to suffering a unanimous decision defeat.And the 42-year-old suffered a horrendous cut in the final round thanks to a nasty clash of heads.The deep cut was just above Zimmermann’s right eye and leaked enough to prompt the referee to call a timeout.But the ringside doctor deemed the cut not worthy of a TKO stoppage and allowed Zimmermann to see out the last minute and fifteen seconds of the round.READ MORE BOXING NEWSCommentator Adam Smith said of the cut: “Oh it’s horrendous. “A bloody mask as Terri Harper continues to throw quality shots. “And Zimmermann, how is she still standing?Zimmermann was unable to land the Hail Mary punch she needed to end Harper’s reign as WBO queen, with all three judges turning 99-91 scorecards.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTerri Harper retained her WBO lightweight title via unanimous decisionCredit: REUTERSThe win on home soil stretched three-weight world champ Harper’s record to 16 wins, two defeats and two draws.And the 28-year-old has set her sights on a domestic dust-up with her WBC counterpart, Caroline Dubois.Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun SportShe said of a showdown with Dubois: “Yes. 100 per cent, that gets my fire burning. “I said in the press conference she rubs me the wrong way. “I think it makes a cracking fight and it makes sense. “This was a very special night for me, very special training camp.”Massive thanks to my opponent for putting on a great show in my hometown.”She’s tough. She started strong, I thought I needed to stay switched on. “Once I let the nerves settle and the occasion settle, I found my way in the fight.”It’s given me memories I will treasure for a lifetime. “Not just in my boxing career, but as a person away from the sport.”I don’t know what’s next. Read More on The Sun”For me, I want to go on to fight the other champions of the division and really step up.”I’m going to take some time off and see what happens, see if any contracts get sent over, get back to my team and work out a plan.”Terri Harper is eyeing a domestic dust-up with Caroline DuboisCredit: GETTY More

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      I needed emergency surgery last time I was meant to play at Wembley – now’s my time to shine in £200MILLION final

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      KIEFFER MOORE today finally fulfils his dream to play at Wembley as he aims to complete a hat-trick of promotions to the Premier League.The Sheffield United striker was cruelly robbed of the chance to tread the hallowed turf nine years ago.Sheffield United’s Kieffer Moore will be hoping for yet another happy visit to WembleyCredit: GETTYThe 32-year-old has twice won promotion at the home of English footballCredit: GETTYKieffer Moore is confident of Sheffield United’s chances of returning to the PremCredit: PASheffield United signed Moore from Ipswich in July and were unlucky not to go up automatically.They finished on 90 points — after having two deducted for defaulting on transfer payments — and were only kept out of the top two by Leeds and Burnley both hitting a staggering 100 points.But three defeats in a week to Oxford, Millwall and Plymouth killed off their automatic promotion hopes in April.Moore said: “Our season got defined by that bad week but we’ve accepted that and reset ourselves. We know what we’ve got to do.”Lifelong Sheffield United fan Chris Wilder is looking to be the first Blades manager to earn three promotions at the club, getting them to the Championship in 2017 and Prem in 2019.Read More on The SunBut he will have to end the club’s play-off curse, that currently stands at NINE failures.Moore said: “He drums into you what it means to the fans, the city and everyone involved — it’s a privilege.” More