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      in Soccer

      David Coote produced an admirable act of humility as picture of shamed ref working as Evri delivery driver went viral

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      BIZARRELY, David Coote’s former career as a Premier League referee will stand him in good stead as a delivery driver.He’ll be dealing with two yellows every working day, just as before.Former Premier League referee David Coote has taken on a new career as an Evri delivery driverCoote fell from grace after a video leaked showing him ranting against Jurgen KloppCredit: PAOnly instead of cards, it’s those two thick, emulsioned lines by the roadside where he swings his Evri van in front of a school entrance and slaps on the hazard lights before dumping a poly-wrapped, fake Nike top from China on the wrong doorstep.What a come-down for the man who took charge of a Wembley final involving Manchester United and Newcastle only two years ago.Equally, what an admirable act of humility and courage by someone who brought shame upon himself and his profession but, as he says so himself, “is trying to move forwards and regain a sense of purpose and responsibility”.When one of football’s most promising officials was captured on video, slurring his way through a foul-mouthed rant at Jurgen Klopp, it was easy to dismiss him as another pompous and pumped-up symbol of the Premier League era.Read More on FootballBut as this fascinating story unfolds, Coote more and more is morphing into its victim as opposed to its perpetrator.By labelling Klopp a German c*** and snorting cocaine to earn a 16-month ban, he let himself down.But maybe he did so as a release from the relentless pressure heaped upon him as a referee at the top level of our national game.At first Coote appears as a p****d-up prima donna, showing off in what he believed was the assured privacy of intimate surroundings with friends, having a pop at Liverpool’s manager because he could.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s some fall from officiating the 2023 Carabao Cup final to haring around his home county of Nottinghamshire dropping off parcels part-time for minimum or living wage.But having been sacked by his paymasters at the PGMOL, the fact he is not too proud to take any job to get back on his feet suggests a person ready to pay their penance.Shamed Ref David Coote EXCLUSIVE on death threats, coke battle & coming out | The SunIt’s not just the animated reaction of Klopp that is to blame.There are 20 unexploded bombs like him managing in the Premier League because they are under enormous  pressure, too.Klopp’s heated exchange at Coote after Liverpool did not get a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Burnley is just one example of the dozens that litter every season.Every decision referees make is under more scrutiny than ever before.Whether that’s the fault of TV’s ever intrusive coverage or that there is silly money involved in men’s football today is irrelevant. It’s how life is.I imagine Thomas Bramall, the latest referee to be walking around with a target on his back for blowing his whistle too quickly in Aston Villa’s final-day defeat at Man Utd is starting to understand the reality of life as a top-class ref.Reality of life as a top-class refThe intricacies of his mistake are too complicated to explain in one column but it’s fair to say he cocked up.In their defence, Villa were largely restrained in their vocal reaction despite lodging a formal complaint, as is their right.The wider criticism has been astonishing and whether justified or not, young referee Bramall is being painted a pretty grim picture of what’s in store if he stays in his job.It’s patently obvious by what’s happened to Coote that it’s an alarmingly quick process to plummet from the heights of running a showpiece final in front of 90,000 fans to becoming a delivery boy.But while it’s tempting to feel sorry for him, we should not.We should instead give credit to a bloke who made a mistake and is now trying to put it behind him without crying out for pity.And perhaps reflect on the foundations of fury that can make referees crumble so spectacularly as he did.Besides, dealing with frothing managers day in, day out who feel totally wronged by even the slightest thing that goes against them is actually the perfect training for becoming a white van man.Try pulling out on him at a T-junction.************MILLIE BRIGHT’S shock withdrawal from the Euro 2025 squad reminds of one thing.Women look after themselves better than men, physically and mentally.They tend to be braver than men too when it comes to knowing their limits.It takes courage to pull out of an international tournament — especially when England are defending their European crown.The 31-year-old Chelsea defender admits she had to fight off her ego to make the call.That is something men rarely do enough of, overcome primeval urges and make a decision in favour of their own well-being at the top level of sport.Too many would lose that battle with their own psyche. Pull out and you are still considered a loser among the boys.Bright is a winner for thinking of things more important than football.****************INGESTING biometric tablets to record things like stress levels from the inside is both fascinating and horrifying.England’s players have been doing this under boss Thomas Tuchel’s instruction as they prepare for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra.Now, I have no idea if these tablets are single-use, and I don’t really want to ask anyone at the Football Association for the details either.But if not, just picture the scene 24 hours after swallowing — when what goes in must come out.Lots of Premier League stars peering down between hairy legs on the loo.And who on earth has the job of washing them?Or maybe each player has his own, complete with initials — like ‘HK’ for Harry Kane — to avoid unpleasant mix-ups. Yuk.********IN the final scene of The Empire Strikes Back, the rebel fleet disperses as Luke Skywalker and pals head for different galaxies at the speed of light.The break-up of Bournemouth’s over-achieving squad this summer has a similar ring to it.Read More on The SunFirst Dean Huijsen heads to Real Madrid, now Milos Kerkez looks bound for Liverpool. Newcastle are eyeing Dango Ouattara.Pretty soon the gallant band of brothers — which beat  Arsenal (twice) and Nottingham Forest, also coming close to European qualification  — will be splintered across the football cosmos, leaving Cherries manager Andoni Iraola standing alone like Obi-Wan Kenobi. More

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      in Boxing

      ‘It took years off my life’ – Fabio Wardley lived off ice cream and noodles after brutal Frazer Clarke fight

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      FABIO WARDLEY resorted to a diet of ice cream and noodles after his brutal fight against Frazer Clarke. The pair put on a thriller over 12 rounds in March of last year – which ended in a draw. Fabio Wardley’s horror nose injury against Frazer ClarkeCredit: GettyHe was unable to chew for days afterwardsCredit: PAThe bout ended a draw with Wardley winning the rematch by KOCredit: ReutersWardley was left covered in blood due to his busted nose and a jaw injury left him barely able to chew in the days after. He told The Times: “It’s a fate that you have to accept if you do this sport properly. “I probably should’ve gone to the hospital afterwards. I remember being sat in my hotel room and I couldn’t sleep because my head was pounding, like vibrating. “When I lay down, I felt sick. If I sat up, I felt sick. My face looked like the Elephant Man. My nose was stitched up. READ MORE IN BOXING”I’d bitten my tongue about 100 times. I couldn’t chew for three days because of my jaw, so I just ate ice cream and noodles, but that’s part of it. “Those fights are going to happen and you might get knocked out, but if you carry that around with you and hesitate because you’re scared of it, it could have a negative impact on how you fight and almost make it more likely to happen. You’ve got to just take it on the chin.”Wardley scored a knockdown in round five and Clarke had a point off to even the judges scorecards. But Wardley won the rematch six months later with a brutal first-round knockout that left Clarke hospitalised. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNow the Ipswich super-fan returns on Saturday at Portman Road against Australian Justis Huni. Huni won the amateur World Youth Championships in 2016 – the same year Wardley had his first unlicensed white collar bout. Fabio Wardley prepares for dream Portman Road homecoming fight Wardley said: “Huni is another opponent from a completely different end of entry in boxing terms. “After starting in white-collar, anything was a win. This wasn’t realistic, but you always imagine.”Wardley had four fights on the unlicensed circuit – winning them all by KO – after foregoing an amateur career. Now he is on the cusp of a world title shot as part of one of British boxing’s most unlikely success stories.Wardley said: “I fought at the O2, then I headlined the O2, I’ve fought in Saudi Arabia as the chief support to Tyson Fury and to Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol. “It keeps feeling like we’ve peaked and that it can’t get any better and now I’m fighting at the stadium in my hometown. “I’m genuinely on the edge of a world title, which sounds crazy for me just to say.”Wardley facing off with Justis HuniCredit: Instagram @justis_huni More

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      in Boxing

      ‘I thought I was going to die’ – Hollywood star dropped FOUR STONE to play boxer leaving superstar fiancee horrified

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      ORLANDO BLOOM lost nearly FOUR STONE to play the role of a boxer – leaving his superstar fiancee Katy Perry horrified.Bloom stars as a retired fighter looking to make a comeback in the unreleased movie The Cut – which began filming in 2023.Orlando Bloom lost nearly four stone to play the role of a boxerCredit: TikTok / @menshealthukBloom lived off a crazy diet of tune and cucumber to shed the weightCredit: TikTok / @menshealthukAnd the plot centres around Bloom’s character losing a dangerous amount of weight in order to fight again. The British cinema legend revealed he lost 52lb – three and a half STONE – before filming had even started. He told People: “I literally thought I was gonna die.”Bloom was living off a diet of tuna and cucumber and had to actually film scenes from the end of the film at the start. READ MORE IN BOXINGDirector Sean Ellis said to Variety: “Your brain is starved of calories, basically. “It was going to be impossible for him to work while dieting. So, he came to us at his lightest, and then he starts to eat.”So that meant that we had to shoot the film [with] the ending first and the beginning of the movie at the end. “Over the 25 days that we were shooting, he was putting on the calories. And then it’s edited in reverse.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBloom, now 48, added: “I was more surprised about the mental aspect of [it], like the sleep deprivation, and not the depleted calories. “There’s a lot going on in your brain living in that headspace for a while was very challenging.”Sam Thompson left gobsmacked as he’s surprised by huge Hollywood A-lister during his 280-mile endurance challengeEven Bloom’s co-star Caitriona Balfe – who plays his on-screen wife in the film – was stunned by his gaunt face and body. Balfe said: “The transformation was shocking – I was like, ‘You look like a raisin.’”  Director Ellis and lead Bloom revealed movie goers at the premiere passed out and fainted due to the film’s graphic nature. And Bloom’s fiancee Perry – with whom he shares a four-year-old daughter Daisy Dove with – also found it tough viewing. Bloom revealed the singer was left in tears after watching the particularly harrowing scenes. He told Page Six: “She watched it and was like, ‘I need a stiff drink.’ She was really moved. She knew what it took.”Bloom proposed to 40-year-old Perry in 2019 and welcomed their daughter a year later but have not yet married. Read More on The SunThe Cut – with a screenplay by Justin Bull and story by Mark Lane – is yet to find a distributor or release date.Bloom in the movie The CutCredit: Instagram / @orlandobloomKaty Perry is engaged to actor BloomCredit: GettyPerry has been engaged to Bloom since 2019Credit: instagram/katyperry More

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      in Boxing

      I’m the last American to beat Floyd Mayweather but I was brutally KO’d by Prince Naseem Hamed and retired at 24

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      AUGIE SANCHEZ is part of one of the most exclusive clubs in boxing history – as one of only six men to have beaten Floyd Mayweather.Mayweather retired as a professional in 2017 after making history by going 50-0 – a record still yet to be matched. Diego Corrales, Arnulfo Bravo, Floyd Mayweather and Augie SanchezCredit: Facebook Sanchez lost to Prince Naseem Hamed in 2001Credit: ReutersHe retired shortly after but has an impressive scalp on his recordCredit: AFPBut as an amateur, he had 84 wins and just six defeats. The most notable loss came in the 1996 Olympics when Bulgaria’s Serafim Todorov was awarded a controversial decision in the semi-finals. Mayweather blamed the defeat on corruption and turned pro the same year – while Todorov ended up working in a sausage factory. But the last American to beat Mayweather was Sanchez – who won a decision in the 1996 Olympic trials. READ MORE IN BOXINGSanchez told BoxingNews24/7: “I remember that [fight] like it was yesterday. Yeah, it was a very entertaining fight. “Me and Floyd go back, to 1994, when we both made the team and were both Golden Gloves champions; at the time, he was boxing at 106 pounds.”And later on that year, we were in Colorado Springs at the Olympic training centre, getting ready for the Olympic festival.”So we were roommates and we became close and had a good friendship.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And then he decided to move up, skip the 119-pound division and go to the 125 division.”And that’s when I ended up meeting him in the Nationals, the first year.How Olympics defeat sparked Floyd Mayweather’s unbeaten pro legacy while rival’s career went wildly different direction”A lot of people don’t know about the first time we fought, when we fought in the Nationals, in the semi-finals.”And we fought again at the Olympic trials in the finals, and that’s when I ended up beating him.”It was a great fight, and I managed to land some great power shots on him. I beat him by countering and timing his punches.”Mayweather would later twice beat Sanchez to earn himself a spot at the 1996 Games – where he settled for bronze. But as a pro, he won world titles in FIVE divisions and boasted of earning over £1BILLION in the ring. Sanchez meanwhile turned pro in 1996 – the same year as Mayweather – and fought for the world title four years later. But he was brutally knocked out in four by British legend Prince Naseem Hamed – the WBO featherweight champion at the time. Sanchez had only three fights afterwards, retiring in 2001 after losing to John Michael Johnson at just 24. He later became a trainer and joined Team USA as an Olympic coach in 2016. Sanchez has also worked with the likes of heavyweight Michael Hunter and super-bantamweight champ Subaru Murata. Read More on The SunIronically, Sanchez is also part of Curmel Moton’s camp – the 19-year-old top prospect mentored by Mayweather. Mayweather himself still fights in the occasional exhibition bout against stars of the boxing, MMA and celebrity world. Curmel Moton with mentor MayweatherWorld champion Subaru Murata with Sanchez, now a trainer More

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      in Soccer

      Bruno Fernandes’ ex-referee wife went from paying for dates when he was broke to convincing him to snub £200m Saudi move

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      BRUNO FERNANDES revealed wife Ana had a huge say on his decision to snub the Saudi Pro League.The Portuguese star turned down a £200million package from Al-Hilal to stay at Manchester United.Bruno Fernandes’ wife Ana has helped convince him to stay at UnitedCredit: GettyThe pair are childhood sweethearts and have been together since they were teenagersCredit: Instagram @anaapinho_Ana is a former futsal referee and had to pay for their early datesCredit: Instagram/anaapinho_Fernandes and Ana married in 2015 and have two childrenCredit: Instagram/anaapinho_Fernandes was a rare shining light in a dismal Old Trafford season last term.And the skipper has now turned down a fortune to stay in the North West.Reports suggest Al Hilal offered to TRIPLE Fernandes’ £250,000-a-week wages. But with two years remaining on his United deal, the 30-year-old has decided to remain in Manchester.READ MORE ON SPORTFernandes said: “There was that possibility [I could leave], the president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask. “There was a waiting period on my part to think about what the future would hold. I would be open to it, if Manchester United felt it was my time.”I spoke with [manager] Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it. “I spoke with the club, which wasn’t willing to sell, only if I truly wanted to leave.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We never talked about money – that was all handled by my agent, not me.”Fernandes and Ana are childhood sweethearts and met in their teens. Gary Neville names four Man Utd stars who must leave this summer They married in 2015 and have two children together – Matilde, 8, and Goncalo, 4.And he leaned on his rock for advice on whether to leave the Theatre of Dreams this summer. Fernandes continued: “I spoke with my family to understand if that was what I wanted for my future.”It was actually my wife who asked me – I never said yes or no.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”She put my professional priorities ahead of everything else.”During Fernandes’ early days as a struggling player, he did not have the money to take his beau out on dates.Ana funded their relationship by refereeing futsal matches on weekends.And the United star credits her with getting them through the “tough times”.Fernandes said: “Ana has been with me on this ride since we were 16, 17, 18 years old.”We met as teenagers, and when we first started dating, I wasn’t making any money as a footballer.”She had a nice job working as a futsal referee on the weekends.“She used to do three or four matches in a row on a Saturday, and then we would always go to the cinema on Sundays.“I personally didn’t have much money at the time so Ana was the one who had to pay for our movie tickets.”Same with going out to dinner. Even at the pizza shop, she had to pay.”Despite Fernandes bringing in the big bucks, Ana continues to be her own boss.She is the owner and CEO of architecture and interior design company Studio Otto.Read More on The SunAna boasts over 120,000 followers on social media.Her presence is mostly dedicated to her family and Bruno’s success at United, earning her the moniker “Queen of Old Trafford.” More

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      in Soccer

      Inside story of the ex-Man Utd wonderkid who retired in non-league that now helps clubs find the next gen of talent

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      FEBIAN BRANDY has gone from being one of the hottest young talents in English football to helping clubs unearth the next big thing.Brandy, 36, didn’t quite hit the heights after nearly 15 years on the books at Manchester United.Febian Brandy was one of Manchester United’s top-rated talents in the 2000sCredit: GettyNow Brandy is helping find the next batch of top talentCredit: X @febianbrandyThe tricky forward was thought of as one of the brightest sparks in the English game, lauded by team-mates and chased by the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.But injuries meant that Brandy never played a professional game for Man Utd.He instead had 16 different clubs across multiple countries before retiring in non-league.However, he has insisted that he has no regrets over how things worked out, after it was that journey that led him to create Skouted – an app that helps unsigned players find a club to give them an opportunity.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrandy told SunSport: “I always saw myself playing for Manchester United, I didn’t really know anything else. “I only really knew Man Utd and England. So when it did come to an end it was hard, I was upset.“But I thought to myself, for my career, this has to happen. I didn’t want to be one of those players that was 23/24 and signing contracts just to be at a big club. “I wanted to go and make a name for myself elsewhere. I was obviously upset, but it was something that had to be done.Most read in FootballPeople ask, ‘Should I have signed for Barcelona?’ Don’t get me wrong, the weather would have been nicer, but I’ve got no regrets.Febian BrandyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“People ask, ‘Should I have signed for Barcelona?'”Don’t get me wrong, the weather would have been nicer, but I’ve got no regrets.”Brandy (bottom row, second on the left) played alongside the likes of Ryan Shawcross and Darron Gibson in United’s youth teamCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe forward also represented England at youth levelCredit: GettyMan Utd had turned down a £1million bid from Barca when Brandy was just a teenager, a deal rejected by Sir Alex Ferguson after the iconic manager asked Brandy if he wanted to stay put.Barcelona had come sniffing after he had impressed in a youth tournament involving the Catalan club, Real Madrid, PSG and Ajax.Brandy explained: “About two weeks after the tournament, some Spanish guy – I don’t know how he got the number – rang my mum and dad’s house phone. “My mum picked up and he said ‘we’re interested in your son Febian.’“Another two weeks later I went into training and Sir Alex Ferguson walked past me in the corridor and said ‘have you heard?’. “I had a feeling what he was talking about, but you have to be respectful so I played dumb. He said ‘Barcelona are interested in you, what are your thoughts?’“I said, ‘listen, boss. I’m a local lad. I’m from Manchester and I see my career here, this is the place that I want to be’. Then he just slapped me on the head, called me a good lad and walked away.“Things started to come to fruition in the weeks that followed, and I think they [Barca] made a £1m bid, which obviously Sir Alex rejected and I didn’t hear anything of it from then.”Manchester-born Brandy ultimately left United in 2010, where he had come up through the youth ranks alongside the likes of Ravel Morrison, Jonny Evans and Danny Welbeck.Just 22 at the time, Brandy had gone from training with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville – players he recalls being like “big brothers” to him – to trying to find his next club and the next step in his career in the lower leagues.Brandy had lined up a deal with Sheffield United in the Championship, but broke his metatarsal in the last minute of his last game for Man Utd’s reserves – scuppering the move.Brandy spent nearly 15 years on the books at Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man UtdCredit: Febian BrandyInstead, after seven months without a club, he found an opportunity with Notts County in League Two.From there injuries meant Brandy was never able to settle at one club, kickstarting a journeyman career that saw him play in Greece and Thailand as well as for the likes of Sheffield United, Rotherham and Rochdale.It was during that time of bouncing around from club to club and constantly battling injury that Brandy realised he had to start thinking about his future, which led to the idea for Skouted.He recalled: “When I was in my late 20s I had been battling with so many injuries and I started to think about my future.”I didn’t really want to be a coach or a manager. That’s when I started to put Skouted in place.“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset and I think what really triggered it was that when I was at Man Utd, I was pretty fortunate to be there as long as I was. “I was fortunate to get a contract every year from the age of eight until I was 22.“I had friends that might not have been good enough to make it at Man Utd, but they might have been able to go and play at a lesser club. “But when they got released their parents or their guardians didn’t have the connections to pick up the phone to someone in the Championship or League One and ask for a trial.Brandy moved to Sheffield United later in his careerCredit: BladesHe also had a spell with WalsallCredit: PA:Empics Sport“That’s when I thought to myself, ‘I need to create something that’s going to bridge that gap between players and clubs’. “Something where football clubs can find these players and players have got a platform to present themselves in front of these football clubs.”That’s exactly what he did, launching Skouted after hanging up his boots at non-league Ebbsfleet in 2017 and turning his attention to helping the next generation of talent.The app allows young players to upload clips of themselves playing, with top clubs then browsing through the videos to see if there’s any potential there.While Brandy has also begun to organise showcase games where young stars train together and are invited to play in academy competitions in front of top-level scouts – including the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea.Everyone wants to sign a Messi or a Ronaldo, but the reality is that they’re rare gems. But my experience at Man Utd helps me know what level top clubs are still looking for.Febian BrandyIn fact, a recent entry into the SuperCup, formerly known as the Milk Cup, saw his side of hungry prospects grind out a 2-2 draw with Manchester United U16s with just four weeks of training – resulting in eight players being invited to trials at top clubs.It was that same competition that Brandy had played in as a teenager, winning player of the tournament over the likes of Sergio Busquets and Bojan – sparking interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.Brandy doesn’t know exactly how many players he has helped get an opportunity, but estimated that Skouted has helped in excess of 300 club-less players earn professional trials across the globe.He wants Skouted to be seen as a “breeding ground” for talent, and can already point to players that are now tied down at the top level thanks to the app’s help.Arsenal youngster Louis Zecevic-John, who has signed a scholarship with the Gunners academy and represented both England and Serbia at youth level, found himself on the Skouted app before getting his shot.Arsenal youngster Louis Zecevic-John is an example of Skouted’s successCredit: GettyBrandy explained: “Louis was picked up by one of the Skouted scouts and we put him up with a Championship club, who ended up not being too keen on him. “But after that he was picked up by a Premier League side before signing a two-year contract with Arsenal.“He was actually on the Skouted app a few years ago, it just goes to show that we know what we’re talking about. “He went from Regents Park, to the Skouted App and now he’s gone on to sign for Arsenal”.Now Brandy is planning on expanding his platform for the women’s game too, with plans in place to put on a female showcase game this year.For the former England youth international and two-time Saint Kitts and Nevis cap, it’s all about getting talented players back on the pitch.He added: “Everyone wants to sign a Messi or a Ronaldo, but the reality is that they’re rare gems. But my experience at Man Utd helps me know what level top clubs are still looking for.Read More on The Sun“Some of these players don’t know what to do, and their parents don’t know what to do. In terms of how they can get involved in the football system. “We’re not saying we’re going to turn everyone into a Premier League footballer, but what we’re trying to say is there’s a level out there for people to play football.”Brandy knows better than most that not everyone will make it to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyBrandy wants Skouted to become a hotbed for talent around the globeCredit: X @febianbrandy More

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      in Boxing

      Fabio Wardley thought he was being SCAMMED on Facebook when Oleksandr Usyk asked him for sparring

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      FABIO WARDLEY thought he was being SCAMMED after being approached to spar Oleksandr Usyk in 2018. Usyk was preparing to defend his undisputed cruiserweight titles against Britain’s Tony Bellew at the time. Fabio Wardley with Oleksandr Usyk in 2018Wardley thought he was being scammed when he got the sparring offerCredit: Instagram / @fabiowardleyWardley was just 4-0 having only turned professional a year earlier off the back of four wins on the white collar circuit. So when the former recruitment consultant got a message to join Usyk’s camp in Kyiv – he could not quite believe it. Wardley told The Times: “I got this message on Facebook in broken English and at first I thought it might be a scam. “I was confused as to why I’d even be on Usyk’s radar. I’d left my job in London to focus on my career and I was working part-time in a commercial gym. READ MORE IN BOXING”I asked them for three weeks off and they said no, so I left. I flew to Ukraine and a driver had a sign with my name on it. “He didn’t speak a lick of English and I got into this stranger’s white van and I thought, ‘I don’t know if I’m making it home’, but then I met his team and they were all really nice. “I was extremely green. I didn’t know the scale of Usyk’s skill. To even lay a glove on him was really difficult. “I think I got something like £750 per week.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWardley’s success is one of the most unlikely in British boxing after forgoing amateur experience. His handful of white collar fights started as a way of keeping fit and ended with aspirations of a genuine pro career. Fabio Wardley faces off with Justis Huni ahead of his homecoming fight Wardley got his break in 2018 after sparring with Dillian Whyte and later being signed to his management stable. And he has since racked up 18 wins with just one draw – against Frazer Clarke which he brutally avenged in their rematch. Wardley now has the chance to put himself in line for the heavyweight titles former sparring partner Usyk holds. He said: “When I turned professional, I just thought I’d have a few fights and if I could win any kind of belt in my career, I’d be happy to have something decent to look back on. “I wasn’t supposed to be achieving these kinds of things.I got this message on Facebook in broken English and at first I thought it might be a scam. I was confused as to why I’d even be on Usyk’s radar.Fabio Wardley “I fought at the O2, then I headlined the O2, I’ve fought in Saudi Arabia as the chief support to Tyson Fury and to Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol. “It keeps feeling like we’ve peaked and that it can’t get any better and now I’m fighting at the stadium in my hometown. “I’m genuinely on the edge of a world title, which sounds crazy for me just to say.”Wardley, 30, has his homecoming Ipswich fight at Portman Road against Australian Justis Huni, 26, on Saturday.He was initially set to fight Jarrell Miller – the controversial serial drug cheat – until the American pulled out due to “injury”. So Aussie Huni – who won gold at the amateur World Youth Championships in 2016 – filled in as a late replacement on five weeks’ notice. Read More on The SunWardley said: “Huni is another opponent from a completely different end of entry in boxing terms. “After starting in white-collar, anything was a win. This wasn’t realistic, but you always imagine.”Wardley facing off with Justis Huni at Portman RoadCredit: Instagram @justis_huni More

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      in Boxing

      Justis Huni survived a drive-by-shooting before swapping Australia for Blackpool ahead of Fabio Wardley fight

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      JUSTIS HUNI enters enemy territory when he faces Fabio Wardley in Ipswich – but it will take a lot to faze the travelling Australian. After all, Huni survived a terrifying drive-by-shooting in June 2022 only to win his next fight less than a week later. Justis Huni survived a terrifying drive-by-shooting in June 2022Credit: GettyPolice investigating at the house of Huni after the attackCredit: GettyThe boxer was just 23 when his family home in Brisbane, with ten inside, was targeted with five bullets. Two children, one aged eight and one just six months old, were among those in the house when shots fired at 4am. And despite cops and news crews surrounding the property – Huni was more focused on his morning sparring session that day. He told Ring Magazine: “I still remember it well.READ MORE IN BOXING”It was like, gunshots fired at my house then all of a sudden I had police and TV crews at the front of my house all morning. “But I had sparring that morning. I just looked straight past the news crews and just went to sparring. “Got my sparring done and then came back home to so much news and reporters at the house.”The frightening ordeal came while Huni was 5-0 – with four knockouts – and was approaching a fight against Joseph Gooddall.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd he would amazingly win the bout over ten rounds, not losing a round in the eyes of one judge.Three years on and no arrests were made and the perpetrators remain a mystery.Fabio Wardley prepares for dream Portman Road homecoming fight Huni has since improved his record to 12-0 and returns on Saturday in the biggest fight of his career. He replaced Jarrell Miller – the controversial serial drug cheat – after the American pulled out of facing Wardley through “injury”. Huni accepted the deal on just five weeks notice and has no fear in taking on Ipswich’s Wardley at Portman Road having overcome far worse. He said: “The timing of the shooting was crazy because I had the Goodall fight five days later. “I think if I could get through that, I’m sure I can handle what’s going to come at me on June 7th.”Everything is all character building and everything has got me to where I am today and to be able to get me past obstacles that are about to come up like June 7th. “Everything in my life has happened for a reason. It was scary of course, I was living in the house and my whole family was in the house that night. “It was a scare but I think I was so zoned in and focused on the fight it did not affect me. I kind of just overlooked it.”Now that I think back at it, it was a big deal, but at the time I was so focused on my job at hand that I kind of just brushed it away and just kept moving forward. I think if I could get through that, I’m sure I can handle what’s going to come at me on June 7th.Justis Huni on his drive-by-shooting ordeal “I won that fight and there was so much security and stuff at the fight because obviously they thought it was connected to me.”I don’t know. It just shows what the mind can do when you’re locked in on something so bad. You just kind of forget about it.”Huni, 26, flew to England in mid May to face off with Wardley, 30, for the first time on the football pitch. And instead of flying 10,000 miles back, the Aussie set up camp in Blackpool’s Sharpstyle Boxing Gym for the remainder of his training. He said: “It’s a kind of interesting place. It’s a bit different to the Gold Coast.”I haven’t had a chance to look around and go down to the water yet but from what I’ve seen it seems quiet here and that’s how I like it. “It’s a lot better than when I was in London for a few days – that was too busy for me, too much traffic.”But there’s not nearly as much traffic in Blackpool so I’ve liked it. “We’ve managed to get the sparring we need from a few local boys who have come down to help me out. Read More on The Sun”I’ve got all the training that I’ve needed. I’ve done all the hard work I’ve needed to do. “I’m just going to go in there and do my job… do what I’ve done for the last 20 years since I started in this sport.”Huni is from Brisbane but has been training in BlackpoolFabio Wardley facing off with HuniCredit: QUEENSBERRY More