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      in Boxing

      David Haye’s former boxing rival is now Putin-backing Russian MP who spoke about ‘sinking British Isles’

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      BACK in 2009, Nikolai Valuev went eye-ball to eye-ball with David Haye in the ring.Or maybe, it was Haye’s eyeballs to Valuev’s chest.Russia’s Nikolai Valuev once fought David Haye in 2009Valuev, who stood at 7ft tall and weighed over 300 pounds, was the biggest champion of all timeValuev is now an MP in Russia and an ally of Vladimir PutinCredit: AFPThe British boxer’s then foe stood at 7ft tall and weighed a gargantuan 316 pounds.It was no wonder the fight was billed as David Vs Goliath, with Haye the victor after 12 gruelling rounds by majority decision.But since hanging up his gloves in 2009, the Russian boxer known as the ‘Beast from the East’ surprisingly became a politician.The tallest and heaviest boxing champion in history rose to become a member of parliament for the United Russia party, and is now a henchman for Vladimir Putin’s dictatorial regime.Read more boxing newsChillingly, Valuev recently revealed he was upset Great Britain still existed – saying there would be less problems in the world if it didn’t.”If you imagine that in any of the past six centuries, the British Isles suddenly sank into the ocean, then for the rest of the world, indeed, there would be fewer problems for a certain time,” he said.He added, in warning, if Britain no longer existed “others will take the place that becomes vacant.”Valuev’s life has been nothing short of interesting, if not controversial.Most read in BoxingBoxingFrom 1993 to 2009, Valuev’s life was dedicated to the ring.Farce as 7ft boxing champ Valuev can’t find Russian army uniform that fits as star needs size 16.5 boots for Ukraine warAnd he was a fighter with some pedigree too.In 2005, he took on American John Ruiz for the WBA heavyweight title in Berlin, Germany.It was a historic moment for the ‘Russian Giant’ who would earn a 12-round majority decision.He would become the tallest and heaviest boxer of all time.However, he would lose the belt in 2007 to Uzbekistani fighter Ruslan Chagaev by majority decision.Redemption would come again in 2008, when Valuev would regain the belt after defeating Ruiz for a second time.British boxing fans will remember Valuev best for his fight with David Haye in 2009.The Brit managed to outmove and outbox the huge frame of Valuev, winning by majority decision after 12 hard-fought rounds.Haye later revealed he suffered a broken hand in the fight – comparing hitting Valuev’s head to striking a wall.Three days later, the Russian retired from the sport. He underwent a series of operations in 2010, with his doctor saying he treating Valuev for “serious bone and joint problems”.Valuev was a two-time WBA heavyweight championCredit: EPAHaye and Valuev’s fight was dubbed ‘David vs Goliath’Despite Valuev’s height and weight advantage, it was Haye who was the winnerIn 2013, he refused to return to the world of boxing citing medical reasons.A new chapter in politicsBut, by this time, Valuev had already found a new calling.He got involved in politics – using his fame and standing to aide his country.In December 2011, the sports star became a member of the State Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, through the United Russia Party.Controversies soon followed.In 2012, Valuev supported the law in Russian Parliament banning adoption of Russian orphans by citizens of the US.The same year, following the IOC’s decision to suspend Russia from participating in the Olympics under its flag because of the Russian-state-sponsored doping scandal, Valuev came out firing.He said that Russia should go to the Olympics and “tear everyone apart to spite these bastards who want to kill our sport.”By 2011, Valuev started a new chapter in his life as a politicianIn his short time in Russian parliament, Valuev has caused controversyCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresJoining the fightIn 2022, Valuev revealed he had been summoned to fight for Vladimir Putin’s Russian army in Ukraine.”In my opinion, everyone has received a summons, I also received a summons,” Valuev told Russian outlet Izvestia.”Will I go? Of course, I will go to the enlistment office now.  “My colleagues [fellow MPs] are good, they were registered for military service in the State Duma and received summons here, but I have to go home.”I received the summons right before my trip to Donbas, and I was not at home. Next week I will definitely go and report to the enlistment office.”However, weeks later he was rushed to hospital after complaining about a leg injury.Russian magazine Life revealed the dash to a Moscow medical centre, claiming he received treatment overnight.However, a source played down the severity of the injury.A spokesman for Valuev revealed: “No one broke his legs.”In 2022, Valuev revealed he was summoned to fight for the Russian Army by Vladimir PutinValuev, seen in the lower chamber of Russia’s Parliament, in his guise as an MPCredit: GettyValery Kunzekov, a second spokesman for the sportsman, told Life: “Nikolai Sergeevich jumps, dances. Yesterday he was in the State Duma until late.”No one broke his legs, and no one put him in the hospital. He is alive and well, smiling and walking on two legs. Now he is at home.”Putin’s allyIn 2023, Valuev was seen clapping in the crowd, as Putin claimed Russia is engaged in a “real war” with the West during his Victory Day speech in Moscow’s Red Square.During the 10-minute speech, Putin told the crowd: “Soldiers and seamen, and officers, generals, admirals, fighters and commanders, to all participants of the special military operation, I congratulate you on Victory Day.”It is the celebration to honour our fathers and grandfathers who fought for their motherland and through their sacrifice they saved the world from Nazism.”Putin, who has often referred to the invasion of the Ukraine as a repeat of WWII, revealed that a “special military operation” was needed to free Donbas of the chains of ‘Nazi’ rulers in Kyiv and the West.”Today civilisation is once again at a decisive turning point,” Putin said.READ MORE SUN STORIES”A real war has been unleashed against our Motherland.”He added: “Today we have a real war waged against us but we will be defending ourself from terrorism, we will defend the citizens of Donbas.”Valuev is politically allied to Vladimir PutinPutin addresses the crowd at the 2023 Victory Day paradeCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Meet the artist inspired by Disney who creates gold-plated Mickey Mouse statues starting at £8k for Real Madrid’s stars

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      NOT many can say they are the personal artist to Real Madrid’s elite.And only one can say that they all love his incredible statues that pay homage to Disney favourite, Mickey Mouse.Former footballer Juan Pablo Restrepo Mejia has become the go-to sculptor for Real Madrid’s starsCredit: Instagram @juanpablorestrepomejiaLuka Modric is just one of the stars who has commissioned Juan Pablo Restrepo MejiaCredit: Instagram @juanpablorestrepomejiaBoxing legend Canelo Alvarez is also a clientCredit: Instagram @juanpablorestrepomejiaColombian artist Juan Pablo Restrepo Mejía is making a killing from his sculptures that start at around £8,000.Luka Modric, Antonio Rudiger and Federico Valverde are just some of the Los Blancos stars who have commissioned Juan Pablo to create art work for them.While boxing legend Canelo Alvarez wanted a gold-plated piece for his Mexican home.It was a journey that stemmed from his artistic background, athough he could have taken a different journey.Read more football newsHow we got hereJuan Pablo played football in his homeland, alongside James Rodriguez and Juan Fernando Quintero at Envigado’s youth teams.But he was at university when he realised his calling in a discussion with his professor, who asked him what he wanted to do.He revealed he didn’t want to follow a career in his chosen degree of civil engineering.Instead, he wanted to be an artist. It was something Juan Pablo had grown up around all his life – coming from a family of painters who taught him the way.Most read in FootballHe told Marca: “I learned to wash brushes, the best classical and abstract techniques, sculpture, from framing a frame, painting it, sanding, filling a background.”First footballer who bought from himMarcos Llorente takes delivery of a gold Mickey Mouse statue from Juan Pablo Restrepo Mejia Spain international and Real Madrid left-back Fran Garcia was the first LaLiga star to show an interest in Juan Pablo’s work.Then Marcos Llorente asked the sculptor to create a piece to sit in the entrance of his home.It was through Llorente, who has since established his name at Real’s cross town rivals Atletico, that Juan Pablo became Real Madrid’s artist in residence.”He’s a great brother, he was the link that brought us closer to the rest of the boys on his team,” he said.Soon, after seeing the art at the club’s Valdebebas training ground, everyone wanted a piece – with prices starting at around the £8,000 mark.”He showed them the work he had done and we ended up getting to Luka Modric, who is one of my idols,” Juan Pablo continued.” Luka, (Andriy) Lunin, (Federico) Valverde, Lucas Vázquez, (Antonio) Rüdiger, they all have a piece of work.”I made sure their work was very personal, I chose the colours for each one that they most identified with.”Amusingly, when France midfielder Eduardo Camavinga saw Fran Garcia’s art work at the training ground, he wanted one too… but, he had one hilarious request.Camavinga was passing by and said, ‘Wow! What is that? Fran García’s. I want one too, but I want it to be super colourful. Mine has to be the most colorful of all,” Juan Pablo laughed.Marcos Llorente, formerly of Real Madrid, was the sculptor’s first clientsCredit: Instagram @juanpablorestrepomejiaFederico Valverde shows off the piece he commissionedCredit: Instagram @juanpablorestrepomejiaPlayers have to be patient for the piecesJuan Pablo is inspired by Mickey Mouse and has created versions of Pinocchio too.He began painting, but soon became intrigued with the idea of sculpting.However, footballers expecting a quick turnaround on their orders will be disappointed.”The manufacturing time depends a lot on the material. I work with bronze, carbon fibre and resin,” he said.”In bronze it takes me three months.”The more colourful pieces can take up to years to create. Juan Pablo explained: “The creation of the work, the idea as such, takes me about two and a half years.”Camavinga will have to wait six months or so. But I already told him and he told me ‘I wait, but colourful, colourful.'”The art pays homage to Mickey Mouse and starts at around £8,000Fran Garcia signs a shirt for Juan Pablo after receiving his pieceread more sport featuresIn terms of Walt Disney’s royalties for his work, Juan Pablo revealed: “Each country can have a permit with the brand. They didn’t know it was going to be scaled that way, but I did the right things and I have the brand’s permit.”And that’s not all…Alongside his work for football’s elite, Juan Pablo can also count Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez as one of his clients.The middleweight icon, naturally, wanted gold-plated pieces made.His work with Alvarez also led him to work with the WBA, who Juan Pablo is now the official artist for.”Every time there is a world champion they use one of my pieces to give them a detail and I am also in charge of making the legendary belts of the boxing organisation,” Juan Pablo revealed.READ MORE SUN STORIESCanelo Alvarez shows off his stunning gold plated artworkCredit: Instagram @juanpablorestrepomejiaCanelo has invited Juan Pablo to his home to decorate his Mexico ranchJuan Pablo has since become a celebrity in his Colombian homelandCanelo has even invited his new favourite artist round to his ranch in Mexico to decorate parts of his home.You can bet it will all be tastefully done. More

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      in Boxing

      Emotional Chris Eubank Jr opens up on becoming father overnight after brother’s death and how he won’t copy his star dad

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      CHRIS EUBANK Jr wants to hit the boxing jackpot to give his nephew the life he deserves.In July 2021, Raheem was only a month old when his dad Sebastian  — the younger brother of Chris Jr — died of a heart attack in Dubai, aged 29.Chris Eubank Jr is dedicating the rest of his boxing career to help provide for his late brother Sebastian’s son RaheemCredit: X/ ChrisEubankJrChris Eubank Senior tragically lost his son Sebastian in 2021Credit: GettyKamil Szeremeta will take on Eubank Jr in Riyadh this SaturdayCredit: RexIt meant uncle Chris became a dad overnight and three years on Raheem, who has just started school, is now chasing him around the practice ring ahead of his middleweight clash with Poland’s Kamil Szeremeta in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.At 35, Eubank Jr looks  unlikely to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a world champion — with a scrap against nemesis Conor Benn likely to follow.But he explained that the total devastation that struck his family  left him with a new drive in the shape of a nephew he now treats like his own son.He said: “I remember going to my brother’s grave for the first time and that’s where I first met Raheem and I held him in front of the grave and it calmed me down.READ MORE TOP STORIES“His energy and him being very quiet while on my chest gave me peace.“I felt then that everything would be OK.“I felt that we might have a second chance here.“I love that little boy. I use Raheem as a tool to strengthen my will and my soul and my spirit.Most read in BoxingChris Eubank Jr’s younger brother Sebastian was also a boxerCredit: X/ ChrisEubankJrVegasLand welcome bonus100 spins + up to £200 bonus18+; new depositing players only. Welcome package split over 3 deposits:Min. 1st deposit £10. min. 2nd and 3rd deposit £20.35x wagering requirement applies to match up bonus and spins. Spins credited in specific games. Spins expire after 24 hours. Terms and Conditions Apply.SIGN UP“Raheem is going to live a long and fulfilled life and I only have a few years of boxing left.“So I need to do everything I can over the next three or four years to make sure he has the best life he can possibly have growing up.”Chris Eubank Jr shows his boxing skills in brutal punch bag workout Eubank Jr has arrived in the Saudi capital for his middleweight boutCredit: GettyThe death of Sebastian understandably took a terrible toll on his father, Chris Eubank Sr.The  theatrical but granite-hard two-weight world champion was suddenly weak and vulnerable and preyed upon — saying things that caused a rift with his eldest son.The flare-up was exacerbated by Eubank Sr’s disgust at his son stripping  down to 157lb to face Benn, who failed a drugs test before their October 2022 grudge bout was called off.Sadly, especially for little Raheem, who is now three, the gladiatorial gene pool is not fully reunited yet.Dubai-based Eubank Jr said: “We should be able to help Raheem without boxing involved.“But  there is still a wedge between us. Until the day I retire, I don’t ever see that wedge not being there.“It should not be that way but he is set in his ways and he can’t seem to separate the boxing business from being a dad.“I don’t need Chris Eubank Sr the boxer, businessman, coach, mentor, advisor.“He is in a better place now. He was dealing with some demons — and he still is.“But he has got over and through a lot of things and he is in a much healthier state of mind, thank God.Eubank Junior says Chris Eubank Senior believes tears, punishment and discipline are important if you want to ‘flourish’ in sportCredit: Alamy“I am very happy about that. I speak to him whenever I can, I keep up to date with how everything is going. I am hearing good things now, when a year or two ago I was not.“I am very grateful that we have managed to get through that part of our lives.”Eubank Jr makes his heart-breaking overnight transformation from super-cool uncle to doting dad sound like a doddle. But it means he is now in a rush to give Raheem the little sibling he himself adored in Sebastian.And then he has to wrestle with the idea of both of his boys following down the brutally hard path that his dad, brother, cousins and uncles have all walked.He explained: “Once I was put in this position for Raheem,  people saw a different side to me, a softer side.“Spending time with Raheem makes me think more about having my own son, giving him a brother and raising them together.“His dad was my brother and we grew up together and I want to give Raheem that.“My new role means I have to teach Raheem — I cannot be Mr Nice Guy all the time.“He has got to learn that certain things are not good or OK. In a sports setting, tough love and strict rules breed success.My old man would say…‘What are you doing? Get back in the f*****g ring and work and learn and take your licks like a man’.Chris Eubank Junior“Nine times out of ten, if you don’t have the tears, punishment and discipline, then a kid is  not going to flourish in sport, especially boxing.“My old man would watch me get hurt, he would watch me get beaten up and tell me, ‘Get back in the ring’.“There were no hugs, there was no, ‘How are you son, are you feeling OK?’“He would say, ‘What are you doing? Get back in the f*****g ring and work and learn and take your licks like a man’.“That would break a lot of people, let alone kids, but it pushed me.“Not everybody has it but you need it to survive in combat.“I have a very soft spot for Raheem because of our situation, so I don’t think I would want to go through it with him.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Would I love to see him  pursue a boxing career? No, I don’t think I would love it.“I know his mother will not want him to do it — but his father did it, I do it and our father did it, so he has the genes, he’s part of our gene pool.”Conor Benn could come next for Eubank Jr if he wins this weekendCredit: AP More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 team chief Flavio Briatore, 74, ‘rekindles romance with 44-year-old model ex-wife Elisabetta Gregoraci’

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      F1 heavyweight Flavio Briatore has rekindled his romance with former wife Elisabetta Gregoraci, according to reports in Italy.Briatore – who currently works as a special advisor to F1 team Alpine and part-owned QPR from 2007 to 2011 – married Elisabetta in 2008. Former model wife Elisabetta Gregoraci is the ex-wife of Flavio BriatoreCredit: InstagramElisabetta got married to Alpine special advisor Briatore in 2008Credit: InstagramElisabetta has one son with BriatoreCredit: InstagramThe couple, who split in 2017, pictured here in 2014Credit: Getty – ContributorThe couple are now linked with a rekindlingCredit: Getty Images – GettyTwo years later they welcomed son Nathan into the world but by 2017 the couple separated after nine years of marriage. Briatore, 71, already had a daughter, Leni Olumi Klum, from a previous marriage to German-American model and TV host Heidi Klum.Elisabetta, 44, has been romantically linked with Florentine entrepreneur Giulio Fratini in recent years.But reports in Italy state the two have drifted apart while Elisabetta remains close with Briatore. READ MORE IN F1Briatore meanwhile has been linked with Naomi Campbell, former Ralph Lauren model Kat Mack, and Polish model Marzena Cieslik in the past. The former team principal of Renault F1 recently posed for a “family selfie” with his two ex-wives and son Nathan and daughter Leni.Now, according to Dagiospa and Gazzetta dello Sport, Briatore and Elisabetta – who are almost 30-years apart in age – have rekindled their romance.But that is not the only love drama to hit the F1 track.Most read in MotorsportBritish driving sensation Oliver Bearman is reportedly caught up in a love triangle.The 19-year-old reserve driver is rumoured to have broken up with girlfriend Estelle Oglivy. TikToker Estelle Ogilvy’s glam life as she splits time between jetting to watch F1 boyfriend Oliver Bearman and studying But the aspiring model is said to be getting back with another up and coming F1 star ex.Bearman, who made a sensational F1 debut earlier this year for Ferrari, was previously dating Oglivy – a 22-year-old law graduate who has over 130,000 followers on Instagram.But the pair seem to have called quits on their relationship, despite Ogliviy heading out to support Bearman during his one and only F1 appearance back in March in Saudi Arabia.According to @F1GossipOfficial, a gossip social media account that follows the latest off-track news from F1, the pair have unfollowed each other on Instagram.Oglivy has also unfollowed F1 team Haas, who Bearman has secured a full-time seat with from 2025.The social media activity has sparked rumours of a split.And another online decision from Oglivy, who is of French and British heritage, is leading people to believe she has returned to date ex-boyfriend Franco Colapinto.Colapinto, 21, is currently competing in F1 for Williams where he replaced Logan Sargeant after the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Argentine driver was previously rumoured to be dating Oglivy before she went public with Bearman.And since the apparent breakup from Brit sensation Bearman, Oglivy has re-followed ex Colapinto – sparking rumours of the pair rekindling their relationship.Oliver Bearman could have found himself caught up in an F1 love triangleCredit: AlamyThe rising star appears to have broken up with girlfriend Estelle OglivyCredit: Instagram/silly_lettuceOglivy has sparked rumours of a return to an ex-boyfriendCredit: Instagram / @silly_lettuceThe law graduate has re-followed Williams driver Franco ColapintoCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Dave Kidd: There’s no such thing as football clubs having their own ‘DNA’ – unless you’re talking about being ‘Spursy’

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      SIXTEEN years have passed since Dimitar Berbatov left Spurs, so we should forgive him a memory lapse.But when the great Bulgarian soft-shoe shuffler turned up as a Sky pundit to watch his former club at Brighton, and claimed that tossing away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 “was not Spurs”, he could barely have been more wrong.Tottenham were beaten by Brighton on the weekendCredit: GettyManager Ange Postecoglou watched on as his team threw away a two-goal leadCredit: AlamyDanny Welbeck headed in the winner for the SeagullsCredit: GettyIn fairness to Berbatov, while the term ‘Spursy’ feels like the oldest of cliches, it only actually entered the footballing lexicon ten years ago.Although that’s only because, by 2014, Spurs had already been ‘Spursy’ for several decades and so everybody instinctively knew exactly what it meant.It meant stuff like snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, style over substance, softness under stress, bottling it — and choking.But can ‘Spursiness’ really be an actual thing?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBecause most football supporters are fatalistic, believing their own club is cursed by bad luck and prone to most of those characteristics which define being ‘Spursy’.To chuck in another old chestnut — can any football club really possess a ‘DNA’? Fundamental and distinctive qualities which are unchangeable?In the decade since ‘Spursiness’ was coined, the club have gone through five managers, changed their entire playing squad apart from Ben Davies, moved into a magnificent new stadium and won nothing.If we accept that Davies isn’t the problem, then we’re going to have to believe that several entirely different bunches of blokes have, by signing on the dotted line for Spurs, become individually and collectively flaky. Which is like believing in mermaids or unicorns.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd yet, the thing is, it is actually true, isn’t it?Giorgio Chiellini said it best, after Spurs blew a lead and were knocked out of the Champions League by his Juventus side back in 2018.Giorgio Chiellini has a dig at the history of Tottenham Giorgio Chiellini fired a jibe at Spurs back in 2018Credit: EPAAntonio Conte slammed the club during his tenureCredit: Reuters“It’s the history of the Tottenham,” said the legendary Italian defensive b*****d.“They always create many chances and score so much but, in the end, they miss always something to arrive at the end. We believe in history.”That’s Chiellini — who knows a thing or two about being definitely not, in any way, Spursy — telling us that Spursiness exists.And to such an extent that even foreign clubs know exactly what it means.Sunday’s capitulation was the tenth time Spurs have lost a Premier League match having led by two or more goals. No other club has achieved this ‘feat’ on more than seven occasions.So the idea of an inherent ‘Spursiness’ is only a cliche because it holds large elements of truth.Usually, great managers give a team an identity. But they don’t tend to give a club a ‘DNA’.Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United always found a way to win.Since he left, United have found many different ways in which to lose.Arsenal’s last two title-winning bosses, Arsene Wenger and George Graham, employed chalk-and-cheese playing styles.Just five years apart, Chelsea won titles under Jose Mourinho, with the meanest defence English club football has ever seen, and Carlo Ancelotti, winning three of their final four home matches 7-1, 7-0 and 8-0.So there’s no such thing as a football club’s ‘DNA’.Except, perhaps, at Tottenham, who employed Mourinho and Antonio Conte — cynical men after Chiellini’s stony heart — and still ended up pretty damned Spursy all the same.Ange Postecoglou has dismissed the ‘Spursy’ tag as ‘playground stuff’ because he is a big, gruff Aussie who doesn’t believe in pixies at the bottom of the garden.And because he is paid handsomely not to believe that Tottenham’s problems are genetic and incurable.But back in May — on the extraordinary night when Spurs lost 2-0 at home to Manchester City and most supporters went home happy because the result went a long way to denying Arsenal the title — Postecoglou suggested a fundamental weakness.“The foundations are really fragile,” he said. “The last 48 hours have shown me that. It’s inside the club, outside the club . . . everywhere.”Of course, the one permanent feature of any club is its fanbase. True supporters are in it for life.So, do Spurs supporters make Spurs ‘Spursy’?By lacking a big-club mentality, by being happier to see Arsenal denied the title than to see their own club qualify for the Champions League, as they would have done had they beaten City that nightThis is surely too simplistic.There are almost 60,000 match-going Spurs fans at every home game and hundreds of thousands more who are devoted to the club — some old, some young, some cynical, some dreamy, some who even wanted Spurs to beat City that night.Perhaps it’s just that Spurs are in a unique position among English football clubs.They are bracketed as one of the ‘Big Six’, suggesting they ought to win things, but do not enjoy the wealth of the other five, nor  Saudi-backed Newcastle.They have an enviable ancient history and a ‘To Dare Is To Do’ ethos which encapsulates the essence of the game, as part of the entertainment industry.As Conte never tired of mentioning, Spurs also boast a world-class stadium and a training ground without a playing squad to match.They now have a promising first-team forward, Mikey Moore, who was born on the first day of the 2007-08 season, the last campaign in which Tottenham actually won a trophy.Postecoglou has pretty much promised to end that barren run by stating that he ALWAYS wins a trophy in his second season at a football club.As if openly defying the idea of ‘Spursiness’ by saying such a thing out loud would banish any hint of Spursiness.After that, Spurs won five matches in a row and went 2-0 up away at Brighton.And then, as Chiellini would have it, ‘the history of the Tottenham’ repeated itself.As if it were as fundamental and unchangeable as DNA.SLOT MACHINEArne Slot was not impressed about Liverpool’s 12.30pm kick off on SaturdayCredit: AlamyHAVING promised not to do so, Arne Slot was reading from the Jurgen Klopp hymn sheet when he moaned about Saturday’s 12.30pm kick-off at Crystal Palace.Slot has enjoyed the smoothest imaginable start to life as Liverpool boss — none of the seven teams the Reds have played are in the top nine of the table.Next he must face Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Newcastle as six of his next seven Premier League fixtures, as well as European ties against Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid — the champions of Germany and Spain.After that little lot, we can properly judge whether the Dutchman has more in common with Klopp than merely the ability to whine about TV scheduling.A VIEW TO A VILLJhon Duran netted the winning goal against Bayern MunichCredit: GettyTHE atmosphere at Aston Villa’s Champions League win over Bayern Munich was one of the best I’ve ever experienced at a football ground, and the spectacular winner by Jhon Duran was unforgettable.Which made it all the more sad to hear a radio phone-in during which Villa supporters spoke of being priced out by tickets costing between £85 and £97.Last Wednesday night at Villa Park was a true ‘I was there’ occasion.But clearly that was only for those who could afford it.STRENGTH IN DEPTHMikel Arteta has plenty of options in his squad this seasonCredit: GettyMIKEL ARTETA freshened up his Arsenal side for Saturday’s clash with Southampton by bringing in three fringe players.Those bench-warming ‘stiffs’?READ MORE SUN STORIESRaheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus, who have eight Premier League titles between them.And Jorginho, a European champion at club and international level.Whatever problems the Gunners may encounter during this season’s title bid, it won’t be a lack of strength in depth.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      in Boxing

      Chris Eubank Jr: I was gang enforcer and had fights in car parks before going home to a £1million mansion each night

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR says he was once a gang enforcer on the streets by day before returning home at night to a £1million mansion.Eubank Jr is the eldest son of British boxing great Chris Sr – a superstar of the 1990s who fought for huge sums.Chris Eubank Jr says he was a ‘gang enforcer’ in Brighton with this grainy footage showing him brawling in a car parkThis was an infamous underground street fightThe Eubank family grew up in a Sussex mansionCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdEubank Jr grew up the son of a legendCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe son-of-a-legend was privately educated and grew up with his two brothers and sister in a mansion in Brighton. But Eubank Jr was living a far different life away from home – getting into fights and trouble on the streets. And his double life was exposed when one now-infamous underground carpark brawl found its way online. In the grainy footage, Eubank Jr beats up a rival gang member, even STOMPING on him.READ MORE IN BOXINGFortunately for the current middleweight contender, he found an escape through the same sport which made his dad a household name. Eubank Jr told rapper Castillo for The Main Event: “I don’t know how it happened, but I was a street kid. “I was a road man that was going home to a £1million mansion every night. It doesn’t make sense.”It doesn’t make sense but that video in the car park, I was doing that every other week I was in a scrap like that. I was an enforcer in a gang in Brighton.Most read in Boxing”At 15, 16-years-old everybody’s doing stupid s***. It’s just what you had to deal with or what you are as a kid. You don’t know better.”That’s one of the reasons why I ended up moving to Las Vegas to get away from that scene, to get away from that lifestyle.”‘I was like an enforcer’ – Chris Eubank Jr opens up about infamous street fight video before he ‘found boxing’ Eubank Jr moved to Vegas to learn the ropes as a boxer having found his calling as a fighter on the streets of Sussex.He said: “I loved the competition. I love the challenge.”I have a guy in front of me and he’s trying to take me out and I’ve been trying to take him out. “And who’s going to get to it first? Who’s going to land that first punch?”That was always just sexy to me. And it just turned me on. I don’t know why.”Eubank Jr had an amateur stint in America before returning to Brighton to turn professional. He has since gone onto challenge for world titles and made millions of his own through pay-per-view bouts. I was a road man that was going home to a £1million mansion every night. It doesn’t make sense.But Eubank Jr admitted to being tight with his money growing up – having seen his famous fighting father go bankrupt in 2005. He said: “As sad as it is to say, boxers are not good with money. “We are notoriously poor at keeping hold of what we make in these fights. My father was no different, he made millions. “Millions and millions and this was in the 80s and 90s when millions was more than it is now. He still went bankrupt, he still lost everything, right? “So I’m seeing that as a kid and I’m seeing me having to go from a multi-million mansion to living in a flat above a nursery as a young teen.”I had to make that switch and I’m thinking to myself, ‘How has this happened?’ “So okay, yeah you can make money but it’s not just about making money it’s about keeping it. How do you keep it?”‘Sky’s the limit’Eubank Jr is eyeing huge fights against the likes of Billy Joe Saunders, Canelo Alvarez and Conor Benn, whose dad Nigel shared a rivarly with Chris Sr. But first, Eubank Jr returns on Saturday in Saudi Arabia against Kamil Szeremeta and promises that big things are to come. He said: “I’m excited to finally get in there and become part of that movement, because it’s a new movement.”And fighting over there in Saudi it’s an amazing opportunity to go out there and build that relationship and then I’ll be able to go forward and potentially have these big fights maybe out there.”Or maybe that they would put them on over here or out in the States because they’re putting on fights or shows in other countries too.”So this is a very important introductory to that outfit. And I’m fighting a solid guy, man. “He’s got a great record… he’s been in there with [Gennady] Golovkin and [Jaime] Munguia.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s a solid dude and this is the type of guy that is a great fight for me to have coming off a year layoff. “Get me back into the swing of things and after that, sky’s the limit.”Eubank Jr and Kamil Szeremeta ahead of their fightCredit: Getty More

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      Meet Power Slap star Sheena Bathory, who broke a breast implant in training and wants to fight at a Misfits Boxing event

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      THERE are few more brutal sports in the world right now than Power Slap.Leading the charge is glam Hungarian beauty, Franciska Szabo – better known as Sheena Bathory.Franciska Szabo – better known as Sheena Bathory – is taking the world of Power Slap by stormCredit: _francesca_szabo/instagramBathory’s reactions to getting struck in Power Slap have caused a stir onlineBathory also suffered a terrible injury when her breast implant brokeCredit: Instagram @_francesca_szaboShe went viral when a clip of her taking a vicious slap from fellow MMA rival Christine Wolmarans made her barely flinch, and responded by blowing a kiss at her opponent.Incredibly, it was watched over 136 million views – making her more popular than Taylor Swift online.It hasn’t been all plain sailing, especially since Bathory broke her breast implant in training back in September.However, she has set her sights on the Misfits Boxing world – having started boxing training – and wants to take on current champ Julia Poca.Read more Misfits newsSpeaking exclusively to SunSport, Bathory said: “I have always followed Misfits Boxing.”There are obviously so many beautiful women who compete who show their badass side.”I can relate to boxing. It’s something knew in my life, but I was grappler and wrestled, so it would be challenging.”It’s important for me to also keep my feminine side.Most read in Boxing”Being a badass and being sexy, I think Misfits Boxing does that very well and I’d love to be a part of that.”TrainingFormer MMA fighter Bathory also used to wrestle, so she’s battle hardened when it comes to a tough training regime.Power Slap star Sheena Bathory says her key to success in ‘dangerous sport is being able to take a smack & not pass out’But, preparing for a Power Slap contest requires different preparation.She said: “I work out with rubber bands to practice my arm swing and slap, that helped me a lot.”For my jaw line I have a jaw exerciser that I bite down on too.”The neck is very important, but because of my MMA training, which involves wrestling and kickboxing training, I get hit many times and that helps to make me physically stronger.”Hungarian fighter Bathory loves competes wrestlingCredit: GettyBathory is also trained in kickboxing and judo – competing in MMACredit: GettyBurst breast implantLast month, though, Bathory was floored by a horror injury when her breast implant broke during a particularly aggressive training session.She explained: “It happened in a rough training camp in Budapest.”My sparring partner didn’t hold back, and I had a few kicks to my breasts.”When you are on the floor and training, you don’t really realise the pain because it’s constant.”The next day I saw some bruising above one of my breasts, and I felt some inflammation in my body.”I went for blood work, and my results were very high.”A friend, who was an MMA fighter, said to me I had to do an MRI on my breast in case it got damaged.Power Slap is incresingly popular but hugely controversialBy Jack FiggPower Slap is UFC boss Dana White’s newest and potentially most dangerous venture yet. The American MMA promoter helped the UFC go from struggling business bought for just $2m to a global powerhouse now worth over $20BILLION. But White’s passion has now shifted across to his new Power Slap league – where defenceless opponents withstand blows to the brain. Doctors are outraged and have warned it MUST be banned before disaster strikes. Chris Nowinski, a Harvard Ph.D. and former wrestler, claimed participants ‘may never be the same’ after taking the repeated blows to the head. But White has remained unfazed and shared Power Slap’s huge social media numbers with clips soaring into the millions of views. And he remarkably said: “This will be the biggest sport in the world. This will be bigger than the UFC. This will be bigger than the UFC.” White helped catapult MMA into a mainstream sport but only time will tell if lightning will strike twice with Power Slap. Sometimes, actually, my huge breasts were making it difficult for my boxing because I couldn’t keep my arms down!””Incredibly, the right one implant was smashed to pieces. It got into my blood, and it was really painful. It was insane.”They took the implant out, and i’m not getting them back now because I want to focus on the competitions.”Sometimes, actually, my huge breasts were making it difficult for my boxing because I couldn’t keep my arms down!”I am now three pounds lighter, so it will help me with the weight cut.”It was a blessing, even though it sounds so tragic!”Last month, Bathory had to remove her breast implants after one burst in trainingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Czwz9_4vODu/Blonde beauty Bathory revealed the pain was off the chartsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Czwz9_4vODu/read more sport featuresTaunting a rivalBathory became a viral superstar when she blew a kiss at rival Christine Wolmarans after being struck by a hard slap.She barely flinched, which drew 136 million views in a clip shared on Instagram. More than anything on a Taylor Swift reel.”My feelings are very mixed when I am competing in Power Slap,” Bathory said.”I used to do wrestling and judo. There’s something about entertaining, which is important to me, but I still want to be there as an athlete.”It came out naturally, why can’t I show my emotions? In judo you can’t, you have to respect the judges and the opponent.”In Power Slap you get more freedom. And by the way, the slap from Christine was really strong! When she slapped me, I felt off for one second before then thinking, ‘Oh, I’m back!'”I blew a kiss to say, ‘It wasn’t bad, but now it’s my turn’.”Bathory’s moment of glory in Power Slap went viral on InstagramCredit: YouTube / Power SlapBig personality Bathory thought her Power Slap was a turn-on for menCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Czwz9_4vODu/Bathory continued: “I think people appreciate that women can tolerate really high pain.”I also think it was very attractive for many men, who messaged me they wanted to die by my slap!”Men, maybe, weren’t even aware they wanted to get slapped until seeing this video!”Dana White supportPower Slap has been backed by Dana White, with the UFC chief executive officer founding the sport in 2022.”It’s definitely a privilege to work in the same industry as Dana White,” Bathory revealed.”He motivates me every day to train harder because I would also love to compete in MMA.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Hopefully, I can get his attention by fighting in both because he’s the GOAT of this industry.”I am truly very grateful that I can be in the same circle.”Bathory revealed it was a pleasure to work in Power Slap with Dana WhiteCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Czwz9_4vODu/UFC chief Dana White founded Power Slap in 2022 More

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      I married my coach before he tried to KILL me, then fell in love with rival – now Sydney Sweeney will play me in movie

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      CHRISTY MARTIN had a life and career fit for the big screen – and her story from escaping death to marrying an old opponent is heading to Hollywood.The boxing legend was stabbed and shot by her ex-husband and trainer Jim Martin after years of abuse. Christy Martin survived a murder attempt from her ex-husband and trainerCredit: ReutersJim Martin coached and married ChristyJim is now serving 25 years in prisonIt threatened to bring a tragic end to one of the sport’s most inspiring and influential careers. But after overcoming the frightening ordeal, Christy revealed in a Netflix documentary how surviving that day was her greatest victory.She said: “I came to some realisation that I got my 50th win when I got off the floor, November 23, 2010.”Christy’s boxing journey began in 1986 when she was dared by her friends to enter a toughwoman contest. READ MORE IN BOXINGShe knocked out all three of her opponents and pocketed $300 while becoming hooked on the sport. Christy was then put in contact with coach Jim by a promoter – and her life would never be the same. Jim – embarrassed at the thought of even training a women – instructed his boxers to try break Christy’s ribs and punch her out the gym.He soon found out that was not an option. Most read in BoxingJim, speaking from Orange County Jail in Florida, said: “Christy’s got a granite chin. “You hit her with a sledgehammer and she’s still standing there looking at you.”Inside the astonishing real life story of Christy Martin, who Sydney Sweeney will portray in upcoming Hollywood biopicChristy was forced to fight for free to even get a shot by promoters, earning as little as $60 if she ever did get paid. But as her KO streak grew so did her relationship with Jim – before one day something out of the ordinary happened.Christy revealed: “After one of the fights, you know you’re so excited and everyone’s so happy. And I kissed him.”I don’t even know what happened.”Christy had grown up a secret lesbian, hiding it from her family despite being in a relationship with an old school friend Sherry Lusk. She soon went public with her relationship with cornerman Jim – who was 25 years her senior and even older than her dad. The two married in 1991 after buying their rings from Walmart and three years later Christy was signed to legendary but controversial promoter Don King. King was initially going to watch tapes of Martin’s previous fights to help him decide whether to give her a contract – but after his TV stopped working he instead made her shadow box in front of him and saw enough to give her a deal.The two married in 1991Credit: GettyJim trained Christy during her riseCredit: AFPBut King was not the only iconic boxing name to take notice – an incarcerated Mike Tyson was among Martin’s admirers.So much so by the time he came out of jail in 1995 – after serving three years for a rape charge – he wanted her on his undercard.Tyson said: “I believe I was in jail and they were talking about “Coleminer’s daughter”, she’s knocking out people, she’s really exciting.”I’m like, ‘Get the f*** out of here.’ But then I started going to some of her fights. “She throws a lot of hard punches, crowd-pleasing. She gave everybody their money’s worth. So I said, ‘Put Christy Martin on my undercard.'”Martin made history by fighting in the first-ever women’s bout on pay-per-view the night Tyson knocked out Frank Bruno in 1996. She was booed into the ring with fans convinced it was no more than a novelty act – but Martin was cheered out.Martin fought Lisa Holewyne in 2001 and made jibes about her opponent’s sexuality – despite her secret lesbian past.She throws a lot of hard punches, crowd-pleasing. She gave everybody their money’s worth. So I said, ‘Put Christy Martin on my undercard.’Mike Tyson She admitted: “I said a lot of rude comments about homosexuals. But also, Jim did encourage that type of behaviour.”And I would tell him, ‘Jim, you don’t understand, I’m gonna keep saying this stuff and somebody from my past is going to creep up.”As Martin’s career as a star boxer reached its height in the early 2000s – her private life was the opposite. She wanted to bring in a new trainer – but husband Jim would not tolerate the thought – and made it known during a sparring session. Christy said: “He knocked me out. I’d never been knocked out. I’d never been dropped even. “You know when you’re hitting someone in the right spot. You know when you’re hitting someone hard enough to knock them out. “He knew exactly what he was doing. Is it abuse? Yeah, he’s smart. He disguised it. “All I wanted to do was leave him, all I wanted to do was live my life freely.”Christy Martin and Lisa Holewyne fought in 2001 before later getting marriedCredit: AFPChristy begged for Jim to divorce herCredit: GettyIn 2003, Christy stepped up to super-middleweight to challenge Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila despite the ONE STONE weight difference. Laila dominated the bout but Jim refused to pull Christy – perhaps on purpose as punishment.Christy said: “He could’ve stepped up and stopped it. I could always say, ‘Jim stopped it, I didn’t quit.’ “But I quit and that’s hard for me to live with.”In the years following, Christy and Jim became hooked on cocaine, even using it while training for fights. Christy said: “If I was hitting the heavy bag, I’d say, ‘Jim, I’m so tired. Do you have any more?’ He’d say, ‘Keep hitting the bag.'”He would go cut a line, I’d still have my gloves on. I was high all the time. But I couldn’t stop, I didn’t want to stop.”The relationship was disintegrating behind the scenes and Christy pleaded for divorce. She said: “I would tell him, ‘You know I’m a lesbian, so let’s get divorced! I’m begging you to please divorce me.'”I went as far as to write up a contract, I’ll take care of all these expenses, just please leave.’ “He hit me and knocked my tooth through my lip. Blood went everywhere.”Jim denied that Christy asked for a divorce. But he made her fight on in the ring. In 2010, Christy reconnected with her old partner and friend Sherry on Facebook – but she claimed Jim threatened to kill her if she left.Eventually, Christy did walk out and Jim released explicit images of her in retaliation.”This was my revenge,” he admitted. But the compromising pictures pale in comparison to what would come next as on November 23, 2010 an argument broke out between Christy and Jim. ‘Please don’t let me die’Following a physical altercation, Jim stabbed Christy four times and ignored her desperate pleas to help. Christy said: “He stopped everything and just left me laying there… I could hear my lung gurgling. So I know it’s filling up with blood.”He’s walking in and out of the room to see if I had to died yet. I’m begging him, ‘Please don’t let me die. I’m sorry Jim, I made a mistake. Truth is, I love you.'”But then by the time I realised he can’t let me live I was like, ‘Oh, f*** you. I never loved you. You’ve been a piece of s*** the whole time. I’m your personal ATM, you’ve done nothing but use me.'” Jim did eventually walk back towards Christy – only to fire a shot into her torso. Christy remembered: “He stands at my feet with my own pink 9-millimeter. I told him, ‘You don’t have the balls to shoot me.’ And he shot me.'”My mind’s like, ‘No, I don’t wanna die. I have to get out. I have to save me. Some way, I have to save me.'”Jim callously left Christy to die – but she was not done fighting yet. My mind’s like, ‘No, I don’t wanna die. I have to get out. I have to save me. Some way, I have to save me.Christy Martin after being stabbed and shot by her ex-husbanfAs her former trainer took a shower, Christy miraculously escaped the house on to the road where a stranger took her to hospital.Jim fled and slept in a tool shed behind an abandoned home – still clutching on to a blood-soaked knife – until police found him.The murder attempt exposed Christy’s sexuality – but she received widespread support from the boxing world. Amazingly less than a year after the attack – with a bullet still lodged in her back – Christy began training for a comeback bout.And she was seconds away from winning her return fight only for the ringside doctor to pull her out after she broke her hand. Christy had just one more fight – losing in 2012 – before suffering a stroke. By that time, her and Sherry had split up and soon Holewyne – almost a decade from their bitter bout – got back in touch. Jim was also standing trial in 2012 and was later sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison for the attempted murder. Christy during the 2012 trialCredit: GettyJim was later sentenced to 25 years in prisonCredit: GettyFive years on from Jim’s sentencing, Christy married former rival Holewyne in 2017 with the two happily together to this day.She said: “I love her without question and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. I’m happy in my own skin.”Christy – who was inducted into the boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 – now works as a promoter and motivational speaker. And her incredible life story is set to be depicted by Sydney Sweeney in a biopic directed by David Michod. Sweeney, 26, told Deadline: “I grappled and did kickboxing from 12-19 years old. “I’ve been itching to get back into the ring, train, and transform my body. “Christy’s story isn’t a light one, it’s physically and emotionally demanding, there’s a lot of weight to carry. But I love challenging myself.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite all the accolades in and outside the ring, Christy’s biggest triumph was surviving her evil husband. She said: “That was not just my 50th win but that was my biggest win of my life.” Christy Martin beat Lisa Holewyne a decade before they fell in loveCredit: GettyThe two are now happily marriedCredit: GettySydney Sweeney is set to play Christy in a Hollywood biopicCredit: Getty More