Longtail

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gainsborough’s own Jamie Vardy swapped Hollywood for non-league and hopes to land dream FA Cup tie with DONCASTER ROVERS

      by

      GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY’S very own Jamie Vardy may have swapped Hollywood for non-league but is still desperate to see his name up in lights on the big screen tonight.Only it is Doncaster Rovers rather than Manchester United or Arsenal that striker Declan Howe, 26, is dreaming about facing in the FA Cup third round.Dec Howe is hoping to shine on the big screen against HarrogateCredit: Heather King PhotographyPitchingIn Northern Premier League Trinity, the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, are into the second round for the first time in 72 years and head to Harrogate Town.And they go into their clash with the League Two outfit full of confidence – particularly hotshot Howe.The ace, a sales consultant by day, moved to the Kal Group Stadium last September with the club down the bottom.However, his 21 goals helped them to finish eighth and secured him the golden boot and he is already on 18 this term.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut his scoring exploits are a far cry from his days swanning about alongside movie stars after moving to live with his brother, who is now a manager of team operations at LA Galaxy II, in California to coach football.He told SunSport: “I went over there just as I was turning 21 and spent a couple of years in California coaching.“You’d see a few famous people about and if you went over to Hollywood then you’d see some faces.“I remember seeing Adam Sandler at an LA Lakers basketball game, which was a bit surreal.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I had to come back every year to renew my visa, but in 2020 the embassy was shut because of Covid when I came home and that was the main reason I never went back out.“Then I got back into football and rediscovered my love for it again, started scoring goals and it’s taken off from there.”Ex-PE teacher deemed ‘too small’ eyeing legendary third promotion at Harrogate Town after help from former England bossHowe was on the books of both Scunthorpe United and Doncaster, where he grew up, as a YTS before being released and dipping his toe into non-league and then heading Stateside.Despite leaving the glitz and glamour of Tinsel Town, Howe has now become a star in his own right at Trinity following spells at Staveley MW, Darlington, Cleethorpes Town, Alfreton and Ilkeston.And while he knows not even Hollywood’s boldest writers could get away with a story that ended in Trinity going all the way to Wembley, he still could.Eliminated Ashford United’s Gary Lockyer, on ten, tops the race for the Mitre Golden Ball as top scorer in the FA Cup.But Howe, currently on eight, knows a hat-trick on Friday would see him surpass that tally and put him in pole position to collect his award and land a VIP day out at the final in May.He said: “That would be lovely. I’ve spoken to a couple of people related to the Mitre Golden Ball award and they mentioned how last year a trip to Wembley was involved. So it’s definitely an aim for me to try and be at the top of those goalscoring charts.“We all wanted the TV fixture for the great exposure. There’ll be a lot of people watching with it being on a Friday night and family and friends who weren’t able to get a ticket will be able to tune in.“We can’t let any of that get to us, it’s just got to be a normal day at the office and go out to try and get out there.The hotshot is dreaming of a Doncaster FA Cup tie in the third roundCredit: Heather King Photography“It’s been a long time since we reached the third round and it’s a great opportunity to put our names in the history books of the club.”However, rather than one of the giants, Howe would be just as happy to land Doncaster, the team he used to watch from the stands, in the next round if they get past Harrogate. He said: “I was surprised we didn’t get them in this round with both names still being in the hat. All my friends are Doncaster supporters and they were convinced that it was destined to happen.“Obviously if you get through you want a Premier League team, but if it isn’t then Doncaster would be a nice one.”And it is not just his goals that have made him a huge hit with supporters. His tireless running and work-rate has also seen him being compared by fans to Vardy.The Leicester legend, 37, went from non-league to Premier League and FA Cup winner in his own fairytale story.And Howe admits he has still not given up on his dream of turning pro – and he knows there is no better stage than to show what he’s capable of than in front of the cameras later.He added: “At the start of the season I said to my girlfriend that promotion was obviously the target but the one thing I’d always wanted to have was a nice FA Cup run and here we are.“Growing up it was every kid’s dream to be pro and I think that it is maybe getting a bit more reachable to myself now.I’ve definitely been thinking over the past couple of years that is where I want to end up and you never know.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Jamie Vardy himself didn’t breakthrough as a pro until late and he’s had an incredible career since and that is still a huge ambition of mine.“The Hollywood script ending for me and the club would be a dream. You just never know what’s in store.”Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      The bittersweet story of Larry Gains, one of boxing’s greatest heavyweights who was shamefully denied world title chance

      by

      IN A ceremony in Essex on December 12 a blue plaque will be unveiled in memory of Larry Gains, who died 41 years ago.The name Gains will mean little to fight fans — yet he was one of the greatest and most popular heavyweights ever to grace British rings.Larry Gains will receive a blue plaque in a ceremony in Essex in DecemberGains was one of the most popular heavyweights ever to grace British ringsGains’ exceptional story is a bitter-sweet saga.Born in Toronto in 1900, the black Canadian spent six weeks on a cattle ship sailing to England seeking fame and fortune back in 1923.After making his pro debut in London — the start of his exceptional 146-fight career — he based himself in Paris and became a close friend of the American writer Ernest Hemingway, then a newspaper reporter.He fought all over Europe, forging a huge reputation — including a two-round KO of future world champion Max Schmeling.READ MORE IN BOXINGIn 1930, he settled in Leicester. He was idolised by the locals who treated him as one of their own.A crowd of 30,000 packed Leicester’s Welford Road rugby ground to see him KO Phil Scott and win the British Empire title in 1931.He fought in front of huge crowds in London — there was 70,000 at the White City Stadium to see him outpoint Primo Carnera before the Italian became world champ.Whenever Gains returned to Leicester after winning a big fight he would be met off the train by vast numbers led by the mayor and paraded through the streets.Most read in BoxingGains beat the beat Primo Carnera on points in 1932But Gains was in his prime in the most deplorably dishonourable 22 years in boxing’s long history.Shamefully Gains was never allowed to challenge for the world heavyweight championship, though more than capable of winning.He was the victim of the iniquitous colour bar at the time which prevented black boxers from competing for the richest prize in sport.That poisonous doctrine lasted from the moment Jack Johnson was defeated by Jess Willard in 1915 to when the ‘Brown Bomber’ Joe Louis began his illustrious professional reign in 1937.Gains would have beaten Schmeling and Carnera a second time, along with Jack Sharkey, Max Baer and James J. Braddock, the other world champs in the 1930s.But the racial prejudice of that era was deep-rooted.In a letter Gains wrote to Hemingway in 1925 — which inexplicably ended up in Boston’s JFK museum — he offered to spar with world champion Jack Dempsey. Racism prevented Gains from a shot at a world title – which he would’ve wonBut the Manassa Mauler turned him down as — in his words — he refused to train with “coloured men”.Gains consoled himself with being Canadian champion and twice being crowned the “coloured world heavyweight champion”.His last fight was in 1942 as he later joined the Army and spent the Second World War as a Sergeant Major and physical training instructor.I met him several times when he was President of the London Ex-Boxers Association. Always immaculately dressed in a suit, he was a man of great dignity.What impressed me the most — despite the humiliation he suffered — was that Gains didn’t bear grudges.Before he died of a heart attack aged 82 in 1983 he said: “For me the world title was always the impossible dream, the unreachable star.“The politics of the day was against it but I have no bitterness or regrets.”Gains’ descendants will gather at the Shoeburyness Hotel — his training camp was in the Essex seaside town — for the unveiling of the plaque in honour of him.His great-great grandson Michael Gains, who got the OK for the initiative, said: “I felt his amazing life deserved permanent recognition.”READ MORE SUN STORIESJimmy Cannon, a leading New York sportswriter once said of Joe Louis: “He was a credit to his race — the human race”.That judgement equally applies to Larry Gains.Larry Gains v Salvatore Ruggirello at Royal Albert Hall More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m the longest-serving manager in England’s top four divisions and my dad is my boss

      by

      HARROGATE TOWN manager Simon Weaver is the longest-serving manager in the top four divisions of English football.But he’s answerable to his chairman dad Irving – who owns the North Yorkshire club in League Two.Simon Weaver is the longest-serving manager in England’s top four divisionsSimon Weaver and dad Irving have worked together at Harrogate Town since 2011Weaver Sr, 75, vowed to “put Harrogate further up the football pyramid” when he took over in 2011.Together with Simon, they are the father-and-son team that have lifted Harrogate from the National League North to League Two.But his son had already been manager for two years when dad stepped in, making it 15 years and 191 days in the Town dugout.The Sulphurites were drifting in the sixth tier of English football and surviving on crowds of around 200 just 11 years ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFast forward 13 years, and Harrogate are enjoying their fifth season in League Two.And all with one of the smallest budgets in the division – finishing comfortably in 13th last term.Harrogate, it seems, have not yet realised that after 91 years in non-league, it boasts a team among the elite.Simon has led the club through two promotions in 2017-18 and 2019-20 and the FA Trophy success in the latter too.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer PE teacher George Thomson, 32, has played a significant part in the Town’s rise from the non-league, making more than 300 appearances.Winger Thomson scored at Wembley in their National League play-off final victory over Notts County to help seal a spot in the Football League back in 2020.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex And he exclusively revealed to SunSport how he is eyeing a third promotion to add to his fairytale rise from non-league hopeful to Harrogate icon.He said: “It’s been an incredible journey and I’m hoping that there are a few more years left for me.”There were a group of us who have been here long-term that said straight after that Wembley win that we want one more.”More than a decade ago, Harrogate were spared relegation from the National League North only because of financial irregularities elsewhere.Harrogate beat Notts County in the National League Play Off final in 2020George Thomson is eyeing an incredible third promotion with Harrogate TownSimon, 45, who used to play for Sheffield Wednesday, took over with the club in turmoil.The former defender told the BBC: “We lost 3-0 away to Corby Town. I had a playing budget of £1,600. “I had to count on a few friends and some played for free as a favour.”We didn’t have anywhere to train and when we did train, I got in trouble with the club because we were damaging the pitch.”We eventually got an hour a week in the gym and and a half on the AstroTurf, which caused injuries because it was rock hard.”Watford have made more than 20 managerial changes since Simon took the reigns after answering an advert placed in the Non-League Paper.Simon will be looking to deliver his dad a financial boost when Harrogate host non-league Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Cup on Friday.Harrogate beat Wrexham in the FA Cup first round earlier this monthCredit: RexThey knocked out League One side Wrexham in the first round.The cup tie will be his 766th game in charge of the club.Victory will secure them a place in the third round for only the second time in their 105-year history – and a potential money-spinning tie against a Prem club.Pep Guardiola, who took over at Manchester City in 2016, is the longest-serving current manager in the Premier League.The Spaniard has enjoyed eight years and five months at the Etihad, while Thomas Frank has spent six years and one month at Brentford. Simon added: “I’m proud of it. Sometimes I think ‘gosh, how has he been in and out in such a short space of time’ when I hear about a manger losing their job.”Multi-millionaire Irving made his money as a property magnate and is not afraid to make tough business decisions when needed.So, has he ever come close to sacking his son?Irving told the Beeb: “We’ve never had to go that far. Arguments are a waste of time. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a concern when we’re on a losing run. We’ve just been down to 20th in the table. “There’s a serious discussion about where the problems lie. But it’s a discussion – not an argument.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham keeper Fraser Forster was hailed by Lionel Messi and his exes include Apprentice star and Neighbours actress

      by

      FRASER Forster is set for an extended run in the Tottenham first team, following an injury to a long-term injury to first choice No1 Guglielmo Vicario.The unlucky Italian has undergone surgery on a fractured ankle suffered in a match against Man City and faces “months” out, according to Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.Fraser Forster is set for an extended run in the Tottenham teamCredit: GettyLionel Messi hailed Forster for the best goalkeeper performance he’s seenCredit: GettyBarcelona’s stars were in awe of Forster after a Champions League defeatCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut that won’t faze seasoned pro Forster, 36, who will be a welcome face in the dressing room before a match day.It has been said that shotstopper has been good for team morale as the joker of the pack amongst his teammates.While his goalkeeping ability has been hailed in the past by Argentinian legend, Lionel Messi.Away from the pitch, Forster has also had celebrity romances in the past.Read more football newsSunSport delves in the world of the former England goalie.”He performed inhumanely”Forster came through the ranks at Newcastle, but he first came to prominence playing for Celtic.After a loan spell in Scotland in the 2011-12 season, he was snapped up by The Bhoys the following summer for £2million.It was the 2012-13 campaign where the giant goalie, who stands at 6ft7in, produced a performance that was hailed as “the best goalkeeper display I’ve ever seen” by Lionel Messi.Most read in FootballForster played twice in the group stages against the Argentinian, including in one of the most famous night’s in the club’s recent history.Flashback as Fraser Forster trains with the England squad in 2014 Celtic, incredibly, beat a Barcelona team that featured Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez, Dani Alves, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and more 2-1 in Glasgow.Forster’s display left a lasting impression on the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.After that match, in which he made seven saves, he earned the nickname ‘The Great Wall of Glasgow’.Messi even admitted that Barcelona considered signing him.”Fraser Forster’s performance against us was talked about for a long time,” Messi said, according to the Daily Star.”There was a game in Scotland where he performed inhumanly, it’s the best goalkeeper performance I’ve seen.”The Argie World Cup winner added: “When Victor Valdes said he was leaving, we even talked about him playing here. I was sure that he would end up at Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United.”Famous exesNot only is Forster popular with one of the best players of all-time, he’s also dated celebrities.In 2009, he met future The Apprentice star Leah Totton when she was studying medicine at University of Anglia.Glam Leah Totton was Forster’s long-term girlfriendCredit: Rex FeaturesTotton won The Apprentice in 2013 and partnered up with Lord SugarCredit: GettyAussie beauty Olympia Valance was linked to Forster in 2018Credit: GettyNeighbours star Valance even went on a date with the former England keeperCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresThey dated for four years, before splitting up as she geared up to star on the reality TV hit.Leah and Forster rekindled their romance after she won the 2013 show, but it wasn’t to be – with the long-distance romance fizzling out.She went on to launch the Dr Leah Botox Clinic, and has been very successful in her own right.In 2018, Forster was then reported to be dating Aussie soap beauty, Olympia Valance.The Neighbours beauty received a large bouquet of red roses on her birthday from the giant keeper.She posed excitedly with the flowers, captioning the snap: “The birthday that keeps on giving. What a surprise @fraserforster!!!! I’ve literally never seen so many roses! THANK YOU!!!!!’Valance sent tongues wagging again when she posted a picture of her and a mystery man enjoying a date in Los Angeles, which was believed to be Forster.It’s not known why it didn’t work out. Beforehand, Valance had her own celebrity romance with One Direction star Niall Horan.Joker in the packAlthough Vicario’s injury will be a blow for Spurs, Forster will offer a much-needed morale boost in the dressing room.Guglielmo Vicario’s injury is a blow for SpursCredit: GettyBut ‘joker’ Forster should be on hand to entertain his teammates and improve moraleCredit: RexMany of his former teammates have said that he is the joker of their team.Most recently, Timo Werner was asked in a chat with the Premier League’s YouTube channel who is his funniest teammate is.He said: “I love a lot about Fraser Forster and his jokes, but in terms of funny actions, I think Emerson Royal.”This was backed up by Micky Van de Ven who previously said to the same question: “Fraser Forster! He’s always joking around in the changing room.”Former teammate Mohamed Elyounoussi also joked that Forster was a “class clown” during his time at Celtic.”Fraser is a really good guy,” he said in the Scottish Sun back in 2019.”At Southampton I talked to him a lot and in the end we were in the same situation. He was always quite positive down there.READ MORE SUN STORIESTimo Werner recently said Fraser Forster was one of his funniest teammatesCredit: RexTeammates Pedro Porro and Fraser Forster mess about on the training groundCredit: Rex”I’d say he was kind of a clown, he talked a lot and made a few jokes. He’s still the same guy here.”Fraser is a quality keeper. I think he was the best goalkeeper down at Southampton. He’s amazing when he’s at his best.” More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Frank Lampard’s superstitious routine as new Coventry boss’ success could depend on Chelsea legend’s DOG

      by

      FRANK LAMPARD will probably split his time between London and digs in Coventry as the Championship club’s new manager.For most people, this is a minor issue, but for superstitious Lampard, it could have quite some bearing upon him in his new role.Frank Lampard has landed the manager role at Coventry CityCredit: PAHe has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Championship sideCredit: PAHe helped lay the foundations at Chelsea ahead of their Champions League conquest in 2021Credit: PAHe saved Everton from relegation in his last jobCredit: ReutersAs Chelsea boss way back in 2019, the club’s all-time greatest goalscorer and hugely decorated midfielder revealed just a few of the extraordinary habits he believes are vital to keep the positive results flowing.One of those is taking the exact same route while walking his dog around the same park.He explained that he would visit the same coffee shop first thing, then wait patiently for his beloved pooch to do her ‘business’.Then it would have to be following in his well-trodden footsteps for the same distance. In his mind it is pivotal to his team’s fortunes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThere is also the precise 50 minutes on an exercise bike – no more and no less – that forms part of his routine to protect a winning run.His great mate, co-coach and confident Jody Morris later Tweeted that these were just two minor examples of his friend’s OCD.Lampard is 46 and about to join his fourth different club as a manager.From cutting his teeth at Championship Derby, he seemed destined to manage his beloved Chelsea, although the experience turned sour quickly, as it tends to do at Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLosing a play-off final, saving Everton from relegation, laying the groundwork for Chelsea’s second Champions League triumph in 2021 form part of his CV.There’s a great coach inside Lampard waiting to get out.Frank Lampard confirmed as Coventry manager as Chelsea legend returns to management after 18 months unemployed He almost led Derby County back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty – ContributorHis success at Coventry could depend on his pupCredit: GettyHe is often seen walking his dog with wife Christine BleakleyCredit: GettyHe has a superstitious theory about walking his dogCredit: https://www.instagram.com/franklampard/Frank Lampard’s managerial recordHere’s a look at Lampard’s record as a manager…Derby County May 2018 – July 2019P57 W24 D17 L16 Win percentage 42.1%Chelsea July 2019 – January 2021P84 W44 D17 L23 Win percentage 52.4%Everton January 2022 – January 2023P44 W12 D17 L24 Win percentage 27.3%Chelsea (caretaker) April 2023 – May 2023P11 W1 D2 L8 Win percentage 9.1%Overall: P288 W132 D72 L16 Win Percentage 45.83%All of his three previous clubs had their respective issues that went beyond the dugout.Whether it was Derby’s cash crisis, Everton’s ownership nightmare and Chelsea’s ruthless demand for glory that pushed sentiment to one side, some things are out of a manager’s control.The fear is that it might be the same for him at City. The brutal sacking of legendary boss Mark Robins gives Lampard big shoes to fill.On a bigger scale, Unai Emery and David Moyes found that out to their cost at Arsenal and Manchester United.Last season, Coventry were denied an FA Cup final by the cruelty of VAR and a ruthless offside decision.The comedown from that and the failure to reach the Championship Play-Offs has clearly played a part in Robins’ departure.Lampard was a Chelsea legend when he was given the manager’s job too soon in his career.Even then he admitted his popularity with the fans would last ‘two minutes’ if he didn’t deliver from the dugout.He finished fourth in the Premier League and took them to an FA Cup final against Arsenal in his first season.He was adored by the fans for promoting the academy players he had watched develop while studying for his coaching badges at his old club.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen Chelsea were in crisis the season before last, he answered a call and went back as interim boss for 11 games – walking away lamenting the malaise that had set in in the dressing room.Coventry City is a big club in the doldrums. Lampard’s reputation as a player and his impressive worth ethic could quickly get them firing again but in reality it all depends on his dog.Lampard’s appointment is a kick in the teeth to Coventry faithful – fan’s viewBy Alex JohnsonIt was always going to be tough to fill the boots of a club legend like Mark Robins, a manager who provided many Sky Blues’ with their best-ever memories supporting the club, but the arrival of Frank Lampard has gone down like a lead balloon among the Cov faithful.In his Q&A appearance with fans after firing Robins, owner Doug King emphasised his intention to bring in a tactically minded head coach to get the best out of what is the most expensively assembled squad in Coventry City history.To end up with Lampard, whose former assistant Jody Morris received a lot of the credit for his success at Derby County, feels like a kick in the teeth. This isn’t someone who has won league titles or been praised for his brilliant style of football in the slightest.Coventry fans will get behind Lampard and give him a chance. But to suggest he is an upgrade on Mark Robins after one playoff finish and a 9.1% win percentage in his last job is laughable More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury doesn’t react as Oleksandr Usyk makes surprise sick admission ahead of rematch

      by

      TYSON FURY remained stonefaced as Oleksandr Usyk revealed his dislike of pre-fight preparations.The Gypsy King will bid to exact his revenge on the former undisputed heavyweight champion in a second successive Saudi showdown on December 21.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk renew their rivalry in a second successive Saudi showdown next monthCredit: GETTYUsyk candidly revealed in a sitdown with Fury that he finds fight preparations to be nauseatingCredit: TNT SPORTSFury was completely unmoved by Usyk’s revelationCredit: TNT SPORTS BOX OFFICEThe pair, 36 and 37 respectively, faced off for the first time since their May melee at a London press conference last month before doing a sitdown face-off.And it was in their sitdown with TNT Sports that Usyk revealed he finds the build-up to fights extremely nauseating.He told pundit Steve Bunce: “When I come the ring, I live there. Tyson, too I think.”When fighters go to the ring, there is more life. Preparation (imitates being sick), training (imitates being sick) – watch us fight.”READ MORE ON FURY USYK 2Usyk’s revelation didn’t move Fury in the slightest, with the former unified heavyweight king staring at footage of their first meeting playing on the TV.Slick southpaw Usyk edged an enthralling 12-rounder via split decision to become the first undisputed king of heavyweights in nearly 25 years.Fury came dangerously close to being knocked out in the ninth round of the Riyadh rumble but somehow managed to survive Usyk’s hellacious onslaught after being dropped.Usyk stalked a hurt Fury like a bloodhound looking for the finish, although his sights weren’t set on hurting the Brit.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWatch Fury Vs Usyk 2 live on DAZN*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue.How to Watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 live on DAZNGet ready to rumble with Fury vs Usyk 2 live on DAZN Pay-Per-View! Here’s how:Buy the PPV: Get access to the fight by purchasing the PPV on DAZN.No Commitment, 7-Day Free Trial: With your PPV purchase, you’ll also receive a 7-day free trial of DAZN. Enjoy all the action and explore DAZN’s sports lineup with no extra cost!First Month Free: Monthly DAZN subscribers can get their first month for free when signing up!No Subscription Required: The PPV price is all you need to pay. There’s no obligation to continue after your free trial ends.Don’t miss the biggest fight of 2024! On December 21st “Gypsy King” Tyson Fury takes on “The Cat” Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in what promises to be the rematch of the century — order now and start your free DAZN trial today!The former undisputed cruiserweight king said: “I didn’t want to damage him.”I know the game of boxing. After the fight, he would go back to his family.Oleksandr Usyk gets Tyson Fury to sign photo of first fight and vows to sell it to raise funds for Ukrainian troops”For this reason, there’s no need to hurt him.”Defeat to Usyk was the first of Fury’s professional career and has lit a fire under the Wythenshawe warrior, who is adopting a KILL-OR-BE-KILLED mentality for their rematch.He said: “I’m going to roll the dice and it’s going to be you or me… best foot forward and swing away.”I’ve never been afraid to get knocked spark out. I’ve always put it on the line every time.”He continued: “There’s no secret! I’m going in there to knock you out.”Because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do.”I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m going to have to take it out of the judges’ hands like I did in America that time [against Deontay Wilder].”And I’ve got to get him out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.”Tyson Fury has vowed to exact his revenge on Olekandr UsykCredit: GETTY More

    • 300 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      I’m an unbeaten boxer and Olympic gold medallist – but I’d have more money & girls if I was 6ft 6in like Anthony Joshua

      by

      POCKET ROCKET Galal Yafai knows he’d have more money and girls if he was a giant star like fellow golden boy Anthony Joshua – but more problems too.AJ’s iconic 2012 London triumph made him a national treasure, an instant millionaire and a heartthrob fast-tracked to heavyweight world titles.Galal Yafai believes he would have more attention if he was more like Anthony JoshuaCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunYafai claimed he would have more money if he was as tall as AJCredit: GettyHe won gold at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: AFPHis next opponent is Sunny EdwardsCredit: GettyA decade later, 5ft 4in Birmingham ace Yafai landed the same medal in Tokyo but his flyweight status means the cash, clout and hunk-rating are on a much smaller scale.Ahead of his excellent Saturday bout with amateur rival and former sparring Sunny Edwards, the 31-year-old told SunSport: “Our weights don’t get much limelight, even though I am Olympic champion.“Back in the day little fighters got zero attention in the UK, it was always in Asia and Mexico.“There aren’t many people boxing at this weight in our country, it’s just the luck of the draw, we’re small people.READ MORE ON BOXING“If I was 6ft 6in and 17st like AJ I would be more marketable, have more money, I would have more girls chasing me – I would probably have a few more problems, come to think of it.“But these are the cards I have been dealt with, I am happy to achieve what I have, it could be a lot worse.”Yafai, like fellow fighting brothers Kal and Gamal and most other Brummie boxers, is perfectly modest.In a sport built on trash talk and empty threats, the Midlanders prefer to let their fists do the talking.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShowtime Sunny, the 28-year-old former IBF champ, is a very different character who uses his vicious tongue and quick wit to make up for his lack of power.“I think Brummies are all just pretty down to earth,” he laughed.Inside Anthony Joshua’s amazing car collection Yafai’s brothers Gamal (left) and JKal (right) are also fightersCredit: Instagram / matchroomboxingEdwards vs Yafai full fight cardHere is a look at the full fight card for Edwards vs Yafai…Sunny Edwards vs. Galal Yafai; for vacant WBC Interim world flyweight crownConah Walker vs. Lewis Ritson; WelterweightKieron Conway vs. Ryan Kelly; for vacant Commonwealth middleweight titleCameron Vuong vs. Gavin Gwynne, LightweightHamza Uddin vs. Benn Norman; FlyweightTroy Jones vs. Michael Stephenson, for Jones’s English light heavyweight titleAaron Bowen vs. James Todd; MiddleweightIbraheem Sulaimaan vs. Marvin Solano; Super featherweightTaylor Bevan vs. Greg O’Neil; Super middleweightCallum Smith Vs. TBD; Light heavyweight“Even when I won the gold, I just wanted to move on, without too much razzamataz. I probably didn’t really know how to act.“Some fighters do like to talk s***, but that’s not really my style. If they want to do it, I am game, bring it on but I would never start it off.”Classy Yafai is more worried about a big ring than a big mouth, as he hopes a tight squared circle will help him avenge his 2015 amateur loss to super-slick Edwards.“It’s a good question,” he said about the Resorts World ring dimensions. “Hopefully it’s a small one!“The promoters decide that and they won’t want a massive one because it will encourage running around and they will want an exciting fight.”I will want a smaller ring to suit my style but I’ll take anything.”Claiming the interim WBC world title will leave Yafai one step away from the bonafide green and gold 8st bout.But he’s unlikely to wrap it around his narrow waist and parade it, just like the necklace he keeps tucked away at home and only brakes out for private inspiration.The 8-0 ace explained: “I probably should walk around with the medal around my neck but it’s just stuck at home in a box.“It’s nice to have a heavy physical thing to have and hold and look at every once in a while.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Sometimes I do get it out of the box, to remind myself of what I achieved and how nice it is.“But that medal could get lost or stolen or melted down somehow, so knowing that my name is in history forever, that is more important.”How AJ punched his way to the topANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola’s emotional rock is wife and partner of 35 years Cristina Serra and family including model daughter Maria

      by

      MAN CITY boss Pep Guardiola is in need of his family’s support more than ever.The Catalonian tactician, 53, cut a frustrated figure after seeing his side throw away a 3-0 lead in the Champions League against Feyenoord.Pep Guardiola’s stunning wife Cristina Serra has been his support system for 35 yearsCredit: Getty – ContributorCristina and his children Marius, left, Valentina, centre, and Maria, right have celebrated his successes with himCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe Spaniard appeared with red scratch marks over his face and head at full-timeIncredibly, the Premier League champions are now winless in six games, and it has Guardiola scratching his head… literally.In an interview after the game, he was seen with scratches on his head and nose.Guardiola was quizzed about how he got the cut on his nose and responded by saying: “My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.The Spaniard then joked that City’s woeful form over the last few weeks has driven him to self-harm, saying: “I want to harm myself.”Read more football newsGuardiola later apologised for his comments and insisted he wasn’t making light of mental health issues.In the wake of City’s bad form, and the worst run in Guardiola’s career, he will be able to lean on his wife and partner of 35 years Cristina Serra.While his kids will also offer a distraction away from the stresses of football management.SunSport looks at the support team behind the world’s greatest coach.Most read in FootballThe missusPep met beautiful Cristina in Catalonia, when they were just starry-eyed teenagers.Guardiola left scratching his head as City blow 3-0 lead against FeyenoordShe comes from a fashion family dynasty, who own the Serra Claret boutique in Barcelona.It was there their paths crossed for the first time.Guardiola, then a youth star, was doing a modelling shoot for the late Spanish designer Antonio Miro in the shop, when he fixed his gaze on his future missus.They finally walked down the aisle in 2014 at a town hall on the outskirts of Barcelona.Earlier in the year, he revealed his wife is his fashion guru.He said: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion. So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.”I am smart enough to know that when people are much much better than me, follow their advice and hers is really good.”Whenever City taste success, Cristina is often seen at the Etihad alongside Guardiola.She happily poses with the trophies his team has won, alongside their kids.Cristina Serra comes from a fashion family dynastyCredit: Bongarts – GettyGuardiola and Cristina met when they were teenagers at her family’s fashion boutiqueCredit: AFP – GettyCristina, daughter Maria and Pep enjoyed Wimbledon earlier this summerCredit: APread more sport featuresModel daughterPep’s eldest child is daughter Maria, 23, who has branched out on her own.To almost one million followers on Instagram, she shares her glam lifestyle.Unsurprisingly, the beauty is a model and has appeared in sexy bikini shoots for swimwear brand iBilovesyou.She also once reportedly dated a footballer.Back in 2021, Maria was spotted with ex-Spurs star Dele Alli in a romantic clinch.As we exclusively revealed, the pair didn’t care who saw them as they snogged each other at Cloud 9 rooftop bar in front of the DJ booth.Daughter Maria Guardiola has branched out on her ownCredit: INSTAGRAMUnsurprisingly, stunning brunette Maria is a modelCredit: INSTAGRAMMaria once dated Premier League footballer Dele AlliCredit: INSTAGRAMA few months later, they were spotted getting lunch at trendy Mayfair hotspot Novikov, before grabbing a coffee at Starbucks.However, six months later it was reported that Alli had split with Maria.Family timeIn 2023, after Pep’s most gruelling and successful season as City boss – winning the treble – family time was important.Pep and Cristina took their three children on a trip of a lifetime to visit to Egypt.Maria, son Marius, 21, and youngest daughter Valentina, 16, joined their parents to tour Cairo and Luxor and visit the Sphinx and Great Pyramid of Giza.Wearing a white outfit and a red baseball cap bearing the letter P, Guardiola received a special ‘Pharaoh’ trophy in photos taken by officials at the Ministry of Tourism.READ MORE SUN STORIESMarius Guardiola is Pep’s only sonCredit: SuppliedThe Guardiola family enjoyed a once in a lifetime trip to EgyptPep and his family pose in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza in matching outfitsCredit: SuppliedShowing a family that all pull the same way together, they were all dressed in neutral shades of white, as they beamed for photos.They’re a support system for Pep that never wanes. More