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      How Olympics defeat sparked Floyd Mayweather’s unbeaten pro legacy while rival’s career went wildly different direction

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER’S last-ever defeat sparked an unbeaten professional legacy – while victory left his opponent doomed. Mayweather was just 19 when he made it into the 1996 Olympic semi-finals in Atlanta against little-known Bulgarian Serafim Todorov. Floyd Mayweather famously missed out on gold at the 1996 OlympicsCredit: AP:Associated PressMayweather was left in tearsCredit: NBCThe American legend retired at 50-0Credit: ReutersAnd he looked to be on his way to the final after the referee Hamad Hafaz Shouman raised his hand following three convincing rounds. Except confusion ensued around the arena when it was in fact Todorov’s name announced as the winner – to the shock of all. Mayweather was so devastated and full of emotion that he could barely get his words out in the aftermath. Fighting back tears, he told NBC: “I feel I won that fight.” READ MORE IN BOXINGMayweather then let out a cry and walked away from the interview as he was too heartbroken to speak. That pain followed the American legend throughout his career and it ultimately proved inspirational to his unmatched 50-0 pro record. Mayweather, now 47, told ex-NFL star Shannon Sharpe: “Am I happy with my amateur career? Absolutely. “Am I happy with the bronze medal and not winning gold? Absolutely. The referee raised my hand because he thought I won. Most read in BoxingEven the referee thought Mayweather wonCredit: YouTube Todorov was left in equal shockCredit: YouTube CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But I am glad that the fight went how it went because it made me work that much harder as a professional – not to feel that same pain again. It was one of the best things that ever happened to me.” Mayweather made his pro debut just months on from Olympic heartache while Todorov rejected lucrative deals to stay amateur. Floyd Mayweather cried on camera after 1996 Olympic final defeat Todorov – who took silver after losing the 1996 Olympic featherweight final – was locked in a dispute with the Bulgarian Boxing Federation. He even tried to switch alliances to represent Turkey in the 1997 World Championships – a year after his controversial win over Mayweather. The move was barred and Todorov refused to represent Bulgaria again – finishing his amateur boxing career in 2003. In the years since, Mayweather became boxing’s richest prizefighter of all time, topping Forbes’ rich list of the decade in 2019 with over £700MILLION made. Todorov meanwhile barely had enough to get by.He was living in a house in Peshtera, located in the southern area of Bulgaria, but he was forced to sell it to after falling on hard times.In 2015, New York Times tracked the former Olympian down and revealed he and his wife were working in sausage factories and supermarkets. And Todorov – who also turned down approaches from the Bulgarian underworld – was left to rely on £370 benefits. Serafim Todorov took a different path to MayweatherCredit: ReutersMayweather is the richest prizefighter of all timeCredit: InstagramHe is known for his extravagant lifestyleCredit: Instagram @liramsustielHe said: “I live on just a handout from the state, the money I get from the government is not enough, my family have no jobs. “It’s hard here because it is a small town and there is very little work. “I did have a bigger house in my home town, Peshtera, 20km from where I live now but I had to sell because I had no money to get by.”Mayweather caught wind of Todorov’s sad circumstances and said: “I wish him nothing but the best.”I don’t know why he didn’t become a boxing trainer because at the time when we fought, he was already a lot older than I was.”I was fighting at the elite stage at 16. I wanted to turn pro at 14, but it never happened. Five years later, I turned pro at 19. Within a year, I was a champion.”As Mayweather used the setback to greater good, Todorov took the opposite approach of self-pity. He said: “After I lost we had to stay in Atlanta for two more days to wait for our plane. I am glad that the fight went how it went because it made me work that much harder as a professional – not to feel that same pain again. Floyd Mayweather on his Olympic loss “I drowned my sorrows in alcohol and when I came back to Bulgaria, I wanted to quit boxing.”Mayweather – who has never once touched alcohol – was famed for his exhausting training sessions – and has Todorov to thank for it.He told Showtime in 2015: “I’m happy with how the result went. “I’m really happy because that made me strive and work hard to get to where I’m at today.”Mayweather officially hung up his gloves in 2017 after beating ex-UFC champion Conor McGregor, 36, in a lucrative crossover clash. But even in retirement, the money continues to come in with Mayweather still boxing in exhibition bouts.His next is a rematch against the grandson of notorious New York crime boss John Gotti on August 24 in Mexico. Gotti III was disqualified last year before a brawl in the ring.READ MORE SUN STORIESTodorov on the other hand has kept a low profile although a movie about his life was said to be in the works. So it may not be the last we hear of the man who gave Mayweather his last loss.Mayweather is still boxing in exhibitions and rematches John Gotti III on August 24Credit: Rex More

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      Team GB footballer Gemma Wiseman took her own life aged 33 just days before Christmas, coroner rules

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      FORMER Team GB Olympic and England football player Gemma Wiseman took her own life, a coroner has ruled.The 33-year-old was part of the UK’s bronze medal-winning team at the 2016 World Deaf Football Championships in Italy.England football player Gemma Wiseman was found dead a week before ChristmasCredit: FacebookGemma Wiseman, left, and Laura Wiseman after winning bronze with Team GB in ItalyCredit: ArchantMrs Wiseman was found in woodland close to her home in Rackheath, near Norwich, by concerned friends who were looking for her on December 16 last year.She died at the scene, with her medical cause of death recorded as “constriction of neck structures”, Monday’s inquest in Norwich was told.Her wife, Laura Wiseman, said in a statement read by the coroner that they had “planned to go to Cornwall over Christmas”, adding: “I didn’t know what Gemma intended to do.”She said she had last seen her alive earlier that day.In a statement read to the inquest, friend Chloe Callaghan said that on December 14 Mrs Wiseman was “very quiet” and “wasn’t her usual self”.She said that in “all the years I had known Gemma”, who worked as a teaching assistant, “she had been very up and down with her mental health”.”She told me of previous dark thoughts and an attempted overdose,” said Ms Callaghan.She said Mrs Wiseman, whom she described as an “amazing mum and devoted wife”, had attempted to take her own life on December 15, the night before her death.Most read in FootballMrs Wiseman’s mother-in-law, Christine Wiseman, said in a statement read by the coroner: “To my knowledge Gemma has always suffered with her mental health since an interview she did in 2017.”She was asked about her dad, who passed away when she was five.”In a family statement, Mrs Wiseman was described as a “kindred spirit to all of us”.They said she was a “loving wife and mother – she always put other people first before herself”.”We have lots of happy memories we will treasure,” the family said.Norfolk area coroner Yvonne Blake concluded that Mrs Wiseman died by suicide.She said: “I’ve been told she was a former Team GB footballer – that’s an achievement, isn’t it?”She asked family members who attended court what position she played in, and was told she was a defender.The coroner said Mrs Wiseman was medicated for depression and anxiety, and a therapeutic level of an antidepressant was found in her blood.She said Mrs Wiseman had previously “taken overdoses”.”Her friends say her mood had dipped before her death for about a month… don’t know why but it suddenly dipped,” the coroner said.”She put it down to stresses of life, child, working.”She added that she was “very low in mood for at least a month or six weeks before she died”.She said Mrs Wiseman “seemed to have a bunch of good friends who were keen to help her and unfortunately found Gemma deceased in the woods”.After recording that Mrs Wiseman died by suicide, she told family members who attended court: “I’m very sorry – it’s such a horrible thing to have happened for all of you.”People feel so bad afterwards and tend to blame themselves.”The sad fact is if somebody is determined to do it they probably will, that’s my experience.”She added that Mrs Wiseman “obviously made an impact on people’s lives and they cared enough to say so”.She had won other medals with England and Team GB, including a bronze at the 2013 Deaflympics in Bulgaria.Gemma supported Norfolk FA’s first inclusive festival for girls and played for local clubs.In a 2021 interview with Norfolk FA, Gemma said her football idol was David Beckham.She revealed: “Girls who are not sure about playing football, you never know until you try and follow your heart.”It’s important to have the girls look up to as role models, so they can prove them wrong and be able to play the sport that they enjoy.”In 2016, footballing ace Gary Neville donated £20,000 to help the men’s and women’s deaf football teams get to the 2017 Deaflympics.The former Manchester United and England defender made the donation in response to a tweet from GB Women’s captain Claire Stancliffe.Wellwishers were distraught at Gemma’s death.One said: “Our thoughts are with you Laura and Allie.”Gemma always had such a wonderful smile and bubbly personality when we bumped in to you around Blofield.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother wrote: “We are so sorry to hear of your loss.”You, Allie and family are in our thoughts. Lots of love.”You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:Gemma was found dead a week before ChristmasCredit: Facebook More

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      I came close to being victim of deadly knife crime – that’s why I’m spending £1m to stop it, Tyson Fury’s promoter says

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      TYSON Fury’s promoter Frank Warren says violent crime on UK streets could have changed his life – so he’s spending £1million to stop it.Frank’s Queensberry outfit is donating the huge sum to BoxWise, a charity which gets youngsters in the ring to keep them out of trouble.Frank Warren at the Islington Boxing Club this weekCredit: BoxWiseFrank with his star boxer Tyson FuryCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe donation will let the charity double the number of places on its ten-week programme from 1,500 to 3,000.Legendary promoter Frank announced the donation at the Islington Boxing Club – a stone’s throw from the street where he grew up.In an exclusive chat at the boxing club, Frank told The Sun: “I remember growing up here on the streets of north London.”It was really tough and life could have easily been different for me.Read More Sport”The background that I have, that a lot of these kids have, you get a lot of peer pressure to be the tough guy.”You want to do this, you want to be that. That’s what you have to take away – that’s not what it’s about.”I’ll tell you what it is about boxing. When I was a kid in Islington there were no golf clubs, no tennis clubs.”All kids from working-class backgrounds could do was go and play football or box. Those were really the two sports.Most read in Boxing”They weren’t expensive sports to play – football on the grass or on the street, boxing you’d go down to the local gym. It was easy to do.”It’s not about being tough, it’s about respect. It’s not respecting someone if on the street they’re a tough guy.”It’s about respecting each other. That’s what boxing does. We’ll have a fight this weekend. “After that fight those guys will have knocked seven bells out of each other.”But they’ll have their arms around each other – that’s respect. That’s come about from working in the gym.”The son of a bookie, Frank grew up in Islington and started out as an unlicensed fixer promoting his second cousin Lenny McLean.Since then, he has managed or promoted the likes of Prince Naseem, Frank Bruno, Tyson Fury, Chris Eubank, Amir Khan and Ricky Hatton.He said: “Professional boxers are very important as role models. Kids look up to them and aspire to have their success. “The thing is with boxers, most of them are approachable.”Unfortunately in this day and age, you have to go through God knows how many people to speak with footballers.”When I was a kid, you’d stand outside the Arsenal and get autographs. They don’t do that any more.”But boxers are quite approachable. They come from the local area so they know people and people can see them and buy into them.”WARREN P’sQueensberry is donating £1million to BoxWise to boost its efforts to combat gang and knife crime in some of Britain’s poorest areas.The charity puts disadvantaged youngsters through a 10-week boxing programme at gyms up and down the country.Queensberry’s donation will let BoxWise double the spaces on the programme to 3,000.Frank will also join the charity’s new development board as its chairman.He said: “We have terrible knife crime and other problems due to the lack of respect that people have towards each other.”We’re obviously in the boxing business and BoxWise do a lot of brilliant things for the community and for boxing.”These kids been excluded or have been referred by the police or their teachers. If they weren’t here, they’d be out on the streets.”They’ve brought them through a programme that has changed their lifestyles, how they behave and the way they interact.”The way they interact with people, the way they work as a team, the attitude they have to their bodies with obesity and keeping fit. “Working together from different ethnic backgrounds. All these things – they’re all massive big pluses. It’s all tick, tick, tick.”Why would anybody not want to get involved? We’re blessed and privileged at Queensberry to be able to do this.”The thing is with boxers, most of them are approachableFrank WarrenFrank added: “The fact we’re launching it in Islington where I come from adds a bit of spice to it.”But this is being rolled out all over the country. BoxWise can now double the spaces they have for kids in the future.”People are giving their time up to do this. The adults, the coaches, it’s amazing what they do. “The boxing clubs are part of the community, and they deserve the support of the community.”If you want to talk about crime and doing things, start at the bottom. “What BoxWise does is just a revelation – for these kids it’s a revelation.”We’ll double the spaces to 3,000. We’ll make it happen, it’s a fact of life. “And then we want to get it from 3,000 to 30,000. Seriously, that’s what it’s about. “All over Britain. Kids should have opportunities – if you want better citizens, then raise them as better citizens.”Frank joked that if any of the youngsters at the Islington Boxing Club fancy their chances as a pro, they now know where to come.But he said: “The boxer of the future could be over there right now, and God bless them if they are. “But it’s not for me about being a boxer, it’s about the training. It’s about learning about your body.”Obesity is a big problem in this country – they’ll be learning about nutrition. The whole programme is great.”LET ME BE FRANKBoxWise’s Rick Ogden said Frank’s donation will make a “huge difference” to thousands of young people.Rick told The Sun: “It’s amazing. We’ve actually secured £3million in funding “Queensberry has pledged £1million, and its donation has been matched.”With this additional funding, we’re going to be able to double that straight away to more than 3,000 young people.”It’s not just about the money, it’s about the influence that Queensberry bring. “Everything from the ambassadors to the annual fundraising event to draw in more money.”For any charity to be able to tap into that huge level of expertise is really powerful.”The thing with BoxWise is the opportunity we offer at the end of the ten-week programme. “We pay for young people to take on further education or employment courses.”For any young person you’ll have an outcome after ten weeks, but what’s the long term outcome? “They will change so much, but they will still need that support after ten weeks.”Rick added: “I really hope that one of the things Frank will bring is being to open some of those doors within the sport as a whole.”Whether those young people want to carry on boxing, get into coaching or start volunteering in their local communities.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If we’re bringing thousands of young people through the programme each year, there’s going to be some serious undiscovered talent. “Could the boxer of the future be here? Never say never. It’s absolutely possible.” More

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      Moses Itauma puts on ‘best British boxing performance of the year’ with brutal stoppage of Mariusz Wach

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      MOSES ITAUMA snatched the first serious scalp of his career with a ruthless second-round stoppage of a giant more than twice his age.Mariusz Wach – now a tired 44 – took Wladimir Klitschko the distance in 2012 and later did the same to Hughie Fury, Dillian Whyte and Frazer Clarke.Moses Itauma stopped Mariusz Wach in two roundsCredit: PAItauma knocked down WachCredit: PABut the 6ft 7in Viking Pole was peppered and pillaged by the 19-year-old Kent prodigy inside six one-sided minutes – the quickest Wach has EVER been beaten. Itauma said: “I don’t want to badmouth anyone but Wach was known for taking people the distance.“The earliest I think he was ever stopped was around six rounds but I have done him in two, so it is a statement.“He has been in there with the likes of Klitschko and Dillian Whyte and they have not done that to him.READ MORE IN BOXING“It lets the heavyweight division know I am here, I am only 19 but come on.“But I want to say thank you to Mariusz because nobody else wanted to take the fight.”Itauma, who only turned 19 in December, feinted and jabbed with skill and sense beyond his years in the opener, sussing out his veteran prey.But in the second round he zoomed up the gears, dropped Wach with a series of spiteful whacks and forced the referee to jump in before a case for abuse of the elderly could be launched.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Chatham ace backed the battered visitor into a neutral corner and unleashed a volley of shots into his flabby torso and ponytailed head.And, when ref Michael Alexander halted the abuse, the Brit prospect poked his baby face through the ropes and grinned into the crowd that was roaring at his latest masterclass in measured savagery.Former world champion and commentator Carl Froch hailed it as one of Britain’s best boxing performances of the year. And Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren warned Frazer Clarke that he is there intended next victim. Itauma celebrates with his WBO beltCredit: Getty More

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      Derek Chisora’s nephew, 22, won’t let tragedy stop him making boxing debut alongside uncle on Joe Joyce undercard

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      DEREK CHISORA and his nephew witnessed British boxing’s latest tragedy from ringside but will still fight together on Saturday night. In May, at the Harrow leisure centre, 29-year-old Sherif Lawal lost his life after suffering a brutal knockout in his professional debut.Derek Chisora has been in brilliant and bloody battles to secure better lives for his little girlsCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunSherif Lawal sadly died after losing his professional boxing debut in Harrow, LondonCredit: Philip SharkeyHampstead warhorse Chisora, 40, was ringside with 22-year-old Jermaine Dhliwayo when the tragedy struck, as the prospect and Lawal shared their St Pancras amateur gym.And on Saturday night Dhliwayo – an electrical apprentice – will make his own professional bow after a frank talk with his uncle, a no-nonsense veteran of 47 punishing pro fights.“I haven’t talked to him about it,” Chisora tried to tell SunSport ahead of his Saturday shootout with Joe Joyce. “I am nobody’s therapist!“I went to the hospital and I spoke to the British Boxing Board of Control, I went to visit the boy’s family and spoke to his mother.Read more in Boxing“I spoke to my nephew about it briefly, I asked him if he still wanted to fight, after seeing that.“He said he did so I told him ‘cool, go and do your thing’.“Formula 1 drivers go 200mph, they crash and they blow up.“We just love the game, it’s hard but we love it. I won’t lie to you, we love the game.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnyone who loves the game will love Chisora, he has taken on almost every dangerous giant of his era.After foreign robberies against the likes of Robert Helenius and Kubrat Pulev – and violent stoppage losses against David Haye, Dillian Whyte and Tyson Fury – fight fans are rightfully worried about the fearless veteran.Moment Derek Chisora HEADBUTTS Deliveroo rider as row erupts outside restaurantThe Zimbabwe-born wildman – who used to kiss, slap, spit on and throw tables at rivals – is now a dedicated father of two daughters.And we are all starting to fear for his health and safety, especially in later life when he should be enjoying his retirement with Angelina and Harare.But the showman – who has bravely taken world champions Vitali Klitschko and Fury the distance in valiant losses – tells us NOT to worry about the price he has paid but more the lifestyle he has earned for his family.“Do not worry about me,” he said in an emotional chat. “Nobody anywhere needs to worry about me.“I am the last person in the world anyone needs to worry about.“Trust me, I am fine.“I know what I am doing, I know what I have done, I know where I will end up.“I prefer to keep my eye on everyone else.“I have put my girls through private schools, I have given them the best lives I could have wished for.”And what else is there to do after boxing? “You see all the great guys who finish boxing – maybe a bit too early – they end up depressed and they try to heal their depression with drink and drugs. “You have to be ready to walk away, you have to have a plan for afterwards and I am not ready yet. When I am ready you will know it.”Deliveroo headbuttChisora hit the headlines two weeks out from his Joyce battle for appearing to headbutt a Deliveroo driver in the street after an argument.Footage shared on social media suggests he acted in self defence after the fast-food rider threw the first punches.And SunSport understands Del Boy was angered that the electric bike was trying to zoom past children and pet dogs enjoying lunch on a narrow pedestrianised walkway.It was a rare reminder of his old days as the bad boy of British boxing and he insists having two little girls – who witnessed the fracas – to provide for and protect has helped to tame him.He explained: “I try to behave very well around my daughters at home, so they learn to behave that way outside of the home.“My daughters have grown up to become very kind, really kind. But they are vicious as well!”They have taken their kindness from their mum, they’re understanding and sharing and very calm. “They don’t have any violence in their lives. They are very good girls.“Having girls made me softer. But the beast in me is still there, when that switch goes, it goes.”Last danceChisora claims he will hang up his gloves after his 50th bout. After Joyce there will be a final trip to Manchester and his last dance will hopefully be back in Zimbabwe.It’s probably a few fights too late for Chisora to go out on a high but he will be sorely missed after giving everything to the sport.And despite his occasional madness, controversial comments, Nigel Farage friendship and trademark red MAGA hat, Chisora doesn’t seem to be leaving the hurt business with a single serious enemy.“I love everybody,” he said sincerely. “We are all somebody’s son. I don’t need aggro with anyone.READ MORE SUN STORIES“After a fight we go to see each other, we hug, we meet our families and that’s it.“Everyone is my friend, I have no beef with anybody. But, when it is fight time, I go.”Veteran fighter Chisora had an altercation with a fast food courier in HamsteadCredit: YouTube/CityBanterDel Boy struck up an unlikely friendship with politician Nigel FarageCredit: ReutersChisora also likes to wear a bright red hat with Donald Trump’s favourite mantra on the front More

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      Floyd Mayweather, 47, could face Manny Pacquiao, 45, in rematch of £500m fight – but with a twist as rivals make returns

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER and Manny Pacquiao could be set for a rematch – but with a twist on their original money spinner. Mayweather beat Pacquiao in 2015 to end boxing’s most drawn out saga in a blockbuster worth over £500MILLION. Floyd Mayweather is still linked with a rematch against Manny PacquiaoCredit: ReutersPacquiao in training for his exhibition comeback fightCredit: @MannyPacquiaoBut even in retirement the pair remain linked with a rematch as they continue to box on in exhibition bouts. And Japanese MMA promotion Rizin could be the unlikely source to hold the key to a deal between the ring icons. Pacquiao, 45, returns this weekend in Tokyo against ex-kickboxing champion Rukiya Anpo, 28. Mayweather, 47, meanwhile has scored two knockout victories against martial arts opponents under the Rizin banner. READ MORE IN BOXINGPromoter Nobuyuki Sakakibara revealed a rematch with Pacquiao remains a possibility – so long as professional records are not at stake. Sakakibara told SunSport: “I wouldn’t be surprised if anything happens these days so the possibility is still there. “We still have a good relationship with Floyd but he’s not thinking of coming back to real competitive fights. “I understand that there isn’t no interest from his side on the rematch in non official bout, and Manny is interested.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”So it all comes down to the timing. And when everything aligns perfectly, I’m sure that rematch will happen.”Last year, Pacquiao and Sakakibara announced that a rematch with Mayweather was in the works for 2024. Floyd Mayweather breaks silence over Manny Pacquiao rematchBut the American great instead returns on August 24 in Mexico against John Gotti III. Mayweather officially retired in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor, 36, but has boxed in exhibitions since. His last was against the grandson of notorious crime boss Gotti – ending in a brawl in the ring to lead to the rematch. Pacquiao meanwhile hung up his gloves following defeat to Yordenis Ugas in 2021 – but he has teased a comeback ever since. And the WBC even controversially opened the door to PacMan challenging welterweight champion Mario Barrios, 29, for the title.Pacquiao is using his exhibition with Anpo to ease back but Rizin are open to future fights with the Filipino. Sakakibara said: “Depending on the result and his performance in his upcoming fight on July 28th, we need to assess the market to see if his return would make sense. “This is a single bout agreement so if we were to have him back, we need to make sure there is a demand in the market. READ MORE SUN STORIES”If we can create momentum and anticipation together – since Manny himself is still wanting to have competitive fights – he’s not thinking that this is his last fight. “So if things turn out right, there is a good possibility where there could be more Manny Pacquiao fights in Rizin.”Mayweather beat Pacquiao in 2015Credit: Getty More

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      Premier League winner and ex-Cristiano Ronaldo team-mate in shock talks for debut boxing fight

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      MISFITS BOXING are in talks with a Premier League title winner and former team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo over a shock fight.YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI and music mogul Mams Taylor co-founded the platform as a home to celeb-style crossover bouts.Patrice Evra, Cristiano Ronaldo, Danny Simpson and Paul Scholes celebrate in 2007Credit: GettyAnd promoter Taylor has talked up the possibility of welcoming footballers into the Misfits scene.Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney admitted he was even in talks to do so – before turning it down to focus on management. But SunSport understands Danny Simpson – who played with Rooney and Ronaldo at United – is negotiating a fight with Misfits. Simpson, 37, is eager to cross over to the ring despite never actually announcing his retirement from football. READ MORE IN boxing As of last year, he was training with non-league Macclesfield while also returning to United to work on his coaching badges. He is a regular on MUTV having come through their academy before spending four years there as a professional between 2006–2010.In that period under the great Sir Alex Ferguson, the full-back only made eight appearances and spent time out on loan.But Simpson was part of the famous Leicester side that beat 5,000-1 odds to win the Premier League title in 2016.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe defender was playing for Bristol City until his contract was ripped up by mutual consent in March 2022. Misfits have had stars from the social media, MMA and boxing world compete on their shows. I walked away from pro MMA career to become Conor McGregor’s photographer… now he’s helping me make Misfits Boxing debutAnd Simpson would not be the first to trade the pitch for the ring.Curtis Woodhouse played in the Prem but switched to boxing in 2006 despite having no amateur background. He had 31 pro bouts – even winning the English and British light-welterweight titles – while playing football part-time. Woodhouse’s last fight was in 2017 beating renowned and celebrated journeyman Lewis van Poetsch. Leon McKenzie was another to have played in the English top-flight for the likes of Crystal Palace and Norwich. McKenzie is the son of British and European title holder Clinton and nephew of three-time world champ Duke.So after his playing days stopped in 2013, he also moved into boxing making his super-middleweight debut that year. McKenzie amassed a record of eight wins, two losses and one draw before hanging up the gloves in 2017 aged 39. Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing currently have former Accrington Stanley midfielder Paddy Lacey signed. Lacey still plays for Welsh top-tier side Flint Town United but is 10-0 as a middleweight boxer. Despite the successful switches – it does not work out for everyone.Rio Ferdinand infamously tried to turn pro aged 39 but was denied a British Boxing Board of Control licence in 2018.Ferdinand’s former team-mates Wes Brown and Simpson both train at the same Punchline Boxing Gym in Macclesfield. READ MORE SUN STORIESSimpson has been in boxing training as far back as 2020 with an eye now on a debut bout.The player’s reps and Misfits Boxing have been contacted for comment. Danny Simpson in the boxing gym training More

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      Eddie Howe’s hint he could succeed Gareth Southgate as England boss shows job is more attractive than ever before

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      EDDIE HOWE, the bookies’ favourite to become the next England manager, is an avid fan of the 80s Norwegian pop group A-ha.And while this may not be a ringing endorsement of his personal tastes, the idea of Morten Harket & Co performing a secret gig for our brave Three Lions at the next World Cup is surely still an improvement on Ed bleeding Sheeran.Eddie Howe is a candidate for the England jobCredit: GettyGareth Southgate stepped down from the role after Euro 2024Credit: GettyHowe’s response to links with the England job wasn’t quite a ‘take on me, take me on’ plea to the FA.The Newcastle boss insisted he has an ‘unwavering’ commitment to his club, that he is ‘happy’ on Tyneside, which is ‘the best place’ he could be.But then came the caveats.Asked if he would still be Newcastle manager at the start of the season, Howe replied: “As long as I’m happy in the position that I’m in.READ MORE ON SPORT“As long as I feel supported by the club and free to work in the way that I want to work, yes. That is the crucial thing.”This was not typical of Howe — usually extremely measured in media interviews — and it sounded like a prime example of a man speaking to two conflicting audiences simultaneously.There were hearts and flowers for the Toon Army — the self-styled ‘loyalest football supporters the world has ever seen’.But for the FA — who want an English successor to Gareth Southgate — it was also a major suggestion that Howe might be open to a move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowe has been unsettled by a summer of boardroom upheaval in Geordie Arabia — the arrival of sporting director Paul Mitchell and the departures of Amanda Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, who had provided the key link between Howe and his Saudi paymasters.There are also Profit and Sustainability restraints, which mean Newcastle’s inevitable rise to the Premier League summit is likely to be a long-term project.Footage resurfaces of what Eddie Howe said about England job as he is tipped to succeed Gareth SouthgateSouthgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. But this was still a bold public statement to make for a man who has just failed to qualify for Europe at the club with the  richest owners in world football.Howe ought not to be in a position to call any shots — and he surely wouldn’t be doing so if there wasn’t an England job that’s probably his for the taking.Last week, SunSport revealed Howe had stated his long-term ambition to manage England in an interview conducted before Southgate’s resignation.And the fact that Howe clearly holds some interest in succeeding the outgoing Three Lions chief is a huge compliment to Southgate.Because eight years ago, this wasn’t a job the boss of a filthy-rich top-flight club would have regarded as any sort of step up.Especially given that Howe would have to take a hefty pay cut if he were to leave Newcastle for England.Not since the launch of the Premier League has the national team been truly regarded as  ‘bigger’ than the biggest clubs.Although, admittedly, there have been fewer Englishmen operating at top clubs over these past three decades.It’s 42 years since Bobby  Robson and Brian Clough duked it out to succeed Ron Greenwood — and Clough, a two-time European Cup-winning genius, was left unfulfilled by never having managed his national team.Southgate has raised the status of the England job back to those levels by leading his team to two Euros finals, a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final, and by changing the national-team environment.The FA are right to prefer an English  successor and, given  Howe is pretty much the only English candidate whose Prem record must be regarded as an overall success, he is the best man for the job.While his Newcastle predecessor, Steve Bruce, referred to Howe as ‘the fella who got Bournemouth relegated’, he had previously guided the Cherries from the Football League basement to the top flight, then led Toon to the Champions League in his first full season at the North East club.Howe possesses many of Southgate’s better qualities — a good man-manager and an able media communicator — but also a tendency for the more positive footballing approach which England will need if they are to finally win a trophy.Some in the FA had hoped  Howe would part ways with Newcastle at the end of last season, avoiding the need to pay compensation to the Saudis.But the positives far outweigh the negatives when it comes to Howe’s candidacy.Even if the dressing-room playlist might still not be an easy listen.TEE ‘N A FAGDan Brown finished joint 10th at The Open – and enjoyed a smoke along the waySMOKING isn’t big or clever but plenty of sportsmen — and many more managers and coaches — still do it. Although only privately.So it was amusing, and strangely heartening, to see English debutant Dan Brown leading The Open with an oily rag on the go while standing on the tee at Royal Troon.Darts and snooker stars used to puff away while playing and there were plenty of elite football bosses — including World Cup winners Cesar Luis Menotti and Marcello Lippi — who used to light up in the dugout.Meanwhile, cigarette companies would sponsor F1 teams and several major sporting events.But now golf is pretty much the only major sport where smoking on the go is still vaguely acceptable.A major boon for all those treated as social pariahs due to unfashionable addictions.RAY HAD ALL FANS ALL SHOOK UPRay Reardon mentored Ronnie O’SullivanCredit: ReutersIT’S easy to forget just how famous leading snooker players were in the 80s.On a childhood holiday, I watched Ray Reardon play at Butlins in Barry Island and it felt like watching an Elvis residency in Las Vegas.Reading obituaries to the legendary Welsh cueman — who has died aged 91 — reminded us of a life far more varied than those of most sportsmen.Reardon was not just a six-time world champion, and mentor to  Ronnie O’Sullivan, but a man who defied death in both of his previous careers as a coal miner and a policeman.He was also a better entertainer than any holiday camp Redcoat.SHO FAITHShoaib Bashir took five wickets as England beat West IndiesCredit: ReutersTHERE was a Test match to be won at Trent Bridge on Sunday and — in the fourth innings, when the pressure is always on a front-line spinner — Shoaib Bashir went and won it for England.The 20-year-old off-spinner isn’t even first-choice for his county Somerset.But after decimating the West Indies at Nottingham, he has three five-wicket hauls in his first five Tests.If England are to have any chance of regaining The Ashes in Australia 18 months from now, the continued progression of Bashir will be crucial.READ MORE SUN STORIESPAR BLIMEYParis is hosting the Olympics this weekCredit: GettyTHE Olympic Games are always a joyous opportunity to showcase some weird and wonderful sports — and stop us from obsessing about football for a fortnight or so.But the best thing about boarding a Eurostar and travelling to watch the Paris Olympics live and in person will be not having to view wall-to-wall cheerleading TV coverage on the BBC.Southgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out. 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