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      in Soccer

      Ronnie O’Sullivan fears Kyren Wilson crossed ‘very fine line’ that sparked World Snooker Championship exit

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      RONNIE O’SULLIVAN reckons Kyren Wilson fell victim to the Crucible Curse due to BURNOUT.Late on Saturday night, the Warrior’s world championship reign was unexpectedly ended 10-9 by debutant and qualifier Lei Peifan.Ronnie O’Sullivan thinks burnout played a part in Kyren Wilson being dumped out of the World Snooker ChampionshipsCredit: GettyThe reigning Crucible champion suffered a shock 10-9 defeat to qualifier Lei Peifan on Saturday nightCredit: GettyWilson, 33, is the 20th person to have lifted the world title for the first time in Sheffield and then failed to retain the trophy 12 months later.The world No.2 won four ranking titles in an excellent season and admirably he took little breaks as he wanted to be the “best ambassador possible” for the sport.But the Rocket, 49, reckons Wilson should have cut back on his playing schedule and skipped a few events.O’Sullivan was struck down by the Curse in the 2002 semi-finals, going down to Stephen Hendry, the year after his first of seven triumphs.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former world No.1 said: “I think Kyren played in too many tournaments, which he didn’t need to play in.“If you look at the last two winners of the world championship, himself and Luca Brecel, they both came in very fresh.“To win this world championship, you need to come in, okay doing well, but at some point around February, say to yourself: ‘Right, it’s ALL about the world championship.’“One minute he’s in Leicester playing for 7-8 days. I was like: ‘You want to be chilling out and just put your cue down.’Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“It’s a very fine line and when you come here, you want to have a spring in your step. Play your way into form.“Rather than be really at your limit. It’ll go the other way. With Kyren, he could have maybe missed a few tournaments.Kyren Wilson rolls his eyes at World Snooker Championship announcer live on BBC as ‘curse’ is instantly brought up“This is the one you want to win. I always think, come in a bit undercooked, take a month off playing.“For this tournament, you need to be feeling strong come the quarters and semis. To me, I think he has played too much match snooker.”Wilson – who played 82 matches in the 2024-25 season – will decide in the next day whether to return to the scene of his exit or drown his sorrows on holiday.The father-of-two, 33, is unsure if he will work for BBC TV during the remainder of the event or go home and spend time with his family.If he does work for the Beeb then he might have an awkward meeting with Shaun Murphy in the bowels of the Crucible.The pair are engaged in a war of words over a mystery incident that happened backstage in practice before the final session of the 2025 Masters final.Wilson, who jokingly smashed a mirror in the build-up to try to curb any potential back luck, sighed: “I cannot think of anything worse than snooker right now!“I’m not sure what I will do. It has been an incredibly long season. I have really missed my family this year, it has been really tough at times.“I love this sport, I love the game. I have tried to be the best ambassador possible. But now it’s trying to fit in a bit of quality family time.“I’m meant to be working for the BBC! I don’t know. I don’t really want to be there.“This is extremely tough to take. It really hurts. I’ve such a strong record at the Crucible. I’m tough to beat here.Read More on The Sun“I’m sure the Curse will be broken at some point. Unfortunately I won’t be that person.“I certainly had the Snooker Gods against me. Maybe I have to put that mirror I smashed back together.”List of all-time Snooker World ChampionsBELOW is a list of snooker World Champions by year.The record is for the modern era, widely considered as dating from the 1968-69 season, when the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) took control of the sport.The first World Championships ran from 1927 – with a break from 1941-45 because of World War II and 1958-63 because of a dispute in the sport.Joe Davis (15), Fred Davis and John Pulman (both 8) were the most successful players during that period.Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan share the record for the most titles in the modern era, with seven each.1969 – John Spencer1970 – Ray Reardon1971 – John Spencer1972 – Alex Higgins1973 – Ray Reardon (2)1974 – Ray Reardon (3)1975 – Ray Reardon (4)1976 – Ray Reardon (5)1977 – John Spencer (2)1978 – Ray Reardon (6)1979 – Terry Griffiths 1980 – Cliff Thorburn1981 – Steve Davis1982 – Alex Higgins (2)1983 – Steve Davis (2)1984 – Steve Davis (3)1985 – Dennis Taylor1986 – Joe Johnson1987 – Steve Davis (4)1988 – Steve Davis (5)1989 – Steve Davis (6)1990 – Stephen Hendry1991 – John Parrott1992 – Stephen Hendry (2)1993 – Stephen Hendry (3)1994 – Stephen Hendry (4)1995 – Stephen Hendry (5)1996 – Stephen Hendry (6)1997 – Ken Doherty1998 – John Higgins1999 – Stephen Hendry (7)2000 – Mark Williams2001 – Ronnie O’Sullivan2002 – Peter Ebdon2003 – Mark Williams (2)2004 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (2)2005 – Shaun Murphy2006 – Graeme Dott 2007 – John Higgins (2)2008 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (3)2009 – John Higgins (3)2010 – Neil Robertson 2011 – John Higgins (4)2012 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (4)2013 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (5)2014 – Mark Selby2015 – Stuart Bingham2016 – Mark Selby (2)2017 – Mark Selby (3)2018 – Mark Williams (3)2019 – Judd Trump2020 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (6)2021 – Mark Selby (4)2022 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (7)2023 – Luca Brecel2024 – Kyren WilsonMost World Titles (modern era)7 – Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan6 – Ray Reardon, Steve Davis4 – John Higgins, Mark Selby3 – John Spencer, Mark Williams2 – Alex Higgins More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Changed my life’ – British boxer, 34, able to pay off mortgage after major contract blunder sees him bank huge sum

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      LIAM CAMERON landed life-changing money and can pay off his mortgage following a boxing contract cock-up.The 34-year-old lost four prime years of his career when he was banned for a cocaine-related charge in 2019.Liam Cameron has won a huge amount of money after a contract cock-upCameron fell out of the ring after a tussle with Ben WhittakerCredit: GettyWhittaker later left the venue in a wheelchairCredit: CHRIS DEANWhittaker will rematch Cameron in Birmingham on Easter SundayAfter overcoming mental health and addiction problems during his harsh exile, Cameron stunned 2020 Olympic silver Ben Whittaker in October.Red-hot Whittaker, 27, was supposed to steamroll the underdog but the pair fell over the top rope together and the favourite pulled out with an ankle injury, resulting in a draw.When the rematch contract- for the original 10-round Saudi Arabia clash – arrived, stating the rerun would be 12 rounds, Cameron quickly and shrewdly signed it, knowing Whittaker would not fancy it.The bungle means Cameron landed an extra windfall of around £100,000 and can now make up for the years he lost.READ MORE IN BOXINGAhead of Sunday’s Birmingham return leg, Cameron revealed: “It has changed my life because after this I can buy my house outright.“Mad isn’t it!“I cannot go into the exact figure but the additional fee is more than I got paid for the whole purse of the first fight.“I don’t know what else I might buy, I don’t even go shopping, that doesn’t interest me, I just like a good tracksuit.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAt the end of six evenly matched rounds, when Whittaker was beginning to tire and look vulnerable, the pair clinched on the ropes and flipped over.Flashy Whittaker’s critics claimed he felt the pressure and pulled his opponent over, in an effort to escape the first loss of his promising professional career.Frazer Clarke faced his girlfriend’s wrath after car park row with David Adeleye and calls out rival to grudge fight The moment went viral and even the biggest wrestling company on the planet has tapped into the controversy.Cameron explained: “When I see any YouTube videos featuring me and Ben now, they all carry an advert for WWE on them, honestly!”Whittaker is a seriously proven amateur who went to the toughest parts of the world, to win dozens of events, against dangerous opponents.So being labelled ‘Quittaker’ in the wake of the bizarre bout ending must have stung – but the tough nut is refusing to show it.He hit back: “Critics don’t matter to me because you get them in every walk of life.“They are only talking about me because I am THAT guy.“If I go out and stop him the first round then people will still have things to say.Read More on The Sun“I shimmied it off, I might get ‘Quittaker’ tattooed on me afterwards – or have it written on my shorts.“But I will show the real Ben Whittaker on Sunday.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen could take YEAR-LONG break to look after new baby with glam Wag Kelly Piquet, claims F1 superstar

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN could take a year out from Formula 1 to look after his new baby, which is due on May 6.The reigning world champion announced last December that he would be becoming a father with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet, who is the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet.Kelly Piquet is expecting a baby with Max Verstappen next monthCredit: GettyVerstappen is in practice for Sunday’s Saudi GPCredit: APThe Dutch driver is not set to miss a race given the due date of the baby is after the Miami Grand Prix, giving him a brief window before racing in Imola which will take place from May 16 to 18.Verstappen’s future for next year, though, has been a constant point of speculation and Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko stoked flames last weekend by saying the concern about the Dutchman leaving was “great”.Meanwhile an unnamed F1 driver said he believes that Verstappen’s most likely route will be taking a year off.Next year feels like a lottery with which drivers and teams will be on top anyway, with drastic changes made for the 2026 regulations.READ MORE IN SPORTMercedes and Aston Martin have been touted as a possible destination for Verstappen.But Williams team boss James Vowles does not reckon the Dutchman would be a good fit for his former team Mercedes.Vowles joined Williams from Mercedes in 2023 after spending more than two decades as an engineer at the team.He also said Toto Wolff would be better off keeping his current driver line-up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.Most read in MotorsportThe couple shared the pregnancy news on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @maxverstappen1BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVowles said: “Can you add a tiny bit more performance? Yes, I think there is more performance to be added through Max.”I don’t think anyone in the room would deny that he is extraordinary in what he can do. [Verstappen’s performance in] Japan was, for me, jaw-dropping. Well done to him.Lando Norris punished by F1 bosses with five-second penalty after being snitched on by rival Max Verstappen”But he comes with a lot of downsides as well that you have to acknowledge.“What Mercedes does have is a great culture with two drivers that are delivering near to the peak of the car, and with one that’s on the way up.So I personally don’t think that’s the place for him.”Vowles also said a link up between Russell and Verstappen would not work.He is not here to try to be remembered forever. He wants to come in and win and go home. Max can do whatever he wants.Lando NorrisThe two were locked in a furious row at the end of last season with Russell calling Verstappen a “bully” and the Dutch driver labelling the Brit a “loser.”When Vowles was asked if a line-up involving the two would work, he said: “I don’t think so.”I think they’re two very different characters.”Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028 but there is an exit clause in his deal.He is currently third in the driver’s standings, five points behind Oscar Piastri and three below Lando Norris in first.Glam Piquet is the daughter of F1 legend Nelson PiquetCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/The pair met in 2016 – bonding over having fathers who were F1 driversCredit: RexVerstappen has already had a taste of life as a father figure given he is a step-dad to Piquet’s daughter Penelope.When Norris was asked about his pal Verstappen taking a year out, he said: “I don’t know with Max, he is different to most I would say.“Max wants to come in and win and show he is the best then go home, that’s his attitude, which I respect and like.Read More on The Sun“You never know, he has said many times he wants to go do other racing in other categories and Max wants to enjoy his life.“He is not here to try to be remembered forever and all those things, he wants to come in and win and go home. Max can do whatever he wants, I respect him.”THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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      in Soccer

      ‘They don’t care enough’ – Matt Le Tissier tears into Southampton flops & moans watching them get outclassed is ‘chore’

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      MATT LE TISSIER has accused Southampton players of lacking the fight to stay in the Premier League.And the Saints legend confessed to SunSport that it has been “a chore” watching his beloved team slump to a record low this season.Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has torn into Saints’ flopsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Saints are battling to avoid the humiliation of the Prem’s worst points totalCredit: GettyThe South Coast flops became the quickest Premier League outfit to be relegated when they lost to Spurs last Sunday week with SEVEN games to go.Southampton have picked up just ten points from 32 games and need TWO more to beat Derby’s dismal lowest Prem total of 11 set in 2008-09.And Le Tissier, who spent his entire career with the Saints —  scoring 161 goals in 443 appearances — has not enjoyed what he’s seen from his own Suite at the club.The 56-year-old said: “This has been a tough season to watch.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“We’ve had relegations before but never quite on this scale.“It’s hard to watch a team which is so far away from the rest of the division. That was probably the toughest season that I have had to watch us play football — it’s been a real chore.“It’s not been enjoyable seeing our team get outclassed on a ­regular basis.“It’s not something I’m used to seeing even when we were close to getting ­relegated when I was playing.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“We were reasonably competitive and had a go.“We might have suffered a bit in a lack of quality but never in terms of having a real fight for it.I hated playing against Arsenal Invincible, he’d pinch me and stand on my toes, I only spoke to him to abuse him“But there just didn’t seem to be that amount of fight in this team and that’s symptomatic of a lot of footballers this day and age.“There doesn’t seem to be the same connection between the players and the fans on the terrace like we had.“I was in at least five relegation scraps. We never got relegated — and definitely four went to the last day of the season.”The poor form cost Ivan Juric his job as manager. But Channel Islander Le Tissier, nicknamed Le God, does not think all Saints fans will be upset seeing their team back in the second tier one year after Adam Armstrong’s goal saw them beat Leeds 1-0 in the play-off final.He said: “When we went to the play-offs last season I would say there was a 50-50 split with Saints fans who didn’t want to go up because of exactly what has happened.We are still fighting not to become the worst Premier League team ever with the number of points we’ve got.Matt Le Tissier“I was speaking to a lot of them a year ago and they were saying they didn’t mind if they lose the final.“That’s not a great position to be in as a football club where you know if you go up you are going to get battered every week.“I’m quite happy to interact with people and talk about football all day long but their frustration is palpable.“Most of that frustration is at the presence given out by the players that they don’t care enough about the football club.“Clubs do have their ups and downs throughout the seasons-but this is a pretty big downer.“And it shows just how low we’ve got to by the fact we are still fighting not to become the worst Premier League team ever with the number of points we’ve got.”The former Sky Sports Soccer ­Saturday pundit is revered by Saints supporters – having devoted all his professional days to the club.Back in the day he was renowned for scoring spectacular goals and in his prime became the midfielder to reach a century fastest in the Prem era.Le Tiss, who is never afraid to speak his mind, would like to see a young manager with local connections replace Juric, who was sacked earlier this month.But he feels Russell Martin, who was axed in December, might have kept his job had he not stuck to the passing game that had earned his side such plaudits in the Championship.Most of that frustration is at the presence given out by the players that they don’t care enough about the football club.Matt Le TissierLe Tissier added: “To be honest I would like to see a young, progressive manager, ­somebody who is not afraid to change his tactics when the need arises.“Had Russell Martin been more pragmatic in his approach he would still be in the job. They liked him down here and it wouldn’t have taken much for him to have stayed had he swallowed his pride a bit.“He was so stubborn about passing out from the back and giving goals away from defensive errors each week.“He had taken us out of the league we are heading back to with his style of football – which you can get away with in the Championship but not in the Premier League.Read More on The Sun“If the new manager had a connection with the club that would go a long way with the fans and that is ­something I would like to see.“But that, I guess, is different from the business perspective of the owners and the CEO making the decisions they think is going to be the best chance to get back up.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Red Bull in fresh disaster as Verstappen’s new team-mate Yuki Tsunoda smashes into wall with Saudi GP session suspended

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      RED BULL suffered another disaster as Yuki Tsunoda smashed into the wall in practice, causing huge damage to the car.The red flag came out with five minutes to go as the Japanese driver clobbered into the wall on the exit of the final turn in Jeddah.Yuki Tsunoda smashed into a wall at the Saudi GPCredit: Sky Sports F1The new Red Bull driver walked away unhurt but there was considerable damage to the carCredit: Sky Sports F1Red Bull mechanics watched on in horror as the 24-year-old clipped the wall on the final cornerCredit: Sky Sports F1Tsunoda was unharmed in the incident but the car was looking worse for wear with debris flying all over the track.The 24-year-old managed seventh fastest before his smash, with McLaren’s Lando Norris recording the best time of P2.Tsunoda replaced Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen’s team-mate just two drives into the season.Lawson, 23, was dumped by Red Bull chiefs after failing to get to grips with the RB21 during the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix.READ MORE ON F1Tsunoda looked to be getting to grips with the car after finishing in the top 10 in Bahrain.But his latest smash comes after he claimed he could “beat” four-time world champion Verstappen.In the build-up to practice in Saudi Arabia, Tsunoda told RacingNews365: “Obviously I’m still learning, but also the pace has to come at the same time.”Those things are always important in qualifying and the race.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”As long as they are the two sessions I’m in a good position that Red Bull wants me to be, FP1 to FP3, I will use as learning sessions.”It’s my first time driving a completely different car – I only drove with VCARB for the last four years, so it’s the first time I drove a completely different team’s car.Iconic F1 Grand Prix at the Imola circuit has some challenging corners for drivers “I’m trying to use that, and I know that if I unlock that area, I would be able to probably beat [Verstappen].“I know myself that I can’t beat him straight away, so I’m just trying to build a good baseline and wait for the moment that I can be in the [best] shape.”Red Bull have suffered with pace problems compared to constructor leaders McLaren, Norris and Oscar Piastri – the winner in Bahrain last week – sit first and second in the Drivers’ Championship.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARAccording to BBC Sport, a clause written into Verstappen’s contract says Red Bull have to provide him with a winning car or else he is free to leave.Team advisor Helmut Marko has suggested there is currently “great concern” over Verstappen’s future with Red Bull owing to the performance issues they are facing.Marko, 81, told Sky Germany: “The concern is great. Read More on The Sun”Improvements have to come in the near future so that he has a car with which he can win again.”We have to create a basis with a car so that he can fight for the world championship.” More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul announces next fight against ex-world champion and vows to knock out man ‘Canelo Alvarez could barely beat’

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      JAKE PAUL has announced he will fight former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr next.The YouTuber-turned-boxer will return for the first time since his controversial bout against Mike Tyson.Jake Paul has announced his boxing returnCredit: GettyAnd he will face former WBC middleweight world champion Chavez Jr – son of one of Mexico’s most celebrated fighters – on June 28 in California.Paul, 28, posted: “Five years ago, I stepped into the ring for my pro debut after 1 amateur fight, and every fight since has been a step towards becoming world champion. “I just defeated the baddest man on the planet and broke multiple records, and now I’m going against a former world champion with 54 wins who Canelo could barely beat. “Chávez Jr. is Mexican, but I, El Gallo De Dorado, mexi-CAN knock him tf out. READ MORE IN BOXING”On Saturday, June 28, live on DAZN pay-per-view, I will defeat Julio and make Chávez Sr. proud in ways Jr. never has. Viva La Puerto Rico.” The bout will be contested at the 200lb cruiserweight limit, over ten rounds, on DAZN PPV at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Paul’s only defeat in the ring came via split-decision against Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023 in Saudi Arabia.But he has won five since, most recently up at heavyweight against Tyson – who came out of retirement aged 58 for his first pro fight in 20 YEARS.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPaul won on points with over 100 MILLION watching on Netflix – in what was the streaming service’s first live boxing event.But now the American will drop back down to the 200lb cruiserweight limit to face Chavez. The Mexican – son of the legendary Chavez Sr – held the middleweight title for three defences from 2011-2012 including a win over Andy Lee.He also went the distance in a pay-per-view points loss to Canelo Alvarez in 2017 and has suffered inconsistent for since. Chavez lost an embarrassing decision to UFC great Anderson Silva, 50, in 2021, a year after Paul beat the Brazilian himself.But Chavez has bounced back with two victories since – most recently on Paul’s undercard against ex-UFC star Uriah Hall last July. He has been linked with fighting Paul for three years now – with talks dating back to 2021.I just defeated the baddest man on the planet and broke multiple records, and now I’m going against a former world champion with 54 wins who Canelo could barely beat. Jake Paul Chavez – who claimed he turned down around $3million (£2.3m) – said he would RETIRE from boxing if he lost to Paul.He again called out the social media sensation last summer – with WBA president Gilberto Mendoza stating he would sanction the fight for a belt. But Paul talked down the bout with Chavez and any token title – stating he wanted a “tougher fight”. He was in talks to face Canelo, 34, in May in Las Vegas with the two close to announcing a shock bout. But Canelo walked away at the last minute to instead sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.Paul’s camp then began negotiating for an exhibition against WBA lightweight champ Gervonta Davis – despite the SIX STONE weight difference.Read More on The SunBut Davis, 30, is set to rematch Lamont Roach, 29, in the summer following their controversial March draw. So Paul went back to the well to fight 54–6–1-1 veteran Chavez.Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will be Jake Paul’s next opponentCredit: Esther Lin/MVPChavez Jr lost to Canelo in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Boxing

      ‘At times I hated him’ – Josh Warrington vows not to follow his dad’s ‘horrible’ coaching techniques with his own son

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      JOSH WARRINGTON has finally got a little boy in his family corner but could never coach him like his dad did.The 34-year-old suffered his third consecutive loss, to Anthony Cacace, last September but ended the year with the Christmas gift of son Oran.Josh Warrington is not a fan of his dad Sean’s training techniquesCredit: AlamyThe Leeds star recently became a dad to baby boy OranCredit: Instagram / @j_warringtonSean (right) and Josh’s relationship almost broke down over his coaching styleCredit: RexThe two-time featherweight world champion already had twin daughters with wife Natasha and now has a male heir to the Warrington legacy.But the Leeds hero, who fights Asad Asif Khan on Saturday, doesn’t think he could ever coach his lad, after the partnership almost destroyed the relationship with him and dad and trainer Sean.”There were horrible and hard times when I hated my dad,” he told SunSport.”Boxing can do that to a father and son, no matter how close they are and how much they love each other.READ MORE ON BOXING”There were times when my dad had to push me to breaking point – mentally and physically – and times when he had to be brutally honest with me.”Those moments made me a world champion and I am grateful for them and they made our successes even more meaningful.”But I don’t think I could do that with my son.”The high points in boxing are brilliant and sharing them with your dad, in your corner, is great.Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”But the lows are horrible and going through that with your dad – and not just a trainer – is a very difficult thing to manage and cope with.”Sadly the lows have come thick and fast for the Elland Road regular.Josh Warrington’s top-flight boxing career ends after suffering his third fight on the spinA hat-trick of losses, after a magnificent career, led to him laying down his gloves in the Wembley ring after the Irishman dominated him at his new super-featherweight.The tough Yorkshireman could not bottle up his emotions any longer and was devastated for weeks.But an outpouring of support and the X-rated backing from his old-school father helped him get back in the ring and a fight with Mick Conlan is now being targeted.He told us: “When I laid down my gloves, I meant it.”I then spent about three weeks just crying. I hid away and didn’t want to see anyone.”But slowly I started seeing people and getting messages and dad told me to stop being a ‘silly c***’ and I got back in the gym and got focused again.I don’t know how I or anyone can fill the void of a sport and a job that has been all I have known since I was nine years old.Josh Warrington”I am not silly and I am not deluded and the people around me care about me and are honest with me.”When I said I wanted to carry on, my dad and my wife and my manager backed me and that’s what I needed.”British fight fans don’t like to see their heroes – like Warrington, Joe Joyce and Derek Chisora – go on too long and spend the rest of their lives suffering.The business has a horrible way of chewing up even the biggest and bravest men.But Warrington – who admits the idea of retirement scares him – insists he will not be abused by the hurt game.He said: “I don’t know what I will do without boxing, even with a lovely family and other interests and hobbies.”I don’t know how I or anyone can fill the void of a sport and a job that has been all I have known since I was nine years old.”I understand why some fighters end up using drink and drugs and lose their way and it’s such a shame.Read More on The Sun”But I will know when to hang my gloves up – I will not become a stepping-stone opponent.”I just want to finish on a performance that I and the fans can be proud of and I know I still have that in my locker.”Asad Asif Khan faces Warrington at the weekendCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      ‘We’re slaves eating the master’s leftovers’ – Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory where loyal fans reject owners

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      OUTSIDERS looking in would think that RC Strasbourg and their fans are living the dream.The Ligue 1 side are enjoying a season to remember – one of their best campaigns ever with some of the most promising young players on the planet strutting their stuff.On the pitch Strasbourg are having a season to remember, but fans aren’t happyCredit: AFPMany are vocal in their hatred of their club’s new ownershipStrasbourg Ultras are furious with the direction of the club under Boehly, Eghbali and CoCredit: GettyGraffiti reading ‘BlueCo Out’ can be spotted all over the cityBut not everything is as it seems. There’s trouble brewing, bubbling just under the surface, and ready to erupt.As a Chelsea fan, when I went to visit the city of our sister club, I discovered that the incredible on-pitch performances are only Polyfilla in the cracks of the club’s identity.Strasbourg Ultras fervently believe their beloved club is at risk of crumbling into nothingness at the hands of BlueCo, the consortium that also owns Chelsea.But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start at the beginning…With one French Ligue 1 title to their name – after winning the 1978-79 crown – Alsace’s biggest football club was shockingly declared bankrupt in 2011.But, since then, their story has been one of footballing authenticity, a true tale of the ‘dare to dream’ mentality that captures everyone who falls in love with their team from a young age.They rose back through the ranks from the amateur fifth tier and back into France’s top division with ex-France international and West Ham midfielder Marc Keller as president.It is the kind of footballing romance story that personified a city of people who took immense pride in their local team.However, as in many a romance tale, a shock betrayal came from the leading man in the summer of 2023.Keller sold the club to Behdad Eghbali, Todd Boehly and Co – leading to almost two years of confusion, disarray, lack of communication with supporters, and monumental change from those now in charge of the club.Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeStrasbourg could finish second in Ligue 1 this season, but signs of protests remain plastered across the stadiumCredit: AFPStrasbourg is a beautiful city full of passionate fans – but many fear they are merely becoming Chelsea’s ‘B team’Supporters fervently believe their beloved club is at risk of crumbling into nothingness at the hands of BlueCoAs I strolled through the quaint and beautiful city of Strasbourg, I took a moment to sit on a wall and marvel at the river opposite me, when I was struck by what I saw on a lamppost.Stickers covered it, reading one particular message loud and clear: “BLUECO OUT”.Walking to the stadium on my first day, I noticed that these stickers occupied almost every lamppost, street sign, dustbin and bridge, alongside other variations such as ‘Non a la multipropiete’ which translated reads ‘Not a timeshare’.I reached out to Alexandre, a spokesperson for the club’s supporters federation, to find out how the fans really feel.He said: “I’m not worried about losing our identity, we’ve already lost it. It’s like you are eating the master’s leftovers, but you are a slave.”Some people might say, ‘OK, well that’s better than what we were used to’ but some others would say, ‘I’d rather be free, broke but free’.””The beauty of European football is that you have teams from different countries competing against each other based on merit, not because you are part of an ownership.”Chelsea use us as a feeder club, as a ‘B Team’ and to us that is very, very wrong.” More