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    Fernando Vargas Jr was jailed and trained by hitting bed mattress in his cell before turning life around after release

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    Terence Crawford’s mum paid bullies to fight him before he survived shooting to become champ with street named after him

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    Roy Keane’s daughter ‘mourned what life might be’ after being diagnosed with incurable illness but dad ‘lightened mood’

    ROY KEANE’S daughter Caragh revealed she was left in tears after an incurable illness forced her to turn down her dream job.The 29-year-old was diagnosed with lupus in 2021 when she was only 25.Roy Keane’s daughter Caragh revealed her struggle with lupusCredit: caraghkeane/InstagramShe opened up on how her dad helped her through the darkest timesCredit: Insatgram / @officialkeane16It came after a prolonged spell of debilitating symptoms including joint pain, alopecia and painful blisters on her face and body.Such was the degree of it that Keane – who had qualified to be a teacher – was left bed-bound by the condition.It meant turning down the chance at her “dream job” at her old school in Manchester.She admitted to the Irish Independent: “I cried on the phone because I had to turn down the job and just had to say, ‘I’m really sorry, but I’m really not very well at the moment.’ “I wanted to be the best teacher I could be.”After undergoing some tests, she was diagnosed with lupus: a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s tissues.Now that she knew what was going on, Caragh could go about addressing it and no longer living in mystery.Keane added: “Being so poorly ended up being a blessing in disguise because I was able to get the diagnosis really quickly.Most read in Football“There was a bit of a mourning period for me, when you start to think about how your life might turn out.“I suppose there was a sense of relief because, with that information, I could start looking into the next steps. Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia “At the age of 25, you’re sat there being told everything and you’re thinking, ‘I’m never going to have a boyfriend. I’ve not had children yet.’ “That was the sort of thing that was going through my head.”Fortunately, she was surrounded by a loving and caring support network.She is one of five kids – alongside sisters Alanna, Shannon and Leah, and brother Aidan – raised by Man Utd and Ireland legend Roy Keane and wife Theresa Doyle.And while the Keane kids were often kept out of the limelight in their formative years, Roy was never shy of giving them his full attention.This proved particularly useful when Caragh was diagnosed with lupus, as she revealed how his sense of humour helped lighten the load.She revealed: “My parents were worried, but they put on a brave face a lot of the time, and they’ve been so supportive. “My dad puts things into perspective and always adds that bit of humour to lighten the mood.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCaragh Keane has parlayed her own healthcare experience into founding her own company – Superkeen Foods.With the brand’s award-winning cereal and products, which are gluten-free, nut-free, milk-free, egg-free, 100% natural and autoimmune protocol-friendly, Caragh hopes to help others with lupus on their healing journeys. More

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    How identical twins and boxing champions became estranged in ugly rift during year of ‘havoc’ before rekindling

    THE Charlo twins have risen to the top of the boxing world together – but their relationship has taken some blows along the way. The pair were born on May 19, 1990, in Lafayette, Louisiana, but they were schooled and raised in Houston, Texas.
    The Charlo brothers are identical twin boxing championsCredit: Instagram
    Jermall Charlo, left, is older by one minute
    The two shot to the top of the boxing world togetherCredit: Instagram
    Jermell, the younger of the two, was born one minute after his older brother Jermall.
    Both were introduced to boxing at a young age to follow in the footsteps of their dad Kevin, an ex-amateur.
    Jermall was the slightly more experienced in the unpaid ranks, with a record of 65-6 before making his professional debut in 2008.
    But Jermell – who went 56-8 in the amateurs – turned pro a year prior at just 17.

    Both raced to unbeaten records but it was Jermall who touched gold first as he won the IBF light-middleweight title in September 2015.
    He made one defense of the belt before a history-defining night presented itself in May 2016.
    As Jermell also fought for 154-pound honors, beating John Jackson the same night Jermall defeated Austin Trout.
    It meant the two reigned over the light-middleweight division at the very same time.
    Most read in Boxing
    Jermell said on the night: “We did it. We made history. We’ve been boxing for all these years, and it had to happen.”
    Jermall added: “It was great being the first twins to win titles in the same division, and I’m so proud of my brother.
    “I knew he could get the job done.”
    Jermell stayed at light-middleweight and became undisputed champion last year when he beat Brian Castano in their rematch.
    Meanwhile, Jermall later moved up to the 160-pound middleweight division and became WBC champion there.
    The pair have fought on the same card eight times and in 2018, Jermell suffered his first loss, losing to Tony Harrison.
    Jermall had beaten Matt Korobov but admitted watching his sibling lose dampened his celebrations.
    He said: “It definitely was [hard to celebrate], but we got home and we got over it.
    Jermall, left, and Jermell held light-middleweight titles togetherCredit: Getty
    The duo with boxing legend Floyd MayweatherCredit: Getty
    The two have fallen out in the pastCredit: Getty
    “It’s just part of the game that we just have to get used to. Sometimes it goes our way, sometimes it don’t.
    “But it’s still a sport, and you want to be undefeated. You don’t know how to take losses. It’s tough.
    “But it’s just boxing at the end of the day, it’s just a segment of our life that my brother overcame.”
    Jermell later beat Harrison in their 2019 rematch but cracks started to appear in his relationship with Jermall.
    The two have always had a turbulent relationship at times but it reached boiling point as Jermall suffered with his mental health.
    He has not boxed since June 2021 – beating Juan Macias Montiel – due to his problems outside the ring.
    It even cost him his dream bout with Canelo Alvarez as the American was deemed unable to accept the bout.
    Instead, Jermell accepted an offer to jump two divisions to take on the Mexican superstar.
    ‘We don’t see eye-to-eye’
    But he did so having spent months without speaking to Jermall and their falling out came under question on fight week.
    Jermell revealed: “This family affair thing has been really crazy.
    “I try not to touch on that topic too much because at the end of the day I love my brother.
    “But I think it’s just that at this current moment we don’t see eye-to-eye.
    “It has a lot to do with what he wants in his life and what I want in mine. They are two completely different things.
    “Growing up and growing apart from each other is just the nature of life but I just have to accept this just like I accept certain people and the good that comes with the bad.
    “One day, hopefully we speak again but right now I’m not in the mood to deal with the havoc that he brings and all the other stuff.”
    Jermall raised eyebrows when he showed up in Las Vegas to support his brother Jermell.
    I’m feeling better, I’m in a better space, I’ve got better people around me.Jermall Charlo
    But he said: “I’mma always be there for my brother man, no matter what the internet or social media is trying to make things out to be.
    “I’m feeling better, I’m in a better space, I’ve got better people around me.”
    Jermall also confirmed that he is set to return on November 25 against Jose Benavidez Jr.
    The world champion looked to come full circle in his recovery as he was filmed coming into Jermell’s dressing room before the Canelo fight.
    Read More on The Sun
    The two embraced with a hug which was met with loud claps in the room and a heartwarming reaction on social media.
    Jermell was later beaten over 12 rounds by Canelo but he did so with his brother back in his corner.
    Jermall embraces Jermell before his brother’s fight with Canelo Alvarez More

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    The football team that’s about more than winning

    “WINNING is fantastic but it’s not our goal – it’s supporting each other on the pitch that counts.”It’s not exactly your typical manager’s pre-match huddle talk, but then South London’s Saving Souls FC aren’t your typical football team.
    Kerry Phillips founded Saving Souls FC to help bring people together
    While winning is a bonus, the real focus of the team, who are supported by National Lottery funding, is scoring victories over issues men face with their mental health.
    “I’m an Arsenal season ticket holder – I go by myself, home and away, and end up talking to so many different people,” says Kerry Phillips, Saving Souls’ founder, manager and “head of laundry”.
    “During lockdown, I realised that for me football is about more than 22 men kicking a ball.
    “It’s a point of connection with other people that nurtures my soul.” 
    Kerry, 36, from Catford, felt isolated during lockdown and reached out to friends on the phone.
    He sensed they were experiencing loneliness too but he couldn’t broach the subject. 
    “It was frustrating. It’s that ‘Men don’t talk about their feelings’ thing.”
    Kerry did some research and realised there was a problem. According to mental health charity Mind, 43 per cent of men regularly feel low but 28 per cent say embarrassment stops them seeking help.
    Most read in Football
    Men from minority ethnic groups are even less likely to access help than their white counterparts.
    “In 2017, I had therapy and that helped me understand my own mental health issues,” Kerry says.
    “As a child and young man I was overweight and lacked self-esteem, masking it with an outgoing persona.
    “Even after I lost 14st in my mid-twenties, I lacked confidence. Finally, turning 30, I faced up to my issues. That gave me tools for dealing with things.”
    National Lottery funding helps pay for the pitch hire
    Lockdown knocked his sense of self all over again. He wondered if there was something he could do to improve the mental health of men in his community.
    A couple of years earlier he’d organised a charity football match for his church – over-thirties versus under-thirties.
    “It was an intergenerational bonding session,” he says. “Was there a way of replicating that on a regular basis?”
    Kerry contacted the London Football Association and enquired about setting up a club with the aim of encouraging men to talk.
    Next, he rang Bellingham Leisure Centre, close to his home, and asked about hiring a pitch.
    Within weeks he had bagged a spot in the South London Grassroots Football League. Now all he needed was a team.
    The team are all about encouraging men to talk
    TALKING A GOOD GAME
    “I came up with the name Saving Souls FC and set up an Instagram account and promoted the first training session in 2021,” he says.
    “Sitting there on my own, I was nervous people wouldn’t turn up. But ten showed. Now Saving Souls has 88 members in its WhatsApp group.”
    Training takes place every other Friday evening, matches mostly on weekdays. And on the last Thursday of every month, Saving Souls holds a men’s forum.
    If people have specific problems they want to discuss, Kerry can signpost them to organisations like Citizens Advice and StepChange, the debt charity. 
    “We’re very diverse, with different religions and cultures,” he says. “Ages too – our oldest member is 58 and his son is the youngest at 18.
    “Friendships form – two members went into business together, while another felt strong enough to come off antidepressants through the boost playing gave him.”
    The team are achieving on the pitch too, winning the Grassroots League in 2022 with a goal difference of 137 and being named London FA Grassroots Project of the Year.
    Last year, Kerry successfully applied for National Lottery funding.
    “The FA gave us funding but I was spending my own money too,” he says.
    “We pay to hire the pitch, for example, but people might be struggling so sessions are free. National Lottery support was a lifesaver.”
    National Lottery players support health and wellbeing projects near you, like Saving Souls FC – the club helping people to improve their wellbeing and mental health through free weekly football matches.
    The National Lottery is also the proud sponsor of The Sun’s Who Cares Win Awards 2023, celebrating people, like Kerry, who put caring into everyday action.
    This season, Saving Souls FC have taken a break from the Grassroots League. “To give other teams a chance,” Kerry jokes.
    Instead, they’re organising matches with community groups, including teams of asylum seekers and Forces veterans.
    The club are welcoming women too, with free self-defence classes and plans for a women’s team.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Saving souls through winning and, as importantly, cheerfully conceding goals: it’s a simple concept but it works.
    Back of the net, Kerry and team. More

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    Chelsea star Mason Mount reveals he’s quitting Twitter in shock announcement to fans as he tells them ‘take care’

    MASON MOUNT has announced he is quitting Twitter. The Chelsea star made the shock announcement to fans on his page on Thursday afternoon.
    Mason Mount has announced he is leaving TwitterCredit: Rex
    Mount will keep other social channels open
    In the post he revealed his reasoning behind the move, before telling fans how they can continue to support him and posting a heartfelt message to them.
    He said: “Over the years I’ve thoroughly enjoyed connecting with you all on Twitter. Sadly, the platform is changing so I have decided to delete my account.
    “You all can still connect with me on my other social media platforms. Here: http://masonmount.Komi.io
    “Take care, Mason ✌🏻.”
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    Mount has struggled with injuries and form this season – and there is much speculation over his future.
    The playmaker’s issues have only served to exacerbate Chelsea’s increasingly lame season.
    Despite an outlay of £600million on transfers and a huge fee to bring in ex-boss Graham Potter, Chelsea find themselves down in 11th in the Premier League.
    Indeed, so profound is their situation that Chelsea sit closer to the relegation zone than they do the top four, with a tough season run-in under interim boss Frank Lampard to go along with this.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    Comments under Mount’s post were switched off. But quote tweets remained on to allow fans to share their thoughts.
    One user said: “No matter what Mason thank you 💙.”
    A second typed: “Mase 💔.”
    “Goodbye my king,” added a third.
    However, some users believe Mount’s decision stems from abuse he has received from so-called fans online.
    One user speculated: “Disappointing that it’s come to this, but I understand why he would. A real shame our own fanbase probably is a factor in this decision.”
    Another said: “This is actually sad man you lot have abused him so much. He deserves better.”
    While a third added: “Bullying your own player off Twitter is wild.”
    Mount has 1.8million followers on his Twitter page and 5.6million on Instagram. More

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    I didn’t care whether I lived or died after losing to Mayweather and Pacquiao, even my parents wouldn’t speak to me

    RICKY HATTON “didn’t care” if he lived or died after losing to Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather – and even his parents refused to speak to him.The Manchester boxer, 44, was literally on top of the world as IBO and The Ring light-welterweight champion.
    Ricky Hatton opened up on his suicidal strugglesCredit: Reuters
    During his peak he fought Manny PacquiaoCredit: AP:Associated Press
    He stepped up to welterweight and was stopped by Mayweather in 2007 then surrendered his world titles to Pacquiao two years later.
    But away from the boxing ring and public persona, the Hitman was struggling with his mental health, to the point he felt suicidal as his life appeared to crumble around him.
    Hatton said: “I was always paranoid about what people think, what’s the point in being world champion if everyone thinks you’re a d***head?
    “In my own mind, I’d think everyone was laughing at me after losing to Mayweather, I felt embarrassed.
    READ MORE ON BOXING
    “It got worse when I lost to Mayweather and Pacquiao and I fell out with my mum, dad and [trainer] Billy Graham.
    “I was suicidal. It ate away at me. I didn’t care if I lived or died.
    “I thought to myself, ‘It’s over for me, no boxing, no parents to talk to, no Billy Graham to talk to, what the f*** am I doing here?’ That’s how bad it was.
    “After the Pacquiao defeat was the worst time, I knew I was past it and had to retire.
    Most read in Boxing
    “I was done. In my early 30s, I still had a lot of life to live but thought who would I celebrate this with?
    “It was terrible, absolutely terrible. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”
    Hatton came back for one last pro fight in 2012, getting knocked out by Vyacheslav Senchenko in his hometown.
    His difficulties with substance abuse – including alcohol and drugs – as well as depression were a serious concern but Hatton sought help and has thankfully turned his life around.
    He is now an advocate, encouraging people to talk about their mental health – after experiencing the pain of feeling unable to share in his lowest moments.
    ‘CAN’T KEEP IT IN’
    Hatton continued on the RAW: The Fight Within podcast: “Mental health is so important because I nearly wasn’t here.
    “Now [son] Campbell has gone professional and I’m a granddad.
    “I’ve made up with Mum and Dad and Billy Graham. Look at all those wonderful things. If I’d killed myself, look what I would have lost out on.
    “Jennifer my ex, I lived with her and she knew I wasn’t well but she didn’t even know how bad it was.
    “When I was on my own I’d be in tears wanting to kill myself but then when I went home.
    “I couldn’t go to my mates. They’d think, ‘Rick’s lost the plot,’ so I kept it in, that’s where the damage is done – you can’t keep it in on your own.
    Read More on The Sun
    “Ladies have it as well but I think it’s harder for men.
    “Boxers are perceived to be the toughest in the world. Ladies can’t help but tell their friends but I couldn’t go to the pub and tell the lads. Men don’t like to share.”
    Contact the Samaritans
    If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, contact The Samaritans on 116 123. They are available for free at anytime.
    Or email https://www.samaritans.org/

    Hatton struggled after his defeat to Floyd MayweatherCredit: AFP – Getty More

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    Jesse Lingard admits turning to booze during darkest days of Man Utd career amid horror fan abuse and mum’s depression

    JESSE LINGARD admits he was drinking during the darkest days of his career.The pressure of playing for Manchester United, a dip in form and abuse from fans took its toll in the 2019-20 season.
    Jesse Lingard admitted that he turned to drink to try and “take the pain away” during his darkest days at Man UtdCredit: Alamy
    Lingard revealed family issues did not help make the situation any betterCredit: Reuters
    Lingard was also looking after his siblings while his mum battled depression.
    Now at Nottingham Forest, the attacker, 30, said: “I was drinking before bed, having a nightcap. I look back now and think, ‘What was I doing that for?’
    “But I needed something to take the pain away. I was trying to forget what was going on. But it makes it ten times worse.
    “You’re getting that much abuse and I’m already down enough and I’ve got to perform.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    “I was still trying to be Jesse — with banter and jokes and all that — but, of course, it’s going to affect me. I felt the world was on my shoulders.”
    Lingard’s issues meant he struggled to care for brother Jasper and sister Daisy-Boo while his mum Kirsty sought treatment.
    Speaking to The Diary Of A CEO podcast, Lingard said: “The depression was so bad she couldn’t cope and needed to get help.
    “But leaving me with my sister, who was 11, and brother, who was 15, for me, I was going through my own things as well.
    Most read in Football
    “So I wasn’t really the big brother they wanted.
    “I was on the pitch but didn’t want to be — I didn’t want to play. I just needed a break.”
    Lingard came through United’s academy and scored their winner in the 2016 FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.
    He boasts 32 England caps and was a key man as the Three Lions made the last four at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
    But as things started to unravel he turned to then Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    He said: “I thought I could handle it but it came to a point when I went to Ole and said, ‘This is what’s going on’.
    “We kept it close-knit but even just to have Ole say, ‘How is your mum? How is she doing?’
    “Just to have those conversations helped.”
    He had a successful loan spell at West Ham in 2020-21 before returning to United for a season.
    Read More on The Sun
    And Lingard, who joined Forest on a free in the summer, could not resist a pop at his old club.
    He said: “They’re behind on everything. You see City’s facilities, Tottenham’s facilities . . . people are miles ahead.”
    Depression… the signs to look out forWe can all do our bit to help prevent deaths from suicide during these uncertain times.
    There are several warning signs that a person is at risk of suicide. But it’s vital to know that they won’t always be obvious.
    While some people are quite visibly in pain and become withdrawn and depressed, others may continue their life as normal pretending everything is fine.
    Look out for subtle personality changes in friends and family, especially if you know they have been going through a tough time, Lorna Fraser of the Samaritans told The Sun Online.
    These are the key signs to watch out for in not just your loved ones, but yourself too…

    A change in routine, such as sleeping or eating less than normal
    Struggling to sleep, lacking energy or appearing particularly tired
    Drinking, smoking or using drugs more than usual
    Finding it hard to cope with everyday things
    Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy
    Becoming withdrawn from friends and family – not wanting to talk or be with people
    Appearing more tearful
    Appearing restless, agitated, nervous, irritable
    Putting themselves down in a serious or jokey way, for example ‘Oh, no one loves me’, or ‘I’m a waste of space’
    Losing interest in their appearance, not liking or taking care of themselves or feeling they don’t matter More