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      in Boxing

      Boxer Jordan Gill emotionally fights back tears after revealing mental health battle before victory over Michael Conlan

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      BOXER Jordan Gill emotionally opened up about his mental health battle before beating Michael Conlan. Gill moved up to super-featherweight and stopped Northern Ireland’s Conlan in round seven of their Belfast bout.
      Jordan Gill opened up about his mental health battle before beating Michael Conlan

      It was his first fight since losing the European featherweight title to Kiko Martinez in October 2022.
      That defeat sparked a battle with depression while Gill’s personal life also suffered.
      And the brave boxer revealed he contemplated suicide before being saved.
      Gill, 29, said: “Not many people know what I’ve been through this year. You know, after the Kiko loss, I sort of, lost touch with myself.
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      “I broke up with my wife. In the 30th of June, I was in a field, I drank a litre of vodka and I was gonna kill myself, and somebody saved me.
      “Somebody came and saved me that day, and you know, I went to Dave, I went to Ben Davison’s gym, I worked with Barry.
      “Barry’s put so much effort in with me. My dad’s been by my side. My friends and my family have been there supporting me.
      “All my friends, I can’t thank them enough. I’ve just changed my life. I’ve got my own gym opening next week with my friend Damian.
      Most read in BoxingHow to get help

      NHS talking therapies can help if you’re struggling to cope with feelings of anxiety or depression. 
      Your GP can refer you or, in England, you can refer yourself online via nhs.uk/talk.
      If you need help for a mental health crisis, emergency or breakdown, NHS urgent mental health helplines offer 24-hour advice and support for people of all ages. 
      Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline via nhs.uk/urgentmentalhealth (England only). 
      The charity Mind also provides support to those that need it. Call 0300 123 3393.
      If someone’s life is at risk or they cannot be kept safe, call 999.

      “I’ve turned my life around this year in the last four months and it’s just because of that (mindset).
      “So if you’re thinking, ‘What am I doing with my life?’ You can do it, you can make a change.
      “Just get up and have that belief in yourself and just go and do it because nobody believed that I can do this. But I did and that’s all that matters.”
      Michael Conlan was knocked down by Jordan GillCredit: Getty
      Gill celebrating his victoryCredit: Sportsfile More

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      in Soccer

      Soccer Saturday legend Chris Kamara set to bravely sing live on TV show after being diagnosed with speech apraxia

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      CHRIS KARAMA will make an appearance on ITV show Get Britain Singing.The Soccer Saturday legend revealed last year he was suffering with a condition known as speech apraxia.
      Chris Kamara will be appearing on ITV Show Get Britain SingingCredit: Splash
      Kamara revealed in 2022 that he was suffering with a condition called speech apraxiaCredit: PA
      The condition is a neurological disorder that affects the body’s ability to perform natural motor functions.
      One symptom is making talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.
      But brave Kammy will take up the microphone and sing on the ITV programme.
      The broadcaster confirmed his appearance as part of their “Christmas TV extravaganza” in its Get Britain Singing campaign where celebrities will sing a host of classic tunes.
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      The campaign is one part of the Get Britain Talking initiative, which sees stars discussing their own experiences with mental health.
      Kamara, who will play the role of Ghost, will be joined by The Masked Singer favourites Russell Watson (Cockroach) and Aled Jones (Traffic Cone) on the show.
      They will be up against four other teams to be crowned champions.
      Good Morning Britain stars Kate Garraway, Charlotte Hawkins, Alex Beresford, Laura Tobin and Dr Amir Khan will be one of the five groups.
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      Other stars from some of TV’s biggest shows including Love Island, EastEnders and Coronation Street will also be competing.
      Kamara, 65, worked on Sky Sports between 1992 and 2022.
      He broke down while appearing on Good Morning Britain last month to talk about his condition.
      In the emotional interview, he said: “I get upset talking about it.
      “I was in denial. I was ashamed I couldn’t speak.”
      As tears filled his eyes, GMB host Susanna Reid, 52, leant over the the desk to hold his hand.
      He continued: “I didn’t want to be a burden, that’s the thing.
      “I have spent so long looking after my family and I didn’t want them to be in a position where they were looking after me.”
      In an interview last December, Chris told The Sun: “The doctor said if I’d gone in those first two or three months and had my thyroid checked then I might have been okay.

      “But because I left it, everything happening in the body — the balance, the muscle weakening — came from the fact I didn’t tell anybody.
      “I feel I’ve let my wife and family down by being a dinosaur and not getting checked out.” More

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      in Soccer

      I played for Newcastle United & Nottingham Forest but I gave up on my football dreams… and now I’m a qualified doctor

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      A FOOTBALLER who played for Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest gave up on his dreams but is now a qualified psychologist.David Blakelock, 40, was scouted by the Magpies at the age of nine, and spent four years in the youth ranks as a forward.
      David Blakelock was scouted at the age of nineCredit: Twitter/@drdjb_
      He spent four years in the youth ranks at Newcastle before moving to Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
      David fell foul of a change by then Newcastle United manager Kevin KeeganCredit: AFP
      But Kevin Keegan’s infamous decision to scrap reserve-team fixtures led the future psychologist to question his pathway and ultimately leave Newcastle United.
      He was later on the books at Nottingham Forest before ultimately falling out of love with the sport.
      But Dr Blakelock turned his focus to education and ended up becoming a qualified psychologist after years of hard graft.
      And his current research touches on his sporting past, looking into furthering the understanding of how footballers handle the transition to life after the sport.
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      Dr Blakelock, who described his time at Newcastle as a “great experience”, told ChronicleLive: “I was quite a good student but I’d prioritised football for a lot of years. That was my main focus.
      “There was a sense then that everything was focusing on the first team.
      “I enjoyed my time at Newcastle, the training, the coaching and the team were all very good. We had the opportunity to be ball boys at Euro 96 and I remember Peter Beardsley came to train with us once.
      “I probably would have stayed at Newcastle. If I’d stayed there, who knows? I might have progressed through the age groups. You just can’t say.”
      Most read in Football
      Instead, at 14, he chose to sign a four-year agreement at Forest that would allow the aspiring footballer to continue his studies through to his A-Levels.
      However, it was a move that did not pan out as expected and led Blakelock to perhaps prematurely give up on his dream of making it as a professional.
      He said: “When I signed for Forest, I was quite well thought of by the coaching staff. I had a sense that the club and the coaches were the right fit for me and had a sense of belonging.
      “It wasn’t long after I signed, and there was a big change in the youth coaching staff. The new academy director had an intimidating and aggressive disposition.
      “I don’t think I was his type of player and he wasn’t my type of coach. I don’t think I’d have signed for Forest if he and some of the other coaches had been there from the start and they might not have signed me.”
      Dr Blakelock added that the club had also changed their stance on the education side and they said I wouldn’t be able to do A Levels.
      Describing himself as a “decent student”, he said that continuing with school was important and one of main reasons why he signed for Forest.
      “From there, although I had my contract, that initial sense of this being the right club and the feeling of belonging wasn’t there. I wasn’t enjoying playing and kind of fell out of love with football at an important time,” Dr Blakelock added.
      The amended agreement which allowed David to study in the North East and travel down to train on weekends and during school holidays furthered this “disconnect”, and in the end the attacker was all too willing to give up on football.
      He added: “I had the opportunity to go to Durham University and I didn’t really have a strong desire to get back into professional football.
      “I probably gave up a little too soon looking back. I possibly could have tried to really get back in training, get fit and play more to give myself another chance.
      “A few regrets maybe as I don’t think I fulfilled my potential but you can’t change what’s happened. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do.”
      I wasn’t enjoying playing and kind of fell out of love with football at an important time.”Dr David Blakelock, 40
      Psychology provided a pathway for the former player to explore new interests, and it was while studying for his doctorate that he began to explore the mental toll life after football can take.
      Dr Blakelock has since juggled full-time work with his research, saying: “Research has also shown that not every player experiences mental health difficulties.
      “Some players can be happy and actually relieved that they don’t have to maintain high standards of performance and perform under pressure all the time. They can relax a bit, it’s very hard training, playing and being under scrutiny all the time.
      “Some might experience difficulties straight after their careers end and for others, difficulties can come a bit later. For some, difficulties might not last long, but it can persist for others.”
      The ex-footy player wants to help develop a greater understanding for footballers adjusting to life after the sport.
      It comes after a Prem star who was raking it in on £40,000 a week during his playing days now can’t even afford a phone.
      He was a footballing hero as captain of West Ham and played in the 2006 World Cup.
      Meanwhile, a former Premier League player who made his England debut when replacing Harry Kane has had a very different career path.
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      And he now plies his trade as a semi-pro after turning 30 in October. More

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      in Boxing

      I’m a pro boxer fighting on Katie Taylor’s undercard but I’m set to take on a way more dangerous day job fighting fires

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      LUCY WILDHEART might be the toughest boxer in Britain for chasing fights with world champions and fires.In the build-up to her Saturday night clash with 8-0 Australian ace Skye Nicolson, the Sweden-born Essex girl has taken her physical and mental tests and interviews to join the Chelmsford fire brigade.
      Lucy Wildheart wants to fight the world’s best women and Essex blazesCredit: PA
      Wildheart’s day job is as a firefighterCredit: Instagram @lucywildheart
      She is off the back of a brutal cut to a featherweight nine stoneCredit: Instagram @lucywildheart
      The boxer also trains crossfitCredit: Instagram @lucywildheart
      The fearless 30-year-old featherweight has spent the last week tapering down to 9st, sorting out her team’s fight-night kit, renovating her new home and waiting by the phone for news on her dream job.
      And she hopes a hectic week is turned into a perfect one with a win on the Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron undercard and a call from the Brigade to start her new post.
      “I always wanted a job serving the community and helping people,” she told SunSport. 
      “And I have now passed the seven physical tests, had my interviews and am waiting for that phone call.
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      “It was a little bit embarrassing at the physical – where he did a bleep test and strength, speed and stamina tests all in the full uniform and kit – because somebody there recognised me and told the instructor that I was a professional boxer.
      “But it went well, it was tough, I can fight as low as 9st but I might have to rescue someone who weighs 16st so the tests have to be hard and I liked that and was proud to be one of the few people who passed.
      “Hopefully the call doesn’t come when I am over in Ireland, training or at a media event. But I can always call back hopefully with another big win.”
      It’s a massive month for Swedish boxing as Otto Wallin has been named as Anthony Joshua’s December 23 Saudi Arabia opponent.
      Most read in Boxing
      Wildheart at the weigh-in with Skye NiolsonCredit: Sportsfile
      The firefighter will be gunning for Nicolson’s beltCredit: Instagram @lucywildheart
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      Like Wildheart, Wallin left behind his home to move to a more boxing-friendly country and set up camp in New York.
      And she reckons AJ and Nicolson’s shared promoter Matchroom have made a massive mistake cherry picking two compatriots who could become the biggest exports since Abba and Ikea.
      She explained: “I met Otto many years ago at a training camp in Sweden, he told me that if I ever needed anything I could contact him straight away.
      “I have never taken him up on his offer but I have never forgotten how nice he was to me so I have always followed his career.
      “I think he can beat Joshua, it seems such a risky opponent on only six-weeks’ notice. But I think the same about them picking me for Skye.
      Essex-based Swede Lucy Wildheart is a seriously tough womanCredit: Getty
      “Otto is a southpaw, he is big, strong and a clever boxer who is in a great run of form.
      “I lost my last fight on points but I took it on 24hrs notice, two divisions above my usual weight, against a former world champion, so my confidence has never been higher.
      “I think me and Otto have both been overlooked as easy opponents, AJ and Skye are both being backed to go on to bigger fights straight after us.
      “But I really believe we can both spring big upsets and spark a massive party back in Sweden.”
      Wildheart is hoping to spark a party in SwedenCredit: Instagram @lucywildheart
      She is backing Otto Wallin to spring a surprise against JoshuaCredit: Instagram @lucywildheart
      Wildheart has shared her travels on her InstagramCredit: Instagram @lucywildheart
      And often trains while on the moveCredit: Instagram @lucywildheart
      She is hoping her multidisciplinary sports background will give her an edgeCredit: Instagram @lucywildheart
      And no doubt has the mental fortitude given her day jobCredit: Instagram @lucywildheart

      🥊ANTHONY JOSHUA VS OTTO WALLIN: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THRILLING SAUDI CLASH🥊 More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury breaks silence with classy response as Anthony Joshua links up with his old coach for Otto Wallin fight

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      TYSON FURY gave a classy response when asked about Anthony Joshua linking up with his former coach Ben Davison. Davison shot to recognition as the man that brought Fury back to the ring after an absence amid a mental health battle.
      Tyson Fury and trainer Ben Davison in 2018Credit: PA
      Anthony Joshua is working with Davison for his next fightCredit: Getty
      But now he is working alongside Fury’s biggest rival in Joshua, something the Gypsy King surprisingly hailed.
      He said: “That’s a good match-up.
      “It’s a very good move. I think it’s good for AJ because he’s local. I think it’s a good move.”
      Joshua is usually trained by American mastermind Derrick James in Texas and has been for his last two bouts.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      But James is currently in training camp with Ryan Garcia, who makes his return against Oscar Duarte next Saturday.
      Meanwhile, Joshua, 34 is stationing himself in the UK ahead of his next fight on December 23, against Otto Wallin, 32, in Saudi Arabia.
      As a result, he is temporarily working with Davison for the bout.
      Davison got Fury down from 30 STONE to challenge for the world title in a draw against Deontay Wilder in 2018.
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      Fury, 35, was unbeaten in his five bouts with Davison before he switched to Sugarhill Steward, with whom he has won all five of his fights.
      Davison, 27, now works with two-time featherweight champion Leigh Wood, 35, among a host of other top prospects.
      Coincidentally, his last fight with Fury was against Wallin which saw the Brit need 47 stitches despite winning on points.

      🥊ANTHONY JOSHUA VS OTTO WALLIN: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THRILLING SAUDI CLASH🥊 More

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      in Soccer

      Tramadol has spread like a disease in football – will moves to ban the highly addictive drug work?

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      BEHIND Tramadol, that comfy sort of drug that eases pain and helps provide a good night’s sleep, lies a nasty little secret.It is addictive and may lead directly to a drastically spoiled life.
      Former Bury star Ryan Cresswell took legal drugs like Tramadol to ease pain and is now urging players facing similar problems to seek helpCredit: PA
      Painkiller Tramadol is a growing issue in football and rugbyCredit: AFP
      It has spread like a pox in football and rugby, sports in which pain is as common as a kick on the shin or an awkward fall.
      Paracetamol is a safer alternative but only dulls pain and is much less effective than Tramadol, which is an opioid and has many after-effects.
      Moves to ban it will be taken in the new year after the World Anti-Doping Agency ruled that from January 1, any sportsman or sportswoman faces a lengthy suspension if caught with the drug in their system.
      This might work but, then, possibly not.
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      It will be important that medical staff at clubs will be alerted to, first, the dangers of the drug and, second, the level of punishment facing takers.
      Difficulties in policing for addiction are clear and the benefits in aiding relaxation and sleep have proved attractive enough to tempt injured footballers beyond the medical profession.
      Immediate effects may include vomiting, vertigo, constipation and drowsiness but it is not passing effects that are the problem, although a sleepy centre-back is the last thing a team needs.
      A friend (not a footballer) who was prescribed Tramadol told me that after one dose he dreamed he was playing alongside Harry Kane and woke up shouting “pass it here, Harry”. Perhaps for a moment he thought he was a South Korean.
      Most read in Football
      Another story from a different friend. He had to hand off his wife in bed as she flailed at him, shouting angrily.
      He cowered on the edge of his bed for the rest of the night. But the serious problems arise with addiction.
      Once footballers find it impossible to resist taking the pills, then psychiatric symptoms occur.
      A number of players and retired players are now subject to hallucinations, panic attacks, paranoia and extreme anxiety.
      And acute withdrawal symptoms take up to seven days to disperse.
      Drugs in sport has a long history and the more sophisticated medicine and chemistry becomes, the harder such cheating is to stop, let alone control.
      In outward appearance, football has avoided the worst of the epidemic but Tramadol is a little different in that its use, often combined with paracetamol, to alleviate pain and even aid sleep is beneficial so that the Wada ban may not be wholly welcome.
      If you have developed a reliance or an addiction, stopping is a process where you’ll need help.Ryan Cresswell
      However, a doctor’s prescription will no longer be permissible, which for a lot of players will be bad news indeed.
      Ryan Cresswell, who made 250-plus appearances for clubs including Bury and Northampton, suffered with painkiller addiction throughout his career.
      He had a knee op at 17 but the cartilage went again nine years later and he took legal drugs, including Tramadol, to manage the pain.
      “It’s not normal to be taking eight or nine tablets a day and I realised I needed help,” he said.
      “My advice to players is to speak to someone. If you have developed a reliance or an addiction,  stopping is a process where you’ll need help.”
      The PFA have become involved. Dr Michael Bennett, director of player wellbeing,  urged players to use the PFA’s services if they think they may need support.
      “We know there are players in real difficulty with Tramadol usage,” he said, adding that there have been high-profile cases where addiction has contributed to huge problems in the lives of players. More

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      in Soccer

      Burnley give star striker Lyle Foster time away from club to seek specialist help for mental health issues

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      BURNLEY have given top scorer Lyle Foster time away from the club as he battles with mental health issues.The South African striker has been the Clarets’ shining light during a difficult start to life back in the Premier League.
      Lyle Foster is taking a break from Burnley to get professional support for his mental health issuesCredit: Getty
      But he has not featured since the 3-0 defeat at Brentford just after the international break – and his club have now released an update.
      Foster suffered from depression earlier in his career and is now receiving specialist help. 
      The statement from Burnley said: “Recently Lyle let us know that he continues to live with issues around his mental well-being and has reached out for help.
      “He is currently in the care of specialists – giving him the support and care he needs to get back to full health.
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      “With the love and support of his family and everyone at Burnley FC we will do all we can to provide everything he needs to get better.
      “We ask for your understanding and respect Lyle’s privacy around this matter and will not be making any further comments.”
      The £9million forward revealed in the summer that he was suffering from depression in the months before he joined Burnley in January.
      He said at the time one of the Turf Moor coaches Craig Bellamy had been a huge influence in helping him to ‘see the light’.
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      The absence of the three-goal forward is another big blow for boss Vincent Kompany – whose team are joint bottom of the table after taking just four points from their first 11 matches.
      Foster has scored three of the team’s eight league goals this term – making him the Clarets’ top scorer.
      With only a single win this season against newcomers Luton – the newly promoted side is struggling to find their form.
      But after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Everton it is not looking promising for Burnley who next face Arsenal on Saturday. More

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      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher’s health condition must be kept private – I never discuss it with his son, says F1 pal

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s pal has said his health condition must be kept private and that he never discusses it with Mick, the F1 legend’s son.The racing icon has not been seen in public since his ski accident in the French Alps in 2013, and little is known about his condition.
      Timo Glock (pictured), former F1 driver and friend of Michael Schumacher’s, has said his health must remain privateCredit: Getty
      F1 legend Schumacher has not been seen in public since his shocking 2013 ski accidentCredit: Alamy
      Mick Schumacher, who is in touch with Timo Glock, followed his father onto the race trackCredit: PA
      Speaking to LuckyBlock, former F1 driver Timo Glock discussed his relationship with the Schumacher family.
      He said: ”I keep in contact with Mick Schumacher as he and I get along well.
      “I’ve also known other members of his family for a very long time, but I try not to impose on their privacy.
      “I respect their right to be private, and I don’t discuss Michael’s condition with them.”
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      Seven-time world champion Schumacher suffered catastrophic injuries in the devastating accident.
      Schumacher’s wife, Corinna, has protected the privacy of her husband to such an extent that only their immediate family, and closest of friends know any details.
      Mick, 24, has followed his father’s footsteps onto the F1 track.
      Glock said: ”I think Michael would have supported his son, Mick, in his career and he would’ve shown him around those F1 tracks!
      Most read in Motorsport
      “He was, and still is, a great supporter of his children, and he’s still a great ambassador of the sport.”
      Glock, who told of the parties he and Schumacher used to throw, said they had “such good fun” together.
      ”I spent a lot of time off-track with Michael, and it didn’t matter what we did.
      ”Michael kept himself to himself on the track, and he didn’t open up too much. It was, however, the opposite away from the track.
      “He was very open, super friendly, and a really nice guy. People thought he wasn’t!”
      Schumacher’s friend fondly described him as his “hero”.
      ”Micheal Schumacher is the greatest driver ever as far as I’m concerned. He was my hero.
      “He was so influential as I was growing up.”
      One of the racing pro’s former teammates revealed he is “not close” to his former self following the horror accident in 2013.
      Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, ex-Sky Sports pundit Johnny Herbert, who used to be the German’s teammate, hinted that even his friends are kept in the dark.
      He said: “There’s never any news. What we do know is we never hear any positive news.
      “That’s the horrible thought that he is still not able to be close to the Michael that we all remember. And that is very sad.”
      Read More on The Sun
      And just weeks ago Michael Schumacher’s family lawyer finally revealed why the Formula One legend never released a report on his health after his accident. More