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      in Boxing

      Harrowing story of undefeated boxer who ‘lost his mind’ after drugs binge before ‘murdering wife’ and committing suicide

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      IT appeared Edwin Valero had the world at his feet as an undefeated champion with a beautiful wife and two children. But outside the ring he was battling a fight against drug addiction which would ultimately cost him his life.Edwin Valero had 27 wins all by KOCredit: AFPEdwin Valero pictured with wife JenniferBut he led a dark life in privateCredit: ReutersValero committed suicide in 2010Credit: AFPWBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told SunSport: “He had unbelievably heavy hands. “Very unfortunately his life ended in tragedy, in controversy, but what happened inside the ring was tremendous by him. “Valero grew up in Merida, Venezuela and began boxing at 12 in a bid to combat the anger that raged inside of him. He had an 86-6 amateur record with 57 knockouts, winning national titles three years in a row before turning professional in 2002. READ MORE IN BOXINGValero broke the record by winning his first 18 fights all by KO in a display of power never-before-seen. He was also becoming somewhat of a myth behind-the-scenes in boxing gyms, regularly KOing sparring partners in chilling fashion. By 20 bouts, Valero was WBA super-featherweight champion and later won the WBC belt in 2009. WBC boss Sulaiman – his father Jose in charge at the time – befriended Valero on the boxer’s rise to stardom. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSulaiman told SunSport: “He was very nice, very quiet. He had a great charisma, macho type, but he was a family man.” Valero shared son Edwin Antonio and Jennifer Roselyne with wife Jennifer.Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when revealing heavyweight who would have beaten him Heading into the late 2000s and Valero was making huge waves in the sport, linked with massive fights against the likes of Manny Pacquiao.But he also led a secret life of drink and drugs, which caused a strain on his relationship. In 2010, Valero was accused of assault after his wife was hospitalised with bruises and a damaged lung. The feared fighter denied wrongdoing – while wife Jennifer told cops she hurt herself falling down stairs. Valero’s troubles outside the ring also included being denied a 2009 fight on Pacquaio’s undercard after his visa was rejected due to a DUI in Texas. The boxer continued to KO opponents around the world, from America, Asia and Mexico. But he would celebrate with drug binges back home in Venezuela – something that would have fatal consequences. Valero was one of boxing’s hardest hittersCredit: AFPHe knocked out every one of his opponentsCredit: GettyHe was world champion in two weightsCredit: AFPSulaiman said: “The sky was the limit for Valero because he was young and talented and powerful. “Very unfortunately, he experienced the evil of cocaine. In just a short period of time, he lost his mind.” Valero’s final fight was against Antonio DeMarco in February 2010 in Mexico – he won via ninth-round KO and retained his WBC lightweight title.But just two months later and he was dead alongside his wife.Sulaiman said: “After his fight in Mexico – he fought in Monterrey, Mexico – he flew back to Venezuela and some people introduced him to cocaine and he had a horrible week.”We were contacted by his family and friends and my father was a couple of days away from getting a humanitarian visa so that he could travel to a rehab facility in the United States.”And there was also one in Cuba that was ready to receive him. And unfortunately, history turned that way and it didn’t happen.” Valero’s 24-year-old wife was found stabbed to death on April 18, 2010. Valero walks after being arrested in a police station in 2010Credit: ReutersHe would commit suicide one day laterCredit: ReutersValero was arrested after Jennifer’s body was discovered in a hotel in the city of Valencia, Carabobo.The 27-0 champion – who won every fight by KO – was considered the prime suspect – but he never faced his day in court. Valero was discovered hanging in his jail cell just a day after his arrest – committing suicide only 24 hours after allegedly killing his wife. Reports in Venezuela claimed Valero admitted to hotel security and police that he had murdered his wife.Jennifer’s family accused Valero of being a violent, drug-addicted bully who stopped eating or sleeping before taking it out on his wife.Sulaiman and his dad saw Valero and his family dining out after his last fight – unaware of the horrors that would follow. He said: “I never could have believed what happened.Very unfortunately his life ended in tragedy, in controversy but what happened inside the ring was tremendous by him. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman”I was completely shocked. Heartbroken in disbelief because he was a real good friend.” “He was a very dear, fighter, dear friend. And it’s just a tragedy.” Both Valero and his wife had public burials in Venezuela.Their kids were taken in by Jennifer Carolina’s sister and their daughter later took up amateur boxing in her father’s honour. A 2016 film titled El Inca – Valero’s boxing nickname – was selected as Venezuelia’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.Valero’s brother-in-law – Jennifer’s brother Yoel Finol – also became a boxer and represented Venezuelan at the 2016 Olympics. In the run up to the Rio Games, Finol revealed he had forgiven Valero for his alleged horrors and only began boxing as a kid due to his influence. Finol is now a 3-0 pro bantamweight but he has not fought since 2020.READ MORE SUN STORIESValero remains the WBC’s only champion with a 100 per cent KO ratio with his career in the ring still celebrated to this day. But the questions he left unanswered also still remain.Yoel Finol, left, is Valero’s brother-in-law and an Olympic boxerCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death

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      THE daughter of Diego Maradona has broken down in tears after claiming her family live in fear of the mafia. Dalma Maradona, 37, called for justice ahead of a trial into the Argentine legend’s death in 2020. Diego Maradona’s daughter Dalma (left) has spoken out ahead of a trial into the football legend’s deathCredit: AFPMaradona died aged 60 in 2020 after suffering a heart attack at homeCredit: GettyDalma has accused medical staff of negligence after her father’s deathCredit: YouTubeMaradona died after suffering a fatal heart attack at his Buenos Aires home almost five years ago. His family have alleged negligence by his medical practitioners contributed to his death. Maradona’s cause of death was officially listed as “acute pulmonary edema secondary to exacerbated chronic heart failure”.But in an astonishing interview ahead of the trial on March 11, Dalma broke down as she begged for people to “know the truth.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA tearful Dalma told Angel Responde show on Bondi Live: “My mother is worried because she is afraid.”Afraid of the mafia, of those who control everything, have money and power. “But I don’t care. I know who I am up against, but I cannot remain silent. We need people to know the truth. “My mother tells me all the time, ‘Shut up, don’t say anything, I’m scared’, but I can’t. I owe it to him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAn inquest in 2021 into Maradona’s death concluded his medical team acted in an “inappropriate, deficient and reckless manner”.Over a year later, it was announced eight doctors and nurses would go on trial, with proceedings finally getting underway on March 11. I’m an international pop superstar who bizarrely performed with Diego Maradona – now I live in a tiny flat in NottinghamMaradona battled drugs and alcohol addiction during his lifetime, as well as undergoing brain surgery in 2020.But the inquest claimed he would have stood a “better chance of survival” had he received “adequate medical care”.The medical team on trial face up to 25 years in jail if convicted.Maradona’s neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov are in the dock over the World Cup winner’s death. They are joined by nurses Ricardo Omar Almiron, Mariano Perroni and Dahiana Gisela, as well as psychologists Carlos Diaz and Nancy Forlini.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe eight also includes Maradona’s psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov. Mr Cosachov’s lawyer said last April: “There could have been two causes – one natural and the other, a product of the ingestion of a toxic substance.” More

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      in Boxing

      I fought Anthony Joshua for £5,000 but now live new life as a bailiff and expose some of the biggest secrets in boxing

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      PAUL BUTLIN was once a heavyweight fighting the likes of Anthony Joshua – but now he is a TikTok star from his van exposing boxing’s secrets.Butlin, now 48, boxed top names in his career including Derek Chisora and Joshua before retiring in 2016.Paul Butlin is the ex-heavyweight champ now exposing boxing’s biggest secretsCredit: RexButlin went viral while working in his job as a bailiffCredit: https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonnButlin is a big hit on TikTok exposing boxing’s secretsNowadays, he works as a debt collector while becoming a surprise hit on TikTok where he has almost 40,000 followers and millions of views.No longer at risk of getting on the wrong side of promoters or managers, Butlin pulls back the curtain on boxing’s dark side.Blowing the whistle on fighters’ pay, matchmaking and failed drug tests are all part of the reason fans can’t get enough of Butlin’s channel.And he tells SunSport: “I just started making boxing videos and people seem to like the real side of me, because all they see is like Conor Benn and people like this.READ MORE IN BOXING”They just think you’re gonna make millions, so I’m just trying to distract people to the other side of it. “The real side of boxing where you’ve got graft just to live really.”His controversial claims have included suggesting several top but nameless boxers use performance enhancing drugs. Butlin alleged in one video: “All the big names, I’m not gonna mention, I know they’re on it. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’ve been training in gyms since 16-years-old, I know who’s on gear, who ain’t on gear. I can tell with the power.” And he believes Jake Paul’s eight-round points victory over 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November was an example of a rigged fight.He said: “The whole fight was a fix, I watched it. Absolute b****s. “He hardly threw a punch, (Tyson) could have knocked him out at any time. Absolute fix, the game is a con.” Paul and his Most Valuable Promotions company did release a statement to deny accusations of the bout being fixed. Butlin – a former bouncer – went viral himself when a video emerged of him having a row while collecting a debt.Little did the man recording know that he was dealing with one of Britain’s most respected and experienced heavyweights.But Butlin said: “It’s just one of them that you get used to. I’ve got nothing to prove, do you know what I mean?”I don’t stand – even when I work at the door – I didn’t stand there and saying, ‘Well, I’m a professional boxer.’ Do you know what I mean? Or I used to be a professional boxer.”I just am what I am, and then people can abuse me. That is part of the job.”Butlin opened up about being verbally abused during his day jobCredit: https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonnWhen Butlin speaks about boxing, fans will listen. After all, he’s not a pretender with a big social media following, he has experienced it all in the ring. Butlin only started his amateur career at 26 and turned pro after just two years and 12 bouts. He went 4-0 before losing to Paul Buttery – in what he admits was a step up too soon in his career. An up and down run of performances and results then forced the East Midlands man to the away corner to make reasonable money. He said: “I realised the only way I could make money without selling tickets is going on the road if you like.”Butlin also made a name for himself sparring the likes of Tyson Fury before the Gypsy King became a world champion superstar.In fact, Butlin first crossed paths with Fury while the future British legend was still a teenager and knew he was destined for greatness.First jab he hit me with – and I told this story before – I was like, Jesus! It was like a right hand off a good heavyweight. That’s how strong he was.Paul Butlin on Anthony Joshua Butlin revealed: “Even after sparring him the first time, I said to him, ‘You’d beat most heavyweights now.’ “Obviously at the time I was sparring Matt Skelton, Pele Reed, loads of heavyweights. “I said, ‘Mate, you beat all these heavyweights now as an amateur.’ That’s what I told him.”And then he invited me up where he couldn’t get sparring. I went up to Manchester, I went to his uncle’s who sadly passed away. “Tyson was living in a caravan back of there, and he was training in like the barn.”And then I went to an amateur club in Manchester, so probably two or three times I sparred him, always got on well with him, he always looked after me and yeah, he’s a good lad.” Butlin also helped welcome Joshua to the world of professional boxing – one year after AJ won Olympic gold in London.And he admits to being blown away by the sheer power of Joshua – even with his lesser left hand jab.Butlin was beaten by Anthony Joshua in 2013Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunHe was paid just £5,000 for the fightCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunButlin said: “I squared with him in the casino where we had the weigh in, I looked at him and I thought, ‘Mate, you’re having it! “Got in the ring, I wasn’t even bothered. I thought, ‘Do you know what, you’re having it! I’m fit as a fiddle.'”First jab he hit me with – and I told this story before – I was like, Jesus! It was like a right hand off a good heavyweight. That’s how strong he was.”I went back to Carl Greaves first round, and said, ‘Mate, I can’t deal with him.'”He goes, ‘What are you on about?’ ‘I can’t deal with his power.’ He hits that hard.”And the only reason I got up after that big shot is because I was fit. I mean, I had nine stitches in my eye. Great shot. I can’t fault him.”Fans would assume fighting Joshua is a top payday – but Butlin is open in admitting he made just a tiny £5,000. He said on reflection: “At the time I was working, I had my gym. I think we just got married. We had young kids, five grand helps.I’ve been training in gyms since 16-years-old, I know who’s on gear, who ain’t on gear. I can tell with the power.”Looking back now, obviously the older you get I’m a bit gutted I didn’t get more. But that’s life, innit? You’re gonna take it.”If you don’t take it, someone else is gonna take it. So £5,000 at the time was a lot of money, and I just thought, ‘Yeah, why not?'” But Butlin also caused damage of his own – just ask Chisora. London’s veteran fan favourite once revealed Butlin was the hardest-hitting opponent he ever faced.Chisora claimed Butlin hit so hard he had to get the referee to check his gloves and make sure it wasn’t loaded with weights in it.”He never told me that afterwards,” Butlin says with a laugh. Butlin’s career on the road as the opponent was filled with short-notice bouts. Sometimes it was only 24 hours notice, other times while he had a BROKEN HAND.But Butlin always showed up – until he packed it in to tell the tales on the grubby boxing business. And while his career in the ring, all across Europe, may have gone unnoticed among some fans, his boxing exposes on TikTok certainty aren’t.READ MORE SUN STORIESButlin gets dozens of requests and questions sent in by his TikTok fans – but did he ever expect to be such a hit among social media?He said with a grin: “No, not really. I thought, it’s bald old Paul just making videos.”  More

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      in Boxing

      Meet Oscar de la Lawyer, UK’s first boxer and solicitor who’s named after ring icon and wows clients with his black eyes

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      OSCAR McCRACKEN is the country’s first solicitor by day and fighter by night – and the owner of arguably boxing’s greatest nickname.The 25-year-old’s uncle Rob used to train Anthony Joshua and still works as Team GB’s head amateur coach.Oscar McCracken is a solicitor by day and fighter by nightCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      He was actually named after boxing legend Oscar de la HoyaHis boxing nickname is amazingly Oscar de la LawyerCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      His father Spencer was also a welterweight fighter – so it was only a matter of time till his son, Oscar, entered the family business. But Oscar tells us: “My dad never wanted me to box.” So instead he played football, captaining his county and even having trials with Birmingham City – his boyhood club.But Oscar was always in the boxing gym – from as far back as he can remember – sparring pro fighters by his teenage years.READ MORE SPORTBy his 18th birthday, Oscar decided he too wanted to be a boxer, like his uncle, dad and brother Spencer Jr before him.But his old man – who had 19 wins, four losses and one draw – had just one rule – study for another career at the same time. So Oscar enrolled into the University of Worcester and achieved a First Class LLB Law with Honours degree in 2022. He was also gearing up for his pro debut when his dad came up with quite possibly boxing’s most ingenious monikerMost read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt all started when Oscar travelled to the Cayman Islands to help corner Matt Windle – a former Commonwealth champion.An argument broke out with a promoter when a cocksure lawyer – who thought he could talk his way out of the dispute – chimed in. Usyk spotted ‘giving Anthony Joshua tips on how to beat Tyson Fury’ in ringside footage at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2.mp4But he was not the only man of the law in the building that day. Oscar said: “An issue cropped up between the promoter and a couple of others. “Then a lawyer came in and thought he was going to just start telling everybody what was what. “But obviously he didn’t know that I’ve got a legal background as well, so we ended up in a bit of an argument – well, discussion.“And after it was fully rectified after quite an intense hour or so. My dad just said, ‘See, I told you Oscar de la Lawyer would sort it.’“The whole room just went up, all the fighters, all the managers, promoters everything, and I thought, ‘Oh, you’ve just thought of the name.’ It’s perfect.” Oscar was actually named after American great De La Hoya too – such was his dad’s love for the Golden Boy. He said: “My dad was a big fan of him back in the day, so that’s what I’m named after.’I didn’t expect any of this’“So it’s just mad how it’s come around now that it just fits perfectly off Oscar de la Hoya, but I can’t believe how much it’s picked.”I didn’t expect any of this.”His dad revealed the amazing nickname to millions on social media – and it also received an extra push thanks to the People’s Paper.Oscar revealed: “The Sun actually did an article! My phone was going, I was playing football because I still play football – I play Saturdays. “I got off the pitch and my phone was going insane. I was like, what’s going on there? ‘Have you seen in this? You’re in The Sun! “I didn’t know anything about this. And from then on it’s just been all about the name, yeah, people love it.” Oscar is a year away from becoming a fully-qualified solicitor and is currently working in the corporate and commercial sector.But Oscar wants to one day mix his two passions to protect young up-and-coming fighters from boxing’s shady, fame-hungry characters.McCracken is a trainee solicitorCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      And he is also 3-0 as a boxerCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      McCracken was named after American legend Oscar de la HoyaCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe said: “Would you want to go and get a manager who’s sticking his face on TV every five seconds, never boxed a day in his life? “But you know, he gets on with the big promoters because he’s got a big mouth, but he can’t guide you.“He’d put you in the wrong fights. That’s why so many prospects are getting beat now. “Or would you want to go with a manager who one had the balls to fight? “I don’t need to fight, but I’ve done it myself because I’ve got respect for fighters and I know how hard it is, and you can see that I’ve done that as well.”Oscar – who welcomed baby son Arthur into the world in November – lives next door to dad and coach Spencer. He is up by 6am for his runs, in the office by 9am, then back into the gym by the evening for more exhausting training. Oscar said: “Sometimes I get in there, my dad’s got like two lads from a different gym waiting to spar me. I didn’t even know I’d be sparring. I’ve had a couple of like little marks and black eyes and that and gone in the office and everyone’s had a look, but what do you expect it’s boxing?“I’m walking into a gym, I could be absolutely knackered and then I’ve got two people waiting. They’re thinking, ‘I don’t care about the law thing.’ “They’re thinking, ‘I’ve got a McCracken here I can smash up and I can go and tell everybody I’ve battered one.’“So then it’s about you’ve got to find the dog in you then of getting through, getting through the session and seeing how much you want it.“If I didn’t want it, there’s no way I would have gotten to my third fight because of how hard it is.” Oscar only just begins winding down by 8.30pm when he eats dinner and puts his son to bed – but it’s now baby Arthur who inspires his long hard days. He said: “Before I had my son, it was all about history but now, I want to lead by example. “I want him to grow up and think, ‘Bloody hell, my dad became a lawyer, which was hard enough from being from a proper working class background anyway, and then being a pro boxer at the same time.’’Like any boxer, Oscar wears his battle scars as a badge of honour – and his clients are big fans.McCracken with brother and trainer Spencer JrCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      McCracken turned pro without amateur experienceCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      Oscar’s uncle Rob formerly trained Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe said: “The firm that I’m with now are fully behind me and clients love it as well.“It’s a talking point, isn’t it? ‘Do you know your solicitor’s also a pro boxer? Then, they’re Googling you and you’re coming up and everything – they love it.“Obviously, I’ve had a couple of like little marks and black eyes and that and gone in the office and everyone’s had a look, but what do you expect, it’s boxing?”Oscar – like his family before him – does not want his son to be a boxer – but if history is anything to go by it will be hard to stop. He laughed: “I hope he don’t box. But listen, it’s like an illness in this family.“You just end up getting sucked into it somehow or the other, and people expect you to be able to fight as well.”Oscar has been rubbing shoulders with Britain’s best since he can remember with uncle Rob having coached Joshua and Carl Froch among others.Whatever you do today, make sure you get a picture with him because he’s gonna be a heavyweight world champion, 100 per cent. He remembers heading up to Team GB’s Sheffield training HQ to watch Carl Froch spar Tony Bellew in 2011.It was there he met a hulking 6ft 6in super-heavyweight known as AJ – who was a year away from winning Olympic gold.Oscar said: “Robbie was like, ‘Mate, whatever you do today, make sure you get a picture with him because he’s gonna be a heavyweight world champion 100 per cent. “I was like, Really?’ He was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He was super friendly, put his arm around you, just so down to earth and humble.“Obviously he hadn’t achieved anything then in terms of what he’s done now, but I took a picture with Joshua and yeah, I’ve been to virtually all his fights.”Oscar is now 3-0 having most recently beat Shane Smith and now looks ahead to another year juggling life as a lawyer by day and being a boxer by night.He said: “Three fights in my first year, I think that’s quite good considering how much I’ve got going on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ll sit down with my dad and and see what he says and we’ll start putting a bit of a bit of a plan together. “There’s definitely scope to go and do something, but obviously it’s just about managing it correctly and not taking it on too much because obviously I’ve got a lot, a hell of a lot going on in my life, but I’m committed to boxing 100 per cent.” McCracken welcomed baby son Arthur into the world in NovemberCredit: @mccracken1 More

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      in Soccer

      Former Man Utd star, 47, who became a monk after growing bored of footballer lifestyle opens up on living in monastery

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      A FORMER Manchester United midfielder has opened up on life after swapping football for a career as a priest.Phil Mulryne, 47, played just five times for the Red Devils after coming through the academy before starring for the likes of Norwich and Cardiff.Phil Mulryne has revealed how he keeps up with Man Utd despite a stunning career changeCredit: PA:Empics SportThe midfielder is now a catholic priest after admitting he was bored of the footballer lifestyleCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe decided to hang up his boots in 2008.But in 2017, the 27-cap Northern Irish international went down a stunning new career path by becoming a Catholic priest.Mulryne had revealed at the time how he had grown “dissatisfied with the whole lifestyle”, where he once earned over £500,000 a year and dated models, including Nicola Chapman.And he has now opened up about his life’s second coming and how it compares to his old job as a footballer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told Belfast Live: “I live in a monastery, so I am more of a monk, really. And it’s not on the surface, but there are a lot of the qualities there.”They were saying, sacrifice, giving yourself to something greater than you, in the sense that I live in a community of brothers, there are 15 of us in the monastery.”So there is a sense of dependence on each other, the kind of things that Man Utd taught me, all these virtues and characteristics that you learn from being here.”I have a superior in the monastery that I answer to, like a manager, like a gaffer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”All these things have been great. I had a most wonderful career. It was a dream to come here and play.”He also revealed how he keeps up with watching Ruben Amorim’s side – not that there has been much to write home about.Federico Macheda says he’d get into this Man Utd team and reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s amazing claim about himMulryne, whose full title now is Reverend Father Philip Mulryne, added: “We don’t have TV in the monastery. “We have a room with a couple of computers, so I watch the three-minute highlights. “I get all the highlights, so I keep in touch with it.”Mulryne also revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson had called him while he was in hospital after he suffered a horror leg break a year after joining Norwich.He previously told the official Norwich website that he had no regrets over the decision, admitting the move to become a priest came after he volunteered at a homeless shelter.Mulryne explained: “It’s hard to pin down a particular moment. “I would say it started in my last year at Norwich, not explicitly and I wasn’t thinking about it at that time but I started to get dissatisfied with the whole lifestyle.”We have a wonderful life as a footballer and I was very privileged, but I found with all the surrounding stuff that eventually there was a kind of emptiness with it. “I was quite shocked – why am I not happy when I have everything that young men want?”It started me on a journey towards exploring my faith again, the faith that I had as a young man. “I took a decision to come home for a year and it was really during that year that everything turned upside down.”I volunteered at a homeless shelter for a while. I started going back to mass and I started praying again on a regular basis. I just found a real sense of fulfilment with it. “Football was huge highs and lows and here was something that was giving me a steady sense of contentment…”My vocation to priesthood and religious life came later in the course of that year – I felt this strong desire for this way of life and I stayed with it for a few months and then got the courage up to explore it and I took the decision and it’s now eight years later.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPeter Crouch, who played with Mulryne at Norwich, wrote in his book, How to Be an Ex-Footballer, that he believes his giddiness was part of the reason the midfielder ended up becoming a priest.Crouch said: “Maybe — and this is a possibility I don’t like to entertain — it was hanging out with me in those giddy months that convinced him he needed a fresh direction in his life.”Man Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure. More

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      in Boxing

      ‘That’s you in both photos?’ – Elle Brooke shows off incredible body transformation that led to boxing career

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      ELLE BROOKE believes her loss is her gain.But fans were stunned the boxer’s ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures as she shed weight to get fighting fit were both her.-Elle Brooke is proud of the honed technique she’s worked hard forShe has 2m-plus fans on TikTok and nearly 1m on InstagramCredit: @ellebrookeukFans are used to selfies with less on than in the ringCredit: Instagram @thedumbledongBrooke, seen here taking on Andrea Jane, remains fighting fitCredit: GettyThe Misfits fighter and OnlyFans star shared the snaps as she attributed her change to “Hard work and Ozempic”.Weight-loss jabs have a controversial reputation, with some celebrities taking them but medical experts launching warnings.But the influencer is proud of her transformation.However, that’s mainly because she ditched her lifestyle as a “really bad party girl” while also overcoming issues with drugs and depression.READ MORE IN BOXINGBrooke’s’s 962,000 Instagram followers were staggered by her change in appearance – as shown in a clip she posted featuring two mirror selfies.The drastic metamorphosis was no doubt helped by her decision a couple of hears ago to give up alcohol.First Brooke was seen in a typical boxer’s pose, grinning as she flexed her arm muscles, albeit only wearing lacy underwear.Then the video drifts to an image of how she looked before her new holistic lifestyle – a healthy shape in a more modest bikini.Most read in BoxingHere’s how she looked before her transformationThe Brit looked more serious and perhaps less confident in this shot, as she peered down at her phone rather than at the mirror.She summed up the altered images by adding: “Red Bull gives u… wings.”SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr reveals Daniel Dubois’ chances of fighting Joseph Parker ‘look grim’But “speechless” fans focused on her physical change.One said: “That’s you in both photos? Wow!! That’s incredible. Bravo!!”A second wrote: “Wow, great transformation and dedication.” And others praised the Tiktok sensation for her commitment to peak conditioning.One said: “Wow, great transformation and dedication.” Another reckoned: “That’s real motivation.”And a third claimed: “Consistency and determination are sexy as f, and with age, it just gets better and better.”However, Brooke might prefer that her dedication and honed body make sparks fly in the boxing ring.She first picked up her gloves for a victory over AJ Bunker in July 2022 and has since also dabbled with bareknuckle fighting.Brooke has since told the Sun of her emotional and physcial jounrey.She said: “From going out every week to the pub, going clubbing, sniffing tons of cocaine, ketamine… to the other side, watching what you put in your body, dieting, health and exercise, regular routine.“Routine is my favourite thing about boxing. It gives me a reason to wake up in the morning. It gives me structure. Now I just live a boring life. She added: “I was at one point on antidepressants, taking sertraline before I started boxing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So I was relying on a pill everyday to make me happy and so I didn’t have like dark, suicidal thoughts whereas now I have those good days and I have those bad days but it’s more about training and what I’m focusing on.“So boxing really has changed my life.”She offers fans frills and spills out of the ringCredit: Instagram @thedumbledongNot even Elle can do without white trainersCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledongBrooke has put many problems behind her for a new lifestyleCredit: RexShe was an elegant visitor to WimbledonCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong More

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      in Boxing

      People think Jake Paul’s a trash-talking troll who is ruining boxing – but I’ve seen the REAL man when cameras are off

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      HE is the self-proclaimed Problem Child and bad boy of boxing – but away from the cameras Jake Paul is a TOTALLY different man.The YouTuber-turned-prizefighter might ruffle feathers with his outspoken persona but I’ve had a behind-the-scenes insight into the man.Jake Paul is the self-proclaimed Problem Child and bad boy of boxingCredit: GettySunSport’s Jack Figg has seen the real Jake – the humble man behind the bravadoJake is perceived as a trash-talking troll, flaunting his enormous wealthHe has made £80m from boxing alone, on top of his YouTube earningsIt’s given me a first-hand view of the REAL Jake – the secret side he’s kept hidden as he embarks on his trash-talking boxing career.Before earning £80MILLION from just 12 fights, Jake shot to fame as a controversial social media influencer and the internet’s favourite enemy.But that is not the man I’ve got to know.Admittedly, in our first interview – in May 2021 – he told me he was on track to become a BILLIONAIRE through boxing.And he had no problem bragging about being an evil troll behind his iPhone – rage-baiting fans into buying his pay-per-view fights.Jake has never been far away from controversy.He once drew widespread criticism for publicly calling Conor McGregor’s partner, Dee Devlin, a “four out of ten” in one sexist rant. But he later told us that was out of immaturity and wanting to make a name for himself.And he also announced the birth of Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague’s baby before the Love Island couple even had the chance to.But, actually being around Jake in the lead up to his bouts – from America to Saudi Arabia – has allowed me to see a wildly contrasting character to that of the online villain.Jake Paul renovates boxing gym in Puerto Rico for charityOne that he probably doesn’t want the public to see, as it would ruin the bad-guy persona he’s spent years honing and made millions from.Jake knows how to control his public image, angering fans enough to pay a hefty PPV fee – in the hope he’ll be on the wrong end of a vicious knockout.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it’s how the 28-year-old acts off-camera which stood out most.Before his February 2023 fight with Fury in Saudi, I was invited to Jake’s hotel suite at the Four Seasons for an exclusive one-on-one interview.He came in with his entourage of friends, family and team members, greeting everyone with fist bumps.I was taken aback at how calm Jake seemed – reclining comfortably on the sofa just days before his biggest and toughest fight to date.He is known for his controversial remarks and traded insults with Tommy Fury before punchesCredit: AFPThings threatened to boil over before their grudge matchCredit: ReutersTommy won the fight on points – Jake’s only professional lossCredit: GettyTruthfully, I expected to have to tip-toe through an interview with a prima donna.But he put me at ease instantly.He remembered my name, asked how I was doing, made small talk with everyone in the room – he was just a normal guy.Then, the second the cameras started rolling and the dictaphone turned on, the OTHER Jake arrived.The former TV actor jumped up, straightened his back and worked his magic.He vowed to prove his critics wrong and knock the professional boxer out.He fired a brutal dig at Tommy over his claims he’d retire if he lost.And he warned Molly-Mae to stay at home – as “nobody wants to see her cry”.Jake made controversial comments about Fury’s partner Molly-Mae Hague before the boutSunSport spoke to Jake in an exclusive sit down before his 2023 fight with Fury – and our reporter was shocked by his real-life personaAs soon as the interview stopped, so did Jake’s arrogance and bullish demeanour, as if he could stop the act at the drop of a hat.He even thanked me for MY time.Like many boxers and celebrities, you always see Jake surrounded by a large crew in public.But far from being full of security or hangers-on, Jake’s is made up of life-long friends who keep him grounded as he jets across the world.He remembered my name, asked how I was doing, made small talk with everyone in the room – he was just a normal guy. Then, the second the cameras started rolling and the dictaphone turned on, the OTHER Jake arrived.One new face in the entourage is glamorous Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam, who Jake has been dating since April 2023.After a few failed celeb romances – including a fake marriage to Tana Mongeau in 2017 – Jake seems totally loved-up, regularly seen cheering her on in the stands at ice rinks around the world.He is a doting uncle after brother Logan and model fiancee Nina Agdal welcomed his niece Esme into the world in September.And the former Disney star – who once only cared about fame and money – is now talking about having kids of his own.Jake is in a relationship with glamorous Dutch speedskater Jutta LeerdamCredit: InstagramThe couple are loved-up with Jake regularly supporting her in events across the worldCredit: Instagram / @juttaleerdamJake is now a doting uncle – and wants a family of his ownBrother Logan welcomed baby daughter Esme into the worldThe last time I spoke to Jake was in August of last year alongside members of the MMA media – who he is less familiar with.I watched as Jake gave more reserved answers until it got to myself and another journalist who he recognised.And then BAM.Gone were the soft-spoken replies and on the front-foot he went – insulting the likes of KSI and Fury, who had just publicly split up with Molly-Mae.He seemed far more comfortable mocking his rivals than he did talking about his charitable side – which the media by then had cottoned on to.Jake launched Boxing Bullies in 2021, a foundation encouraging kids to take up the sport.As part of that, he bought and renovated gyms in Puerto Rico – where he now lives – and once even donated his entire fight purse to charity.In January 2020, the night Jake made his pro debut, Puerto Rican women’s boxing legend Amanda Serrano was fighting on the undercard for under £5,000.Jake launched his Boxing Bullies charity in 2021Credit: Boxing BulliesThe charity aims to gets kids into boxingCredit: Boxing BulliesJake has donated millions to charity – a side of him not known to the general publicCredit: Boxing BulliesJake addresses youngsters in the gymCredit: Boxing BulliesWhen Jake caught wind of how disgracefully little the seven-division great was being paid, he signed her to his Most Valuable Promotions banner.Jake told us in 2022: “That’s why I was so baffled when I first met her about how much money she was making.“And how she was being mistreated and how she didn’t have that much of a big following online.“It didn’t make sense to me, I was like, ‘You’re one of the greatest fighters of all time, you should be getting paid millions of dollars’.”Jake is still known to splash the cash, never shy to show off his collection of Ferraris, private jet or expensive watches to his millions of followers. But he also likes to share his wealth, treating his team and even OPPONENTSSerrano is now a multi-millionaire having fought on some of boxing’s biggest cards – including a thrilling rematch against Katie Taylor as the co-main event for Jake’s infamous Netflix clash with heavyweight legend Mike Tyson.Gyms in Puerto Rico are now full of young women, inspired by Serrano’s story.Humble Jake – who is advocating for equal pay in boxing – insists that while he gave her a platform, the success is all down to Serrano.He’s on record saying: “All I did was shine a spotlight. And pretty much, Amanda Serrano did the rest.”This is a gym Jake renovated in Carolina, Puerto Rico, for champion women’s boxer Amanda SerranoCredit: Boxing BulliesHe fixed it up, adding a mural of Serrano in the gymCredit: Boxing BulliesIt was a surprise for the seven-weight world championCredit: Boxing BulliesJake was stunned at how little Serrano was earning per fight and has made it his goal to get equal pay in boxingCredit: Boxing BulliesJake is still known to splash the cash, never shy to show off his collection of Ferraris, private jet or expensive watches to his millions of followers.But he also likes to share his wealth, treating his team and even OPPONENTS.Four years ago, he beat ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley and was due to face Love Islander Fury – brother to the legendary Tyson – in his next bout.But when Fury pulled out with a rib injury, Woodley filled in on short notice just before Christmas that year.In the festive spirit, Jake had already gifted his entire team Rolex watches worth £9,000 each – and shocked Woodley by saving one for him.But his villainous reputation preceded him to the point that Woodley took the timepiece to a jeweller to check if it was fake and if it had a TRACKER in it.Woodley revealed the watch was real and did not have a device to monitor his every move.Fury would again pull out of fighting Jake for a second time in August 2022 amid a US visa problem – and the whole event got cancelled.Jake gifted Tyron Woodley a Rolex before their December 2021 rematchA stunned Woodley had to take the watch to a jeweller to confirm it was realBut Jake paid the entire undercard half of their promised purses out of his own pocket to ensure that they were not left empty-handed.His generosity is a far-cry from the foul-mouthed punk celebrity who shot to fame on six-second social media app Vine and later YouTube.Misdemeanours and wild parties all helped Jake get sacked from his role on Disney Channel show Bizaardvark in 2017 after just two series.And the out-of-control youngster admitted to spinning down a spiral of drink and drugs while living the high life in Los Angeles.And, despite the threat of a boring cliché, Jake insists boxing really did save him from a life of degeneracy.He sold his £5m LA mansion and instead moved to Puerto Rico to focus on boxing and escape dangerous distractions.Jake bought a stunning eight-bedroom pad for £13m on the Caribbean island as well as building his own £3m two-storey gym with brother Logan.Even Jake’s biggest detractors can’t take away the commitment he has shown for boxing – spending a fortune on his training camps.Paul bought a £13m mansion in Puerto RicoCredit: Instagram @jakapaulThe vast plot contains eight bedroomsCredit: Youtube – Jake PaulJake built his own £3m gym in Puerto RicoCredit: YouTubeHe’s even got himself a private jetHe pays top-quality sparring partners so well that one told me he even bought a house with the money he made from Jake’s camp.Jake now has 11 wins and one loss on his record – with his first and so far only defeat coming against Fury.He is poised to announce his next fight and will do so after regaining his position as boxing’s most hated man.Jake had all generations of fans up in arms having brought 58-year-old great Tyson out of retirement in November.He took home £30million for 16 minutes of work and had over 100 MILLION people tuning in to watch on Netflix.But not even letting the beloved heavyweight legend see the final bell was enough to stop fans from praying for Jake’s downfall.What fans might not know is Jake invited a seven-year old cancer patient – Owen Obey – to watch the fight from ringside.Owen tragically passed the month after, but he did so after getting to watch his two heroes up close – and Jake made it happen.And while it’s clear his loyal crowd of critics won’t be going away any time soon – Jake will happily welcome them along for the ride.But he’ll do so laughing all the way to the bank – as he always does.Jake invited cancer patient Owen Obey to his fight against Mike Tyson More

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      in Soccer

      I was going to the toilet 40 times a day, it nearly finished my career – FA Cup star opens up on horror bowel disease

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      JACK FITZWATER has revealed how he thought his football career was in jeopardy when he was forced to visit the toilet 40 times a day.The defender hopes to help League One club Exeter topple Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup at St James Park on Tuesday.Jack Fitzwater has opened up on his struggles with colitisCredit: RexThe Exeter defender revealed he was playing through pain and discomfort to hide itCredit: RexColitis is an inflammatory bowel diseaseCredit: GettyThe 27-year-old thought his career was in jeopardyCredit: RexBut two years ago his health and career were in peril when he started suffering from colitis — an inflammatory bowel disease.Fitzwater, 27, admits he was so embarrassed by his increasing visits to the loo he tried to hide his problem from everyone before telling family, close friends and eventually team-mates.He told SunSport: “It came out of the blue in February 2023. The symptoms steadily got worse.“As a man you try to hide it so I didn’t get seen until that summer, after the season had finished, and by that time the symptoms were terrible.“It’s only then I discovered I had colitis, which is an inflammation of the bowel and you can get it at any age, any time.“When you’re a footballer people think you’re young, fit and healthy. But privately I was struggling.“Symptoms can be blood in your stools, huge fatigue and feeling generally unwell.“I went to the toilet 40 times a day at the worst point. People think you’ve got to be making that up but anyone with colitis or Crohn’s disease will understand it’s a real problem.“It’s not only draining mentally but physically as well.”Fitzwater managed to get through most training sessions and games despite suffering discomfort — so to his team-mates everything would have appeared normal.What is Ischemic ColitisBut he admitted: “I would have to on occasion during the warm up run off and go to the toilet.“I was still able to perform at a decent level in games despite the pain but there were times I had been up during the night for hours so getting up in the morning was a nightmare.”Although he was able to hide his problem from team-mates for some time, it was impossible to do so in his personal life.His toilet visits were far too regular at home.He said: “My fiancee and family started noticing so I had to tell them.“We all deal with things in different ways. I hid it because I’m a man — and you don’t want to show weakness to anyone or anything.“Yet you later realise when you do and speak to the people you need, the problem gets fixed quicker than if you were to hide it all the time.“It was hard and embarrassing for me but anyone who has had it will understand how horrible it is.“Thankfully, I finally listened to what my body was telling me and went to see doctors and got the right treatment. Being comfortable with being vulnerable was something that helped me out hugely.”Fitzwater says listening to medical specialists must always be the priority because once treated the problem can be sorted.Colitis: All you need to knowWhat is colitis and what are the symptoms?Colitis is a condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed.The colon is the large intestine, or bowel, and the rectum is the end of the bowel where stools are stored. Ulcers can develop on the colon’s lining and bleed and produce pus.Ulcerative colitis is a form of colitis that is caused by autoimmune inflammation (the body attacking itself), whereas colitis can be caused by a number of factors including infection.Ulcerative colitis is similar to another condition which causes inflammation of the gut – Crohn’s disease.Symptoms can often be very mild for weeks or months but flare ups with extreme symptoms can cause a lot of pain and trouble for sufferers.Flare ups can include painful and swollen joints, mouth ulcers, areas of painful, red and swollen skin and irritated and red eyes.In addition to this people will often need to empty their bowels six or more times a day and have shortness of breath, a fast or irregular heartbeat, high temperature and blood in stools.Stress can be a factor as can a gut infection.Who can be affected by colitis and how does it differ from Crohn’s disease?It is thought that about one in every 420 people in the UK has ulcerative colitis.It is more common in people of European descent, especially those descended from Ashkenazi Jewish communities and black people.The condition is rarer in people from Asian background, although the reasons for this are unclear.The difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease is that colitis is limited to the colon, while Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere between the mouth and the anus.In Crohn’s disease, there are healthy parts of the intestine mixed in between inflamed areas, on the other hand, ulcerative colitis, is continuous inflammation of the colon.Former Chelsea midfielder Ray Wilkins, who died aged 61 after suffering a heart attack, battled poor health including ulcerative colitis.The defender advises against going online to search for the symptoms and take the results as gospel.He said: “The worst thing was going on to Google and doing a search. I found some accounts on Instagram of people who have had it and shared their experiences.“You end up fearing the worst-case scenario but, once you get to know what it’s about, you come to terms with it and understand it can be effectively treated.”Fitzwater was overwhelmed by the support he received from the club and later the wider public when he decided to let everyone know on social media that he was suffering with colitis.He said: “I told people on my private Instagram account and got so much good feedback — and then made it public by explaining what it was and what I was doing about it. It gained lots of traction.“It’s helped a lot of people. So many people in sport and other walks of life have messaged me since then gone and got treatment.“The club, management, coaches and team-mates have been massive. Only the physios and doctors knew at first.“They have all been helpful and asked me questions about what it was. They didn’t have a clue about it.“And then, as is the case in football, everything moves on to the next thing and life is back to normal.”Fitzwater battled the condition for 18 months and is now feeling fit and healthy.The Grecians ace is back in the team and has been an important part of the club’s run to the fourth round to set up this tie against the Premier League big guns.He said: “I must take medication daily and will do so for the rest of my life. It’s part of my morning routine now. I take it with my vitamins.“It’s all about staying as healthy as possible and enjoying my football.”Fitzwater recalled how he had to go to the toilet 40 times in one day at its worstCredit: GettyHe said the worst thing someone can do is searching the internet and taking results as gospelCredit: GettyHe hopes speaking out will help others who have been hit by the diseaseCredit: Rex More