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    Ekow Essuman is the former basketball hopeful turned boxing champ looking to spoil Josh Taylor’s big comeback

    EKOW ESSUMAN has had a slam dunk boxing career after leaving behind his hopes of being a basketball star. Essuman came to the UK from Botswana aged 11 and immigrated with a passion for sports. Ekow Essuman swapped basketball for footballCredit: GettyHe started playing basketball while at school and only began boxing in a bid to better his chances on the court. Essuman told Fight Post: “When I eventually moved to the UK, I got into football and then basketball and I was doing really well at basketball. “One season I went to some try-outs for a big team locally and I didn’t get in because I wasn’t fit enough. “They wanted me to be more ambidextrous. It really got to me and I wanted to better myself, get fitter and come back stronger for the next season. READ MORE IN BOXINGI gave it a go and my first session, I had two left feet and struggled with the bag.”I slowly got into it and it got to the point where I thought ‘I’ll have one bout’ and I just caught the bug.”Before long, Essuman was competing in national finals after only starting boxing at 17 and even earned himself a place on the GB squad. That was all while studying for a Marketing, Design and Communications degree at Nottingham Trent University.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “It was initially just juggling the two. I’d take my uni work with me to camp and do it while between the training sessions and at night when we were meant to be resting. “Shortly after uni, I became a junior web developer for the A.G.A group. Josh Taylor reveals his toughest ever fight that left him peeing BLOOD for five days and unable to walk”I was working on up to 40 websites for them at the time, in different countries, in different languages as well. I was doing that whilst at GB. “But eventually when I got offered the podium spot, I had to put that to one side, as I was spending a lot of time with GB on camp, so I wouldn’t have been able to work from home in regards to web design.”Essuman eventually turned professional in 2016 with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren. And over nine years and 22 bouts, he has become one of the best welterweights in the country with British and Commonwealth titles to his name. Essuman suffered defeat for the first time in 2023 – losing a decision to Harry Scarff – but he has since returned with two wins since. Now he welcomes former undisputed light-welterweight world champion Josh Taylor to the 147lb division this Saturday in Scotland. I gave it a go and my first session, I had two left feet and struggled with the bag. I slowly got into it and it got to the point where I thought ‘I’ll have one bout’ and I just caught the bug.Ekow EssumanAnd the two know each other well from their time in the GB set up in Sheffield.Essuman told Ring Magazine: “To be honest, I personally touted him as one of the higher talents on GB whilst I was there so I always had respect for him.”I was always just shooting from the hip of him, just being really honest and whatnot. “We’ve talked a few times as pros, just about matches we’d had and stuff like that, and the respect was always there. “He knows I respect him. I’ve been training hard for it because I know he’s going to pose a hard puzzle to solve but I am going to solve it.” Taylor was beaten by Teofimo Lopez in 2023 and then suffered defeat in his rematch with Jack Catterall last May. Read More on The SunAnd his career could be on the line when he returns up in weight. Essuman said: “Regardless of if he has the answers or not, he will come apart because I’m not going to let anything else happen but that.”Josh Taylor steps up to welterweight to fight EssumanCredit: Queensberry Promotions More

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    TV giants set to disappear from sports broadcasting after more than a DECADE

    BT SPORT could be set to disappear from football broadcasting after more than a DECADE.BT is in advanced talks to sell its 50 per cent stake in UK broadcaster TNT Sports to US joint venture partner Warner Bros Discovery, according to the Financial Times. BT Sport could be set to disappear from football broadcastingCredit: GettyIt would end BT’s involvement in sports broadcasting after more than ten years, having entered the market in 2012.Warner Bros Discovery are said to have an option to buy out BT before the end of next year. Striking a deal will give the US media giant better control over the future of the sporting channels – which key for its business in Europe.BT and WBD declined to comment to FT. READ MORE IN football TNT channels — which have the rights to some exclusive Premier League football games — have been identified as non-core by BT chief executive Allison Kirkby.Kirkby has instead looked to refocus the company on its traditional mobile and broadband offering.TNT Sports was created after BT merged its sports division with Warner Bros Discovery’s Eurosport UK business in 2022.The company has a four-year contract to air 52 live Prem matches per season until 2029 and a four-year deal to show the FA Cup from 2025. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWarner Bros Discovery (WBD) are rebranding streaming service Max – already live in a number of European countries – back to HBO Max this summer.And it will also set to launch in the UK and Ireland by 2026. How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesThe HBO Max streaming service is due to incorporate content and live streams currently on Discovery+, including TNT Sports.  More

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    Leeds fan fighting for his life in coma after falling from tree in title celebrations as NBA star donates £2,000 to help

    A LEEDS supporter is fighting for his life in hospital after falling from a tree during their title celebrations.Thousands of fans lined the streets on Monday for an open-top bus parade following the club’s promotion back to the Premier League.Ed O’Brien is fighting for his life after falling from a treeCredit: JustgivingThousands of supporters filled the city centre to celebrate promotionCredit: PABut disaster struck when supporter Ed O’Brien fell from a tree in Millennium Square.The 23-year-old was rushed to hospital and is now in a coma.A JustGiving page was launched in support Ed’s brave fight and a whopping £10,000 has so far been raised, smashing the £750 target.Basketball star Larry Nance Jr has contributed, donating £2,000 to the cause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlong with the cash, he wrote: “Thinking of you. Strength and love!”The Atlanta Hawks ace is a huge Leeds supporter and an investor in the 49ers Enterprises group that own the club.Ed’s mum Stacey Barker wrote online: “As far as I am aware, he had consumed alcohol but I am confident he wasn’t paralytic as some posts are suggesting. “I am also as confident as a mother can be that no other substance was involved.”Most read in FootballShe added that his recovery is set to be a “slow and lengthy process” and “unlikely to be without implications”.The JustGiving page reads: “To support Ed O’Brien and his family after Ed sadly fell out of a tree when celebrating Leeds winning the league on Monday and now is sadly fighting for his life in hospital.”His mum and dad both live in York and at this time it will be costing them both a lot in travel and time off work.”I am just hoping we can all raise some money to take that stress away from them. MOT stay strong Ed.”Larry Nance Jr has donated £2,000 to the fundraiserCredit: Getty More

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    Brazil ‘to wear RED kit at 2026 World Cup as Michael Jordan deal sees traditional colours replaced’

    BRAZIL are set to wear RED for the first time in 106 years at the 2026 World Cup.The Seleaco’s second kid will also replace the traditional Nike logo with the iconic Jumpman logo of basketball legend Michael Jordan. Brazil’s home kit will still be golden yellowCredit: GettyThe Jordan Brazil 2026 away shirt will break away from tradition for the first time in 67 years, according to website leaks Footy Headlines.The exact shade of red and the full kit design have not yet been leaked, but early indications suggest a modern, vibrant red base.Brazil’s second jersey has been blue since the 1930s, but it became a staple base during the 1958 World Cup.The world’s most successful footballing country will, of course, stick to their iconic golden yellow strips for their main kit at the 2026 edition in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe collaboration comes after Brazil signed fresh terms with the Swoosh for another 12 years, taking their partnership into a fourth decade.The renewed partnership will continue to support both men’s and women’s national teams, including youth, Olympic, and futsal squads, and continue providing the teams with their uniforms. It combines Brazil’s iconic football legacy with Jordan’s streetwear and NBA culture influences, which Nike want to spread in South America.The Jordan Brazil 2026 away shirt will be available from March next year.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSParis Saint-Germain previously partnered with Jordan’s Nike brand in 2020.And Jordan also released a special-edition Brazil jersey back in 2016.Argentina humiliate Brazil 4-1 with Emi Martinez even doing keepy ups in his own box in fiery World Cup qualifier The proposed red design was reportedly inspired by Brazil’s early football history, as the same colour was worn in the Copa America between 1917-1919.Although it hasn’t been used since, the colour red holds deep cultural significance in Brazil.The country’s name comes from the Pau-Brasil tree, known for its vibrant red dye, which played a central role in Brazil’s colonial past. More

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    Incredible footage shows 7ft 3in NBA star Victor Wembanyama playing football as Peter Crouch posts one-word verdict

    INCREDIBLE footage has emerged of 7ft 3in NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama playing football.The Frenchman, 21, has been sidelined since February having been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.Victor Wembanyama has been spotted p[laying football in Costa RicaCredit: X/eurofootcomWembanyama, 21, is a huge aerial presenceCredit: X/eurofootcomNo one was going to win a header over the FrenchmanCredit: X/eurofootcomIn the 2023 No1 pick’s absence, the San Antonio Spurs dropped to 13th in the Western Conference, missing the play-offs for a sixth straight season.Encouragingly for Spurs fans, Wembanyama appears to be fighting fit again after being spotted playing football in Costa Rica.Towering over his opponents, the NBA centre could be seen dribbling with the ball in surreal footage.Wembanyama also easily won a header from a throw-in, and would surely have been a threat in Tony Pulis’ Stoke side of 15 years ago.READ MORE IN SPORTSeeing the footage, former Potter Peter Crouch wrote on X: “Baller.”Hailing from Le Chesnay, around 45 minutes out of Paris, Wembanyama supports PSG.Upon being drafted by the Spurs in 2023, Wemby teased team-mate Jeremy Sochan for being an Arsenal fan.On his relationship with Sochan, who grew up in Milton Keynes, Wembanyama said: “We do talk football from time to time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWembanyama is one of the most exciting players in the NBACredit: Getty”My team is PSG, of course. Jeremy was probably the first one to welcome me to the Spurs even before I was drafted.”I’ve played against him a long time ago, so yeah, we’ve known each other for a long time. We get along well, but it’s a shame he’s an Arsenal fan.”Victor Wembanyama leaves Nikola Jokic with head in hands in NBA All-Star locker room for ‘LeBron James moment’ Wembanyama arrived in the NBA two years ago as the most hyped prospect since LeBron James.The France international has since delivered, being named Rookie of the Year during his first season while also earning a spot on the All-Defence first team.Prior to his blood clot issues, Wembanyama had been named an All-Star for the 2024-25 season and was on course to be the consensus Defensive Player of the Year.That honour has since gone to Evan Mobley, with Wemby having not hit the 65 games played criteria to be in contention.In 46 games this season, Wembanyama averaged 24 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and four blocks in 33 minutes of action.San Antonio fans will be excited to see their man healthy again next season alongside De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and two new lottery picks.Wemby has worn a retro PSG shirt on the bench this seasonCredit: Getty More

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    ‘I’m shaking’ – Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro releases emotional statement on relationship history

    JUDE BELLINGHAM’s girlfriend has released an emotional statement on her relationship history.The Real Madrid star was revealed to be dating Ashlyn Castro in January following a string of dates.Ashlyn Castro has released an emotional statement on her relationship historyCredit: TIKTOK @ ashlyncastro17She is dating Real Madrid star Jude BellinghamCredit: La LigaShe is a model and influencerCredit: InstagramAshlyn, 27, from Los Angeles, has made her name as an influencer and model.She has a huge social media following with over 500,000 fans on TikTok and Instagram.The stunning brunette has previously been romantically linked to US basketball star Terance Mann, actor Michael B. Jordan and LaMelo Ball.However, she has now released a ten-minute video statement on her relationship history.READ MORE ON SPORTIn the statement she claims that she has only had three boyfriends and that people have “made up” a lot of things about her.Ashlyn also debunked false claims that she was in another country with a potential partner and one that suggested she was on a boat when it was not even her.Taking to TikTok, Bellingham’s beau said: “I don’t even know where to begin, but I’m going to try my best to just get into it.”It makes me super uncomfortable talking on camera about my personal life.Most read in Football”I’ve never even really spoken on camera too many times, so bear with me.”Every angle you can think of, people have attacked me, harassed me, been so disrespectful. It’s just been too much.Inside Jude Bellingham’s new romance with stunning Instagram modelAshlyn looked glamorous in this one-pieceCredit: instagramShe has tried to debunk speculation over her past relationshipsCredit: instagramEx-partner Terannce Mann has defended Ashlyn in publicCredit: Getty”Let’s talk about this dating history. I’ve had three boyfriends over the last eight years.”In 2017, I was in my very first relationship and he’s a public figure, so because of that, I’ve dealt with people talking about me, making up things about me.”There was nothing on the internet about me prior, so people kind of just made up a bunch of things to justify hating me because of who I was dating at the time.”And then over the last six years after that, I’ve dated two people.”So three relationships in total.”Ashlyn’s ex Mann has even come out publicly and defended her.He has shot down cheating allegation claims and insisted most stuff about her on the internet is “false”.Ashlyn also refuted claims that she has created fake social media accounts in the past.She said: “I’ve never made a fake page or a fake account to say anything.”If I’m going to say something it’s going to come from my real page.”I think people should be held accountable for what they do and say.”The same people claiming that I’ve retweeted offensive things when the only Twitter account I’ve ever had I made in 2013 and I tweeted one time.”I have no retweets, no favourites, no nothing.”Ashlyn insisted that the video was not easy for her to make as the information is “extremely personal”.She added: “I’m like shaking because I’m not ready to talk about this on the internet.”This is extremely personal. This is my real life. I shouldn’t have to talk about this.”But moving forward I will talk about things that are important such as mental health.”This is something that I wanted to use my platform for but I just wasn’t ready.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAshlyn met Bellingham’s mum Denise and dad Mark in the Spanish capital last month.The couple were snapped watching Real Madrid together from the stands as Bellingham was suspended.Ashlyn has a huge online followingCredit: instagramShe has 485k followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe also boasts 142k followers on TikTokCredit: Instagram More

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    Floyd Mayweather looking to buy eye-watering $700million stake in world’s seventh most valuable sports club

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER dreams of owning the world’s seventh-richest sports club.Now “The Money” has launched a buy-in bid for the New York Giants that is more jaw-dropping than any knockout blow he landed in the ring.Floyd Mayweather could splash out spectacularlyMayweather is keen to buy into the New York GiantsCredit: ReutersThe boxing legend, 47, is reportedly heading a group trying to purchase 10% of the NFL team… for around $700 million (£556m).TMZ Sports say Mayweather and his business partner – real estate magnate Meyer Orbach – are preparing an offer.It’s claimed $200m ((£159m) has already been put aside in an escrow account.That’s an account where a neutral third party holds onto part of the money while a contract is sorted out.READ MORE IN BOXINGUS teams dominate the sporting rich list – Dallas Cowboys heading the pile with a $10.1bn valuation.Four-time Super Bowl winners the Giants come in at $7.3bn, just behind the New York Patriots on $7.4bn.The Stateside-led roll-call of wealth is broken below the top 10 by three of Europe’s biggest football clubs.Real Madrid are joint 12th on $6.6bn, alongside 2025 Super Bowl winners Philadelphia Eagles.Most read in BoxingTOP 10 MOST VALUABLE SPORTS TEMSUSA teams fill all the leading 10 spots -with six from the NFL, three in basketball’s NBA and one in Major League Baseball.1 Dallas Cowboys, NFL – $10.1billion2 Golden State Warriors, NBA – $8.8bn3 Los Angeles Rams, NFL – $7.6bn4 New York Yankees, MLB – $7.55bn5 New York Knicks, NBA – $7.5bn6 New England Patriots, NFL – $7.4bn7 New York Giants, NFL – $7.3bn8 Los Angeles Lakers, NBA – $7.1bn9 New York Jets, NFL – $6.9bn10 San Francisco 49ers, NFL – $6.8bnSelected others:12 Real Madrid – $6.6bn14 Man Utd – $6.55bn20 Barcelona – $5.6bn27 Liverpool – $5.37bn31 Man City – $5.1bn34 Bayern Munich – $5bn47 Paris Saint-Germain $4.4bnBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNext come Manchester United ($6.55bn), while Barcelona are 20th on $5.6bn.It’s reckoned five-weight ex-world champion Mayweather and Orbach could soon be joined by another major investor in their attempt to buy part of the Giants.Michael Strahan sends sarcastic message to New York Giants on Fox NFL Sunday for letting star leave ‘along with Saquon’ TMZ quote Orbach as saying: “My partners and I are always looking at different opportunities, including ownership of sports teams. I can’t comment further than that.”He already owns nearly 20% of basketball team Minnesota Timberwolves.The interest in the Giants follows two of the team’s owners revealing they hope to sell some of their stake.Now John Mara, who is club founder Tim Mara’s grandson, and Steve Tisch could soon be tested by an approach from Mayweather.And the amount involved would absolutely dwarf his other spectacular investments, such as his $20m fleet of supercars. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo leads list of richest sport stars in 2024 earning £208MILLION with Tyson Fury third as top 100 named

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is on top of the world in the money list of sports stars of 2024.While many stars are hanging up their boots by the age of 40, Ronaldo has shown no indication of stopping.Cristiano Ronaldo earned the most among sports stars in 2024Credit: GettyRonaldo’s earning dwarf even the star in second place, Stephen CurryCredit: GettyTyson Fury was top of the Brits despite losing in his heavyweight title showdownCredit: GettyInstead, the Portuguese is expanding his portfolio of accolades and income options.The Al-Nassr ace earned a staggering £208million across 2024, including £172m in his Saudi Pro League contract.These figures are according to Sportico, who have named the top 100 sports stars in terms of earnings in 2024.Ronaldo’s income dwarfs his top level counterparts in other sports, including basketball, boxing, golf and American football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNBA star Stephen Curry ranks second in the list, with a relatively modest £123m, including £80m in endorsements.Tyson Fury is the king of the Brits despite losing his heavyweight title clash with Oleksandr Usyk, with £117m earned across the year.Ronaldo’s nemesis, Lionel Messi, is second among footballers and fourth overall.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner earned, £108m overall including £60m in endorsements.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe top five is rounded out by LeBron James, who earned £106m with £68m in endorsements.Jon Rahm is top of the golfers, earning £85m overall with £69m in earnings.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starHe also rounds out the top 10 best-paid sports stars, with Neymar, Usyk, Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe ranking from six through to nine.Scottie Scheffler earned marginally less than Rahm at £83m.Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott tops the list for American football stars with £80m pocketed, while Formula One world champion Max Verstappen earned £61m.Shohei Ohtani is the most well-off baseball star after earning £58m in 2024.The Premier League’s top earner for 2024 is Erling Haaland, who earned £55.6m over the year largely thanks to his £36m a year salary, although this only puts him down in 24th for the overall list.Mohamed Salah and Kevin de Bruyne are the only other Premier League stars in the top 100, earning £44m and £32m respectively.Amazingly, influencer-turned sports star Jake Paul ranks 52nd overall after earning £38m in 2024.Rory McIlroy took home a cool £62m over the year.READ MORE SUN STORIESBrits Lewis Hamilton, Anthony Joshua Tyrrell Hatton and Harry Kane also made the list.F1 star Hamilton earned £56m over the year, with AJ taking home £48m, golfer Hatton bringing in £37m and England football captain Kane bringing in £33m. More