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    Fabio Wardley reveals the fight he would never agree to and claims he would even ‘take a knee in the first round’

    FABIO WARDLEY has floored the baffling suggestion that he could fight his mentor and pal Dillian Whyte.After following all of Wardley’s career, we were stunned to hear the idea even mooted from some clumsy pundits. Fabio Wardley has ruled out fighting his manager and mentor Dillian WhyteCredit: @fabiowardleyBut Wardley told SunSport with a laugh: “From the second it would be announced, everybody who knows the sport and who knows us, would know it would be fake and not something I would ever do, because of the amount of love, respect and admiration I have for Dills.“People go on about my story, white-collar, coming from nowhere, sparring Usyk.”But none of that is possible without Dillian at the beginning, giving me all of these opportunities.“So I would never spit in his face and fight him.READ MORE IN boxing “Even if all the sanctioning bodies called for the fight and somebody was silly enough to put all the money up, I would take a knee in the first round and give him the win.”Ipswich’s 30-year-old former recruitment worker and white-collar boxer headlines Portman Road on Saturday night against tough Australian Justis Huni.Whyte was due to feature on the Ipswich undercard but pulled out to secure a summer showdown with Lawrence Okolie.He has not boxed in England since November 2022 and was supposed to have a rematch with Anthony Joshua in August 2023.Most read in BoxingFABIO WARDLEY VS JUSTIS HUNI: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut that O2 sell-out was scrapped when Whyte failed a doping test.Whyte has boxed in Gibraltar and Ireland since that big-money clash was binned, landing underwhelming wins.Fabio Wardley prepares for dream Portman Road homecoming fight For Wardley, on June 16 his partner is scheduled to give birth to his first child, a bouncing baby girl.For anyone else, the nail-biting fortnight would be a crippling rollercoaster of emotions impossible to combine. But the Suffolk Puncher – who went on an Oleksandr Usyk sparring trip to Ukraine in 2018 when he barely knew how to throw a jab – is loving the chaos.The class act told SunSport: “June 2025 is going to be a wild month I talk a lot about, for the rest of my life.“I will be an old man in a rocking chair, telling people about it and wondering how we pulled it off.“Everything has come together at the same time, it might seem a bit hectic but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I thrive on it, I love the chaos.”Nine months ago, the 18-0-1 ace got the wonderful news he would be a dad for the first time.And a few weeks later he got the offer of a lifetime, to headline at his boyhood football club, a chance that some Olympic and world champions never get.It seems like a psychological and logistical nightmare that would be destined for the divorce courts but Team Wardley is way too tight.“If my little girl is anything like me, then she’ll be chilled out and late, which will give me a little bit more time to decompress from the fight,” he grinned.“The flight date has been moved around a few times but my missus has been unbelievable.“I have just promised to her that, as soon as Saturday night is over, I am all theirs.“This week, though, is just my week. I need to be totally focused on me and then it’s all on them.”Wardley – who cracked 2020 Olympic bronze winner Frazer Clarke’s skull in their one-round rematch in October – somehow combines being a brutal boxer with being a lovely bloke and he insists that won’t change with another win or a baby.“I don’t know how parenthood will affect me,” he said. “I do plan to be the fun-dad though. Read More on The Sun“I want mum to do the telling off. I think I will always be driven to push myself in everything, though. “That’s something just innate in me. And I am sure I will need to feed and stoke that fire regularly.”Wardley and his girlfriend are expecting their first child togetherCredit: Instagram @fabiowardleyWardley facing off with Aussie Justis HuniCredit: Getty More

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    ‘I love the chaos’ – Why Fabio Wardley’s fight with Justis Huni won’t even be the biggest night of his month

    FABIO WARDLEY has the two most important nights of his life inside the next ten DAYS.Ipswich’s 30-year-old former recruitment worker and white-collar boxer headlines Portman Road on Saturday night against tough Australian Justis Huni.Fabio Wardley ahead of fighting Justis HuniCredit: GettyAnd on June 16 his partner is scheduled to give birth to his first child, a bouncing baby girl.For anyone else, the nail-biting fortnight would be a crippling rollercoaster of emotions impossible to combine. But the Suffolk Puncher – who went on an Oleksandr Usyk sparring trip to Ukraine in 2018 when he barely knew how to throw a jab – is loving the chaos.The class act told SunSport: “June 2025 is going to be a wild month I talk a lot about, for the rest of my life.READ MORE IN BOXING“I will be an old man in a rocking chair, telling people about it and wondering how we pulled it off.“Everything has come together at the same time, it might seem a bit hectic but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I thrive on it, I love the chaos.”Nine months ago, the 18-0-1 ace got the wonderful news he would be a dad for the first time.And a few weeks later he got the offer of a lifetime, to headline at his boyhood football club, a chance that some Olympic and world champions never get.Most read in BoxingWardley and his girlfriend are expecting their first child togetherCredit: Instagram @fabiowardleyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt seems like a psychological and logistical nightmare that would be destined for the divorce courts but Team Wardley is way too tight.“If my little girl is anything like me, then she’ll be chilled out and late, which will give me a little bit more time to decompress from the fight,” he grinned.Fabio Wardley faces off with Justis Huni ahead of his homecoming fight “The flight date has been moved around a few times but my missus has been unbelievable.“I have just promised to her that, as soon as Saturday night is over, I am all theirs.“This week, though, is just my week. I need to be totally focused on me and then it’s all on them.”Wardley – who cracked 2020 Olympic bronze winner Frazer Clarke’s skull in their one-round rematch in October – somehow combines being a brutal boxer with being a lovely bloke and he insists that won’t change with another win or a baby.“I don’t know how parenthood will affect me,” he said. “I do plan to be the fun-dad though. I want mum to do the telling off.“I think I will always be driven to push myself in everything, though. Everything has come together at the same time, it might seem a bit hectic but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I thrive on it, I love the chaos.“That’s something just innate in me. And I am sure I will need to feed and stoke that fire regularly.”One thing Wardley would NEVER do, despite the baffling suggestion from some clumsy pundits, is fight his mentor and pal Dillian Whyte.After following all of Wardley’s career, we were stunned to hear the idea even mooted and Wardley floored it.“You’re 100 per cent right, for once.” he laughed.“From the second it would be announced, everybody who knows the sport and who knows us, would know it would be fake and not something I would ever do, because of the amount of love, respect and admiration I have for Dills.“People go on about my story, white-collar, coming from nowhere, sparring Usyk.”But none of that is possible without Dillian at the beginning, giving me all of these opportunities. So I would never spit in his face and fight him.“Even if all the sanctioning bodies called for the fight and somebody was silly enough to put all the money up, I would take a knee in the first round and give him the win.”Whyte was due to feature on the Ipswich undercard but pulled out to secure a summer showdown with Lawrence Okolie.He has not boxed in England since November 2022 and was supposed to have a rematch with Anthony Joshua in August 2023.Read More on The SunBut that O2 sell-out was scrapped when Whyte failed a doping test.Whyte has boxed in Gibraltar and Ireland since that big-money clash was binned, landing underwhelming wins.Wardley is managed and mentored by Dillian WhyteCredit: matchroom boxing More

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    Tyson Fury drags son around in horse trailer after he was forced to push him in shopping trolley

    TYSON FURY has upgraded his shopping trolley for a gypsy horse trailer.The 36-year-old stunned fans on Tuesday when he was filmed running along Morecambe Bay with his son and the boy’s bicycle inside an abandoned supermarket cart.Tyson Fury has upgraded his shopping trolley for a gypsy horse trailer.Credit: INSTAGRAM @tysonfuryFury pulls his son along on a beautifully redecorated and decorated four-wheel driveCredit: INSTAGRAM @tysonfuryFury said: ‘You don’t need a horse, you’ve got me’Credit: INSTAGRAM @tysonfuryAnd the proud Traveller has upped the ante by pulling another son along on a beautifully redecorated and decorated four-wheel drive.Fury’s boy yelled: “Giddy up horsey!”But the proud father growled back: “You don’t need a horse, you’ve got me.”As he finished his latest bizarre training routine, he added: “This will get you fit.”READ MORE IN BOXINGIt was the latest chapter in the Gypsy King’s unique training manual, after he combined caring parental duties with cardio routine.Captured pushing boy and bike along, he explained: “This is what happens when they don’t listen.“Now they’re messing with my running time.“He wanted to come this morning, on his bike, and he did really well for a couple of miles.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But then the wind picked up and he couldn’t ride his bike any more. He was moaning and asking if I could carry his bike.“Then I saw the trolley and told him to get in it. It’s not ideal but we make the best with what we’ve got.”Tyson Fury pushes his son around in a shopping trolley as he struggles to keep up with boxerIt comes after Fury maintained he is still retired despite training up to THREE times a day. He said in May: “I hear a lot of talk about the Gypsy King returning to boxing and I ask this question: for what?“What would I return for? More belts? I’ve won 22 of them. I’ve been rumped, that’s it, fair play to them, they got their use out of me.“But I’m happy, I am happy, content with what I have achieved and accomplished.“I’ve been around the world and back again. And this is what retirement looks like for the Gypsy King, not too shabby.”Fury pushing around his son in a trolleyCredit: Instagram @tysonfury More

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    Fabio Wardley reveals he is facing his girlfriend’s wrath with baby due a week after his dream Portman Road fight

    FABIO WARDLEY revealed he is facing his girlfriend’s wrath with their first baby due just a week after his dream Portman Road fight.The Ipswich super-fan faces Australian Justis Huni on Saturday at the Premier League stadium. Fabio Wardley with his girlfriendCredit: Instagram @fabiowardleyThey are expecting their first child togetherCredit: Instagram @fabiowardleyTheir daughter is due a week after his Portman Road fightCredit: Instagram @fabiowardleyIt is a homecoming fight years in the making – but arrives just as his partner is expecting to give birth to their daughter.Wardley told Ring Magazine: “This is a slightly tense topic. My missus wasn’t the happiest with this fight date.“She is due a week later but it is Portman Road. It’s not just any fight, it’s the one at Portman Road. She said, ‘Yeah I know but…’“They say the chances are that the first one comes late but who knows. READ MORE IN BOXING”Whatever will be will be at this stage. I’m just focusing on my job at this point and that is winning the fight.“It’s a mad 2025 and really just a mad June but I can’t wait. I’m ready for fatherhood. My best mate’s not long had his, a beautiful little girl as well. “So being able to watch her grow and knowing that’s coming for me has made me a big softie to be honest. “It’s going to be something special and I’m really looking forward to it.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite Wardley admitting he will transform into a “big softie” he also expects to switch from doting dad to destructive puncher at ease.He said: “I think I will be able to do both. It will be double bubble for me.Fabio Wardley faces off with Justis Huni ahead of his homecoming fight “What I mean is that when I’m at home with her and my family I will be as soft as anything but once it’s training time, fight time, I’ll do the opposite.“I believe it will make me even more determined, even more driven, even more relentless, because now they’re relying on me.”That little girl will be relying on and depending on me. I need to go out and do my job.”Wardley, 30, is coming off a brutal knockout win over Frazer Clarke, 33, last October which followed their thrilling draw six months prior.He was due to fight Jarrell Miller but the controversial American – who failed three high-profile drug tests in the past – pulled out through injury. So unbeaten Aussie Huni, 26, replaced Miller, 36, on short notice in a bid to upset the hometown hero. She is due a week later but it is Portman Road. It’s not just any fight, it’s the one at Portman Road. She said, ‘Yeah I know but…’Fabio Wardley Wardley said: “Of course it comes with pressure. But pressure is a privilege. Being here is a privilege.“Being able to fight here is a privilege and I think I have proven throughout my career that I do well under pressure.“I like it. When the lights are bright, when the occasion is big, it’s when you get the best from me. “It’s when you get the biggest amount of heart, grit, determination, the biggest amount of focus, and me firing on all cylinders.“I’m in the best place I’ve been. I’ve got so much experience now within this professional game, from a variety of fights up and down the country. “I’ve fought over in Riyadh. I’ve fought over in Gibraltar. I’ve fought in the UK, London, Sheffield, here, there, everywhere.Read More on The Sun“Small Hall, York Hall. I’ve mixed it all. I’ve done it all now. Now it’s about bringing all that experience into one fight and that’s what will happen on June 7.“Only then will it be time to go back home to become a dad.”Wardley is taking on Justin Huni on SaturdayCredit: @Queensberry More

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    ‘I was there to lose’ – Confessions of journeyman boxer who LOST 96 fights but has WON battles with cocaine and booze

    JOURNEYMAN boxer Johnny Greaves battled drugs, booze, depression and abuse throughout his 100-fight pro career.The 46-year-old East Londoner admits he was “no better than useless” as he lost 96 TIMES.Johnny Greaves is one of Britain’s most celebrated journeyman boxersCredit: RexGreaves had 100 fights, winning his finalCredit: GettyHe would take some fights at the last minute, entering the ring on a stomach of lager, while also battling a debilitating cocaine habit and praying he would LOSE to guarantee further pay-days.Fans would SPIT on him as he walked into the ring and Greaves admitted that, at times, he was treated “no better than a dog.”But, no matter how big a beating he took, he never missed a day working as a self-employed painter-decorator to put food on the table for his missus Vicky, daughter Ruby and son Teddy.When Greaves turned pro in 2007, aged 30, he’d already fought 50 unlicensed and 30 amateur bouts.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut after being told he would earn just £800 a fight as a new pro, building up his name and needing to sell tickets, he swapped to the away corner.Knowing he could make almost £2,000 a pop as an opponent for up-and-coming stars, he forfeited his desire to be a champ.Greaves has relived his astonishing career for a new book called Bright Lights and Dark CornersAnd in an exclusive SunSport interview, Greaves revealed: “At the time I was skint. I didn’t have a lot of work on.Most read in Sport“Vicky and I had just moved into a place, Teddy had just been born with severe clubfoot, so he was in and out of hospitals every other day.“I was struggling badly.”However, his decision kick-started one of the most celebrated journeyman boxing careers in Britain, with Greaves fighting up to 20 TIMES a year.Britain’s next Tyson Fury set for world title & Taylor urged to fight on | Split DecisionRecalling his 2008 points loss to Ryan Walsh, Greaves revealed: “I’d just opened my third can of Fosters when my phone rang at 4.30pm on the Saturday.“I took the fight, agreed the money and was in the ring boxing at the Excel Arena at about ten past six.”On another occasion in 2012, Greaves, who also has a coaching licence, was set to act as a cornerman for Jody Meikle at York Hall – only to fight opponent Eren Arif himself.Greaves added: “I remember the promoter running out asking, ‘What do you weigh?’ I replied, ‘10st 6?’“He continued, ‘Do you want a fight?’ I said, ‘F***, what are you paying?’“So we discussed the money, then I phoned the missus to meet me at the station with a bag, my shorts, boots and a gum shield.“She passed the bag over the counter, I rushed back to York Hall and I was fighting about half an hour after that.”Greaves is very honest about the fight game, insisting money came first for him and winning could have affected his chances of earning.It’s not what a lot of people think, how the boxing game works. But let’s have it right – it’s a business, it’s not sport.Johnny Greaves He said: “I don’t wanna make it look like it’s bent, but, look, I boxed nine world champions, I boxed over 20 British champions.“I boxed the best fighters in the world – Anthony Crolla, Jamie Cox, Johan Perez.“Or, you’re boxing against young lads that look, let’s have it right, if you win these fights, you’re gonna lose work for yourself, you then become a risk, so you play the game.“You don’t let your hands go against these kids, you play through, get through nice and safe, get paid, lose on points, hopefully.”And then you fight again the week after.”But while he was boxing, Greaves harboured a secret not even his family knew.He was battling a cocaine addiction so fierce he would even take it on fight nights.He confessed: “I’m disgusted about the way I went through things with the drugs through my career. ‘Things were pretty crazy’“Recreational drugs, nothing performance enhancing. If anything it’s performance debilitating, to be honest.“Getting through packets of cocaine, just just to control my nerves, control my moods. I had a habit and I’m really disgusted about it.”Johnny Greaves in action against Dan Stewart in 2009Credit: PA:Press AssociationJohnny Greaves with a swollen eye against Bradley Skeete in 2011Credit: GettyIn 2009, Greaves fought Oisin Fagan in Dublin on the back of a massive booze bender.Greaves recalled: “I was on my own in a hotel room and up all hours of the night doing what I was doing.“I got in and boxed the top Irish lad the next day. Things were pretty crazy then.”Greaves has now overcome his cocaine habit and has been working painting The Shard at London Bridge Station.He added: “My family were always well provided for. My whole life has been about providing for my kids.“But my release, getting away and forgetting about my life as a loser, would be to go and get smashed and forget about it.”The toughest part of my boxing career was dealing with the abuse that I was getting.Johnny Greaves He has also beaten his booze demons.But still suffers from depression, still bears the mental scars of fighting against vulgar, hostile crowds.And he said: “I’ve always been weak mentally, suffered a hell of a lot with depression and suicidal thoughts, very low self-esteem.“And look, when you’re in front of crowds of 900 people all screaming and shouting and slagging you off and laughing at your record, it was emotionally tough.“The toughest part of my boxing career was dealing with the abuse I was getting.“Why would I want my son coming to watch me get beaten and suffer dogs’ abuse from the crowd?“I’ve had people spit on me when walking into the ring, it’s a nasty game. I was treated no better than a dog at times.”I had 100 professional fights, I won just four. To anyone who doesn’t understand the game, you’re no better than useless.You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:“People just don’t understand the game and the business model of how boxing actually works.“So dealing with things mentally and emotionally was tough.”Greaves had just one rule when he fought – his friends and family were banned from attending.He explained: “Look, I’m there to lose. I don’t want my wife and kids seeing that.”However, he made an exception for his final fight in 2013 when he BEAT Dan Carr at York Hall to bow out with a victory in front of 500 of his fans.Greaves beamed: “I fought my heart out and trained like a beast. I would have boxed anyone in my last fight and been confident enough to win it.“I would have boxed King Kong that last time and I’m pretty sure I would have at put up a good fight.”Greaves opens up on his astonishing career in his biography, Bright Lights and Dark Corners, which is on sale now.Detailing his boxing life in black and white helped him KO the demons that plagued his years in the ring.Read More on The SunHe said: “This book has been a therapy session for me, it’s about getting a lot off my chest.”Bright Lights & Dark Corners by Johnny Greaves is available to buy now at greavesbook.comYou can buy Johnny’s book, Bright Lights & Dark Corners, now More

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    Tyson Fury reveals eldest son Prince John James, 13, has ‘joined the family business’

    TYSON FURY revealed his eldest son John James has “joined the family business”.The Gypsy King is not the only boxer in the family, his dad John and uncle Peter are both former fighters-turned-trainers. Tyson Fury’s with his son Prince John JamesCredit: Instagram / @gypsyprinceFury brought his eldest son to the gymCredit: instagram @tysonfuryJohn James has been training for two yearsHis brothers Tommy and Roman are also unbeaten while cousin James Dean is set to turn professional after a successful amateur career. And now there could be yet another Fury to look out for – Tyson’s 13-year-old son John James. Fury posted a video on his Instagram, talking to his boy, and he says: “Today’s the day you become part of the family business, son.” John James replied: “What kind of business is that?” READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd his famous fighting father-of-seven responded: “The f***ing fight game.” Fury revealed in 2023 how John James and his younger brother John James, eight, were both training. He said at the time: “Yes, I’ve got my oldest son who’s 11 and my middle son who’s six – they both are in the boxing gym right now.”They’re in training, they’re starting, only young, kids having fun in the gym and all that.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”If they want to pursue it as a career later on in life then I’m fully supportive.”Because who am I to tell somebody not to do something, not to follow their dreams?Tyson Fury and Paris enjoy wild night in Monaco partying with 50 Cent, Derek Chisora and Michael Flatley on yacht”I don’t believe in crushing kids’ dreams because I was once a kid with a massive dream.”I had an unreachable dream and everybody told me that it was a stupid idea, you’re probably not gonna make it, you’re gonna waste your life, you’re gonna have nothing at the end of it.”I didn’t believe any of them and I followed my dreams, followed my heart and here I am today. I’m living proof that dreams do come true.”With hard work, dedication, being in the right place at the right time, the right mindset, and a lot of other stuff as well, dreams do come true for sure.”Fury, 36, has plenty of time to train his boys after announcing his retirement in January.It came after he twice lost on points to Oleksandr Usyk, 38, in 2024. And despite training twice, sometimes THREE times a day, Fury spoke out to reiterate his retirement amid talk of returning to fight Anthony Joshua, 35. He said while on holiday with wife Paris in Italy: “I hear a lot of talk about the Gypsy King returning to boxing and I ask this question: for what?“What would I return for? More belts? I’ve won 22 of them. I’ve been rumped, that’s it, fair play to them, they got their use out of me.Read More on The Sun“But I’m happy, I am happy, content with what I have achieved and accomplished.“I’ve been around the world and back again. And this is what retirement looks like for the Gypsy King, not too shabby.”Fury and wife Paris with their seven kidsFury’s with wife Paris on holidayCredit: InstagramFury retired after two defeats to Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

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    From fiercely protective dad to mum’s sacrifice – how Jobe Bellingham is finally stepping out from brother Jude’s shadow

    SIBLING rivalry is a rite of passage, but for the Bellingham brothers it has also formed the basis of their football careers.Jude, 21, has been hailed a generational talent — and now little brother Jobe is emerging from his 6ft 1in shadow.Jude Bellingham’s little brother Jobe, above, is finally stepping out from his brother’s shadow – and making a big name for himself on the pitchCredit: Shutterstock EditorialJobe and Jude with mum Denise and dad MarkCredit: InstagramJobe, left, and Jude as young kidsCredit: Instagram/jobebellinghamAn exceptional talent in his own right, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder is being pursued by three German clubs and was part of the Sunderland team which was promoted to the Premier League on Saturday night.It came less than a month after the North East Football Writers’ Association named him Young Player of the Year.Reacting to Jobe’s part in Sunderland’s historic win, ecstatic Jude posted a photo of a video call they had together, captioning it: “SO F****** PROUD”.And chuffed Jobe told reporters: “I always believed — you have to believe.“When you’ve got supporters like this and a group of lads like that, you always have to believe.”Celebrating Jobe’s win yesterday, Jude reposted a fan photo of the two brothers holding their respective trophies at Wembley, captioning it “WemBelli”.The England midfielder won the Champions League last year at the stadium with Real Madrid while his family watched.‘Demanding on the pitch’Given Jude’s huge success, it is no wonder Jobe likes to make sure that his sibling stays grounded — by teasing him for being dependent on their mum.Denise Bellingham has followed her eldest from the UK to Dortmund in Germany, and then on to Madrid.“Maybe if Jude could learn how to cook and drive, mum could come back and live with me — but nah, Jude is useless,” Jobe quipped in Out Of The Floodlights, a YouTube documentary about his brother’s life in Spain.Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at WembleyJobe began his professional career at Birmingham City in 2021 — a year after his brother left the team.The 6ft 2in powerhouse was the team’s second-youngest player at 16 years and 107 days old when he made his first team debut — only Jude started younger.We’d play on a Tuesday and he’d turn up in his school uniform. It was mad. He’d just played a game for his school, and then he was sitting on the bench for usLee Bower, ex-Bristol City ManagerLee Bowyer, who snapped up both Bellinghams, saw Jobe as the “baby” when he arrived on the subs bench.The former manager said: “We’d play on a Tuesday and he’d turn up in his school uniform. It was mad.“He’d just played a game for his school, and then he was sitting on the bench for us. He was very respectful and wanted to learn. His feet were on the ground.“His parents are a big drive for him. He wanted to make his own name. The potential was there. The attitude was there.“He’s a nice, well-mannered boy but demanding on the pitch — he didn’t shy away from anything. He has confidence, but not arrogance.”Jobe chose to use just his first name on his Black Cats shirt instead of his surname to distinguish himself from his brother.His former team-mate Troy Deeney said it showed Jobe wanted to carve out his own identity, and constant comparisons to Jude were unfair.Troy told Sky Sports: “Whenever people talk about Jobe, it’s always ‘Is he as good as his brother?’ or ‘Jude was doing this and that at his age.’“Jobe is going to be successful — he already is successful.“I don’t think any of us could ever put ourselves in his shoes of being a young person trying to find himself in life, and then having a brother that’s a world-famous superstar.“No matter what you do, you’re always going to be compared to that.”Jobe, right, and Jude at the Louis Vitton show at Paris Fashion Week in 2023Credit: GettyReacting to Jobe’s part in Sunderland’s historic win, ecstatic Jude posted a photo of a video call they had together, captioning it: ‘SO F****** PROUD’Credit: InstagramStepping out from his brother’s shadow, Jobe signed to Sunderland for £1million on June 14, 2023.Unfortunately, his brother unintentionally stole the limelight as Jude’s move to Real Madrid was announced on the same day.For both Bellinghams, football has been a huge part of their life, as they grew up watching their father in non-league matches.Southend-born Mark, 49, scored 700 goals by the age of 40 at Midland League Division Two side Paget Rangers in 2016.The retired policeman is thought to have played in approximately 850 games but still describes himself as “not very good”.He is fiercely proud of both his children, often reminding journalists “I have two sons, you know” when they ask about just one.Mark lives with Jobe in the UK and does his best to keep the family unit tight despite the distance between them. The lads often fly to each other’s games when their schedules allow, and their parents rack up air miles to spend time with both.After a spectacular performance this season, it appears Jobe might be following in his brother’s footsteps yet again, as Jude’s old Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund are eying up the youngster.‘That’s Jobe, he’s ours’German newspaper Bild reported that Dortmund are offering £25million to get the footballer on their books this summer.Jobe has also caught the attention of RB Leipzig and yesterday met with Eintracht Frankfurt.The teen’s fancy footwork has even reached the ears of Real Madrid, thanks to his two goals in Sunderland’s victory against Rotherham in August 2023.JOBE AND JUDEJOBE AGE: 19CLUBS: Birmingham City, SunderlandENGLAND CAPS: 0WEEKLY PAY: £12,500PROFESSIONAL DEBUT AGE: 16 years and 107 daysBRAND DEALS: Adidas for Sports DirectLOVELIFE: Currently singleROOM-MATE: Dad MarkJUDE AGE: 21CLUBS: Birmingham City, Borussia Dortmund, Real MadridENGLAND CAPS: 42WEEKLY PAY: £220,000PROFESSIONAL DEBUT AGE: 16 years and 38 daysBRAND DEALS: Adidas, SKIMS, Louis VuittonLOVELIFE: Dating influencer Ashlyn CastroROOM-MATE: Mum DeniseRecalling being taunted by his boss, Jude said: “I’m in shock that he’s scored twice and then as we’re coming out, (Carlo) Ancelotti goes to me, ‘F***ing hell, we bought the wrong one.’“And I’m like, ‘you’re joking’. He says, ‘No seriously, I’m going to bring him in.’“I said, ‘Well where are you going to play him?’ He says, ‘In your position.’ I was like, ‘F*** that!’.”Dad Mark will be keen to see Jobe stand on his own two feet and not just follow his brother’s footsteps.I think every time I’m with my brother, I’m just laughing. We’re just constantly making jokes. We barely really talk about footballJobe on JudeSpeaking in Out Of The Floodlights, he said: “I want Jobe to have his day — finally, for someone to say, ‘He’s not Jude’s brother’.“We’ve got the Sunderland fans — no connection to Jude now — who can say, ‘That’s Jobe, he’s ours’.”Mum Denise added: “I just want to see Jobe on the pitch, in a Jobe shirt — not a Bellingham shirt — starting and having his moment.“I want him to start and have his moment.”Off the pitch, the brothers don’t talk about the beautiful game.In the series, Jobe said: “I think every time I’m with my brother, I’m just laughing.“We’re just constantly making jokes. We barely really talk about football.”The brothers have been seen dining in Caribbean restaurant Turtle Bay in County Durham and Italian eaterie Romano’s in Cleadon near Sunderland.They have also attended Louis Vuitton’s show in Paris together, while Jobe has modelled for Adidas and Jude topless for Kim Kardashian’s underwear brand SKIMS.But Jobe has yet to emulate one aspect of his brother’s life — a string of stunning girlfriends.Jude has been linked to Dutch model Laura Celia Valk and You-Tuber Azra Mian, and is now dating US catwalk star Ashlyn Castro.With Jobe’s star on the rise, he won’t struggle to get a stunning girl to have on his arm if he wants one.Jude has been linked to Dutch model Laura Celia Valk and YouTuber Azra Mian, and is now dating US catwalk star Ashlyn Castro (above)Credit: InstagramJobe and mum Denise in the stands during Euro 2024Credit: PA More

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    Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a child

    CALLUM WILSON revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12 and how seeking therapy a year ago saved him from his demons.The father-of-two forward, whose Newcastle contract expires next month, bravely spoke out during Mental Health Awareness week and hopes his story will inspire others to ask for help.Callum Wilson revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12Wilson has represented England at senior levelCredit: GettyHis Newcastle contract expires at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyEngland international Wilson, 33, bared all about growing up in Coventry as one of six children with a single mum and with a different dad to his siblings.The Leeds transfer target spent time in foster care and had to regularly use food banks while also staying in safe houses after witnessing domestic violence at home.He told Jake Humphrey on the High Performance podcast: “I cried myself to sleep at night. I got to about 12, 13 – it was like suicidal moments.”When I say I cried myself to sleep, I was just praying to God like ‘take me out of this environment, I want to become a footballer’.”read more in football He admitted: “I’ve walked alongside the train track and was building up the courage to jump basically in front of the train. “I’ve tied cables around my bedroom rail and my PlayStation remote controller to see if it was strong enough to hold my weight.“Football really was my saviour, it was my escape.”Wilson, though, refuses to blame his mother for any of his unstable upbringing, saying: “It was my mum on her own, all my siblings in the house. Most read in Football”We had a three bedroom council house. Food was sparing to come by. That, along with a bit of turmoil.“I probably have a lot of aggression from that point, but football was a place that I could be aggressive in my position on the pitch and it would be ok. So it was like a release really.”Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdDespite all of the success in his career on the pitch, Wilson admitted that he had started to become more aggressive over recent years and he started to gamble.Though he hailed a Newcastle physio for spotting he needed help and making him take it – which felt “like a weight was lifted” after the very first session.He added: “Once I started speaking, and revealed everything I’ve been through in life, she was like ‘Wow, how have you got to this point already without not seeing a therapist?’“I speak to my wife about it, but I didn’t want to blur the lines with our relationship. “She’s not my therapist, she’s my wife and the mother of my children, so I didn’t want to burden her with problems. “You can speak to a therapist and it does feel a sense of relief afterwards.“It’s an investment in yourself and more than worth it. I’m probably learning a lot about myself now – little traits that I have that were obviously triggered by things as a kid. I’m really happy.”YOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organizations provide support:CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.ukMind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123Movember, www.uk.movember.comMeanwhile, Wilson appeared to wave goodbye to Newcastle with a tearful solo lap of honour round the St. James’ pitch on Sunday after the Magpies had secured Champions League qualification.Although Magpies boss Eddie Howe refused to rule out a potential stay.Howe said: “Let’s wait and see. We’re going to sit down and talk with his representatives.“What I can say is Callum Wilson is and has been just an incredible footballer for Newcastle. “Someone who epitomises the spirit that’s got us to where we are really professional. Brave.“To come here and be the No.9 in the manner and the moment that he did in the club’s history. Read More on The Sun”It was a difficult moment and the club needed hope and Callum gave them hope, led the line with that responsibility and the pressure that role brings unbelievably.“He brings a positivity to the group. He’s a leader within the change room. He’s just been incredible and let’s wait and see what happens.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More