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      Dave Allen is the ex-supply teacher turned boxer who overcame gambling addiction to become heroic fans’ favourite

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      DAVE ALLEN has lived several lives, from supply school teacher to gambling addict and now, thankfully, a beloved boxing star. Allen started as an amateur aged 16 and had just ten bouts before turning professional in 2012 – snubbing the chance to join the GB Squad. Dave Allen opened up on his gambling addiction, which he has bravely overcomeCredit: First Round TVHe was 20 when he made his debut but only three years later Allen had only fought seven times and was in need of cash. The heavyweight made ends meet as a sparring partner – earning around £500 a week – but it was not enough. So he got a job as a supply teacher – lying on his CV to get the gig – before returning to the ring in 2015. But by then, Allen was gripped by a horrific gambling addiction which started after making a £1 bet on the horses with his dad when he was just eight. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd after being introduced to online betting, the boxer’s life began to spiral. He bravely said on ex-middleweight champion Darren Barker’s podcast: “It just snowballed really. “I used to go to the bookies and play on the machines there, they were great times.”But the online stuff is where it got bad for me because it was so easy, it was numbers on the screen. Most read in Boxing”Probably at the worst? It’s difficult to say really. I wasn’t gambling that much in my early 20s, but I was gambling everything that I had. “As I got a bit older, I was gambling way more, tens of thousands of pounds. Maybe into hundreds of thousands overall.”John Fisher opens up on his son’s brutal fight against Dave Allen after he needed brain scan Allen – who has sparred Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk – said winning the bets was the route of his addiction not the cash. He explained: “I have no interest in the money at all. “The kind of gambler I am, it’s not about the money for me. When the money runs out, that’s the only issue.”I never wanted to withdraw any money, I just wanted to keep winning. To be honest, at that time it was like an escapism from real life.”Allen revealed his routine consisted of going to bed at 6am and waking up by 2pm to catch the first race of the day. Fortunately, Allen has overcome his addiction with the help of his sister and wife, who he shares a son and daughter with. As I got a bit older, I was gambling way more, tens of thousands of pounds. Maybe into hundreds of thousands overall.Dave Allen He said: “Since I was 26, I’ve not been in control of my own money. “So at 26, I said to my sister, ‘You’re going to have to look after my money, to be honest.'”My sister set me up a bank account and for the last seven and a half years if I want any money at all, I have to text my sister and now my missus, I get a card and they send me money.”Because, if I could still gamble now, I think I would. I’ve spent mad money on mad s***, I was spending ridiculous money and when I boxed Luis Ortiz, I did it for the money, really.”I think I owed a few quid at the time of the Dillian Whyte fight, I think I lost about eight grand on the day of the fight, I didn’t clear too much more than that really.”Allen has also become a trainer and manager to young fighters to also keep himself on track. He said: “I need it as much as them, start training the kids seven or eight years ago and that’s my sustainability really. ‘He’ll get knocked out'”It’s really kept me on the straight and narrow.”Allen initially retired from boxing in 2020 aged 28 after a brutal knockout loss to 2008 Olympic bronze medallist David Price.But he returned a year later and has fought eight times since, remaining a hugely popular figure amongst British fans. Allen, 33, is coming off a controversial split-decision loss to Johnny Fisher, 26, in Saudi Arabia last December. But the pair now rematch on Saturday at Fisher’s adopted home of the Copper Box Arena. And Allen – who dropped Fisher in round five – warned: “If he fights me May 17th he’ll get knocked out because I’ll be sharper, a little bit fitter.Read More on The Sun”If he boxes me it will be hard work, of course it is. But I don’t think at the Copper Box he’ll hold it together and box. “He’ll get in a fight at some point. I’m not the biggest puncher but I hit too hard for him and I’m too strong for him. He’s tough, though.”Johnny Fisher controversially beat Dave Allen on pointsCredit: ReutersThey rematch at the Copper BoxCredit: PA More

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      Johnny Fisher opens up on backstabbers who turned on him after controversial Dave Allen win ahead of huge rematch

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      JOHNNY FISHER says the boxing backstabbers were ready and waiting to twist the knife after his controversial win over Dave Allen.Fisher was dropped in the fifth round against Allen in December but edged out a contentious split-decision victory in Saudi Arabia. Johnny Fisher controversially beat Dave Allen on pointsCredit: GettyUp until that point, it had only been love and adulation for the hugely popular Romford Bull and his social media star dad Big John.But Fisher – one of Britain’s most prolific ticket sellers – says he felt backs being turned on him in the aftermath of the bout. He told SunSport: “If you’re a professional boxer or an athlete of any perspective or any person in some sort of public eye, you’re gonna get negative comments.”And when it is a close fight, people with their knives are waiting to dig in and and defame you, but people who know their boxing thought it was a close fight.READ MORE IN BOXING”I believe I won by one round. I don’t, don’t dispute people that thought it could have gone around the other way or it was a draw.”But objectively looking at it, I thought I won by a round and that’s a close fight. So we can do it again.”Fisher’s popularity has been boosted hugely by the online love for his Chinese takeaway-loving dad. But Fisher Sr bared the brunt of his son’s disputed decision win in Riyadh, taking to social media in defence of his boy.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe passionately backed Johnny against criticism coming from those they deemed their closest confidants. And Fisher Jr said: “It’s my dad, we’re the same person.”And if my son was in that position and people who you thought you were friends, people would be around your house were making it hysterical and creating a hysteria, I’ll do the same thing for my son.”Fisher ended up in hospital after the 12 brutal rounds against Allen – and revealed he relished the damaging slugfest.He said: “They’re the things you dream of as a professional fighter. “Can’t do it all the time but to show people I’m not just a knockout artist, I can dig in, that’s another good positive.”That’s what you live for, that’s why we entertain people.” Fisher, 26, now rematches Allen, 33, on Saturday at his adopted home of the Copper Box Arena, ready to silence the deafening doubters.He said: “It was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to do it again because it was a close fight.Read More on The Sun”But then I watched it back and thought I won by one round. There’s always other opportunities – my life don’t revolve around this rematch.”But something in the back of my mind wanted to do it again – so let’s do it.”Johnny Fisher with his dad Big JohnCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyFisher and Allen ahead of their rematchCredit: PA More

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      Tyson Fury’s dad rips into son’s corner and claims he saved Gypsy King getting KO’d by Oleksandr Usyk

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      JOHN FURY has blasted his son Tyson’s coaching team and claimed he saved him from getting knocked out by Oleksandr Usyk. Fury, 36, lost his undefeated record and WBC belt in a points loss to Usyk, 38, last May and narrowly escaped being stopped in round nine. John Fury claimed he saved son Tyson from getting knocked out by Oleksandr UsykCredit: SplashFury with trainer SugarHill StewardCredit: GettyBut father John – who came under fire for his corner work in the aftermath of the fight – said he is the sole reason his son was not KO’d.John told SecondsOut: “Well, if it wasn’t for me in his corner he’d be knocked out. Simple as that.”He was listening to the wrong instructions and got caught going to the left of a southpaw. I’m a southpaw, you don’t go to the left on me because I’ll catch you.”He was listening to ill-adviCe, too many people in the corner and I’m his father, if it wasn’t for me, he not only stayed in the fight he won the 11th, he shared the tenth because his legs were gone in the tenth.READ MORE IN BOXING”He was a miracle man to get out the ninth round but it was me who kept him in there. If it had been left to them, he’d have been knocked out.”Fury has been coached by Sugarhill Steward – nephew to legendary trainer Emanuel – since 2020 while also having ex-world champion Andy Lee as assistant. But dad and former boxer John fumed: “He was listening to people that haven’t got any fighting experience.”And at the end of the day, if he was that good of a trainer, Sugarhill, his uncle Emanuel would have left him the top job, wouldn’t he?Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He would’ve left him the full business, Jonathan Banks ended up with it. Why didn’t Tommy Hearns have Sugarhill? Why didn’t Lennox Lewis have him?”Why didn’t all the other Kronk fighters have him? There’s a reason for it. Why do all these British fighters have him and sack him? Because he’s incapable and I’m the first to say it.Tommy Fury calls out ‘b****’ Jake Paul after making boxing comeback after 18 months”I don’t mind the man as a man, I’m talking on boxing terms only. The man is a very nice man, he’s never done me no harm in any way shape or form.”But, we’re talking boxing politics here and they just don’t work Tyson hard enough, he’s too soft with him and Tyson’s telling him what to do half the time.”And like I say, they’re not going to tell him he’s wrong because they need the money.”Sugarhill has also coached the likes of Ben Whittaker and Lawrence Okolie in the past – later splitting with both. He was mentored by his late uncle Emanuel, who shot to fame as the trainer to the likes of Lewis and Wladimir Klitshcko. But after Emanuel’s death in 2012, his former fighter Banks inherited his stable including Klitshcko. Sugarhill has also worked with former world champions in Anthony Dirrell and Adonis Stevenson. And Fury credited the American for turning him into a power-puncher, with two stoppages over Deontay Wilder. Read More on The SunThe Gypsy King was beaten again by Usyk on points in their December rematch – without dad John in the corner – and retired a month later. But, with rumours of a future fight against Anthony Joshua, 35, Fury recently reunited with Sugarhill in his Morecambe gym to tease a comeback. Sugarhill with his uncle EmanuelCredit: @kronksugarhillOleksandr Usyk twice beat Fury on pointsCredit: PA More

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      ‘It’s gone’ – Tommy Fury hid ‘problem’ injury from his opponent in comeback fight, reveals dad John

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      TOMMY FURY suffered another hand injury during his comeback fight against Kenan Hanjalic.Tommy, 26, defeated Hanjalic via unamimous decision on Friday on a bizarre card in Budapest to extend his undefeated streak to 11 fights.Tommy Fury suffered another hand injury against Kenan HanjalicTommy’s hand was “gone” by the end of the third roundTommy’s father John Fury did all he could to hide his son’s injury during the fightTyson Fury’s younger brother had been out of action for over 18 months since his victory over KSI.That was because TNT underwent surgery on his hand and needed time off boxing to fully recover.However, the Mancunian bruiser continued to suffer with the same issue during his fight with Hanjalic.And his father John Fury revealed his son’s hand was “gone” by the end of the third round.Read More on BoxingThat was when the Fury camp decided to do everything it could to hide it and make sure the opposition never found out.John said: “The hand is going to be a problem.”He said to me at the end of the third round, ‘This hand is gone’.”We didn’t want to say too much.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVictory in Budapest moved Fury to a perfect 11-0Fury paid tribute to girlfriend Molly-Mae-Hague in his post-fight interviewCredit: DAZN”We didn’t want the opposition to know there was a problem.”But again, the kid [Hanjalic] was six fights and five wins. This man was in incredible shape.” Tommy Fury gets back in the ringTommy managed to maintain a stiff upper lip and made it through the six-round affair.The former Love Island contestant went on to call out Jake Paul for a rematch after handing the YouTuber his first ever loss in 2023.Fury dedicated the victory to partner Molly-Mae Hague after the pair had earlier confirmed they had got back together. More

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      Man City ace Phil Foden in shock after brave cousin forced to rescue her three kids from horror house fire

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      MANCHESTER City ace Phil Foden has been left shocked after his “sister” and her three young children narrowly escaped a house fire.The England attacking midfielder, 24, was left distraught after his cousin’s house set on fire in the middle of the night.Phil Foden’s cousin narrowly escaped a house fireCredit: GettyCodie Owen is said to be like a ‘sister’ to PhilCredit: FacebookCodie Owen, who Phil classes as his sister after they grew up together, bravely managed to get two of her young children outside the property in Stockport, Gtr Manchester.She then returned into the house to rescue her third child.The fire brigade attended the blaze at the property near Stockport County’s stadium and spent more than two hours putting it out.Codie and her children were all taken to Stepping Hill hospital to be checked for smoke inhalation.Read More in FootballThe fire is believed to have been started by a faulty extractor fan in the upstairs bathroom.A source said: “Phil was really upset when he heard what had happened. “He is really really close to Codie.“They are best pals and spent loads of time together as children. He regards her as a sister and dotes on her children.Most read in Football“He’s now helping her find alternative accommodation as she can’t return to the house for a while due to the smoke damage.”In 2021 Codie posted a touching tribute to Phil on her Facebook page, adding: “We are so proud of you”.How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheAnd in 2018 she posted another Selfie of Phil with her and her son, adding: “Big happy 18th birthday to my rondog.”A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At 1.20am on Friday 2 May, three fire engines attended a house fire in Edgeley, Stockport.”The fire was on the first floor, and crews used two breathing apparatus, one hose reel and a positive pressure ventilation fan to tackle it.“One adult and three children were taken to hospital for precautionary checks.”Crews were in attendance for two hours.”Foden’s agent was approached for comment.Earlier this month, the Prem star was pictured getting kitted out in full Burberry.Foden promoted the designer brand with snaps of himself in jacket, shorts and trainers at one the label’s upmarket shops.Read More on The SunLast month, The Sun revealed Foden went to take his mind off football by going on a fishing trip.The ace held up a beauty caught on a trip with the team from Manchester-based Carp Fever. More

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      ‘Hearts fuller than ever’ – Max Verstappen & Kelly Piquet reveal birth of 1st baby with sweet pics hours before Miami GP

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has become a dad for the first time after girlfriend Kelly Piquet gave birth to a baby girl.The four-time world champion has announced the arrival of little Lily hours before practice begins at the Miami Grand Prix.Max Verstappen has become a dad for the first time after Kelly gave birthCredit: @MAXVERSTAPPEN1Lily Verstappen was born this weekCredit: @MAXVERSTAPPEN1Piquet was due to give birth on her May 6 due date – two days after the Miami GPVerstappen and Piquet shared a picture of tot gripping onto a finger with the words: “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily 🌸.”Our hearts are fuller than ever – you are our greatest gift. We love you so much.”The happy news led to lots of well-wishes from fans and family, with Verstappen’s sister Victoria writing: “Can’t wait to meet her!”Lily was born on Thursday and Verstappen later flew out to Florida on the same day.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe Dutchman had delayed his flight to be at home with Kelly in Monaco.That meant the new dad, 27, missed Thursday’s usual media briefing, as he was in the air in his private jet after leaving an airport in Nice.Despite the news coming hours before practice begins in Florida, title-challenging Verstappen is expected to race for Red Bull this weekend.A statement from the team said: “Please note that Max will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“All is well and he will attend track tomorrow for the race weekend.“We will not be offering any further comment at this time in respect towards the privacy of Max and his family.”Verstappen’s excruciating reaction to Jack Whitehall gag at F1 new season launch event Practice 1 takes place on Friday lunchtime Miami time – six hours behind the time zone in Monaco – with sprint qualifying later at 9:30pm GST. There is then the sprint race at 12pm on Saturday plus qualifying for the Grand Prix at 4pm.Lights out on race day is 24 hours later at 4pm on Sunday.Verstappen – who picked up his only weekend win in Japan this season – will try and cut the gap on Oscar Piastri.The Australian sits top of the drivers’ standings on 99 points, ten clear of McLaren team-mate Lando Norris – with Verstappen third on 87.Brazilian model Piquet, 36, is the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet and has a five-year-old daughter, Penelope, with ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.Read More on The SunVerstappen and Piquet started dating in 2020 – four years after meeting at a dinner – after her relationship with Kvyat ended.The Dutchman revealed that hates being famous and wants to spend more time with his family in a new Viaplay documentary this week.Verstappen is set to race in Miami this weekend after his baby’s arrivalDutch champion Verstappen and Piquet have been together for five yearsVerstappen celebrates his first world championship title with Piquet in 2021 More

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      ‘They get a little bit nervous’ – Canelo Alvarez reveals promise he makes to his daughter before every fight

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      CANELO ALVAREZ revealed his kids are his biggest and most nervous fans – until he reassures them with a simple promise.Canelo has two daughters, Emily and Maria and a son named Saul Adiel – with different women.Canelo Alvarez with his youngest daughter Maria and wife FernandaCanelo makes a special promise to Maria before every fightCredit: fernandagmtzCanelo stands next to eldest daughter Emily, left, with son Saul Adiel next to MariaCredit: @canelo All three of the Mexican superstar’s children are regulars at ringside for his fights – but he has to first put them at ease. Canelo, 34, told SunSport: “They get a little bit nervous, but they like it. They scream, they support me with all they have.”I think Maria is the one with more nervous on herself because she says that she don’t want somebody to hurt me or something like that.”And I say, ‘Don’t worry, that’s why I’m here training and do my doing my best here in training camp so that doesn’t happen.'”READ MORE IN BOXINGCanelo had his eldest Emily when he was just 16 with Karen Beltran – and they remain on good terms parenting together.Canelo had son Saul Adiel, six, with Nadia Sepulveda in 2019 and shares Maria, seven, with his current wife Fernanda. The boxing great has dated Fernanda on and off – welcoming their daughter in 2017 – before marrying in 2021.His two youngest are always in the gym with their super-dad – but it is eldest Maria who only truly understands his superstardom.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCanelo said: “I think they realise a little bit, but not the magnitude of what I do or what I am in boxing.”Maybe my older daughter, obviously she’s 17, so she already realised how big I am. But my other kids Adel and Maria, maybe they realise a little bit.”Canelo Alvarez warns he’s ready to bash more Brit rivals with boxing icon ‘dreaming’ of UK debut Canelo is believed to have met his wife Fernanda over ten years ago before they started dating around the time Maria was born. They broke up but later reconciled before marrying and Canelo – who hopes to retire at 37 – revealed Fernanda wants to add to the Alvarez clan.He said: “My wife wants me to retire at 40! Imagine that, and I say ‘No, I don’t, I don’t think so.’ She likes to see me fighting and all that kind of stuff.”And obviously she wants to have more kids and she wants the other kids to see me in training and seeing what I do in the training camps and this and that.”But I say to her, you know, they’re gonna see me in another areas of my life, in my business and that kind of stuff, but we’ll see.”Canelo returns in an undisputed super-middleweight title decider against William Scull in Riyadh – his first bout outside of North America. A super-fight against Terence Crawford, 37, is also expected to follow in September in Las Vegas as part of a four-bout deal with Saudi’s Turki Alalshikh. Canelo’s eldest Emily, far right, with his son Adel and youngest daughter MariaCredit: GettyThe boxing legend with his eldest daughter EmilyCredit: @caneloSaul Adiel and Maria in the gym with CaneloCredit: @canelo Canelo only penned the bumper contract after walking away from a shock fight with 28-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in May. Talks were advanced for a May 3 bout in Vegas – with news even getting back to Canelo’s youngest daughter Maria. He said: “Maybe her friends told her about the fight.”Because the fathers of her friends told them and everything talking about it – because they don’t know anything about boxing.”That kind of people don’t know anything about boxing and they think Jake Paul is really good fighter. Which he is a fighter, but it’s levels in boxing. “And that’s why my daughter told me, ‘You’re gonna fight with Jake Paul?’ And I said, ‘He’s not on my level my love, don’t worry!'”I think it’s for that fact that people don’t how boxing works.” Canelo still leaves the door open to the spectacle bout – but reveals he is glad the fiasco is now put behind him. Read More on The SunHe said: “I’m very happy. Things happen for a reason and I’m happy with this and I’m gonna enjoy it as much as I can.”Watch the full episode of The Sun’s Split Decision featuring exclusive interviews with Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.Canelo fights William Scull in RiyadhCredit: GettyTerence Crawford is set to fight Canelo in SeptemberCredit: Getty Images – GettyCanelo had to walk away from fighting Jake PaulCredit: Rex More

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      Teofimo Lopez ready to follow in his dad’s footsteps by one day training his son… despite their ‘rough’ experiences

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      TEOFIMO LOPEZ is ready to one day coach his son to become a boxer – despite the sport taking a toll on the relationship with his own dad. Lopez has been coached by his father Teofimo Sr throughout his amateur and professional career.Teofimo Lopez with his dadCredit: GettyTeofimo Sr has always coached his boyLopez and his son JuniorAnd while the two are inseparable, boxing has caused the lines to be blurred between father and son and trainer and fighter. But even so, if Lopez’s three-year-old son Junior wanted to enter the family business, the world champion could not bare pass his boy over. He told SunSport: “I would train my son and I would coach him.”I think that he’ll be in the best hands with me. I’ll definitely be there watching him, step by step. READ MORE IN BOXING”I’ll definitely have other trainers or other mentors that have paved the way for myself to watch him as well, to make sure that my son is in the great hands along the journey of boxing because this road is rugged, it’s rough.”Many bumps and you gotta be a strong, you gotta be strong willed, to be able to conquer all of them.”Lopez will be the first to admit his volatile dad is often a coach first and father second – with boxing always coming first. He said: “Boxing all the time. I mean, it’s not too hard though.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It’s good to sometimes feel like you have many more things outside of boxing but everything always involves in boxing. “This is what I know, this is my world and I love it. And I think that was the thing about my whole situation was the key of trying to find out what was my purpose what is it that I need to do?”Why Devin Haney was ‘smiling ear to ear’ and Teofimo Lopez ‘loved’ Chris Eubank Jr’s emotional reunion with his dadLopez, 27, returns on Friday night in a historic three-fight card staged in New York’s famous Times Square. He defends his WBO super-lightweight title against rival Arnold Barboza Jr, 33, amid inconsistent performances in the ring. Lopez has excellent wins over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor – but escaped with controversial decisions against Jamaine Ortiz and Sandor Martin.Also in action on the night is Ryan Garcia against Rolando Romero and Devin Haney returning to face Jose Ramirez. Lopez especially has history with Garcia, Haney, both 26, and Romero, 29, dating back to their days boxing in amateur competitions. He said: “We all know each other from like the amateurs. That’s what it feels like right now.Read More on The Sun”It feels like we’re in a national tournament. Only thing is that the stage got bigger. “The people know us a bit more and what else can I say? It’s a historic event. But other than that, it’s, no pressure, no rivalry, just entertainment.” Lopez returns to fight Arnold Barboza JrCredit: GettyDevin Haney fights Jose RamirezCredit: GettyRyan Garcia headlines against Rolando RomeroCredit: Rex More