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    France vs Argentina ends in HUGE BRAWL at Olympics 2024 following anthem boos and Enzo Fernandez racism storm

    FRANCE and Argentina players clashed on the pitch after an Olympic quarter-final.The French narrowly beat two-time gold medallists Argentina 1-0, but the game was marred by boiling tensions on the full-time whistle.France and Argentina players were involved in a brawl after their Olympic quarter-finalCredit: AFPCoaching staff were also involved in the meleeCredit: ReutersBoth sets of players appeared extremely irateCredit: ReutersEnzo Millot was reportedly shown red after the fightingCredit: GettyPlayers and staff of both sides were involved in a brawl on the pitch just moments after the referee called time on the game.French coaching staff and players spilled onto the pitch in celebration at making an Olympic semi-final on home soil.While Argentina coaches and substitutes were also seen running onto the playing surface.There was clear pushing and shoving as a group of Argentine players confronted France star Enzo Millot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs things escalated, other players got involved in a bid to try and calm things down.According to reports, France midfielder Millot had celebrated his nation’s victory over-zealously towards Argentine players – sparking an angry reaction.And after the match, French manager Thierry Henry revealed Millot had been shown a red card and fumed at his player’s behaviour.Arsenal legend Henry said: “I apologise for the final disturbance. It’s not what I wanted and I couldn’t control it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe added: “Enzo Millot received a red card after the match. That’s not helpful.”I don’t like this kind of thing. I’m not happy about it.Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez posts video of Argentina stars singing racist chant The brawl follows a race row between Argentina and France last month.Argentina star Enzo Fernandez, who is not in the Olympic squad, live streamed a video of himself and his national teammates singing an offensive chant about the French national side following their Copa America glory this summer.The vile chant appeared to take aim at the French national team and dates back to the 2022 World Cup, when Argentina beat France in the final on penalties.Appearing on live TV back then, some fans from the South American country sang an offensive chant that alluded to a number of the French stars’ African heritage.Millot was reported to have started the brawl by goading the ArgentinesCredit: GettyFrance boss Thierry Henry was less than pleased with the referee’s decisionCredit: ReutersAnd in Fernandez’s Instagram video, he and his team-mates could be heard to sing the sickening words during their celebrations.Fernandez’s Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana, who is French and the son of an Ivorian father, took to social media to slam the clip as “racism”.He wrote: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism”.Fernandez has since issued an apology online to those who saw the video, as well as a private apology to his Chelsea teammates.And Fofana revealed that he and Fernandez have made up, explaining that the South American is “not racist”.After the pair both joined Chelsea’s pre-season preparations together, Fofana said: “It’s simple. He arrived on Monday and we talked with the manager. We talked together.”I explained why I didn’t like the video. He explained, he said sorry because he did not want to hurt French fans or anyone.”He did not understand when singing it. He did not understand. And I trust him.”Because I know him. I know he is not racist. The act, I felt a little bit upset. But now, it is done. It is finished.”We play for the same club and badge and train together. Now I understand him. He understands me. Everybody is happy.”But the French fans before the game were not so forgiving.During the Argentine national anthem, loud boos could be heard from the home supporters.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd this was not the first time the anthem was booed during the Olympics, with similar scenes occurring before Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Morocco in the opening match.The Argentine rugby team also saw their tries booed by the French crowd during the rugby sevens competition.Enzo Fernandez streamed a sick chant about the French national team on his Instagram liveCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezFernandez’s Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana slammed the video as “uninhibited racism”Credit: GettyFofana and Fernandez have since made up after returning to pre-season training with the BluesCredit: Getty More

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    When is Imane Khelif’s next fight at the Olympics? Opponent and start time

    GENDER row boxer Imane Khelif continues her Olympics campaign this weekend, despite the controversy surrounding her participation in Paris. Khelif beat Italian Angela Carini, who quit their bout after 46 seconds, in the last 16. Algeria’s Imane Khelif beat Italy’s Angela Carini in their women’s 66kg fightCredit: APThe fight sparked global outrage over Khelif’s inclusion at the Games, having been disqualified from last year’s Women’s Boxing World Championships for failing to meet gender eligibility criteria. The International Olympic Committee said she was disqualified after failing a testosterone level test.Khelife lost in the quarter-final to eventual gold medal winner Kellie Harrington at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, and has nine defeats on her record in total. But she’ll be looking to go all the way this time, and next up is Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori. When is Imane Khelif fighting next at the Olympics?Imane Khelif takes on Anna Luca Hamori in the quarter-finals of the 66kg division on Saturday, August 3. The bout will get underway at approximately 4.22pm BST and is set to be under a massive spotlight. Hamori has said she isn’t scared of facing Khelif at all, even with all the furore surrounding her. She told reporters: “I’m not scared. I don’t care about the press story and social media. Most read in Boxing”If she or he is a man, it will be a bigger victory for me if I win.”If Khelif wins, she guarantees herself a bronze medal with a spot in the semi-final. A loss would see her crash out of the quarter-final stage at a second successive Olympic games. More

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    If they handed out Olympic medals for common sense, Angela Carini would have got gold for quitting controversial fight

    IF they handed out Olympic medals for sound common sense, Italy’s Angela Carini would have won gold in the boxing ring in Paris yesterday.The 25-year-old welterweight’s opponent was Algerian Imane Khelif, who was disqualified from last year’s New Delhi World Championship for failing to meet the necessary gender eligibility criteria.Imane Khelif’s participation at the Olympics in Paris has caused a stirCredit: REXThe Algerian, who stopped Italy’s Angela Carini in 46 seconds, previously failed a gender testCredit: REXCarini rightfully called a halt to the contest to prevent herself from sustaining serious damageCredit: EPAIn other words, Khelif had failed the sex test — and that meant her punches were more like a man’s than a woman’s, which made her extremely dangerous to female fighters.So it would have been no surprise to boxers — amateur or professional — when the Naples fighter walked out of her contest after just 46 seconds, the first time she was hit hard in the face.Carini said: “I didn’t want to fight any more, it hurt so much.”Her coach added: “She felt pain in her nose.”READ MORE BOXING NEWSI’m sure elite fighters like Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will applaud Carini for walking out the way she did.She exposed the IOC for the politically correct idiots they are.After winning the contest, Khelif said: “God willing, this was the first victory.”God is willing me to the golden one.” Khelif later added: “Difficult for a first fight.Most read in BoxingOlympics gender controversyTHE International Olympic Committee (IOC) stirred up a huge controversy by clearing two women to box who had previously failed a gender test.Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified at the Women’s World Championships in New Delhi, India, in March 2023.Lin Yu-ting was stripped of a bronze medal after failing a gender eligibility test.Khelif was disqualified in New Delhi for failing a testosterone level test.Officials found tests showed they had ‘XY chromosomes’ — which indicates a person is biologically male.Rare ‘intersex’ medical conditions, medically known as differences in sexual development (DSDs), can also mean outwardly female individuals can have ‘male’ chromosomes, or vice versa.The Russia-led International Boxing Association organised that event but is no longer recognised by the IOC.IOC spokesman Mark Adams said: “These athletes have competed many times before for many years, they haven’t just suddenly arrived – they competed in Tokyo.”The federation needs to make the rules to make sure that there is fairness but at the same time there is the ability for everyone to take part that wants to. That is a difficult balance.”In the end the experts for each sport are the people who work in that. If there is a big advantage that clearly is not acceptable, but that needs to be a decision made at that level.”Both Khelif and Lin competed at the delayed Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. Lin is a two-time winner at the Asian Women Amateur Boxing Championships.The IOC said all boxers in Paris “comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations”.The controversy follows the famous case of Caster Semenya.South African middle-distance runner Semenya has a condition which means her body naturally produces higher levels of testosterone than normal for women.She won gold in the 800m at London 2012 and Rio in 2016 but was unable to compete at Tokyo in 2021 after World Athletics brought in new rules independently of the IOC at the time.”Inshallah [if Allah wills it]) for the second fight. I am very prepared because it’s been eight years of preparation.”It’s my second Olympic Games after fifth place at Tokyo. ‘I need an Olympic medal here in Paris.Female Olympic boxer WALKS OUT of fight in tears after just 46 seconds against rival who previously failed gender test”We will see who will win the second fight to know who will be the opponent.”We will be ready and we will do everything to bring back a medal for Algeria. One, two, three, viva Algeria.” More

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    ‘Hang your heads in shame,’ Olympics 2024 chiefs told after female boxer is battered by rival who failed gender test

    FUMING Barry McGuigan told Olympic chiefs to “hang your heads in shame” after a boxer who failed a gender test battered her opponent.Italian Angela Carini, 25, quit her last-16 welterweight bout with “biological male” Imane Khelif after 46 SECONDS, insisting: “I had to safeguard my life.”Imane Khelif’s participation in the Paris 2024 Games has divided opinionCredit: GettyThe Algerian, who pummeled opponent Angela Carini, had previously failed a gender testCredit: GettyCarini abandoned the bout after a mere 46 seconds to protect herselfCredit: EPABarry McGuigan has blasted the IOC for allowing Imane Khelif to competeCredit: WILLIE VASSCarini sobbed in the ring and snubbed a handshake with Algerian Khelif, who had been disqualified from the Women’s World Championships 18 months ago and accused of “pretending to be a woman”.Former world featherweight champ McGuigan, 63, blasted: “Shocking, dangerous and profoundly unfair on women and girls.“IOC, hang your head in shame.”Olympic silver medallist swimmer Sharron Davies, 61, added: “The IOC are negligent in their duty of care to female boxers.READ MORE OLYMPICS NEWS“This is a biological male fighting a female and everyone can see it.“There is no ambiguity that the IOC do not care if a female gets seriously hurt. Or worse.”Khelif, 25, and Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yu-ting, 28, who competes today, were both booted out of the World Championships in New Delhi in March 2023.The International Boxing Association claimed tests showed they have male XY chromosomes and raised levels of testosterone.Most read in BoxingOlympics gender controversyTHE International Olympic Committee (IOC) stirred up a huge controversy by clearing two women to box who had previously failed a gender test.Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified at the Women’s World Championships in New Delhi, India, in March 2023.Lin Yu-ting was stripped of a bronze medal after failing a gender eligibility test.Khelif was disqualified in New Delhi for failing a testosterone level test.Officials found tests showed they had ‘XY chromosomes’ — which indicates a person is biologically male.Rare ‘intersex’ medical conditions, medically known as differences in sexual development (DSDs), can also mean outwardly female individuals can have ‘male’ chromosomes, or vice versa.The Russia-led International Boxing Association organised that event but is no longer recognised by the IOC.IOC spokesman Mark Adams said: “These athletes have competed many times before for many years, they haven’t just suddenly arrived – they competed in Tokyo.”The federation needs to make the rules to make sure that there is fairness but at the same time there is the ability for everyone to take part that wants to. That is a difficult balance.”In the end the experts for each sport are the people who work in that. If there is a big advantage that clearly is not acceptable, but that needs to be a decision made at that level.”Both Khelif and Lin competed at the delayed Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. Lin is a two-time winner at the Asian Women Amateur Boxing Championships.The IOC said all boxers in Paris “comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations”.The controversy follows the famous case of Caster Semenya.South African middle-distance runner Semenya has a condition which means her body naturally produces higher levels of testosterone than normal for women.She won gold in the 800m at London 2012 and Rio in 2016 but was unable to compete at Tokyo in 2021 after World Athletics brought in new rules independently of the IOC at the time.But, allowed to compete at the Olympics, Khelif pummeled Carini for 46 seconds, smashing her nose, before the Italian threw in the towel.A crying Carini, who was told by friends, family and the Italian government not to step into the ring, said: “It hurt so much.Olympics gender row erupts after female boxer quits against fighter disqualified from World Champs”I am heartbroken because I am a warrior but I couldn’t fight any more. I have never felt a punch like this.”Khelif faces Anna Luca Hamori in tomorrow’s quarter-finals. But the Hungarian, 23, roared: “I will win.”I’m not scared. If she or he is a man, it will be a bigger victory for me.”The IOC hit back by threatening to dump boxing out of the next Olympics if it does not get its house in order — and insisted eligibility rules will not be changed in Paris.They said: “All athletes participating in this Paris boxing tournament comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations.”The gender and age of the athletes are based on their passport.”IOC and Paris 2024 Boxing Unit statement in fullA look at the full statement issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit…Every person has the right to practise sport without discrimination.All athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU). As with previous Olympic boxing competitions, the gender and age of the athletes are based on their passport.These rules also applied during the qualification period, including the boxing tournaments of the 2023 European Games, Asian Games, Pan American Games and Pacific Games, the ad hoc 2023 African qualifying tournament in Dakar (SEN) and two world qualifying tournaments held in Busto Arsizio (ITA) and Bangkok (THA) in 2024, which involved a total of 1,471 different boxers from 172 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the Boxing Refugee Team and Individual Neutral Athletes, and featured over 2,000 qualification bouts.The PBU used the Tokyo 2020 boxing rules as a baseline to develop its regulations for Paris 2024. This was to minimise the impact on athletes’ preparations and guarantee consistency between Olympic Games. These Tokyo 2020 rules were based on the post-Rio 2016 rules, which were in place before the suspension of the boxing International Federation by the IOC in 2019 and the subsequent withdrawal of its recognition in 2023.We have seen in reports misleading information about two female athletes competing at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The two athletes have been competing in international boxing competitions for many years in the women’s category, including the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships and IBA-sanctioned tournaments.These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA. Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process.According to the IBA minutes available on their website, this decision was initially taken solely by the IBA Secretary General and CEO. The IBA Board only ratified it afterwards and only subsequently requested that a procedure to follow in similar cases in the future be established and reflected in the IBA Regulations. The minutes also say that the IBA should “establish a clear procedure on gender testing”.The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure – especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years.Such an approach is contrary to good governance.Eligibility rules should not be changed during ongoing competition, and any rule change must follow appropriate processes and should be based on scientific evidence.The IOC is committed to protecting the human rights of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games as per the Olympic Charter, the IOC Code of Ethics and the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights. The IOC is saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving.The IBA’s recognition was withdrawn by the IOC in 2023 following its suspension in 2019. The withdrawal of recognition was confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). See the IOC’s statement following the ruling.The IOC has made it clear that it needs National Boxing Federations to reach a consensus around a new International Federation in order for boxing to be included on the sports programme of the Olympic Games LA28. More

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    I quit to save my LIFE, says distraught female Olympic boxer who lasted 46 seconds against rival who failed gender test

    ANGELA CARINI’s feared for her life as she quit her controversial fight against Imane Khelif.The Italian fought her opponent, who previously failed a gender test, for just 46 seconds before throwing in the towel.Angela Carini was in tears as she revealed why she quitCredit: TwitterImane Khelif landed two powerful punches in the opening roundCredit: AFPCarini fell to her knees and cried as the result was confirmedCredit: APCarini, 25, was hit twice in the face in round one and after the first blow she walked over to her corner to seemingly have her chin strap adjusted.But after Khelif, 25, landed a second powerful blow, the fight was abruptly ended.Carini then refused to acknowledge and shake hands with the Algerian after the referee announced the winner of the 66kg welterweight bout.She then fell to her knees and began to cry.READ MORE ON OLYMPICSKhelif’s presence at the Olympics has been deemed controversial as she was disqualified from last year’s Women’s World Championships for failing to meet eligibility criteria.The International Olympic Committee said Khelif was disqualified in New Delhi for failing a testosterone level test.She is one of two athletes cleared to compete in Paris along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who was stripped of a bronze medal at the World Champs for failing a gender eligibility test.Opening up on her decision to quit, Carini said: “I couldn’t carry on. I have a big pain in my nose and I said, ‘Stop’. Most read in Boxing”It’s better to avoid keeping going. My nose started dripping from the first hit.”It could be the match of my life but, in that moment, I had to safeguard my life, too. I felt to do this, I didn’t have any fear, I don’t have any fear of the ring or to get hit.Paris 2024 Olympics locked in cheating storm as swimming coach slams world record as ‘not humanly possible'”I fought very often in the national team. I train with my brother. I’ve always fought against men, but I felt too much pain today.”“I am heartbroken. I have big pain in my nose and blood on my finger.”She added: “I’m used to suffering. I’ve never taken a punch like that, it’s impossible to continue. I’m nobody to say it’s illegal.”I got into the ring to fight. But I didn’t feel like it anymore after the first minute. I started to feel a strong pain in my nose.”I didn’t give up, but a punch hurt too much and so I said enough. I’m leaving with my head held high.”I am sorry not to have taken Italy onto the podium. I entered the ring and I told myself I have to take out all of myself independently from the person I had in front of me.”And honestly, I don’t care. I said to myself, ‘This is my Olympics’. Independently, from all controversy, I just wanted to carry on and win.'”I am not one that easily surrenders. Even if they told me, let’s not fight, I would not have accepted it.”I am a fighter. My father taught me to be a warrior. “When I am in the ring, I use that mindset, the mindset of a warrior, a winning mindset. This time I couldn’t make it.”You all saw my nose that started bleeding. I didn’t lose tonight, I just surrendered with maturity.”Carini bears no ill will towards Khelif, saying: “I wish her to carry on until the end and that she can be happy. Olympics gender controversyTHE International Olympic Committee (IOC) stirred up a huge controversy by clearing two women to box who had previously failed a gender test.Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified at the Women’s World Championships in New Delhi, India, in March 2023.Lin Yu-ting was stripped of a bronze medal after failing a gender eligibility test.Khelif was disqualified in New Delhi for failing a testosterone level test.Officials found tests showed they had ‘XY chromosomes’ — which indicates a person is biologically male.Rare ‘intersex’ medical conditions, medically known as differences in sexual development (DSDs), can also mean outwardly female individuals can have ‘male’ chromosomes, or vice versa.The Russia-led International Boxing Association organised that event but is no longer recognised by the IOC.IOC spokesman Mark Adams said: “These athletes have competed many times before for many years, they haven’t just suddenly arrived – they competed in Tokyo.”The federation needs to make the rules to make sure that there is fairness but at the same time there is the ability for everyone to take part that wants to. That is a difficult balance.”In the end the experts for each sport are the people who work in that. If there is a big advantage that clearly is not acceptable, but that needs to be a decision made at that level.”Both Khelif and Lin competed at the delayed Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. Lin is a two-time winner at the Asian Women Amateur Boxing Championships.The IOC said all boxers in Paris “comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations”.The controversy follows the famous case of Caster Semenya.South African middle-distance runner Semenya has a condition which means her body naturally produces higher levels of testosterone than normal for women.She won gold in the 800m at London 2012 and Rio in 2016 but was unable to compete at Tokyo in 2021 after World Athletics brought in new rules independently of the IOC at the time.”I am someone who doesn’t judge anyone. I am not here to give judgements.”I simply entered the ring to fight and to fight for my dream. It didn’t happen. Evidently, God and my father wanted this and I accept it.”I am not in the position of saying this is right or wrong. I am not. “I did my job as a boxer, entering the ring and fighting. “I didn’t manage to, but I am exiting with my head held high and with a broken heart. I am a mature woman, the ring is my life. “I’ve always been very instinctive, but when I feel something is not going well, it’s not a surrender but having the maturity to stop.”After booking passage to the next round, Khelif said: “God willing, this was the first victory. “God is willing me to the golden one. Khelif later added added: “Difficult for a first fight.”Inshallah [if Allah wills it]) for the second fight. I am very prepared because it’s been eight years of preparation.”It’s my second Olympic Games after fifth place at Tokyo. ‘I need an Olympic medal here in Paris.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We will see who will win the second fight to know who will be the opponent.”We will be ready and we will do everything to bring back a medal for Algeria. One, two, three, viva Algeria.” More

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    Why Cuba’s Olympic boxers disguised themselves as GIRLS to flee and turn professional until 60-year rule was overturned

    CUBA are the kings of amateur boxing – but for six decades they were BANNED from turning professional.It left some of their great champions of the past left to flee the country, often on speed boats and even disguising themselves to do so.Odlanier Solis Fonte in the 2004 OlympicsCredit: RexYuriorkis Gamboa won gold at the 2004 Athens GamesCredit: Bongarts – GettyTurning pro in Cuba was prohibited since 1962 because their late leader Fidel Castro regarded it as corrupt.So Cubans were convinced to box for country, not cash.So much so that heavyweight legend Felix Savon – a three-time Olympic gold medalist – turned down the chance to face Mike Tyson.Legendary but controversial promoter Don King offered Savon numerous multimillion-dollar offers to defect and fight superstar Tyson.READ MORE ON OLYMPICSBut his response? “Why would I box for a $1m when I can fight for 10 million Cuban people?”Despite Savon’s loyalty to the amateur code, not all of his countrymen were willing to do so.Many of Cuba’s 2004 Olympic standouts in Athens took the plunge to leave and chase their world title dreams in America.Odlanier Solis, Yuriorkis Gamboa and Yan Barthelemy all sold their medals won in Greece for as little as £1,000 to buy food for their families.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThen, while travelling to a team training camp in Venezuela in December 2006, they made a run for it and headed to Colombia.From there, they went to Germany and signed professional contracts while awaiting US visas.GB’s super-heavyweights It inspired Guillermo Rigondeaux and Erislandy Lara – both future world champs – to do the same until their efforts in 2007 were initially foiled.The pair disappeared while representing Cuba in the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro and were sent back home.According to The Independent, they were dressed up as women to slip through Brazilian security, but were sensationally captured in a BROTHEL.Both were then banned from ever representing Cuba again which only proved to encourage them to try to escape once more.And by 2009 they had each successfully defected to America, with Rigondeaux and Lara later going on to win world titles as pros.With five of their former Olympians tempted over to the paid ranks, Cuba suffered somewhat of a crisis at Beijing in 2008.Felix Savon famously turned down the chance to fight Mike TysonCredit: AP:Associated PressGuillermo Rigondeaux defected from Cuba and won a world titleCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionRigondeaux, left, and Erislandy Lara, right, got caught trying to defectFor the first time since 1988, they left the Games without a single gold medal in boxing.But it did not last long, because in London four years later they twice won gold and another two bronzes.Perhaps what was even more appreciated, no one from the team immediately turned over.However, by the time the next Olympics finished in Rio, Lenier Pero, Robeisy Ramirez and Joahnys Argilagos all defected.Cuban authorities then had a fight on their hands to convince their Tokyo 2020 stable to remain put after the Games were delayed amid the coronavirus pandemic.And they successfully did so and Cuba topped the medal charts with four golds and one bronze.Andy Cruz won gold in Tokyo in 2021Credit: AFPCruz is now an unbeaten proCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
    Julio Cesar La Cruz, Arlen Lopez, Roniel Iglesias and Andy Cruz took gold while Lazaro Alvarez left with bronze.Despite Cuba’s years of in-fighting to keep their top names from fleeing to turn pro – everything changed in 2022. Because Cuba finally ended their 60-year ban on pro boxing and gave the green light for fighters to turn over. And in turn, some boxers chose to divide their commitments to the amateur and pro codes following a separate controversial ruling. In 2016, boxers with pro records were welcomed back into the Olympic amateur scene. From Cuba’s last pack of medalists, only Cruz decided against it as he stands 3-0 and already touted for world titles. But 2-0 heavyweight La Cruz – who was eliminated in the last 16 in Paris – and 3-0 middleweight Lopez – through to the quarter-finals – returned to the amateurs. READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is a sign Cubans are still committed to the amateur code despite the allure of prizefighting paycheques and world title honours away from home. Arlen Lopez is boxing in the Olympics despite having a pro recordCredit: EPA More

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    ‘Greatest female footballer ever’ sent off in tears for ‘criminal’ karate kick in potential last international game

    WOMEN’S football legend Marta’s international career may have ended in tears.The Brazilian forward, 38, was sent off as her nation took on Spain in the Women’s Olympic football.Marta was left in floods of tears as events unfolded at the OlympicsCredit: GettyMarta leapt into a challenge with Spain’s Olga CarmonaThe Brazil legend caught Carmona with her high bootMarta flew into the tackleCredit: RexCarmona needed medical assistance after the foulCredit: RexMarta was shown red for the offenceCredit: AFPMarta announced earlier this year that she is calling an end to her international career at the end of 2024.And her dismissal against Spain could mean that her time in the Selecao has come to a premature end. Marta, who is widely hailed as the “greatest female footballer of all time”, was shown a straight red card for a horror high foot.The superstar leapt into a challenge with Spain captain Olga Carmona, but completely mistimed her approach.READ MORE SPORT NEWSInstead of nicking away the ball from her opponent, she saw her studs slam into the head of Carmona – giving the official no choice but to send her off.And her marching orders will effectively end her Brazil career with the South American’s going on to lose the game 1-0 and crashing out of the Olympics in the group stage.It’s extremely unlikely that the adored goalscorer will ever play in another international tournament again.Marta seemed to know that was the case and burst into tears after she saw red.Most read in FootballThe superstar was visibly distraughtCredit: APHer Brazil teammates comforted herCredit: ReutersMarta’s international career is now effectively over after announcing her intention to retire from the national squad at the end of 2024Credit: RexOLYMPICS FREE BETS – SIGN UP OFFERS AND DEAL FOR PARIS 2024The emotional star was coming to terms with her international career coming to an end in such a heartbreaking way.Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing either, taking to social media to react.Paris Olympics kicks off with fans BOOING Argentina during national anthem after Fernandez’s racist video about FranceOne wrote: “Not how anyone wanted this moment to go for the football legend.”While another added: “You really can’t believe what happened to Marta.”She was probably playing her last game as a professional soccer player and was sent off for a criminal kick. A sad ending.”A third simply commented: “Gutted”.And a fourth posted: “This sucks for Marta but it’s a clear red.”Marta is Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer with 115 goals during her tenure with the national side.While she is already a two-time Olympic silver medallist, finishing second with the Brazilian side in the 2004 and 2008 games.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe isn’t hanging her boots up for good just yet with her club career still going strong.Marta currently plies her trade in the USA where she plays for NWSL outfit Orlando Pride.Spain won the match 1-0, sending Brazil crashing out of the Olympics in the group stageCredit: Reuters More

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    Olympics star, 26, grew up in England but can’t compete for Team GB and risks JAIL if she returns to home country

    CINDY NGAMBA is the Olympian who grew up in England and trains with Team GB – but will not represent them.Ngamba left Cameroon for Britain aged 11 and has forged a successful path into boxing – reigning as a three-time English champion. Cindy Ngamba boxes for the Olympic Refugee teamCredit: PAAnd despite training and travelling with Team GB – she instead represents the Olympic Refugee team. She told iNews: “I feel I’m already part of Great Britain. “I train with them, travel with them, compete with them, I just don’t represent them.”Ngamba has lived in England for over half her life, where she also went to school and university while also having family in the UK. READ MORE IN BOXINGIt was ten years after uprooting with her brother and uncle to Britain – where her father lived – and eight attempts before she was granted papers to stay.She was arrested in 2019 as she signed on at an immigration centre. Ngamba, 26, said: “I was with my brother. We went there, to Manchester, every week but this time, we were arrested.”They were sent to separate detention camps in London and spent two days there before the Home Office were satisfied they had family in the UK.Most read in BoxingPrison would also be a threat if Ngamba was to return to Cameroon, where same-sex sexual activity is criminalised – she revealed she was gay to her family but STILL had to prove it to the Home Office.She said: “You can be killed, beaten up or put in prison. I can’t go back.”GB’s super-heavyweights Ngamba received her asylum papers in 2020 and was already on track for a successful career in boxing. She first started aged 14 in Bolton Lads and Girls Club which is part of the national OnSide network of youth zones but was the only female fighter. Ngamba said: “I was the only girl. Going there meant the world to me. “It gave me something to look forward to after school and kept me off the streets where I could have been dragged into something bad.”Ngamba’s Olympic dream got the green light when she won sponsorship from the Olympic Refugee Federation.She faces Tammara Thibeault of Canada in the first round of the middleweight bracket. Ngamba trained alongside Team GB athletes at the national institute in Sheffield ahead of the Games. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd there is already hope she will finally win citizenship to join GB for the next Olympics in LA in 2028. But Ngamba said: “I’m not really focused on my future at the moment, I’m focused on the present, on my medal, on winning.”What’s happening today at The Games?WHAT TO WATCH TODAY…TODAY’S BRIT MEDAL HOPESFreestyle BMX world and European champ Kieran Reilly will be aiming to add the Olympic title to his collection (12.40pm).Team GB’s men and women will both be in contention in the rowing quadruple sculls finals (11.25am).BRITS TO WATCHAndrea Spendolini-Sirieix – daughter of First Dates star Fred – and Lois Toulson go in the 10m synchro diving final (10am).In the hockey, Team GB’s women know a win against South Africa is vital after starting with defeats to Spain and Australia (9.30am).Commonwealth bronze medallist Jemima Yeats-Brown begins her -70kg judo campaign, two years on from losing her sister Jenny to brain cancer (9.20am).GLOBAL STARS TODAYThe all-star USA men’s basketball team, featuring LeBron James and Steph Curry, face Olympic debutants South Sudan (8pm).The 100m men’s freestyle final could be a classic with Tokyo champ Caeleb Dressel, new 200m gold medallist David Popovici plus Brits Duncan Scott and Matthew Richards all in contention (9.15pm).And Jessica Fox could win her second gold of Paris 2024 if she defends her C1 canoe slalom from three years ago (4.25pm).FANCY SOMETHING DIFFERENT?The beach volleyball is always spectacular viewing at any Olympics but this year even more so – because it is being played at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.There are matches all throughout the day from 8am to 9pm.Click here for all the events taking place at Paris 2024 today.Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE blog.Ngamba could still represent Team GB in 2028Credit: Getty More