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      From reality TV to the ‘heir to the Klitschko throne’ how GB’s heavyweights fared after Delicious Orie’s Olympic exit

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      TEAM GB’S medal-laden super-heavyweight success came to a controversial end following Delicious Orie’s Olympic exit. Orie was bidding to become GB’s sixth super-heavy medalist in seven Games but he lost a disputed decision to Davit Chaloyan of Armenia. Delicious Orie was knocked out of the 2024 Paris OlympicsCredit: ReutersIt means for the first time in a decade, Team GB go without a super-heavyweight medal – with Orie now touted to turn professional.But it has yielded differing success from boxing superstardom to reality TV shows and failure to live up to heavy billing. Audley Harrison, Sydney 2000 Harrison became GB’s first super-heavyweight gold medallist in Australia and came home a hero. Promoters queued up for his pro signature and soon he signed a £1million deal with the BBC to show his first ten bouts. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd he got off to an excellent start with 19 straight wins in five years – until he faced Danny Williams for the Commonwealth title. Williams – who had stunned and out-of-shape Mike Tyson the year prior – won the fight by split-decision. Harrison was then beaten in his very next bout by Dominick Guinn to leave his career in crisis. Audley Harrison won Olympic gold in 2000Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdIn the years following, his world title aspirations went up in smoke with inconsistent form. Most read in BoxingHe then fought David Haye in a 2010 domestic grudge bout but lost in three rounds – landing just TWO punches.A year after the infamous defeat, Harrison featured on Strictly Come Dancing – getting KOd in round seven. Harrison’s boxing career came to a sad end in 2013 losing to future heavyweight champ and star Deontay Wilder. A year later, he starred on Celebrity Big Brother alongside boxing promoter Kellie Maloney – formerly Frank. Harrison in 2016 featured on Celebrity MasterChef and now spends his time as an occasional boxing pundit and pro poker player. David Haye KOd Audley Harrison in 2010Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHarrison went in Celebrity Big Brother in 2014Credit: GettyDavid Price, 2008 Beijing Liverpool’s 6ft 8in giant pipped a young Tyson Fury after becoming one of the only to beat the Gypsy King in the boxing ring. Price won bronze in China and turned pro with huge expectation – not helped much by future champ Tony Bellew’s prediction. Bellew told iFL TV in 2012: “David Price is the heir to the Klitschko throne.” Price, Fury and Wilder were all touted as the ones to succeed Wladimir and Vitali Klitshcko but only two of them made it. David Price won 2008 in BeijingCredit: PA:Press AssociationBecause while Fury defeated Wladimir in 2015 the same year Wilder also won the WBC belt, Price laboured behind. He was knocked out twice by Tony Thompson in 2013 – despite the American testing positive for a banned substance. Price in 2017 chased a mega-fight with Joshua and revealed he dropped a young AJ in sparring. Joshua admitted the story was true but the bout never materialised with Price further being knocked out by Christian Hammer and Alexander Povetkin. His career came to a crashing end in 2019 following defeat to Derek Chisora – with Price spending his retirement supporting his beloved Reds. Price was KOd by Alexander PovetkinCredit: ReutersAnthony Joshua, 2012 London Joshua came second in the World Championships in 2011 but ran into trouble with the law the same year. He avoided jail for drugs offences and turned his life around to qualify for the London Games – where AJ’s road to stardom began.Joshua took the gold on home soil and was quickly signed up by Eddie Hearn – at the time and up-and-coming promoter. Within four years he was heavyweight champion and one of the biggest stars in Britain. Anthony Joshua won gold at the 2012 London OlympicsCredit: PAJoshua has reigned twice as unified world champion and returns for his third crack on September 21 against Daniel Dubois. His career as a prizefighter has seen him earn over £200MILLION. Away from the ring, Joshua has sponsorship deals with Under Armour, Hugo Boss and Lucozade. And up until 2022, he was still training at Team GB’s Sheffield training HQ. Joe Joyce, 2016 Rio Joyce only began boxing at 22 after growing up as a talented track and field athletics talent. But he took to the sport well and used his huge 6ft 6in frame to win national titles and a place in the 2016 Olympic squad. And Joyce looked on the way to emulating AJ before he lost a controversial decision to France’s Tony Yoka in the final. The loss was among a series of bouts being investigated amid allegations of corrupt scoring.Joe Joyce won Olympic silver in 2016Credit: Getty Images – GettyStill, Joyce turned pro in 2017 aged 31 and raced through the ranks with a succession of big wins including against Dubois and Joseph Parker. But his career was left hanging in the balance following consecutive stoppage losses to China’s 20st giant Zhilei Zhang. Joyce did return with a laboured victory over Kash Ali before again losing to British veteran Derek Chisora. Despite the run of three defeats in four, Joyce hinted he will continue after talking down retirement. Frazer Clarke, 2021 Tokyo Clarke might have thought his Olympic dream would never come true. He first became a GB boxer in 2009 but was overlooked for Joshua in 2012 and then lost out to Joyce four years after that. Clarke – who worked security for Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing fights – eventually got called up for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. But again disaster struck as the coronavirus pandemic KOd the Games and potentially Clarke’s hopes. Frazer Clarke took bronze in 2021 in TokyoCredit: GettyClarke stuck with it and eventually made it to Japan and walked away with silver before turning pro in 2022 aged 30. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is currently unbeaten in nine bouts and featured in one of the fights of the year in 2024. Clarke shared 12 gruelling and thrilling rounds with Fabio Wardley in March – fuelling demand for an anticipated rematch. Fabio Wardley and Clarke drew in a British classicCredit: Reuters More

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      Inside Team GB’s boxing failure in Paris with fighters controversially beaten before iconic sport VANISHES from Olympics

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      TEAM GB’s boxing team have been knocked off the podium in dramatic fashion.By Monday night, FOUR of our six fighters were already out.Team GB used to be at the top of the world boxing podiumCredit: PABut four of the nation’s six boxing hopefuls at Paris 2024 – including Delicious Orie – are already outCredit: GETTYRob McCracken’s tenure as performance director is under serious threatCredit: GETTYAnd if Lewis Richardson and Chantelle Reid cannot halt the downward trend, the value of the £12million injected into boxing for the Paris Olympic cycle will be seriously questioned.Three of the British defeats were split decisions — with the verdicts against Delicious Orie and Rosie Eccles controversial to say the least.Mike Tyson was world champion in 1996 the last time Britain left without an Olympic boxing medal.Golden duo Galal Yafai and ­Lauren Price led the way last time as GB claimed six medals in Tokyo.READ MORE OLYMPICS NEWSNicola Adams won gold in Rio with Joe Joyce denied a title by scandalous judging that later cost the IBA its job of running boxing for the IOC.There was a golden hat-trick at London 2012 through Adams, Luke Campbell and Anthony Joshua.But the path paved by amateur pioneers like Audley Harrison, Amir Khan and James DeGale has crumbled.It seems unlikely performance director Rob McCracken will remain at the helm.Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it is not British boxing that is desperate for reform — it is the entire amateur code of the sport.Boxing could be binned for 2028 in Los Angeles if a replacement body cannot be found to run the event.GB’s super-heavyweights The IBA was stripped of recognition by the IOC in 2023.That came after professor Richard McLaren reported “significant” and “rampant” manipulation of results among 77 Rio bouts the IBA oversaw.Umar Kremlev, a Russian pal of Vladimir Putin, was elected president in 2022 and promised a revolution.But a sponsorship deal with Gazprom and throwing cash around the unpaid ranks has raised alarm bells.Any talented boxer who watched the robbery Joyce suffered in 2016 or the suspiciously harsh decisions in Paris could be forgiven for ditching their own Olympic dream.Because even if Orie had got the nod over Davit Chaloyan, he looked nailed on to lose to Uzbekistan’s ­Bakhodir Jalolov — a pro with an unbeaten 14-fight record who is still allowed to clean up at amateur events.It is no surprise that British heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma, 19, and super-lightweight Adam Azim, 22, ditched the vest and headguard to make a living out of the sport.Undefeated heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma opted against pursuing Olympic goldCredit: RexAs did super-lightweight prospect Adam AzimCredit: PAAnd yet the amateur code — and the Olympics specifically — is supposed to be the sport’s pinnacle.Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk and Vasyl Lomachenko will all tell you their gold medals mean more than every belt and pound note banked since.Britain’s lack of success this week seems to say more about the state of the sport than the form of our crop.Far more worrying than a disappointing medal haul is the feeling younger stars may be better off out of amateur boxing.READ MORE SUN STORIESEspecially our women since the IOC allowed two athletes with male DNA to fight in Paris.Boxing’s toughest opponent right now is itself. More

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      How Olympics defeat sparked Floyd Mayweather’s unbeaten pro legacy while rival’s career went wildly different direction

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER’S last-ever defeat sparked an unbeaten professional legacy – while victory left his opponent doomed. Mayweather was just 19 when he made it into the 1996 Olympic semi-finals in Atlanta against little-known Bulgarian Serafim Todorov. Floyd Mayweather famously missed out on gold at the 1996 OlympicsCredit: AP:Associated PressMayweather was left in tearsCredit: NBCThe American legend retired at 50-0Credit: ReutersAnd he looked to be on his way to the final after the referee Hamad Hafaz Shouman raised his hand following three convincing rounds. Except confusion ensued around the arena when it was in fact Todorov’s name announced as the winner – to the shock of all. Mayweather was so devastated and full of emotion that he could barely get his words out in the aftermath. Fighting back tears, he told NBC: “I feel I won that fight.” READ MORE IN BOXINGMayweather then let out a cry and walked away from the interview as he was too heartbroken to speak. That pain followed the American legend throughout his career and it ultimately proved inspirational to his unmatched 50-0 pro record. Mayweather, now 47, told ex-NFL star Shannon Sharpe: “Am I happy with my amateur career? Absolutely. “Am I happy with the bronze medal and not winning gold? Absolutely. The referee raised my hand because he thought I won. Most read in BoxingEven the referee thought Mayweather wonCredit: YouTube Todorov was left in equal shockCredit: YouTube CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But I am glad that the fight went how it went because it made me work that much harder as a professional – not to feel that same pain again. It was one of the best things that ever happened to me.” Mayweather made his pro debut just months on from Olympic heartache while Todorov rejected lucrative deals to stay amateur. Floyd Mayweather cried on camera after 1996 Olympic final defeat Todorov – who took silver after losing the 1996 Olympic featherweight final – was locked in a dispute with the Bulgarian Boxing Federation. He even tried to switch alliances to represent Turkey in the 1997 World Championships – a year after his controversial win over Mayweather. The move was barred and Todorov refused to represent Bulgaria again – finishing his amateur boxing career in 2003. In the years since, Mayweather became boxing’s richest prizefighter of all time, topping Forbes’ rich list of the decade in 2019 with over £700MILLION made. Todorov meanwhile barely had enough to get by.He was living in a house in Peshtera, located in the southern area of Bulgaria, but he was forced to sell it to after falling on hard times.In 2015, New York Times tracked the former Olympian down and revealed he and his wife were working in sausage factories and supermarkets. And Todorov – who also turned down approaches from the Bulgarian underworld – was left to rely on £370 benefits. Serafim Todorov took a different path to MayweatherCredit: ReutersMayweather is the richest prizefighter of all timeCredit: InstagramHe is known for his extravagant lifestyleCredit: Instagram @liramsustielHe said: “I live on just a handout from the state, the money I get from the government is not enough, my family have no jobs. “It’s hard here because it is a small town and there is very little work. “I did have a bigger house in my home town, Peshtera, 20km from where I live now but I had to sell because I had no money to get by.”Mayweather caught wind of Todorov’s sad circumstances and said: “I wish him nothing but the best.”I don’t know why he didn’t become a boxing trainer because at the time when we fought, he was already a lot older than I was.”I was fighting at the elite stage at 16. I wanted to turn pro at 14, but it never happened. Five years later, I turned pro at 19. Within a year, I was a champion.”As Mayweather used the setback to greater good, Todorov took the opposite approach of self-pity. He said: “After I lost we had to stay in Atlanta for two more days to wait for our plane. I am glad that the fight went how it went because it made me work that much harder as a professional – not to feel that same pain again. Floyd Mayweather on his Olympic loss “I drowned my sorrows in alcohol and when I came back to Bulgaria, I wanted to quit boxing.”Mayweather – who has never once touched alcohol – was famed for his exhausting training sessions – and has Todorov to thank for it.He told Showtime in 2015: “I’m happy with how the result went. “I’m really happy because that made me strive and work hard to get to where I’m at today.”Mayweather officially hung up his gloves in 2017 after beating ex-UFC champion Conor McGregor, 36, in a lucrative crossover clash. But even in retirement, the money continues to come in with Mayweather still boxing in exhibition bouts.His next is a rematch against the grandson of notorious New York crime boss John Gotti on August 24 in Mexico. Gotti III was disqualified last year before a brawl in the ring.READ MORE SUN STORIESTodorov on the other hand has kept a low profile although a movie about his life was said to be in the works. So it may not be the last we hear of the man who gave Mayweather his last loss.Mayweather is still boxing in exhibitions and rematches John Gotti III on August 24Credit: Rex More

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      Fans fume Team GB boxer Delicious Orie ‘robbed’ after ‘stinker of decision’ sees him collapse in tears and exit Olympics

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      SUPER heavyweight Delicious Orie saw this Olympic dream destroyed by the latest astonishing decision at the North Paris Arena.Orie, Team GB’s best hope for a medal at these games was convinced he had beaten Armenia’s Davit Chaloyan after dominating all three rounds.Delicious Orie took on Davit Chaloyan in the round of 16Credit: APThe Brit, 27, lost via an agonising decisionCredit: PAThe 27-year-old from Wolverhampton had bossed the fight with his snaking left jab and seemed to have landed all the blows that mattered. But the Judges were watching a different fight from the crowd and astonishingly scored it three-two in favour of the Armenian, leaving Orie stunned and collapsing into tears of shock and despair as he was led away utterly broken.Following Orie’s narrow defeat, fans were left at a loss.One wrote on social media: “Stinker of a decision. Delicious Orie got robbed!”READ MORE PARIS 2024While a second fumed: “Delicious Orie has just been robbed against Davit Chaloyan. That’s an absolute disgrace.”A third raged: “This is completely disgusting. Team GB need to lodge a complaint. There is absolutely no way in hell that Delicious Orie lost that fight.”And another added: “Delicious Orie did not lose that fight. What a robbery.”After his controversial defeat, he said; “For the past eight years, I’ve always dreamed about that gold medal in the Olympic Games.Most read in BoxingOLYMPICS FREE BETS – SIGN UP OFFERS AND DEAL FOR PARIS 2024″Now it’s been taken away from me.“It could be me, it could be from the judges. That’s what’s happened.Team GB win first gold of the Paris Olympics 2024 in team eventing“But I feel like I’ve let myself down and let my family down.”Orie followed team-mates Charley Davison and Rosie Eccles on being the wrong end of shockers and with Patrick Brown also out in the first round GB are just two fights away from a first round wipe-out.He added: “I can’t believe it because I’m sure I did enough.“It’s too soon for me to start saying it’s unfair although I do feel hard done by, and it was the same for Charley and Rosie. But this leaves a sour taste.”Rosie Eccles was also on the receiving end of a tough decisionCredit: Getty More

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      Team GB footballer Gemma Wiseman took her own life aged 33 just days before Christmas, coroner rules

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      FORMER Team GB Olympic and England football player Gemma Wiseman took her own life, a coroner has ruled.The 33-year-old was part of the UK’s bronze medal-winning team at the 2016 World Deaf Football Championships in Italy.England football player Gemma Wiseman was found dead a week before ChristmasCredit: FacebookGemma Wiseman, left, and Laura Wiseman after winning bronze with Team GB in ItalyCredit: ArchantMrs Wiseman was found in woodland close to her home in Rackheath, near Norwich, by concerned friends who were looking for her on December 16 last year.She died at the scene, with her medical cause of death recorded as “constriction of neck structures”, Monday’s inquest in Norwich was told.Her wife, Laura Wiseman, said in a statement read by the coroner that they had “planned to go to Cornwall over Christmas”, adding: “I didn’t know what Gemma intended to do.”She said she had last seen her alive earlier that day.In a statement read to the inquest, friend Chloe Callaghan said that on December 14 Mrs Wiseman was “very quiet” and “wasn’t her usual self”.She said that in “all the years I had known Gemma”, who worked as a teaching assistant, “she had been very up and down with her mental health”.”She told me of previous dark thoughts and an attempted overdose,” said Ms Callaghan.She said Mrs Wiseman, whom she described as an “amazing mum and devoted wife”, had attempted to take her own life on December 15, the night before her death.Most read in FootballMrs Wiseman’s mother-in-law, Christine Wiseman, said in a statement read by the coroner: “To my knowledge Gemma has always suffered with her mental health since an interview she did in 2017.”She was asked about her dad, who passed away when she was five.”In a family statement, Mrs Wiseman was described as a “kindred spirit to all of us”.They said she was a “loving wife and mother – she always put other people first before herself”.”We have lots of happy memories we will treasure,” the family said.Norfolk area coroner Yvonne Blake concluded that Mrs Wiseman died by suicide.She said: “I’ve been told she was a former Team GB footballer – that’s an achievement, isn’t it?”She asked family members who attended court what position she played in, and was told she was a defender.The coroner said Mrs Wiseman was medicated for depression and anxiety, and a therapeutic level of an antidepressant was found in her blood.She said Mrs Wiseman had previously “taken overdoses”.”Her friends say her mood had dipped before her death for about a month… don’t know why but it suddenly dipped,” the coroner said.”She put it down to stresses of life, child, working.”She added that she was “very low in mood for at least a month or six weeks before she died”.She said Mrs Wiseman “seemed to have a bunch of good friends who were keen to help her and unfortunately found Gemma deceased in the woods”.After recording that Mrs Wiseman died by suicide, she told family members who attended court: “I’m very sorry – it’s such a horrible thing to have happened for all of you.”People feel so bad afterwards and tend to blame themselves.”The sad fact is if somebody is determined to do it they probably will, that’s my experience.”She added that Mrs Wiseman “obviously made an impact on people’s lives and they cared enough to say so”.She had won other medals with England and Team GB, including a bronze at the 2013 Deaflympics in Bulgaria.Gemma supported Norfolk FA’s first inclusive festival for girls and played for local clubs.In a 2021 interview with Norfolk FA, Gemma said her football idol was David Beckham.She revealed: “Girls who are not sure about playing football, you never know until you try and follow your heart.”It’s important to have the girls look up to as role models, so they can prove them wrong and be able to play the sport that they enjoy.”In 2016, footballing ace Gary Neville donated £20,000 to help the men’s and women’s deaf football teams get to the 2017 Deaflympics.The former Manchester United and England defender made the donation in response to a tweet from GB Women’s captain Claire Stancliffe.Wellwishers were distraught at Gemma’s death.One said: “Our thoughts are with you Laura and Allie.”Gemma always had such a wonderful smile and bubbly personality when we bumped in to you around Blofield.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother wrote: “We are so sorry to hear of your loss.”You, Allie and family are in our thoughts. Lots of love.”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:Gemma was found dead a week before ChristmasCredit: Facebook More

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      Canada Women’s boss Bev Priestman apologises to players after spy drone incident at Paris Olympics  

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      BEV PRIESTMAN admitted to being “heartbroken” for Canada’s women’s side after they had six-points docked at the Paris Olympics. Earlier today the Durham-born head coach apologised for the impact that drone spying accusations has had on the team’s players.Bev Priestman says Canada’s players “care very much about sportsmanship and integrity”Credit: APThe team received a six-point deduction at the Paris Olympics amid allegations of drones being used to spy on rivals New ZealandCredit: GettyPriestman, 38, who guided the side to a gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 games, is one of three Canada Soccer officials suspended by Fifa from all football-related activity for 12 months. The ban on the former Lionesses No2, and staff members Jasmine Mander and Joseph Lombardi, follows complaints of drones being used to spy on Olympic rivals New Zealand’s training sessions. And today Canada’s federal government announced it will withhold funding for women’s football team officials suspended by Fifa following the drone spying incident.Canada must win their remaining group stage fixtures and will need results to go their way to keep their medal hopes alive. Read More Football Stories Today Priestman’s legal representatives Lucentum Sports and Entertainment Law, shared a written statement from the head coach. In it, she said: “I am absolutely heartbroken for the players and I would like to apologise from the bottom of my heart for the impact this situation has had on all of them. “I know how hard they have worked following a difficult year in 2023, and that they are a group of people who care very much about sportsmanship and integrity. “As the leader of the team on the field, I want to take accountability, and I plan to fully cooperate with the investigation. Most read in Football”To Canada, I am sorry. You have been my home and a country I have fallen in love with. “I hope you will continue to support these extremely talented and hardworking players, to help them defy all odds and show their true character. “This programme and team have allowed this country to reach the pinnacle of women’s soccer, and their winning of the gold medal was earned through sheer grit and determination despite reports to the contrary. “I fought with every ounce of my being to make this programme better, much of which will never be known or understood. “I wish I could say more, but I will refrain at this time given the appeals process and the ongoing investigation. In the meantime, I will be cheering from afar.”Last week New Zealand’s Olympic Committee lodged an official complaint with the IOC and reported to police that a drone was seen flying over their training session.  The drone was spotted hovering above their session ahead of their Thursday night clash with the reigning Olympic champions.Following the complaint Priestman withdrew from attending her side’s group stage duel with the Kiwis, which Canada won 2-1 in Saint-Etienne.  The head coach was removed from her role at the games by Canada’s Olympic Committee last Thursday after being suspended by the country’s soccer association. This followed her assistant Mander and non-accredited analyst Lombardi also being dismissed from the team’s camp by the COC. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe COC stated this occurred after a second drone incident had emerged.The country’s national soccer association have also been handed a £175,720 fine as part of the sanctions announced by Fifa. Canada will take on Colombia in their final group A clash at the Paris games on July 31Credit: Getty More

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      I gave up on Paris 2024 Olympic dream to be with my dying dad… I’ve turned pro and want to spar Usyk for Fury rematch

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      LEWIS WILLIAMS will never regret sacrificing an Olympic dream to share his father’s last days.The 6ft 7in heavyweight coasted to Commonwealth gold in 2022 and hung the medal around the neck of proud Bob, who had just got out of hospital.Lewis Williams gave up on his Olympic support to share his father’s last daysWilliams seemed a shoo-in for Paris but his hero’s health dramatically declined last yearCredit: Twitter @Lewis24williamsHe will now turn professionalWilliams, 25, seemed a shoo-in for Paris but his hero’s health dramatically declined last year, so he decided to skip some crucial tournaments to stay at home and sleep beside his father before he passed away.Now Williams will cheer on his replacement, Pat Brown, and the rest of his Team GB pals, safe knowing he made the right call.He said: “I had some injuries after the Commonwealths but recovered for the European qualifiers.“Around Christmas there was another tournament but my dad started to get really ill and went downhill. READ MORE IN BOXING”Luckily, one of the nurses in the hospice had a boxing background and he knew what I was going through.“He pulled me aside and told me that time was running out. He didn’t tell me to miss the tournament but he was just honest about what was happening.“So I pulled out of the tournaments and stayed at home with him. Me and my sister would do shifts sleeping beside him because we never wanted him to be alone.“It was a bit of a sad Christmas for us but I am so glad I did it.Most read in Boxing“If I had been in Sheffield training or away at a tournament I would have missed him.“As hard as it was going through all that, I know I would be in a far worse state if I had been off training or boxing somewhere when he had gone.Samoa boxing coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito passes away “Boxing rules your life, you miss so many birthdays, weddings and funerals, training is everything. “But that was the one time I stepped back . . . and I wouldn’t change it.“I’m annoyed at not going to the Olympics but if I had gone to all of the tournaments and missed my dad’s passing I would have beaten myself up about it for the rest of my life.“No matter what it has cost me, I did the right thing.”Williams will turn pro and has offered to spar with Oleksandr Usyk ahead of his December 21 rematch with Tyson Fury.I pulled out of the tournaments and stayed at home with him. Me and my sister would do shifts sleeping beside him because we never wanted him to be alone.Lewis Williams The Ukrainian’s London 2012 gold medal went into his father’s coffin and Usyk says his dad visits him in his dreams before the big fights.Leamington-born Williams said: “That’s so cool, to know Usyk has his dad there guiding him.“I had to deal with it for quite a long time. Every time I’d leave to travel to Sheffield for training, I’d hug him and say goodbye and tell him I’d be back on Thursday.“But it was always at the back of my mind that that might be the last time I ever see him, so every goodbye was emotional.“I made sure every chance we got to spend time together we did something nice, even just going for a coffee or a meal or fishing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m just glad I got to spend that time with him. I was able to dedicate proper time to him because I knew it was precious and running out.“Of course it was a horrible time but we spent it as best as we could, together.”Williams has offered to spar with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

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      Fans ‘need’ new Olympic sport to be introduced at Paris 2024 as governing body say ‘we’re working on it’

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      FANS are calling on the Olympics to introduce a new sport on the eve of Paris 2024.Several new sports have been added to the Olympic roster for this edition including kayak cross, kiteboarding and breaking.Fans have called on tag to be introduced to the OlympicsCredit: YouTube/World Chase TagThe tag World Championships have taken place every year since 2016Athletes can hurdle over obstacles to evade being taggedA green light signals when the evader has been taggedThat followed the addition of skateboarding, bouldering, and karate, amongst others, at the Tokyo Games.But fans are keen to see another sport integrated into the Olympics – tag.World Chase Tag was born in 2012 with the inaugural world championship taking place in London four years later.It has taken place annually ever since in the UK and the USA and has even been televised in both countries, while attracting millions of views online.READ MORE ON OLYMPICSCompetitors are tasked with ‘tagging’ their opposition – just like the playground game.But at professional level obstacles are placed in the arena for athletes to hang off or jump from.And it creates quite a spectacle, with one athlete chasing after the other while a timer counts down from 20 seconds.Fans are loving the sport and have called for its inclusion in the Olympics.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne said: “I need professional tag to be an Olympic sport.”Another added: “Oh, this 100% needs to be official.Most influential GB Olympians”Outside of how badass it looks, they have to be in top shape to do this stuff.”And a third wrote: “10/10 would watch.”The official World Chase Tag account replied saying: We’re working on it!” More