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      in Motorsport

      Late Murray Walker said Lewis Hamilton is a better F1 driver than Senna and Schumacher because he is a ‘clean’ racer

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      THE LATE Murray Walker said Lewis Hamilton is a better driver than Michael Schumacher or Ayrton Senna – because he’s a “clean” racer.The legendary commentator, who passed away in 2021 aged 97, watched hundreds of F1 drivers across eight decades.
      Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton was lauded by legendary commentator Murray WalkerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Hamilton has won a record-equalling seven world titlesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But Walker revealed in 2020 that the seven-time world champion is the cream of the crop because he has never used dirty tactics to win races.
      Both Schumacher and Senna had contentious moments during their careers, but Walker claimed Hamilton is as “clean as a whistle”.
      Speaking about the Brit, he said: “Well, people say to me, ‘Who is the greatest?’, and I always say, ‘Look, I think it’s impossible to say, because the drivers and the circuits and the cars were different’.
      “Juan Manel Fangio took a lot of beating, Jim Clark, Sir Jackie Stewart — there again I could go on — but which is the best I really don’t know.
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      “I used to say Fangio. I think I’m going to have to say very shortly Lewis Hamilton, because if you look at it in terms of statistics, he’s already got more poles than Schumacher.
      “He’s got at least three years in him if he doesn’t hurt himself or leave Mercedes for some reason or they decide to stop, in which case he’s got at least another three championships ahead of him, so statistically he will become the greatest.
      “But he’s also in my opinion — and this is very contentious indeed — better than either Schumacher or Senna because both of them, Schumacher and Senna, adopted at various times in their career highly debatable driving tactics.
      “Like Schumacher stopping deliberately at Monaco to prevent Fernando Alonso getting pole position, like Schumacher colliding with Jacques Villeneuve at Jerez in 1997, like Senna with Alain Prost in 1990 in Japan, and Lewis Hamilton has never been anything like that.
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      Michael Schumacher won a total of 91 Grand Prix races as well as seven world championshipsCredit: EPA
      “He’s always driven as clean as a whistle. He’s an extremely nice, gigantically talented driver, and I don’t think we’ve ever seen anybody like him before.”
      Hamilton has dominated for much of the last decade, but Walker said the sport’s best era was in the 1970s and 1980s but believes it is still just as exciting.
      Speaking to In the Fast Lane, the official podcast of the Australian Grand Prix, Walker added: “A lot of it is looking backwards through rose-coloured glasses.
      “It’s still mighty exciting when you take into account what a contest it is with man and machine.
      “But I have to admit that for me the 70s and 80s were the most exciting time — but then I was very much more involved with it at the time because I was literally a part of it and having to communicate to the public worldwide what was going on.
      “It was very exciting times, when people like Jackie Stewart were driving, and we got the most incredible races at Silverstone, with Nigel Mansell beating Nelson Piquet, for instance, and various others.
      “You have to bear in mind that I’m an old codger. I was actually at the first grand prix they held at Silverstone in 1948 — and that was before Formula One even began.
      “In those days of course the engine was in front of the driver, the driver wasn’t wearing any safety clothing.
      “They used to wear a skullcap and no crash helmet. The medical facilities were absolutely minimal, the cars were mobile deathtraps.
      “They are infinitely more sophisticated now than they were, and it’s no less exciting from my point of view.” More

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      in Boxing

      Floyd Mayweather’s amazing £20m car collection features white vehicles in Las Vegas and same motors in black in LA

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      FLOYD Mayweather is said to have earned over a $1billion in a boxing career that saw him go undefeated in 50 professional fights.And although he has been forced to deny he’s broke because of his lavish spending, should he be hard-up there’s always his mega car collection he could sell.
      Floyd Mayweather likes his cars in white in Las Vegas
      But the motors in Mayweather’s LA garage are blackCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
      Floyd Mayweather is said to have over one hundred carsCredit: Refer to Caption
      Pretty Boy has amassed his own fleet of dream motors which is said to be worth £20million.
      It includes a series of Rolls-Royces worth over a staggering £3million, as well as four Bugatti Veyron supercars that cost £1.7million.
      But what’s unique about ‘Money’ Mayweather’s cars is that they mostly come in two colours – white or black – and are divided between his two mansions in LA and Las Vegas.
      In Los Angeles they’re black, and in Las Vegas they’re white.
      THE WHITE STUFF
      Scanning through 45-year-old Mayweather’s Las Vegas collection in his palatial Nevada abode, you’ll see some wondrous toys.
      The most exceptional being the car collector’s favourite, the Bugatti Veyron.
      Just like Cristiano Ronaldo, Mayweather is a huge fan of the Italian car maker.
      He seemingly owns four – one in white, one in black, and the exceptions to the two-tone rule being in red and silver.
      The other vehicles include a Lamborghini Aventador (£275,000), as well as a Ferrari 488 worth around £238,000.
      Mayweather seemingly owns four Bugatti Veyron supercars
      In Las Vegas his Bugatti is whiteCredit: Splash News
      Mayweather has a branded Rolls-Royce PhantomCredit: Xposure
      The Rolls-Royce Phantom would’ve cost £355,000Credit: Xposure
      This stunning Bugatti is the exception to the rule in silver
      If they weren’t flash enough already, Mayweather’s cars are often loaded with wads of cashCredit: Instagram @FloydMayweather
      There’s even a classic Porsche 911, but the Bentley Mulsanne – the most expensive Bentley you can buy with a starting price of £238,700 – takes centre stage.
      Occasionally, in true Mayweather style, he’ll throw in a wad of notes to show off the interior of his motors in an Instagram post.
      And he’ll even park them in front of a private jet, just to show off his impressive range.
      BACK IN BLACK
      In LA it’s a similar story.
      Living in a plush Beverly Hills mansion, Mayweather has a big garage to fill.
      And the former light middleweight couldn’t wait to show us what he had in his bunker.
      Astonishingly, we spotted FIVE Rolls-Royces worth over £2million.
      There was a classic Phantom, like in his Vegas pad, costing £355,000, a Phantom Drophead Coupe coming in at £367,000, a Dawn valued at £264,000 and a Wraith costing £364,000.
      On top of that, a large Cullinan that would’ve set him back around £300,000. There was also another Ferrari 488, as well as a Mercedes Maybach (£172,000).
      In Los Angeles, Mayweather likes his cars mostly in blackCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
      In Mayweather’s collection is a stunning Rolls-Royce PhantomCredit: Refer to Caption
      The Rolls-Royce Phantom would’ve set Mayweather back £355kCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
      Of course, Mayweather has another Bugatti Veyron with an orange trim
      His Rolls-Royce Cullinan is another gorgeous motor worth £300kCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
      Mayweather has five Rolls-Royces in LACredit: Instagram @FloydMayweather
      Another Mayweather purchase was his £155k Mercedes G-63 AMGCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
      Mayweather even has his own branded vanCredit: Insight News and Features
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      Other additions to Mayweather’s LA fleet are his Mercedes G63 AMG (£155,000), and he even has his own branded van.
      For Mayweather it’s clear.
      It doesn’t matter if it’s black or white, as long as it’s luxurious and expensive, that’ll do. More

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      in Soccer

      Football’s most controversial transfers ever, including Cole and Tevez, as Man Utd forced to abandon Arnautovic swoop

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were forced to abandon their shocking pursuit of Marko Arnautovic after a furious fan backlash.The former Stoke and West Ham striker was, for some reason, seen as the solution to the Red Devils’ attacking woes by new boss Erik ten Hag.
      Manchester United’s swoop for Marko Arnautovic did not go down well with fansCredit: Getty
      But after news of the approach to Bologna broke, supporters let rip at the club for the bizarre transfer policy and United pulled the plug.
      Ten Hag needs reinforcements to his squad before the transfer window closes, especially if Cristiano Ronaldo does force through an exit.
      Wantaway Ronaldo only returned to Old Trafford a year ago – after a dramatic U-turn as he looked set to join Manchester City in what would have been another controversial transfer.
      But should the deal for the fiery Austrian have been completed, he would have followed in the footsteps of other stars whose transfers caused quite the stir…
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      Carlos Tevez, Man Utd to Man City
      With the Argentinian owned by a third party – agent Kia Joorabchian’s Media Sports Investment company – Tevez was technically on loan to Manchester United for two years.
      The Red Devils dallied on a permanent deal, which allowed crosstown rivals Man City to swoop in 2009.
      A billboard was then erected in Manchester facing in the direction of Salford with Tevez on a sky blue backdrop with the slogan ‘Welcome to Manchester’.
      The whole matter left Sir Alex Ferguson incensed. “Stupid and arrogant,” he said of the poster. “A small club with a small mentality,” he labelled City.
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      Man City put up this poster in Manchester after signing Carlos TevezCredit: PA:Press Association
      Sir Alex Ferguson was livid after Tevez left United for CityCredit: AFP
      Sol Campbell, Spurs to Arsenal
      Harry Kane can count his lucky stars it was not the Gunners trying to lure him away from Spurs last year.
      In 2001, Sol Campbell’s contract with Tottenham was set to expire and was considering his options.
      Few could believe the England legend would end up at arch-rivals Arsenal, after admitting he was seeking Champions League football.
      It was “the ultimate act of betrayal”, according to the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust said.
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      In 2001, Sol Campbell shocked English football when he left Tottenham for ArsenalCredit: PA:Press Association
      Campbell feels the brunt of Spurs fans at White Hart LaneCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Ashley Cole, Arsenal to Chelsea
      What goes around comes around in football, they say, and Ashley Cole leaving Arsenal for Chelsea was one Gunners fans STILL haven’t got over – often referring to him as ‘Cashley Cole’.
      Chelsea and Jose Mourinho were accused of tapping up the ex-England left-back, when the pair met at a hotel restaurant to discuss a potential move.
      At the time, Cole was disgruntled with a contract offer he’d received – famously admitting “I nearly swerved off the road” with the £55,000-per-week deal on the table.
      All parties were fined for the tapping-up incident, but that didn’t stop Cole from making his move a year later.
      Months later at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal fans showered the pitch with fake bank notes with Ashley Cole’s face on.
      Arsenal fans throw fake bank notes with Ashley Cole’s image on them onto the pitch at Stamford BridgeCredit: PA:Press Association
      The notes featured Cole’s face as well his famous quote from his bookCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Luis Figo, Barcelona to Real Madrid
      The Real Madrid presidential elections of 2000 brought arguably the most astonishing transfer in Spanish football history.
      With Florentino Perez trailing in the polls, he launched an audacious bid for Barcelona talisman Luis Figo.
      He offered the Portugal legend a guaranteed £1.6million if he lost the election, but if he won Figo would have to either move to Los Blancos or pay £19m in compensation.
      Figo took the bait, and when Perez was voted in the £38m release clause was met and the winger joined Real.
      When he returned to the Nou Camp in 2002, he was met with a hostile reaction, as well as a pig’s head that was thrown on to the pitch.
      Barcelona fans burn a poster of former hero Luis Figo at the Nou CampCredit: AP:Associated Press
      A pig’s head was thrown onto the pitch when Figo returned to the Nou CampCredit: Diario AS
      Roy Keane, Man Utd to Celtic
      When Roy Keane made himself an enemy in the eyes of Sir Alex, there was no going back.
      First, he reportedly argued with Fergie over the quality of the set-up at the Portuguese resort United were enjoying a pre-season training camp at in 2005.
      Then, he blasted team-mates Rio Ferdinand, John O’Shea, Alan Smith, Kieran Richardson and Darren Fletcher in an interview with MUTV.
      The explosive clip was never aired, but the damage was done. Keane was granted a free transfer – joining boyhood club Celtic.
      Roy Keane signed for boyhood club Celtic after an infamous fallout with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty
      Roberto Baggio, Fiorentina to Juventus
      The Diving Ponytail joined Juventus from Fiorentina in 1990 for a world record £8m fee.
      But despite the huge cash windfall, Viola fans were fuming and they stormed the club’s offices – forcing president Flavio Pontello to hide in the stadium.
      Amazingly, the riots saw 50 fans injured, while nine were arrested.
      What happened next was even better. When the two played each other the following season, Baggio refused to take a penalty claiming Fiorentina keeper Gianmatteo Mareggini would know how to save it.
      After he was substituted from the pitch, Baggio then picked up a Fiorentina scarf thrown at him and later revealed “his heart was purple”.
      Roberto Baggio swapped Florence for Turin, but later revealed his heart was purpleCredit: Getty
      Johan Cruyff, Ajax to Feyenoord
      Forever the darling of Ajax fans, there was a time when Johan Cruyff threatened his reputation with them.
      After giving them the best part of his football career, the Dutch club’s board felt the Netherlands legend was finished at 36 and refused to offer him a new deal.
      Dutch legend Johan Cruyff won the double with Feyenoord after Ajax released him in spiteCredit: Getty
      Cruyff was furious. So mad, in fact, he signed for their bitter enemy Feyenoord, who he then led to the double and won Dutch Footballer of the Year.
      “I wanted to take my anger out on Ajax via Feyenoord after the club had thrown me out with the rubbish”, he later admitted in his autobiography. More

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      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi’s $9m Miami apartment has lift for his car he’s bought ahead of potential transfer to Beckham’s MLS side

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      LIONEL MESSI has reportedly already laid down roots in Florida should Inter Miami continue their interest in the Argentinian star. The ace, 35, is currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Barcelona.
      Lionel Messi has reportedly bought an apartment at the Porsche Design Tower – which boasts stunning views of the Miami coastlineCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lionel Messi may decide to head across the Atlantic to see out his playing daysCredit: AFP or licensors
      But Messi could eventually have his heart set on a move to MLS.
      He told Spanish TV station La Sexta earlier this year: “My plan is to give all I can for the club at the moment.
      “I would like to play in the United States and experience life and the league there, but ultimately come back to Barcelona in some capacity.
      “I’m not thinking too far ahead in the short-term and just want to see how the season finishes.”
      According to Madrid-based radio station Cadena Ser, Messi has already made his first move towards Miami with the purchase of a luxury apartment in the city.
      A pad worth at least $9million was reportedly purchased by the Argentine last year.
      The tower contains a lift for residents’ carsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A showhome from Porsche Design Tower’s grand opening reveals the luxury withinCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The swanky Porsche Design Tower, completed in 2017, sits on the Sunny Isles beachfront in Miami.
      Branded by the German supercar manufacturer of the same name, the building boasts three car lifts allowing residents to park their vehicle on the same floor as their suite.
      The forward is said to prefer to school his three kids Stateside while seeing out his playing days.
      Flats inside the tower feature grandiose living areasCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Messi could decide to mix with the great and the good of Miami inside the luxury buildingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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      Such an opportunity would heighten talk of a move to David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
      Last season, they finished 11th in the MLS Eastern Conference while being linked to a wealth of star names.
      Blaise Matuidi and Gonzalo Higuain joined Inter during the 2020 campaign and Olivier Giroud was reportedly offered an apartment in Porsche Design Tower to tempt him into a move.
      The showhome’s dining room shows off the typical decor of the apartment blockCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Messi is reportedly considering a move to MLS in 2023Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Porsche Design Tower was opened in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Boxing legends including Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather pick who would win Joshua vs Fury fight

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      A fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury has divided opinions across the world.The Battle of Britain was thrown into doubt by AJ’s defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, while Fury retired before seemingly agreeing a ring return.
      Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury originally agreed to a two-fight deal in 2021 before Joshua lost his belts
      And boxing’s most famous faces are divided over who would win
      The pair were said to have agreed a two-fight deal in 2021. But Fury has  said in the past he never thought the fight would happen.
      However, when the mega-bout still a possibility, boxing’s great and good were split over who would win.
      Here, SunSport runs down who the stars are backing as their winner.
      MIKE TYSON
      Iron Mike has backed his namesake to prevail against AJ if the pair meet inside the ring.
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      Tyson told BBC Sport: “It’s very interesting, Joshua is a masterful puncher. But you can see his punches coming, he telegraphs his punches.
      “And that’s just a recipe for disaster if you’re fighting Tyson Fury and you’re telegraphing your punches – to a guy whose 6ft 7in, come on.”
      The Baddest Man on the Planet also left AJ off his list of his top five current boxers.
      Prediction: Fury
      Mike Tyson has backed namesake Tyson Fury to defeat JoshuaCredit: Instagram
      FLOYD MAYWEATHER
      Mayweather was credited for bringing the money to the smaller division – but he has a friendship with both Joshua and Fury.
      He even revealed he speaks to AJ on the regular, but refrained from calling a winner.
      Mayweather told entrepreneur Rob Moore: “It’s a very intriguing match-up, you can never say what’s going to happen in the sport of boxing.
      “Both guys are great competitors. Like I say, me and Anthony Joshua talk on the regular, so I look forward to working with Joshua.”
      Prediction: Wouldn’t like to say 
      Floyd Mayweather admitted he does not care who wins between Fury or Joshua
      ANDY RUIZ JR
      Ruiz Jr, who famously handed Joshua his first ever defeat, reckons AJ can get the better of Fury – but only if he adopts an aggressive approach to the blockbuster fight.
      Mexico’s first heavyweight champion told The Daily Mail: “Fury has a really weird style.
      “I feel if Joshua doesn’t box around – like he did to me – and goes forward, throws his combinations, I think Anthony will pull out the victory.”
      Prediction: Joshua
      Andy Ruiz Jr may have beaten Joshua – but he fancies AJ to beat FuryCredit: PA
      GEORGE FOREMAN
      The former two-time world heavyweight champion sees no way in which AJ can prevail.
      He told iFL TV: “That boy Tyson Fury, you’re going to have to bring everything you’ve got to beat him.
      “I’m going to be honest with you – I just can’t see Joshua beating him.”
      Prediction: Fury
      DAVID HAYE
      Haye, a former heavyweight champion, twice pulled out of fighting Fury and he had some words of warning for his old rival.
      He told Sky Sports: “If Tyson Fury attacks Anthony Joshua in the same manner, in which he did in Vegas against Deontay Wilder, I don’t believe it works in his favour.
      “I believe he’ll be too open, too wide and someone as fast, athletic, and as skilful as Anthony Joshua will be able to punch right through the middle and take him out, and take him out early.
      “I know it’s a controversial prediction.”
      Prediction: Joshua.
      David Haye pictured with Tyson Fury in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      DILLIAN WHYTE 
      Whyte was beaten by Joshua in 2015 and Fury back in April. His prediction reflects how he feels about the two.
      He said on Behind The Gloves: “I have no idea who wins the fight, man.
      “I think it’s a 50/50 fight.
      “It’s crazy, in heavyweight boxing there’s a lot of things going on.
      “We’ll have to wait and see.”
      Prediction: Too close to call. 
      Joshua beat Dillian Whyte in 2015Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      ROY JONES JR
      The American four-division great – who amazingly won the heavyweight belt in 2003 – sat on the fence but did appear to suggest Fury is favourite.
      Jones told iFL TV: “I’m not saying Fury is as good as Ali skill-wise but he has a mind like Ali. With a mind like that, he can be anybody.
      “I think it was at a local show I saw him at and I said to him: ‘If you just give yourself to boxing for five years, you’ll be amazed and you’ll beat all these guys.’
      “I love him to death. I’m so happy for him and proud of him that he was able to do it.
      “I see him as the No1 and I think him against Joshua is a good fight.”
      Prediction: Fury… just about.
      Roy Jones Jr believes Fury is the No1 heavyweight in the world
      TONY BELLEW
      Only one winner for the Bomber.
      He said: “The top three heavyweights today, if you’re going on what they’re actually doing, you can’t really knock Tyson Fury for what he’s doing since he’s come back.
      “I understand why people have him No1.
      “I have to put Fury No1, but I still think AJ beats him. Styles make fights, and I think AJ’s style is all wrong for Fury.”
      Prediction: Joshua
      Tony Bellew has backed pal Joshua to defeat Fury
      AMIR KHAN
      Fury’s dominant rematch win over Wilder in February 2020 has convinced Khan he has the edge over AJ.
      Khan told Sky Sports: “If I was to pick someone, I do lean a little bit more towards Fury.
      “I think Fury is the full complete fighter. He is a good boxer, he can fight, he’s the one who put Wilder down with the power.
      “I never used to think he had that much power as a heavyweight and I think he proved it coming forward on the front foot.
      “So I do favour him a little bit more.”
      Amir Khan favours Fury to beat JoshuaCredit: Reuters
      BERNARD HOPKINS
      Following lessons learned from AJ’s loss to Andy Ruiz Jr, Hopkins has not only backed him to win – but to knock out Fury and ‘make a serious statement’.
      He told Sky Sports: “He redeemed himself. Now that is in his memory – what not to do ever again – Joshua beats Fury by knockout late.
      “It will be an interesting, exciting five or six rounds at the beginning. Then Joshua’s athleticism, boxing IQ and experience would overwhelm Fury.
      “Joshua would come out of a dust-storm based on his experience.
      “At this point he has to make a really serious statement based on [the Ruiz defeat]. Redemption.”
      Prediction: Joshua
      Bernard Hopkins tipped Joshua to beat FuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
      Klitschko, who lost to both men, spoke earlier this year about his prediction.
      He told the National: “Joshua is a superior athlete, great fighter, Olympic champion.
      “Most importantly, he’s a great guy, who carries the torch of this image of a heavyweight champion perfectly. I’m proud to call him as a friend, even though we were [rivals].
      “And I think and I wish that eventually Joshua is going to unify all of the belts. That’s the eventual plan.”
      Prediction: Joshua
      Wladimir Klitschko thinks Joshua will rule over the division
      CARL FROCH
      Froch thinks Joshua could upset the bookies’ odds but gives Fury just as much chance of winning on points.
      He told Sky Sports: “I think the only way that Anthony Joshua can win this fight is by stoppage.
      “He can’t outbox Fury, who is too good at range. He throws punches from all angles and he’s so awkward.
      “But Joshua is an Olympic gold medallist with strong fundamentals and he’s got combination punches with real aggression.
      “If he produces the same finishing instinct that he’s shown in past fights, then he can beat Fury.
      “AJ can get him out of there, I think he can, because you saw bursts of his aggression in the Kubrat Pulev fight.
      “If AJ maintains that, there’s a chance he could stop him, but the problem is, if he doesn’t stop Fury then he’s going to lose on points.”
      Prediction: Sitting on the fence 
      Carl Froch thinks Joshua can win by KOCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      JOHNNY NELSON
      The former WBO cruiserweight champion believes Joshua has more in his arsenal than Fury.
      He told talkSPORT.: “I’ve gone public in saying I think Anthony Joshua is the all-round better fighter.
      “I think Tyson Fury is better tactically and the more technically equipped, but AJ is the all-rounder.
      “He can fight, he can box, he’s an athlete. Tyson Fury is a boxer.
      “I think both men are now at a stage where they’ve done so much and learned so much in their careers that they’re so neck and neck.
      “But, I’d go with Anthony Joshua because he’s shown me a lot more variety in his arsenal.”
      Prediction: Joshua
      Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson believes Tyson Fury would lose against Joshua More

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      in Boxing

      John Fury was sent to jail for 11 years and is the bare-knuckle fighter dad of Tyson Fury who courts controversy

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      TYSON FURY’S rise to heavyweight boxing glory is largely down to one man – his father John.The 33-year-old WBC champ, who brilliantly defended his title against Dillian Whyte in May, featured in ITV’s warts-and-all documentary Tyson Fury: The Gypsy King.
      Tyson’s dad John Fury was a boxer, going pro in bare-knuckle fighting
      John went to prison in 2011 after gouging another man’s eye outCredit: PA:Press Association
      His Irish-born dad was a boxer too, fighting 13 professional bouts.
      He also fought in bare-knuckle brawls and claims he won £100,000 in one bout.
      John Fury, 58, also served four years of an 11-year sentence for gouging a man’s eye out in a sickening attack.
      And such is John’s influence on his son, it is believed he is the reason why Tyson parted ways with long-term trainer Ben Davison.
      Just like Tyson, life began in the ring for John.
      He had very little choice. Born in Galway, it was a family tradition to enter the fight game.
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      And he was good at it too.
      Standing at 6ft 3in, John fought 13 times as a pro boxer in the 1980s and 90s for a record of 8-4-1 at heavyweight.
      His one title fight ended up being a defeat against Yorkshire-born Neil Malpass in 1989.
      Journeyman Malpass pummelled John and won on points in a ten-round contest.
      John fought four more times after that, retiring after losing his final fight against Steve Garber at the G-Mex Centre in Manchester in 1995.
      STREET FIGHTING MAN
      But he was also more than handy at bare-knuckle fighting.
      John, who later coached Tyson and his brother, Love Island star Tommy, told the Daily Star: “In 1992, I fought the ­so-called ­champion at the time, an Irishman whose name I can’t even remember, over in Ireland.
      John Fury fought 13 times, winning eight fights during his boxing careerCredit: Rex Features
      John Fury was ringside to see Tyson Fury become heavyweight champion of the worldCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      John believes he can be a mentor to son Tyson Fury now after his prison reformationCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “With stakes and everything, I came up over a hundred grand.
      “The fights I had were usually over within seconds.
      “I weren’t an especially big puncher, but, once I got going, I’d not stop swinging until they were out cold.
      “I’d not come up for air. I just wanted to kill. I’d hit them with fists, elbows, head, teeth and feet until they dropped and give best [surrendered].
      “If they didn’t, I’d kick their face off, it was up to them. Afterwards, shake hands and on to the next one.
      “In my twenties I was a really ­formidable force.”
      When he quit fighting he became Tyson’s trainer, steering him to the British title after just eight contests.
      Born in Galway, Ireland, John’s family were travellers who foughtCredit: Rex Features
      Tommy Fury returned to the boxing ring after becoming a huge reality TV starCredit: Getty Images
      NAMED HIS SON AFTER MIKE TYSON
      When Tyson Fury was born back in 1988, Mike Tyson ruled supreme as undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
      But the baby was three months premature and weighed just 1lb.
      Fury was given slim chances of survival by doctors, but proved he was a fighter from birth.
      Father John Fury explained on ITV’s documentary Tyson Fury – The Gypsy King: “He was just a pound in weight.
      “The doctor said he probably won’t make it, he’s very weak.
      “I said to all them doctors, he won’t be small, I said he’ll be nearly 7ft tall, 20 stone, the next heavyweight champion of the world.
      “I thought, ‘There’s only one name fitting for him, he’s fought hard to become a person living in this world.’
      “Mike Tyson was the best in the world at that time.
      “Tyson Luke Fury – that’s his name.”
      A TIME FOR REFLECTION
      Fighting got John in serious trouble in 2011.
      A 12-year grudge with Oathie Sykes boiled over and John tried to gouge his foe’s eye out in a fight at a car auction.
      John, the self-confessed ‘hardest man in Britain’, broke down in court as he pleaded for a lenient sentence.
      He told the court: “I’m worried about my son. His boxing career is on the line.
      “If I could give my own eye to him to get back to my children I would do – I’m begging you for my life.”
      But Skyes offered a different testimony, saying: “It was like he was trying to pull his finger into my brains through my socket.”
      John Fury got in a row with Oathie Sykes, blinding his foeCredit: Rex Features
      Fury once called himself the hardest man in BritainCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      RELEASED WHEN HIS SON WAS CHAMP
      In 2015, John was released from prison after serving four years of his sentence.
      Two months later, his family were celebrating Tyson becoming heavyweight champion of the world after his epic victory against Wladimir Klitschko in Germany.
      John was ringside, and he couldn’t have been prouder of his boy.
      Reformed John was also ready to be a calming influence on his son’s life.
      John told the BBC: “Sometimes his mental state can carry him away but I can understand and help with that.
      “I’ve been very unlucky, but very lucky as well because my son has remained undefeated [during my time in prison] and come on in leaps and bounds.
      “But when I think he is going down the wrong way I can pull him up and tell him ‘we don’t need that’.”
      The Fury clan were happy to be reunited after John’s prison releaseCredit: Instagram @tommytntfury
      NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK HIS MIND
      Since his release, John has become a media pundit for his son’s fights, primarily those taking place in the US because he can’t get a visa to travel to the States due to his criminal record.
      Fury admitted: “I’ve been a naughty boy and there is no point hiding it. I’m not allowed in the country.”
      He’s appeared on BT Sport, and was critical of Tyson’s trainer Ben Davison after his son struggled to overcome Otto Wallin, surviving a nasty gash on his eye that required plastic surgery to fix.
      It was no coincidence that Davison was relieved of his duties after that fight.
      He told BT Sport: “I’ve never seen him as bad.
      “He looked weight-drained, he looked like he’d left it all in the gym to be honest with you.”
      Not mincing his words, he added: “I’m being honest about it, he’s my son, I’m a straight talker, that’s the worst I’ve seen my son.
      John Fury often appears on BT Sport to talk about his son’s fights
      It is believed John Fury is the reason Tyson split with long-term trainer Ben DavisonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “But what I can say? I’m very proud of the way he mauled his way through it, he showed world class heart and he will come again.
      “He needs to go back to the drawing board and see what’s gone wrong here. And be honest to look in the mirror and say, ‘Things ain’t gone right.’
      “He needs to look where he’s gone wrong. I’ve half an idea, but that’s for my own.”
      But John has since seen Tyson overcome Deontay Wilder twice, before seeing off Whyte to enter retirement unbeaten.
      However, it’s now reckoned Fury is lining up a stunning comeback with a trilogy against Derek Chisora or match-up against Hafthor Bjornsson in his sights More

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      in Soccer

      Prem stars who made a pile of money after football… from biochemical boffin Flamini to rice and noodle baron Gyan

      by

      IT’S no secret Premier League players are not short of a bob or two. If you are ever lucky enough to have a night out with the Manchester United squad the drinks should be on club legend Cristiano Ronaldo as he pulls in a tidy £480,000-a-week as the division’s top earner.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the highest earner in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      And if United’s big derby rivals are sat across from you in the bar you can expect Manchester City magician Kevin de Bruyne to be settling the tab as he is likely to have some disposable income from his £385,000-a-week pay packet.
      In fact, you should be able to put your wallet away if you are ever out with a Prem star as the average weekly salary in the division last year was over £60,000.
      But not all of our top-flight heroes have kicked back and relied on their football earnings in recent years.
      And here we take a look at six internationally capped stars who proved their business acumen was every bit as impressive as their footballing ability.
      MATHIEU FLAMINI… big in biochemicals
      Arsenal’s combative midfielder Flamini, 38, went from pro footballer to environmental entrepreneur as co-founder of GF Biochemicals.
      The company is estimated to be worth £21billion thanks to its ability to mass-produce levulinic acid, which is a fuel made from plant waste that can be used in the creation of plastics.
      Flamini is co-founder of highly successful GF BiochemicalsCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      ASAMOAH GYAN… big in everything!
      Better known for his stunning 51-goal haul for Ghana than his two-year spell at Sunderland, the 36-year-old is on course for a very comfortable retirement.
      Gyan’s business ventures in airlines, real estate, bottled water, boxing promotion, petrol stations and rice and noodles means his net worth is about £17million.
      Gyan often delighted Black Cats fans and now he delights shareholdersCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      ROBBIE FOWLER… property tycoon
      Liverpool’s goalscoring legend hung up his shooting boots six years ago but had already been building a sustainable income away from football long before then.
      He is involved in horse-racing and has owned a sports promotion company since the 1990s. But real estate is where Fowler, 47, shines as he reportedly owns more than 100 properties and has a net worth of more than £30m.
      Fowler has proved as skilled at collecting properties as he was at bagging goalsCredit: PA
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      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      THOMAS GRAVESEN… the gambler
      The Danish hardman delighted Everton fans with his take-no-prisoners approach on the pitch but stopped playing at the age of 32.
      He went on to amass a tidy fortune through clever investments and then boosted his pot up to £100m through poker winnings in Las Vegas. Gravesen, 46, now works back in Denmark as a TV pundit.
      Gravesen has remained as colourful a character off the pitch as he was on itCredit: Rex Features
      SUN JIHAI… tech giant entrepreneur
      Sun is still fondly regarded by Manchester City fans and became a cult hero as the first player from China to appear in and score in the Premier League.
      The retired defender is now worth about £20m after co-founding a sports data company called HaiQui Sports, which has over 400million users in China.
      Sun (centre) met British Prime Minister David Cameron and Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015Credit: AFP
      MICHAEL OWEN… horses for courses
      The one-time Liverpool phenom saw his footballing career cut short in 2013 after years of battling injuries.
      He has since become heavily involved in horse racing and his stable has produced winners at Ascot and the Dubai Gold Cup. Owen, 42, has earned plenty from horse sales and prize money and is believed to be worth about £36m.
      Owen’s collection of expensive horses are even quicker than he wasCredit: PA More

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      in Motorsport

      Former F1 star Kimi Raikkonen’s amazing $24m Swiss villa looks like a James Bond villain’s lair

      by

      FORGET No Time To Die, this is a time to live for Kimi Raikkonen.The ex-F1 ace, 42, believed to have amassed a $180million fortune, leads a life of luxury.
      Kimi Raikkonen owns an amazing $24m home near ZurichCredit: Instagram @mintturaikkonen
      Raikkonen, 42, takes the plunge in his outdoor poolCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
      The Iceman called it a day on his career at the end of last season after driving for Alfa Romeo
      But, rest assured, he has the choice of some amazing homes to retire in.
      First, there is his $24million James Bond villain-like Swiss villa.
      Then there’s his reported three homes in his homeland of Finland, as well properties in Dubai and Thailand.
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      But it’s his mansion near Zurich that Kimi spends the majority of time with his stunning wife, Minttu, and children Robin and Rianna.
      BEST BAAR NONE
      Kimi bought the dream house for a mega $20.5million in 2009.
      Named Butterfly – although it’s unclear why – it can be found in Baar, a small village near Zurich.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Kimi explained: “We searched for about five years for a property where we could build our own house.
      “Then we found Villa Butterfly which was ready for move-in and had a name too.”
      F1 ace Raikkonen paid $20.5m for the home in 2009Credit: Instagram @mintturaikkonen
      The Zug lake and the Alps can be seen from the propertyCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
      The expansive property boasts 3,000 square-feetCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
      In his spare time Raikkonen loves to play table tennis with his sonCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
      Stunning Minttu and Kimi enjoy the home’s gardenCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
      Kimi in his home, which has the name Villa ButterflyCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
      Built over 3,000 square-feet, the vast living space offers the motorsport legend and his family plenty of space.
      There are two pools, one indoor, one outdoor, for the Raikkonens to enjoy.
      Lush gardens overlook an incredible backdrop of the Zug lake with the Alps right behind it.
      Astonishingly, the building also has a lift and the windows are bulletproof glass.
      And there’s a fully-equipped gym to help Kimi stay in shape.
      MASSIVE GARAGE
      As is a theme with racing car drivers, they like to take their work home with them.
      Raikkonen is no different, which explains why his massive garage at Villa Butterfly can hold up to 10 cars.
      Although he is said to own a $360,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge and a $3.6million Ferrari Enzo, it’s motorcycles that hold the Finnish legend’s attention.
      Family time in the pool is important to RaikkonenCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
      Raikkonen likes to stay in shape when he’s at home in his gymCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
      Daughter Rianna shares dad Kimi’s love of wheelsCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
      The villa has a garage that can hold 10 cars, and is where Kimi keeps his customised motorbikesCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
      The Raikkonen family spend most of the year in their Swiss mansionCredit: Instagram @mintturaikkonen
      He has two customised bikes called Iceman I and Iceman II that were designed by German Walz Hardcore Cycles.
      Raikkonen was also gifted his 2018 United States Grand Prix-winning Ferrari that is believed to rest in his garage.
      But does he have enough room though for his old Alfa Romeo ride now the curtain has come down on his F1 career? More