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in Boxing
Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather flaunts 41 diamond-encrusted watches worth a staggering $20million
by Aurelia Butler 8 June 2022, 10:49
FLOYD MAYWEATHER has showed off his incredible collection of 41 watches – worth over $20million.Money, 45, is estimated to have a personal fortune of $450m and has earned his cash from pay-per-view fights and lucrative exhibition bouts.
Floyd Mayweather brought along two suitcases filled with luxury watchesCredit: Instagram / @floydmayweather
The boxer’s collection is worth over £16millionCredit: Instagram / @floydmayweather
In 2020 he gave fans an insight into where he spends his earnings by bringing out two suitcases crammed with diamond-encrusted timepieces.
As he revealed his bling, Mayweather claimed his favourite item was worth $18m alone and insisted he wears a new watch for every day he is on holiday.
The 50-0 great said: “You know what’s crazy? People are always in my f****** business, worried about what I’m doing, what Floyd is doing, what Floyd ain’t doing, what I do got, what I don’t got.
“Just know, I’m going to stay in my lane, I ain’t going to f*** with nobody and I don’t want nobody f****** with me.
Floyd Mayweather owns a timepiece worth $16millionCredit: Instagram / @floydmayweather
Money also brought out a wad of cash for good measureCredit: Instagram / @floydmayweather
“When I go on vacation for 30 days, I take 30 watches with me, but you know what, what’s crazy is this, if we add 10 more days, I take 10 more watches.
“Then I say f*** it, if I want to bring out the one and only, then I bring out the watch that cost $20MILLION.
“Matter of fact you know what I’m going to do, for you motherf***** haters today, I’m going to f*** off $50,000 because I ain’t got s*** else to do – Money May – all motherf****** day.”
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Floyd Mayweather claims he brings a different watch for each day he’s on holidayCredit: Instagram / @floydmayweather
Mayweather can afford to splash out on more watches following lucrative ‘retirement’ from boxingCredit: Instagram / @floydmayweather
Mayweather added that Las Vegas institution the MGM Grand – who bought him a Bugatti supercar – had also handed him a rare watch for selling out his fight against Marcos Maidana.
He explained: “The MGM Grand bought me this, it cost $400,000. Seven of these made in the world.”
Manny Pacquiao has called out Mayweather for a sensational rematch fight later this year in mega-money exhibition bout.
And SunSport looked into how ‘broke’ Money won and lost $1bn career earnings from lavish parties to his love of luxury jewellery.
Floyd Mayweather shows off diamond-encrusted watch and signs fan’s leg in London More
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in Soccer
Michael Owen’s amazing home worth £4m has a putting green, all his hat-trick balls, as well as a spinning Ballon d’Or
by Philippa Kaur 7 June 2022, 15:02
MICHAEL OWEN’S Ballon d’Or trophy is displayed under a spotlight on a spinning surface in his £4million mansion.Former Liverpool striker Owen, named the world’s best player in 2001, allowed TV presenter Keith Lemon into his luxurious home for ITV’s Through the Keyhole.
Michael Owen’s £4million mansion is set in 42 acres of Welsh countrysideCredit: ITV
The Grade II listed manor is set among 42 acres of countryside in the small Welsh village of Northop, near Mold.
Owen, 42, has owned the property since 2001 and lives there with his wife Louise Bonsall and their four children.
Of course, it’s where his daughter Gemma, now 19, grew up – who is now starring in Love Island.
In the first episode she already mentioned her famous father – revealing he ‘has an opinion’ on the men she dates.
But before that, Inside, Lemon – real name Leigh Francis – discovered a games room complete with a full-size snooker table.
It includes a giant photo-frame on the wall that carries a handful of Owen’s England jerseys from the 89 caps the striker won.
Owen’s Ballon d’Or trophy sits on a spinning surface under a spotlightCredit: ITV
Keith Lemon was given access to Owen’s home for his ITV show Through the KeyholeCredit: ITV
Former Liverpool striker’s home is a classy manorCredit: ITV
Owen has signed footballs on the walls of his games roomCredit: ITV
A full-size snooker table sits in Owen’s games roomCredit: ITV
Keith Lemon was allowed everywhere apart from the games roomCredit: ITV
Michael Owen and wife Louise Bonsall, who are childhood sweethearts, live in the home with their four childrenCredit: Getty – Contributor
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Frenkie de Jong offer, United scouts watch Eriksen
There is a jukebox with signed footballs displayed around the perimeter of the room, from Owen’s 17-year career.
The former Real Madrid goal-scorer also has a room with a Jacuzzi and swimming pool surrounded by plants and with a waterfall.
Owen’s stylish manor also has a classy sitting room area that leads onto his gardens.
Outside, keen golfer Owen has his own putting green as well as a jungle gym for his children.
Lemon was not allowed into the bedrooms of the striker who also played for Newcastle, Man United and Stoke.
Michael Owen is now best known for working as a pundit on BT SportCredit: Alamy Live News
As a 17-year-old, Owen scored one of the great World Cup goals with his strike at the 1998 tournament against ArgentinaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Keith Lemon discovered Owen’s jungle gym in the gardenCredit: ITV
Owen has a classy bar area in his houseCredit: ITV
The manor is set among 42 acres of Welsh countrysideCredit: ITV More
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in Motorsport
Inside George Russell’s glam lifestyle, driving a £140k car and enjoying breaks away with stunning girlfriend Carmen
by Philippa Kaur 7 June 2022, 11:18
BRITISH F1 racer George Russell has outshone his more illustrious team mate at Mercedes.The rising star, 24, has got off to a blistering star this season – and currently sits in fourth place in the Drivers Championship.
Mercedes driver George Russell, pictured with girlfriend Carmen, enjoys a lavish lifestyle away from the F1 circuitCredit: Instagram / @carmenmmundt
George Russell joined Mercedes this season and is already providing competition for Lewis HamiltonCredit: PA
Russell, pictured next to Lewis Hamilton in 2010, as an aspiring F1 champ
He moved to the reigning F1 constructors champions in the summer – earning a bumper £5MILLION payday.
That helps the talented racer continue to fund his enviable lifestyle… even though he’s still some way short of new team-mate Hamilton’s mega £40m pay-grade.
Russell currently rents a flat in an affluent area of London, but he has plans to join many F1 colleagues in millionaires’ playground Monaco.
Away from the racing circuit, the Norfolk-born star drives a £140,000 car – fittingly a Mercedes AMG GT.
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He also manages to enjoy luxurious breaks away to stunning destinations like St Barts and Santorini, and is joined by glam girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt.
Russell already leads a playboy lifestyle, despite his tender years.
KING’S LYNN TO A KING’S RANSOM
Rising star Russell was born in King’s Lynn to father Steve and mother Alison.
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The youngest of three children, he has a sister, Cara and older brother, Benjy.
He caught the racing bug when he started go karting at the age of seven alongside Benjy, who was involved in competitive karting.
But by 18, he moved to Milton Keynes to be closer to British Formula 3 Championship racing team, Hitech.
In early 2017, he joined Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport as a part of their junior driver programme.
A year later, Williams announced that Russell had signed a multi-year deal to drive for their team.
By the age of seven, Russell was kartingCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
George’s older brother spent his youth competing in karting
Russell celebrates victory in Race 1 of the FIA GP3 championship at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor
As soon as he was thrust into the spotlight, Russell’s love life was placed under the microscope.
He met stunning Seychelle de Vries, who was once linked to Max Verstappen, when he raced in Formula 2 in 2017.
They reportedly dated for three years, before calling it quits.
Now, Russell has been seen with stunning Carmen Montero Mundt.
Back in February, the pair were spotted on holiday in St Barts together kissing on a sunlounger and frolicking in the sea.
While in August, Russell was spotted enjoying a break in Santorini.
Most recently, they shared some loved up snaps enjoying the country side.
Seychelle de Vries dated Russell for three years
Carmen Montero Mundt is Russell’s current girlfriendCredit: Splash
In February last year, Russell and Carmen were spotted on a dream holiday in St BarthsCredit: Splash
Russell and Carmen seen together before the Dutch Grand PrixCredit: Rex
Most recently, Russell enjoyed a trip to the country sideCredit: Instagram / @carmenmmundt
COMPANY CAR
Call it fate, but Russell has always had a penchant for Mercedes.
On top of his current swanky Mercedes AMG GT, he has always favoured the car manufacturer as his ride.
He’s been spotted with TWO AMG C 63 motors that cost in the region of £80,000.
Russell proudly displays his cars on social media to over two million followers.
About the AMG GT, that’s capable of reaching 0-60mph in just three seconds, he wrote on Instagram: “Love my little rocket!”
Russell shows off his prized possession – a £140,000 Mercedes AMG GTCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
Russell once said about his AMG GT, ‘Love my little rocket!’Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
Through the years, Russell has also been spotted with two AMG C 63 Mercedes carsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
The AMG C 63 costs around £80,000Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
HE’S A STUDENT OF THE SPORT
One of Russell’s many heroes is the late, great Niki Lauda.
In 2017, the up-and-comer got the opportunity to meet his hero in Baku after a race.
Lauda even took the student to a Black Eyed Peas concert, after meeting him at a hotel.
Russell became friends with the three-time F1 champ, and would often lean on him for advice.
During lockdown last year, Russell shared a picture of himself reading Lauda’s autobiography.
While he was stuck at home when the coronavirus pandemic was at its height, he made sure he continued to workout and stay in shape.
He also fitted an F1 simulator to polish up on his driving skills in his bedroom.
Niki Lauda was an influence on Russell in his early yearsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
Russell shared an image reading Lauda’s autobiography during lockdownCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
Devoted Russell has his own F1 sim in his homeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
HEALTHY LIVING
Crucial to Russell’s is his diet plan.
Regularly, he shares snaps on social media of what he eats – and it’s never unhealthy.
From poke bowls to fresh salads, the athlete makes sure he’s putting the right food in his body.
Coupled with going to the gym, it’s what keeps Russell in peak condition and lean for a race car.
Aside from driving, and working out seven days a week, Russell also likes to play squash and get out on his mountain bike.
LOVES SPORT
Playing and competing in sport just isn’t enough for Russell.
When he has some downtime, he’s happy to sit in front of the TV and watch a live event.
During the Euros, he shared an image online cheering on England. The football fan is a devoted Wolves supporter, like his dad.
While last year, he encouraged his followers to comment who they felt would win the Indy 500, which he was tuned into.
Fitness fanatic Russell plays a variety of sports including squash and loves riding on his mountain bikeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
A healthy salad is Russell’s go-to mealCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
Football fan Russell cheered on England during the EurosCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
Joining Mercedes will earn Russell a huge payday so he can continue to enjoy the high-lifeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
And in 2019, he was in the stands at Twickenham to cheer on England against France in the Six Nations.
This year, it’s Russell who is getting all the cheers in the Mercedes car.
They could just have the next British F1 champ on their hands too.
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Unpredictable Tyson Fury has the right mentality and boxing skills to beat Anthony Joshua, says Oleksandr Usyk
by Aurelia Butler 7 June 2022, 09:43
TYSON FURY is an ‘unpredictable boxer’ with the right mentality and boxing skills required to beat Anthony Joshua, according to Oleksandr Usyk.Usyk – who beat Joshua last year to take his WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight belts – is set to rematch the Brit in August.
Usyk beat Joshua in 2021 to become the new heavyweight championCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd
‘Unpredictable’ Tyson Fury has the skills and mentality to beat Anthony Joshua, according to Oleksandr UsykCredit: PA:Press Association
Joshua is hoping for a rematch later this yearCredit: Reuters
But the Ukrainian champ, 35, had high praise for Fury when SunSport sat down with him in late 2020.
Usyk told SunSport: “I should say that Tyson Fury is an unpredictable boxer.
“He has the right mentality and the boxing skills required [to beat Joshua].
“But it is boxing so I can’t predict what would happen and how such a fight would end.
“But we will have to wait and see and I would be sure to watch.”
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After unifying the cruiserweight division, Usyk stepped up to heavyweight and saw off both Joshua and Dereck Chisora in impressive fashion.
The two-weight world champ is confident that an all-British showdown between Fury and AJ could eventually happen.
But with a rematch against AJ on the cards later this summer, his focus is solely on keeping his own belts secure.
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In Joshua’s camp meanwhile, confidence is high that the Watford-born ace can reclaim his crown.
And new coach Robert Garcia reckons Joshua is the most “talented” and hardest-hitting heavyweight on the planet.
He told Little Giant Boxing: “Still now, a year ago, two years ago, if you asked me, ‘Who is the most talented heavyweight?’ I’ve always said Anthony Joshua.
“Talent-wise, [Tyson] Fury is a different beast, a different monster.
“Usyk is very technical and difficult because he’s smaller and fast.
“[Deontay] Wilder, tremendous power. Everybody has their own unique qualities.
“But overall, if you’re talking about talent, I pick Anthony Joshua. And another thing Anthony Joshua has is insane power.
“Oh my gosh, he’s got great power. More than anybody else I think.”
Oleksandr Usyk was speaking after launching the WePlay Ultimate Fighting League in partnership with WePlay Esports. More
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How ‘broke’ Floyd Mayweather won and lost $1bn career earnings from lavish parties to his love of luxury jewellery
by Aurelia Butler 6 June 2022, 10:52
FLOYD MAYWEATHER is part of an elite list of sportsmen to have earned a billion dollars during their career – along with NBA legend Michael Jordan and golf idol Tiger Woods.Yet in 2020 he was still been forced to deny ‘crazy’ accusations he has somehow blown his extraordinary wealth.
Floyd Mayweather has made $1billion in career earnings but many have claimed he’s actually ‘broke’
Mayweather is set to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Logan Paul this summer
Rapper 50 Cent claimed Mayweather’s ‘money’s gone’ with ex-UFC star Chael Sonnen claiming he will have to fight again just to make some cash
Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen once claimed Mayweather was ‘broke’ and was forced into taking another fight for a desperately needed payday.
In 2018, Sonnen said: “I will tell you unequivocally, right now, Floyd Mayweather does, and is planning, to box one more time.
“Floyd’s broke. You’ve got to understand, the only thing more embellished than Floyd Mayweather’s pay-per-view numbers is Floyd Mayweather’s net worth, and he made a lot of money…
“But remember this: It does not matter what you made, it matters what you kept, and he is a dumb-dumb.”
Despite officially retiring in 2017 after beating UFC star Conor McGregor in a money-spinning crossover bout which is said to have earned the American £300m, Mayweather resorted to charging fans £1,200 for online meet-and-greets.
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He also went on a UK tour before the coronavirus pandemic, with former friend and now rival 50 Cent claiming the boxer’s ‘money’s gone’ and will ‘be at your local nightclub because he needs that action right now’.
But how could Mayweather possibly have frittered away his entire fortune?
He still regularly posts videos on his social media flaunting his impressive jewellery collection, chains and stacks of cash.
Mayweather himself has confessed for having a passion for watches, and showed off his 41-piece collection with a £14m ‘Billionaire watch’ by Jacob & Co the most expensive of the lot.
As a Las Vegas resident he is also an avid gambler, and according to Terezowens, Mayweather won nearly £2.3m betting on college football in 2012.
But the gamble doesn’t always pay off.
According to diaspora7 sources in 2018, the five-weight champion was in nearly £40m debt from betting, and wanted to rematch Manny Pacquiao to pay it off.
In 2009, he was forced to pay £4.5m back in taxes and in 2018 settled for £600,000 with the Securities and Exchange Commission for failing to disclose payments.
Before fighting McGregor, Mayweather owed the IRS £17.8m, and sued them so that he could pay the debt after his lucrative bout with the Irishman.
The boxer’s watch collection is worth over £16millionCredit: Instagram / @floydmayweather
Mayweather has properties in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and needs them to keep all his red wine in
During the pre-fight build up, Notorious voiced his concern at Mayweather’s apparent gambling issue.
McGregor said: “He needs to let that gambling go – he’s a bit heavy on that gambling. He’s always talking about doing it and then not doing it.
“I certainly know he has a big-time gambling problem, from seeing him. He gambles on half-times and things like that.
“He shows what his wins are, never shows what the losses are. Maybe that’s why he’s in the position he’s in and he had to take this fight. I’m focused on the fight, not gambling.”
And in 2018, 50 Cent said: “He gets in an uncomfortable space when he spends the money.
“He going try to spend it all… the money, the gambling and the girls get him every time.”
Mayweather has a whole garage of luxury vehicles including FIVE Rolls-Royces worth over a staggering £2m.
That is on top of his Vegas home worth £8m, a Miami property costing £6.2m and Beverly Hills mansion which he spent £19m on.
Throughout his career the boxing legend would also fly on his own private jet, which he now uses in retirement as he travels the world.
Mayweather not only enjoys attending lavish parties, but hosting them, as he splashed the cash on his 43rd birthday bash in LA with a host of celebrities attending the event
Mayweather’s stunning car collection is worth over £2mCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
The boxing legend poses in his remarkable Bugatti Chiron
The outside of Mayweather’s house shows the life of luxury he is livingCredit: Jim Bartsch
Despite the overwhelming amount of spending, Mayweather is said to have earned at least £500m alone for his fights against McGregor, Pacquiao and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
And he made a handsome sum from exhibitions against Logan Paul and Tenshin Nasukawa.
Before facing McGregor, Mayweather showed off the guaranteed $100m cheque he was given by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which he claimed was uncashed.
And McGregor swiftly replied: “That’s for the taxman.”
Mayweather shows off an uncashed $100m fight cheque from the McGregor fightCredit: Getty
Mayweather plays poker for silly money on board his private jet
Mayweather – who continues to promote fighters – still shows off his endless stacks of cash and jewellery online, and insisted during his time in Britain that he is NOT running out of money any time soon.
He said: “It’s crazy. You guys hear things about ‘Floyd needs money’.
“I don’t need (anything) but I don’t mind making some more money.”
Mayweather reportedly has his next fight announcement “coming up soon” after training footage taken days before his comeback was released.
The boxing legend returned to the ring in an Abu Dhabi exhibition bout against his former sparring partner Don Moore in May.
And he looks set again to fight in 2022.
He said: “I will bring another fight back to the UAE this year.” More
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David Beckham’s Inter Miami hopes to entice superstar transfer targets with fantastic beaches and celebrity lifestyle
by Philippa Kaur 6 June 2022, 10:26
DAVID BECKHAM’s Inter Miami project hasn’t quite gone to plan – but at least they can guarantee some sun.The MLS club’s 2021 season ended up going out with a whimper with the club missing out on the playoffs – with Phil Neville and Co clinging on to the final Eastern Conference post-season spot after 14 games in 2022.
David Beckham is still hoping to attract a hoard of superstars to his Inter Miami sideCredit: Alamy Live News
It was hoped the arrival of former Manchester United team-mate Neville as manager might improve things this term – but they are still finding their feet.
The marquee signings of Blaise Matuidi and Gonzalo Higuain set the tone, before fizzling out. But Beckham’s dream is crystal clear.
At a press conference initially announcing the club’s formation, the ex-England captain made noises that he was regularly speaking to the world’s best talent to lure them to his project.
AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud was recently linked with a move to the club, and was reportedly offered a £4million apartment to live in.
While even Lionel Messi has hinted that he wants to play his final days in the US – with Miami favourites to land his signature.
So what can any prospective transfer targets expect from a life in Miami?
Join SunSport in lending the former Man Utd great a hand in making ‘The Magic City’ the go-to destination for the best footballers in the world.
THE WEATHER
While you may have to be wary of the odd tropical storm here and there, Miami weather is mostly perfect.
January averages around 20 degrees Celsius, while winter highs range between 23-27 degrees Celsius.
The wet season starts in May and ends mid-October, but the temperatures are between 27-35 degrees Celsius and it’s insanely humid.
Good job the football season starts in May, otherwise it would be hell playing in those conditions.
Blue skies and sunshine decorate the high skyscrapers of MiamiCredit: Getty – Contributor
Miami Beach is the best place for a footballer to top up their tanCredit: Alamy
THE BEACHES
They say life’s a beach… Miami has several from Key Biscayne to North Beach, where prime athletes can bronze themselves on a daily basis.
There’s the 21st to 45th street beach, which runs alongside the Miami Beach boardwalk and South Pointe Park.
Some of the world’s best hotels and restaurants are nearby, so it’s the perfect spot.
Anyone feeling active could head to Lummus Beach where volleyball courts are available to rent or there’s thatched huts to lounge under.
Haulover Beach boasts white sands and a choppy sea, ideal for surfers.
On Tuesday nights there’s a food truck festival with live music and local foods for the whole family.
South Pointe Park is perfect for a stroll or jog for a Beckham transfer targetCredit: Getty – Contributor
Miami Beach is the perfect location for any footballerCredit: Getty – Contributor
David Beckham won’t have trouble selling the white sands of Miami BeachCredit: Getty – Contributor
THE RESTAURANTS
Miami’s cuisine is fit for a king and is influenced by the ocean with plenty of seafood on offer.
Latin American foods are key here, so most restaurants boast many Cuban-influenced dishes – most meat-based.
The most exclusive restaurants in town are Terrazza in the Shore Club Hotel, Zuma in the heart of downtown Miami and Jaya at the Setai Hotel.
Jaya is a favourite of the likes of Jay Z and Bono whenever they’re in town, with menu highlights including a whole branzino for a reasonable £27.
Terrazza’s Italian by-the pool fare will attract many footballers wanting to load up on carbs.
While Zuma’s light Japanese meals will have weight-conscious footballers frothing at the mouth.
Eating by the pool at the Shore Club Hotel is what most sports stars do in Miami
Jay Z and Bono are fans of the Jaya at The Setai hotelCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/
Footballers will love the Asian cuisine on offer at the JayaCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/
Footballers could rest poolside at The Setai hotel during preseasonCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/
THE STADIUM
Central to Beckham’s Miami franchise is a super stadium fit for the best players in the world.
The 18,000 all-seater arena is in the Overtown neighbourhood, near the Miami River, and was originally met with some controversy from the locals who didn’t think a stadium should be built on the site.
A world-class training centre sits next door to the stadium and boasts first class facilities.
However, be sure that it will be a state-of-the-art venue, not only fit for football, but ready to house concerts featuring the world’s leading pop stars.
Interestingly, it won’t be the biggest stadium in the country, but it’ll surely be a sellout week in, week out with Beckham involved.
However, there are now plans to create a $1BILLON stadium, which will be ready for 2025 and hold 25,000 fans.
Plans are almost in place for a new 25,000 seater stadium costing $1BILLION
David Beckham’s Miami stadium is fit for any top footballerCredit: Splash News
THE CELEBRITY CULTURE
After all, this lot can’t be wrong.
The most famous faces in the world choose Miami as a holiday destination, pouring in on their private jets regularly during the summer.
Some celebrities even call Miami home, so any footballer who wants to embrace celebrity culture should look no further.
Anna Kournikova and Enrique Iglesias, Lenny Kravitz, Sean Combs, Matt Damon and Jennifer Lopez all have lavish homes in Miami.
Most opt for Star Island, so expect footballers to be checking out homes in that area.
With footballers making the crossover into movies and TV, major productions in the city are on the rise.
Could the team feature in The Rock’s show ‘Ballers’ in a future episode?
A Miami-based footballer could be mates with Anna Kournikova and Enrique IglesiasCredit: Getty – Contributor
Sean Combs loves living the Miami lifestyleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
You could bump into Jennifer Lopez living in MiamiCredit: Fame Flynet
Matt Damon is an active celebrity in Miami circlesCredit: Getty – Contributor
SPORTS CULTURE
Anyone moving to Miami will have to be very aware of the sports culture that runs through the city’s veins.
Although the Miami Dolphins haven’t tasted Super Bowl success since 1974, they’re steeped in NFL history thanks to legendary quarterback Dan Marino.
The NBA team Miami Heat was the one-time home of LeBron James when they picked up consecutive championships in 2012 and 2013.
They’re also represented in the MLB by the Marlins, who are co-owned by NY Yankee great Derek Jeter and have won two World Championships.
The Miami Heat are the most successful sports franchise currently in the cityCredit: USA TODAY Sports
David Beckham’s football team could have cheerleaders like the Miami HeatCredit: Getty – Contributor
David Beckham’s Miami franchise will rival the Miami Dolphins for fansCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Any single footballer may be interested in dating a Miami Dolphin cheerleaderCredit: Corbis
The Miami Marlins are favourites of the Hispanic communityCredit: Getty – Contributor
BAYSIDE MARKETPLACE
For shopping and dining, incoming footballers will look no further than taking a stroll along Bayside Marketplace.
Wrapping along the bay walls of the bank, it boasts designer shops, posh restaurants and a great vibe that encompasses all that’s great about Miami.
Incidentally, Miami Vice often filmed episodes here, so if it’s good enough for Don Johnson…
Bayside Marketplace offers fine dining and shoppingCredit: Getty – Contributor
Bayside Marketplace was where Miami Vice was mostly filmedCredit: Getty – Contributor
OCEAN DRIVE
No doubt any big-name Beckham signing will be driving a fresh motor.
With that in mind, they’ll definitely want to cruise down Ocean Drive with its surrounding Art Deco hotels and bars.
The Clevelander Hotel, with its bar and massive swimming pool provide a great spot to grab a refresher in the hot heat.
You’ll be mad not to be impressed by the architecture.
It’s an amazing experience for any tourist and any future Beckham signing.
So, where do we sign up?
Ocean Drive boasts some of Miami’s best hotels and barsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ocean Drive is a haven for Art Deco buildings and is perfect for footballers to cruise downCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ocean Drive comes alive at nighttime with its bustling nightlifeCredit: Getty – Contributor
EVERGLADES
On the list of must-do things in Miami – and Becks doesn’t even need to sell the tourist haven – is the Everglades.
Unlike anything in the world, it’s your best chance of seeing a crocodile swimming in its natural habitat.
Over 1.5 acres long, the wetlands begin in Orlando at the Kissimmee River and end at Lake Okeechobee.
The Everglades is one of Miami’s most famous tourist attractionsCredit: Getty – Contributor
You could see crocodiles on a tour of the EvergladesCredit: Getty Images – Getty More
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Tyson Fury says ‘big cuddly baby’ Anthony Joshua poses no threat and Deontay Wilder is his most dangerous opponent
by Aurelia Butler 5 June 2022, 09:00
TYSON FURY landed a hilarious dig on heavyweight rival Anthony Joshua, calling his fellow Brit a “big cuddly baby.”With promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren desperate to get a fight on between the pair, the trash talk has been turned up.
Tyson Fury has called rival Anthony Joshua a ‘big cuddly baby’Credit: Reuters
But, instead of turning nasty, the 33-year-old Gypsy King took aim at AJ’s shock KO loss to Andy Ruiz Jr and the cautious points win he needed to reclaim his WBA, IBF and WBO belts in December.
And, as a father-of-six, Fury knows what he is talking about. Back in 2020, the WBC king said: “One hundred per cent Joshua’s not dangerous, at all, he’s like a big cuddly baby.
“Why would I be a believer in him when he got knocked spark out by Andy Ruiz?
“A last-minute replacement opponent, who turned up 300lbs or whatever, didn’t train, and Anthony Joshua couldn’t do any good with him in the rematch.
“He doesn’t have anything, he couldn’t hold a candle to the Gypsy King. There’s only one heavyweight out there, there’s only one undefeated world champion.
“They’ve all fallen by the wayside. The fellow that hasn’t been beat has knocked them out.
“I’m the only one, me the Gypsy King – the unbeatable, untouchable, unbreakable champion.”
Anthony Joshua has the WBC, IBF and WBO belts after rematch revenge of Andy Ruiz JrCredit: Reuters
Joshua faces two obstacles if he is to secure a blockbuster fight with Fury.
First, he has to regain his belts from Oleksandr Usyk, after he was outclassed by the 35-year-old Ukrainian in 2021.
He also has to convince Fury to come out of retirement – with the Wythenshawe fighter seemingly enjoying a life after boxing already.
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Despite that potential challenge, Fury still insists AJ would not be the hardest fight available to him as Wilder, 36, remains a dangerous KO artist.
He said: “I don’t see anyone out there that can challenge me. I just flattened the best one out there.
“The toughest opponent out there is Deontay Wilder and we all saw what happened to him the last time out.” More
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When Roman Abramovich told Chelsea fans directly why he sacked Jose as manager in amazing forum in Valencia hotel bar
by Philippa Kaur 5 June 2022, 08:00
AN audience with Roman Abramovich – it’s the golden ticket for any Chelsea supporter and the rarest of opportunities for football reporters too.So when I stumbled across an impromptu fans’ forum with Chelsea’s secretive billionaire ex-owner in 2007, it was one of the most surreal experiences I’ve ever had.
Roman Abramovich once led a fans’ forum in a Valencia hotel bar to explain why he’d sacked fan favourite Jose MourinhoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Ex-Chelsea owner Abramovich felt the need to explain why he’d sacked fan-favourite Mourinho to supportersCredit: PA:Press Association
Literally surreal, in that it was so unlikely, I wondered whether I’d dreamt it.
Abramovich gave one interview to the Financial Times around the time of his 2003 Chelsea takeover – when the young oligarch caused a sensation by becoming the first foreigner to take over a Premier League club.
In the intervening years, he has never spoken to another media outlet… but on a strange night in Valencia, I fluked it.
Just a fortnight after Jose Mourinho’s first Stamford Bridge sacking had caused outrage among supporters, Chelsea travelled to Valencia for a Champions League group stage match.
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The Blues achieved a 2-1 victory which was something of a breakthrough for the Special One’s replacement Avram Grant.
Sometime around 1am, I arrived back at the Valencia Hilton, hoping for a swift nightcap at the bar.
There, I discovered Abramovich – flanked by his then-fiancee Dasha Zhukova, his right-hand man Eugene Tenenbaum and a couple of henchmen.
They were standing in the bar, holding court with a group of seven or eight Chelsea supporters, drinking bottled beers.
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Stung by the reaction to the dismissal of a boss who had won Chelsea back-to-back Premier League titles, Abramovich had been on a minor charm offensive.
On the previous Saturday, Grant’s first home match in charge, the Russian had sat in the upper tier of The Shed alongside the rank-and-file, for a dismal goalless draw against neighbours Fulham.
But in Valencia he had taken the extraordinary step of telling Tenenbaum to go and find him a bunch of Chelsea supporters so he could personally explain his decision to sack Mourinho and appoint Grant, an Israeli then virtually unheard of in England.
Chelsea’s players and hierarchy had stayed at the Hilton on the eve of the match but Grant and his squad had flown straight back to London after that Wednesday night match.
The hotel was a couple of miles outside the busy town centre, so apparently it hadn’t been easy for Abramovich’s minders to round up any of the 1,200 travelling supporters.
Especially as the majority of those asked if they ‘fancied a drink on Roman Abramovich’ had – quite understandably – assumed the offer was a hoax and carried on to find a beer elsewhere.
Yet the lucky few – and me, the unwitting gatecrasher – were given the rarest insight into Abramovich’s mind.
Speaking fluent English in a thin, reedy voice, Abramovich told them: “I love Jose and will always love him because of what he did for Chelsea – but nobody is bigger than the club.
“I understand that you are upset he has gone but things had not been right for some while and the time was right for a change.
“I want you to trust me that Avram is the right man and he is a permanent appointment.
“There will be more additions to the coaching squad but Avram is here to stay.
Abramovich has since been forced to sell Chelsea after falling foul of government sanctions
“You could see tonight against Valencia we still have a great spirit in our team.”
Abramovich is not an imposing man, slightly built and with no obvious charisma.
But he listened to those supporters who tried to tell him Mourinho deserved more time, then insisted they would understand his decision far better had they been aware of the full picture.
Their chat had started late and finished when the bar closed at 1.30am.
I listened to the majority of it and spoke to the supporters to get the full story.
Abramovich posed for photos with them and then headed for bed, with Zhukova.
I took the lift with the couple, but when I tried to engage him in conversation, Abramovich was in no mood to elaborate further.
Still, this wasn’t a bad little story to stumble across, especially as I had only been working for the newspaper which then employed me for less than a month.
The following morning, before heading to the airport, I rang my sports editor and told him I had some exclusive Abramovich quotes.
Given that these were like hen’s teeth, and my boss didn’t know me well, he responded with the words ‘f*** me, Kiddo, pull the other one’.
Then he asked whether I was certain I hadn’t been duped by the very convincing Abramovich lookalike, who was sometimes employed by The Sun during the early part of the Russian’s reign.
Abramovich fired Mourinho in 2007, replacing him with Avram Grant, before re-hiring the Portuguese boss in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty
I replied that the Abramovich lookalike didn’t tend to hang out with a Zhukova lookalike, a Tenenbaum lookalike and a couple of Bond villain lookalikes.
Anyway, we ran the story, and Grant proved to be as permanent as any other Chelsea manager.
He lasted nine months and led the club to their first Champions League final, losing a penalty shoot-out to Manchester United in Moscow.
Abramovich was true to his word about his enduring admiration for Mourinho – reinstating the Portuguese boss in 2013.
Jose would win another title before he was sacked again with the Blues in a genuine relegation fight in December 2015.
I was reminded of that twilight-zone story when Abramovich caused fury among fans by firing another club legend, Frank Lampard in 2021.
Then, during the pandemic and a visa issue, Abramovich became more remote and elusive than ever.
And, of course, with sanctions placed he was forced to sell up to Todd Boehly – as a new era at Stamford Bridge begins.
It was easy to imagine him as an unseen God-like figure, striking down managers without mercy.
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Yet there was a small part of him which did seem to care about his personal popularity with Chelsea supporters.
And he proved it on that weird night in Valencia. More

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