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      in Boxing

      Meet Canelo Alvarez’s stunning Mexican wife Fernanda Gomez, who is doting mum to their four-year-old daughter Maria

      by

      HE’S one of the highest-earning boxers around today, but his private life is shrouded by mystery.Not much is known about the Mexican four-division world champion Canelo Alvarez’s wife, Fernanda Gomez.
      Meet Fernanda Gomez, the Wag of Canelo AlvarezCredit: Getty Images
      Stunning Fernanda is MexicanCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
      But, thanks to Instagram, we’re beginning to get a picture of the lavish lifestyle the stunning Wag is now accustomed to living.
      Clad in designer clothing, the hispanic beauty is every bit a boxer’s Wag, able to swim in the riches of Canelo’s £100m fortune.
      However, it’s their four-year-old daughter Maria who comes first.
      IT BEGAN SIX YEARS AGO
      Fernanda reportedly met Canelo in 2016 at a charity gala, and instantly hit it off.
      They soon started dating, although they kept their romance private and out of the spotlight.
      That was, until, they were spotted celebrating his victory over Julio César Chávez Jr at Jewel Nightclub in Las Vegas.
      The pair briefly split up when Fernanda was pregnant in 2017 but got back together again.
      She’s been ringside ever since, with Canelo happy to share some of his success with her.
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out of retirement for unification bout, says Paris
      Gomez met Canelo at a 2016 charity galaCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
      She has been inseparable from Alvarez ever sinceCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
      The loved-up pair initially kept their romance under wrapsCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
      Not much is known about FernandaCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
      ALONG CAME A DAUGHTER
      In December 2017, Fernanda and Canelo welcomed their first child together, who they called Maria.
      It was the famed brawler’s third child, he also has a daughter and a son from different relationships.
      Maria is doted upon by Fernanda, and celebrated a no-expenses-spared Swan Lake-themed birthday that looked like it would cost as much as a wedding.
      On the tables were party foods and lots of sweets.
      But the best part was the hired swans roaming freely around the family’s grounds.
      Fernanda reportedly dressed Maria in a Moschino sequinned blouse, while she was also clutching a Hermes pouch.
      Canelo and Fernanda have four-year-old Maria togetherCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
      Maria loves her designer wear like her mummyCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
      Fernanda loves designer clothing and expensive accessoriesCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
      Louis Vuitton scarves are one of Fernanda’s favourite accessories to wearCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
      Fernanda is a devoted boxing Wag, often ringside cheering on CaneloCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
      The loved-up pair took a break while she was pregnant in 2017Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      DESIGNER WAG
      If you’re wondering how toddler Maria became such a designer-baby, look no further than her designer mummy.
      Fernanda wears the most exclusive brands, carries around accessories from the world’s biggest fashion houses, and lives a jet-set life the envy of many.
      Her go-tos are Louis Vuitton and Gucci, including a pair of £600 trainers made by the latter.
      She usually wraps herself in Louis Vuitton scarves, and also has a large collection of expensive sunglasses.
      As a sideline, Gomez also runs her own nail salon in Guadalajara. It pays to be a boxer’s Wag.
      TYING THE KNOT
      After several years of dating and having baby Maria together, Canelo and Gomez finally got married in 2021 before the champ beat Billy Joe Saunders.
      Fernanda looked stunning as she wore an incredible sparkling dress and headpiece for the special day – matched with toddler Maria.
      The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) congratulated the pair after pictures of their wedding surfaced online.
      The post read: “The WBO Family wishes lots of love and happiness to the recently married couple, Unified WBO Super Middleweight Champion Saúl ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Fernanda Gómez.”
      Last year, Alvarez spoke briefly of his marriage to Gomez.
      “I feel way different, I am a happy man, more than before,” he told BT Sport.

      Glam Fernanda lives a luxurious lifestyle often travelling with CaneloCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
      Fernanda lives like a queenCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
      Fernanda set up her own nail salon in GuadalajaraCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
      Fernanda is one of boxing’s hottest WagsCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
      Canelo and Gomez often post photos together on social mediaCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More

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      in Soccer

      Every Champions League Team of the Year from 2001 to 2018… but which superstar XI would lift the trophy?

      by

      AHEAD of UEFA’s vote on the team of the decade, every player to make the cut for this century’s annual honours was listed – and it was quite the squad.From back in 2001 and the awesome French presence of Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira to 2018 and the dominant days of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, several legends have been honoured.

      Arsenal duo Henry and Vieira were in their pomp for the national team having helped Les Bleus to World Cup and Euros glory when named in the 2001 best XI.
      Bayern Munich won that year’s Champions League with Frenchman Bixente Lizarazu included to add to his swelling trophy cabinet.
      Most of the players picked over the years come from the same predictable clubs but Damien Duff broke the mould in 2002.
      The Blackburn winger impressed in Rovers’ early exit from the UEFA Cup and, with both competitions included in the Team of the Year considerations, Duff sat alongside Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo Nazario and Michael Ballack.
      Old Trafford hosted a dismally unpopular final in 2003 so it is little surprise that the 0-0 draw between Juventus and AC Milan provides the majority of the best XI’s defence.
      Gianluigi Buffon made the first of five appearances on the honours board with Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini also picked.
      THE MOU YOU KNOW
      After Paolo Ferreira made the 2003 side with a UEFA Cup winners’ medal, two other Porto stars were recognised as Jose Mourinho led the Portuguese giants to Champions League glory a year later.
      Maniche and Ricardo Carvalho made the 2004 cut – as well as fellow Iberian debutant Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Liverpool’s Istanbul miracle in 2005 may have won them the cup but they staggeringly landed fewer spots in the Team of the Year than losing finalists Milan.
      Steven Gerrard and semi-final hero Luis Garcia were outnumbered thanks to Maldini, Cafu and penalty flop Andriy Shevchenko’s presence.
      The winning team certainly weren’t overlooked a year later.
      Barcelona’s victory over Arsenal won plaudits for silky smooth forwards Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o while Henry and Cesc Fabregas made the XI from the Gunners.
      For the second year in three, a Liverpool-Milan final asserted the dominance of the Premier League and Serie A in 2007.
      Eight of the top team came from those two divisions, including John Terry and Didier Drogba alongside regular fixtures Ronaldo, Gerrard, Kaka and Clarence Seedorf.

      With Ronaldo finally claiming a winners medal of his own in 2008, he was joined by a worthy adversary making his first appearance.
      Lionel Messi broke into the best XI after Barcelona reached the semi-finals and he has only missed out on a spot once since.
      Signing Ronaldo was Real Madrid’s answer to the growing dominance of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona that took six spots of the 2009 team.
      And while the Portuguese star is on a run of 12 consecutive team of the year appearances, his United exit came after Messi beat him to final glory in Rome.
      That man Mourinho popped up the following year to temporarily halt the Catalans’ inevitable march.
      Maicon and Wesley Sneijder were honoured for Inter Milan’s Champions League triumph but there was still space for six Barca stars.
      Messi and Ronaldo led the way for nominations with 10 and 13, respectivelyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Gareth Bale was the chief gatecrasher in 2011, joined by an up-and-coming Brazilian defender named Thiago Silva.
      This year also saw Ronaldo moved into attack, offering fresh hope for right-wingers everywhere that they could make the team again.
      Intricate, technical football was evidently in its pomp in 2012.
      With a midfield of Andres Iniesta, Andrea Pirlo, Xavi and Mesut Ozil there was clearly a huge appetite for playmakers.
      An all-German final in 2013 marked Bundesliga’s revival as a major force in the European game.
      Franck Ribery and Marco Reus made the midfield of that year’s top team along with three Bayern Munich defenders in a selection that didn’t include Lionel Messi.
      It wasn’t long before the mercurial Argentine return and he featured in a devastating three-man attack with Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo the year after.
      Diego Godin and Angel Di Maria, man of the match in the Madrid derby final, also featured in 2014.
      FRINGE PLAYERS
      Barcelona and Juventus headed to Berlin for the 2015 final with Paul Pogba and Neymar providing the glamour and flair in the Team of the Year.
      Many felt that was the start of Neymar’s residency in the absolute elite.
      The following years Real Madrid dominated the competition, as shown by 2016’s best XI.
      Luka Modic, Toni Kroos, Sergio Ramos and Ronaldo are all given the nod along with Juve pair Buffon and Leonardo Bonucci.
      No player who had spent the entire year in the Premier League had featured in the UEFA team since 2011 when Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard broke the glass ceiling.
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      Another Real win saw them claim five spots in 2017 alongside the Belgian duo.
      The final Team of the Year before the decade was out once again featured a new face in attack with Messi and Ronaldo.
      Kylian Mbappe’s inclusion signified the start of a potentially very long stay for the Paris Saint-Germain youngster – who showed against Real Madrid that he belongs in the pantheon of modern greats already. More

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      in Soccer

      Strangest football injuries, from Lampard breaking hand celebrating Everton goal to a broken jaw from eating a carrot

      by

      FOOTBALLERS and managers always find unique ways to injure themselves.Everton boss Frank Lampard is the latest star to suffer a freak accident, breaking his hand while celebrating Alex Iwobi’s late goal to clinch a vital victory against Newcastle.
      Frank Lampard jumps for joy after Alex Iwobi scores a last-gasp winnerCredit: Getty

      Lampard told Prime Video he broke his hand in the Everton celebrations afterwards

      Amid the chaos, Lamps took a whack to the left hand – it was shaking as he checked his watch in the final seconds.
      And as he came on air to discuss the all-important three points, the ex-England midfielder was sporting a nasty bruise and lump.
      He told Prime Video: “I’ve broken my hand in the celebrations. My bones must be going soft, I don’t remember the moment.
      “I didn’t realise at the time but as the game carried on I was a bit sore and shaky.
      “But I don’t care – I’ll take it for three points.”
      Super Frank isn’t the first to suffer a nasty scrape. Here are some more of football’s most bizarre injuries…
      Rami Kaib
      Last year, Swedish footballer Rami Kaib was ruled out of action for weeks after breaking his jaw eating a carrot.
      Kaib had already taken a knock during a league match for Dutch side Heerenveen.
      But then he sustained the shock blow when getting his veggies in. Omrop Fryslan reporter Roelof de Vries told RTV Noord: “Kaib got a big knock on his jaw during a game a while ago.
      “He just continued training, and of course eating. “Well, he ate a carrot and that carrot was quite hard.” And then, crack – broken jaw. A carrot!”
      Rami Kaib was out of action for a few weeks after his bizarre injury
      Frenkie De Jong
      Last year, Frenkie De Jong suffered a bizarre injury that looked painful and threatened to leave him sidelined.
      The Barcelona midfielder showed off a swollen hand in his side’s 3-1 win over Napoli in a Champions League tie.
      According to reports, the ailment was the result of a nasty bee sting that caused the severe reaction.
      Frenkie De Jong shows off horrific bee stingCredit: Instagram / @mikkykiemeney
      De Jong wore a bandage during Barcelona’s Champions League tie with NapoliCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The swelling can be seen clearly on De Jong’s hand in trainingCredit: FC Barcelona
      CHRIS SMALLING
      Ex-Manchester United defender Chris Smalling was on holiday in Bali, when disaster struck.
      After local reports claimed he was stung by a jellyfish while out surfing – the truth eventually came out, and it wasn’t as exciting.
      He fainted in the hot heat and banged his head, hence the bandages.
      Chris Smalling pictured in hospital in Bali
      DAVE BEASANT
      The Wimbledon FA Cup hero was at Chelsea when he suffered a hilarious foot injury.
      The keeper dropped a bottle of salad cream in his kitchen and tried to control it with his bare foot.
      The bottle ended up breaking and tearing a tendon in his big toe, causing Beasant to miss two months of football.
      Clearly, he should’ve used his hands.
      Dave Beasant attempted to control a bottle of salad
      RIO FERDINAND
      The former Manchester United and England captain managed to strain his knee while at Leeds.
      Ferdinand rested his leg for too long while playing a game of Pro Evolution Soccer on his PlayStation.
      We’ve all done it.
      Rio Ferdinand suffered a leg injury while playing a video game
      DAVID BATTY
      The ex-Leeds United enforcer had been out injured with a knee problem.
      Then, his two-year-old daughter ran over him while on her tricycle – causing a setback to his ankle.
      The hardman was crocked by a two-year-old, which must’ve taken some explaining to his team-mates.
      David Batty’s daughter ran into him on her tricycle
      BRYAN ROBSON
      Captain Dynamo was given the task of trying to wake mercurial star Paul Gascoigne from his slumber ahead of the 1990 World Cup.
      Robson tried but couldn’t wake the midfielder, instead tipping the bed to push Gascoigne out.
      Robson then dropped the bed onto his toe, breaking it.
      Bryan Robson broke a toe trying to wake up Paul Gascoigne
      ENNER VALENCIA
      The former West Ham forward didn’t impress Sam Allardyce with this injury.
      Somehow, Enner Valencia managed to badly cut his toe after stepping on a broken cup.
      The incident left ‘Big Sam’ striker-less for his next match.
      Enner Valencia seriously cut his toe stepping on a broken cup
      SANTIAGO CANIZARES
      The former Valencia No1 had waited an age to take over in the sticks of the Spanish national team.
      He was given an opportunity in 2002, but just before the World Cup was about to start he dropped a bottle of aftershave on his foot.
      Like Beasant, he severed a tendon and missed the tournament.
      Butter fingers, perhaps?
      Santiago Canizares missed out on the 2002 World Cup because of a bottle of aftershave
      ALAN WRIGHT
      The former Aston Villa left-back was a cult hero in the Midlands.
      But the 5ft 4in Wright once had a spell out the game after injuring his knee in the strangest way.
      He did it trying to reach the pedals on his Ferrari. True story.
      Former Aston Villa defender Alan Wright got injured driving his Ferrari
      KEVIN KYLE
      While at Sunderland, the former Scotland international was once seen ‘walking a bit like John Wayne’.
      It was all because his eight-month-old son knocked a bowl of boiling water onto his crotch.
      Ouch.
      Kevin Kyle’s son dropped hot water on his crotch
      LEROY LITA
      At Reading, the striker managed to hurt his back by stretching too vigorously.
      But this wasn’t done on the training pitch, no. It happened while laying in bed.
      Steve Coppell said at the time: “It’s not an injury that should be ridiculed or made light of.”
      Leroy Lita injured himself by stretching too far in bed
      DARIUS VASSELL
      We’d definitely avoid recreating this one.
      The ex-Aston Villa and England striker tried to get rid of a blood blister on his toe by using an electric drill.
      It didn’t go well.
      Darius Vassell tried to pop a blister with an electric drill
      ADAM CHAPMAN
      Former Oxford midfielder Chapman was heating some milk for his baby, a normally harmless job.
      But as he went to shake it the lid flew off, burning his chest and nipple.
      He had to go to hospital but was passed fit to play the next day.
      Adam Chapman burnt his nipple trying to heat baby milk
      DAVID JAMES
      The former England shot-stopper has two entries.
      He once pulled a muscle in his back while trying to reach for a remote control.
      Another time, James hurt his shoulder while fishing for carp.
      David James should stay away from remote controls… and carp

      CHARLIE GEORGE
      Arsenal legend George didn’t let this injury stop him.
      The 1971 FA Cup hero once cut off a finger with his lawnmower.
      Thankfully, it wasn’t a leg.
      Charlie George managed to cut off a finger while mowing the lawn
      KIERON DYER
      When at Newcastle the England man damaged his left eye – because he ran into a stationary training pole.
      It wasn’t an eye-for-an-eye in this case, leaving Dyer with a nasty shiner.
      Kieron Dyer ran into a training pole
      Gareth Bale urged to quit Real Madrid as Rio Ferdinand bemoans ‘generational talent’ being wasted on sidelines More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Cristiano Ronaldo is building a £7m mansion on ‘Portuguese Riviera’ to retire in with family

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO is reportedly building a new mansion in one of Portugal’s most prestigious residential areas.The Manchester United striker, 37, purchased the most expensive flat ever sold in Lisbon last year – a £6.5 million property that includes a gym and indoor swimming pool.
      Cristiano Ronaldo with his mother and (right) with his family after he bought a £7m property for them in Portugal
      Ronaldo at his former property in TurinCredit: AFP or licensors
      The dad-of-five has also splashed out more than £7m on a large plot of land in Quinta da Marinha on the so-called Portuguese Riviera, according to Portuguese media.
      Work has just started on the mansion respected Portuguese daily Correio da Manha says will be the latest addition to the football star’s property empire.
      It says CR7 plans to use the house as an investment, although popular magazine TV 7 Dias claimed he planned to use it as a family home after his retirement.
      A source described as a future neighbour told the magazine: “The land was fenced off recently and it was purchased by Ronaldo. “This is where he’s coming to live with his family when he finishes his career.
      “Everyone round here knows it and of course we’re happy. Ronaldo is Ronaldo.”
      Quinta da Marinha is half an hour from Lisbon Airport and ten minutes from the centre of the coastal town of Cascais, the Lisbon coastline’s premier holiday destination.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}MOST READ IN SPORT.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Ronaldo has this amazing place in Canical, MadeiraCredit: Airbnb
      Outside Ronaldo’s luxurious villa in Turin, he rented before moving to Old Trafford for a second spell at the clubCredit: Instagram
      The affluent coastal region, centred on Cascais, Estoril and Sintra, is known as the Portuguese Riviera.
      Cristiano’s property empire also includes a seven-storey apartment block overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the Madeiran capital Funchal which he purchased in 2019.
      His mum Dolores and older brother Hugo and his family live at the property.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      The former Real Madrid forward spent time there with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez and their children after flying back to his native island following his mum’s stroke in 2020.
      He later moved to a £3,500-a-week rented villa before jetting back to Italy, where he had a luxurious villa.
      The Portuguese media identified Cristiano as the mystery buyer of Portugal’s most expensive apartment. The star is said to have beaten off bids from two other millionaires to snap up the 3,100 square foot flat in the Avenida da Liberdade area of central Lisbon.
      Ronaldo owns a similar one to this villa in Madrid near Gareth Bale’s homeCredit: Solarpix
      Cristiano also owns a £4.8m mansion on a gated fortress estate called La Finca near Madrid where Gareth Bale also lives.
      He showed off the house in a video released in December 2015, treating fans to a tour of his bedroom, living room, dining room and garden and wishing people a merry Christmas.
      Before splashing out on his expensive Lisbon apartment, he sold a mansion for £2m to his former Real Madrid team-mate Pepe in Geres in northern Portugal.
      He is said to have used the money from that sale to buy his Funchal apartment block. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Juan Mata reveals why Moyes was sacked, says van Gaal was ‘scary’ and discusses Mourinho reunion

      by

      JUAN MATA has revealed all about the four managers he has worked under during his time at Old Trafford.The Spaniard was brought to Manchester United by David Moyes in January 2014, but three months later the Scot was sacked.
      Juan Mata signed for Manchester United eight years ago and opened up to the UTD Podcast about his time under four different managersCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      However, he admits David Moyes needed to be dismissed because results simply were not good enough.
      Speaking to the club’s UTD Podcast, he opened up on what life was like under “scary” but “sensible” Louis van Gaal, who won the FA Cup but was immediately axed.
      Jose Mourinho followed Van Gaal for two-and-a-half years before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came in, and was later replaced by Ralf Rangnick.
      Here’s what Mata had to say on four of his United bosses…
      DAVID MOYES (2014)
      Mata signed from Chelsea for a club-record £37million but only worked with Moyes for three brief months at the end of the Scot’s ill-fated spell as ‘The Chosen One’ with the impossible task of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson.
      But it was the final day of the season – under caretaker boss Ryan Giggs – that stuck with the midfielder the most due to the United fans’ loyal support despite a poor season results-wise.
      Mata said: “I always feel bad when a manager has to go, because it means that you are not doing right, or you are not getting results. So it’s not a nice feeling. So unfortunately he had to go. But of course, I’m very thankful to him.
      “What I remember the most about that season was in the last game. Ryan Giggs was our caretaker manager at that time, and we always do the ‘lap of honour’. You say ‘thank you’, ‘goodbye’ and ‘see you next season’.
      David Moyes deserved to be sacked after a poor set of results in charge at Manchester United, Juan Mata saidCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “I was very afraid of that, because we were seventh in the league, a position Manchester United should never be, so I was like: we’re going to wave and they’re going to boo us back, they’re going to insult and they’re going to be like they should feel, because I understand that.
      “I came from Spain and I know how things can turn difficult when the team is not performing.
      “I didn’t want to look to the people just in case, and I was embarrassed. But half-way, I realised that they were clapping, they were singing, they were encouraging us, saying it doesn’t matter, next season, next season. I was just like: ‘this is incredible’.
      “Honestly, it was unbelievable to have such fans behind you. You’re seventh in the league with Manchester United, having been winners the year before with Sir Alex Ferguson.
      “And they don’t lose their patience and they say, ‘Keep going, it doesn’t matter’. It got me a bit emotional, because I didn’t expect it.”LOUIS VAN GAAL (2014-2016)
      After Moyes’ miserable year at the helm, United turned to the eccentric figure of Van Gaal, who had just guided Holland to the World Cup semi-finals.
      The Dutchman was keen to get the best out of his playmaker and revolve the team around him so the ex-Valencia man was disappointed when Van Gaal was sent packing just days after Wembley glory.
      Mata added: “He was scary! He was scary, I tell you! He was a very nice man, very genuine. Very sensible. You wouldn’t expect that, but he was very sensible. He could even get emotional and cry sometimes when he was speaking about important matters that he found with the right values, or the right football… he got emotional.
      “But I remember the first meeting we all had with him. It was in LA. We were doing a pre-season tour. So the manager said: ‘I want to meet you one by one in this room after dinner’. I was like ‘okay’.
      “Everyone went, whatever. My turn. So I arrive to the room and it was him, Ryan Giggs, a bottle of Rioja, red wine, and three glasses.
      “He said: ‘Do you want to have the drink?’ And I said, ‘No, no, it’s fine’. He said, ‘Okay, I’ll have it’. So he had the drink, and he said, ‘Tell me who you are?’
      “I mean, ‘My name is Juan, I’m 26, I play football’. ‘No, no, no. Tell me who you are as a man. Do you have family? What do you find important in life?’
      “I remember he had like paper, where he had set up the tactics for the team and that year, and he was like ‘Where do you think you will fit best here?’ I was like ‘here’ and he said ‘No’. ‘Here?’ ‘No.’
      Mata enjoyed his time working under the eccentric figure of Louis van Gaal, who was keen to revolve the team around the Spanish playmakerCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      “So we had trained that pre-season with five in the back, two [in midfield], one No10, and he put me in that No10 and he said ‘You’re going to play here’ and I was like ‘Great’. I didn’t want to put it myself!
      “And from that moment, you realised: he can look scary in the face-to-face, because also he goes too close to you. But after that, he’s a very warm and genuine man. Ryan Giggs was there trying to hold his laugh!
      “He used to tell us after games: ‘Try to go and sign for the fans. Don’t get in your cars and leave. I received this morning a letter from a mother that thanks me personally because you, you and you the other day went to see her kids somewhere.’
      “So he was more than a football manager with his tactics; he was a great human being and I learned a lot from him in that sense. We had some good moments also: qualifying for the Champions League and winning the FA Cup, which I felt was very important for us and for him.
      “He had a speech in which he thanked us for winning the trophy and how happy he was. I don’t think he knew if he was going to continue or not, so it wasn’t a proper farewell.
      “But it was an emotional speech, and after that of course we exchanged messages and things, but it was sad to see him [go]. Especially because of how he was as a man.”JOSE MOURINHO (2016-2018)
      Mourinho came in as the Dutchman’s replacement and led the Red Devils to League Cup and Europa League glory in 2017.
      Despite reports of a rift and leaving Chelsea just six months after Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge, Mata insists there was never any personal problems between the pair.
      Speaking about their reunion, he said: “I wasn’t nervous. I was feeling like those six months at Chelsea where I stayed, I was feeling ‘Let’s go for it, you know?’
      “I didn’t play as much as I would have liked to with him in Chelsea, but you know football changes, and Chelsea’s squad is different to United’s squad.
      “So many people were asking me, ‘What did you say in the beginning?’ I was like, ‘I’ll tell you – we spoke about Manchester, and a game that Barcelona had played a few days ago, and football’. It was completely normal and good relationship between us.
      The Red Devils won the League Cup and the Europa League under Jose Mourinho in 2016/17, four three years after the Portuguese boss sold Mata at ChelseaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “The respect is mutual, and we never had any personal problem. The situation was a football situation. He played in a certain way that maybe didn’t suit perfectly my qualities as a player, and that’s it. Sometimes it happens in football.
      “But my mentality was: okay, I’m going to try. My family was a bit scared. The fans were telling me, ‘What are you going to do?’ But I had it clear in my mind that I’m going to stay and prove that I can play much more than people think, and I did.
      “And it’s one of the things that I feel very proud [of] in my career: having made that decision, testing myself and keeping going and playing, at the end, the Carabao Cup final, the Europa League final, and feeling an important player in the squad. That’s how I felt before, and how I felt with him.”OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER (2018-2021)
      A stagnant run of form and rising tensions at the end of 2018 spelt the end for Mourinho and Solskjaer appointed boss, initially on an interim basis.
      With the Norwegian came a boost of positivity, meanwhile Mata saw his off-field role of helping the youngsters coming through just as important as his on-field duties, although he spoke about the Norwegian before he was given the boot and results flopped.
      “Of course, I heard much about him as a player. About that goal, about the many goals. So we had a meeting between us, the team, and they said: ‘Listen, it’s probable that Ole’s going to come. He’s going to take care of the team until the end of the season. He’s coming from Molde in Norway.’
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      “As soon as he came in, you could see the positivity. You could see the Manchester United DNA. He knew everyone, he felt like a proper United fan, and he was happy and smiley and full of energy. Until today. So we stay with him, and I think that’s a good sign of things going okay.
      “I feel young, honestly, in my body and in my mind, but obviously I’ve been playing in the club, and in English football and professionally for 12-13 years now, and so that gives me experience to – especially in difficult situations – behave in a certain way or give advice to the youngsters or something like that, and I think he values that also.
      “Me, as a player, what I can give on the pitch, but also that I will try my best off the pitch for the new players that come.” More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd snubbed Thiago transfer because David Moyes didn’t know enough about him and then signed Fellaini instead

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED were close to signing Bayern Munich star Thiago in 2013 but David Moyes vetoed it.Instead the Scot signed Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini on deadline day.
      David Moyes vetoed Man Utd’s signing of Thiago in 2013
      The Scot instead signed Marouane Fellaini from Everton
      Thiago ended up signing for Bayern where he won seven Bundesliga titles and a Champions League.
      Whereas Fellaini only managed an FA Cup, a League Cup and a Europa League title with United.
      Sir Alex Ferguson had set up a £17million deal to sign Thiago from Barcelona before his retirement, according to ESPN.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
      But once he had left Old Trafford the decision fell to his replacement – and now West Ham manager – Moyes.
      Thiago was said to be keen on a Nou Camp exit in order to play first-team football.
      But Moyes reportedly shut the move down because he did not know enough about the Spanish international.
      The Scot had been told by United chiefs they were planning a mega move that summer – with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo being mentioned.
      And as a result he held off on giving the Thiago deal the green light.
      Four Premier League teams crack the top ten highest wage bills in Europe
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Bundesliga.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      United reportedly attempted to sign Thiago’s Barca team-mate Cesc Fabregas instead but that move also fell through.
      So having missed out on several targets, Moyes was forced to raid his old club and sign Fellaini on the last day of the summer transfer window.
      Thiago made a belated move to the Premier League joining Liverpool in a £25million deal in 2020.
      Darren Fletcher says Cristiano Ronaldo became the player he is thanks to former Man Utd No2 Walter Smith More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      David Haye ignores Mike Tyson in top five heavyweights of all time over mental strength claim and details sad decline

      by

      DAVID HAYE doesn’t rank Mike Tyson in his top five heavyweights of all time because of questions over his mental strength.Former two-division champion Haye was discussing the night Tyson beat Michael Spinks in 1988 by a 91-second knockout.
      David Haye says Mike Tyson cannot be considered in the top five heavyweights of all time
      Michael Spinks was beaten by Tyson in 1988
      But the 41-year-old believes Iron Mike’s inability to overcome adversity during fights he was losing is a reason why he does not consider him among the five greatest heavyweights ever.
      Haye said on the BBC’s Costello and Bunce podcast: “How many fights did he have where he was behind on points? Where he got put down, hurt and came back, that’s the question.
      “The moment he started to lose or it started to get tough, it seemed to go the other way.
      “Many fighters – Holyfield, Lennox Lewis – they’ve all had tough fights where they are on the brink of losing and found a way to win, I’ve never seen that with Tyson.
      “I find it hard to say someone’s in the top five of all time if they’ve never had a fight which they were losing and they came back to win.”
      Tyson, 55, still reigns as the youngest heavyweight champion of all time after he thrashed Trevor Berbick in 1986 but did so after the death of his mentor Cus D’Amato, who left Kevin Rooney to corner him.
      But four years later, having succumbed to distractions outside the ring, the American was upset by James ‘Buster’ Douglas in Tokyo, losing for the first time.

      Tyson would then spend three years in prison after being convicted of rape in 1992 before making his boxing comeback in 1995.
      He won the world titles back again in 1996 but in the same year lost to Evander Holyfield and infamously bit his ear in their rematch a year later.
      The knockout artist retired in 2005 after losing to Kevin McBride and left the sport with a record of 50–6 but shocked fans after this month announcing plans to make a comeback to compete in exhibition bouts for charity.
      However, he returned to the ring when he faced off against Roy Jones Jr last year.
      But Haye argues if the hotheaded puncher was guided correctly throughout his career, he could have been the greatest heavyweight of all time.
      He explained: “If he would have had the same team around him which got him into that shape and continued to have the fights that he had, he would’ve grown and become a better version than that.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}most read in boxing .css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      “If he’s 21 there, he’s a baby in boxing terms. He was only going to get better and better. But what happened was, he peaked at 21 and didn’t get better, he got worse every fight.
      “He did less training, less sparring, had less discipline, more money, different women. He got worse and worse until he lost.
      “If he didn’t fall off, and had Rooney in his corner and the same team and had people looking after him, investing his money correctly, looking out for him, he could’ve been No1, without a doubt.”
      Tyson retired in 2005 after losing to Kevin McBrideCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Mike Tyson will only return to ring to fight bona fide boxer as 53-year-old doesn’t want to ‘insult’ the sport More