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    Premier League lift little-known broadcasting blackout in major boost for football fans

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    Sky Sports in talks with TV star Roman Kemp to be part of football coverage after seven presenters left in huge shake up

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    Rio Ferdinand gets new job 6,000 miles away after shock TNT Sports departure

    RIO FERDINAND has landed a shock new job more than 6,000 miles away from the UK.It comes weeks after the Man Utd legend sensationally quit his decade-long punditry role at TNT Sports.Rio Ferdinand has landed a new job in AsiaFerdinand has been hired to work at a virtual football festivalFerdinand has now been hired for a new role with EA SPORTS.The 46-year-old is heading to Thailand to work at the Visa Presents EA SPORTS FC Mobile Festival in Bangkok on June 14.He is therefore swapping real football for a virtual kind as he fronts a special Q&A session on stage.Ferdinand will also play in a FC Mobile Showmatch with gamers and present the winner’s trophy and £22,000 prize on June 15.READ MORE ON RIO FERDINANDThe ex-England defender will therefore be working in South East Asia during the first two games of the Club World Cup in the US.Ferdinand announced his new job with a picture of himself on a poster on X.He captioned it: “Next stop, Bangkok… I’m heading to the Mobile Festival Bangkok—where passion, skill, and football culture collide!”Can’t wait to see you all 👊🏽.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe best FC Mobile competitors from across Asia and the Middle East will compete, in front of global football icons and social media influencers.Ferdinand stepped away from the TNT microphone after Paris Saint-Germain battered Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final on May 31.England football legend Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate plot move to relocate to Dubai as they eye properties and school for kidsHe hinted at new work ventures towards the end of his heartfelt exit statement a week prior.It read: “I’m excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests.“I hope to stay connected with all of you in different capacities. Thank you once again for everything.”Sources at TNT suggested Ferdinand could return to the channel in the future, whether on a guest or permanent basis.The decision not to renew his deal allows Ferdinand to concentrate on his own online channels, which have become increasingly popular. More

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    Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco LIVE RESULT: Simpson DROPPED TWICE but earns BRILLIANT win in fight of the year contender

    CALLUM SIMPSON won a fight of the year contender after coming back from being DROPPED TWICE by Ivan Zucco!The proud Barnsley native put on a show in front of a packed Oakwell stadium, fighting back from a deep hole to secure a signature win.Simpson was down with the second punch of the fight and then again in the third, but eventually overcome dogged Italian Zucco to secure a dramatic 10th round TKO win.The win, which saw Simpson pile on the pressure late to secure a superb finish, saw him win the vacant European super-middleweight title.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…First step of domination planCallum Simpson knows exactly what he wants from his career over the next twelve months.After securing the European belt, he wants to be challenging for the world title by the end of next year.Simpson felt he needed a fight like that, against an undefeated boxer, taking him through ten gruelling rounds.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHe’s one of our own, he’s one of our ownThe crowd in the Oakwell Stadium sung loud and proud to motivate their man in the ring.He was facing a true warrior, who was never going to give up.With the crowd behind him, finally, Simpson broke Zucco and sent him to the canvas three times in one round.Levels.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedBarnsley’s finest has his saySpeaking with Sky Sports after the fight, the new European super-middleweight champion spoke:Honestly, I haven’t got words, I’m speechless. I knew Zucco would be tough. I wanna be world champion by next year. I got caught with a great straight backhand but I got back up fine. I got dropped again but it is all about not letting it phase me. There are no easy fights, not once did I give up, I just knew I had to push for everybody. I’ve got that Yorkshire grit, I was never gonna give up.Callum SimpsonEnglandCopy linkCopiedAll well at OakwellThis fight was all about doing it in front of his home fans for Callum Simpson.To win in the fashion he did and to become the new super-middleweight champion, will be something he does not forget for a lifetime.This is what Simpson no doubt had been dreaming of all week and now he is wearing the belt and living that dream.Copy linkCopiedSimpson does it at homeWhat a tenth round that was for Callum Simpson.Despite dominating the fight, he struggled to get through the Italian and put him down.That was until we were ten rounds in, where he dropped him on three occasions.The first time was a brilliant uppercut which Zucco really felt.He got back to his feet and made the count before being trapped in the corner again, allowing Simpson to repeat the feat.Finally as Simpson was landing combination after combination, he dropped the Italian again and this time his corner said that was it.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson wins by TKOCopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 9)Both boxers are looking like they have cuts to the face.Simpson is in control of this round, like much of the fight, but he is struggling to make a dent in Zucco.The Italian really needs to do more if he is still thinking he can get a win here.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 8)Zucco ends up on the canvas but it is not deemed a knockdown.Great round for Simpson as he gets some telling punches to the head in on his opponent.You wonder if Zucco is flagging a little now.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 7)A good round for Zucco, who lands some good combinations.That said, Simpson continues to try and boss the round aside from these few moments of pressure.Zucco is looking the more battle-worn of the two fighters.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 6)Zucco looks to come forward a lot more in this round.He is firing off big overhand lefts, looking to hurt Simpson.Simpson has done well to ride out the pressure and needs to see what his opponent has left in the tank now.This has been a gruelling fight for the challenger and we are only at the halfway point.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 5)Simpson is doing well commanding the ring and boxing Zucco up against the ropes time after time.However, even in that position, Zucco offloads body shots and uppercuts to try and catch him again.If it weren’t for the two knockdowns, Simpson would be bossing the judges’ card.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 4)Simpson has a big height and reach advantage and starts to use it more in the round.He dominates the round and seems to have Zucco in trouble on a couple of occasions.The one thing he has not been able to do is completely capitalise on those moments and put him down.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 3)Neither fighter is holding back in this fight.Simpson was dominating the round with jabs but always want to come inside to try and unload uppercuts.As he looks to do just that, Zucco catches him with a punch and sends him to the canvas again.Despite boxing so well, those two knockdowns mean that Zucco has probably won two of the first three rounds.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 2)Simpson lands a superb left-uppercut that rocks the head of Zucco backwards.As his guard seems to be down more and more, Simpson is taking advantage, landing head shots.Zucco seems to be taken by surprise by the punching power of his opponent.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 1)What a start to this fight.After only eight seconds, Zucco catches Simpson and sits him down on the canvas.It doesn’t seem to have hurt him, despite the standing eight count.Both fighters are letting their hands go and Simpson catches his opponent and has him rocked.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan ZuccoThe crowd is going wild for Callum Simpson.Ivan Zucco will be need to try and silence them early on.After all, he has an unbeaten record to protect this evening.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan ZuccoNow it is time for the main event of the evening.Zucco makes his way into the ring amidst the boos from the crowd.This is the moment they have been waiting for, Simpson making his way into his spiritual home to put on a display for them.Copy linkCopiedHome-grown favourite for victoryIn front of his adoring Barnsley fans, the bookies cannot see an outcome other than a Callum Simpson win tonight.Callum Simpson – 1/7Draw – 16/1Ivan Zucco – 5/1All odds brought to you by Betway.Copy linkCopiedNew champ has his saySpeaking with Sky Sports, the American who upset the odds gives his opinions:Yeh, this was an amazing experience. I’d like to thank the UK for making me feel at home. I’d like to box for you again. Mark Jeffers is a dog and I had to bring my game tonight. New Orleans stand up, I love you.Sean HemphillAmericaCopy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill Jeffers just didn’t have another gear to find this evening.It all became too predictable from him.As a result, Hemphill was able to start to control the fight and get the win, and belt, he had been dreaming of.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedSean Hemphill wins by split decisionCopy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill (Round 10)Both boxers are starting to tire in this final round.Hemphill really starts to let his hands go as the fight heads into the final sixty seconds.The American has definitely landed the most punches in this final round.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill (Round 9)Jeffers talked a big game before the fight thhat he was in the mood for a knockout tonight.It has failed to deliver, in a few rounds he looked like he was making some inroads but since then Hemphill has come back.As we head into the final round, this one is still impossible to call.Copy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill (Round 8)Both fighters continue to let their hands go.The pundits have this one all level on the card currently.Jeffers is allowing Hemphill to get into his groove and start to look more in control of the fight.Copy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill (Round 7)Jeffers continues to try and turn the screw.He looks to offload some uppercuts, one of which seems to cut the lip of Hemphill.There is no doubting that Jeffers has far more power behind his punches, whereas Hemphill seems to just be putting them out there.Copy linkCopied More

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    ‘I’m really weak’ – Chris Kamara gives health update as Sky Sports legend reveals new role

    CHRIS KAMARA admitted “I’m really weak” after giving a health update while securing a new role.The Sky Sports legend, 67, was forced to step back from broadcasting two years after being diagnosed with apraxia of speech (AOS).Chris Kamara admits ‘I’m really weak’ after landing a new roleCredit: GettyThe condition sees sufferers struggle to speak as the brain is unable to properly control the muscles used to form words.Kamara exclusively told The Sun last month that he had travelled to Mexico for treatment.He also suffers from dyspraxia, which affects his balance and coordination.And now, the fan favourite has managed to land himself a new role.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor one day only, Kamara will be serving free chip butties at Camden Market with Burton’s Fish ’N’ Chips on Friday June 6.The unusual role is part of National Fish ‘N’ Chips Day.Kamara carefully considered the surprise gig before accepting it because of his AOS and dyspraxia.And he admits his health battle has left him feeling “really weak” overall.Most read in FootballKamara told The Star: “I’m choosy these days. “That’s what’s happened with the work because even though I’ve got the acceptance of my condition, I still don’t want to put myself in a situation where it comes back to bite me.“So I’m not like the old Chris Kamara who would say yes to the opening of an envelope. Fans have ‘tears in eyes’ as Sky Sports icon Chris Kamara reunited with old pal Jeff Stelling on shock commentary returnWhat is apraxia of speech?Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people.They explained: “Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. However they may be good at ‘automatic’ speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell.It’s usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke.The condition does not affect a person’s understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder.The main symptoms are:being able to say a word correctly one minute and then not the nextdifficulty at the beginning of wordsgreater difficulty with longer wordsaware of mistakes but unable to correct themspeaking slowlybeing better at ‘automatic tasks’ such as counting and singing.”Whereas now I’m a bit more choosy and will I put myself in a situation where it won’t work out alongside my apraxia, I have dyspraxia, which affects your balance.“So I’m weak, really weak, and you know, going down these stairs isn’t great. “Going up these stairs is fine, but going down these stairs, the brain tells you you’re going to fall even though you probably won’t, so you have to hold on to the banister and getting on planes and things like that.”On his dyspraxia, Kamara added: “Walking is fine but the thing is if I trip I can’t put my arms out anymore to stop my fall, so if I was riding a bike, when you stop, the brain won’t allow your feet to go down and stop you falling.“You just fall over the sides, it’s crazy, but the brain is so complex, it’s amazing.Read More on The Sun“I didn’t realise the compartments of the brain, where if you talk in an accent. So (for me) I advise speaking in a Scottish accent. “The flow is quicker than my normal speeds, which is crazy, but that’s the brain for it.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton apologises to Sky Sports presenter after tense interview that saw F1 star on verge of tears

    LEWIS HAMILTON has apologised to a Sky Sports presenter after being left on the verge of tears during a tense interview.The shocking moment came after Hamilton blamed himself for a “terrible” performance at the Spanish Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton has apologised after coming close to tears after the Spanish GPCredit: YouTube/Sky Sports F1He apologised to Sky Sports’ Rachel Brookes for a tense interviewCredit: GettyThe Ferrari star finished sixth in Barcelona, with Oscar Piastri coming first, meaning he remains winless for his new team.After the race, Hamilton was interviewed by Sky Sports presenter Rachel Brookes.And the seven-time world champion appeared close to tears when asked if there was “something wrong” with Ferrari’s car.He said: “Not particularly, it was not a great day. The strategy was good, the team did a great job. That’s it.”READ MORE IN F1Noting Hamilton’s downcast mood, Brookes replied: “I hate seeing you in this mood.”But the Brit snapped back with watery eyes: “Well what do you want me to say? I had a really bad day and I’ve got nothing to say.“It was a difficult day, I’ve got nothing else to add to it. There’s no point explaining it.“It’s not your fault, I’ve just not got anything to say. I’m sure (Ferrari) won’t (be able to find a fix), the answer is probably just me.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHamilton has since apologised to Brookes for his tense replies in the interview.Her fellow Sky Sports star David Croft revealed all on The Fast and The Curious podcast.Fernando Alonso overheard taking sarcastic swipe at old rival Lewis Hamilton after blunder ahead of Spanish Grand PrixHe said: “Lewis was really down on himself, and no one likes to see that because at the end of the day, whether you’re a fan or not, Lewis Hamilton is the greatest racing driver we’ve ever seen.“Statistically, he is the greatest. I think he’s the greatest even without the stats. “He wears his heart on his sleeve and should be applauded for that because it does a lot of good when he wears his heart on his sleeve.“He did apologise to Rachel Brookes for being so down in the dumps off camera. He said, ‘I’m really sorry about that, I’m just so down’.“And that just shows the extent that he really was down. He’s not putting this on for the cameras, trust me. “And once again, it’s right after the race. He’s not had time for a debrief. He’s not had time to have a chat with his race engineer.“So he probably didn’t know the extent of whatever damage the car had at the time he spoke to Rachel.“And he probably didn’t realise that it was the car that was hindering him more so than his driving in that one.Read More on The Sun“And look, when you’re in a Ferrari and you’re overtaken by Nico Hulkenberg, albeit in a Ferrari-powered Sauber, you’re going to question, ‘Is it me really? Am I doing something wrong here?’ “Because it just didn’t go for him really from the outset.” More

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    Melissa Reddy breaks silence on Sky Sports exit as she blasts ‘the abuse never ceases’ and reveals new career path

    MELISSA REDDY has broken her silence after leaving Sky Sports.SunSport exclusively revealed earlier today that the broadcaster has left the company in major shake-up alongside five colleagues.Melissa Reddy has opened up on her decision to leave Sky SportsCredit: INSTAGRAM @melissa_reddyReddy lifted the lid on the challenges she has facedCredit: INSTAGRAM @melissa_reddyReddy has been working as Sky Sports’ senior football reporter in recent years, regularly covering Manchester United and Liverpool.In a lengthy statement, she wrote on Instagram: “ELEVENTH!!! season of Premier League coverage done and I’ve called time on three years at Sky.”I’ll still be doing bits and bobs for them but I’m genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I’ll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions 🥰”For those that have BEEN asking for the past five years (😅) YES – that will include new books 🤓.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReddy also opened up about the abuse and challenges she has faced in the industry.She continued: “After the first press conference I covered in England all those years back, a journalist turned to the press officer and said “why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs. You just want a little lick 👅 don’t you?!””I would love to be able to say that things have changed in that regard, but alas… the abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases. “I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work.Most read in Football”You can’t dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark.”The messages I’ve received from managers, players, club staff, my Sky and wider industry colleagues – people who know me, my journey and sacrifices over the past decade – carry more weight than any of the nasty noise. Let’s cook.”Presenter Natalie Pike commented: “Thank you for always shining a light for the women in our industry.”Commentator Pien Meulensteen said: “Good luck looking forward to seeing what you get up to next.”Fellow host Reshmin Chowdhury wrote: “Keep shining, my lovely! Can’t wait to see what’s cooking.”Reddy is hoping to write a new bookCredit: INSTAGRAM @melissa_reddy More

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    Rio Ferdinand QUITTING TNT Sports after 10 years as Man Utd icon releases emotional statement about ‘difficult decision’

    RIO Ferdinand has announced he is quitting his pundit role with TNT Sports.Former Manchester United and England defender Ferdinand, 46, has been one of the faces of the channel since joining its predecessor BT Sport in 2015.Rio Ferdinand has announced he’s quitting TNT Sports after ten yearsFerdinand has become a popular pundit since ending his playing career in 2015Ferdinand has acted as both a pundit and co-commentator for domestic and European football, including last week’s Europa League Final between United and Spurs in Bilbao.But the ex-Three Lions skipper will step away from the TNT microphone after Saturday’s Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG in Munich.Ferdinand explained in a lengthy social media post: “After 10 incredible years. I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT Sports after the Champions League final.“Since retiring from football it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sports and TNT Sports.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen, but has been essential to our success. “To everyone at TNT Sports, we have a brilliant end to the season to look forward to on Saturday, and for now all focus will be on what I think could go down as one of the great European finals.“The network continues to thrive with more rights than ever, and I look forward to following its progress and the exciting future that lies ahead. “Lastly, I would like to thank my family and my management company New Era for their ongoing support. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford“They have supported me to travel all over the Europe following the best players and watching the best matches. For a football fan like me, it’s been a dream come true. “As I turn the page to the next chapter. I carry with me countless memories.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City “I’m excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests.“I hope to stay connected with all of you in different capacities. Thank you once again for everything.”Sources at TNT suggested Ferdinand could return to the channel in the future, whether on a guest or permanent basis and that it was entirely his decision.The decision not to renew his deal allows Ferdinand to concentrate on his own online channels, which have become increasingly popular.Ferdinand was hospitalised after a health scare at the start of the monthFerdinand was recently off work after suffering from a health scare, forcing him to miss Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain.He was hospitalised with a serious virus, which he later called a “crazy illness” that left him vomiting.Ferdinand can now juggle his time better between family life and work commitments.Read More on The SunHe is married to wife Kate, who he shares two biological children with.The couple also raise three kids from Ferdinand’s first marriage to late partner Rebecca, who tragically died from cancer in 2015.Ferdinand is married to former Towie star Kate More