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      in Soccer

      Premier League clubs fear huge delay to introducting semi-automated offsides amid concerns over major glitch

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      PREM clubs fear the promised semi-automated offside technology may not now be introduced until NEXT season.Clubs agreed to bring in the system this term at their April meeting after Prem chiefs agreed a deal with US-based Genius Sports.Semi-automated offside technology is used in the Champions LeagueThe tech utilises ‘mesh tracking’ of 10,000-plus data pointsCredit: FIFAAt the time, it was announced that the new system would not be available until after one of the autumn international breaks.That was to ensure thorough testing of Genius’ system of 28 special cameras, which utilise “mesh tracking” of 10,000-plus data points on the surface of each player rather than the limb and skeletal tracking concepts used by Uefa and Fifa.Earlier this season, it was confirmed that more testing was required before Prem bosses could give the green light, with the introduction of the technology pushed back until after Christmas.But club bosses anticipate they will be told this week that they should not expect all the remaining wrinkles to be ironed out in time for the system to run live before the end of the season.READ MORE ON SPORTAn update from PGMOL and the Prem executive is due to discuss the current state of play amid concerns about semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) which were heightened in Spain before the international break.A glitch in the system used in La Liga meant Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski was wrongly ruled offside after scoring against Sociedad when a defender’s boot was mis-identified as being worn by the Polish striker.Barca sporting director Deco spoke about the decision after the game and suggested that another system is needed as a back up.He said: “I don’t think VAR, and not just because of this game, has fixed what in theory it was going to fix.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I don’t understand if it’s semi-automatic, not automatic, if someone has to press the button.”It’s like having a car and not knowing if it’s automatic, if it’s hybrid … someone will have to explain it to us.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seemsRobert Lewandowski was failed by the technology earlier this seasonCredit: Getty”Why is it semi-automatic? I am lost. I still don’t know if the boots were yellow [Lewandowski’s] or black [Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd’s].”We don’t want to go there because we don’t want excuses, but there’s a question: what happened?”Where’s the error occurred, if there’s an error? If not, no problem, but we need an explanation because we’re lost with what semi-automatic means.”If there’s an involvement from VAR, if the referee really can’t do anything.”If the semi-automatic system doesn’t work, then we need to return to another system. This isn’t a Barca issue, it’s about improvements for all teams.”Some things have improved, but in other areas we still have one person’s interpretation. We still have controversial decisions, like the one at (Real Sociedad’s ground) Anoeta on Sunday, which was probably incorrect.”Prem bosses want to ensure the new system is foolproof before its introduction although the delay after the pre-season promises are an embarrassment. More

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      Gary Neville slams former player over story of his Salford exit

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      GARY NEVILLE has slammed a former Salford City star over his exit from the club.Jordan Hulme left the Ammies in 2017.Jordan Hulme left Salford City in 2017Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunHe claimed Gary Neville said his time at the club was upCredit: AFPHulme, 33, insisted that Neville told him he would never play for the club again.He told the I Had Trials Once podcast: “[I told Neville]’If you tell me there’s a slight chance then I’ll stay’.”And he was like, ‘There’s no chance. You’re not playing for us again’.”I had a £60,000 contract, so I got my head right, and I’m like ‘, Right, let’s take f*****g £40,000 off the b******s’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So I went in and came out with £8,000. That’s all they was offering me.”Hulme went on to claim that Neville and the club explained that they knew his wage and would have been willing to pay him to “sit in the stands”.He continued: “So I was saying, ‘No I want more’ and he was like, ‘We know what you’re on’, because I signed a s**t contract.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”They were saying to me ‘we know what you’re on. Do you think we are a***d about paying someone £450 a week for you to sit in the stand?’.Most read in Football”So that was their get out. But at 26, I was coming into my prime, and I did not want to do that.”‘He bottled it,’ squeals Neville as Carragher gives updated title predictionFull transcript of the conversationHere is the full transcript of Jordan Hulme’s claims over his exit from Salford City…Jordan Hulme: “So I rang Gary Neville to say like ‘don’t. If you tell me I can stay and fight for my place, I will train every day. I am not bothered if I am not in the squad for the first few, but if you tell me there is a slight chance, then I’ll stay’.”He was like ‘there’s no chance. You are not playing for us again’.Host Gareth Seddon: “Did he? is that what he said to you?”JH: “Pretty much yeah.”Mike Phenix: “Did you get a payup?”JH: “Yeah I did, what did I have? A £60,000 contract.”And I am like, let’s take £40k off the b*****s. So I went in and came out with £8k.”GS: “Why?”JH: “That is all he was offering me. So I was saying no I want more.”MP: “You should have stood your ground there.”JH: “No, because he was saying, because I signed a s**t contract. They were saying ‘We know what you’re on. Do you think we are a***d about paying someone £450 a week sit in the stands. That’s fine you can sit there.'”So that was their get out thing.”Hulme claimed on the podcast that he spoke to NevilleCredit: X/ IHadTrialsOnceHulme then joked that he went on a trip to Ibiza after leaving Salford.SunSport have seen the video and can confirm that Hulme was talking about Neville.Neville has also been approached for comment. The Man Utd legend has since claimed on social media that the conversation “never happened at all but sounds great”.Former Salford joint managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley have admitted they spoke to Hulme.Johnson wrote on X: “Nope, it was me and Bernard Morley that sat down with Jordan, not Gary. Although, I can also confirm it was Gary Neville that sacked us, the ruthless, horrible sod!”Morely insisted that Hulme had “got his wires crossed” when he told the story.He added: “Gary, if Jordan said it was raining outside, I’d go and check.”As good as lad and footballer he is, I think he’s got his wires crossed with this.”Neville joined forces with former Manchester United team-mates Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville to purchase a stake in Salford back in 2014.They have since helped the club climb up to the football pyramid and into League Two.READ MORE SUN STORIESNeville recently, though, has taken a step back from his operational role due to his media commitments elsewhere.The eight-time Premier League winner works as a pundit and co-commentator for Sky Sports alongside his role for Salford.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      in Boxing

      Anna Woolhouse ‘drives fans crazy’ as boxing host stuns in bold outfit with shiny leather skirt live on Sky Sports

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      BOXING fans were left in awe of Sky Sports presenter Anna Woolhouse during the coverage of Gilberto Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith.Anna, 40, often fronts up the broadcaster’s boxing coverage and is always catching the eye when she’s on-screen.Anna Woolhouse has stunned in a bold outfitCredit: instagram @ woolyanna1The Sky Sports presenter was covering the Gilberto Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith fightThe talented presenter has hosted coverage of huge bouts such as Anthony Joshua v Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.But it was her bold outfit for the Ramirez’ victory over Billam-Smith that has fans talking this time.Anna, who has been working for Sky Sports for 12 years, wore an all-back outfit with a shiny leather skirt and long-sleeve top.And her fashion choices left one fan gushing on social media.READ MORE ON ANNA WOOLHOUSEThey wrote: “Anna Woolhouse is driving me crazy tonight in that shiny skirt”.While another added: “WOW WOW WOW!!! Anna Woolhouse is looking absolutely incredible in a leather mini skirt and tights combo!!!! What a gorgeous woman!”A third commented: “One beautiful lady”.And a fourth simply wrote: “Absolutely WOW!!!”Most read in BoxingSince starting with Sky Sports in 2012, Anna has presented on darts, boxing, netball, ice hockey and Formula One shows.While she has also built up a following of adoring fans on social media where she is regularly posting snaps from her life away from the TV cameras.Boxing presenter Anna Woolhouse stuns in bold outfit as fans say she looks ‘sexy as hell’Anna shared her all-black outfit with her 177,000 Instagram followers on Saturday.Her post racked up nearly 4,000 likes in just 14 hours.TAKE A PEEK INTO ANNA’S GLAMOROUS LIFESTYLE…Anna has become a mainstay on Sky SportsCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1She started working for Sky in 2012Credit: Instagram @woolyanna1Anna covers a range of sports including darts, boxing and F1Credit: Instagram @woolyanna1She shares snaps from her life away from the TV cameras on her InstagramCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1Anna has 177,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1She’s no stranger to the red carpetCredit: GettyAnna has covered some of boxing’s biggest boutsCredit: INSTAGRAM @woolyanna1She knows how to take a break after her hard work in front of cameraCredit: https://www.instagram.com/woolyanna1/ More

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      in Soccer

      Fans say ‘they make it look easy’ as Sky Sports give behind-the-scenes look at Soccer Saturday production

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      SKY SPORTS have left fans stunned with an amazing behind-the-scenes video showing how they make Soccer Saturday work.The show – originally named Sports Saturday – began in 1992 and has been a mainstay on TV, with former host Jeff Stelling becoming a household name on the programme.Sky Sports have lifted the lid on how the magic happens at Soccer SaturdayCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballProducer Sam dishes out verbal prompts, directions and updates throughout the programmeCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballPresenter Simon Thomas then reacts and presents, ushering the show to the next relevant updateCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballThe directing includes telling the analysts when they will speakCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballHowever, Sky Sports have now lifted the lid on the breathless production cycle of the show.Taking to social media, the broadcaster shared a video showing how the magic happens featuring a split viewing of what fans see and what the happens in their studio, led by Producer Samantha Mills.The clip shared online showcased how everything was kept ticking over on November 2, with a stream of instructions and pointers being handed to host Simon Thomas throughout.It started out with Thomas, 52, being directed to go to analyst Sue Smith.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThomas was then directed to go to Tim Sherwood watching Bournemouth v Manchester City game, before he was told to cut to an on-site reporter with a prompt of there being two goals since the last time he was spoken to.This hectic switching carried on for the duration of the matches, with updates, directions and verbal prompts being handed out constantly.Reacting to the two minute 16 second video clip, one user said: “Interesting. Harder job than it looks.”A second said: “Wow, a lot behind this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “Blimey. I hope that lady is paid as much salary as the presenters. She deserves it!”Another said: “This is beyond impressive! Both the producer and the host are absolute legends for being able to handle this!”Fans baffled as Paul Merson ‘dresses like a lemon’ for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday return… but there’s a reason for itA fifth said: “They make it look easy. Incredible work team.”Thomas took over as the show’s sole presenter in 2023 after Stelling left the show after more than 25 years at the helm. More

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      in Soccer

      ‘He bottled it,’ squeals Gary Neville as Jamie Carragher gives updated Premier League title prediction

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      GARY NEVILLE mockingly excused Jamie Carragher of “bottling it” after the Liverpool legend sat on the fence with his updated title prediction.With Arne Slot’s side five points clear at the top of the Prem, The Overlap cast were asked to reassess their predictions from the start of the season.Gary Neville excused Jamie Carragher of ‘bottling it’ after the former Liverpool star failed to predict who would win the Premier titleBut Carragher was caught with his tail between his legs after failing to chose a winner come May.He first argued that Arsenal were out of the running because they’re nine points behind Liverpool.But then revealed that Man City, who Carragher picked at the start of the season, have a chance, and the know-how, to catch Liverpool.His opinion that Liverpool share a 50-50 chance with Pep Guardiola’s out-of-form outfit, sparked animated laughter from the rest of panel.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSpeaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football Podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, a boisterous Neville said: “So are you moving from City to Liverpool?”Carragher replied: “No, no. What I’m saying is City can close the gap, they’ve won it before in the second half of the season.”Before a high-pitched Neville, 49, teasingly interjected: “WHAT! Shut up stop talking. So who you going with?”A red-faced Carragher, 46, doubled-down: “I said before it’s 50-50.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis sparked utter chaos from Neville, Jill Scott, Roy Keane and Ian Wright, who were brave enough to pick a team, as they burst out screeching.A jumping and throwing Neville said: “He’s bottled it! He doesn’t wanna say Liverpool are going to win the league.”VAR footage of William Saliba red card released by PGMOL as Arsenal fans rage at Liverpool fan’s inputKeane and Scott bent down in laughter as an energetic Wright smacked the table.Carragher turned to divert attention back to the discussion by shouting over them: “There’s no way that Arsenal can win the league.”When repeatedly pressed for a precise prediction by pal Neville, Carragher finally reluctantly said: “I’ll stick with City.”The discussion was sparked by a Sky Sport’s Instagram post that said Liverpool have a 60 per cent chance of winning the title.The probability percentage gave City a 34 per cent of winning, while Arsenal have dropped to just a 4 per cent chance.Liverpool sit five points clear of Man City at the top of the leagueCredit: PACarragher later explained that pundits shouldn’t feel pressure to always go with their first choice from the start of the season.Meanwhile, Neville and Wright stayed with their Arsenal predictions because only “11 games have been played”, while former Lioness Scott and Keane remained with their picks City.But Arsenal will need to be near perfect, with them already having lost two of their first 11 games this season.The group then discussed the nine England stars who have pulled out of international duty this week.Neville said: “Do we all agree that the England players are having it on a bit?”Carragher replied: “100 per cent”, before Wright backed Bukayo Saka’s and Declan Rice’s integrity. Kane made his feelings clear in an interview with ITV SportThis comes after captain Harry Kane accused players of “taking advantage” of the unusual predicament of there being no full-time manager in post.The 101-cap striker, 31, told ITV Sport: “I think England comes before anything. It comes before club and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.”Gareth was hot on that and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s a shame this week obviously. I think it’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit.”I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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      in Soccer

      Sky Sports pundits announce never-before-seen broadcast for huge Arsenal vs Man Utd clash

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      GARY NEVILLE has revealed a stunning new broadcast feature for Arsenal’s clash against Manchester United next month.The Gunners take on the Red Devils on December 4 at 8.15pm in what will be only Ruben Amorim’s fourth game in charge of the club after being named new head coach.Gary Neville has announced that The Overlap will be doing a Watchalong for Arsenal v Man UtdCredit: The OverlapThe Emirates clash will be part of a huge midweek package of games being broadcast by Amazon Prime Video, rather than Sky Sports.However, Neville has revealed how a conversation with Ian Wright has sparked a brand new idea that will allow fans to see their reaction live as the action unfolds.Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football Podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Neville, 49 said: “We were driving along a few weeks ago [and talking], Man Utd play Arsenal on a Wednesday night and Ian suggested a watchalong.”So we’re going to do a Stick to Football watchalong Man Utd v Arsenal live in here on December 4.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWatchalongs have become a popular way for fans to keep track of games when they are not on TV or at the ground.Man Utd fan Mark Goldbridge is one of the most famous content creators to tap into this market.For example, on the That’s Football channel Goldbridge sits in front of a camera and streams himself reacting to games.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe streamed the 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Arsenal, and has had more than 192,000 viewers on YouTube, while the channel itself has nearly 1.3 million subscribers.Most read in FootballOn the United Stand – another Goldbridge-made channel – the watchalong of Man Utd’s 3-0 win over Leicester has received more than 410,000 views.’He should get a job somewhere else,’ fumes Roy Keane as he blasts Man Utd star for gesture after goal Fans of numerous other clubs have also tapped into this market, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle, while there are also rival Man Utd fan channels.Even after they are done, viewers will often clip moments from the watchalong which then do the rounds on social media, often in the form of memes as a means to ridicule a rival fanbase, particularly after a defeat or after conceding in the game.However, Jill Scott has revealed she won’t be able to attend because she is “going back to the jungle” to work on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!.She let slip this means she will be in Australia working for ITV as a guest for 10 days.Roy Keane, ever the traditionalist, had some thoughts of on the watchalong idea.He said: “So we’re just going to be watching the game like we would at home? So, swearing given up?”Scott joked: “So he’s going to be in his boxer shorts,” which prompted a smirk from the 53-year-old.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe quipped: “That’s what your missing Jill, we’ll send you a picture.”The idea is likely to be a one off, with most of the pundits usually working for broadcasters during matches. More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal legend REFUSES to go on Gary Neville’s podcast because it’s ‘too Man Utd driven’

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      GARY NEVILLE was at the centre of many battles between Manchester United and Arsenal during his playing days.And it seems some of those rivalry feelings between the Red Devils and Gunners have not dissipated, after Martin Keown revealed why he refuses to go on Neville’s podcast.Martin Keown has revealed why he refuses to appear on Gary Neville’s Stick to Football podcastCredit: GettyKeown accused the podcast of being too ‘Man Utd driven’Credit: YouTube / The OverlapKeown, 58, won three Premier League titles with Arsenal including the Invincibles campaign.The defender was involved deeply in his own way in the era-defining rivalry.Arguably his most notable flashpoint being when he screamed in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s face when his penalty hit the bar to ensure Arsenal remain undefeated in the league during the 2003/04 season.Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast, Keown recounted the battles between the two sides, including the Patrick Vieira v Roy Keane debate.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “It’s like ranking siblings. I think without Patrick, he was the link. It was like a ladder to the goal. “You’d have to go into Patrick and they talk about Roy Keane, I’d put him ahead of Roy Keane. That’s a massive debate and people can say what they want.”Listen, this guy had everything. People used to look at him in the tunnel and that 97/98 group were pioneers for how we were going to play. “They’d look at him in the tunnel and go ‘wow, he’s even bigger in real life than on the TV, we can’t kick him.’Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I think he reacted too much to a lot of that and then I had to become his minder and got sent off myself against [Paulo] Di Canio. We had lots of battles to keep Patrick there. “You had Patrick in midfield and Dennis Bergkamp, then you brought in Pires – what a talent.Gary Neville gives behind-the-scenes tour of new job as he misses Sky Sports’ coverage of Aston Villa vs Man Utd”Ray Parlour was granite and interweaving in all these teams. Then Sol Campbell came and worked with me and Tony [Adams]. “On the left-hand side we had Marc Overmars and you didn’t see him travel. He was so quick it was like ‘where did he come from?'”Keown could not resist a dig towards Neville, 49, as he continued before making his declaration over why he won’t appear on his old enemy’s podcast.He continued: “He destroyed Gary Neville which was always a nice pleasure. Sorry Gary! I’m not on your podcast and I won’t be either, it’s too Man United driven sorry! “He did them a favour when he left – Marc Overmars – because he was incredible. A great lad off the pitch as well.”Red Nev’s Red guestsNeville is one of the mainstays on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast alongside the aforementioned Keane.The podcast has been accused in the past of being too focused on Man Utd, with many of the guests who have appeared on the show being stars who played at Old Trafford.Of the last 10 guest-driven podcasts featuring a former pro discussing their career, ex-United stars Rio Ferdinand, Andy Cole, Patrice Evra, Peter Schmeichel, and former manager David Moyes have all featured.Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney was a frequent guest before he took over as manager of Championship side Plymouth.However, other core members of the podcast are ex-Liverpool star Jamie Carragher and Arsenal icon Ian Wright.Former Women’s Super League star Jill Scott is another ex-pro who appears often.READ MORE SUN STORIESRecent guests outside of the Man Utd gang include ex-stars Vieira, Glenn Hoddle and Les Ferdinand, while PGMOL chief Howard Webb, ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and Burnley co-owner JJ Watt.Regardless, Keown and Neville starred together for the England national team on 14 occasions. More

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      in Boxing

      Boxer Chris Billam-Smith breaks down in tears in Sky Sports interview at emotional messages before Ramirez fight

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      CRUISERWEIGHT boxer Chris Billam-Smith broke down in tears while listening to messages from his nearest and dearest ahead of this weekend’s world title fight.The 34-year-old will face WBA title holder Gilberto Ramirez on Saturday in a bid to become unified champion.Chris Billam-Smith will compete for the unified cruiserweight title this weekendCredit: GettyCBS was left in tears while listening to messages ahead of the boutCredit: Sky SportsIn the build-up to the fight, CBS – the reigning WBO champion – sat down with Sky Sports to receive some voice notes from his closest friends and family.Former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Barry McGuigan, who is the father of Billam-Smith’s trainer, was the first to deliver a message.He said: “Chris Billiam-Smith. What a phenomenal athlete. Incredibly determined, incredibly focused, incredibly driven. “Such a great human being in so many ways. Everybody looks to Chris for how to set the trend.Read More in Boxing”He’s just a great man and I cannot say enough good things about him.”Billam-Smith also received a message from Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who said: “Hello champ, it’s Rambo.”I just wanted to wish you all the best. I’m just hoping for a CBS win and then some time with the family. Get yourself back to watching me play football!”No, honestly, just go out there and do your stuff which we all know you’re capable of doing.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHis wife, Mia, sent in a heartfelt messageCredit: GettyThe cruiserweight champ then began to tear up when listening to a note from his best friend, Mike.He said: “Billam, where do I even begin? It feels like yesterday we were boys messing about on our bikes and mopeds, trying to make our mark in the world.Eddie Hearn provides update on Anthony Joshua’s next fight with two names eyed “Well you’ve certainly done that, and I couldn’t be prouder of the man you’ve become today.”Your resilience and determination inspire everyone around you.”They also say you should never meet your heroes, now I’ve been blessed because my hero is also my best mate.”You’ve lived up to every expectation and you’ve surpassed them in ways I’d never imagined.”Your courage, kindness and spirit make me strive to do better in my own life.”The tears continued when he listened to a heartfelt message from his mum, Carol, who said: “Chris, I’m so proud of you.”You’ve accomplished so much. You’re kind, generous, funny, respectful, and you’ve done so much for boxing. I love you so much. Let’s get to Saudi Arabia and get another win!”Finally, Billam-Smith heard from his wife, Mia, and young son, Frank, who said his dad is going to “bring home another belt” for Christmas.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on to open up about how hard he has found it being away from his family for so long while training.CBS’ unified title clash with Ramirez is set to take place at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. More