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      Former EFL star who won trophy at Wembley now runs £10MILLION business after breakdown prompted him to quit football

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      LEE BROWN enjoyed one hell of a career in the Football League.Two Wembley wins, more than 400 EFL appearances and a reputation as one of football’s nice guys.Lee Brown during AFC Wimbledon’s match with Salford City, one of the last games of his careerCredit: RexBrown celebrates securing Bristol Rovers’ promotion back to League One with a 92nd minute winnerCredit: PA:Press AssociationBrown, left, celebrates winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2019Credit: ReutersStarting out at QPR, he really made a name for himself at Bristol Rovers, scoring a dramatic 92nd minute winner on the final day of the 2015-16 season to secure back-to-back promotions for The Gas.He moved across to Portsmouth in June 2018, winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley the following season in front of 80,000 fans, before returning to his London roots and finishing his career at AFC Wimbledon.At 33, Brown rejected a new deal at Plough Lane, instead opting to pursue “other business interests”.Dubbed ‘Lee from football’ wherever he went for his bubbly personality and jokey antics on the pitch, Brown has now lifted the lid on the man behind the mask in a candid new interview.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking to the Portsmouth News’ chief reporter Neil Allen, the former Pompey man revealed football “had to go” as two worlds collided.He admits he could have easily carried on playing, and was still a regular in the AFC Wimbledon defence, but behind the scenes all was not well.He said: “I had to quit for my own sake. I was in a dark place, I’d had a mental breakdown, something had to give.‘I could no longer juggle football full-time and run a full-time business.”Most read in FootballNow 34, Brown runs a thriving property business called B3 Homes. He employs 20 staff, and boasts an impressive portfolio of luxury pads, with many selling for well in excess of £1million.B3 Homes “develop niche, high-end residential homes across London and the South East”Credit: Instagram b3.homesInside one of the properties Brown’s property portfolio has builtCredit: www.b3homes.co.ukJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAmong the current projects are a £1.3million house in Purley, a plot of three more houses in the same area and an ultra-modern detached family home in Warlingham.It all started when, at 26, he used his £25,000 savings pot to buy a house in the Filton area of Bristol, and built another house in its garden.Harry Redknapp phoned me up out of the blue to sign for ‘f***ing s****’ team – it was one of best moves of my careerHe had no money left to pay people to help build the house for him, so ended up doing it in his spare time while still playing League One football!Brown continued: “I’d never held a tool in my life, but I have this obsessive nature where I need to learn about everything.” If I was doing the plumbing, I would research how to be a plumber and, all of a sudden, knew how to run pipes. I would sit there until 3am until it sunk in.”Lee Brown wheels away in celebration after scoring for PortsmouthCredit: RexThe business grew and grew, but eventually Brown reached breaking point.He recalled former working from as soon as training finished until extremely late at night, and working again before hitting the training pitches the following morning.But it all became too much for him, and football had to go.”I was building six houses over in Purley, two in Cobham, while training every day and playing matches on a Saturday.”I lived in a pressure cooker, rocking in the chair at points because of so much stress.”I could not cope, physically or mentally. I had to give up football – or I would have been a goner.”Brown admits he shut off those around him, and the tipping point was when he broke down in tears in AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson’s office.Lee Brown lifts the Vanarama Conference Playoff Final trophy as Bristol Rovers secured their return to the Football LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyEx-Spurs and Charlton man Jackson gave Brown a fortnight off, regularly checking in on the veteran defender.He returned to the Wombles team in November 2024, making a further 22 appearances before bidding football farewell at the end of the season.Now almost a year into his post-football life, Brown is back to his bubbly self and is reaping the rewards of his hard work.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe finished: “I had to sacrifice my football career after biting off more than I could chew. But, sitting here now, I am good.Actually, I’m more than good. I’m happy.” More

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      Emile Heskey lands new job at security firm as England cult hero, 47, vows to make ‘huge impact’

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      EMILE Heskey has landed a shock new job as a security firm director.The move is the culmination of a lifelong friendship between the former England forward and Nottingham-based Octavian founder Sukhi Ghuman.Emile Heskey has landed a new job as a director at a security firmCredit: GettyHeskey won multiple trophies with Liverpool and LeicesterCredit: Getty Images – GettyHeskey, 47, said: “The company is a real route for progression for me. “I first met Sukhi at school and we’ve really worked on this relationship for the last 15 years.  “It’s my mission to encourage more athletes into the business world to not only learn, but also share their winning mindset and help businesses grow.”Octavian Security works alongside blue chip and public sector organisations to manage risk, provide manpower resource and protect their operations and interests.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 62-cap England striker will juggle his new job with his role as the Head of Football Development at Leicester City Women.Ghuman said: “This is a move that has been long in the making.“Emile understands from his days at the top of football that you need inner strength and determination to succeed.“I can’t wait to watch him make a huge impact on Octavian.”Most read in FootballHeskey enjoyed a professional football career spanning more than two decades. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMaking his debut as a 17-year-old, Heskey won the FA Cup and the Uefa Cup and Uefa Super Cup with Liverpool.He also lifted four League Cups across spells with Leicester and the Reds and played 633 club career games, scoring 130 goals. Ex-England ace Emile Heskey facing bankruptcy in latest battle with taxmanHe also scored seven goals for England, including in the memorable 5-1 win away in Germany in 2001.He has two sons Jaden, 19, and Reigan, 17, who both play as forwards for Man City’s under-21s.Heskey Snr also enjoyed spells with Birmingham City and Aston Villa in his club career.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      West Ham technical director Tim Steidten AXED after fall-out with two managers and £127.5m splurged on transfers

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      WEST HAM are finalising the exit of technical director Tim Steidten.The German, who has clashed with two of the three Hammers managers he worked with, has been frozen out of the club’s January business.West Ham are set to axe technical director Tim SteidtenCredit: PASteidten, 45, was banned from the club’s Rush Green training ground by former boss Julen Lopetegui in December.He was also barred from the first team changing room at the London Stadium by ex-gaffer David Moyes.It would seem he fell out with both managers because he was openly working on their replacements while they were still in the dugout.Chairman David Sullivan took more control of transfer business this month after being concerned by the level of signings in the summer when £127.5million was spent with little impact.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThere have been eyebrows raised over deals for Luis Guilherme, Guido Rodriguez and Niclas Fullkrug.Fullkrug arrived on a four-year-deal for £27.5m from Borussia Dortmund but will miss six months of his first season at the club due to injury.Teenage winger Guilherme was signed for an initial £20m from Palmeiras but has played just 50 minutes of football for West Ham and talks have already been held over selling him to Saudi Arabia.Steidten was involved in the early stages of Graham Potter’s appointment, but vice-chair Karren Brady took charge to agreed the deal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe ex-Chelsea boss has also moved to bring in his long-term recruitment expert, Kyle Macaulay, from Stamford Bridge.Macaulay started this week as the club’s new head of recruitment, effectively replacing Rob Newman who left that post in the summer.West Ham manager Graham Potter gives update on Michail Antonio after horror injury Potter insisted that Macaulay’s arrival would not impact Steidten’s position, but it has long been expected that the German would leave the London Stadium this year.Moyes and Steidten clashed over recruitment policy, with the Scot preferring targets with Premier League experience over the options the technical director proposed.Steidten has landed some key signings for the Hammers, including Mohammed Kudus from Ajax, but often rubbed colleagues up the wrong way by posing for pictures with new signings on private jets.While Sullivan and Brady are taking an active involvement in any deals this month, Potter will have significant influence and Macaulay’s arrival backs that up.The two have worked together since Potter’s days at Ostersunds and during his spells at Swansea, Brighton and then Chelsea.Potter said: “Kyle’s in. Kyle’s been part of my staff for the last ten, however many years I’ve been coaching since Sweden.”I know him well and he knows me well. It’s a good link between the coach and the club in terms of recruitment.”In terms of the hours and depths of conversations that you have to have around recruitment.”It’s easier to have with Kyle than it is for me because clearly I’m on the pitch and I’m working with the 20-odd players that we’ve got here.”I’m really happy with that appointment. It’s something that was always going to happen. It was just a case of when. I’m obviously delighted he’s here.”Steidten arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2023 having previously worked at Werder Bremen.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not clear at this stage whether West Ham will look to appoint another technical director in the near future.The Hammers have won just seven of their 22 games this season.Macaulay (right) has already taken on many of Steidten’s dutiesCredit: Getty More

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      Staff break down in tears as historic race track forced to close after more than 90 years

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      TEARS were shed as hundreds of fans came out to watch the last-ever meet at a famous dog racing track.Crayford Greyhound Stadium closed its doors for the final time in front of a large crowd on Sunday after 90 years of racing.One of London’s oldest greyhound race tracks has shut its doorsCredit: PAStaff members were in floods of tears as the venue closed its doors for the last timeCredit: PAHundreds of fans came out to betCredit: PAThe current Crayford Greyhound Stadium was opened in 1986Credit: PAOwners said it was no longer ‘financially viable’Credit: PACrayford previously had to cancel race meetings due to an ongoing shortage of runnersCredit: PAEntain, which owns brands including Ladbrokes and Coral, declared its intention to close the South East London track in November.They said it was no longer financially viable to continue due to “dwindling support and attendance”.Originally built in 1932 and named the Crayford & Bexleyheath Stadium, Crayford Stadium was sold to Ladbrokes in 1984.After 15 of the ground’s 20 acres were sold to Sainsbury’s, a new venue was built on the remaining five acres which opened in 1986.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEmotional staff could be seen hugging and wiping tears away from their eyes as time was called on the historic venue.Queues of spectators lined up outside before filling the stands and placing bets on the last 12 greyhound races with friends and family.Commentator Robin Carter, the long-time caller, raised his microphone for the final time.He announced: “Away we go for the last race ever at Crayford.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe stadium previously had to cancel race meetings due to an ongoing shortage of runners.But, others working in the industry noted a shift in the “business model” after an increase in streaming and online gambling.Watch bizarre moment loose DOG is chased off pitch moments before kick-off in League One clash Queues of spectators lined up outside before filling the standsCredit: PAStaff members posed for a final picture with the winners on the final nightCredit: PAThe closure leaves Romford as the sole outlet for the sport in Greater London.The current fixture schedule will be fulfilled at tracks in Romford, Hove and Monmore.Ladbroke said the decision to close the venue had “not been taken lightly”.Entain’s communications director Simon Clare added: “We’ve been exploring various avenues to avoid this decision for some time but, ultimately, it is no longer viable for us to continue operating the site.”We will also continue to support all trainers impacted by the decision and hope that many of them will continue to race their dogs at other UK greyhound tracks.”As it stands, there are now only 19 out of the previous 77 venues licensed by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain.After attracting huge audiences and royal visitors in the 20th century, most dog racing venues in the capital have closed.The Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium saw its last night of racing after 89 years in 2017 before the site was demolished.READ MORE SUN STORIESBack in 2008, the Walthamstow Stadium in the London Borough of Waltham Forest in East London also closed.It was widely regarded as the leading greyhound racing stadium in Britain following the closure of White City in 1984.A spectator holds a copy of a programme issued at the first racing meet in 1937 at the motorcycle speedway venue Crayford & Bexleyheath StadiumCredit: PAMost greyhound racing venues in the capital have closedCredit: PAEmotional staff could be seen huggingCredit: PAThe closure leaves Romford as the sole outlet for the sport in Greater LondonCredit: PAFans came out to wave goodbye to CrayfordCredit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho launches new side hustle alongside Fenerbahce job as John Terry vows to be first customer

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      JOSE Mourinho has launched a wine business to go alongside managing Fenerbahce.And John Terry has already promised to support his former Chelsea gaffer’s new side hustle.Jose Mourinho has launched a new side hustleCredit: JOSEMOURINHO INSTAGRAMMourinho hard launched his new wine business himself on InstagramCredit: JOSEMOURINHO INSTAGRAMOf course, the former Premier League boss has called his wine ‘The Special One’Credit: JOSEMOURINHO INSTAGRAMMourinho hard launched his brand new red wine called ‘The Special One’ on Instagram this morning in classic Jose fashion.The 61-year-old said in a promotion video: “Finals, I’ve won them. Leagues, I’ve conquered them. I’ve never been one of the bottle. I make the bottle.”I prefer not to speak. My achievements, my success, my work. They speak for themselves. This is the Special One, now yours to share.”The clip begins with the Portuguese manager sat with his back to camera with dramatic piano music playing in the background.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe new entrepreneur also wore a flash blue suit and sat stoic in a black leather chair, before sipping his new drink.Mourinho cleverly referenced his iconic cryptic statement of “preferring not to speak” about referee Chris Foy in 2014.Foy sent off Brazilian duo Willian and Ramires in the Blues’ 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, before sending Mourinho to the stands.The hilarious interview is considered to be one of his best and later became a social media meme.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMourinho captioned the launch: “As someone who values precision, quality and excellence in every endeavour, I am proud to present my very own wine ‘The Special One’. “Handpicked from one of my favourite regions in Portugal, this wine reflects the spirit of my homeland and my relentless desire to enjoy every moment in life. Jose Mourinho confirms he has undergone minor surgery but won’t miss a single Fenerbahce training sessionTerry and Mourinho won three Premier League titles togetherCredit: AFP AFP or Licensors”Crafted with passion and care, it is a gift from one special one to another. This wine is meant to be shared with someone truly special.”Under it, former Chelsea captain Terry wrote: “Two cases please Boss 🤣🍷.”Terry and Mourinho won three Premier League titles together over two spells at Chelsea from 2004–2006 and 2014–2015. Terry once described Mourinho as “the very best I have ever worked with.”Meanwhile Fenerbahce are second in the Super Lig under the former Man Utd and Tottenham manager’s leadership.Mourinho joins a long list of people in the world of Prem football who’ve turned to making wine.Manchester City legend David Silva has a successful wine business in Spain.Silva joined forces with winemaker Jonatan Garcia and launched a new winery called Bodega Tameran, in the Canary Islands.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile former Man Utd CEO Ed Woodward is involved in winemaking in the Douro Valley of Portugal.Woodward bought Quinta da Pedra Alta, a 35-hectare wine property, in 2018.Silva is also focused on making top quality wineEx Man Utd chief Ed Woodward works in winemaking More

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      Former Liverpool star, 34, moves away from football for luxury property business worth millions

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      A FORMER Liverpool captain has opened up a luxury property business in Dubai as he continues his transition away from football.Mamadou Sakho, 34, has launched his career as an entrepreneur after leaving French club Montpellier under a cloud.Former Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has launched his career as an entreprenuerCredit: Instagram @sakhoandcoThe main venture of Sakho & Co. is ‘Sakho properties’Credit: Instagram @sakhoandcoSakho played for Liverpool for three seasons but left early into Jurgen Klopp’s reignCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe former Premier League defender, who was a leader at Anfield from 2013 to 2017, set up Sakho & Co in Dubai in November.His property and interior design business runs with the motto of ‘Elevate Your Game’.The company also deals in consulting and video production. Sakho joined Crystal Palace in 2017 and spent three seasons at Selhurst Park before moving to Montpellier as a free agent in 2021.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut he reportedly quit the Ligue 1 side two years later over a “lack of respect” – a week after an incredible bust-up with their manager.At the time, Sakho said he will “leave like a man” – amid claims he grabbed and pushed boss Michel Der Zakarian in a training ground row.Sakho joined little-known Georgian club Torpedo Kutaisi in June 2024, playing for them 13 times. But the 29-capped France international’s social media output has been focused on his lifestyle and business in the United Arab Emirates.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis new venture has seen him rub shoulders with the likes of Max Verstappen, Bacary Sagna, Florent Malouda, and ex-Liverpool team-mate Christian Benteke. The dominant strand of his business, Sakho properties, works across Dubai, Paris, Marrakech, and Senegal.Crystal Palace player Mamadou Sakho shows off his £250k Rolls Royce birthday present to himselfSakho has hired multiple professionals to aid himCredit: TikTok – @sakhoandcoOne property advertised is a 75th-floor penthouse with panoramic views in DubaiCredit: TikTok – @sakhoandcoThe ex-Liverpool star lives a life of luxury in DubaiA quick browse of his website shows luxury properties worth millions.One five-bed waterfront villa is selling for £9.6million in the exclusive Dubai neighbourhood of Palm Jumeirah, according to The Mail.Sakho regularly features in the business’ videos, walking prospective buyers around properties, decked out in his sunglasses. Alongside his launch party in November, Sakho posted: “It is finally time to share a project that unites my passion for football with my entrepreneurial spirit.”A spirit that has been forged and enriched in recent years and to which every minute of my free time has been dedicated.”I can’t wait to introduce you to Sakho & Co, an ecosystem that offers a complete range of interconnected services designed to support entrepreneurs, investors and individuals looking for tailor-made solutions!”Team Sakho and Co. are based in DubaiSakho regularly updates his 1.6million Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @sakhoandcoHis new life in the United Arab Emirates has seen him become a guest of Red Bull at the F1Liverpool signed Sakho from Paris Saint-Germain for £18million in September 2013.He arrived with a big reputation, having been PSG’s youngest-ever captain at the age of 17 years and eight months. He helped the Reds finish second in the Prem under Brendan Rodgers in the 2013-14 season.But Sakho, who captained Liverpool several times in the absence of Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson, fell out with Jurgen Klopp in 2016.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was sent home from Liverpool’s pre-season tour in the United States after missing a team meeting and turning up late to a recovery session. The Frenchman spent that season on loan at Palace before joining the London side permanently for £26m in September 2017. Sakho linked up with former Liverpool team-mate Christian Benteke (right)Credit: Instagram @sakhoandcoEx-Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna also attended Sakho’s launchJurgen Klopp banished Sakho from pre-season training in 2016/17Credit: PA:Press AssociationHe later spent three seasons with Crystal PalaceCredit: Reuters More

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      England captain Harry Kane’s eye-watering net worth revealed

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      ENGLAND captain Harry Kane is continuing to coin it in off the pitch — with his personal worth now more than £91million, latest figures show.The Bayern Munich forward, 31, had been No 35 in The Sunday Times Rich List for sport earlier this year — with a net wealth of £75million.England skipper Harry Kane’s personal worth is now more than £91million, latest figures showBut he has added £10.8million from spon­sorship deals through his image rights firm in ­figures filed with Companies House dated up to December 31, 2023.He also has raked in £3.6million in wages from German side Bayern — while his property firm’s value is up by £2million to £15million.The star also raked in cash from from the likes of Nike and Mars and his property empire went up in value from £13m to £15 million.This all means he’s now worth more than £91m.READ MORE ON HARRY KANEHarry has an organisation called HK28 LTD.Books filed to Companies House this week show it retained cash and assets of £11m for the 12 months to the end of December last year and has nine employees – one up on the previous year.Its trading name is self-titled as The Harry Kane Company.”The Harry Kane Company exclusively manages the football, business, and charity interests of England Captain and Bayern Munich striker, Harry Kane,” it explains on its LinkedIn page.Most read in Football”With specialism across sport, business, entertainment and charity sectors, the team work purposefully with global brands, innovators and charitable organisations to harness Harry’s profile and platforms to inspire, educate and empower others.”HK28 recently announced a new partnership with 3Bears Foods GmbH, with Kane starring in an advert for their porridge.’It felt like the beginning of the end for Harry Kane’ says Man Utd legend as he admits fears for England captain Kane also invests in eco-friendly performance wear brand Reflo and the low-calorie doughnut company Urban Legend.In addition to these interests as well as his Harry Kane Foundation, he has been involved with other global brands including Cadbury, Amazon and Topps.He is estimated to be making £400,000-per-week – or £1.8million-per-month – at the German giants on his four-year contract.This means he will net more than £86m over the lifetime of that contract, that will see him in Germany until he is 34.Kane is a director at a property business called Edward James Investments Limited alongside his parents and brother Charlie, who is also his agent.Accounts also filed this week show it has of £2.2m in its coffers and bricks and mortar worth £15m. More

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      in Boxing

      Canelo Alvarez expands business empire with ‘best in the world’ side hustle set for grand opening

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      CANELO ALVAREZ is set to add more millions to his incredibly large bank account with a new side hustle.The former undisputed super-middleweight champion has enough money in the bank to last him several lifetimes.Canelo Alvarez has prepared for life after boxing by opening several businessesCredit: GETTYThe unified super-middleweight champion has opened a taco restaurant in San Diego, CaliforniaCredit: INSTAGRAM@ELPASTORDELRICAThe boxing superstar has launched the taqueria with his brother, RicardoCredit: INSTAGRAM@CANELOHundreds of boxing fans and foodies turned up to the grand opening to get their fill of tacos and see the boxing iconCredit: INSTAGRAM@ELPASTORDELRICAThe Mexican mauler, however, has already planned for life after boxing by opening a chain of petrol stations in his homeland and a line of convenience stores.And the future Hall of Famer has expanded his restaurant portfolio by opening a taqueria in the USA.The 34-year-old – along with his brother Ricardo – launched their first American branch of their El Pastor Del Rica taqueria chain in San Diego this week.A proud as punch Canelo wrote on Instgram: “Today is a day to remember.READ MORE ON CANELO”With great excitement, we invite you to the official inauguration of the first branch of @elpastordelrica in the United States.”By opening, we will have all tacos 2×1.”We are waiting for you starting at 12pm for the ribbon cutting at 645 Broadway, Chulavista, CA.”Hundreds of fight fans turned up for the grand opening to get their fill of tacos and get a glimpse of their hero.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCanelo is on course to return to the ring on Cinco de Mayo weekendCredit: GETTYCanelo turned up with his family and greeted the scores of adoring fans eager to get their hands on tacos.And after cutting the ribbon, the Guadalajara gladiator made sure to have some of the tasty tacos on offer. Top 10 highest paid athletes in the world revealed with golf star earning more than three times Cristiano RonaldoCanelo hasn’t fought since his September showdown with Puerto Rican pounder Eder Berlanga.He dominated the then-undefeated Berlanga for 12 rounds to retain his WBA, WBC and WBO 168lbs belts via unanimous decision.Canelo’s next outing will likely take place on Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas.A blockbuster fight with former undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford has been mooted as a possibility. More