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    ‘Should be an immediate DQ’ – Boxing fans can’t believe their eyes as Nick Ball escapes punishment for KICKING opponent

    BOXING fans were left in disbelief after Nick Ball escaped punishment after KICKING his opponent.Ball was facing off against TJ Doheny for the WBA featherweight title in Liverpool when the crazy incident occurred.Fans were stunned to see Nick Ball not disqualified after he kicked his opponentHis kick on TJ Doheny came after he was locked in a headlockNick Ball went on to successfully defend his WBA featherweight title beltCredit: GettyAt the end of the first round tensions boiled over between the fighters as the bell went off when they were in a corner of the ring.Doheny was up against the ropes when he placed Ball into a headlock.But Ball – who has been likened to Mike Tyson for his explosive style – then responded by literally kicking out at his opponent.Ball’s low kick to Doheny’s leg sent him tumbling to the canvas.READ MORE IN BOXINGReferee Michael Alexander proceeded to reprimand both fighters but did not take any points away from either of them.Fans on social media were stunned at the events which had played out, with one saying: “Should be an immediate DQ for that.”A second said: “He’s very very lucky to not be disqualified here.”A third added: “Nick Ball should of been disqualified for kicking I don’t understand.”Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother said: “Imagine getting disqualified from a boxing match for hitting a split second after the bell.. but if you kick your opponent you don’t get disqualified. What is wrong with these refs?”A fifth said: “Ball should be disqualified. Kicking has no place in the ring.”All Premier League boxing card teased with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Bridge among stars tipped to fightA sixth added: “Sign that boy up to the UFC, he’s wasting his talents in boxing. That was a solid low kick, Doheny had a dead leg lol.”Amid the controversy, Ball went on to defend his world title with a 10th round stoppage victory in front of his adoring home crowd.It was a thoroughly deserved win too, as the 28-year-old battered his rival across the ring after the halfway mark before Doheny’s team threw in the towel.Wrecking Ball’s win moves him to 22-0-1 as a professional, including his title belt win over Raymond Fort last year.The sole blemish on his otherwise perfect record came when contesting the WBC featherweight belt against Rey Vargas which ended in a draw.Ball’s win over Irishman Doheny was his second successful title defence of the belt.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe now has his eyes set on a bout with undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue.Meanwhile, it was a second successive stoppage loss for 38-year-old Doheny, who will now need to consider whether to hang up his gloves. More

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    ‘True legend’ – Boris Becker leads tributes as German football icon and winner of four Euros Doris Fitschen dies aged 56

    BORIS BECKER has led the tributes to German football legend Doris Fitschen, who has tragically passed away aged 56.Fitschen, who is one of German sport’s most iconic figures, has sadly lost her battle with cancer. German football legend Doris Fitschen has tragically passed away aged 56Credit: GETTYFitschen passed away following a battle with cancerCredit: RETROCON SPORTS FOOTBALLTennis icon Boris Becker has led the tributes to the late FitschenCredit: GETTYThe midfielder’s passing has rocked the German sports world, with several prominent figures paying their respects on social media.Tennis icon Becker wrote on X: “A true legend in German sports has sadly passed away. “Rest in peace, Doris Fitschen.”Fitschen was one of the most successful players in the history of German football.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSShe won seven Bundesliga titles and six German Cups during her stints with TSV Siegen and Eintracht Frankfurt. And she won a whopping FOUR STRAIGHT Uefa Women’s Championships with Germany, lifting the trophy in 1989, 1991, 1995 and 2001.Fitschen made 114 appearances for her country from 1986 to 2001, scoring 16 goals in the process.Injury forced her to hang up her boots at the end of 2001, aged 32.Most read in FootballEintracht Frankfurt paid a touching tribute to the late Doris Fitschen on XBernd Neuendorf – the President of the German FA – also paid tribute to the late Fitschen, who was regarded by many to be one of Germany’s greatest-ever players.He said: “I am shocked and very sad about Doris’ death.”Our thoughts are with her family, all relatives, and her close friends.”Doris was one of the defining figures in football.”As a player, she was a leader, a strategist, and had a presence, dominance, and aura that others could look up to.”Fitschen’s former club, Eintracht Frankfurt, also put out a heartfelt statement upon learning of her death.It read: “We mourn the loss of a former FFC player and a key figure in German women’s football: Doris Fitschen died yesterday after a long and serious illness at the age of 56″Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBianca Rech – the director of Women’s Football at Bayern Munich – wrote: “It is with great sorrow that I bid farewell to a valued team-mate and an outstanding role model.”Her dedication, professionalism, and tireless commitment on and off the field were always a source of inspiration to all of us.” More

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    ‘Should be on every F1 track’ – Eagle-eyed fans ecstatic after spotting subtle change to iconic Australia GP track

    EAGLE-EYED Formula One fans were elated to discover a subtle change to the Australia Grand Prix circuit.F1 fans have flocked to Albert Park in Melbourne for the season opener to watch their heroes get back behind the wheel.F1 fans have gone crazy after spotting a subtle change to the Australia GPCredit: TikTok/mattamysIt is a subtle but impactful change designed to improve fan visibilityCredit: TikTok/mattamysPainting the fence black is a similar hack used for chicken wireCredit: TikTok/mattamysFans will be able to see the race better due to the fence seemingly blending more into the backgroundCredit: TikTok/mattamysIn 2024 more than 125,000 fans attended the Grand Prix weekend, with practice sessions at this year’s event surpassing the records set last year.But the lucky few fans who got tickets to go and watch F1 on the start-finish straight will benefit from a small but impactful change made to the iconic circuit.Fans in the grandstands are usually protected from potential crashes by a grey fence around the track.However, this year that fence has been painted a more striking tone of black.READ MORE IN F1The change was pointed out by TikToker Mattamys – who has nearly 5,000 followers on the social media platform – and was the “first thing” he noticed upon arrival.The new colour scheme will help fan visibility by blending in more with the background.It is a common trick used with chicken wire to help improve aesthetics and give a sense of invisibility to them.Reacting to the change, one fan on social media said: “That should be on every F1 track.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second said: “Really good for photography.”A third said: “And it looks so much better.”‘Shock to the system’ – Lewis Hamilton makes surprise admission about progress in Ferrari car ahead of wet Australian GPAnother said: “Great for photos and also visibility, good idea.”It is unclear whether this change will extend to other circuits around the calendar.However, the change has not been extended to the full track, with only the start-finish straight having the change made.Other changes on track were also made to this year’s race after George Russell and Alex Albon suffered horrifying crashes last season.F1 Australia results1. Lando Norris (McLaren)2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)4. George Russell (Mercedes)5. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)6. Alex Albon (Williams)7. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)10. Carlos Sainz (Williams)11. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)12. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)13. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)14. Jack Doohan (Alpine)15. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)16. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)17. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)18. Liam Lawson (Red Bull)19. Esteban Ocon (Haas)20. Oliver Bearman (Haas)The changes have come at Turns 6 and 7.The first change has seen the barrier moved and angled differently to stop a car bouncing back into the track.Sections of the kerbing have been slightly flattened to reduce the risk of potential instability caused by the bumps.Meanwhile, adjustments have also been made to the gravel traps by bringing them closer to the kerbs.READ MORE SUN STORIESLando Norris took pole ahead of home favourite Oscar Piastri as McLaren secured a front-row lockout during qualifying.Max Verstappen managed P3 with George Russell P4, while Lewis Hamilton qualified down in P8 as he admitted he has a “big learning curve” to go through this weekend on his Ferrari debut. More

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    Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny weigh-in descends into chaos with security pulling pair apart

    NICK BALL almost came to blows with opponent TJ Doheny during a heated final face-off.The Liverpudlian went eye-to-eye with the former IBF super-bantamweight champion during the weigh-ins for their featherweight showdown on Saturday night.Nick Ball defence his WBA featherweight title against TJ Doheny on Saturday nightCredit: LEGHT DAWNEYThe pair took part in a tense final stardownCredit: LEGHT DAWNEYSecurity had to stop the 126-pounders from prematurely trading blowsCredit: LEGHT DAWNEYAnd they could very well have prematurely traded blows had it not been for the intervention of security.Tensions rose between the pair as a fired-up Doheny fired verbal jabs the way of WBA 126lbs titleholder.Ball wasn’t in the mood to let the Irishman have the final word, saying: “You’re not ready”, before they continued to trade verbal barbs.Doheny took things to the next level by pushing Ball on the shoulder his WBA strap was draped over.READ MORE BOXING NEWSBall didn’t take too kindly to the challenger’s antics, returning the favour.Doheny, 38, fumed at the physical response and made a beeline for the champion before being held back by security.Footage of the incident went viral on social media and received a slew of comments from boxing fans, one of whom wrote on X: “The speaker always ends badly.”Another said: “Circus.”Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTJ Doheny initially missed championship weight but eventually hit the 126lbs markCredit: LEIGH DAWNEYAnd another said: “First time seeing Nick Ball actually getting p****d off.”One remarked: “Exciting showdown.” Another chimed in: “Sell it.”Nick Ball is the British world champ likened to Mike Tyson tipped to fight pound-for-pound KO king Naoya InoueThe fight was briefly in doubt when Doheny missed the featherweight title limit, coming in an ounce over the 126lbs mark.But the Irishman returned to the scales an hour later bang on weight.Ball claimed the WBA’s featherweight throne last June with a decision victory over Raymond Ford in Saudi Arabia.And ‘The Wrecking Ball’ made his maiden defence of the belt the following October, stopping Ronny Rios in the tenth round of their Merseyside melee. More

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    Joey Barton denies branding Jeremy Vine ‘bike nonce’ & comparing female pundits to Fred & Rose West on social media

    JOEY Barton has denied sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine and football commentators Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko.The former footballer allegedly compared the pundits to Fred and Rose West and branded Radio 2 presenter Vine a “bike nonce”.Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to sharing offensive social media postsCredit: PAHe allegedly targeted Eni AlukoCredit: GettyBarton is also accused of posting about Lucy WardCredit: GettyBarton appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today where he pleaded not guilty to 12 charges against him.The 42-year-old is accused of sending grossly offensive communications with the intention of causing distress or anxiety.Barton allegedly shared the posts on X in January, February and March last year.He referred to Aluko and Ward as Fred and Rose West – calling both “serial killers”, the court heard.Barton also allegedly claimed Aluko was “only there to tick a box” and compared both pundits to Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot”.At the time, both Aluki and Ward were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.Vine was also caught up in a social media spat after Barton allegedly branded him a “big bike nonce”.Most read in FootballThe former Man City star is due to stand trial later this year.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.The ex-footballer also allegedly called Jeremy Vine a ‘bike nonce’Credit: PABarton is due to stand trial later this yearCredit: PA More

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    Lewis Hamilton recreates amazing Ferrari scene from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ as fans demand he wins an Oscar

    LEWIS HAMILTON has left fans stunned after showing off his acting skills.Ahead of Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix this Sunday, where Hamilton will become the 13th Briton to drive for Ferrari, the 40-year-old was able to fulfil “another dream”.Lewis Hamilton starred in an edited video from the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day OffHamilton starred as a valet who takes a Ferrari for a joyrideHamilton’s skills saw fans call on him to win an OscarHe was seen with a face of excitement as the Ferrari flew through the airHamilton was joined in the scene by Oscar-winner Edward NortonHamilton will make his F1 debut for Ferrari at this weekend’s Australian Grand PrixCredit: RexTaking to social media, Hamilton shared a video from what he describes as “one of my favourite movies since I was a kid,” Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.In line with his new employers, a scene with a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder was seen playing, before Hamilton was remarkably seen edited into the footage.The seven-time F1 world champion starred as a valet who takes the Ferrari for a joyride.Hamilton steals the scene when making his appearance wearing a jumpsuit before appearing stunned when he is asked if he speaks English, to which he replies: “What country do you think this is?”READ MORE IN F1When he is asked to take care of the car, he says: “Hey, no problem. Trust me.”He is then seen getting in the car and saying, “You fellas have nothing to worry about, I’m a professional,” before driving off.The next scene shows him driving around to pick up his friend, who is later shown to be Oscar winner Edward Norton.Hamilton and Norton are seen in the next scene flying through the air, with the former Mercedes and McLaren driver showing a wide-eyed enthusiasm while Norton appears more scared than anything.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe clip then cuts to black to show a quote from Hamilton highlighted in blue text reading: “For all the kids out there who dream the impossible.”The video then ends with Hamilton and Norton returning the car before giddily shuffling backwards, with the final words of the scene saying: “We got to do this again sometime.”Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing Captioning the post, Hamilton said: “No better way to start the season than by fulfilling another dream.”Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has been one of my favourite movies since I was a kid. This is to pay homage to the iconic film and to celebrate my first season with Ferrari. “It definitely took a lot of cutting edge tech, production and planning to get right. Had to get the exact car too … it’s been a dream car since seeing the movie. “Shout out to the legendary @edwardnortonofficial for coming along for the ride 😂 This is the energy and excitement I’m bringing to the track this year. ANDIAMO !!”Brought to you by @dawnapollofilms & Large Eyes. Special thanks to Paramount Pictures and everyone who helped make this happen.”Dawn Apollo Films is a film and TV production company launched by Hamilton back in 2022, and is one of the teams behind the F1 movie coming out later this year starring Brad Pitt.Fans loved Hamilton’s role in the clip, and bemoaned the fact he had narrowly missed out on the date for Oscar season – doubtless because he would have swept the field.One fan said: “And the Oscar (not Piastri) goes to.”A second said: “We need to get this man in Fast and Furious.”A third added: “Ok this is amazing.”Another said: “The absolute best thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”A fifth said: “The best thing on the internet.”Hamilton has made no secret of his desire to eventually branch into acting when he retires from F1.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe currently has voice credits in the Pixar animated movie series Cars and Zoolander 2, while also starring in the popular video game, Fortnite and in Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare.Hamilton was also asked to star in Tom Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick, but could not find a way to make it align with his schedule, admitting the decision “broke his heart”.CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURFF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Man City ‘hero’ and former coach who ‘gave so much to help footballers’ dies aged 87 as emotional tributes pour in

    TRIBUTES have been paid to ex-Manchester City player and coach Steve Fleet who’s died aged 87.The goalkeeper was recently diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer.Former club Stockport County confirmed on social media he recently passed away.Fleet, from Salford, Greater Manchester, played for Bolton Wanderers as a schoolboy, before joining City as an amateur in 1953.After retirement he began coaching at County in 1970, which included a brief stint as caretaker manager, before returning to City and coaching its young stars for 25 years.County said in a tribute: “Everyone at Stockport County was saddened to learn about the death of our former goalkeeper, Football League champion and coach Steve Fleet, who passed away at the age of 87. “Everyone at Edgeley Park sends their condolences to Steve’s loved ones at this difficult time.”Fleet had also played for Wrexham for three years from 1963 before joining County as a player and winning the Fourth Division championship in 1966-67.He returned to City and then finished his career on the pitch at Altrincham.In a post shared on X earlier this month, the Once a Blue Man City Former Players Club wrote: “It is with great sadness that we have to tell you about the passing of yet another former City player, Steve Fleet.Most read in Football”Our thoughts are with Steve’s family and friends. He was truly committed to our football club. God bless Steve x.”Steve Fleet played for Manchester City before becoming a coach More

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    ‘Loss not bad enough’ – Liverpool fans suffer more pain as tunnel video of Virgil Van Dijk emerges from after PSG defeat

    LIVERPOOL star Virgil van Dijk was spotted speaking to Paris Saint-Germain chiefs ahead of his contract’s expiration, leaving fans concerned.The Reds crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday when they lost 4-1 on penalties after PSG tied the aggregate on 1-1 thanks to Ousmane Dembele’s goal.Liverpool fans were left concerned after seeing Virgil van Dijk speaking to Paris Saint-Germain chiefsVan Dijk’s Liverpool contract runs out in JuneCredit: GettyVitinha, Goncalo Ramos, Dembele and Desire Doue went on to score all of the visitors’ spot-kicks, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma caught Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones’ pens.After the heartbreaking loss in the Last 16, the Merseysiders’ captain Van Dijk, 33, was seen speaking to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and strategic advisor Luis Campos in the tunnel.A viral clip showed the trio having a cordial conversation a week after the centre-back clashed with Campos, who complained about a red card he thought Ibrahima Konate should have been shown in the first leg.However, Liverpool fans were left very worried as the Netherlands international’s contract runs out in June and there are still no developments regarding his status.Read More on FootballSome fans were left fearing Van Dijk was discussing a potential free transfer to PSG.One fan tweeted: “Like the loss wasn’t bad enough.”Another commented: “Great thanks for this what a lovely thing to see.”A third wrote: “Oh. That’s just beautiful, isn’t it.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThis fan gushed: “Oh, wow.”And that one simply said: “Hmmmm.”Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training Nevertheless, there are currently no reports linking Van Dijk to a move to PSG.However, Liverpool are still facing the risk of losing the Dutchman as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold and superstar Mohamed Salah whose contract also run out in June. More