More stories

  • in

    Sickening moment fighter snaps ankle mid-fight before slipping it back into place as if nothing happened

    A BAREKNUCKLE boxer suffered a horrific broken ankle just seconds into their latest fight.Trevor Bozniak locked horns with Kayden Giroux at the latest BKFC Prospect Series event in Edmonton, Canada last Saturday.Trevor Bozniak locked horns with Kayden Giroux at last weekend’s BKFC Prospect Series eventCredit: BKFCThe cruiserweight contender was floored by a thunderous right hookCredit: BKFCBozniak snapped his right ankle on his way to the canvasCredit: BKFCThe fight was stopped after just ten seconds, but not because of the brutal and bloody knockouts we’re used to seeing in the promotion.The referee waved off the contest after seeing Bozniak’s ankle snap as he got dropped by a thunderous right hand inside the pocket.Bozniak’s right ankle was nearly at a right angle after bearing the brunt of his weight as he was sent hurtling to the canvas.But miraculously, he shrugged off the injury by popping the ankle back into place before rising to his feet.READ MORE BOXING NEWSBut referee Dan Miragliotta had already seen enough and waved off the contest, much to Bozniak’s frustration.The horror clip spread like wildfire on social media and baffled fight fans across the globe.One wrote on X: “That dude didn’t even wince. I have no clue how he just put it back and was like, ‘I’m good.'”Another said: “Bro just stood up.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReferee Dan Miragliotta was quick to wave off the contestCredit: BKFCAnd another said: “How did he stand back up after that?”One remarked: “Bro feels no pain.”Watch stunning six second knockout in brutal bare-knuckle boxing fight leaving UFC legend Conor McGregor in aweAnother chimed in: “Walked it off.”One stunned fan asked: “How did he just snap his foot back like nothing happened.”Victory over Bozniak was cruiserweight up-and-comer Giroux’s first under the BKFC banner. More

  • in

    ‘Absolute poet’ Peter Drury leaves fans divided with ‘unnecessary’ pun live on Sky Sports after Man Utd vs Liverpool

    SKY SPORTS commentator Peter Drury took social media by storm with a comical pun after the Premier League derby between Liverpool and Manchester United.Drury, 56, covered the Reds’ 3-0 victory over United at Old Trafford.Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury went viral with a comical punCredit: AlamyDrury made a pun about Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s successful startThe Merseysiders’ winning streak under new manager Arne Slot was extended to three games, while goalkeeper Alisson kept a third clean sheet in a row.Drury appeared to get a little carried away amid Liverpool’s stunning start to the campaign as he went on to praise Slot.And the journalist decided to have a little fun with the use of an innocent pun.Drury said: “The Slot machine has paid out its first big jackpot.”Read More on FootballThat pun left fans divided as they stormed social media immediately after.One fan tweeted: “Peter Drury man. That’s unnecessary.”Another commented: “Even by Peter Drury’s own standards he needs locking up for that pun.”A third wrote: “Peter Drury you beauty.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis fan said: “Where does Peter Drury drag these out from. Unreal.”And that one posted: “Peter Drury is an absolute poet.”Sky Sports News interrupt Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher’s spa day live on TV to get Man Utd vs Liverpool predictionsLiverpool are second in the Premier League table with the exact same points as leaders Manchester City who are ahead on goals scored. More

  • in

    Manuel Ugarte unveiled at Old Trafford but then ‘leaves immediately without staying to watch Man Utd loss to Liverpool’

    MANUEL UGARTE was unveiled at Old Trafford in front of the Manchester United fans but reportedly did not stay to watch their defeat to Liverpool.The 23-year-old completed a £51million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day.Manuel Ugarte was unveiled at Old TraffordCredit: GettyUgarte said it was a ‘dream’ to be at UnitedCredit: GettyBut he then allegedly left before watching the match against Liverpool to link up with UruguayCredit: PAFollow the latest news from Man Utd vs Liverpool with our LIVE BLOGIt came after he was not registered in time to face United’s arch enemy Liverpool, so was simply presented in front of the home crowd.Taking to social media following the announcement, Ugarte shared photos of him holding a Red Devils shirt on the pitch.He said: “It’s a dream to be here. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Incredible atmosphere at our house. “Let’s make it a great season together.”However, according to beIN SPORTS commentators, Ugarte did not stick around to watch his new team-mates get battered 3-0 by Liverpool.Instead, the midfielder allegedly left to link up with Uruguay for international duty.Most read in FootballThe South American nation have a friendly against Guatemala at midnight tonight.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey then have two World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Venezuela on September 7 and 10.The decision to leave seemed somewhat strange, particularly with international team-mate Darwin Nunez featuring in the game at Old Trafford before departing for international duty.Man Utd Player Ratings Casemiro’s Nightmare Against LiverpoolAfter the game got underway, fans were begging for Ugarte to make an appearance in place of Casemiro after the Brazilian had a first-half horror show with two mistakes leading directly to goals for the visitors.Writing on social media, one fan said: “Our board have massively dropped the ball on his signing in terms of timing, should have been completed weeks ago.”A second said: “This is what happens when you leave Ugarte to the end of the window and ignore 3 tough opening fixtures.”A third added: “Why did we f*** around so much with registering Ugarte for this game? Small details like this make a MASSIVE difference.”Casemiro was replaced at half-time by 20-year-old United academy product Toby Collyer. More

  • in

    Football world pays emotional tribute to Sol Bamba with ex-teammate shaken ‘to my core’ by news of tragic death at 39

    SOL BAMBA’S untimely death aged just 39 has seen an outpouring of emotion from the football world.The Ivory Coast international passed away after falling ill while working in Turkey on Friday following a battle with cancer.Neil Warnock shared a close bond with Sol BambaCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe former Cardiff defender tragically passed away this weekCredit: GettySol Bamba was a popular figure in English footballCredit: RexBamba, who leaves behind wife Chloe and their three children, was a hugely popular figure within the game.And the esteem with which he was held had been reflected by the messages shared on social media in the wake of his tragic passing.Neil Warnock, who signed Bamba before leading Cardiff to the Premier League, paid a glowing tribute.He wrote on X: “I can’t believe I won’t see that beaming smile again.READ MORE ON BAMBA”I’m so happy that Sol was part of my life and we had such brilliant memories together.”I’m heartbroken for Chloe and the family and all my thoughts are with them.”Sol was a ray of sunshine and I’ll miss him so much.”Former Cardiff defender Lee Peltier wrote on X: “Love you brother. Rest easy my big brother – always there for me, will never forget.”Most read in FootballEx-Bluebirds defender and manager Mark Hudson said: “Never had the chance to witness what a truly great man and leader you were.”We have shared stories and I loved our chats, however brief. My heart goes out to Sol’s family. I am devastated for you.”Junior Hoilett, who won promotion with Cardiff alongside Bamba, said: “RIP Big Bro. Love Always.”Ipswich’s Sam Morsy, who was with Bamba at Middlesbrough, wrote: “Ahhh man big Sol .. incredible human one of the best I’ve shared a dressing room with, at the start of his coaching career.”Writing in Arabic, Morsy added: “We belong to Allah and to him we shall return.”Former Middlesbrough defender Cyrus Christie said: “This news has shook me to my core. Only the other day we spoke as you started your managerial career.”Fly high brother, may your soul rest in peace. One of the nicest and most humble guys to grace this game. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family.”Sol Bamba poses with wife ChloeCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoThey had three children togetherCredit: Instagram @cebambaSol Bamba enjoyed a long careerCredit: RexCurrent Cardiff left-back Callum O’Dowda said: “Heartbroken. Despite everything you went through, you epitomised the most positive outlook on life. A lesson I will hold forever. My thoughts are with your family.”Bluebirds goalkeeper Jak Alnwick wrote: “Rest in peace Sol, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever come across in football.”And Neil Etheridge, a team-mate of Bamba’s at Cardiff, said: “One of the nicest guys I have met off the field and on it.”Always smiling, always so happy, always seeing the brighter side of life.”When I joined the club, before he knew me, Sol treated me as a brother. When we got to know each other we became family. Rest in peace Sol.”Ex-Cardiff winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing wrote: “My guy always looked out for me. Love you brother.”Cardiff, where Bamba made 118 appearances, said the centre-back was a “hero” and described his impact at the club as “immeasurable”.Bamba’s health battlesSol Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020 before undergoing four months of chemo.He told Mail Sport in 2022: “After the first chemo I was down for four days.”I could not get out of bed. I lost weight. After that, I told my missus, ‘I’m not going for the second round’. The way I was, in that moment, it was awful.” But the defender quickly rose to the occasion and was lauded for raising awareness of the disease as he battled it head on.Speaking to the Guardian in November last year he said: “The way I went about it, people gave me praise … it was too much.”That’s just what I’m like. I understand some people prefer to shy away from it, but I’m different. I’m just being myself.“Even clubs now are being careful now when they do medical checks, all the way from Premier League to League Two, which is massive. In our game we talk about injuries but you never think about cancer.”Bamba was given the all-clear in May 2021, but said he still had to be “careful”, paying regular visits to the doctor.“Unfortunately when you’ve had cancer once, you always have to double check and make sure it doesn’t come back,” he continued. “Is it behind me 100%? Well, I wish but you never know.”Incredibly, he returned to playing football just five months after his diagnosis.At the time of his comeback, he said: “When I was going through chemo, I never thought for one minute I would come back and play. And I never thought about scoring penalties at Old Trafford – nights like that seemed a million miles away.”The club wrote: “As a player and coach, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman.”Leeds – another former club – said in a post on X: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away.”Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”Middlesbrough said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39.”Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time.”A Football Association of Wales statement read: “The FAW is devastated to hear the sad news of Sol Bamba’s passing.”Sol obtained his coaching badges with the FAW and was currently studying for his Uefa pro licence, where everyone he worked with admired his positivity and his love for the game.”Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Sol’s family, friends and everyone that knew him during this difficult time.”Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff but managed to return to the field for the Bluebirds after being declared cancer-free following chemotherapy.Wife’s statementHe had three children – Roonea, Lily and Amy.Bamba’s wife Chloe paid tribute to the gentle giant in a heartbreaking statement.She wrote: “For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.”Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31 August.”These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it. I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.” More

  • in

    Sol Bamba’s touching final tweet as former Leicester and Cardiff star tragically dies at 39 after health battle

    SOL BAMBA’S final tweet was a heartfelt tribute to former manager Sven Goran Eriksson.The retired defender tragically passed away aged 39 after falling ill on Friday following a brave fight with cancer.Sol Bamba passed away this week after a brave fight against cancerCredit: Instagram @solbambaThe defender played for Leicester from 2011-2012Credit: GettyHe paid tribute to former Foxes boss Sven-Goran Eriksson in his final post on XCredit: GettySol Bamba had three children with wife ChloeCredit: Instagram @solbambaTributes have flooded in from former clubs, as well as Bamba’s heartbroken wife Chloe.Eriksson’s tragic death aged 76 after his own battle with cancer was confirmed by his family on Monday.Bamba played under the Swede with Leicester and the Ivory Coast and paid a moving tribute to the manager.He wrote: “Deeply devastated by the news of Sven’s passing today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He was not just an exquisite person, but he was also the best coach I’ve ever had, inspiring my journey as a player but also as a manager.”My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Sven.”A fan later replied under the post: “Quite fitting your own final message was one of such respect and sincerity. Incredibly sad news. RIP Sol.”Bamba was working as a technical director for Turkish club Adanaspor when he was taken ill before a game against Manisa BBSK on Friday.Most read in FootballA statement from Adanaspor posted on Saturday night read: “Our Technical Director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the Manisa Football Club match played yesterday, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there. Our condolences to his family and our community.”Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff but managed to return to the field for the Bluebirds after being declared cancer-free following chemotherapy.Sol Bamba is a Cardiff legend after helping the Bluebirds to promotionCredit: Instagram @solbambaHe will be sorely missed by many fansCredit: Instagram @solbambaHe had three children – Roonea, Lily and Amy – with wife Chloe, who paid tribute to the popular former defender.She wrote: “For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.”Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.”These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it.”I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best.”Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking.”What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”BAMBA’S HEALTH BATTLESSol Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020 before undergoing four months of chemo.He told Mail Sport in 2022: “After the first chemo I was down for four days.”I could not get out of bed. I lost weight. After that, I told my missus, ‘I’m not going for the second round’. The way I was, in that moment, it was awful.” But the defender quickly rose to the occasion and was lauded for raising awareness of the disease as he battled it head on.Speaking to the Guardian in November last year he said: “The way I went about it, people gave me praise … it was too much.”That’s just what I’m like. I understand some people prefer to shy away from it, but I’m different. I’m just being myself.“Even clubs now are being careful now when they do medical checks, all the way from Premier League to League Two, which is massive. In our game we talk about injuries but you never think about cancer.”Bamba was given the all-clear in May 2021, but said he still had to be “careful”, paying regular visits to the doctor.“Unfortunately when you’ve had cancer once, you always have to double check and make sure it doesn’t come back,” he continued. “Is it behind me 100%? Well, I wish but you never know.”Incredibly, he returned to playing football just five months after his diagnosis.At the time of his comeback, he said: “When I was going through chemo, I never thought for one minute I would come back and play. And I never thought about scoring penalties at Old Trafford – nights like that seemed a million miles away.”Cardiff said Bamba was a “club legend” and his death brought them the “deepest sadness”.The club wrote: “As a player and coach, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman.”Leeds said in a post on X: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away.”Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMiddlesbrough said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39.”Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time.” More

  • in

    Danny Simpson reveals football rival DM’d him to set up fight… and backs ex-Man Utd team-mate to make boxing switch

    DANNY SIMPSON is already being called out to an all-footie fight ahead of his boxing debut. The 2016 Premier League winner with Leicester faces YouTuber Danny Aarons on Saturday night in Dublin.Danny Simpson is already being called out to an all-footie fight ahead of his boxing debutCredit: Getty – ContributorMisfits Boxing – headed up by YouTuber KSI and his manager Mams Taylor – welcome stars from the social media, celebrity and sports world to fight in crossover-style bouts. But Simpson – a former team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo’s at Manchester United – becomes the first footballer to cross over. And he expects several others to follow his lead having already been challenged behind-the-scenes by Prem rival James McLean. Simpson told SunSport: “I think if anything you’ve got to be quite brave in in general. But to be the first…READ MORE IN boxing “I hope so, because I said a lot of lads watch love boxing.They go, you always see the footballers at the boxing events ringside and stuff.”So yeah, I think they’re probably waiting to see what happens first! “I’ve had James McLean, I mentioned him in an interview and he DM’d me saying when he finishes, he’ll come down, spar and get in the ring.”So I think a few lads will probably get into it.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSimpson – during his time with Newcastle – infamously clashed with then-Sunderland forward McLean. And he has had his fair share of online feuds too, including one he recently put to bed with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher. Simpson said: “Me and James McLean had some beef when we played and he’s DM’d me. “I think I had beef with Carra in the past but that we sorted that out. Obviously, everyone knows Wazza is a good boxer. “So, yeah there’s names that are popping up so we’ll we’ll see if you know any of them in the future fancy it.”Wayne Rooney – nicknamed Wazza – was once knocked out in a drunken kitchen spar by Phil Bardsley. And Simpson – who came up the United ranks with Bardsley – backed the hardman full-back to have the makings of a boxer. He said: “I think my mate Phil Bardsley. I was with him last week and he’s grew up boxing and around boxing.”I’d back him to beat anyone I think on on on these cards. So I’d throw him in the mix and and put pressure on him.”James McLean clashing with Simpson in a 2012 matchCredit: Getty Images – GettyPhil Bardsley had a hardman reputationCredit: Visionhaus More

  • in

    KSI reveals why he would be ’10x better’ in a rematch with Tommy Fury and admits ‘mistake’ he made in first fight

    KSI insisted he will be ten times more prepared in a rematch against Tommy Fury – having learned from his biggest mistake. The boxing, music and YouTube superstar suffered defeat in the ring for the first time last October in a controversial decision to Fury. Tommy Fury controversially beat KSI on pointsCredit: PAKSI was due to return this Saturday against BOTH social media star Slim Albaher and ex-MMA fighter Anthony Taylor in a two-on-one bout. That was until he was forced to pull out after suffering a hand injury which also caused his problems in the build up to facing 25-year-old Fury. But KSI admitted coming in undersized for his 183lb catchweight clash last year was actually his biggest error of all. He told SunSport: “I wouldn’t want to make any excuses against me and Tommy.READ MORE IN BOXING“I think – but this is again my fault – it was the weight. I should have fought him at a weight that I was really comfortable in.“We put up 186 or 185 but I was struggling to even make that weight. “Whereas now I’m in a position where I’m happy to be at 185 and I’m not gonna struggle to try and get to it.“I remember when I had to weigh in, I had to drink a load of water just to try and make the weight just to try and get onto the scale and hit 185.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I was very light when I was fighting Tommy. Whereas now you know, I’ve decided to put on a lot more muscle, get a bit bigger, stronger.“And I feel like if we were to have a rematch, I’d just do 10 times better.”Jake Paul reveals ‘take it-or-leave it’ offer to fight KSIKSI, 31, has ruled out a boxing return until 2025 as he looks to recover from his agonising hand injury. He said: “I’m thinking hopefully Q1 of next year. “I think that’s what we’re looking to aim at. I think any time this year it probably just doesn’t make sense.“And it’s one of those things where the longer I let it heal, the better for the future rather than me trying to rush back into fighting again and then just get injured again.”KSI will still perform to his beloved fans in what is a sellout at the 3Arena in Dublin – but on the microphone not in the ring. She said: “I always like finding the silver lining of things. So after I got injured, I was just like, how can I still be a part of this next Misfits?“So I thought you know what, why not just perform. So I feel like my audience still get to see me somewhat perform obviously not boxing, but doing music.“And also just get to see me in general. I’m still gonna be also commentating during the event as well as well as performing, some new songs, some old songs.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So overall, just gonna be a good event. And that was what I wanted to make sure would happen.”KSI will perform music at the 3Arena after pulling out of his fightCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Ex-England star Carlton Palmer reveals heartbreaking death of his dad on same day as friend Craig Shakespeare’s funeral

    CARLTON PALMER has revealed that his father died on the same day as he attended Craig Shakespeare’s funeral.The former England star shared the heartbreaking news on social media.Carlton Palmer’s dad has passed awayCredit: Action ImagesPalmer, 58, was with his mother and sister as his father died aged 89 in the early hours of the morning.The retired midfielder posted on X, revealing the news along with a picture of him and his dad.He wrote: “My dad passed at 3.17am this morning.”I love you and I will miss you. I was with him, my mother and my sister, and he passed peacefully in his sleep.READ MORE IN SPORT”God bless you Dad.”Palmer also admitted that he had been at the funeral of Craig Shakespeare today.Shakespeare passed away at the age of 60 earlier this month.He was diagnosed with cancer in October 2023 and received many tributes from the footballing world.Most read in FootballPalmer earned 18 caps for EnglandCredit: RexPalmer was one of the attendees at the Premeir League-winning former Leicester City’s coach’s funeral.He added: “It’s been a tough day.”My Dad passing this morning and burying my very good friend this afternoon.”Heartbroken.”Palmer received plenty of support from his followers on social media.One posted: “So sorry for your loss Carlton, thinking of you.”A second wrote: “I’m sorry to hear this, Carlton. I knew you two were so very close.”A third commented: “Through it all, remember the good times.”A fourth said: “Sorry for your loss. Big respect to even still go.”Another added: “Very sorry to hear that Carlton. My deepest condolences to you and your family.”Palmer starred for the likes of West Brom, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United during his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also played for the likes of Southampton, Nottingham Forest and Coventry City.He earned 18 caps for England and scored one goal against San Marino in 1993.Craig Shakespeare won the Premier League at Leicester CityCredit: Getty – ContributorWho are these famous footballers? More