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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton’s amazing £13m car collection includes a £4m Shelby and a £1.6m Pagani Zonda 760 LH

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      TO be Lewis Hamilton for a day.The F1 ace has amassed a £300m fortune that allows him to indulge in the best boys’ toys around.
      Lewis Hamilton has amassed a £300m fortune from motor racing and sponsorshipsCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton’s wealth means he can afford life’s greatest luxuries and has a £13m car collectionCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      And boy does the racing legend know how to spend it – splashing his cash on the best cars that could earn him the title of ultimate celebrity petrol head.
      The eco-warrior equalled Michael Schumacher’s seven world titles last season and has a deal with Mercedes to race till 2023.
      Join SunSport in taking a look at the staggering fleet of cars that sees Hamilton, 36, live like a king.
      I don’t know anything about wine. I don’t know a huge amount about art. But what I do know is cars, and I’m very particular about them.”Lewis Hamilton on motors
      CARS
      Lewis has a fleet of motors worth around… wait for it… £13 million.
      Of course, being a driver, he’s a car fanatic and collects everything from supercars to vintage classics that he divides between two garages – one in Monaco and another in LA.
      “I don’t know anything about wine. I don’t know a huge amount about art. But what I do know is cars, and I’m very particular about them,” he once said.
      Amusingly, so they keep their value, when Hamilton doesn’t want to drive them back home – he reportedly has a tow-truck that comes to pick them up from whatever restaurant or club he’s at.
      Here’s just some of his extravagant collection.
      PAGANI ZONDA 760 LH
      The rarest motor in Hamilton’s possession is a £1.6m Pagani Zonda that was made entirely for him.
      The exterior and interiors are purple, and at the request of the sports star he opted for a manual gearbox instead of the usual sequential one.
      Hamilton’s Pagani Zonda cost him £1.6m but he hates driving itCredit: Rex Features
      His reasons? Because he hated getting behind the wheel of it initially.
      “The Zonda is terrible to drive!” he once said.
      “It’s the best-sounding car I own, but handling-wise it’s the worst.”
      That could be why in 2015 Hamilton got in an accident that caused some significant damage to the cherished motor.1966 SHELBY 427 COBRA
      The highest valued car in Hamilton’s collection is this stunning classic.
      Believed to be worth around £4m, it’s a rare sight – unless you’ve seen the racer cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway in LA.
      Hamilton was often spied taking his ex-missus Nicole Scherzinger for a spin in this beauty, which would have him standing out from the crowd.
      A 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra is Hamilton’s most expensive car worth £4mCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      LAFERRARI
      Every car aficionado worth their weight in salt owns this £1m Ferrari – another collector’s item that rises in value as the years go by.
      Capable of reaching a top speed of 217 mph, the LaFerrari can hit 0-62 mph in just 2.4 seconds, meaning it’s Hamilton’s fastest car he owns.
      Footballers including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Son Heung-min also drive this frighteningly fast motor that must be just like handling a racing car.
      A £1m Ferrari La Ferrari is a must for any car collection, including HamiltonCredit: Xposure
      MERCEDES-AMG PROJECT ONE
      Lewis has already got his hands on a Project One, that’s not even supposed to be out till next year.
      He was heavily involved in the production of the plug-in hybrid sports car that’s capable of hitting a top speed of 217mph.
      Only 275 are going to be released at a cost of around £2m.
      Make that 274 now, since Hamilton has one.
      Hamilton has managed to get his hands on a £2m Mercedes-AMG Project One ahead of its 2021 release
      Hamilton was heavily involved in the production of the Project OneCredit: AFP or licensors
      MERCEDES-AMG SLS BLACK
      He already owned a SL Black Series, so why not add the SLS, right?
      Hamilton, who clearly has a need for speed, added this supercar to his garage probably because it’s the fastest Mercedes in production.
      Powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces 622bhp – the SLS can reach a top speed of 196 mph.
      It also hits 0-60 in just 3 seconds – making it the ideal car for Hamilton to get his thrills off the track with. For a price tag of £230k, it’s just what you’d expect really.
      Driving for Mercedes has its perks for HamiltonCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton regularly shares images on social media alongside Mercedes motorsCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      MCLAREN P1
      Despite splitting with McLaren’s racing team, Hamilton can’t have felt too aggrieved with his former employers because in 2015 he added a £2m P1 to his extensive list of rides.
      The P1 has a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, which is twinned with an electric motor that means the supercar has a total power and torque output of 903 bhp and 980 Nm of torque.
      In real talk that means it’s fast and powerful, can hit a top of 217 mph and 0-60mph in under 2.7 seconds.
      In 2015 Hamilton added a £2M McLaren P1 to his list of ridesCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      The McLaren P1 is capable of hitting 0-62 mph in just 2.7 secondsCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton didn’t hold any grudges with McLaren despite splitting from the team and drives their car still on the streets of MonacoCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      1967 FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT500
      The second classic car that’s part of his fleet, fans of the Hollywood movie Gone In 60 Seconds might recognise this motor as looking to similar to one of the Eleanor models from the film.
      Hamilton had his customised by Oklahoma shop Classic Recreations for additional cost.
      At auctions, these can fetch up to £750k, and you can bet Hamilton’s is in tip-top condition. That said, we doubt he’ll ever sell it.
      Lewis Hamilton says he feels like ‘giving up on everything’ in post about environment that has fans fearing for the F1 superstar
      BEST OF THE REST
      When the Mercedes-Maybach 6 came out in 2016, Hamilton made sure he got his hands on the concept car.
      The 2×2 coupe is completely electric, and can run up to 200 miles before it’ll need recharging.
      Hamilton also has another Mercedes – the Maybach S600, which is a luxurious chauffeur’s car with a partition separating the front seats from the back.
      Both those motors have a combined worth of around £800k.
      And Hamilton doesn’t mind swapping four wheels for two – sometimes taking his £6,500 Honda CRF450RX Motocross Bike around the dirt tracks of California.
      Then there’s also his Maverick X3 dune buggy that would’ve set him back around £20k, that’s also electric in theme with his eco-warrior status.
      Hamilton is a fan of the Maverick x3 dune buggy worth £20kCredit: 2017. All rights reserved.
      Nicole Scherzinger used to ride with Hamilton on his buggyCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton also has a penchant for motorbikesCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing fleet of cars worth £17m, including new £250,000 Bentley Flying Spur he drives to Carrington

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      A new club, a new motor for CRISTIANO RONALDO.The Manchester United star has added a £250,000 Bentley Flying Spur to his staggering car collection.
      Cristiano Ronaldo drives his Bentley Flying Spur to training with Manchester United
      Ronaldo is also believed to be one of 10 people lucky enough to buy the incredible Bugatti Centodieci, which costs £8.5m
      The amazing Bugatti is truly a one of a kind motorCredit: Bugatti

      Ronaldo has reportedly spent £1.4m on an amazing Ferrari MonzaCredit: Alamy
      It joins a limited edition £8.5million Bugatti Centodieci – of which only ten have been made, he added to his incredible fleet last year.
      Ronaldo, 36, took his new motor for a spin as he arrived to training at United’s The AON Carrington Training Complex.
      While in 2020, he was spotted taking a tour of Ferrari’s Maranello company, where he posed for a picture with a F1 car and ordered himself a Ferrari Monza worth £1.4million.
      That puts his car collection now at around roughly £17million – with Bugattis being his favourite.
      Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has a Bugatti Chiron and a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse as part of his huge hoard.
      He has ‘CR7’ embroidered on the headrests of his other two Bugattis, but his latest model he bought is believed to be a tribute to the legendary Bugatti EB110 – Centodieci is Italian for 110.
      The Centodieci boasts an 8 litre W16 engine, with special models having 1600hp – some 100hp more than the Chiron and, overall, three times the price of that model.
      It can do 0-62mph in just 2.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 236mph.
      The Portuguese superstar has supercars likes Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Rolls Royces, admitting to Piers Morgan in an interview he likes to have two of everything.

      Join SunSport in revelling in just some of Ronaldo’s collection that his fortune can afford.MERCEDES G-WAGON BRABUS, £600,000
      What do you buy your boyfriend if he has everything?
      Well if you’re Georgina Rodriguez you get a massive, gift-wrapped Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
      The gorgeous former shop assistant made sure CR7’s had the best 35th birthday ever – gifting him a stunning Mercedes G Wagon Brabus that can cost as much £600,000.
      And the brilliant SUV can reach top speeds of 137mph.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was the lucky recipient of a Mercedes G Wagon Brabus for his 35th birthdayCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      BUGATTI CHIRON, £2.15MILLION
      In 2017, Ronaldo’s need for speed saw the mercurial forward splash the cash on a stunning silver Bugatti Chiron.
      Incredibly, it can reach speeds of 260 mph, and does 0-60 in just under 2.5 seconds, not that Turin will allow him the opportunity to drive it that fast with the city’s busy traffic.
      As we said, he likes two of everything – and this was the second Bugatti he bought, although he has denied buying a third  – the Bugatti La Voiture Noire – which was reckoned to be the most expensive car in the world EVER at £9.49million, and was snapped up by a mystery buyer last year.
      The 36-year-old loves posting images of his cars to social media, including the Bugatti ChironCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      BUGATTI VEYRON, £1.7M
      Only 450 Veyron 16.4 Grand Sports were built, so of course Ronaldo wanted a slice of that rarity pie.
      It cost him £1.7m, and will only increase in value as the years go by.
      The Portuguese legend bought the car as a treat after winning Euro 2016 with his country.
      In terms of performance, it does 0-62 mph in 2.6 seconds, and has an outer skin completely made of carbon fibre.
      Cristiano Ronaldo poses outside his former Madrid home on his £1.7m Bugatti VeyronCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR, £260,040
      Simply because a Bugatti Veyron won’t fulfil Ronaldo’s love of fast cars, in the same year he bought that motor he splashed on a Lamborghini Aventador.
      Made in 2011, it’s the most celebrated model by the Italian car designer – and owned by footballers all over the world, not scared of the outlandish price.
      Ronaldo celebrated his purchase on Instagram in 2016, with a picture with the caption: “Bom dia (good morning)”.
      Ronaldo has a matte-black Lamborghini Aventador worth over £200kCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Ronaldo loves having two of every brand and has a separate LamborghiniCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      ROLLS ROYCE CULLINAN, FROM £330,000
      Last year Ronaldo added a Cullinan to his collection, having previously owned a Rolls Royce Phantom worth around £363,000.
      Showing his loyalty to his new employers, CR7 even personalised the interior with black and white leather.
      Standing at five metres long, the Cullinan boasts a V12 engine and a horse power of 571.
      It is the only SUV Rolls Royce have ever produced.
      Ronaldo arrives anywhere in style with his Rolls Royce among the collectionCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      CHEVROLET CAMARO, £35,000
      Maybe he learned something from Sir Alex Ferguson about American cars, after all the former Manchester United boss drove a Chevrolet to training when he was Red Devils manager.
      A more economic motor than others in his garage, the Camaro has a 6.2-litre V8 engine that delivers 453 horsepower.
      It’s cheaper than anything else he owns, and was bought in 2016 as a family car.
      Ronaldo arrives at his old Madrid home in his white Mustang convertibleCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      FERRARI F12 TDF, £350,000
      In 2017, Ronaldo bought an F12 TDF – another collector’s item with only 799 made in the world.
      It is certainly one of the favourites he owns, and is zippy with a top speed of 211 mph, and capable of doing 0-62 in 2.9 seconds.
      Needless to say, pet-friendly Ronaldo won’t let his pooches in though.
      The Portuguese superstar’s red Ferrari may not be the most appropriate car for his dogsCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      The Ferrari F12 is one of Ronaldo’s favouritesCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Ronaldo poses on the boot of one of his white FerrarisCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      RANGE ROVER SPORT, £100,000
      A staple for every footballers’ garage, the Range Rover Sport is the ultimate SUV for the rich and famous.
      The model that Ronaldo drives is, of course, is the special edition, SVR.
      It’s Ronaldo’s go-to motor when he drives to the Continassa training ground in Turin.
      Ronaldo’s garage has also includes a giant Range RoverCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      MERCEDES AMG GLE 63, £127,000
      In 2016 Ronaldo filled his garage with supercar after supercar.
      His AMG GLE 63 was a gift to himself for Christmas, and some present it is.
      The SUV has a 612 horse power engine, and it can reach a top speed of 155 mph.

      Ronaldo has one of the most impressive car collections in footballCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      MCLAREN SENNA, £1MILLION
      A car made as a dedication to the legendary Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna, it would’ve set Ronaldo back around £1million – with only 500 models ever made.
      So enamoured by its performance on Top Gear, former presenter Jeremy Clarkson said of the McLaren Senna it has ‘rewritten the supercar rule book’.
      Powered by a twin-turbo charged V8 engine that produces 800 horse power, it can hit 0-62 mph in just 2.8 seconds.
      Mika Hakkinen is another sports star who owns one of these beauties.
      Ronaldo’s six years in Manchester saw him take a liking to McLarensCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT, FROM £151,000
      Ronaldo is believed to have started collecting cars from around 2009, when he was a Manchester United star.
      He had a penchant for Bentley Continental GTs in those early days, and collected several during his time at Old Trafford.
      Ronaldo’s was the GT Speed model, which was naturally the most expensive version ever.
      The interior was lush, filled with magnolia leather.
      And because it was a convertible, Ronaldo was often spied with the roof down – even in rainy Manchester.
      Ronaldo began to have a collection of supercars during his time at United, including this Bentley convertibleCredit: Cavendish
      Ronaldo’s car collection is worth around £17mCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘splashes out £8.5million on limited edition Bugatti Centodieci’ – with just ten models ever created More

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      in Soccer

      Meet AFC Wimbledon’s secret weapon against Arsenal… a set piece specialist who has helped the club score more goals

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      SHOULD AFC Wimbledon score at the Emirates on Wednesday night, chances are it will be from a set piece.The Dons travel to North London to face Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the Carabao Cup third round.
      Restarts coach Andy Parslow, right, is said to be responsible for AFC Wimbledon being prolific on set pieces this seasonCredit: Rex
      Incredibly, AFC Wimbledon already have nine goals from set pieces this seasonCredit: Rex
      And although they’re sitting just outside the playoff positions in League One, they will certainly pose a threat to the Gunners.
      This season, AFC Wimbledon have scored an incredible nine goals from set pieces – more than any other club across the four tiers of professional football in England.
      Then man responsible for the sudden surge in goals is Restarts Coach Andy Parslow, who is responsible for finessing throw-ins, free-kicks and corners, for and against.
      Already, defender Will Nightingale has four goals from set pieces – one more than he managed in his past six years.
      But it’s Parslow who deserves the credit. He joined the club in 2019 and began working with the academy.
      Soon after Mark Robinson was appointed as caretaker manager in January, he was promoted as a first team coach.
      “Every time the ball goes dead, that’s when I’m getting to work – throw ins, free kicks, corners, kick offs. I want to start looking at goal kicks as well,” Parslow told AFC Wimbledon TV back in March.
      “It’s for and against, the attacking and defensive side of it. It’s just about marginal gains. I looked at things last summer and the average conversion rate for corners was just under 2.5%, which was next to nothing.
      “The best team in the League last season were Rotherham, who scored 12 goals from their corners, meaning they were up at 5%.
      “If we can make a 2 or 3% difference, three, four or five more goals from corners, it turns draws into wins, losses into draws. It’s taking care of the small details and doing everything I can to try and help us be as best as we can be.”
      Parslow, who was inspired by Liverpool’s throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark, has been buoyed by how open the players were to his role.
      “They’ve been really receptive to all the ideas,” he said.
      Will Nightingale scores from a set play against Oxford CityCredit: Rex
      Parslow is often seen on the touchline next to boss Mark RobinsonCredit: Rex
      AFC Wimbledon will try to make life difficult for Arsenal from set playsCredit: Rex

      “I think there’s been quite a cultural shift. It’s not just a case of me coming to the players with an idea – ‘this is what we’re going to do’ – some of the players have been texting me, saying, ‘have you seen this corner, have you seen this routine?’
      “It’s more of a two-way communication and ownership from the players. It shows they’re thinking about it. They’re not just taking on information, they’re being proactive.”
      And they could be even more proactive by putting their work to practice in North London tonight.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta handed massive boost after Thomas Partey returns to training More

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      in Soccer

      Liverpool wonderkid Kaide Gordon has been called ‘the best 16-year-old in the country’ and amazed Wayne Rooney at Derby

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      TEENAGER Kaide Gordon is showing Liverpool fans why the club committed £3million on him.The exciting youngster made his debut for the Reds in the EFL Cup, playing 90 minutes in a 3-0 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road.
      Kaide Gordon wowed Liverpool fans with his performance against NorwichCredit: Getty
      Teenager Gordon thanked Klopp for giving him an opportunity in the EFL Cup gameCredit: AFP
      Gordon, who turns 17 next month, became the fifth youngest player in Liverpool’s history.
      After the game, his manager Jurgen Klopp hailed the talented teen at the final whistle.
      He said: “He’s good. A lot of things to improve, a lot of things to settle, a lot of things to learn but there’s a lot of things already there.
      “We are really happy to have him around and we will treat him carefully, let me say it like this.
      “But I am really happy that he is here, he is a big talent.”
      And the German boss even let slip how modest Gordon thanked him for a chance at the end of the match.
      Klopp revealed: “The first thing Kaide said to me after the game, when I wanted to say ‘congratulations’, he said to me, ‘Thank you!’
      “I said, ‘Nothing to thank me for, you deserved it.’”
      STARTED AT DERBY
      Before Gordon could realise his Anfield dream, he was a eight-year-old at Derby excelling for their boys’ teams.
      Blessed with skill and pace beyond his years, he was propelled through the ranks.
      By 14, he was playing for The Rams’ U16 side.
      Gordon, front row, second from the left, with Derby County’s academy team
      Last season Gordon appeared in the Derby County first teamCredit: PA
      Two years later, coaches behind the scenes were calling him ‘the best 16-year-old in the country’.
      In 2020, after starring with the U18s, he was awarded the club’s academy player of the season.
      “Kaide was the most exciting and creative player throughout the year and has shown a real improvement both in and out of possession, but we believe there is more to come too,” academy director Darren Wassall said.
      ROONEY IMPRESSED
      Derby’s best kept secret wasn’t a secret anymore, as he made his senior debut for County against Birmingham City as a sub in a 4-0 win.
      It was a testament to his attitude, as well as his ability, that he was given his opportunity by his former boss Wayne Rooney, albeit a brief three-minute cameo in the final moments at St Andrew’s.
      “I brought Kaide up with the first-team initially to train with us for a week to see how he reacted to it, and he was one of the best trainers,” Rooney revealed after he handed Gordon his bow.
      “I kept him with us for a couple of weeks and he’s been training at the same level, if not to a better level to a lot of the other first-team players.
      “As I said to the players: if you train hard and train well, I will give you your chance.”
      Then, Liverpool began to circle around the impressive kid.
      Derby boss Wayne Rooney handed Gordon his debut and was amazed at his potentialCredit: PA
      Gordon played for three minutes against Birmingham in a brief cameoCredit: Rex
      “Kaide is a fantastic player and he has got a lot of potential,” Rooney responded to reports linking Gordon with a move away from the club.
      “Of course there will be interest in Kaide because he is a fantastic player, so we expect there to be interest in him.”
      LIVERPOOL MOVE
      In February, the Reds made their move for Gordon, beating Manchester United to a deal that could be worth £3million with add-ons.
      Already, he has blossomed at Melwood and was recommended to Klopp by Liverpool’s assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders as a potential starter against Norwich.
      Lijnders said: “He is what you see a lot with these kind of wingers – they can outplay, they can combine – but he has a goal in him.
      “And he has this natural ability to be in the box between the goalposts to score, even when the cross comes from the opposite side, for example. Not many talents have that.”
      In February, Gordon moved to Anfield for a deal that could be worth £3millionCredit: Getty
      Gordon played the full 90 minutes against Norwich and impressed fansCredit: Getty

      While training with the first team, Gordon has also been taken under the wing of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      Lijnders added: “He is a typical Liverpool Football Club winger, in my opinion, because he has goals, he has speed. We really like him and we are really happy he is with us.”
      It seems that Anfield could be ready for a new hero. More

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      in Boxing

      Oleksandr Usyk looked after cattle on a farm and sold apricots and ice cream before taking on Anthony Joshua

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      AS Oleksandr Usyk steps into the ring to fight Anthony Joshua for the WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight belts on Saturday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Ukrainian could be forgiven for reminiscing about how far he’s come.The 34-year-old only made his debut in the heavyweight division in 2019, after crushing everyone at cruiserweight level.
      Oleksandr Usyk is set to make his heavyweight debut Saturday after dominating the cruiserweight divisionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Should Usyk win he could be in line to face the victor of the Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr rematchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But already he’s disposed of the likes of Chazz Witherspoon and Derek Chisora to became the mandatory challenger that poses a serious threat to AJ this weekend.
      Should he win, it would cap an incredible journey for Usyk, who only turned pro aged 26 after a grounding that included 35o amateur fights.
      In 2012, he won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics – a year after he achieved the same feat at the World Championships.
      However, it wasn’t always so easy for the man nicknamed The Cat.
      SPORT WAS HIS SALVATION
      Usyk was born in Ukraine’s Crimea region in the city of Simferopol in 1987, and immediately was thrust into a life where his only release was sport.
      “As a child, I did some wrestling, hand-to-hand combat, karate… But without fanaticism,” he revealed.
      “We would do push-ups, squats, sometimes learned some simple techniques.”
      However, it seemed that a life in football was more likely a path out of the poverty of Simferopol.
      Up until the age of 15, Usyk was in the academy of then-Ukrainian Premier League side SC Tavriya Simferopol.
      Growing up in Crimea was tough for UsykCredit: Instagram @usykaa
      In 2002 Usyk picked up a pair of boxing gloves for the first timeCredit: AFP – Getty
      But the cost of playing football was too much for his parents, and he picked up his first pair of boxing gloves in 2002.
      “(I) played for Tavria from Simferopol, and I did pretty well. I was never a benchwarmer, I was always a starter.
      “Soccer demanded some very serious expenses. And two or three hundred hryvnias was a substantial amount for my parents.
      “Boxing was simpler, more sociable. The coach gave me his gloves, his wife sewed them into the right form.
      “The only thing that my mom spent money on was a travel ticket.”
      FRUIT-SELLER AND FARM WORKER
      Usyk has always had a strong work ethic, even when he was a teenager.
      Coming from poor background and having to support his family, he took on jobs that helped them stay afloat.
      Growing up in poverty meant Usyk had to work hard to support his familyCredit: Instagram @usykaa
      Usyk worked on a farm and sold apricots and ice creamCredit: Instagram @usykaa
      Usyk could have been a famous footballer like Man City star Oleksandr ZinchenkoCredit: Instagram @usykaa
      That included working on a farm, as well as collecting and selling fruit and ice cream on the streets to make ends meet.
      “I sold ice cream, I sold apricots, I sold peaches, I worked on a farm, I grazed cattle,” he said.
      “I am not ashamed of this, because everything I did, I did in order to survive. I wanted to help my family and that’s normal.”HARDLY AMATEUR
      In 2006, Usyk showed his boxing promise by reaching the semi finals of the European Championships.
      Two years later, he was victorious at the Strandja Cup in Bulgaria, an event that goes a long way into determining who qualifies to compete in the Olympics.
      However, it wasn’t until 2012 that the crowning glory of his amateur career propelled him towards international stardom.
      In 2012 Usyk won gold at the London OlympicsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      As an amateur boxer Usyk fought 350 times, winning 335 boutsCredit: AFP – Getty
      Usyk won the gold medal at the London Olympics, beating Artur Beterbiev, Tervel Pulev and Italy’s Clemente Russo.
      The 6ft 3in southpaw would later hang up his amateur gloves with an impressive record of 335 win and just 15 losses.
      HE’S IN THE HISTORY BOOKS
      The likes of Terence Crawford, Jermain Taylor, Bernard Hopkins and Cecilia Braekhus have all held the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO titles at the same time.
      But Usyk, rather uniquely, is the first boxer to hold those belts in the cruiserweight division.
      In 2016 he defeated Krzysztof Glowacki on points in a breathtaking fight to snatch the WBO title.
      He then landed the WBC title against Mairis Briedis, before winning the WBA and IBF titles beating Murat Gassiev by unanimous decision after 12-rounds.
      Usyk has knocked out Tony Bellew in the pastCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Usyk is the first boxer to hold the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO titles simultaneously in the cruiserweight divisionCredit: Instagram @usykaa
      THROWING SHAPES
      Like his fellow countryman Vasyl Lomachenko, Usyk loves to dance.
      In fact, he often performs the hopak (a Ukrainian traditional dance) after a rigorous training session, which explains why he has such nimble feet.
      “Dancing is his lifestyle,” Alexander Krassyuk, the director of K2 Promotions, told Boxing Monthly.
      “Everything in his life is done with inspiration, a positive spirit and flexibility.
      “He always tries to charge people with love for God and for each other. Dancing is the way he expresses love.”
      To compliment his training Usyk loves to danceCredit: Instagram @usykaa
      Usyk’s favourite dance is the traditional hopakCredit: Instagram @usykaa
      Family man Usyk, married to Yekaterina, once voiced an animated filmCredit: Instagram @usykaa
      FORGET SHREK
      While he’s more famous for his exploits in the ring, Usyk, who married his childhood sweetheart Yekaterina in 2009, showed he does have a more playful side too.
      In 2018 he lent his voice to The Stolen Princess – a Ukrainian animated movie that became a box office hit earning £50m around the world.

      He appeared alongside Vasyl Virastyuk, a former strongman competitor, as a Russian gangster in a tale about a princess being kidnapped by an evil sorcerer.
      Should Usyk continue his ascent, you can imagine more film roles may come for the theatrical sportsman.
      First, though, is the blockbuster with Joshua.
      Oleksandr Usyk will BEAT Anthony Joshua claims Tyson Fury’s promoter Frank Warren – but only if fight goes the distance More

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      in Soccer

      Bodybuilder football star Hulk ditched his wife to be with her gorgeous niece, who is now expecting his fourth child

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      BRAZILIAN footballer Hulk is set to be a daddy once again – with his ex-wife’s niece.The former Shanghai SIPG star, 35, who once earned a whopping £16.6million-per-year playing in China, announced his wife Camila is expecting his fourth child in an Instagram post on Monday.
      Atletico Mineiro ace Hulk announced he is expecting a baby with his former wife’s niece, CamilaCredit: Instagram @hulkparaiba
      The Brazilian international poses alongside stunning Camila
      The Brazilian got his nickname because of his resemblance to bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno, who played The Incredible HulkCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But while they’re happy and smiling now, their relationship was born out of controversy.
      Gorgeous Camila, 32, is incredibly the niece of the former Porto ace’s ex-wife, Iran Angelo.
      Hulk, who now stars for Atletico Mineiro, was married to Iran for 12 years before he ditched her for the Brazilian model.
      It was a romance that stunned the South American football world, and seemingly caused a massive betrayal.
      KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY
      The bodybuilding forward, real name Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, was believed to have ended his marriage some time in 2019.
      Shortly after, reports linked Hulk to Iran’s beautiful niece Camila Angelo.
      By March 2020, he wrote on his social media bio that he was ‘married’ again.
      Hulk divorced his wife of 12 years Iran Angelo, left, and began dating her beautiful niece Camila Angelo months later
      The pair have posted several pictures wearing what looks like wedding rings
      Angelo and Hulk have never confirmed their nuptials
      According to reports, Hulk married Angelo so she could get a visa to stay in China
      The couple then posted several pictures together since wearing what appear to be wedding rings.
      Argentine newspaper Infobae later revealed ‘sudden marriage was also due to’ the fact Camila ‘needed a visa to stay in the country (China)’.
      A representative of the former Brazil ace confirmed the relationship to Brazilian website UOL Esporte at the time, claiming that his position was ‘transparent’.
      The statement read: “Hulk called Camila’s parents and brother to tell them the truth. They began dating in October.
      “It was Hulk himself who made the news public because he did not want to hide anything. His position is transparent.”
      Camila was reportedly Iran’s ‘favourite niece’, with the pair sharing many happy pictures together on Instagram.
      She posted a lengthy message to Iran on what appeared to be her official Instagram, explaining the new relationship.
      Camila wrote: “Aunt Iran, I first want to tell you that this message is not an explanation or justification of anything.
      “I needed to tell you some things that unfortunately circumstances do not allow me to say personally.
      “Although it is irrelevant to you now, I love you very much and care about you, so I am speaking here.
      “I really want you to know things that maybe everyone will talk about differently, mere speculation, but I don’t really judge them because outsiders know absolutely nothing and most of the time just want the situation to be worse.
      “It’s been very hard to face all this, but I wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t true.
      “I never imagined it could happen, but we don’t rule our heart, no one is immune or exempt from it. Live the greatest of feelings.
      “I’m sorry for everything. If I could choose, we wouldn’t be going through this, but life doesn’t spin the way we imagine it to.
      “He showed me that there was no chance of a possible return, so we allowed ourselves to live.”
      Iran has since spoken out on the ‘great pain’ her ex-husband’s relationship with his niece has caused her, but Hulk has slammed his former partner for ‘treating me like a monster’ and has addressed her allegations of infidelity.
      He said: “I never had a relationship with Camila when I was married. I am a man. I was not happy in my marriage.
      “I had countless reasons. I spent my entire marriage betraying Iran. She lived a single life. She just wanted to have the status of wife of the Hulk.
      “Camila came to China. I don’t think I’m an ugly person and I’m young. Camila is young and extremely beautiful. We ended up getting involved. We were single.”
      Since revealing their romance, Hulk and Camila’s romance has gone from strength to strength
      Hulk has always denied claims of infidelity with Camila
      BABY NEWS
      Since their romance reveal, Hulk and Camila’s relationship has continued to go from strength to strength.
      And now they’ve shared some exciting news… the pair are expecting their first baby together.
      Hulk uploaded photos of the couple holding up ultrasound scan photos of the unborn baby while holding Camila up in the air.
      “Today with a heart full of gratitude to God, I come to share with you that for the fourth time I am being blessed with another child,” he wrote in a post.
      “My heart overflows with so much happiness and I can only say thank you God. We are already looking forward to receiving you child, and we love you unconditionally. Come full of health my baby.”
      Hulk also posted a video dancing with his wife and lifting her in his arms as she held on to the hospital snaps.
      He also has two sons, Ian and Tiago, and a daughter, Alice from his previous marriage to Iran.
      Brazilian footballer Hulk shares a kiss with Camila, as well as their baby scanCredit: Instagram @hulkparaiba
      Camila is the niece of Hulk’s ex-wife Iran Angelo, who he has three children with
      Hulk took to social media to express their exciting baby newsCredit: Instagram @hulkparaiba
      THE BIG MAN
      Hulk first emerged on the scene in Europe with Porto in 2008.
      His staggering size always stood out on the football pitch, and he was christened Hulk because of his likeness to actor and bodybulder Lou Ferrigno.
      He was renowned for being built like an ox, and it was impossible to shrug him off the ball because of his strength.
      Astonishingly, while playing in China, he managed to become supersized and looks even bigger today.
      Fans were left agasp when he returned to training with Shanghai SIPG somehow looking even more muscular.
      Hulk shared video and pics of himself staying fit by hitting his home gym, which kept him occupied when the world was in lockdown.
      And the benefits were there for all to see.
      Hulk was always renowned for his huge physiqueCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The beefy forward was a hulking presence
      Today’s Hulk is more defined
      HE’S GOT GOALS
      The misconception of Hulk is that he’s a novelty footballer, because of his gargantuan size.
      However, as they say, never judge a book by its cover.
      Capped 47 times by Brazil, he’s scored 11 international goals – playing mostly as a winger.
      His career took off in Japan’s second division with Tokyo Verdy in 2007, before he moved to Porto a year later.
      It took him two seasons to find his feet in Portugal, and there was bother along the way.
      Following a tunnel brawl during a 1-0 league loss to fierce rivals Benfica, Hulk was suspended for four games.
      But in the 2010-11 season he began to push on. An impressive 35 goals in 53 games during Porto’s treble year, in which they also lifted the Europa League, elevated him to new heights.
      Trouble still followed him wherever he went though, in 2014 he was forced to pay £42,000 fine for assaulting two stewards.
      Hulk made his name in Europe at PortoCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Hulk went to Russia to play with Zenit Saint Petersburg after PortoCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      In 2016 he became one of the world’s highest paid players joining Shanghai SIPGCredit: Rex Features
      HE LIVES THE HIGH LIFE
      Although he was linked to a move to the Premier League when he was a free agent, Hulk opted to return home to Atletico Mineiro in 2021.
      His currently salary is believed to be around £40,000-per-week – a pittance to what he was once paid.
      In China, where he played for five years, he earned around £320,000-per-week – althought that is still some way off what former Chelsea star Oscar earned. He pocketed an astonishing £400,000-per-week.
      Hulk stands outside his private jet, which bears the striker’s signature on the outsideCredit: Instagram @hulkparaiba
      Inside the aircraft there are sketches of the Brazilian scoring goals throughout his careerCredit: Instagram @hulkparaiba
      At 35 Hulk still has lots to offer and stars for Atletico Mineiro
      And he lives some life off the pitch, as you can imagine.
      In 2018, he was pictured on board his own private jet, which features his signature on the side.

      Inside, the cabin is decorated with his own image.
      Hulk is also a keen art collector, spending his wages on rare paintings by renowned artists.
      Now, it will be a baby that will be getting his undivided attention.
      Watch fuming Hulk shove rival in brawl as bodybuilder footballer is sent off for ‘fighting back’ after being SCRATCHED More

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      in Soccer

      What happened to players called the ‘Next Messi’, from youngest LaLiga star Romero to ex-Man City ace Patrick Roberts

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      MORE than a dozen players have been dubbed the ‘Next Messi’ over the years.But none have ever reached the heights scaled by PSG and Argentina star Lionel Messi… not even close.
      The ‘Next Messis’ from all around the world
      Luka Romero, the ‘Mexican Messi’, made his debut for Mallorca age 15Credit: EPA
      Last year, the new ‘Mexican Messi’ (we’ve had one before in Diego Lainez) Luka Romero made LaLiga history.
      At just 15, the diminutive teen came on as a sub against Real Madrid in June 2020 and became the youngest player to play in the Spanish top-flight, also showing fans what the fuss is all about with some neat touches, before signing for Lazio this summer.
      While, Arsenal were once linked with what was then the latest ‘Next Messi’ – Iranian Zenit St Petersburg star Sardar Azmoun.
      In the summer of 2019, Manchester United were said to be monitoring Trabzonspor teenager Abdulkadir Omur, the ‘Turkish Messi’.
      The world map has almost been filled in with different ‘Next Messis’ from around the globe.
      From Peru to South Africa and Japan to Iran, two dozen countries have produced their own version of the little genius.
      Even Scotland had one while England have two.
      Here’s how they got on…
      Lionel Messi is still arguably the best player in the worldCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The English Messi – Patrick Roberts
      Burst on to the scene as a teenager at Fulham and after some impressive performances as a teenager, Man City splashed £12million on him.
      He barely got into the City side before a long loan spell at Celtic.
      Although he won seven trophies under Brendan Rodgers, Roberts had a number of injury issues and did not hit the heights expected of him.
      Another loan spell to Girona last season didn’t really work out – while stints at Norwich and Middlesbrough last term have been uninspiring.
      Roberts went on loan at Derby, who narrowly avoided relegation to League One with a thrilling 3-3 draw on the final day of the Championship season.
      Now, he’s at French side Troyes.
      Mini Messi – Fran Kirby
      One of the players most deserving of the tag, the England and Chelsea star is one of the biggest stars in the women’s game.
      Kirby, who stands at just 5ft 2in, is a former PFA and FWA player of the year and has been a vital player in all of the Lionesses’ recent success.
      In December 2018, Kirby was voted the 13th best player in the world in an extensive newspaper poll.
      England star Fran Kirby has been dubbed Mini Messi – and is one of the best players in the women’s gameCredit: PA:Press Association
      Scottish Messi – Ryan Gauld
      Gauld was 17 when he made his debut for Dundee United and began tearing it up in Scotland, helping The Terrors reach the Scottish Cup final in 2014.
      After being shortlisted for Young Player of the Year, Gauld was snapped up by Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon.
      But Gauld only made two league appearances for Sporting, all in 2014 and early 2015, and went on four unsuccessful loan spells.
      He’s now at MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps FC, after a spell at Portuguese second tier side Farense.
      Swiss Messi – Xherdan Shaqiri
      The Messi comparisons are definitely a step too far but Shaqiri – formerly of Liverpool – is quite obviously a talent good enough for most teams in the world.
      He has played at some of the biggest clubs and scored at two World Cups and the European Championship.
      Injuries limited his impact at the Reds, and he moved  to Lyon in the summer.

      Egyptian Messi – Mohamed Salah
      Speaking of whom, there was a time when Salah being compared to Messi would have been impossible to imagine… namely at Chelsea.
      Now thriving at Liverpool, the Egyptian king isn’t quite at Messi’s level – but he’s pretty damn close.
      This was a tag from when the forward was still at Basel and, in all honesty, it’s quite fair.
      Salah is now one of the best players in the world and will soon have players being dubbed the ‘Next Salah’.
      Mohamed Salah is now at the level were other players are dubbed the ‘Next Salah’Credit: AFP or licensors
      Catalan Messi – Gerard Deulofeu
      Certainly has enough natural talent to earn comparisons to one of the best ever.
      But the winger, now at Udinese following stints at Everton and Watford, does not have the consistency or work rate to compare himself to Messi.
      Deulofeu struggled in two spells at Barca but was instrumental to the Hornets getting to the FA Cup final in 2019.
      German Messi – Marko Marin
      Arrived at Chelsea in 2012 with a massive reputation but – like so many other Blues youngsters – never got a fair chance at Stamford Bridge.
      Was sent on four loan spells in three seasons and managed just six Premier League games in West London.
      Marin has since won trophies in Greece, Spain and Serbia.
      Croatian Messi – Alen Halilovic
      Another Barcelona graduate, the diminutive Croatian international has the technique but has struggled with the physicality of senior football.
      Loan spells at Sporting Gijon have brought little success.
      He is currently at Championship side Reading after a spell at AC Milan, in which he failed to play a single Serie A game, instead loaned out to Dutch side Heerenveen after a poor loan spell at Standard Liege, and then Birmingham.
      Norwegian Messi – Martin Odegaard
      One of the most hyped teenagers in Europe, the Norwegian jumped from Stromsgodset to Real Madrid in 2015.
      He initially struggled to live up to the hype and a two-year loan spell at Heerenveen brought inconsistent play.
      But last season on loan at Real Sociedad, Odegaard was excellent – putting himself in the frame to break back into the Madrid first-team.
      The Norwegian signed for Arsenal this summer after a loan spell as he looks to fulfil his promise.
      Martin Odegaard was one of the most hyped teenage players everCredit: EPA
      Irish Messi – Alan Judge
      Definitely a tongue-in-cheek nickname, the winger earned the title while starring for Brentford for five years between 2014 and 2019.
      Judge helped the Bees reach the Championship and stay in the second tier, and was named in the PFA teams of the year in 2013 and 2016.
      He was at Ipswich, helping the Tractor Boys to ninth in League One in 2020-21, before signing for Colchester.
      Peruvian Messi – Raul Ruidiaz
      Actually nicknamed ‘Little Messi’, the Peruvian scored a mountain of goals in Peru and Mexico before moving to MLS in 2018.
      The striker has been sensational for the Seattle Sounders, scoring 58 goals in 89 games.
      Kosovan Messi – Edon Zhergrova
      Edon Zhegrova became a YouTube sensation back in 2014 after compilations of the then 15-year old’s dazzling goals gained thousands of views.
      The Arsenal, PSG and Barcelona moves did not materialise, but a move to Belgium’s Standard Liege and then Genk did, where he is coming through the ranks.
      Basel then decided to take a longer look at him with an 18-month loan deal.
      The No10 has played a handful of games for the club but is expected to play a bigger role in the future.
      Indian Messi – Lallianzuala Chhangte
      The Chennaiyin winger became the youngest Indian international when he made his debut in 2015.
      But, now aged 24, the hype has died down a bit with Chhangte unable to build on that early promise.
      Japanese Messi – Takefusa Kubo
      Still just 20, Kubo has the best chance of any player to live up to the moniker.
      The former FC Tokyo forward even came through the ranks at Barcelona, where he was a youth star, before returning to Japan.
      He would have stayed at La Masia but after Barca’s transfer ban he was no longer eligible to play in competitive matches, so decided to return to his homeland.
      He is the youngest player to play and score in the J.League and has been a regular in the FC Tokyo side.
      Kubo was snapped up by Real Madrid last season, a major coup for Los Blancos – but was quickly loaned to Mallorca before joining Getafe on a short-term deal earlier in 2021.
      Barcelona had wanted the playmaker – but were fooled into thinking he was not available until next January after an error on the Transkfermarkt website.
      Real Madrid knew the correct date his contract was up and swooped.
      Kubo, who was also selected in Japan’s 2019 Copa America squad, is back on loan at Mallorca for this season.
      Takefusa Kubo (left) came through the ranks at Barcelona and is expected to be a big star in JapanCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Greek Messi – Giannis Fetfatzidis
      The little winger never lived up to the moniker after coming through at Olympiacos.
      Has since played in Italy and Saudi Arabia, but is now at Qatari side Al-Khor at the age of 31.
      Iranian Messi – Sardar Azmoun
      A number of European clubs were interested in Azmoun a few years ago, including Arsenal, who offered £2m for the rapid forward.
      Now 26, Azmoun is a star in Russia, where he has scored 58 times in just 90 games while winning three Russian Premier League titles.
      Iranian Messi Azmoun has been linked to ArsenalCredit: AFP or licensors
      Indonesian Messi – Egy Maulana Vikri
      Aged just 21, Egy is already a full international having been a prodigy at youth level.
      He had scored 15 goals in 16 matches for Indonesia Under-19s, attracting attention from big clubs in Europe.
      Eventually, Maulana chose Lechia Gdansk where he also impressed for the reserves, scoring 12 goals in 14 matches in the Polish fourth tier.
      He made his full debut in 2020 and is now a six-cap senior international for Indonesia.
      Another Mexican Messi – Diego Lainez
      The 21-year-old has the potential to be a big star and has consistently been named as one of the players to keep an eye on in the coming years.
      The teenager is already a full international for El Tri and was signed by Real Betis for £9m in January 2019.
      He has since been a regular from the bench for Los Verdiblancos.
      Diego Lainez, 21, is already a full Mexican international and moved to Real Betis for £9mCredit: Getty – Contributor
      South Korean Messi – Lee Seung-woo
      Lee was once hailed as South Korea’s great hope of the future and was another graduate of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
      He moved to Catalonia in 2011, but managed just one appearance for Barcelona B, before moving to Hellas Verona in 2017.
      Now 23, the winger has quit the Italian side to join Belgian outfit Sint-Truiden but became a national hero for his exploits in the Asian Games.
      Lee provided the assist for Tottenham’s Son Heung-min to score a winner – the goal also meant the Spurs man would avoid national service.
      Malaysian Messi – Faiz Nasir
      One of the smallest players in world football, Nasir stands at just 5ft.
      But there is plenty of talent in those little legs, with the Terengganu FC star scoring on his international debut last year.
      Nigerian Messi – Stanley Okoro
      Nicknamed ‘Little Messi’, Okoro spent time in Spain with Almeria but struggled to make a breakthrough.
      Now playing in his native Nigeria, he certainly likes the nickname, however, stating: “I don’t mind when people call me Little Messi.
      “It’s a pleasant thing to be compared with the best footballer in the world – I don’t have a problem with that.”
      Thai Messi – Chanathip Songkrasin
      Songkrasin is known as ‘Messi Jay'”or just ‘Jay’ but actually took inspiration from another Argentine legend.
      His father apparently trained him with the intention of copying Diego Maradona.
      He became a fans’ favourite across Thailand for his dribbling skills, with 56 international caps so far, and now plays in Japan.
      South African Messi – Tebogo Tlolane
      The winger was nicknamed Messi from a young age because of his dribbling skills.
      He even managed a two week trial at Barcelona but failed to make the grade – Tlolane is now back in South Africa with Maritzburg United where he has been converted to a left-back.
      Man City keen on Lionel Messi AND Erling Haaland as Pep Guardiola eyes superstar transfer in summer More