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      in Soccer

      Man Utd target Eduardo Quaresma, 19, is relative of Zico and talented defender at Sporting Lisbon with £41m price tag

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      YOU’LL never get past ‘Speed Wall’.That’s the nickname Sporting Lisbon fans have given rising star Eduardo Quaresma, who has emerged onto the scene this season.
      Sporting Lisbon have unearthed another gem from their academy in Eduardo QuaresmaCredit: Getty
      Talented centre back Quaresma, 19, has become a mainstay in the Sporting Lisbon first teamCredit: Getty
      Zico is a distant relative of the exciting talent QuaresmaCredit: Getty
      The talented centre back, 19, is a distant relative of Brazil legend Zico.
      And his all-action displays since making his debut in 2020 have alerted a number of Europe’s top clubs to the next top talent to come out of Portugal.
      Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Juventus, Inter and Atletico Madrid have all been linked with moves for Quaresma.
      Last year, AC Milan were unsuccessful with a bid of around £5million plus Uruguay left-back Diego Laxalt for the wonderkid.
      However, now clubs who want him will have to pay much more – since he signed a new contract with Sporting that’s set his release clause at a whopping £41million.
      EARLY STARTER
      Born in Portugal, Quaresma began playing football at the tender age of three with lower league club G.D. Fabril.
      By six, Sporting discovered him and he worked his way through the ranks – with his leadership qualities praised by his coaches.
      At schoolboy level, Quaresma captained both Sporting and Portugal until he was invited to join the first team in 2019.
      Quaresma boasts excellent leadership skills and has captained Portugal at youth levelCredit: Rex
      Quaresma was an early starter playing football by the age of threeCredit: Instagram @eduardo_edu_72
      It was during preseason in the 2019-20 campaign that he really began to turn heads.
      His performances saw him promoted to the U23’s indefinitely, and the 6ft 1in centre back was a regular until the Covid-19-enforced break halted youth football.
      But, senior coaches had seen enough to be convinced Quaresma was ready for a crack at the first team.
      NEW REGIME
      The arrival of coach Ruben Amorim, 36, back in March saw Quaresma’s pathway to the first team mapped out.
      Keen to promote talent from a famed academy that has produced the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Joao Moutinho and Ricardo Quaresma (no relation), several youngsters were handed their opportunity.
      Sporting Lisbon have a rich history of producing talent and Quaresma is next off the conveyor beltCredit: Getty
      Quaresma made his debut in 2020 and has become one of the first names on the team-sheet ever sinceCredit: Getty
      Alongside Nuno Mendes, 18, Joelson Fernandes, 17, and Tiago Tomas, 18, Quaresma was thrust into the first team.
      His debut came back in June in a 2-2 draw away to Vitória S.C.
      Incredibly, from never making a matchday squad, Quaresma soon became a starter six weeks later playing on the right-hand side of a three-man defence.
      ATTRIBUTES
      His biggest attribute, and the clue is in his name, is that he’s blessed with pace.
      Although he stands at 6ft 1in, his slight frame means he lacks a bit of physicality to mark a target man.
      And he’s not just quick in the sprint. Quaresma reads the game beautifully and is able snuff about danger before it happens.
      It would cost clubs £41m to prize Quaresma away from his current contractCredit: Instagram @eduardo_edu_72
      Quaresma has been praised for his distribution from the backCredit: Getty

      As is the norm with most centre backs today, he is also comfortable bringing the ball out from the back,
      Sporting have high hopes that they will be able to keep Quaresma for the long term, but money talks.
      It might be soon that this Lisbon cub grows into a lion elsewhere.
      Inter Miami boss Phil Neville hails Man Utd legend brother Gary for standing up to greed of European Super League More

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      in Soccer

      Meet the stunning Rangers and Celtic Wags heading to the British Super League like Marte Koepp and Yesenia Morelos

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      FORGET the European Super League.Now, it’s the British Super League that could see Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic play in a competition with English sides.
      Meet the Rangers and Celtic Wags, like stunning Marte Koepp, who would brighten up a British Super LeagueCredit: Instagram
      Supporting those two historical sides will be their stunning Wags – who would be more than welcome on our shores.
      Here’s who we would certainly see a lot more of, if the British Super League became a reality.
      MARTE KOEPP
      Celtic star Kristoffer Ajer has been dating Norwegian beauty Marte Koepp since 2019.
      Koepp, 23, works as a chief marketing officer and graphic designer, and used to model.
      She’s also a music fan – sharing Instagram snaps at the TRNSMT festival, as well as a video story watching Lewis Capaldi crooning.
      No doubt, she will be glad when live music returns after lockdown.
      Koepp is originally from NorwayCredit: Instagram
      Blonde beauty Koepp and Celtic star Kristoffer Ajer attend TRNSMT festivalCredit: Instagram
      Koepp loves music and going to live gigs, as well as travelling to foreign shoresCredit: Instagram
      MELISSA TAVERNIER
      Melissa married Rangers right-back James Tavernier back in 2018, and fans were quick to share their thoughts.
      In fact, when he shared an Insta snap of the pair on their big day – one said he was “punching” above his weight.
      James posted a gushing tribute to his ‘rib’, a reference to the Bible, on their first anniversary last year.
      She has her own nail salon business, NAIL B.A.S.E.DELUXE.
      Melissa Tavernier is the Wag of right-back James TavernierCredit: Instagram
      The pair got married in 2018Credit: Instagram
      Fans have teased Tavernier online saying he’s “Punching”Credit: Instagram
      YESENIA MORELOS
      The Colombian Wag is the loving wife of hot-headed striker Alfredo Morelos, and now mum to their daughter Leonela.
      Yesenia has almost 20,000 followers on Instagram, who will no doubt enjoy her penchant for designer clothing.
      Often, she’s glad in Gucci – but she isn’t afraid to don a football top and support her man too.
      Yesenia is the glam Wag of Rangers striker Alfredo MorelosCredit: Instagram
      Yesenia hails from Colombia like her husbandCredit: Instagram
      Around 20,000 fans follow Yesenia on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      CAITLYNN MELVILLE
      Dental nurse Caitlynn has been the eye-candy on the arm of striker Leigh Griffiths for four years.
      The glam girl loves being a Wag, and often shares snaps in luxury locations on social media.
      Caitlynn famously stood by her man in 2018, when he took a break from football after suffering from a mental health crisis.
      Last year, she revealed how proud she was that he had returned to his best.
      Caitlynn Melville and Leigh Griffiths have dated for four yearsCredit: Instagram
      Melville loves holidays and shares her travels on social mediaCredit: Instagram
      ALEX GERRARD
      Rangers gaffer Steven Gerrard married former nail technician Alex, now 38, in 2007.
      Known as one of the original Wags, the pair have four children together.
      Over the years, Alex has branched into writing newspaper and magazine columns, and she became a fashion designer with her range for Forever Unique.
      The Liverpool-born beauty also released her own fragrance once upon a time.

      Steven and Alex Gerrard have been married since 2007Credit: Getty
      Glam Alex was one of the original Wags of her eraCredit: Getty – Contributor
      GEORGIE BELL
      Artist Bell, 26, has been inseparable from Scottish international Ryan Christie since 2019.
      Judging by her Instagram, Georgie has a passion for art, whisky and making the world a greener place.
      She regularly shares her paintings online for her 4,000 plus followers to see.
      And she’s not putting paintbrush to canvas, Georgie is taking in whisky tours in her hometown of Tomatin.
      Ryan Christie and Georgie Bell have been inseparable since 2019Credit: Instagram
      Bell is an artist and regularly shows off her work onlineCredit: Instagram
      Bell has over 4,000 followers on social mediaCredit: Instagram
      NINA DUBACH
      Swiss centre-forward Cedric Itten is still smitten with his partner, Nina.
      The loved-up pair have been together for eight years, and regularly share their lives together on social media.

      Nina, 24, is a fashion blogger and regularly shows her style on Instagram.
      She has over 8,000 followers who enjoy her fashion tips.
      Nina Dubach is the Wag of Cedric IttenCredit: Instagram
      Dubach is a fashion bloggerCredit: Instagram
      Swiss beauty Dubach has dated Itten for eight yearsCredit: Instagram
      British Super League being planned in secret with Celtic and Rangers joining Prem in new US-style play-off system More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal target Ivan Toney sets up GoFundMe for people of St Vincent devastated by the the La Soufriere volcano eruption

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      BRENTFORD star Ivan Toney has shown he’s just as eager to assist as he is to score goals.The 25-year-old striker, who has been linked with Arsenal, has set up a GoFundMe page for the people of St Vincent – the Caribbean island devastated by the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano.
      Brentford striker Ivan Toney has set up a GoFundMe page to aid the support of the people of St VincentCredit: Instagram
      The beautiful Caribbean island has been devastated by the eruption of the La Soufrière volcanoCredit: Reuters
      Toney, leading the Championship goalscoring charts with 29 goals, has close ties to St Vincent, with both his parents and grandparents being born there.
      The fierce forward kicked off the fundraiser with his own donation of £7,500.
      And some of his Brentford team-mates, including Sergi Canos, have chipped in.
      So far he has raised over £23,000 – with a goal of raising £50,000.
      AN AWFUL TRAGEDY
      On April 9, the La Soufrière volcano began erupting for the first time in 42 years.
      Over 20,000 people were reportedly evacuated from their homes – leaving many of the 110,000 residents of St Vincent without power or running water.
      The violent eruptions have blanketed the picturesque island with ash said to be a metre deep in some areas, contaminating water supplies.
      Over 20,000 people have reportedly been evacuated from their homes since the eruption last weekCredit: AP
      In some areas ash a metre deep has affected areas and contaminated water suppliesCredit: Reuters
      “The lives and livelihoods of our people have been terribly affected,” Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said.
       ”We are in a dire situation, frankly.”
      The United Nations launched a humanitarian appeal for £21million on Tuesday to aid the most vulnerable with basic needs, including clean water, food and shelter, as well as to help initiate recovery.
      And Toney himself, who has visited the island on numerous occasions to see family and friends, is doing his bit.
      ‘I WANT TO HELP’
      The hotshot is determined to raise funds – with his parents and grandparents all hailing from St Vincent.
      Toney has close ties to St Vincent and has visited the island several times
      Toney’s parents and family are from St Vincent and he still has friends on the island
      “St Vincent is an island incredibly close to mine and my family’s hearts,” Ivan said.
      “My father’s parents, my grandparents, were both born on Saint Vincent, and are both now buried there in Georgetown, which is one of the towns categorised as being within the Red Zone – a place considered at the highest risk.
      “We still have close family and friends who live on the island and as a family, we have visited many times throughout my life.
      “I want to help as much as I possibly can and I would love and greatly appreciate your support in doing so, by joining me in providing a donation, no matter how big or small.”
      All money raised will directly help those who need it the most on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, by working closely with local charities and organisations situated on the islands.
      This season Toney has topped the goalscoring charts in the Championship for BrentfordCredit: Alamy

      Toney also shared his GoFundMe page on his Instagram account.
      He added: “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this. With your kind donations, I really hope that we can help and support as many people directly affected by this tragic event as possible.”
      Help the people of St Vincent by donating to Ivan Toney’s GoFundMe page right here.
      Ivan Toney talks about how many goals he wants to score at Brentford More

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      in Soccer

      Seven moments that changed football forever, from first £1-a-week player to formation of the Prem and the Bosman rule

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      SO now we have it.The fans have spoken and there will no European Super League threatening the integrity of the beautiful game.
      The fans have won; Chelsea supporters make their feelings felt about a proposed European Super League, which has now collapsedCredit: AFP
      It would have been a radical change had the plan for the ‘Big Six’ breakaway been successful.
      And it wouldn’t be the first time that football has been changed for the better/good, depending on how you see it.
      Here’s seven moments that changed the football landscape (perhaps) forever.
      FIRST £1-A-WEEK FOOTBALLER
      Today, we’re used to seeing large sums thrown around for star players.
      Recently, Kevin De Bruyne inked a deal worth more than £300,000-a-week, which he negotiated himself.
      It dates all the way back to 1884 and Preston North End, who were believed to be the first club to pay their players.
      After amateur London side Upton Park complained they had an unfair advantage in an FA Cup tie between the two, the FA expelled Preston from the competition saying it was unsporting to pay their stars.
      A year later, the FA said it was in the interests of the game to legalise the employment of professional footballers, however there were certain restrictions.
      Players could only be paid by the club they played for if they were born or had lived for two years within a six-mile radius of the team’s stadium.
      Blackburn Rovers in 1885-86 were one of the first clubs to register as a professional team and play their playersCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Today, footballers like Kevin De Bruyne are getting paid £300,000 plusCredit: Getty
      Blackburn Rovers were one of the first to register as a professional club, and they spent £615 on wages for the 1885-86 season.
      Big earners were James Forrest and Joseph Lofthouse, who were earning £1-a-week.
      FORMATION OF THE PREM
      ‘It’s a whole new ball game,’ a Sky Sports ad proudly declared to a soundtrack provided by Simple Minds and their cheesy hit Alive and Kicking.
      In 1992, the Premier League was thrust upon us with coverage like we’ve never had before.
      Forget Elton Welsby presenting The Big Match, it was the time of Richard Keys and Andy Gray who were to become the voices of British football for a generation.
      It all started when the old First Division wanted to break away from the Football League (sound familiar?) in the wake of a TV rights deal with Sky.
      Teams competing in the Premier League could qualify for the Champions League and Europa League (more on those later) depending on where they finished in the table.
      In 1992 the Premier League was formed in the wake of a massive TV deal with Sky
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      Man Utd led by Eric Cantona were the first winners of the new Premier LeagueCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Promotion and relegation to the Football League made it competitive.
      Sky got more subscribers, the clubs made more money and the arguably the quality of football improved with an influx of foreign signings arriving on big wages.
      EUROPEAN COMPETITION
      Younger readers might not know a life before the Champions League or Europa League.
      But we had the European Cup, exclusive ONLY to league winners around Europe, the Cup Winners’ Cup, which was domestic cup victors. and the Uefa Cup, made up of sides who were nearly-rans in their respective leagues.
      The Inter-Cities Fairs Cup was a forerunner to the Uefa Cup from 1955-71, and a similar idea.
      The Champions League was created by Uefa in time for the 1992-93 season. It kicked off with two-legged preliminary, first, and second rounds, until two group stages with the remaining eight teams would decide who meets in a final.
      That format has changed throughout the years.
      Arsenal stars John Jensen and Alan Smith celebrate winning the now abolished European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The European Cup was rebranded the Champions League in 1992 and has become the premier competition for Europe’s best clubs through the yearsCredit: Handout
      The Cup Winners’ Cup was abolished in 1999, and domestic cup winners were absorbed into the Uefa Cup.
      In 2009, the Uefa Cup was rebranded the Uefa Europa League with an expanded group stage and a change in qualifying criteria allowing cup winners in.
      From the 2014-15 season, sides who had finished third in their Champions League group stages were allowed a second bite of the cherry and entered into the Europa League.
      RADICAL RULE CHANGES
      Over the years, even playing the game changed.
      In 1992, the back-pass rule was changed to discourage time-wasting and unduly defensive play, so outfield players could no longer pass it back to their goalkeeper to pick the ball up. He had to use his feet.
      In all rule changes, you could say this was perhaps the most successful.
      The offside rule has also been altered through the years.
      Peter Schmeichel is left flummoxed by the back-pass rule at Euro 92
      The offside rule was explained perfectly in this 50 pence coin released in 2011Credit: PA
      In 1990, an amendment to the rule allowed an attacker to be onside if he was level with his opponent when the ball was played forward – you used to have to be behind.
      Over the years that developed further to players being flagged if they were “interfering with play”. Now, as long as you don’t make a play for the ball, you can still stand in an offside position to confuse opposition defenders.
      ALL-SEATER STADIUMS
      From the beginning of the 1994-95 season, all-seater stadiums were compulsory in the Premier League, as per the Taylor Report, which gave recommendations to improve stadium safety after the Hillsborough disaster.
      The original idea was all standing areas in stadiums of teams in the top two tiers of the league would be banned, while stadiums in the lower two tiers had until 1999 to meet the requirements.
      However, a review in 1992 allowed those in the lower two tiers to keep their standing areas.
      That same year, bulldozers demolished Manchester United’s Stretford End and Arsenal’s North Bank – taking with it years of history – and replacing them with all-seater stands.
      In recent years, there have been calls to bring back safe-standing, but all have been rejected.
      Terraced stands became a thing of the past after the Taylor ReportCredit: North News and Pictures
      The famous Arsenal mural was erected as work on a new all-seater stand to replace the standing area continued in the North BankCredit: Getty
      BOSMAN RULE
      It was the rule that shifted power towards the player rather than the club.
      Up until 1995, clubs could retain the registrations of players even once their contracts finished, and demand transfer fees for them.
      It all started in 1990 when Belgium footballer Jean-Marc Bosman wanted a transfer from RS Liege to Dunkerque, when his contract expired.
      But Liege would not release him and docked the midfielder 70 per cent of his wages and dropped him from the first team.
      He took his case to the European Court of Justice and sued for restraint of trade.
      In 1995, he won his case and all other EU footballers were given the right to a free transfer at the expiration of their contracts, provided that they transfer from a club within one EU association to a club within another EU association.
      Players who most notably took advantage of that rule include Steve McManaman and Sol Campbell, who swapped Tottenham for fierce rivals Arsenal.
      Jean-Marc Bosman gave players power by letting them dictate their next move when their contracts expiredCredit: Reuters
      Sol Campbell famously took advantage of the Bosman ruling signing for Arsenal from SpursCredit: PA:Press Association
      VAR
      The most divisive addition in recent years, the video assistant referee (VAR) is on hand to reviews decision made by the head referee with the use of video footage and headset for communication.
      FIFA officially introduced it at the 2018 World Cup, with the idea it would minimise human errors causing a substantial influence on results.
      They are there to help with goal/no goal decisions, penalties, direct red cards or mistaken identity in awarding a red or yellow card.
      However, and this is a big however, it has had its critics, including players who play the game.
      Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson and Man City star Kevin De Bruyne have been outspoken about it being detrimental to the game, where too many cooks are interfering and getting decisions wrong.
      Referees now have assistance from VAR with key decisions during gamesCredit: Getty
      VAR has come into criticism from the players who say they don’t understand itCredit: Getty

      Despite the public outcry, VAR is here to stay, according to Premier League executive Richard Masters.
      “It was brought in to improve the accuracy of decision-making, and that has happened,” Mr Masters said.
      “We’re seeing 94% of key match Incidents being accurate.”
      WATCH: Liverpool owner John W Henry apologises to fans after Super league fiasco More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Mike Tyson’s amazing 52-room mansion, sold to 50 Cent for £3.3million, that has two pools and a nightclub

      by

      WHEN Mike Tyson was declared bankrupt in 2003, he was forced to sell up.With reported debts of £17million, his prized home in Connecticut was one of his first possessions to be sacrificed.
      Mike Tyson’s former home in ConnecticutCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      In 2003, Tyson was forced to sell the property for £3.3m after declaring bankruptcyCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      And it would’ve been a bitter pill for the 54-year-old to swallow, looking at this mega mansion.
      Boasting 52 rooms, including 21 bedrooms, as well as its own nightclub the property is as lavish as Tyson has ever owned.
      But it was needs must for the heavyweight boxing legend and in came rapper 50 Cent who bought it from him for £3.3m the same year it was revealed he blew his fortune.
      PROPERTY DEETS
      When the In da Club singer bought the house from Tyson, it set a record for the most expensive home ever sold in the area of Farmington – and it’s easy to see why.
      Along with those 21 bedrooms we mentioned earlier, the 50,000-square-foot abode has a 25 bathrooms, an indoor pool and hot tub, an indoor court, multiple game rooms, a green-screen room, and a recording studio.
      And the opulence doesn’t end there.
      Entering the property through a stately front gate, you’re greeted by a lion statue.
      Walking into the home on the marble floor, a duelling wood-panelled staircase leads you to another level of the property.
      As can be seen, the decor is as lavish as it gets throughout the property.

      At the entrance of the property you’re faced with opulent gates and a statue of a lionCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      Two staircases lead you to the first floorCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The ground floor features marble floorsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The master bedroom offers incredible views of the gardensCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      A steel staircase in the master bedroom leads to another floorCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The walk-in closets are glass frontedCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      Astonishingly, there are 25 bathroomsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      This bathroom features a huge bathtub overlooking the gardensCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The bathroom has a glass showerCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The reception room features a Weber grand pianoCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The property also boasts its own nightclubCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The master bedroom has a scenic view of the garden landscape.
      From there, you have your own steel staircase that leads to another floor that features a massive walk-in closet with glass doors, so you can see your designer wardrobe.
      One of the many en-suites has a huge bathtub that overlooks the gardens, and it also features a glass door shower.
      THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
      The home is fit for someone who loves having friends round.
      There are outdoor and indoor basketball courts that complete the recreational feel to the property.
      There’s a room with pool tables, and another games room with poker and roulette tables – meaning you’ll never have to go to Las Vegas again.
      Next to the outdoor basketball court is a pond that has an elaborate water feature spouting out and a guesthouse.
      However, this property does have a chequered history in sales.
      50 Cent had the outdoor basketball court personalised with his group’s name onCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      A second basketball court can be found indoorsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The indoor swimming pool is one of two at the homeCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The outdoor pool features its own grottoCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      It’s the perfect spot to top up your tanCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The kitchen has enough space for the most avid chefCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      One games room features pool tablesCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      Another games room has poker and roulette tablesCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      TOO EXPENSIVE
      Over the years, the property has dropped in value rapidly – mostly because of its running costs that 50 cent complained cost him around £50,000-per-month.
      In fact, it was on the market for 12 years – starting at £14million before it was finally sold last year for just £2.3million – an 84 per cent price drop.
      “It’s just oversized for the market,” estate agent Jonathan Miller told Realtor.com.
      “When you have a property that is well outside the norm, it takes a lot longer to sell.”
      In the end, it was reportedly snapped up by US businessman Casey Askar, who owns several fast-food businesses.
      Another of Mike Tyson’s amazing homes, complete with cages for his tigers, was left abandoned before it was converted into a church.
      A cinema room adds to the lavish offerings this property hasCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The property also has a pond next to the basketball courtCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      There’s a guest house overlooking the pondCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      A water feature spouts into the pondCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      Over the years the property has struggled to sell and was on the market for 12 yearsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      Eventually it sold last year for just £2.3m – decreasing 83 per cent in valueCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      Mike Tyson reveals he is in boxing training ahead of shock return to the ring for four-round charity fight More