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THEY’RE going to be need a bigger conveyor belt. When it comes to youth stars of tomorrow, Chelsea are currently leading the way – with talented youngsters flying off the production line. Alongside big-money signings Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, and Ben Chilwell the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James, and Tammy Abraham have come through […] More
ANTHONY JOSHUA and Eddie Hearn partied until 6am after the Brit reclaimed his heavyweight belts by beating Andy Ruiz Jr last year.
Savannah Marshall was crowned WBO middleweight ruler last month – but the most rock ‘n roll thing she has done since her historic win is curl up on the sofa to binge watch The Crown on Netflix.
Savannah Marshall was too good for Hannah Rankin and won the WBO middleweight title last monthCredit: PA:Press Association
Savannah Marshall with her coach Peter Fury (right) and his son Hughie (left)
The Hartlepool-born 29-year-old told SunSport: “I boxed on October 31, I won the world title and I can’t celebrate.
“I can’t go out. I can’t have a drink or even go out for meals. I’ve just been watching The Crown!
“I’m only on season two, episode two. Phillip has just been playing away in the South Pacific – but they’re proper oddballs aren’t they.
“I love the Queen’s sister, she just doesn’t give a f***. I’ve been on Wikipedia seeing who is related to who!”
Marshall became the first British world amateur champion in 2012 and repeated her feat eight years later in the paid ranks with a cracking KO of Hannah Rankin.
The North-East ace stopped the Scot in seven Wembley Arena rounds, with a masterclass of footwork and power punching.
But she credited her trainer, Peter Fury – uncle to Tyson and Tommy – for her meteoric rise.
She added: “I’ve been with Peter now for three years.
Savannah Marshall tried to knock Tommy Fury’s ‘head off’ in sparringCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
“My last amateur fight was at the Rio 2016 Olympics and you only have to watch my face to see how much I’ve changed.
“Not just the way I box but also my demeanor, my confidence.
“Just being around him, the way he looks at life, his philosophy, I think it’s rubbed off on me.
“I honestly feel like with Peter in my corner I could conquer the world.”
Fury also trains his son Hughie and was keen to work with Marshall just after her professional debut in Las Vegas.
The World champ has lifted the lid on when she first stepped foot in the maestro’s gym, where she tried to knock 6ft Love Island star Tommy Fury’s ‘head off’ in sparring.
Marshall continued: “Peter didn’t know anything about me but he said to Tommy ‘don’t you dare hit her’.
“So we were sparring and I was trying to knock Tommy’s head off and he wasn’t allowed to hit me, but he was just untouchable.
“I couldn’t lay a glove on him, he was just dodging!
“iI just totally opened my eyes to professional boxing because like I said, I couldn’t lay a glove on Tommy.
“I thought wow I’m training like a world class heavyweight man.”
The Hartlepool star’s heroics against Rankin came just two weeks before a groundbreaking female-led show with three women’s world-title fights on one card.
Katie Taylor, Terri Harper and Rachel Ball set Wembley alight for the historic triple-header – but women’s boxing hasn’t always been on fire.
Rachel Ball, Katie Taylor and Terri Harper shone in a historic women’s triple-header in NovemberCredit: �Mark Robinson Photography Ltd
Claressa Shields (right) has won 77 of 78 amateur fights and remains undefeated in all ten since going proCredit: AP:Associated Press
And Marshall, who first stepped into a gym at 11-years-old, knows the struggles of trying to make it in a man’s world.
She revealed: “We went to a boxing club in Sunderland and I was 13 at the time.
“We went to spar and when I got there, the coach was this old man, like an old-school boxing coach.
“I remember him pointing at me from across the gym, and he said ‘what’s that?’
“At the time, I just pretended I didn’t hear it. My coach went, ‘what do you mean? She’s my female boxer’.
“He said ‘there’s no girls allowed in this gym’.
“I wasn’t allowed to spar because I was a girl and I just had to watch. I didn’t like sparring but if that was my favorite thing that could have ruined my dreams.”
Marshall has always been a sport nut and her family have been in her corner every step of the way.
She recalls her mum, Christine, saving up for her first pair of boxing gloves for a Christmas present when she was 11-years-old.
The middleweight ruler said: “I think my mam just thought it was a phase and I remember when I first asked for gloves we never ever had money.
“They were expensive and I remember my mam saying ‘we’ll see, if you carry on going I’ll buy you a pair of boxing gloves’.
“I had been there for about six months and over Christmas I got a pair of baby blue boxing gloves.”
The Brit now hopes to fight undisputed queen Claressa Shields from America next year, who she already beat as an amateur.
She said: “I think that is the biggest fight in female boxing. I don’t think that there’s anything that will top that.”
Tyson Fury believes Anthony Joshua took his defeat to Ruiz with class and respect More
PREMIER LEAGUE giants Chelsea and West Ham are believed to be keen on bringing Matthew Bondswell back to England.
The Three Lions U18 star moved to RB Leipzig in 2018 after coming through the ranks at Nottingham Forest.
RB Leipzig’s English defender Matthew Bondswell has become a target for Chelsea and West HamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Former Nottingham Forest trainee Bondswell left his boyhood club to join the German sideCredit: Nottingham Forest
Instead of signing a pro-deal with his boyhood club, he decided to embark on a new challenge in search for first-team football in Germany – reportedly snubbing a move to Manchester United.
And this season, during a loan spell with second division Dutch side FC Dordrecht, the 18-year-old left-back has shown why he’s so highly-rated.
However, he could’ve been competing in a different sport if his football career hadn’t blossomed.
ATHLETICS WAS HIS CALLING
Naturally fit, Bondswell was a whiz at athletics at West Bridgford School.
He won two gold medals at the Midlands Schools County Championships, and followed that up with gold at the English School’s National Athletics Championships in Gateshead in 2016.
An all-round athlete, when he participated in the Junior Boys triple jump he leapt a massive 12.93m to become British Junior Champion.
Bondswell also represented Nottinghamshire Schools at the 200m.
But it was football, in which he has represented England at Under 15, 16, 17 and 18s level, that was his biggest passion.
Bondswell could have become a professional track and field star and was a British Junior Champion in the triple jump at 15Credit: Instagram @mattbondswell
Blessed with pace, Bondswell is a natural athleteCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
FOREST AS A BOY
Before he showed prowess in track and field, Bondswell was already on Nottingham Forest’s books.
He joined the Championship side at the age of eight and quickly progressed through the ranks.
The defender impressed rival coaches too, and was said to have been a target for Manchester United and Liverpool at 15.
However, with a heavy heart, Bondswell made the gamble to sign a professional contract with RB Leipzig in 2018 – buoyed by the likes of Jadon Sancho and Ademola Lookman’s progress overseas.
In 2018, Bondswell snubbed Manchester United and Liverpool to move to RB LeipzigCredit: Instagram @mattbondswell
Bondswell has since been loaned to FC Dordrecht where he is gaining valuable first team experience Credit: Instagram @mattbondswell
A BRIT ABROAD
Bondswell is yet to make his debut for Leipzig, but has enjoyed success at U16 and U17 level with the club.
Understanding his need for first team football, he was sent on a season-long loan to FC Dordrecht, who play in the second tier of the Dutch league.
He made his professional debut back in August against Go Ahead Eagles in a 0-0 draw, and has now played seven games in all competitions.
Leipzig’s initial plan was to send Bondswell out on loan, and then bring him back next season to fight it out for a first team spot, should he impress.
However, now they could be in for a nice pay day – if they want to sell him, of course.
Promising left-back Bondswell has a bright future in the gameCredit: Rex Features
Bondswell has been capped at various England youth levelsCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
Frank Lampard insists Olivier Giroud is in his plans despite Chelsea striker admitting he is ready for January transfer More
It is hard to discuss Diego Maradona with an English audience without the rapid emergence of the ‘c’ word.
One five letter word is quickly spat out to discredit an entire career. At the top of the charge sheet, of course, is the notorious ‘hand of God’ goal that he scored against England in the quarter finals of the 1986 World Cup.
Diego Maradona is often branded a cheat by English football fansCredit: PA:Press Association
There is no doubt about it. He got away with a flagrant act of sporting illegality – as almost every player has done at one point during their career.
Jack Charlton punched the ball off the line in the 1966 semi final.
Martin Peters confessed that he dived to win a penalty against Poland in 1973.
Paul Scholes used his arm to score for England. And yet these players were not regularly insulted with the five letter word.
What makes this even more inappropriate is that in the entire history of football Maradona may well have been the player to have been most cheated against.
From the mid-70s to the mid-90s, the average distance covered by top level players doubled. This is precisely the timescale of Maradona’s career.
But, until too late for him, there was no corresponding increase in the level of protection given by referees. Maradona was subjected to brutal treatment every time he took the field.
In that 1986 meeting with England he was being kicked all over the place, and elbowed off the ball.
Maradona was kicked out of the 1994 World Cup after failing a drugs test Credit: AFP or licensors
The vast majority of us, having to put up with this kind of treatment, would have no qualms about punching the ball into the back of the net and claiming a goal.
FAILED DRUG TEST
Maradona was kicked out of the 1994 World Cup for failing a drug test. There is no doubt about it he had broken the rules and deserved to be punished.
But as drug offences go, ephedrine is a minor one. It is not remotely comparable with, for example, the use of anabolic steroids.
The incident came at the end of his career when he was in no fit state to play in a World Cup.
But Argentina got themselves into trouble in qualification, losing 5-0 at home to Colombia.
They pleaded with him to return, and he was unable to say no. A short cut was used to get his weight down.
FIFA concluded that Maradona was unaware that he had taken a banned substance.
It may be the case that his personal doctor made a mistake in buying a product over the counter.
After failing a drugs test Maradona pleaded his innocence Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Even so, the principle stands – the athlete is responsible for what goes into his body.
But there is no evidence, or reason to believe, that he was using performance enhancing substances when he was at his extraordinary peak.
Which leaves us with cocaine. When Maradona had his own TV show, he carried out an interview with himself.
One of the questions was about his regrets – and one of the biggest was his cocaine addiction, in no small part because he saw it as a betrayal of his love for football.
The idea that he was seeking, or that he received a sporting advantage from using cocaine is entirely ridiculous.
It is a scandal that social drugs are placed in the same category as performance enhancers – that those who may need help are placed in the same category as those seeking illegal help.
During his career Maradona was never afforded the same protection from referees as today’s starsCredit: Reuters
Maradona’s cocaine habit was surely in part a product of the normal restrictions being taken away from him, of being placed on the level of a semi-God who could do as he pleased.
But it is also feasible to see it as a means of trying to blot out the pain in his body – the result of being kicked so much, and of taking so much cortisone to try and fool his body that everything was alright and he could take the field as normal.
It is worth recalling that the great Marco Van Basten was forced into early retirement as a result of the pain in his ankles.
Maradona was less brittle, but ended up paying a higher price.
Watch Messi and Maradona’s eerily similar goals for Barcelona and Newell’s Old Boys as Barcelona star honours icon More
GLAM Wanda Icardi is forever setting the pulses of football fans racing around the world.
The gorgeous missus of PSG striker Mauro Icardi regularly shares sexy photos on her Instagram page that’s followed by 7.2 million fans.
And Wanda, 33, continues to break the internet – most recently posting a nude image straddling a horse that’s already racked up 300,000 likes.
But what are the Argie beauties’ most popular posts – and how many likes have they received?
10. WORKOUT WANDA
To stay in such remarkable shape, Wanda regularly hits the gym.
Before she works up a sweat, mind, she likes to treat fans to her outfit choice.
And this gym bunny attire drew 317,000 likes on Insta.
She captioned the snap: “Look of the day, this is one of my favourite looks from lockdown.”
When Wanda Nara works out she poses for a selfie on InstagramCredit: Instagram @wanda_icardi
9. TOWEL-DRY WANDA
Good night, indeed.
When Wanda likes to wish her followers ‘Buenas Noches’, she does it her way.
She shares a saucy photo showing off her curves, wearing just a towel wrapped around her head.
This image drew 354,000 likes.
8. WANDA ON HOLIDAY
Like any self-respecting Wag, a summer holiday is important for Wanda.
Despite most of us being unable to get away because of lockdown, of course she managed a break in Ibiza.
And Wanda certainly gave fans a glimpse of what they were missing.
389,000 likes says so.
Fans were treated to Wanda’s bikini wear on her holiday to Ibiza this yearCredit: Instagram @wanda_icardi
7. POOLSIDE WANDA
Here, Wanda compares herself to a mermaid as she lays by her pool.
The side-profile close-up showed off her enviable figure, with 402,000 people liking the picture.
It was shared at the beginning of the month, and is still picking up likes as you read this.
And that bikini seems to be her favourite, as you will see as you continue to scroll down.
Wanda felt she looked like a mermaid in this snapCredit: Instagram @wanda_icardi
6. BODYSUIT WANDA
Wanda may have missed Valentine’s Day by a day this year, but she didn’t disappoint.
The blonde bombshell showed off her latest purchase – a lacy, red bodysuit that hugged her curves.
It also showed off her various tattoos inked all over body.
The image agreed with 425,000 followers, who all hit the like button.
For Valentine’s Day Wanda looked a treatCredit: Instagram @wanda_icardi
5. CALVIN WANDA
Wanda is a master when it comes to showing off her incredible body.
And she always gets its right when she models underwear.
Here she is enjoying “Sunny days” in Paris, France back in July – that was liked liked 470,000 times.
The Calvin Kleins are a nice touch, too.
Calvin Klein underwear has never looked so great as it is when modelled by WandaCredit: Instagram @wanda_icardi
4. BIKINI WANDA
‘Isolation at home’ with Wanda never looked better.
A bikini snap was enough to send 482,000 followers into a frenzy as the famous Wag posed for ANOTHER sexy snap.
It drew comments from fans, like “epic” and “Ooh la la…”
We can’t say we disagree.
Wanda made lockdown look sexy in a bikiniCredit: Instagram @wanda_icardi
3. WALK-IN CLOSET WANDA
There’s no doubt that Wanda will have a home to die for, managing beau Icardi’s affairs.
And in November she gave us a glimpse of her walk-in closet and amazing trainer collection.
A shot of Wanda wearing a thong and a vest also helped push the likes up on this snap.
It garnered 537,000 of them. Incredible.
537,000 followers liked Wanda and her walk-in closetCredit: Instagram @wanda_icardi
2. NUDE WANDA
At the turn of the year, Wanda gave it all up.
And why wouldn’t you when you look as good as she does?
She treated followers to an arty nude photo in the shower – with an aeroplane tattoo visible.
594,000 likes later, it’s number 2 on out list.
At the turn of the year Wanda let is all hang outCredit: Instagram @wanda_icardi
1. TOPLESS WANDA
Showing that more is less, Wanda’s most popular post on Instagram is also one of her most recent.
On November 10, she wowed fans with a risque topless photo in her bathroom.
Of course, that sent social media into a wild frenzy as 597,000 people liked the image.
It is, to date, her most popular Instagram picture post off all time.
Wanda’s topless photo is her most well-liked of all- timeCredit: Instagram @wanda_icardi More
EFL clubs will be the first to welcome fans back through their turnstiles on Wednesday.
And those lucky to get tickets are urged to help make the evening a resounding success and send a clear message to the government … watching football outdoors is safe.
Fans will be allowed back into stadiums at a social distance this week
Luton, Wycombe, Shrewsbury, Charlton, Cambridge and Carlisle will all play in front of crowds.
But while this is exciting for fans that haven’t seen their clubs play in the flesh since February or March, most teams will make a LOSS welcoming them back.
It has been incorrectly assumed the return of supporters will give cash-strapped clubs outside the Premier League a financial boost.
But not all of them will get the go-ahead to host the 2,000 fans allowed in tier two areas by their local Safety Advisory Group and the costs of hiring staff and adapting stadiums for social distancing will cost more than any gate revenue generated.
Cambridge United were one of the clubs to pilot return of fans in September
Although profits will finally be made, once their area is moved into tier one by the government, allowing them up to 4,000 supporters.
Some SAG authorities prefer clubs to stage smaller pilot events first before granting them permission to allow larger numbers – while others do not.
Championship sides Luton and Wycombe will be hosting just 1,000 fans for their games against Norwich and Stoke respectively.
But Brentford, who have not held a trial event, will be allowed 2,000 for the first match at their new Kew Bridge ground in front of supporters against Blackburn on Saturday.
League One clubs Charlton and Shrewsbury – along with League Two sides Carlisle and Cambridge – staged pilots in September so have been given the all-clear.
The costs of staging games in front of socially-distanced crowds are high.For example, the Chairboys will be required to recruit a whopping 65 stewards – one for every FIFTEEN fans – as well as hire portable loos and pay for their Adams Park stadium to be deep cleaned before and after the matches.
Cambridge must have 91 stewards for their game with Mansfield – one for every 22 supporters.
However, there is a general consensus that making a loss now is a price worth paying.
Carlisle’s Brunton Park are ready for 2,000 fans for the visit of Salford
Wycombe spokesman Matt Cecil told me: “This is the first season in the Championship in our history and no-one has seen us kick a ball at that level in the flesh yet.
“We’ll be letting in the first 1,000 people who bought season tickets in good faith expecting to see football in October.”
Carlisle chief executive Nigel Clibbens added: “We did a pilot against Southend as a stepping stone to larger crowds and expect that to be the case again here as we edge towards increasing to 3,000, 4,000, etc.
“It’s important clubs don’t jump from having no fans to 2,000 without testing it first.
WHAT THE GUIDELINES SAY …
At all times observe two metre distancing & avoid any close contact with anyone outside your social bubble
Arrive earlier than you would usually to allow time for entry procedures to take place
Your temperature may be taken and you could be refused entry if it is too high
Try to remain in your allocated seat or spot on the terrace wherever possible throughout
Maintain good hand hygiene by using sanitiser dispensers provided and avoid touching your face, handles and railings whenever possible
Always cover your mouth if you are to cough or sneeze and wear a face covering throughout
When passing other spectators avoid face-to-face contact with others by passing back-to-back
Take care when singing, chanting or celebrating. Avoid hugs, handshakes and high fives with anyone outside your social bubble
Above all enjoy the match, have fun – but stay safe and don’t put your or others’ health at risk
“Lower down the pyramid, a lot of the restrictions you must adhere to are not easily dealt with.
“For example, there are rules on how many toilets you must have in a certain area and the space needed for entry and exit aisles to get fans in and out. You can plan it but until you see how fans move you don’t know.
“After our trial game, we were able to see pinch points that were causing us problems and how people would react to wearing facial coverings but in the end that didn’t prove a problem.
“We found people would stay put for enough space before they left the ground at the end. So there was a lot of self-policing.”
Fans will be required to wear face coverings throughout, unless medically exempt.
Cambridge will be unable to stage games in front of more than 2,000 regardless whether the city is in tier one or two due to the logistics of implementing social distancing at the Abbey Stadium.
Facial coverings must be worn throughout the entire time spent in grounds
The U’s – along with Charlton – worked in September with crowd experts Movement Strategies, who helped with their planning.
Chief executive Ian Maher says the club will be offering tickets to their 1,535 season ticket holders first – bar the 31 who live in tier three – and the remainder will be put on general sale.
But he is urging supporters who can’t make it to let the club know so they can reallocate tickets.
He said: “We want a full 2,000 in so our slogan is, ‘Don’t waste a space.’”Wycombe, meanwhile, will allow their season ticket holders to reallocate their places to a mate.
Fans are being urged to turn up to games earlier than normal as it is likely to take longer to get them in.
The Chairboys say there will organise staggered arrival times while fans may be asked to remain in their parked cars before being allowed to proceed to the entrance to avoid crowding.
Temperature checks will be taken before entry while some clubs will be unable to provide food and drink – but some like Wycombe will allow supporters to bring their own.
Fans will be socially distanced or placed into bubbles on the terraces.Wycombe will not open their terracing on Wednesday but hope to for the visit of Coventry on December 12.
Fans are asked not to hug, high five or shake hands with anyone outside their social bubble
And they plan to paint dots on the terracing and will ask supporters to find a vacant one and remain there throughout the match.
Fans are not allowed to make any close contact with anyone outside their household bubble – such as hugging, high fiving or shaking hands.
And, in the EFL’s code of conduct, fans are asked to “take care when singing, chanting or celebrating.”
Government concerns about how fans travel to and from games on public transport were found to be unfounded during the EFL’s pilot matches.
Research by the University of Edinburgh – who surveyed supporters – found that 90 per cent walked or travelled by car and adhered to all government Covid safety guidelines.
Until we get on top of this wretched virus, going to matches will not be the same experience as it once was.
But finally there is light at the end of the tunnel.
It’s not a fair Klopp for the EFL, Jurgen
LET’S put Jurgen Klopp’s rant into the perspective of the real world.
While the Liverpool boss moans about fixture scheduling, lower league clubs are having to also deal with short turnaround in matches with smaller squads. And those teams, inching closer to financial disaster, are STILL awaiting the promised Premier League rescue package.
Thomas Frank is happy in Legoland
BRENTFORD had a hilarious comeback after being trolled by West London rivals QPR ahead of their game on Friday night.
The Rs tweeted: “Friday night from the Lego Brentford Community Stadium.”
After their 2-1 win, the Bees replied by tweeting a picture out of a Lego man’s head smiling.
Brentford staged a great comeback for the trolls of London rivals QPR
Potty-mouthed Paunovic swears to secrecy
READING boss Veljko Paunovic was asked by journalists about his fiery exchange with Bristol City opposite number Dean Holden.
He said: “What happens on the touchline stays on the touchline.”Er, not while there are no fans, Veljko.We all heard you shout at him: “Shut the f**k up!”Don’t worry, your secret is safe with a group of hacks!
Auntie doesn’t like handbags
ROUND of applause to the BBC for suspending local football pundit Steve Thompson for using the word “hangbags” during Lincoln’s recent 0-0 draw with Accrington Stanley.
Notwithstanding that in the Collins dictionary it defines handbags as “an incident in which people, especially sportsmen, fight or threaten to fight, but without real intent to inflict harm.”A few loony politically-correct snowflakes complained to ‘Auntie’ apparently. So what? Tell them to get a life. More
OVER the years, Mike Tyson has enjoyed getting inked up.
Memorably, his most famous tattoo is his tribal design etched on the left side of his head.
Mike Tyson has six tattoos, including his infamous face inkCredit: Getty Images – Getty
However, that could’ve been something completely different had the slugger had his way – read below.
In total, ‘Iron Mike’ – who makes his comeback this Saturday – has six tattoos – but what are they and what do they all mean?
Let SunSport walk you through Tyson’s body art.
What does Mike Tyson’s tribal face tattoo mean?
In 2003, Mike, 53, went under the needle of renowned tattoo artist Victor Whitmill.
Originally, he wanted his face to be covered in heart tattoos – so he would be recognised as ‘The Man of hearts.’
However, Whitmill strongly advised against that idea and instead gave him the tribal design.
In the 2008 documentary ‘Tyson’ the former heavyweight champ says it represents his ‘warrior status.’ You wouldn’t argue with him.
In popular culture, it featured in The Hangover film – which Tyson starred in – on the face of dentist, Stu Price.
In 2003, Tyson got this tribal tattoo on his faceCredit: Reuters
Originally, Tyson wanted hearts on his face but the tattoo artist refusedCredit: AP:Associated Press
Why did he get a Chairman Mao tattoo?
On Tyson’s right bicep, is a tattoo of Chinese communist revolutionary, Mao Zedong.
When he was in prison serving time for rape, the fearsome puncher was said to have read up on Zedong’s politics and identified with them.
He wanted to feel less shallow, and is also said to keep a collection of ‘Chairman Mao’s’ writings.
Tyson got the tattoo in tribute to his new inspiration.
On Tyson’s right bicep is ink of Chairman MaoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Chinese communist revolutionary Mao Zedong inspired Tyson when he was in prisonCredit: Rex Features
What about Che Guevara?
Tyson went one further than any East End hipster who may wear the image of the Argentine Marxist revolutionary on a T-shirt.
He got a tattoo of Che Guevara on his ribcage – complete with his famous beret.
Tyson was once asked why he decided on having Guevara tattoed on his body.
He said: “Che Guevara is an incredible individual. He had so much, but sacrificed it all for the benefit of other people.”
Che Guevara is inked on Tyson’s ribcageCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Tyson reveres Guevara for sacrificing all for the good of the peopleCredit: Allsport
The ex-wife
When you love someone so much, it’s only natural that you want to show the world.
Tyson did just that with his ex-wife Monica Turner by getting her face tattooed on the left side of his forearm.
They married in 1997, but were divorced in 2002 after Turner claimed adultery during their five-year marriage.
Tyson has a tattoo of ex-wife Monica TurnerCredit: Heinz Kluetmeier
Tyson and Turner split in 2002Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Monica Turner and Mike Tyson together in happier timesCredit: Reuters
Dragon
On his right forearm, Tyson boasts a rather fetching dragon tattoo.
He hasn’t ever commented on it, but in Chinese culture the dragon represents strength, wisdom and freedom.
It’s the most popular creature that’s requested at tattoo studios, but we wouldn’t knock Mike for authenticity.
Next to his Chairman Mao tattoo is this fetching dragon on his right forearmCredit: Rex Features
Arthur Ashe
What on earth?
Now, Tyson didn’t strike us as a tennis fan. But he does have the three-time Grand Slam winner Arthur Ashe on his right shoulder.
Scribbled above the image are the words, ‘DAYS OF GRACE’.
Outside of sport, Ashe was well known for supporting social causes and set up the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of Aids.
Tyson, himself, has become an activist for a holistic lifestyle through his cannabis empire.
Different strokes, for different folks, etc.
An Arthur Ashe tattoo completes Tyson’s body artCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Former tennis player Ashe was well-known for supporting social causesCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
Mike Tyson hints comeback could be in UFC as 53 year old boxing legend insists ‘anything’s possible’ More
SOMETHING’s cooking for David Alaba.
The Bayern Munich defender, 28, looks set to leave the Champions League winners after talks over a new contract reportedly broke down.
Meet David Alaba’s beautiful missus Shalimar Heppner
Alaba and Heppner could be headed to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty – Pool
And that has a whole host of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea who are looking to bring the Austrian international in on a free transfer next summer.
Should Alaba make the move, he will uprooting his family including his stunning missus Shalimar Heppner and their son for a new challenge.
They’ll both likely miss her dad’s cooking, who is a top chef who has been called the ‘German Gordon Ramsay’.
But Shalimar, 26, would definitely be a welcome addition to our shores.
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
She met Alaba in 2017, and the pair immediately hit it off.
However, they didn’t go public with their romance until 2018, when they arrived at the Oktoberfest together in Bavaria.
Shalimar is a part-time model, but also works as a PR manager.
And she’s picked up quite the buzz on Instagram – with almost 30,000 followers.
However, she is not as well-known as her dad.
The pair went public with their romance in 2018 at OktoberfestCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Stunning Shalimar is a part-time model
Shalimar, who has around 30,000 followers on Instagram, also works as a PR manager
26-year-old Shalimar and Alaba hit it off when they first metCredit: Getty Images – Getty
YES CHEF
Frank Heppner, Shalimar’s father, has worked almost exclusively with luxury hotel restaurants around the world.
From designing menus at Hilton International in Seoul-Korea and the Peninsula Hotels in the Philippines and in Hong Kong to being head chef at Mark’s in Munich, Heppner’s cooking is renowned in his homeland.
Skilled at grilled meats and fish, he’s a mean-hand at a BBQ and has been compared to our very own chef Ramsay.
His focus is on Euro-Asian cuisine, so we want in!
NEW ADDITION
In 2019, Shalimar and Alaba welcomed their first child together.
The pair have never revealed the boy’s name, and the left-back has kept the baby’s identity private, aside from an image of him holding the baby and kissing his feet.
Shalimar’s dad is Frank Heppner, Germany’s answer to Gordon RamsayCredit: Alamy
Alaba and Shalimar are often travelling around the world together during the preseason break
Shalimar would make a welcome addition to the Premier League Wags club
In 2019, Alaba and Shalimar became parents for the first time
“I can hardly wait to show you the world,” Alaba revealed in one post gently holding the baby’s head.
In another image, he wrote: “Thank you in 2019 for the greatest gift I could ever have imagined. We look forward to 2020 and the years to come with you.”
Could those years to come be in the UK? Watch this space.
David Alaba demonstrates his home workout for Bayern Munich fans More
