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      in Boxing

      Inside Roy Jones Jr’s £1m Florida mansion that has a farm with roosters and peacocks, a basketball court and a cinema

      by

      IT’S SHOWTIME!
      It’s been two years since Roy Jones Jr, 51, hung up his gloves and retired from the world of boxing.

      Inside Roy Jones Jr’s Florida mansion

      The lavish property is worth around £1milion

      Built over 80 acres, the property has its own farm

      But as any professional slugger will admit, there’s always that chance of ‘one more fight’ bringing you out of retirement, which is why ‘Captain Hook’ is taking on Mike Tyson in an exhibition fight on November 28 in LA.
      And it’s not as if Jones Jr is short of a few bob, either. With a net worth today said to be around the £5million mark , the Olympic silver medallist, rapper, and pal of Vladimir Putin has still got money in the bank.
      One of the fruits of his success is his huge mansion in Pensacola, Florida.
      Join SunSport in taking a look around his stunning pad.

      HOME FIT FOR A CHAMP
      Jones Jr’s epic 15,000 square-feet home is built on 80-acres of land that’s all his.
      It boasts three bedrooms and four bathrooms, and is believed to be worth around £1million.
      There’s a huge living room boasting African-influenced art, as well as a kitchen that features two islands, including a stool-seating area.
      Jones Jr uses his dining room space to house a jukebox that features his favourite hip-hop artists such as Method Man, Redman and DMX.

      There’s also a pristine pool table that’s handily walking distance from the kitchen, perfect for stopping play and grabbing a brew.

      The living room opens up into a vast space

      African art adds to the stunning decor

      The pool table sits near the kitchen

      There are three bedrooms, including this master suite

      A cinema room seats ten people

      Jones Jr’s games room features table football and air hockey

      Inside Jones Jr’s walk-in closet is his collection of trainers

      A full-sized basketball court is perfect for RJJ and his pals to play
      On the ground floor, there’s a cinema room that boasts a sliding down projector screen and seating for up to ten people.
      Trainer collector Jones Jr also has a brilliant walk-in closet that houses his favourite kicks.
      A walk upstairs takes you to a games room that has an air hockey table, as well as table football.
      But the most envious amenity has to be his own personal full-sized basketball court.
      A FARM HAND
      With 80-acres of land to play with, Jones Jr built his own farm on his ranch.
      He raises a whole host of animals, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, peacocks and sheep.
      They sit alongside his pets, two pitbulls and a golden retriever.

      The property sits on 80-acres of land

      The rural landscape suits Jones Jr’s outdoorsy lifestyle

      Jones Jr keeps peacocks

      Over 200 roosters are kept tooCredit: Instagram @royjonesjrofficial

      Jones Jr is an expert snake handler

      Jones jr is a farm hand when he’s not boxing
      Then there’s his unconventional pets – snakes, which he showed off on a YouTube clip that went viral, as well as his expert snake-handling skills.
      To fit in with his outdoorsy lifestyle, Jones Jr enjoys hunting and is a keen fisherman too.
      CARS
      Motors are a big deal for any well-off boxer.
      And when Jones Jr showed off his fleet sitting on his driveway on MTV Cribs, he had a car that fitted all occasions.
      For cruising around, he has a classic Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG, as well as a Cadillac Escalade worth around £75,000.
      There’s also his 2003 Hummer – a car now extinct – that guzzles petrol at 10 miles a gallon.

      Jones Jr showed off his car collection on MTV Cribs, including this Mercedes Benz CLK55 AMG

      A £75,000 Cadillac Escalade sits on the driveway

      Jones Jr also has a 2003 Hummer parked out front

      Fitting inside Jones Jr’s Ford Expedition is an expensive speaker system

      Finally, his loaded Ford Expedition – that cost around £65,000 – is fully tricked out.
      It’s fitted with an expensive speaker system that no doubt booms out Jones Jr’s own rap records.
      With an expected purse of £7.5million for his comeback scrap with Tyson, Jones Jr’s lavish lifestyle shows no signs of ending soon.

      Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr – Live stream, UK start time, date, undercard, and rules for massive boxing fight More

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      in Soccer

      Diego Maradona’s former home in Buenos Aires is now a shrine and museum that looks just as it did in 1978

      by

      DIEGO Maradona’s former home Buenos Aires has become a shrine to the star who has died aged just 60.
      Before he became a global superstar, starring for Argentina in the 1986 World Cup and winning Serie A twice with Napoli, ‘El Diego’ lived in this modest two-storey home.

      Diego Maradona’s former home has been turned into a museumCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The bedroom where Maradona dreamed of future football stardomCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A teenage Maradona poses on the steps of his former homeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The property was given to him and his family in 1978 as part of negotiations for his first contract – a deal that was unheard of in those times.
      Now, it has been turned into a museum where fans of the legendary No10 can pay homage to the former football God.
      A SHRINE TO A LEGEND
      In 2016, the home opened up as a shrine to the star of Mexico ’86 thanks to Alberto Perez, a former Argentinos Junior manager who collects Maradona memorabilia.
      Perez bought the house for around £82,000 in 2008 off a woman who had lived there since 1981, when Maradona departed for Boca Juniors.

      “This was perhaps the most romantic part of his life, the best time,” Perez told Associated Press.
      “We raised Diego in Argentinos Junior … We can’t forget what Diego meant for the club and for the neighbourhood. At the world level, they know us because of him.”
      In a bid for authenticity, Perez has painstakingly replicated Maradona’s old home with the same furnishings and household items, including a trusted record player he listened to in his room, as well as a piano he liked playing.
      The small property is instantly recognisable to walkers-by, thanks to a mural painted by rising street artist El Marian and a plaque revealing its former owner.

      A plaque recognises the importance of the houseCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Maradona enjoyed listening to records in his roomCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Maradona lived in the two-storey home from 1978Credit: AP:Associated Press

      As part of contract negotiations with Argentinos Juniors Maradona and his family were given a house in Buenos AiresCredit: AP:Associated Press

      In 2016, the home became a museum that’s open to the general public for freeCredit: AP:Associated Press

      A piano sits where Maradona used to mess aboutCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DREAMS OF FOOTBALL STARDOM
      Born into a working-class family from the Villa Fiorito suburb, the Maradona family soon found themselves in middle-class La Paternal when Diego’s football ability began to take centre stage.
      Diego’s tiny bedroom can be found on the upper floor, with a small wooden bed for comfort.
      Across it sits a blue quilt, and next to that is a side table with a lamp. It’s where Maradona gazed at the ceiling dreaming of glory.
      “Diego slept in this room and had a bathroom outside. It was cold in winter. Diego is a person who always lived with family,” said Perez.
      A PLACE OF HAPPINESS
      Inside the museum, punters are treated to unseen photos of Maradona, his first contract with Argentinos Juniors, as well as a deed to the property in his dad Don Diego’s name.

      Maradona’s original contract he signed with Argentinos Juniors is on displayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The deeds for the home in Diego’s dad name can also be seenCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Former Argentinos Junior manager Alberto Perez bought the home off a woman who lived there in 2008Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Maradona’s famous performances play on repeat on a TV in the living roomCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Perez is a collector of Maradona memorabilia, which is scattered around the houseCredit: AP:Associated Press

      A photo that stands out shows the midfield wizard with his famous curly locks cracking a smile, while sitting on the stairs in front of the house.
      “In the pictures you can see how happy he was,” Alberto Perez’s son Cesar revealed.
      “This is a work of the heart, a living tribute to the best player of all time.”

      Diego Maradona’s craziest moments More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson’s stunning houses through his career, from a 21-bed Connecticut mansion to Ohio home which is now a church

      by

      AS Mike Tyson rose through the ranks over the years to become heavyweight champion of the world, the boxing legend bought and sold some stunning homes.
      ‘Iron Mike’ came a long way from the humble beginnings of his childhood home in Brooklyn to mansions filled with tiger cages as millions of dollars poured in.

      Mike Tyson has lived in the most amazing homes dotted all over America

      After losing it all, Tyson, now 54, is once again worth millions after launching his company Tyson Holistic and flogging medical marijuana.
      And he’s making his big boxing comeback in a hotly-anticipated exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr this Saturday night on November 28.
      But it’s his former homes that really amaze and show how the king of the ring loved living.
      NEW YORK
      Tyson spent most of his childhood years in a modest apartment in Brooklyn in Brownsville in the mid 1970s.

      It was a neighbourhood, at the time, that was a breeding ground for crime and most residents lived poorly.
      In the past, Tyson has admitted mixing with criminals as he looked for acceptance and joined a gang of petty thieves.
      But in his spare-time in the Brownsville abode, he became fascinated by pigeons.

      Tyson spent the majority of his childhood in a Brooklyn apartmentCredit: YouTube

      A young Tyson kept pigeons on the rooftop of the Brooklyn apartment
      He kept coops on the rooftop of the building and cared for the birds religiously.

      Today, apartments in the area can fetch up to £500,000.
      OHIO
      Tyson’s fall from grace began in 1992, when he was convicted of rape and was sentenced to six years in prison, of which he served three.
      Financially drained, he was forced to sell this incredible home in 1999 for around £855,000.
      Today, remarkably, it’s been converted into a church.
      But in Tyson’s day it boasted five bedrooms and a full-size pool and Jacuzzi alongside its tiger cages and basketball court, with the entire pad decked out with crystal chandeliers.
      The delipidated pool has since been turned into a sanctuary while the living room is now a gathering place.
      Remnants of the 53-year-old’s time still remain with the basketball court still intact, as well as Mike Tyson’s name etched onto the front gate.

      Tyson’s Ohio home has been converted in a churchCredit: Johnny Joo

      The former house of pain is now the house of the LordCredit: Youtube

      The Living Word Sanctuary Church have converted Tyson’s tiger cages into a pavilionCredit: Youtube

      Iron Make once had gates erected bearing his nameCredit: imgur / www.illicitohio.com

      The delipidated pool has since been turned into a sanctuaryCredit: imgur / www.illicitohio.com

      The marble interior had been sliding into a state of disrepairCredit: imgur / www.illicitohio.com

      Originally, the house was decked out with chandeliersCredit: imgur / www.illicitohio.com

      Tyson sold the property for around £855,000 in 1999Credit: imgur / www.illicitohio.com
      The old fireplace has since been turned into an indoor waterfall while the four-bay garage is now classrooms and a nursery.
      And the tall steel cages where Tyson kept his famous four tigers have been dismantled for a pavilion.
      CONNECTICUT
      In 2003, Tyson was declared bankrupt.
      That meant he had to sell up again – and a 52-room mansion in Connecticut he used to live in was eventually bought by rapper 50 Cent for £3.3million.
      Boasting 21 bedrooms, as well as its own nightclub the property is as lavish as Tyson has ever owned.
      The 50,000-square-foot property also has 25 bathrooms, an indoor pool and hot tub, an indoor basketball 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.
      However, the running costs – believed to be around £50,000-per-month – forced 50 Cent to sell the house in 2019.

      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

      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

      One games room features pool tablesCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      Another games room has poker and roulette tablesCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      MARYLAND
      Tyson’s Maryland residence was bought with ex-wife Monica Turner in 1995.
      The pair lived there through the early 2000s, until the pair divorced after she claimed he committed adultery.
      Turner won the house in the divorce settlement, which is just 30 minutes from Washington DC.
      It features seven bedrooms, a large gym, game room, swimming pool, sports court and a piano room.
      It also overlooks the Congressional Country Club golf course, which has hosted several US Open tournaments.
      Back in May, the home was listed for sale at £7million.

      Mike Tyson’s former Maryland home is up for sale for $8.5m (£6.4m)Credit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

      Credit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

      The interior of Monica Turner’s Maryland mansionCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

      The gourmet kitchen includes a fully-equipped butler’s pantryCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

      The stunning garden of the Maryland estateCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

      The home theater inside the home includes a poster for ScarfaceCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

      The master bathroom includes a giant round tubCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty

      The home features its own spaCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty
      THE HANGOVER PAD
      In 2008, Tyson let Hollywood film director Todd Phillips into his £1.5million Las Vegas pad to film legendary scenes from the hit comedy movie.
      And what a lavish setting it is too.
      Found in the beautiful gated community called Seven Hills in the suburb of Henderson, it boasts six bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms and its own private balcony.
      There’s also the incredible 18-hole Rio Secco Golf Club to enjoy, as well as four large private parks filled with basketball courts, tennis courts and football pitches.
      Like many new builds in Las Vegas within gated communities, the 5,740-square-feet mansion was built in an Italian style in 2001.
      Two-storeys in size, the entrance opens to a grand reception room with a 25-foot-high lit waterfall, which connects to the great room that has a wet bar and fireplace.
      Tyson lived in the property with third wife Lakiha, eventually selling it in 2016.

      Inside Mike Tyson’s former £1.5m Las Vegas mansion used in The HangoverCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas

      The gorgeous property has an infinity pool with two spas and a waterfallCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas

      There are six-and-a-half bathroomsCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas

      The Italian-style property was built in 2001Credit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas

      A 25 foot waterfall awaits you in the front entranceCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas

      The kitchen boasts a centre islandCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas

      The mansion is two-storeys in sizeCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas

      Hit movie The Hangover starring Bradley Cooper was filmed in Tyson’s houseCredit: Warner Bros
      HIS CURRENT HOME
      Today, back at the top, Tyson lives a life of luxury once more. And he loves living in Henderson, Las Vegas.
      Shortly after he sold ‘The Hangover’ home, he bought this nearby mansion for £2.5million.
      The 8,149 square-foot mansion in Henderson, Nevada, built in 2001, has plenty of indoor and outside space.
      There are six spacious bedrooms and six bathrooms in his mediterranean-style villa.
      Again, it’s found in the gated community of Seven Hills – so it’s surrounded by parks and tennis and basketball courts.

      Mike Tyson’s current Las Vegas homeCredit: Luxury Homes of Las Vegas

      Tyson paid £2.5m for his Nevada mansionCredit: Luxury Homes of Las Vegas

      ‘Iron Mike’ bought the lavish home in 2016Credit: Luxury Homes of Las Vegas

      The luxurious entrance features stunning marble floorsCredit: Luxury Homes of Las Vegas

      The master suite has a step-in tub and private balconyCredit: Luxury Homes of Las Vegas

      The outdoor space makes the property with a lagoon-like poolCredit: Luxury Homes of Las Vegas

      A resort-style swimming pool is the centre piece of the homeCredit: Luxury Homes of Las Vegas

      Lush gardens decorate the outdoor spaceCredit: Luxury Homes of Las Vegas

      An outdoor barbecue makes the home ideal for entertaining guests and al-fresco diningCredit: Luxury Homes of Las Vegas

      The master bedroom is the height of comfort – featuring a master suite that has a huge step-up bathtub, a fireplace and a private balcony.
      A massive resort-style lagoon-like swimming pool and spa completes the picture.
      No wonder Mike is never leaving Las Vegas.

      Frank Warren reveals night Mike Tyson punched him in hotel room and left him with bloodied eye over £2m jewellery bill More

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      in Boxing

      Meet Viddal Riley who trained YouTube star KSI for his fight against Logan Paul and was signed by Floyd Mayweather

      by

      BRITISH cruiserweight Viddal Riley is a man on a mission.
      The Hackney-born boxer, 23, will appear on the undercard of Mike Tyson’s comeback fight against Roy Jones Jr at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Saturday night taking on Rashad Coulter.

      British cruiserweight Viddal Riley is appearing on the undercard of Mike Tyson’s comeback fightCredit: PA:Press Association

      Riley rose to prominence as KSI’s head coachCredit: Instagram

      It’s the latest chapter of the 6ft 1in brawler’s blossoming career, which gained momentum after he trained YouTuber KSI for his two exhibition bouts against Logan Paul.
      His skills in the ring got him noticed by Mayweather Promotions, and he is now trained by Floyd’s dad Jeff.
      Should the 4-0 prospect dispose of Coulter, he will continue on the path he started when he was a small boy.
      AMATEUR HOUR
      As a six-year-old growing up in East London, Riley took advantage of his surroundings in the borough of Haringey and took up boxing in one of the many local gyms.

      It was his father, Derrick, who introduced his son to the sport, and he showed his prowess as he powered through the amateur ranks.
      In ten years he won numerous titles, including eight national championships, and a European Junior Silver Medal.
      While in 2014, he became a 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympian for Team GB.
      His amateur record was 41-8 – with 19 knockouts.

      Riley took up boxing at the age of sixCredit: PA:Press Association

      In 2018 Riley went pro and has beaten all four of his opponentsCredit: PA:Press Association
      MAYWEATHER ENDORSED
      In 2018, Riley went pro after making ends meet by being a personal trainer.
      He was signed to Floyd Mayweather’s Mayweather Promotions, with CEO Leonard Ellerbe waxing lyrical about his new discovery’s ability.
      “We’re very excited to add this young man to our roster,” Ellerbe said
      “He knows he’s in great hands in terms of guiding his career in the right direction, and he has the whole UK supporting him.
      “Viddal Riley is the whole package across the board and his charisma will take him far. We look forward to what his future holds & we welcome him to Mayweather Promotions’ team with pleasure.”
      Riley was equally as chuffed.
      “Signing to Mayweather Promotions is the biggest mark in my career thus far,” Riley revealed.

      Riley is in action on the Tyson vs Jones Jr undercard at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on November 28Credit: Instagram

      Floyd Mayweather sees potential in Riley, who is signed to Mayweather PromotionsCredit: Instagram

      Signing for Mayweather Promotions is the biggest achievement in Riley’s career so farCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “I am now attached to the biggest name in boxing. I look to make similar history once I reach the heights of my career with the help of Mayweather Promotions and my team. “My future goal in boxing is to become a fighter who can sell out arenas and generate huge PPV numbers like the legend, Floyd Mayweather.
      “If you’re not aware of the name yet, it’s Viddal Riley. Expect entertainment in multiple forms and ring IQ beyond my years.”
      YOU MAY HAVE SEEN HIM BEFORE
      If Riley’s face looks familiar, you may have seen him under the guise of YouTube sensation KSI’s trainer.
      Viddal became the internet personality’s head coach ahead of his fights against Logan Paul.
      Over 40million KSI fans would’ve seen Riley push the YouTuber to the limits of his physical capabilities.
      And KSI believes he has a future champion in his corner.

      As KSI’s head coach Riley trained the YouTuber for his bouts against Logan PaulCredit: Instagram

      Riley gained lots of popularity with a new audience thanks to his association with KSICredit: PA:Press Association

      Next up for Riley is Rashad Coulter on Mike Tyson’s comeback fight undercardCredit: Instagram

      “From the first time I met him I knew he was something special,” KSI revealed.
      “He’s helped me become the beast I am today in boxing. I meant what I said after the Joe Weller fight that Viddal would become a world champion.
      “Now that he’s signed with Mayweather Promotions, for me, that accolade is now set in stone. Get ready for Viddal Riley!”

      Floyd Mayweather Sr claims he has no idea who KSI is, despite training the YouTuber last year for Logan Paul fight
        More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson’s face tattoo and other inks meanings from communist leaders to former tennis champ and ex-wife he cheated on

      by

      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’ 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

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      in Soccer

      South American stars face burn out with World Cup qualifiers and delayed Copa America games alongside their club duties

      by

      EUROPEAN clubs are seldom happy about releasing their South American players for international duty.
      Especially when they come back having picked up the coronavirus and not able to take the field, as happened to Atletico Madrid’s Luis Suarez, who was forced to sit out an eagerly awaited reunion with Barcelona.

      Luis Suarez was forced to miss out on a reunion with Barcelona after testing positive with coronavirus on international dutyCredit: Reuters

      But, with the coronavirus wiping out South America’s international dates in March and September, there were only two trips across the Atlantic this year, for the double headed World Cup qualifying dates in October and November.
      There is nothing else until the end of March – by which time it is to be hoped that the worst of the pandemic is in the past.
      But after that, the games come thick and fast – and so, surely, will come the complaints of the European clubs.
      After March, there are more World Cup qualifiers in June, September, October and November, before the campaign comes to a close with more games in January and March 2022.

      And in the middle of all this, there is a Copa America – originally scheduled for this June and July, but since put back twelve months.
      This is a bizarre competition, staged in Argentina and Colombia, countries at opposite ends of a large continent.

      The Copa America will be a much longer competition in 2021 Credit: AFP – Getty
      Rather than the standard Copa format of three groups of four, this one has two groups of six, meaning that the competition takes ages to get going. 

      This is a twelve-team tournament when those that reach the closing stages will play a total of eight matches – one more than anyone plays in a 32 World Cup.
      Between March 2021 and March 2022 there is a chance that South American players will have to play 22 games for their national team – effectively half a season on top of an already crowded club campaign, with the added burden of seven or eight double journeys back and forth across the Atlantic.
      It would be unfair to pin all the blame for the fixture pile up on international football. The current problem has its roots in the sad fact that no one, at club or international level, wants to give up anything. Someone has to lose.
      And since none of the administrators are willing to give up any of their competitions, then the losers are the players – exposed to the virus, exposed to injuries, exposed to burn out.
      The way that the 2022 World Cup was switched to December was clearly unsatisfactory.

      South American stars like Neymar face burn out before World Cup 2022 in QatarCredit: Alamy Live News

      But for all the problems, there is – or appeared to be – one silver lining.  Playing the tournament in the middle of the club season would, had the pandemic not struck, have meant that Qatar 2022 would have avoided the issue that harmed the quality of all the recent World Cups – players with no gas in the tank trying to force their weary bodies through the decisive stages.
      There was much to look forward to in Qatar 2022 – the planet’s best players finally playing a World Cup in something close to their peak physical condition.
      This now seems unlikely. The fixture pile up will take its toll. South America’s star names will be clocking up the air miles, and surely running down their own batteries.

      Luis Suarez BOOKED for taking sneaky look at VAR screen as referee gives penalty against Atletico Madrid vs Lokomotiv More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr’s pets from tigers and snakes to poodles, pigeons and roosters

      by

      WE hope they’ve got pet sitters, when they’re away this weekend.
      Mike Tyson, 54, and Roy Jones Jr, 51, will be dusting off their gloves for an exhibition fight this weekend at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

      Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr are both animal lovers

      Mike Tyson has always had a love of animals in the pastCredit: Kobal Collection – Rex Features

      Not to be outdone Roy Jones Jr keeps roosters on his Florida estateCredit: Getty – Contributor

      And aside from boxing, the two share another common interest… they’re both animal lovers.
      ‘Iron Mike’ famously owned tigers, tends to pigeons and has a poodle he loves to work out with.
      While Jones Jr is an expert snake handler, loves posing with roosters and has two Pit Bulls and a Golden Retriever.
      BENGAL TIGERS
      Tyson’s most exotic pets through the years were his three Royal Bengal Tigers.

      After he was released from prison in the 1990s, he bought animals for £60,000 a pop – spending a further £100,000-per-year to ensure they were trained professionally.
      Kenya, Storm and Boris fitted in well on Tyson’s ranch in Ohio.
      However, when he filed for bankruptcy, the former heavyweight champ was forced to give them up.
      Probably for the best, really, considering he claimed he had to pay a woman around £200,000 compensation after one attacked her.

      In the 1990s Tyson bought three Royal Bengal Tigers costing £60,000Credit: Getty – Contributor

      When Tyson went bankrupt he was forced to get rid of his tigers that cost over £100,000 to maintainCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      SNAKES
      On his sprawling 80-acre ranch in Pensacola, Florida Jones Jr keeps snakes.
      He regularly scoops them up, often with his bare hands, and keeps them safe and away from danger.
      It’s not known if they’re poisonous, but he ensures they are kept a safe distance from the other animals on his estate.
      And Jones Jr showed he is an expert snake handler.
      A video on YouTube went viral of the slugger holding one by the head firmly while showing it off to the camera.

      Jones Jr has snakes on his ranch tooCredit: YouTube
      [embedded content]
      PIGEONS
      When he was a small boy growing up in Brooklyn, Tyson seeked solace in pigeons after he was bullied for his lisp and being overweight by the other street kids.
      And it was over a pigeon that Tyson threw his first punch. When a local kid killed one of his pigeons in front of him, ‘Iron Mike’ saw bed and decked the boy.
      Despite investing in tigers, Tyson has always found pigeons to be his favourite pet.
      Even today he’s said to own a coop that houses around 70 birds.
      He’s so obsessed, each one is said to have a name and he can recognise them all individually.

      Since he was a small boy Mike Tyson has cared for pigeonsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tyson is said to own 70 pigeons and knows them all individually Credit: Reuters
      ROOSTERS
      Not to be outdone for his love of birds, Jones Jr has roosters.
      But his love of cockfighting, which is banned in the States, has caused controversy in the past.
      “They’re animals and they will fight to the death but so will two skunks,” he once said.
      “It’s just natural. It’s what they do.”
      Today though, Jones Jr says his cockfighting days are over. “I give my roosters the best of food,” he revealed. “I give them the best of care.” 

      In the past, Roy Jones Jr encouraged cockfightingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A MAN’S BEST FRIEND
      Both men are loyal dog owners.
      Tyson has an adorable poodle called Mars, who we saw cheering his owner up on Instagram during lockdown.
      Mars has his own Instagram page and has amassed an amazing 23,000-plus followers.
      He calls himself the ‘Baddest Doodle On The Planet’.

      Tyson has a poodle called Mars

      Mars has his own Instagram account with over 23,000 followers

      Jones Jr used to breed Pit Bulls and currently has two, as well as a Golden RetrieverCredit: YouTube

      Jones Jr breeded Pit Bulls on his ranch in the past, and appears to currently have two.
      A playful Golden Retriever has also been seen hanging out with Jones Jr.
      It seems that man’s best friend is a boxer’s best friend too.

      Roy Jones Jr, 51, shows off incredible hand speed ahead of Mike Tyson fight More

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      in Soccer

      Top 25 Barcelona youth players from famed La Masia academy, including Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Mauro Icardi

      by

      IN 1979, Barcelona decided they wanted a steady stream of homegrown talents to one day blossom in their first team.
      They launched their now famed La Masia (Catalan for ‘The Farmhouse’), a state-of-the-art academy designed to train youngsters the Barça way, and has since produced a slew of top-class footballers.

      Lionel Messi (in the mask), Cesc Fabregas (back row, second right) and Gerard Pique (back row, third left) are Barcelona youth productsCredit: PA:Press Association

      They were schooled at Barcelona’s famous La Masia AcademyCredit: Simon Jones – The Sun

      Many have gone on to become legends at the club, while others have slipped away and grown at pastures new.
      Here are their best 25 best academy trainees.
      25. ALEX GRIMALDO
      The Spanish left-back is one of the most sought-after defenders in world football at the moment.
      Currently starring at Benfica, he has been linked with a move to Tottenham.

      Barcelona let him go for £1.5million in 2015, without playing a game in the first team.
      Originally, he was plucked from Valence in 2008 – spending four years with the Catalans until he was sold.

      Alex Grimaldo has made his name at BenficaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      24. DANI OLMO
      Olmo is the most recent promising youngster that left Spain for a new challenge.
      The Spanish 21-year-old midfielder, who moved in January 2020 to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, arrived at La Masia aged just nine.

      But in a surprising move, Olmo decided to leave Barça when he turned 16 and signed for Dinamo Zagreb.
      Barcelona were rumoured to be looking at bringing him back to Catalonia before he moved to Germany.
      He has since moved to RB Leipzig and is a regular in the Spain squad.

      Dani Olmo gambled with his career leaving Barcelona aged 16 for Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      23. NAYIM
      Arsenal fans won’t want to be reminded of Nayim’s most famous moment in his career.
      But before he was lobbing David Seaman from the halfway line, he was a young hopeful at La Masia.
      He joined Barcelona aged 12 – leaving his hometown Cueta.
      But his chances were limited in a team that was managed by Terry Venables.
      He later joined the former Three Lions boss at Spurs.

      Former La Masia product Nayim scored the winner the Cup Winners’ Cup final against ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      22. LUIS GARCIA
      The former Liverpool midfielder had two spells with Barcelona.
      First as a 12-year-old youth player, where he starred in their reserve team.
      But having failed to break into the first team, he was sold to Atletico Madrid in 2002.
      However, after impressing with Atletico, Barcelona exercised a clause in Garcia’s contract to buy him back a season later.
      Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez moved for the playmaker in 2004 – having had him at Tenerife on loan in 2000-01.

      Luis Garcia had two spells at Barcelona but never made the gradeCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      21. ANDRE ONANA
      Another surprise, in-demand Ajax keeper Andre Onana had a spell at Barcelona from 2010-15.
      He joined the club after starting out at the Samuel Eto’o Academy, but failed to make the grade there.
      Five years ago he signed for the Dutch giants, and has since become their No1.

      In-demand Andre Onana had five years at La Masia before moving to AjaxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      20. ALBERT FERRER
      It was right-back Ferrer’s dream to play for Barcelona – having grown up in the city.
      And he appeared in 221 La Liga games during nine seasons with his boyhood club, after he was signed as a 13-year-old.
      In 1998 he moved to Premier League with Chelsea in a £2.2m deal, where he retired aged 33.

      Albert Ferrer was a local lad who got to represent his boyhood clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      19. PEPE REINA
      The son of former Barcelona goalkeeper Miguel Reina, Pepe was always destined to follow in his father’s footsteps.
      He joined La Masia in 1995, and from 1999 he was playing for their reserve side in the third tier of the Spanish football pyramid.
      Reina was never more than an understudy at the Camp Nou, and was told he could leave in 2002.

      Pepe Reina was surplus to requirements to Barcelona in 2002 after being an understudy for yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      18. GUILLERMO AMOR
      Benidorm-born Amor became one of Barcelona’s most important players under Cruyff in the 1990s.
      He joined La Masia in 1980 – winning five league titles and a European Cup.
      With Barcelona in his blood, it is unsurprising he is now responsible for the club’s youth system.

      Former youth product Amor now manages Barcelona’s youth set-upCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      17. HECTOR BELLERIN
      The Arsenal full-back might speak like a cockney, but he’s Barcelona through and through.
      Bellerin was also eight when he joined the club – but after eight years at La Masia he moved to the Gunners.
      Now vice-captain of the Premier League giants, Bellerin has been linked with a move back to Spain.
      Could he follow in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas before him and return to the club where it all began?

      Hector Bellerin left Barcelona for Arsenal and has played against his old side several timesCredit: PA:Press Association
      16. SERGI
      The marauding Spanish left-back joined Barcelona in 1988, and went on to become a club legend – appearing 382 times and winning three league titles.
      He was handed his Barça debut by Cruyff in a heated Champions League match away at Galatasaray
      From then on, he became a mainstay before he was sold to Atletico Madrid. He hadn’t lost that nastiness that made him a tricky player to play against either – earning 33 yellow cards in his three seasons there.

      Sergi won three La Liga titles after coming through La MasiaCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
      15. THIAGO MOTTA
      Barcelona never really saw the best of Motta.
      Like Pedro, he was signed late – aged 17 from local side Clube Atlético Juventus – and was assigned to the B side.
      He made his debut in 2001, but his time at Barcelona was robbed from him by a serious knee injury.
      Eventually, he found himself at Inter Milan, where Jose Mourinho got the best out of him – winning the Champions League in 2010.

      Thiago Motta never fulfilled his potential at BarçaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      14. IVAN DE LA PENA
      The hype around De La Pena, nicknamed “Little Buddha”, was immense when he was a teen.
      The child prodigy joined La Masia in 1991 from Racing Santander and initially looked to have a big future at the club.
      But fallouts with Cruyff and Van Gaal, who were frustrated with his work-rate, saw his progress curtailed and he had more success with city rivals Espanyol.

      De La Pena had fallouts with Johan Cruyff and Louis Van GaalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      13. ADAMA TRAORE
      Last season, Wolves winger Traore has finally shown the potential Barcelona youth managers believed he had.
      He joined the Spanish champions aged just eight, making his debut aged 17, but failed to break into the first team under managers Gerard Martino and Luis Enrique.
      The speedy winger then moved to England, and had an ill-fated spell at Aston Villa before rediscovering his potential at Middlesbrough.

      Adama Traore moved to England to get first team footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      12. MIKEL ARTETA
      The Arsenal manager is best known for his time in the Premier League playing for both the Gunners and Everton.
      But before he made it in England, Arteta dreamt of becoming pro in San Sebastian playing football on the beaches with childhood friend Xabi Alonso.
      He joined Barcelona aged 15, but struggled to break into the first team – joining PSG on loan before starring at Glasgow Rangers and returning to play for Real Sociedad with Alonso.

      Mikel Arteta struggled to break into the Barcelona first team
      11. VICTOR VALDES
      Valdes is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history – having played 535 games and winning 21 major titles, including La Liga six times and three Champions League’s.
      But it looked like his time at the club had come to an end in 1995 when his family moved to Tenerife.
      However, Barça re-signed him and quickly progressed through the youth teams – making his debut aged 20.

      Victor Valdes left La Masia academy only to return three years laterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      10. PEDRO
      The ex-Chelsea winger was a late-comer when it came to joining La Masia.
      Pedro arrived from Canary Islands team CD San Isidro aged 17 in 2004.
      But soon, he became a key member of the first team once he was promoted by Pep Guardiola.
      In the 2018-19 season Pedro became the first player to score in six different club competitions during a single season and in the same year.

      Pedro was a late-comer to La Masia, joining aged 17Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      9. MAURO ICARDI
      Argentina striker Icardi had a spell at La Masia from 2008-11, after rejecting overtures from Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool.
      But the goal poacher failed to show his class in Spain and was shipped out on loan to Sampdoria in 2011, which became a permanent move six months later for just £400,000.
      He has since become one of the most sought-after strikers in European football, boasting a remarkable goalscoring record.
      Icardi always stood by his decision to leave Barça, because it ultimately benefitted his career.

      Super poacher Mauro Icardi failed to impress at La MasiaCredit: FC Barcelona
      8. GERARD PIQUE
      Another one that got away, but returned to become a hero.
      Pique played in the same youth teams as Messi and Fabregas from 1997, although he was deployed as a defensive midfielder in his early years.
      Manchester United snapped him up in 2004 on a pro-contract, without having to pay a fee.
      In 2008, he returned to Catalonia for a fee of £5million and has gone on to play 531 times for the club, as well as bag a celebrity wife in Shakira.

      Pique returned to Barcelona after a spell at Man Utd and bagged a celebrity missus in ShakiraCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      7. SERGIO BUSQUETS
      One-club man Busquets has become one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation.
      At youth level though he bounced around a few teams playing for the likes of Badia, Barbera Andalucia, Lleida, and Jàbac Terrassa, before settling at Barcelona in 2005,
      Guardiola promoted Busquets to his first team in 2008, but it’s his former international manager Vincente Del Bosque who provided this accurate quote about his abilities.
      He said: “If you watch the whole game, you won’t see Busquets – but watch Busquets, and you will see the whole game.”

      Sergio Busquets has established himself as the best defensive midfielder of his generationCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      6. CESC FABREGAS
      Fabregas trained at La Masia for six years before making the bold move to Arsenal in 2003, believing his chances would be limited at the Nou Camp.
      With the Gunners he soon established himself into one of the Europe’s most promising players – replacing Patrick Vieira in the heart of their midfield, before eventually being named captain.
      In 2011 he returned to Barcelona for £35m, and in three seasons played 96 times for them before moving to Chelsea for £30m in 2014.
      Cesc won the World Cup and the Euros twice, and has been capped 110 times by Spain.

      Fabregas returned to Barcelona after making his name at ArsenalCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      5. PEP GUARDIOLA
      Johan Cruyff called him one of the best midfielders of his generation, and it’s hard to argue with that seeing he was a major influence in playing style of the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.
      Guardiola joined La Masia at 13, and within six years the deep-lying playmaker made his debut against Cadiz.
      In 1998 Louis van Gaal made him captain, but in 2001 he left for Serie A side Brescia after years of injury problems with a troublesome calf.

      Pep Guardiola became Barcelona captain after making it through their youth ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      4. CARLES PUYOL
      Arguably the most un-Barcelona-like player.
      But Puyol became a cult hero as an inspirational captain with his uncompromising style of defending.
      He joined La Masia in 1995, playing as a defensive midfielder before converting to full-back and then centre-half.
      But Puyol almost left the club three years later when Barça accepted an offer from Malaga after deeming him surplus to requirements.
      However, seeing Xavi getting a chance in the first team encouraged Puyol to stay, and the rest is history.

      Puyol became a cult figure at Barcelona but nearly left the clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      3. ANDRES INIESTA
      Plucked from Albacete at the age of 12, Iniesta never looked back.
      He steadily climbed up the youth ranks, making his debut aged 18 in 2002.
      Iniesta would go on to become the most decorated Spanish footballer in history – winning 35 trophies, including nine LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.
      Famously, he helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup – scoring the winner against Holland.

      Iniesta joined La Masia as a 12-year-oldCredit: Rex Features
      2. XAVI
      The greatest playmaker of his generation, and the embodiment of their tiki-taka passing style, Xavi joined La Masia at 10.
      At that age though it wasn’t Michael Laudrup he idolised, but in fact British-based stars like John Barnes, Paul Gascoigne, and Matt Le Tissier.
      “I’ve been lucky enough to be brought up on the Barcelona ethos,” he once revealed.
      “Which has taught me the value of being part of a team. ‘Today for you, tomorrow for me.’ Those qualities are essential for life in general.”

      Xavi idolised Paul Gascoigne, Matt Le Tissier and John Barnes growing upCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      1. LIONEL MESSI
      Without doubt the best youngster to come from Barcelona’s youth set-up, and the best to ever play for the club.
      Messi joined the LaLiga giants in 2001 from Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, who he had trained with since the age of six.
      Realising they had such a prodigious talent on their hands, Barcelona agreed to pay for his treatment after he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency.
      However, this season might be his last – with Manchester City desperate to bring Messi to the Premier League.

      Messi graduated from La Masia to become Barcelona’s greatest ever playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      ‘Lionel Messi can leave Barcelona for free at the end of the season’ says ESPN’s Sid Lowe More