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    Where Man Utd’s incredible 100,000 stadium will rank among world’s biggest as ambitious plans revealed

    MAN UTD have confirmed plans to build a stunning 100,000 seater stadium near Old Trafford.The vision, billed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the ‘Wembley of the North’, will cost a staggering £2billion to create.Man Utd have confirmed plans for a new 100,000 seater stadiumCredit: APThe cost of the project is said to be estimated at £2bnPlans are in place for the stadium to be ready to open in five yearsCredit: PAUnited have ambitiously proposed that it will be completed within five years.While, the struggling club will fund the ground itself, while the UK government will help support the regeneration of the Trafford Park area around the stadium.United’s planned stadium would become the largest in the UK – overtaking Wembley, which has a capacity of 90,000.However, how does it compare to football stadia around the world? SunSport does the number crunching to tell you the biggest around the globe.Read more Man Utd news10. Estadio Azteca, 90,000Found in Mexico City, the Azteca is the home of Club America and the Mexico national team.It is the largest stadium in Latin America and sits at an altitude of 7,200 feet above sea level.Steeped in history, it has hosted two World Cup finals – one won by Pele, another by Diego Maradona.It also hosted the infamous England vs Argentina 1986 World Cup match, where Maradona scored the ‘Hand of Goal’, as well as the ‘Goal of the Century.’Most read in FootballIt is currently under renovation to expand its seating from 87,523 ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium 9. Wembley Stadium, 90,652The home of football, Wembley is English football’s mecca.The national team plays there, the cup finals and playoffs feature, while Oasis will be playing seven sold-out concerts from the summer.It is currently the largest stadium in the UK, and second biggest in Europe.The stadium was built by Australian firm Multiplex at a cost of £798 million – opening its gates in 2007.Fun fact; it has the largest roof-covered seating capacity in the world.Wembley Stadium is currently the largest stadium in the UKCredit: AFPWembley re-opened in 2007 at a cost of £798mCredit: PA8. King Salman International Stadium, 92,000In its infant stages, the King Salman International Stadium is proposed to be the biggest stadium in Saudi Arabia.It will play host to the 2034 World Cup final, set to take place inside the amazing Riyadh venue.Designed by architecture studio Populous, it will have a capacity for 92,000 spectators.Populous revealed: “The stadium will blend into its surrounding topography, with terrain and natural habitat forming part of the stadium’s roof.”Aside from its aesthetic appeal, this design will provide effective shading and ventilation tailored to the desert climate.”The proposed King Salman International Stadium will host the 2034 World Cup finalCredit: AFP7. Lusail Stadium, 92,349Construction began on Qatar’s Lusail Stadium in 2017, and it hosted only three friendlies before it opened for matches at the 2022 World Cup.It is cooled using solar power and is claimed to have zero carbon footprint.However, there are plans for the stadium to be reconfigured into a 40,000-seat stadium.Excess seating will be removed and other parts of the building repurposed as a community space with shops, cafés, athletic and education facilities, and a health clinic.Qatar’s Lusail Stadium in Doha has future plans to shrink its capacityCredit: Getty6. FNB Stadium, 94,736Nicknamed the Calabash, it is the home of football and rugby union.The South Africa nationals teams of both sports use it, while the South African first division team Kaizer Chiefs also play there.Incredibly, the Chiefs hold the record attendance, which is over the current capacity, of 94,807 for a match against the Orlando Pirates. Again, it’s a venue that’s steeped in history.It was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison in 1990, and served as the venue for a memorial service to him on 10 December 2013.The stunning FNB Stadium is the sporting showpiece of Johannesburg, South AfricaCredit: GettyFamously, Nelson Mandela memorial service was held at the stadiumCredit: Gettyread more sport features5. Misr Stadium, 96,940The Misr Stadium is Egypt’s entry into proceedings.It is part of the Egypt International Olympic City, a large sports complex that has been under construction since 2015.It will have a training ground, two indoor halls (one of them a 15,000-capacity arena), an Olympic-size swimming pool, and other buildings.That’s being built with an eye toward the country’s possible bids for the Olympic Games or the World Cup.Egypt’s Misr Stadium holds close to 97,000 fansCredit: Getty4. Man Utd’s new stadium, 100,000Set to be created by architects at Foster and Partners, the stadium would feature an umbrella design and a new public plaza that is “twice the size of Trafalgar Square”.Three giant towers, inspired by the Red Devils’ trident, will dominate the skyline and hold up the “umbrella” – a sweeping glass and steel canopy above that will keep fans dry inside and outside what would be Britain’s biggest stadium.Their own, tree-lined version of Wembley Way would stretch from beyond the current Holy Trinity statue, to well inside the existing Old Trafford with land currently used for a car park and freight terminal behind the Stretford End coming in to play.Architects Foster and Partners have devised what United’s new ground will look likeThe stadium will boast a public plaza twice the size of Trafalgar SquareThe vision for the stadium has been called the ‘Wembley of the North’3. Camp Nou, 105,000Barcelona are currently reconstructing the Camp Nou to make it the biggest stadium in Europe.They have invested a staggering £1.25billion into the project which will see the capacity rise to 105,000.It was due to be completed in time for the club’s 125th anniversary last November.There has been a fresh delay, though, according to Spanish sports news site Relevo, who report the earliest return is now slated to be October 2025.While the report adds the stadium’s roof will not be installed until summer of 2026.Barcelona’s Camp Nou will have the largest roof in Europe with their stadium rebuildCredit: FC BarcelonaThe redeveloped Camp Nou won’t be finished until 2026Credit: FC Barcelona2. Hassan II Stadium, 115,000Projected to be completed in 2028, Morocco’s Hassan II Stadium will be the biggest stadium in Africa.It is named after the late King Hassan II, who ruled from 1961 to 1999.The proposed Hassan II Stadium was used as a bargaining chip, when Morocco had aspirations of hosting the 2010 World Cup, then 2026 World Cup.They lost both bids, but will now share the tournament with Spain and Portugal in 2030.Estimated costs are around £400million, which seems pretty cheap for now, but will surely rise.The Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco will house a capacity of 115,000Credit: PopulousCosts are estimated at around £400mCredit: Populous1. The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, 150,000The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea is the biggest in the world.Officially, it can hold up to maximum of 113,281 spectators.After a 2014 remodel which included the replacement of some bench seating with individual seats, observers estimated the capacity to be lower than its original build.Still, in 2022 it was confirmed, if they so wish, The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is still expandable to housing 150,000 fans.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt first opened in 1989, currently used for football matches, a few athletics events, and most often for the mass games of the Arirang Festival.North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un held a 2022 New Year’s Eve party on the grounds there, while he has also delivered political speeches there too.The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea is officially the biggest stadium in the worldCredit: AlamyAstonishingly, it can expand its capacity to a whopping 150,000 spectatorsCredit: Getty More

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    Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire

    FOR the first time since 2010, SIX rookies will grace the Formula One grid this season.The 2025 F1 season is sure to have it’s fair share of dramatic narratives.The F1 2025 grid has six rookies this year, the most since 2010Credit: GettyThese will range from Lewis Hamilton’s first year at Ferrari, McLaren’s bid to win a drivers title for Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri and how Red Bull will recover from their poor season last time out.However, six rookies coming to the grid is one of the most interesting storylines in itself with each of them having bags of talent shown throughout their careers in the junior categories of motor racing.However, they are also as diverse as they come, with some stepping into huge shoes at top teams and others already having F1 racing experience behind them.Below we take a look at each of F1’s 2025 rookies.READ MORE IN F1Kimi Antonelli – Italian born 2006 – MercedesKimi Antonelli is named after F1 royalty and has the nigh-on impossible task of replacing Lewis Hamilton at MercedesCredit: RexKimi Antonelli is the son of former racing driver Marco and was named after former world champion Kimi Raikkonen. He joined the Mercedes junior programme at the age of 11.The teen – who will run the number 12 and says his spirit animal is a lion – only passed his driving test in January of this year, but has impressed in the junior categories. This included a stunning wet Silverstone F3 test which saw him run four seconds quicker than any of his rivals. But his first test in an F1 car during last season’s Italian Grand Prix saw him crash into the barriers.Mercedes have handed Antonelli more than 5,500 miles of private testing to boost his preparation for a move into F1 after being asked to fill the boots of Hamilton at the team.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsOllie Bearman – Brit born 2005 – HaasOllie Bearman is already a millionaire after three successful sub appearances in F1 in 2024Credit: RexOllie Bearman became the first Brit to race in the Scarlet Red of Ferrari in the 21st century when he finished P7 on his super-sub debut at last season’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.He later made two more substitute appearances for Haas before securing a permanent seat based off of those appearances, although he endured a torrid time in F2 when not showing his pace in an F1 car.Moment Toto Wolff gets set to break Lewis Hamilton promise in behind-the-scenes clip on Netflix’s Drive to SurviveBearman turns 20 in May but is already estimated to have a net worth of more than £1m, as estimated from figures of his firm OBR Management Ltd.He joined the Ferrari academy at the age of 16 and races under the number 87. Bearman also astonishingly failed his driving test the first time he took it. His spirit animal is suitably a bear.Gabriel Bortoleto – Brazilian born 2004 – SauberGabriel Bortoleto is one of only four drivers to win back-to-back F3 and F2 championshipsCredit: RexGabriel Bortoleto arguably has the biggest racing credentials out of any of the 2025 rookies as he is one of only four drivers – with Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Piastri – to win back-to-back F3 and F2 titles.Bortoleto admits his racing career was saved by Fernando Alonso when the two-time world champion sponsored him in 2022 before he was snapped up by the McLaren development programme a year later.They allowed Bortoleto, who says his favourite movie is Interstellar and his favourite TV show is Peaky Blinders, to then join Sauber for this season, with McLaren chief Zak Brown calling him a “great racing driver”.Bortoleto – whose spirit animal is a lion – will race with the number 5 in F1 this season. His father, Lincoln, is the co-founder of one of the biggest Internet providers in world, Americanet following a merger with Vero in 2023.Jack Doohan – Australian born 2003 – AlpineJack Doohan was gifted his first ever go-kart by legend Michael SchumacherCredit: GettyJack Doohan has been placed under an incredible amount of pressure early in his F1 career with reports suggesting a poor start could see him removed from the seat, which has seen team boss Oliver Oakes praise Doohan for his “punchy” response to the speculation.Doohan is the son of five-time MotoGP world champion Mick, who admits he tried to keep him away from motorsport for a year when he was 11 before he was forced to give in.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconHe was gifted his first-ever kart by none other than seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and eventually joined the Alpine Academy in 2022.Doohan, who will race with the number 7 in 2025 and who says his spirit animal is either a kangaroo or koala, replaced Esteban Ocon in last season’s season finale at Abu Dhabi to make his debut.Isack Hadjar – Frenchman born 2004 – Racing BullsIsack Hadjar has already been praised for his ‘god-like’ reflexes in F2Credit: RexIsack Hadjar is different from many of his peers in that his parents do not have any sort of background in motorsport.Born into an Algerian family of physicians and physicists, he only gained an interest in cars because his dad was a kart mechanic and after watching the Pixar animation Cars.Hadjar was praised for his “god-like” reflexes in F2 last year when he managed to avoid a collision in the Monaco tunnel when a car ahead of him was around a blind corner.Hadjar – who says his spirit animal is a gorilla – won more races than any other driver in F2 last season but was pipped to the title by Bortoleto. He will race with the number 6 for this season in F1.Liam Lawson – New Zealander born 2003 – Red BullLiam Lawson’s parents had to sell his house to fund his racing careerCredit: GettyLiam Lawson is a weird case when it comes to being rookie since he already has 11 races in F1 under his belt, yet the Kiwi has never started a season so can be considered a rookie for all intents and purposes.Lawson’s parents had to sell their house to fund his racing career while he never officially finished high school as he went to pursue his dream instead.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe only became a motorsport fanatic after watching his dad race in karts at the age of six, although Lawson actually cried after the first time he fired up a go-kart when the engine started. Like Hadjar, Lawson is huge Cars fan, and will race with the number 30 this season as he attempts to tame the role of being Max Verstappen’s team-mate. More

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    Inside Jermaine Jenas’ split with wife of 13 years Ellie, from sexting scandal to hope of reconciliation and Xmas snub

    JERMAINE JENAS and his wife of 13 years Ellie have separated, following his sexting scandal and axing from the BBC.The former One Show host and Match of the Day pundit was sacked from his £190,000-per-year job with the broadcaster, after he was accused of sending inappropriate text messages to two female colleagues.Jermaine Jenas and Ellie Penfold have separatedCredit: GettyJenas revealed all to The Sun about his sexting scandalCredit: Andrew StyczynskiJenas, Ellie and their children pose for a family holiday snapCredit: Instagram @jjenasThe ex-footballer vowed to save his marriage.However Ellie has released a statement on Instagram revealing they have parted ways.It read: “I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it’s necessary.”After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways.Read more on Jermaine Jenas”We will remain friends and continue to co-parent. We kindly ask that you respect our children’s privacy during this challenging time.”Thank you, Ellie.”The decision will be a blow to Jenas, who has returned to work at talkSPORT, after he publicly apologised to Ellie “for all the BS” caused by the fallout.SunSport looks inside their sad split.Most read in FootballThe aftermathJenas and Ellie were on a family holiday in Spain when he was quizzed by BBC bosses about his explicit text messages to the female workers.He admitted sneaking off to talk to his bosses in a secret video call about the allegations.Jermaine Jenas’ wife Ellie breaks silence on sexting scandal & tells The Sun: ‘It’s been tough’When they returned, the Beeb made the decision to cut ties with Jenas.The ex-Tottenham midfielder, 42, insisted he hadn’t done anything illegal and the messages were exchanged by two consenting adults.However, Ellie was left raging.She kicked him out of their £1million Hertfordshire mansion In an interview with The Sun, he said: “We’ve not really spoken properly since. She’s absolutely raging.”Trying to repair thingsJenas and Ellie tied the knot in 2011.They share two daughters, Geneva and Olivia, and boy, Jacob, together.Jenas also has an older daughter, Sancha, from a previous relationship who lives in the United States with her mother.Privately, Jenas had hoped to save his marriage.Jenas told us he hoped to save the marriage to EllieCredit: Andrew StyczynskiAfter the sexting scandal, Ellie kicked Jenas out of their £1m homeCredit: Instagram @elliejenasAn incredibly sorry Jenas apologised to his wife for his inappropriate text messagesCredit: Instagram @jjenasread more sport featuresHe said back in August: “It’s just about the children right now. It’s the school holidays and they’re trapped in the house because photographers are outside my house.”They’re like, ‘What’s going on, Daddy?’. It’s tough.”He added: “I’ve got to take responsibility and I’ve apologised to all of them.”I don’t know what to say about that, to be honest with you.”It’s just hard at home for the kids right now. My wife’s a real one.”My wife is solid and she’s amazing. She is kind. She just needs some time.”In that time, Ellie launched her personal care brand Preppy in November at an event she was seen without her wedding ring.While she shared photos on Instagram of girls’ nights out with her friends.Ellie told The Sun: “It has been an incredibly hard and difficult time for myself and my family.”My only focus has been on our children and building my brand Preppy.Ellie seen on a girls’ night out in DecemberCredit: InstagramWhen the scandal broke, Ellie pushed herself towards her work with her brand PreppyCredit: INSTAGRAMJenas shared a gushing tribute to congratulate his wife for her brand launchCredit: Instagram”Now I just want to move forward.”Naturally this has been hard for me but my only concern has been our children and that will not change.”Jenas also posted his own gushing praise for his wife on social media, following her launch.He wrote on Instagram: “Couldn’t be more proud of this woman, 3 years ago you had a great idea and this week you got to make that idea a reality. “Starting a brand is hard enough, but working hard and being committed to getting it done even with all the B******T I’ve dragged you through recently should be enough evidence that you’ll make it a success.”Xmas snubBut, by the time Christmas came, Ellie hadn’t thawed.On Christmas Day, Jermaine was absent from any photos she shared on Instagram.However, the kids were all beaming in matching pyjamas in one she posted of them standing in front of a tree.Intriguingly, they both shared a journey on The Santa Steam Express with the kids.Jenas, who was seen wearing his wedding ring, captioned the snaps: “Some Christmas fun with the family.”While Ellie posted the same pictures separately with emojis including a Christmas tree, dog, snowflake, snowman, and a heart.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnfortunately, it didn’t work out for the pair.But, as their social media suggests, they will be putting their kids first, despite their personal woes.Ellie shared a snap of the children on Christmas Day togetherCredit: Instagram @elliejenasThe family united for the children for a trip on The Santa ExpressJenas poses with one his children on the family ventureEllie wasn’t able to forgive Jenas and confirmed their split on Instagram More

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    I made deal with God as I lay dying after husband’s attack – I’m still trying to keep my end, says boxer Christy Martin

    BOXING legend Christy Martin has revealed she made a deal with God as she lay dying after her husband’s brutal attack – and says she’s still trying to keep her end of the bargain.The 56-year-old – nicknamed The Coal Miner’s Daughter because of her father’s job in West Virginia, where she grew up – was a pioneer in the ring.Boxing legend Christy Martin is a survivor of domestic abuseCredit: GettyChristy survived an attempted murder by husband JimCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaChristy, right, poses with actress Sydney Sweeney who will be playing her in the upcoming movieCredit: FacebookShe won 49 fights, with 32 by way of knockout, in a career that began in the late 1980s, and was represented by legendary promoter Don King.However, behind the scenes manager James ‘Jim’ Martin, who she would marry in 1991, made her life a living hell by beating her physically and stripping her down mentally.All the while, Christy, who is gay, was wrestling with her sexuality and identity in the macho world of her profession.In 2010, Martin would attempt to take Christy’s life – repeatedly stabbing his wife, before shooting her in the chest.Martin, who was 25 years Christy’s senior, was sentenced to 25 years in prison.He died last November, while serving his sentence at Graceville Correctional Facility in Florida.Understandably, Christy’s astonishing story has caught the attention of Hollywood.It’s not a boxing movie. It’s about domestic violence and it’s about sexuality. There’s so many different aspects and groups of people that this movie can affectChristy MartinA movie, directed by acclaimed Aussie filmmaker David Michod and starring actress of the moment Sydney Sweeney as Christy, wrapped in late 2024.Netflix also chronicled the tale with a powerful documentary called Untold: Deal with the Devil released in 2021.Speaking to SunSport, Christy, 56, told us: “To me, it’s the underdog story.Christy Martin was a boxing legend, but her ex-husband and trainer attempted to murder her”It’s not a boxing movie. It’s about domestic violence and it’s about sexuality. There’s so many different aspects and groups of people that this movie can affect.”The meaning behind the movie, for me, is don’t hide who you are – whatever it be, whatever makes you different. Be true to you.”Christy admitted she was surprised, at first, by the casting of Hollywood superstar Sweeney.”My first reaction was, ‘Wow, it kind of doesn’t fit,'” she said.”But when I spoke with Sydney, I learned she actually has an MMA background. We had some great conversations.”She is very much a competitor, like I was. I think this role will show people a whole other side to her they are not used to seeing.”She’s very real and a completely normal person, not like some Hollywood people I have met in my life and throughout my boxing career.”Christy met future hubby Jim when she was 22 and he was 47. She was an up and coming boxer, and he promised her the world by claiming he had contacts that could get her to the top of the tree.They married in 1991, although it was a marriage of convenience. Before Jim, Christy was in relationships with women.”I got involved with Jim by accident,” she said.”It was one of those things, I was impressionable and young and he claimed he knew everyone in the boxing business.”Christy was in an abusive marriage with Jim Martin who was her managerCredit: GettyGlam Sweeney was a surprise choice to play Martin in the new filmSweeney flexes her muscles on set of the untitled Christy Martin biopicCredit: instagram/sydney_sweeneySydney is unrecognisable on set for the upcoming movieCredit: BackGridBy the mid 1990s, Christy became a showbiz name in her own right.She featured on the undercard for Mike Tyson’s pay-per-view fight against Frank Bruno, and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated.There was even an appearance on classic US TV sitcom Roseanne.But away from the public eye, she was under duress from Jim who controlled her every move.That included trash-talking gay fighters, even though she was hiding her own past and sexuality.Christy revealed: “Jim would encourage me to trash talk fighters who were gay.”I would tell him, ‘You’re treading on thin ice because if I say something, then someone from my past might hear it and come out of the woodwork’.”I would always tell him he was pushing me to walk a dangerous line.”It could have come out at any point, at any time, and something could have exposed me. How would I have looked then?”I was living two lives with what was going on in front of the camera and what was happening behind closed doors.”We would argue about everything, at press conferences, at home. I got to the point where I would pick and choose my battles.”As the first superstar of women’s boxing, Christy appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1996Credit: SuppliedLegendary boxing promoter Don King represented ChristyCredit: GettyChristy became a celebrity in her own right – appearing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1996Credit: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal viaTheir blistering rows would often erupt into violence. “Once he knocked my tooth through my lip when I tried to leave him,” Christy confessed.”I had put a contract together to go our separate ways. I just wanted to live my life and go in a different direction. But I was his personal ATM. Without me what was he going to do?”As their relationship further deteriorated, Christy began to get hooked on cocaine, which she used to ease her pain.As he was beating my head into the dresser, I thought, ‘You know motherf***er, you are not going to kill me. Not today.’Christy MartinOn November 23, 2010 it all came to a head. After spending a few days with her friend, Sherry Lusk, Christy returned to their Florida home to find an agitated Martin.She recalled: “I had a headache, so I went to lay down in the bedroom. The entire time I’m laying down, I could hear Jim sharpening a knife.”Then I overheard him talking on the phone, calling people up and telling them I left him for a woman.”I got up and I was getting ready to go for a run. I put one shoe on and then he came into the bedroom.”He said, ‘I have something to show you.’ I thought he had a boxing contract, but instead he had a knife and a gun.”He started to stab me and cut me up and we got into a fight. In my mind, I was ready to die. “But, as he was beating my head into the dresser, I thought, ‘You know motherf***er, you are not going to kill me. Not today.’Christy refused to give up on life after being stabbed and shotCredit: GettyIn 2010, Martin repeatedly stabbed his wife with this knifeCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaHe then shot Christy in the chest with this pink gunCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida”It was like a switch just flipped and I wanted to live. When he cut me, he cut his own hand. And so he stopped beating me and went to clean up his own hand.”I started to walk out the room. He came back in and picked up the gun. I said to him, ‘You don’t have the balls to shoot me.'”But he did. He shot me and I remember I just prayed to God and asked for a way to get out.”Christy was stabbed four times in the chest, her left lung was punctured, her left leg was sliced to the bone, and a bullet was lodged three inches from her heart.Callous Martin left his wife for dead on the bedroom floor and went to have a shower.The crime scene where Christy was stabbed four times and shotCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaChristy managed to make it out of the flat when Martin went to have a shower, picture shows blood on the bathroom floorCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaThe boxing legend’s left leg was sliced to the boneCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaJim Martin in hospital with injuries sustained in his attackCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaMartin was sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempting to murder ChristyCredit: Alamy”I heard the shower water turn on and that was God telling me it’s time, Christy, now’s the time. So I tried to get up, but blood was coming out of all these holes,” she said.Miraculously, she managed to make it out of their condo, before flagging down a stranger who rushed her to a nearby hospital.She survived her ordeal, as she believes, by the grace of God.In the emergency room, as she recovered from her wounds, she was also able to kick her drug habit to the kerb.”I had always been that athlete that said no to drugs,” she said.”In college, you smoke weed in high school and college and stuff – but I said I was never going to get addicted.”But cocaine became my drug of choice, and it was because I was so miserable with Jim. I was trying to find a happy place.I had always been that athlete that said no to drugsChristy”Cocaine was putting me in that happy place, even though it was really killing me and putting me in a worse place. It was an escape every day for around three years.”I quit because I wasn’t miserable anymore. I was free of Jim. I didn’t need that drug anymore.”Christy is thankful to be alive to tell her story, which she hopes will help women who have been in similar situations to her.”I made a deal with God in the hospital,” she told us.”You know, you let me live through this and I promise you I’m going to help. I’m going to help at least one person every day so they don’t suffer what I went through.”That’s why I keep talking about domestic violence because I gotta keep up my end of the bargain.”Christy in action against Laila Ali in 2003Credit: GettyJim Martin, right, died in 2024 while serving his sentence at Graceville Correctional Facility in FloridaToday, Christy Martin regularly discusses her domestic violence ordealCredit: GettyPioneering Christy led the way for female boxers like Katie Taylor, rightCredit: Sportsfile More

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    Inside Conor Benn’s amazing life, from epic car collection to ‘words’ with Neymar and loving wife of seven years

    BRACE yourself for a fierce battle when Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr finally take each other on.Already there’s been bad blood – with the pair meeting face-to-face at a press conference and coming to blows.Conor Benn boasts an epic lifestyle outside of boxingBenn has an amazing car collection, including a £260k Rolls-RoyceCredit: instagramBenn is also lucky in love with wife of seven years, VictoriaCredit: INSTAGRAM/CONOR BENNEubank Jr slapped Benn’s face with an egg and called him a “dirty little omelette” as they brawled on stage in Manchester.Benn’s rival was, of course, referencing The Destroyer’s claim that he failed a drug test because of excessive egg intake.Outside the ring, Benn lives a lifestyle to envy.His epic car collection is spearheaded by a £260,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith.Read more boxing newsWhile, he amusingly shared ‘words’ with footballer Neymar, and flies in private jets.He’s also winning in his personal life – married to children’s emotional well-being author Victoria.SunSport takes a look at Benn’s life of luxury.Car collectionBack in 2022, the same year he was banned from boxing for failing two drugs tests conducted by the VADA, Benn was estimated to be worth around £1.5million.Most read in BoxingOver the years, he has splashed his cash on an amazing set of motors, including his pride and joy – a Rolls-Royce Wraith worth £260,000.After beating former WBO world champion Chris Algieri, he was spotted with a £125,000 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG wrapped in gold.Conor Benn pulled apart from Chris Eubank Jr after SLAP at Battle of Britain press conferenceAlso in 2022, Benn added a stunning £110,000 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S – copying his dad who bought a Porsche 911 in the 1990s.It has a personalised licence plate – ‘K013ENN’ – and Benn calls it his “weekend car.”Expect Benn to add to his fleet, if he’s victorious against Eubank Jr.Boxer Benn shows off his incredible Rolls-Royce worth £260kA gold-wrapped Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG worth £125k is part of Benn’s fleetBenn also splashed the cash on a beautiful Porsche 911Bringing Neymar into itBack in 2024, Benn entered the ring after Eubank Jr defeated Kamil Szeremeta.The pair went face-to-face as they vowed to settle their differences one day in the ring.Lurking behind them was Brazilian football legend, Neymar, who seemingly found the conversation hilarious.It threatened to escalate then, forcing security and the ex-Barcelona forward to break the pair up.As it turned out, Neymar was there in support of Eubank Jr.Afterwards, Benn revealed: “I’m a big fan of Neymar. He’s a GOAT.”I just said to him, ‘your boys getting a beating.'”Incredibly, Benn also dropped a bombshell claim at Tuesday’s presser that Eubank Jr owed Neymar a serious amount of money as a poker debt.Benn said: “He owes Neymar four million quid – that’s why he’s taken this fight. So don’t talk s***.Neymar hung out with Benn at his pal Eubank Jr’s fight last yearCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialBenn had words with Neymar – saying was going to beat up Eubank JrCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialNeymar was sandwiched between Eubank Jr and Benn last NovemberCredit: Gettyread more sport features”I said he owes Neymar four million quid have you not heard? So don’t come talk to me about bollocks. This is why you have taken this fight.”And you are about to get rendered unconscious for it. You’re money hungry that’s the only reason.” Family lifeBenn has been lucky in love with wife, Victoria.The pair began dating in 2017, before walking down the aisle a year later in a private ceremony.She is an author, having penned the book Feeling It All which helps kids cope with their emotions.She also shares big brand deals on her Instagram page, where she has over 26,000 followers.Fans may also recognise her from her YouTube channel which has just over 1000 followers.In her videos, she take viewers behind the scenes of her boxing champion husband’s career.In her bio, she references her famous husband with the line “Married to CB”.Victoria and Conor welcomed their first child together in 2021, when Victoria gave birth to Eli.Victoria Benn met the boxer in 2017 and they married a year laterCredit: PAConor and Victoria pose with son EliCredit: INSTAGRAM/CONOR BENNA second son the couple called Idony was born last yearGlam Victoria is a children’s book authorConor admitted that he phoned his mum afterwards to ask her for permission to get a face tattoo honouring his son.His mum agreed and Conor get “Eli Clay” tattooed by his ear.Last year, the happy couple welcomed their second daughter they called Idony.Flying privateWhen Eddie Hearn’s your promoter, you can expect to live the high-life.Should Benn need to travel with Hearn and his pals for business trips, he’ll fly private.The son of legend Nigel showed off a private jet that took him and a crew to Philadelphia for a DAZN fight night.They then headed to Miami on the US trip.Benn enjoys the use of a private jet when he’s workingCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialBenn was joined by Eddie Hearn on board flights to Philadelphia and MiamiCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialHe captioned the snap: “PHILLY nights with the team, now on to MIA.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBack home the photos of his trip left a sour tase in wife Victoria’s mouth who was left at home with the kids.Amusingly, she commented on the snap: “Meanwhile, Idony just threw up on me 🤣”. 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    How Jesse Lingard has bounced back with move to South Korea by embracing Asian culture and releasing a rap song

    MANY British footballers keep to themselves and refuse to embrace local culture when they move abroad.But not Jesse Lingard. The former Man Utd midfielder was released by Nottingham Forest in 2023, after an underwhelming time at the City Ground.Jesse Lingard is living his best life in South Korea playing for FC SeoulCredit: RexEx-Man Utd star Lingard shares his culinary experiences like eating Korean BBQ onlineCredit: InstagramBy embracing local culture, Lingard has made himself a fan favouriteCredit: InstagramHe was stuck in a football free agent’s abyss, until he surprisingly moved to South Korean side FC Seoul in February 2024 on a two-year deal – taking a huge pay cut on £17,500-per-week. At Forest, he was was earning a whopping £180,000-per-week.Although it was a tough start professionally, with coach Kim Gi-dong publicly criticising him for his fitness and a subsequent knee injury ruling him of action early on in his career, he soon won over the fans.However, it isn’t just Lingard’s football skills that have scored him admirers in The Land of Han.The midfielder has immersed himself in Asian culture – not just indulging in Korean BBQ – but also releasing music.read more football newsWhile, his epic social media posts – in partnership with CGI firm Vertex – have made him and the K League appear cool, as well as drawn millions of eyes through social media to his experience.Asian football expert and author John Duerden has seen first hand the impact Lingard has had from his home in Seoul.He told SunSport: “Not many foreign players make the national news in South Korea for actions on and off the pitch but Jesse Lingard has not been any normal signing.”For a start, he is the biggest name import to play in the 42-year-old K League and, therefore, has had more expectations and pressure than others.Most read in Football”In the early days, it looked as if it wasn’t going to happen at FC Seoul, one of the country’s big clubs that has struggled a little in recent years.Watch Jesse Lingard score screamer as former Man Utd star proves he’s still got it in South Korean league “He took time to settle, leading to a rebuke, of sorts, from the coach but most don’t appreciate how big a cultural difference there is between South Korea and the UK both on and off the pitch.”Just take the weather, absolutely freezing in winter and very hot and very humid in the summer and then there is the rainy season.”Culture clubLingard adapted. After all, he would have been use to a rainy day or two in Manchester, so that wouldn’t have hurt.But, he seemed particularly enamoured with the local culture and has brought cool to a country that is producing award-winning TV in shows like Squid Game.No sooner had he made the move to the Far East, he was sharing his dining experiences on Instagram to his nine million followers.Lingard then realised there was a market for a video diary of his career in South Korea, and he rebooted his YouTube channel last year.On there, and on his Instagram, he has shared his epic lifestyle. From cruising on a boat to making music and creating epic CGI clips.One of those clips dropped in December shows ‘J Lingz’ performing some kick ups, before volleying a ball into the sky towards a ribbon that drops a sheet to reveal a gold statue of his famous J-L hand celebration.Another sees the ex-Three Lions winger show off his dance moves, before Moonwalking out of shot.Before the end of the year, Lingard revealed his single KamsahamnidaA CGI viral video Lingard uploaded to Instagram in December has been watch 4.5 million timesIn another clip, Lingard can be seen showing off his dance movesread more sport featuresThe former has been liked almost 4.5 million times, while the latter has drawn almost 240,000 likes since it was uploaded in November.Lingard even found time to release his first rap single before the end of last year.Kamsahamnida, which means ‘thank you’ in Korean, was well received by his fans and is incredibly catchy.Duerden explained: “It is off the pitch though that Lingard has been different to any signing in the past.”His music single Kamsahamnida was a surprise but his CGI video, released in December, attracted hundreds of millions of clicks, went down very well in Korea and made national news.”Usual interactions with foreign players have usually not progressed much past questions such as ‘do you like kimchi?’ Or ‘how good is Son Heung-min?’ and comments about chopstick wielding competence. “This is not something that has happened in the K-League before, it is a competition that is solid but seen by many, at home and abroad, as lacking a little in the excitement and coolness stakes.”Officials at Seoul and at league headquarters were delighted. Lingard may not rival some of the megastars in Saudi Arabia in terms of talent and achievements, but he has brought a certain coolness and street cred that wasn’t really thought about when Seoul decided to try and sign him.”It helps that he is here at a time when there is huge global interest in Korean music, food, television, beauty products, fashion, technology and movies and getting involved in that culture is always going to go down well.”Too many foreign players stay in their bubbles and rarely experience, let alone embrace, the culture. Lingard has shown what can be done. Like anywhere, the more you put in, the more you get out.”Lingard has been credited with bringing cool to the K LeagueWhile on his YouTube channel, Lingard has shown he’s not afraid to try new experiencesPlaying in the K LeagueIn terms of his football, Lingard is clearly loving life on and off the pitch.After scoring his first goal of the season, with the K-League running from February to November, he performed FIVE goal celebrations in the 2-1 win over Anyang.Lingard’s popularity is bigger than ever, but it’s a tough league to adapt to.Duerden explained: “Few coaches speak English and they have historically tended to be quite conservative tactically, liking to counter-attack and players who work hard, run hard and listen well.”The league is of a good standard, physical and fast but you have to work for goals and games often only open up in the latter stages. “The average league attendance was 11,000 last season but with Lingard Seoul attracted over 27,000.”The K League does not have the same central place in Korean culture as the Premier League in England but those that go are often hugely passionate and will support their players through thick and thin, if they give their all on the pitch.Lingard arrived in Asia to much fan fare and took a pay cutCredit: APEx-England star Lingard suffered a set back when he required knee surgery last yearCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C57gyVmtuXw/?img_index=2Lingard scored his first goal of the season last weekendCredit: Rex”There is no doubt that Lingard has done this and his performances have improved. Being made captain in June and then officially getting the nod ahead of his second season was a reflection of that. Seoul coach Kim Gi-dong is not the type to hand out the armband on a whim.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The new season has started well with a goal in the first home game in front of 40,000 fans.  “It looks as if there is more to come.” More

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    Jose Mourinho’s most controversial moments, from poking a rival coach in the eye to handbags with Arsene Wenger

    CONTROVERSY has seemed to follow Jose Mourinho throughout his career.The Special One is currently causing a stir in Turkey, where he coaches Fenerbahce.Jose Mourinho is in hot water at Fenerbahce after being accused of racismCredit: GettyMourinho has courted plenty of controversy over the years, including his respect rantFollowing a 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Galatasaray, the Portuguese tactician has been accused of making “racist statements”.Former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss Mourinho claimed after the stalemate that Galatasaray had tried to get one of his team booked early on.He told a press conference that “everyone on the opposing bench was jumping around like monkeys”.However, Galatasaray have now hit back – vowing to file a criminal complaint against the two-time Champions League winner.Read more football news It’s the latest of a long list of controversial moments that have featured Mourinho.SunSport wades through some of those below.”Respect”During a press conference in the 2018-19 season, Mourinho took umbrage to journalist’s questions following a 3-0 defeat for his Manchester United said.Holding up three fingers, Mourinho said: “What was the result? 3-0? You know what this means? 3-0.Most read in Football”But it also means three Premierships, and I’ve won more Premierships alone than the other 19 managers together. Three for me, and two for them.”‘I’m not Kurt Zouma’ – Jose Mourinho makes outrageous outburst when asked if he prefers dogs or catsHe then got out of seat, gesturing the media to calm down with the palm of his hand, before repeatedly saying ‘respect, respect man’.Fracas with WengerMourinho and Wenger already had previous, when the then Chelsea boss called the French manager a “specialist in failure”.However, handbags were flying when the legendary Arsenal manager entered his rival’s technical area and gave him a shove and angry words were exchanged.After the game, Wenger explained: “I wanted to go from A to B, and somebody confronted me before B without any sign of welcome.”Honestly, I don’t listen to what he says. Push him? You would know if I really tried to push. Come on.”Mourinho and Arsene Wenger had a tempestuous relationshipCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe pair got into a shoving match during a Chelsea vs Arsenal gameCredit: GettyWearing a wireThe conspiracy theories were really getting to Mourinho during his spell at Roma.He was convinced referees had it in for him during the 2022-2023 season, a campaign which saw him receive three red cards on the touchline.So, in true Mourinho form, he did what he could to protect himself. He became an informant and wore a wire.He revealed: “I’m not stupid, you know. Today, I went to the game with a microphone. I recorded everything. From the moment I left the locker room, to the moment I returned. I protected myself.”Mourinho lost confidence in Italian refs so he started wearing a wire to record their conversationsCredit: GettyMore touchline shenanigansWhen Mourinho revisited Stamford Bridge with his Man Utd team, it took his team to hold him back as he looked for a fight.To be fair to Jose, he was wound up by Chelsea’s coach Marco Ianni celebrating a late equaliser in front of him by the dugouts.Stewards, Phil Neville, and other Red Devils staff members had to hold him back as he tried to race down the tunnel to confront the Italian.Afterwards, Ianni and Maurizio Sarri offered their apologies.When coaching Man Utd, Mourinho was taunted by Chelsea coach Marco IanniCredit: ReutersMourinho tried to race down the tunnel to confront the Italian coachCredit: Sky SportsHiding in a laundry basketIn his first season in the Prem at Chelsea, Mourinho was handed a touchline ban for the Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich.But, there was no way he was going to let that get in the way of entering the dressing room to talk to his team.He told Sky Sports years later: “I go to the dressing room during the day so I was there from midday and the game is seven o’clock. I just want to be in the dressing room when the players arrive.”I went there and nobody saw me. The problem was to leave after. And Stewart Bannister the kit man put me in the basket. It was a little bit open so I could breathe.”But when he is taking it outside the dressing room, the UEFA guys were following and desperate to find me so he closed the box and I couldn’t breathe.”When he opened the box I was dying! I am serious! I was claustrophobic, I promise! It’s true.”After receiving a ban, Mourinho hid in a basket to speak with his team in the dressing roomCredit: GettyNo questions, pleaseOften, you can strike gold with Mourinho at press conferences – because of his wit, charm, and no-holds-barred comments.But, on this occasion, he chose to say nothing.It was a press conference that lasted just 10 seconds, when Man Utd’s press officer asked waiting journalists if they had any questions following the final league game of the 2016-2017 season.Now most of the written press weren’t in the room at this time, with Jose arriving before them.With the handful that were in the room hesitant, Mourinho took it upon himself to say “good” before marching off.Mourinho often gave journalists gold during press conferencesCredit: Getty – ContributorAssault on Tito VillanovaDuring his Real Madrid years Mourinho was especially spiky.And it was fierce rivals Barcelona, who irked him the most, with things coming to a head in El Clasico.After the game, Mourinho poked Pep Guardiola’s then-assistant Tito Villanova in the eye in an unprovoked attack and wandered off.Barcelona didn’t make an official complaint. However, the club said: “The public have given their opinion. They are very clear that what this person did wasn’t right. The (Spanish football) federation will act if they want to.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThey did, they gave Jose a two-game ban, which was later rescinded in a general amnesty on suspensions across Spanish football.Mourinho apologised a year later and has always continued to express his sorrow for the incident.Mourinho famously poked Tito Villanova in the eye following an El Clasico match More

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    Inside Man City star Erling Haaland’s car collection, from a £350k Aston Martin to a Porsche 911 GT3 worth £160k

    MAN City star Erling Haaland has collected a fleet of astonishing motors over the years.The Norwegian star, 24, recently inked a new deal at the Etihad – earning him a whopping £500,000-per-week.Erling Haaland boasts an amazing car collectionHaaland has a stunning Porsche 911 GT3 worth £160k in his garageCredit: Supplied
    It’s a salary that allows the Cityzens’ top scorer to live a life of luxury.One of his favourite pastimes is adding to his extensive garage.Since his pay rise, Haaland has splashed the cash on two incredible new motors.In the past week, the poacher has been seen driving into City’s training ground in a stunning Porsche 911 GT3 worth around £160,000.Read more on Erling HaalandThen, just a few days later, he rocked up in a Aston Martin DBX 707 that carries a price tag of £350,000, as he left Manchester Airport.But those two stunners are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his car collection.Join SunSport in marvelling at what Haaland enjoys to drive.Porshe 911 GT3, £160,000No sooner had he put pen to paper on his 10-year bumper contract, Haaland was seen with a flashy new set of wheels.Most read in FootballThe bold orange colour of his 911 GT3 certainly made him stand out from the crowd as autograph hunters waited for signatures outside City’s Etihad Campus.Erling Haaland falls down in training as Man City prepare for Real Madrid clash It’s one of Porsche’s greatest ever cars – since its release in 2017.Incredibly, it’s super-fast and is able to crush 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds.Aston Martin DBX 707, £350,000Upon returning to our shores, following a Champions League humbling by Real Madrid in the Champions League, Haaland was seen leaving Manchester Airport in ANOTHER new car.This time, it was a lime green Aston Martin DBX 707 – better known as a special edition Formula 1 safety car. It was the world’s most powerful SUV – producing 715bhp – until the Ferrari Purosangue came along.It’s no slouch, either, capable of hitting 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds.Aston Martin’s timeless DBX 707 is famously used by F1 as a safety carCredit: Aston MartinIt can reach 0-60 mph in an impressive 3.3 secondsCredit: Aston MartinRolls-Royce Cullinan, £300,000Costing a mega £300,000, Haaland’s also got himself a luxury Roller.The Cullinan is a favourite among sports stars, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Andy Ruiz Jr owning one.It is a giant of a car, reaching 5.3m long, 2.1m wide and 1.8m tall.But that’s not to say the 2.6 tonne Cullinan lacks any power.Its 6.75-litre twin turbo V12 engine means the giant motor is still capable of hitting 62mph in five seconds with a top speed of 155mph.The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is one of the most expensive in Haaland’s car collectionCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresRange Rover Sport, £120,000Another stereotypically footballer’s car, Haaland’s Range Rover Sport is top of the range.It features massage electric memory seats and a Meridian sound system.Back in 2018, it was the most leased car by Premier League stars.A quick glance at Man Utd’s Carrington training ground car park and you will see tons of them.Incredibly, it can manage 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 176 mph.Haaland has been seen behind the wheel of footballer’s favourite – Range Rover SportCredit: GettyAudi RS6 Avant, £120,000The RS6 is Haaland’s go-to.When he played in Germany for Borussia Dortmund, he had a red one.Now he’s playing for Man City, he’s been spotted cruising around the city in a ridiculously trendy Carbon Black performance model.A zippy vehicle, it’s capable of reaching 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.The Audi RS 6 Avant costs £120,000Credit: AlamyMercedes-AMG GLE Coupe, £90,000Just because it is the cheapest in Haaland’s fleet, it doesn’t mean it is the worst.This leg roomy Mercedes is the height of luxury in the SUV world.At 6ft4in, the forward needs to feel comfy – and with the GLE Couple he’s found his everyday runner.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s a car Haaland often takes to and from training every day.And he won’t be late considering it manages 0-60 in 5.2 seconds.A £90,000 Mercedes AMG GLE 63 Coupe is the cheapest car in Haaland’s car collectionCredit: Alamy More