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      in Boxing

      Josh Kelly played against Jordan Pickford but now eyes title fight against ‘freak’ champ who’s as tall as Anthony Joshua

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      JOSH KELLY once played alongside Jordan Pickford – now he is targeting world title fights against champions taller than the England No1.Kelly spent two years in Sunderland’s academy but was booted out when he struggled to juggle it with boxing. Josh Kelly used to play for Sunderland’s academyCredit: Instagram @joshkelly07Jordan Pickford once played with Kelly at SunderlandCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut the Black Cats fan admits it was probably for the best having excelled in the ring after giving football the KO. He told The Northern Echo: “I was in the academy from 11 until I was about 13. I was in and out of the academy and development centre. “I remember playing in one training game and Pickford was in goal! I did well. “I think I could have done OK in football but when I was making weight for boxing I didn’t really mature as quickly as the other guys, and I made the decision to focus on my boxing.READ MORE IN BOXING”I was trying to run both next to each other. I played for Hartlepool a little bit. But it’s hard to focus on both. “I remember coming off one day and talking to my dad, a lot of the lads were a lot more mature than me, I was weight draining myself for the boxing and trying to diet and I knew I had to do this or that.”When I started boxing for England and going places, that was the natural step.”Kelly was a decorated amateur, representing Great Britain at World and European level. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe went onto qualify for the 2016 Olympics but was eliminated in the second round by Daniyar Yeleussinov of Kazakhstan. Kelly then turned professional in 2017 and looked to be one of the most promising talents in world boxing, with flashy speed and eye-catching combinations.Josh Kelly vows to KO Conor Benn and slams Chris Eubank Jr in double call out But after drawing to unknown American Ray Robinson in 2019 and losing to David Avanesyan two years later, Kelly’s career came into question. He built his way back up slowly, moving up from welterweight to light-middleweight, where he won the British title. But Kelly is eyeing the 154lb big dogs – quite literally – with his eyes on 6ft 6in WBC and WBO champion Sebastian Fundora.He told BoxingScene: “Tall; awkward; readable; I feel like he’s readable; he’s a freak as well.”Despite weighing the 11 stone limit, Fundora stands the same height as 18 stone heavyweight Anthony Joshua.He beat Tim Tszyu for the WBO title and the vacant WBC belt. Kelly meanwhile also has Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn in his sights after their second generation grudge match in April. Benn, 28, moved up from welterweight for the fight but was beaten by Eubank, 35, after 12 thrilling rounds. Kelly returns on Friday in Newcastle against 24-1 Romanian Flavius Biea. Read More on The SunBut he said on his future plans: “Well, Benn or Eubank or someone like that would be cool.“So, just big fights – just ones that will get people talking, ones that will get people excited, ones where you get excited.” Sebastian Fundora is 6ft 6in tallCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Lamine Yamal vs Cristiano Ronaldo to clash for first time ever live on free-to-air TV in Nations League final

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is set to come face-to-face with the next generation of superstars for the first time.The Portuguese legend will take to the pitch to face Lamine Yamal’s Spain in the Uefa Nations League.Cristiano Ronaldo will face Lamin Yamal for the first time on SundayCredit: GettyYamal helped Spain book their spot in the Nations League final against PortugalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialPortugal will play Spain in the tournament’s final on Sunday evening.The match will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany at 8pm.Ronaldo, 40, and co reached the final after beating Germany in the semi-final on Wednesday.The former Manchester United forward netted the winner despite Florian Wirtz giving Germany the lead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYamal played his part as Spain edged out France in a nine-goal thriller in the other semi-final.The Barcelona star netted a brace to help his side win 5-4 at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart.Spain went 4-0 up on the night through goals from Nico Williams, Pedri, Mikel Merino and Yamal before a Kylian Mbappe penalty.Yamal, 17, then bagged his second goal of the game to seemingly put Spain out of sight.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, Didier Deschamps’ team hit back to cut the deficit to just one after Rayan Cherki and Randal Kolo Muani scored either side of a Dani Vivian own-goal.The star-studded match will be shown on live TV and will be free for fans to watch.Germany vs Portugal Nations League clash DELAYED as players are forced to protect themselves from hailstonesThe clash will be televised on ITV as confirmed by host Mark Pougatch.He will be joined by former Lioness Karen Carney and Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague.Meanwhile, Yamal’s performance against Les Blues has further staked his claim to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.Arsenal fans watching the match were left concerned for the club’s transfer window.This was due to Merino finding the target and supporters starting to think that Mikel Arteta will scrap his plans to sign a striker. More

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      in Soccer

      Marginal gains? More like major shambles… Sir Dave Brailsford presided over Man Utd’s worst season for half a century

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      IT turns out Manchester United wasn’t the right place for ‘marginal gains’ man Sir Dave Brailsford.Had Brailsford been the ‘bloody great whopping gains man’, then perhaps it might have been, because United aren’t failing by fine margins.Sir Dave Brailsford has stepped down from his duties at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyLast season they failed to win the title by 42 points, gaining exactly half as many as champions Liverpool.They failed to qualify for Europe this year.And, for years now, their player recruitment has failed to make any footballing or economic sense.When Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over United’s footballing arm in December 2023, Brailsford — as Ineos director of sport — assumed a hands-on role at Old Trafford.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSBrailsford was the billionaire’s eyes and ears, his most trusted lieutenant, and it was hoped his philosophy of ‘marginal gains’ — which made him so successful in cycling — would translate to football.Yet just 18 months later, Brailsford relinquishes his day-to-day duties at the club with United further away than ever from where they want to be.Brailsford had forged his reputation in cycling on those ‘marginal gains’ — think of everything that goes into riding a bike, improve them all by one per cent, add them up and you have a significant increase in performance.Which is all well and good when it comes to the singular act of cycling.Most read in FootballBrailsford was brought in as part of Ineos’ Man Utd revolution under Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: AlamyBrailsford was a key part of British cycling before his more recent move into footballCredit: GettyJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordNot so much when it comes to the very many more moving parts that make up a massively underachieving football club.Back at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where his Team GB cyclists racked up eight gold medals, Brailsford was widely regarded as the finest mind in sport.Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inBy 2012, when Britain won another eight golds in the London velodrome, and Brailsford’s Team Sky had taken their stranglehold on the Tour de France Yellow Jersey, it was ‘arise Sir Dave’.But a lot of effluent had passed under the bridge between that high watermark and Brailsford’s arrival at Old Trafford more than a decade later.By then, his reputation had taken a battering — there had been allegations about the contents of a jiffy bag, the employment of ‘Therapeutic Use Exemptions’ for banned drugs, as well as accusations of bullying under Brailsford’s watch from some of his most successful cyclists.While clearly a brilliant man in many ways, Brailsford was damaged goods by the time he rocked up at United.And those who have tried to bring ideas from other sports into football have tended to fail — World Cup-winning rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward’s spell at Southampton being a prime example.Brailsford — who is 61 but only celebrated his 15th birthday last year, due to him being born on February 29 — played a key part in Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford ‘politburo’.He was instrumental in the Carrington training ground refurbishment and staff job cuts, as well as in the appointment of Ruben Amorim as manager.Brailsford helped guide Man Utd to the appointment of Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyBrailsford led ‘Mission 21’ to deliver United’s 21st league title, which forms part of ‘Project 150’ to mark the club’s 150th anniversary in 2028 — because these people always have to have a ‘mission’ and they always have to have a ‘project’.But the idea of United being crowned champions within three years looks pie in the sky after what was comfortably the club’s worst season for half a century.Brailsford has come and gone, Dan Ashworth — one of the most well-regarded administrators in football — has been and gone within five months.The same period of time he served on gardening leave after Ratcliffe poached him from Newcastle.Former Manchester City bigwig Omar Berrada remains in post as chief executive after winning his power struggle with Ashworth, while Jason Wilcox has been promoted from ‘technical director’ to ‘director of football’.At least, for the time being.Read More on The SunBrailsford remains on United’s board but is expected to devote more time to the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team, as well as Ratcliffe’s other football club, Nice.His time at United has been a curious one but rather than marginal gains, he presided over a major shambles.Man Utd have endured one of their worst ever seasonsCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Olympic bronze medalist Lewis Richardson, 28, set for professional boxing debut at stadium where he used to sell pies

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      LEWIS RICHARDSON flogged Pukka Pies as a schoolboy in the same Ipswich stadium he’ll earn his first real crust in on Saturday.The 2024 Olympic bronze winner helped put himself through his GCSEs and A-levels by serving up grub to hungry Tractor Boys at Portman Road over a decade ago.Lewis Richardson returns to the same stadium he sold pies for his pro boxing debutCredit: GettyRichardson won bronze in the 2024 OlympicsCredit: GettyRichardson turned professional in May 2025Credit: GettyAnd the Colchester southpaw will break into the paid ranks by filling in Dmitri Protkunas, just down the road from his family home in a dream debut.He told SunSport: “Despite it being so close, this is probably the first time I have been in Ipswich for a year.“I came for one night out here when I was younger but I quickly realised that I had to stay true to my roots back in Colchester.“I did do some matchday shifts here, though, serving up the Pukka Pies.Read More on Boxing“I did the same job at Colchester when I was around 16 and when Ipswich were short staffed a few times, we got the call to come over – and now I am boxing here, it’s crazy.“I thought a London debut at York Hall or Wembley Arena was going to be a perfect start but Ipswich football stadium is unreal.“All the friends and family who have talked about attending my first pro fight would have had to book trains or hotels.“But we don’t even need to arrange minibuses for anyone, it’s a 29 minute drive from my front door, so everyone is happy sharing taxis for a great night.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRichardson turned 28 on Wednesday but had to bin his birthday plans to make the middleweight limit for this weekend.The spicy celebrations have been pushed back but the silky southpaw plans to put in a curry order worthy of a Gavin and Stacey special, to make up for the diet.Three-weight world champion Vasily Lomachenko retires after more than 400 FIGHTS in lengthy video“The birthday is postponed for four days,” he revealed to us. “The party is pushed back to Sunday.“I have a curry house booked in Colchester for 15 of us and my mouth is watering just talking to you about it now.“I can’t even think about my order now.”But I can say for sure that I will sound like Smithy with the number of bhunas and naans and rice types I am going to order.” More

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      in Soccer

      ‘We’re talking’ – Liverpool star Luis Diaz opens door to £70m Barcelona transfer with bombshell statement

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      LUIS DIAZ opened the door to a shock £70million Barcelona move by confessing he is in talks with other clubs.Liverpool yesterday rejected an approach from the Spanish giants to speak to their Colombian winger.Luis Diaz has revealed he is talking to other clubs about an exit from Liverpool this summerCredit: ReutersBut Diaz, who has two years left on his Anfield contract, declared: “The market is open and we’re trying to sort out what’s best for us.“We’re talking with other clubs. It’s the transfer window, it’s normal.“I’m very happy at Liverpool. From day one, they’ve made me feel really welcome.“Right now we’re in contact with them because we’re speaking with other clubs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I am just waiting to see what happens. If Liverpool don’t make a good offer, I still have two years left with them, I would be happy to stay there.“It’s up to them. I am just waiting to see what happens. Everything depends on them.“Obviously, it’s up to me to decide what’s best for the future.”Diaz’s bombshell comments came after Liverpool posted a picture of him kissing the Premier League trophy on their official X page, accompanied with the caption: “He’s from Barrancas and he plays for Liverpool.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd his statement is bound to infuriate Kop boss Arne Slot.Diaz, 28, was a key part of Liverpool’s Prem title triumph last season, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists.Mass brawl breaks out in Colombia’s win over Bolivia after Luis Diaz is victim of horror tackleHe joined the Reds from Porto in January 2022 in a deal worth up to £49m.The Colombian has scored 41 goals in 148 appearances for the Reds, winning the Prem, FA Cup and two League Cups.Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, contacted Liverpool on Wednesday to discuss the deal but was told the Kop club do not want to sell.Dutchman Slot wants to keep Diaz for next season’s title defence as he plans a £200m reboot that will include the £126m arrival of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.Barca want Diaz to slot in alongside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in their front three.But he is also Saudi club Al-Nassr’s top target.His partner, Gera Ponce, posted an emotional Instagram message which some fans believe is a farewell.Read More on The SunShe wrote: “Thank you for so much love, for so much dedication and for making us feel at home.“This is a real bond, deep and strong, that reaffirms we’ll never walk alone.”Liverpool are on the verge of signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer LeverkusenCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘considering shock transfer for Kepa with Chelsea’s record keeper available for peanuts

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      ARSENAL are considering a shock move to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to reports.Kepa, 30, spent this season on loan with Bournemouth, where he kept eight clean sheets in 31 Premier League appearances.Arsenal are interested in signing Kepa ArrizabalagaCredit: GettyThe Spanish shot-stopper is surplus to requirements at Chelsea, who signed him for £72million in 2018 – a record fee for a goalkeeper.But his time with The Blues didn’t go to plan and Kepa has since been on loan with Bournemouth and Real Madrid, last playing for Chelsea in 2023.It now looks like a permanent exit is on the cards after Sky Sports revealed that Arsenal are interested in signing Kepa to provide backup for David Raya.Kepa is thought to be available for just £5MILLION thanks to a release clause in his contract that was agreed prior to his loan move to the Cherries last summer.READ MORE ON ARSENALShould the Gunners convince Kepa to jump ship to North London, they would be securing his services for over 14 TIMES less than Chelsea paid for him.Kepa’s current contract with Chelsea expires in 2026.Bournemouth keeper Neto spent last season on loan with Arsenal, making just one appearance across the entire campaign.Arsenal had been linked with a move to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, but the La Liga gloveman now looks set for a move to Barcelona.Most read in FootballKepa spent last season on loan at Real MadridCredit: GettyDavid Raya has won consecutive Golden Glove awards since joining ArsenalCredit: GettyJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesMikel Arteta and his team are hoping to add depth in between the sticks, but are thought to still see David Raya as the number one.Raya has won consecutive Golden Glove awards since his arrival from Brentford, forming the base of the Premier League’s most formidable defence this season.David Raya reveals Arsenal career changed overnight following two-hour meeting For Arteta, the main focus will be on bringing in a centre-forward.Arsenal are crying out for a front man this summer after injuries forced midfielder Mikel Merino to play up front for the latter stages of the campaign.Reports have suggested that one of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko or Sporting bagsman Viktor Gyokeres will come through the door at the Emirates in the coming months.However, both deals are likely to be expensive and neither player is without suitors from other top clubs around Europe too. More

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      Jack Grealish told his Man City career is OVER with Pep Guardiola ready to sell England star for cut-price transfer fee

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      MANCHESTER CITY face taking a £60million hit on Jack Grealish to sell him this summer.The fallen £100m star will not be on the plane to America next week as part of Pep Guardiola’s Club World Cup squad.Manchester City face losing £60m to sell Jack Grealish this summerCredit: GettyGrealish is set to be left out of Man City’s squad for the Club World CupCredit: ReutersAnd SunSport understands plans are now in place to speed up his exitCredit: GettyAnd Grealish, 29, has been told there is no way back for him – with City willing to sell the attacker for a cut-price £40m.SunSport understands plans are now in place to speed up his exit and his representatives are actively searching for a new club.Grealish is the second of Guardiola’s squad being forced to leave after Kevin De Bruyne, 33, was told he could head out as a free agent at the end of the month despite the player wanting to stay.Defenders Kyle Walker, 35, and John Stones, 31, are likely to follow as Guardiola and his Etihad bosses work on bringing in new blood to bolster an ageing squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAC Milan playmaker Tijjani Reijnders is on his way for £46.2m and City are understood to have agreed a £30m deal for Lyon ace Rayan Cherki.Rayan Ait-Nouri’s £34m move from Wolves should also be finalised in time for him to fly out with City next week.Grealish still has two years left on a contract worth £300,000 a week having arrived from Aston Villa for a then-British record fee in 2021.He is unlikely to be offered such a huge wage elsewhere at his age.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut Guardiola and City are anxious to make his exit as easy as possible and are working to help him find a new home.His former club Villa, Newcastle, Everton, West Ham and Italian club Napoli are all interested, with Etihad chiefs keen to free up squad space.Jack Grealish shows off his singing skills as he meets Rod Stewart in Dortmund with mum and dad on break from Man City More