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    Jack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr LIVE RESULTS: El Gato LOSES as American takes razor-thin decision in Manchester

    JACK CATTERALL ended up on the LOSING side of a razor-thin decision against Arnold Barboza Jr.El Gato was in a huge final eliminator for a shot at Teofimo Lopez’s WBO super-lightweight title.In a fight that could have gone either way, Catterall ended up on the wrong side of a 115-113, 113-115, 115-113 decision to Barboza Jr.The American moves to 32-0 and Catterall will now need to get back into the gym to rebuild his career.Card start time: From 7pm GMTMain event start time: 10pm (approx)TV/Stream: DAZNCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Bellew: ‘That was a knockdown’Well, well, well – there weren’t any complaints from Jack Catterall during the fight or after, but Tony Bellew thinks he has a legitimate one.Barboza went down but the ref immediately called it as an accidental trip.Bellew thinks it should have counted – and that 10-8 round could have had a big impact.On Catterall’s slow showing, Bellew said: “I just think that’s his style, he’s very good at what he does.”I don’t know why he doesn’t press more, because he does have the power.”If he didn’t have the power I’d understand it.”Bellew then added: “That was a knockdown.He landed a body shot and Barboza went over.”It was a balance thing but he didn’t stand on his foot.”Copy linkCopiedBellew: ‘Neither can complain’The former world champ told Dazn: “I thought it was really close – neither can complain”I thought Jack was honest in the ring when he thought he’d nicked it, same with Barboza.”It comes down to what do you like.”Barboza was very good, he’d done his homework on Jack.”He knew not to press too much and work going backwards.”Catterall is very good but he needs to work on his offence.”Copy linkCopiedWhat next for El GatoWell, that wasn’t certainly in the script for Catterall.He had been on an incredible run of form and looked destined for a world title shot next. But he will not have to go back to the drawing board as he plots another route to the very top of the sport.El Gato is not 32 until July so still has time on his side, but he will certainly be left picking up the pieces of this defeat.Copy linkCopiedEddie Hearn”Very close fight, 7-5 either way.”It could’ve gone either way, it was that kind of fight.”We were screaming at him towards the end, he’s just got to do a bit more to win the rounds.”Well done to Arnold, Jack will be back.”Could have gone either way, but not Jack’s way tonight.”Copy linkCopiedCatterall’s verdict”Tricky fight, close fight. All credit to him. “I felt like I did enough to win.”But I’m straight back to the ring.”Straight back to it.”Copy linkCopiedMore from Barboza”Anybody can get it any day of the week – any day that ends in the letter ‘y’.”This guy here is going to work his a** off.”I want to thank Manchester.”Copy linkCopiedBarboza Jr speaksThe American starts by thanking God and his promoter, Oscar de la Hoya, as well as his team.He then says: “I didn’t have it that close, I felt I won more rounds.”But it’s his backyard.”All I’ve wanted since I was a kid is to get respect – I got that today.”Copy linkCopiedShock for El GatoThe scoring was as close as it comes and that is exactly how the fight went.Catterall had a slow start and that appeared to cost him in the end.Copy linkCopiedOfficial scorecards – Barboza wins!WOW! It’s a huge decision in Manchester with Arnold Barboza Jr taking a split decision!The judges had it 115-115, 115-113, 113-115!He’s on his knees in the ring and Catterall looks shellshocked!Copy linkCopiedThis will go to the judgesThat was an impossible one to score – the six boxing experts on Dazn all have it going a different way.Liam Smith and Dalton Smith both have a draw, Darren Barker gives it to Barboza.This will come down to what the judges prefer in styles and if Catterall gave away too many rounds at the start with his patient opening.Scorecards coming any second now…Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R12Final round and winner takes all!Both men are going for broke, the tempo, the output and desperation has been upped by both here.Cheers from the crowd with every success Jack has! Barboza’s chasing Catterall around the ring now!Last 15 seconds and both men exchange in centre ring.DING DING! Who will it be then? This could go either way as both men raise their hands in conviction.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R11Barboza comes out fast and aggressive to shake any embarrassment from his fall from the round before.Barboza makes complaints to the ref but he’s having none of it.Catterall goes in but misses a huge opportunity to strike while Barboza was not defending himself.Tough one to call as both men are boxing so well.Into the final round we go!Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R10Jack Catterall timing and picking his moments with a jab here and a jab there, still looking sharp and winning most of the exchanges here in the 10th.Barboza taking his chances in the final 30 seconds of the round to make an impression – which only ends in Barboza hitting the canvas.A count starts but the referee quickly waves it off as an accidental trip, which could prove HUGE in the outcome of this fight.Looks like a clean one-two to me, regardless of the entanglement.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R9Ringside has it Catterall up, let’s hope they’re right.Catterall lands a beautiful straight left hand down the middle, his best punch of the night I’d say.Much better round from Catterall although still competitive stuff from Barboza none the less.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R8Both men circling centre ring and using back and forth movements to counter each other.Barboza gets put on the back foot but springs back with punches of his own every time. I’d say he is doing ever so slightly better than our Jack tonight.Catterall seems to making small mistakes, could he be getting a bit desperate knowing the fight is getting into the later rounds?Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R7Catterall has early success but Barboza dominates the middle of the round with singular power shots.Controversy as Catterall throws a punch he wasn’t meant to after instructed to break.It looks low and Catterall then follows up with two shots that reach their target while Barboza was complaining to the ref.Another close round that could have gone either way on the scorecards.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R6Jack’s slightly creeping forwards on Barboza as he wearily keeps his distance, both fighters are finding success as the circle in the middle of the ring.Jack Catterall delivers a one-two and a counter right hook which raises the morale of those in the Co-op Live.A swing and a miss by Barboza as we enter the final 10 seconds, both men swing out with hooks with Barboza landing the cleaner punch before the bell rings.Liam Smith and Dalton Smith have it 5-1 but I have it three rounds each.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R5Highly competitive start to round five as Catterall comes out trying to assert dominance – but Barboza meets him with equal aggression.Their feet then tangle as Barboza chases Catterall around the ring.Barboza seems to be having the slight upper hand, in this high level, fast paced chess match.Jack finds more success towards the end of the round but was it enough to win it?Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R4A Pacquiao-like move from Catterall at the beginning of round four, stepping in on the inside foot to deliver a pivoting one-two straight jab.Barboza appears to have upped the pressure and tempo a little bit, with Catterall seemingly having trouble with Barboza’s reach now that American is establishing his distance.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R3Both men still cautious here in round three, aware of each others’ skill sets. When one gains success so does the other.Barboza being the slightly more come forward fighter leading Catterall into a corner but after a few defences he laterally escapes.Barboza Jr lands a left hand at the end of the round.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R2Barboza keeping his distance this time after tasting Catterall’s cat-like reflexes trying to score points with his reach advantage.Catterall not taking any chances early on but choosing his moments wisely to come forwards and attack.Although Barboza is touching on Catteralls Philly shell defence… could this be a ploy to look busier and gain points?Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R1What a stare down as the meet in the ring for the instructions. Lets get it on!Opening to the round starts with Barboza throwing a jab and Catterall slipping and counter uppercutting!Both men focusing on establishing foot positioning and the lead hand. One-two, jab straight by Jack Catterall.Catterall looks poised and disciplined as always in this feel out round.Copy linkCopiedStand by JackThat’s the way to get a venue behind you – Ben E King anthem ‘Stand By Me’ rings out and the thousands in attendance are singing it at the top of their lungs!Catterall is almost in the ring now, we’re just minutes away.He then goes for the Lion King – ‘I Just Can’t Wait to be King’ – this is incredible from El Gato.He’s beaten three former world champions in a row and another win here would finally earn him a richly deserved title shot.Copy linkCopiedRing walk timeArnold Barboza Jr is making his way to the ring now, the sound and the tension is ramping up inside the venue!Copy linkCopiedSweet CarolineWe couldn’t be any closer – Sweet Caroline is playing in the Co-Op Arena in Manchester.We’re very close to the action getting underway – this should be a special fight.Copy linkCopied More

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    How Man Utd could line up vs Tottenham with ELEVEN first-team stars out after Amad injury nightmare

    MANCHESTER UNITED could be forced to field a misfit XI against Tottenham with ELEVEN first-team stars out injured.Amad Diallo became the latest big name to find himself sidelined after suffering an ankle ligament injury.Man Utd could field a misfit XI vs Spurs after Amad Diallo became the latest injured aceCredit: GettyThe winger is now expected to miss the rest of the season.And he’s not the only big name who will not feature in north London on Sunday.United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is recovering from a muscle strain.While fellow holders Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer are both major doubts as United look to avoid a third defeat to Spurs this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMan Utd injuries for Spurs clash11 stars set to miss out:Lisandro MartinezKobbie MainooAmad DialloManuel UgarteToby CollyerAltay BayindirJonny EvansVictor LindelofTom HeatonMason MountElsewhere, Mason Mount remains out along with goalies Tom Heaton and Altay Bayindir.While defenders Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof will play no part tomorrow either.It means boss Ruben Amorim has been left with a small amount of options against Spurs.Andre Onana will start between the sticks, with a three-man defence of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui a possibly combination.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDiogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu could start as the wing-backs, although it remains to be seen which flank they’ll be on.In midfield, Amorim may have no choice but to turn to veterans Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.‘He’s perfect for Man Utd’ – Neville begs Amorim to re-sign flop strikerWhile in attack, captain Bruno Fernandes could get the nod alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee.There are several other options for Amorim to choose from though.Harry Maguire and Rasmus Hojlund will also be pushing for starts.While teen goal sensation Chido Obi could get a go after impressing for United’s youth sides.He is one of five kids to travel with the seniors to London.Sekou Kone, Harry Amass, Jack Moorhouse and Elyh Harrison could yet play some part on Sunday.But with Spurs set to welcome as many as six senior players back from injury, including Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison, Amorim is likely to favour the few senior options available to him. More

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    Bizarre moment an excited SQUIRREL joins the attack for Norwich goal – and fans ALL make same joke

    THE Canaries were helped by a SQUIRREL in a bizarre turn of events in Norwich’s match against Hull.The visitors were trailing the East Yorkshire side 1-0 when an unplanned secret squirrel attack unlocked The Tigers’ defence.A squirrel made a darting run down the wing before Norwich City’s equaliser at HullIn what was a secret squirrel attack, the rodent offered the perfect overlap for his new teammatesMoments after the squirrel’s run, Josh Sargent headed homeCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskAs the playoff hopefuls worked the ball forward in search of an equaliser, the speedy rodent was seen running down the wing on the MKM Stadium pitch.Norwich’s Borja Sainz spotted the squirrel making the perfect overlap, but opted to play in Kellen Fisher instead.Fisher’s cross was then met by the head of US striker Josh Sargent who notched his ninth goal of the season.However, it would be amiss not to credit his new furry team-mate for creating the goalscoring opportunity.Read more football newsNeedless to say, football fans online were full of puns and praise for the mammal – mostly referencing nuts.One wrote: “That’s nuts.”A second posted: “They squirrelled the ball away.”A third shared: “Decent overlapping run that to draw out the full back.”Most read in FootballHe was later seen running past the Hull benchCredit: GettyThe rodent showed an incredible turn of paceCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile a fourth joked: “It was onside so no issues.”Animals on the pitch in the EFL are nothing new, though.Shocking moment fans throw pig’s head on to the pitch during bitter derby clash before player kicks it away Only last month, a DOG had to be chased off the pitch moments before kick-off at Bristol Rovers vs Leyton Orient.The League One clash was in danger of being delayed as the hosts tried to chase down the four-legged pitch invader.The dog entered the pitch from one corner and managed to sprint all the way across to the opposite corner flag, all while being chased by a hapless club official.The hound was cheered all the way and greeted to cries of: “Sign him up! Sign him up! Sign him up!” More

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    Luke Littler sits ringside for Catterall vs Barboza in Manchester… after trying some of undercard fighter’s snacks

    DARTS superstar Luke Littler was a special guest at ringside in Manchester for Jack Catterall’s fight against Arnold Barboza Jr.The teenage sensation became the youngest world champion in darts history after clinching the title aged 17 in January. Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn with Luke LittlerCredit: GettyLittler enjoyed a backstage snack after meeting undercard fighter Conner TudsburyNow the 18-year-old is enjoying life as a household name.And he sat ringside with promoter Eddie Hearn at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena to watch the boxing. He was even captured backstage trying some of Conner Tudsbury’s post-fight snacks before the boxer won his professional debut.Manchester City’s John Stones – following the Premier League champions 4-0 win over Newcastle – was also in attendance. READ MORE IN BOXINGLittler beat the great Michael van Gerwen to become champ but suffered a dip in form in the aftermath. He was beaten in Bahrain and Amsterdam before bailing out of the Players Championship in the Last 32. But he bounced back with victory over friend Luke Humphries to get off the mark in the Premier League. And the Nuke told Sky Sports: “It was a weird final.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWe both weren’t playing well. Now and then I looked up at the screen and we were both on a 90 average. “The crowd got involved. When Luke went 5-4 up, I thought just break him and I did well to hit an 11-darter. That was crucial.“Getting past Rob, the comeback was unbelievable. I felt really confident against Michael and the final was a weird, weird game.”Luke Littler says ‘he wanted to put it right’ beating Luke Humphries More

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    Man City ace Phil Foden’s WAG Rebecca Cooke spotted with huge diamond ring on engagement finger after romantic trip

    ENGLAND star Phil Foden’s childhood sweetheart Rebecca Cooke has raised hopes of a glamorous WAG wedding after sporting a huge diamond ring on her engagement finger.The player, 24, is said to have whisked Rebecca, 23, away on New Year’s Eve for a romantic trip to Paris.Phil Foden’s childhood sweetheart Rebecca Cooke was spotted with a huge diamond ring on her engagement fingerCredit: SplashFoden is said to have whisked Rebecca away on New Year’s Eve for a romantic trip to ParisCredit: InstagramShe was wearing it in January when she and Phil headed into Manchester city centreCredit: BackGridAnd Rebecca has been wearing a huge diamond ring ever since.She was wearing it in January when she and Phil headed into Manchester city centre for a birthday party at the Shisha Lounge.And she wore it again when she attended fellow WAG Tanya Bardsley’s Mental Mummies event at Mottram Hall in Cheshire last week.Phil and Rebecca have been childhood sweethearts since their teenage years after meeting at a party and are now parents to three children.Read More on SportPhil flew back from the Euros to be at Rebecca’s side in the delivery room in June for their third child’s birth.Our source said. “The pair of them have been together since they were young and their family and friends have been expecting them to get engaged for a while.“The time seemed right for Phil to pop the question. He took her away to Paris for New Year’s Eve and when they came back Rebecca had a sparkling diamond ring on her engagement finger.“The ring is absolutely huge. It’s a massive diamond. She loves it and she’s very proud of wearing it although she hasn’t announced anything about it.Most read in Football“But all the wags know and all the players know in Manchester about the ring and everybody is looking forward to maybe an announcement soon that something has happened, maybe an engagement.“It would certainly be a massive wedding full of footballers and celebrities and Wags.Manchester City’s Phil Foden shuns posh holiday for £100 tent at a £14-a-day fishing lake in the Cotswolds“Rebecca loves a party and has hosted some amazing baby showers.”Phil became the youngest player to win six league titles when he helped Manchester City clinch their fourth consecutive Premier League last season.His growing wealth and status as one of the best young footballers in the world has transformed the fortunes of his entire family and he even bought a £3million, six-bed house in the north-west for his parents.The house is close to where he lives with Rebecca.The £11million-a-year star loves spoiling his family and at Christmas he bought his eldest son Ronnie a custom-built mini Mercedes G-Wagon.The electric Christmas gifts are modelled on the Man City star’s own £200,000 car.We approached the couple for comment.Phil flew back from the Euros to be at Rebecca’s side in the delivery room in June for their third child’s birth.Credit: Getty More

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    Marcus Rashford still hopes to seal Barcelona transfer next summer despite Aston Villa having permanent deal option

    MARCUS RASHFORD has not given up hope on his dream move to Spain — despite Barcelona sporting director Deco saying this week the giants were not ‘desperate’ to sign him.Rashford made a deadline-day loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa in search of regular football when boss Ruben Amorim left him out in the cold after a bust-up.Marcus Rashford still dreams of Barcelona despite his Aston Villa loan moveCredit: AlamyThe 27-year-old said he expected to leave his boyhood club after being dropped from the squad in December for the Manchester derby.His brothers — who act as his agents — held talks with several European clubs including Barca.But the Catalans failed to push for a deal, leaving Rash to join Villa for the rest of the season.Deco said: “It’s true there was talk of Rashford — but we weren’t desperately looking for a player either.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn his welcome interview with the club, Rashford said he was excited by the prospect of playing football again.But he also made clear he did not see his long-term future in the Midlands.That’s despite Villa having a £40million option to buy the player at the end of the loan deal.Rashford said: “Obviously it’s only short term that I’m here but I want to make the most of my time here.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“And the only way to do that is by using my attributes and skill sets to help the team”.Yesterday, against Ipswich, Rashford crashed a free-kick off the bar that was turned in by Ollie Watkins to earn a 1-1 draw.Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transferA source told The Sun on Sunday he still hopes to go to the Nou Camp.They said: “Marcus is confident that if he rediscovers his form at Villa Park and starts bagging goals, Barcelona will revive their interest, especially as a transfer price has been established.“It’s a huge incentive for him, which is good news for Villa.“Now he just needs to get playing and start scoring.” More

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    Arsenal fans ‘will never forgive Edu’ after academy kid Gunners sold for just £4m last summer scores ANOTHER hat-trick

    FORMER Arsenal academy starlet Mika Biereth has scored hat-tricks in back-to-back home games for AS Monaco.The striker, 22, was allowed to leave the Gunners to join Sturm Graz for just £4million last summer.Mika Biereth scores against Nantes for AS MonacoCredit: AFPThe Swede has impressed since moving to FranceCredit: AFPAfter excelling in his first half a season in Austria, Biereth signed for Monaco last month in a deal worth up to £12.5m.While Arsenal have struggled with an injury crisis among their forward players of late, Biereth has excelled since moving to France.The Swede continued his rich vein of form on Saturday afternoon by bagging a brilliant hat-trick against Nantes.Biereth’s treble helped his side on their way to a 7-1 demolition of Les Canaris at Stade Louis II.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe hat-trick made it seven goals in five league games for his new side, with Biereth having also netted in his previous two home outings.And Monaco even took the opportunity to goal Arsenal in a post on X, calling him an “absolute Gunner”. He scored his first goal for his new side in a 3-2 win over Rennes on January 25.The 6ft 2in forward then added a treble in a 4-2 triumph over Auxerre.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBiereth, 22, was allowed to leave Arsenal last summerCredit: GettyBiereth is now team-mates with fellow former Arsenal academy graduate Folarin Balogun.But the US international, 23, has been sidelined for much of this season with a shoulder injury.Arteta reveals Havertz tore hamstring during set-piece routine and admits Arsenal could sign free agentBiereth never made a first team appearance for Arsenal.He made a Premier League matchday squad just once, for a 0-0 draw with Burnley in January 2022.During his time at Arsenal he spent loan spells at RKC Waalwijk, Motherwell and Sturm Graz.Seeing his latest goalscoring exploits for Monaco, several Gunners supporters ranted about his sale on social media.One fumed: “2021… Edu Gaspar I will never forgive you for selling Mika Biereth.. he should have been Arsenal’s main striker.”While a second claimed: “We could have given Mika Biereth a chance.”Another added: “Another day to lament about the selling of Mika Biereth. Many of us knew he was class.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal are currently without Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli.Mikel Merino rose from the bench as a makeshift centre forward to net a double in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Leicester earlier today. More

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    Bayern medics rush to treat Harry Kane after sickening head injury as fans slam Piero Hincapie for giving him ‘whiplash’

    BAYERN MUNICH medics rushed to Harry Kane’s aid after a head clash with Piero Hincapie.The England captain started up front against Bayer Leverkusen but he collided with defender Hincapie after a free kick. Harry Kane collided with Piero HincapieCredit: GettyKane was seen to by medicsCredit: APKane appeared to suffer a neck injury after coming down as medics rushed on the pitch to his aid. And fans were left unimpressed after Hincapie appeared to have words with a downed Kane. One said: “Did Hincapie just give Kane lip while he was on the ground after giving him whiplash for what was flagged to be offside even though he clearly looked to be on? Jeeze.” Another fumed: “Really bad challenge.” READ MORE IN football A third raged: “That player was reckless.”Hincapie escaped any punishment as the game ended 0-0 with Kane staying on the field. It means Leverkusen still trail league leaders Bayern by seven points after failing to close the gap. Kane recently refused to deny he has a release clause in his Bayern deal that could signal a sensational Premier League return.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Tottenham legend  joined the Bundesliga giants in August 2023 for £104million.Reports in Germany claim there is a buy-out option of £54million in the striker’s contract that he can activate in January 2026.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training The clause could have allegedly been met during the recent winter transfer window for the higher fee of £67million.Asked about the situation, Kane, 31, said: “What I can say is that I’m very happy at FC Bayern. No comment on the clause.” More