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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury tipped to come out of retirement for £100m Anthony Joshua fight as theory on comeback is revealed

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      TYSON FURY will come out of retirement to fight Anthony Joshua so long as the money is right, it’s been predicted.The Gypsy King seemingly put the final nail in the coffin of the long-overdue Battle of Britain in January when he announced his fifth retirement following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk.Tyson Fury announced his retirement in January after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYHis retirement seemingly put the final nail in the coffin of a showdown with Anthony JoshuaCredit: PABut former two-time super-middleweight champ Carl Froch reckons ‘The Gypsy King’ could be coaxed out of retirementCredit: GETTYTeam AJ haven’t given up hope of the mammoth melee coming to fruition but are starting to explore other options for the Olympian’s next fight.Former super-middleweight champ Carl Froch reckons a £100million cheque from Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalashikh will prompt Fury to lace up his gloves for one last punch-up.But he also believes he’ll fight again because he still has plenty of tread left on the tyres, telling the Action Network: “I just think Tyson Fury had a bit more left in the tank and could’ve tried harder [against Usyk].”He’s the bigger man and is heavier. Maybe Fury is feeling let down by himself, and that might bring him out of retirement one last time.READ MORE IN BOXING”The fight with Anthony Joshua is still huge.”As much as I think it’s not as big as it could have been and isn’t as exciting without a title — if he gets offered £100m, he’ll take the fight.”Fury, 35, was irate as he made his way backstage after his second straight loss to Usyk last December, insisting the judges had once again robbed him of victory.And Froch claims the Wythenshawe warrior is still seething, so much so that he could actually stick to his latest retirement.Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe said: “When he digs his heels in, similar to me, he’ll double down on it. A lot of boxers are like that.”He retired because, deep down, he probably knows he’s past his best. Eddie Hearn reveals latest on Anthony Joshua’s boxing return”He lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk, and I know personally that he is p****d.”I spoke to someone close to his team and he’s really frustrated and p*** off that he lost the rematch.”But he did lose, and he lost fair and square. “It was a close fight, but it wasn’t very entertaining, not like the first one, which had moments of excitement.”In the rematch, not a lot happened, but I think Usyk did enough to win.”Fury’s cousin, Andy Lee, recently claimed the former two-time heavyweight champion can no longer “be f****d” with boxing.But Fury’s apparent disdain for the sport isn’t stopping AJ from dreaming of sharing the ring with him later this year.Anthony Joshua is refusing to give up hope of fighting Tyson FuryCredit: REUTERSDuring a recent interview with iFL TV, he said of the domestic dust-up: “I feel like it’s the best fight [for me].”People might say [Joseph] Parker, people might say – I don’t know.”But I think Fury, commercially, is a great fight and it’s a great man’s fight as well. So I think it makes sense.”You could say it’s been years in the making. But listen, the heavyweight division has been thriving.”And why I say it’s probably still a great fight is as I said Parker is, for me, a great story of someone that never gives up.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And the thing is, there is going to be one winner and one loser.”And there’s going to be bloodshed. And it ain’t gonna be mine.” More

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      in Soccer

      What happened to the six Englishmen who played for Real Madrid with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to join exclusive club

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD is set to become just the seventh Englishman to play for Real Madrid in the professional era.The Liverpool full-back, 26, has agreed terms with the Spanish giants.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to seal his Liverpool exitCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold has reportedly sealed a five-year contract worth £240,000 a week.The England star will link up with international team-mate Jude Bellingham in the Spanish capitalOver the last four years playing for the Three Lions together, the duo have forged a strong friendship.So they will be thrilled to team up at club level for arguably the biggest team in the world.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPrior to the professional era, Englishmen Charles Wallace, Guillermo Linney and Arthur Johnson played for Los Blancos.While a further trio – Lindsey, Stampher and Vickerstaff – also played for Real Madrid in the club’s early years, although their first names are not known.The six England stars to have played for Real Madrid in the modern era have had mixed fortunes.Ahead of Alexander-Arnold’s blockbuster free transfer, SunSport takes a look at how each of his English Real Madrid predecessors have fared.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.Laurie Cunningham signed for Real Madrid in 1979Credit: PA:Empics SportCunningham had achieved legend status at West BromCredit: GettySTEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.Steve McManaman was popular with Real Madrid’s fansCredit: AFPMcManaman, 53, is now a TNT Sports regularCredit: GettyDAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.David Beckham spent four years as a GalacticoCredit: AFPBeckham brought Lionel Messi to Inter MiamiCredit: APMICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.Michael Owen scored 16 goals for Real MadridCredit: AP:Associated PressOwen, 45, appeared on The Masked SingerJONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.Jonathan Woodgate signed for Real Madrid in 2004Credit: EPAWoodgate now works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick at MiddlesbroughCredit: AlamyJUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.READ MORE SUN STORIESBirmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.Jude Bellingham’s celebration is already iconicCredit: GettyBellingham is close friends with Alexander-ArnoldCredit: AP More

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      in Soccer

      Disgraced Joey Barton GUILTY of pushing wife to ground then kicking her in head as their kids slept upstairs

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      DISGRACED Joey Barton has been found guilty of shoving his wife to the ground and kicking her in the head as their kids slept upstairs.The former footballer attacked Georgia Barton at their home in Kew, South West London, after a drunken night with two other couples.Joey Barton has been found guilty of attacking wife GeorgiaCredit: PAThe ex-footballer, pictured today, shoved his wife to the groundCredit: PABarton, 42, has now been found guilty of assault following a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.The court heard Barton and Georgia, who are still married, had both drunk “four or five bottles of wine” before the sickening attack.The ex-Man City star threatened to fight his wife’s brother and father in a “verbal disagreement about a family matter”.Barton then “grabbed [Georgia] and pushed her to the ground and kicked her in the head”.Read more newsAs a friend tried to intervene, Barton “threw” him off and said “don’t disrespect me”.Georgia, who was left with a lump on her forehead and a bleeding nose, called police shortly after 11pm to “report she had been hit by her husband”.During a tearful 999 call played to the court, she said: “Me husband’s just hit me in the house.”He’s in the house, I’m outside.”Most read in FootballAsked if anything similar had happened before, she said: “No, it’s the first time,” adding that she had been hit “in the face”.When police arrived at around 11:30pm, Georgia told them: “I’ve been pushed down and kicked about and stuff.”He said he was going to fight with my brother and my dad.”Barton was arrested at about midnight in his bedroom, where he had been asleep, and was still drunk.Giving evidence, Barton admitted he had drunk “six to eight” drinks when the alleged attack unfolded.He told the court there had been a “disagreement” and he “stupidly took me mate’s side”.Barton continued: “We just got into petty name calling.”We ended up getting a bit more agitated and were close to each other.”The former footballer admitted he was someone that “on occasion” might lose his temper.But he denied the claims against him, saying: “If I kicked someone in the head there would be a lot more damage than what’s alleged in this case.”In her own evidence, Georgia told the court she and her husband had been “nose to nose” at one point but had not come to blows.She claimed she felt a “collision” to her head that “stunned me and made me fall backwards”.Georgia, who said she had drunk a lot of wine that day, added: “It couldn’t have been Joe, he was too far away.”Barton was due to face trial in 2022 after pleading not guilty to assault by beating but this was halted when Georgia retracted her claims.The High Court ruled last year that the trial could go ahead and that the previous decision to drop the case was “wrong in principle”.Barton married his childhood sweetheart in a lavish ceremony in 2019 at a country house in Oxfordshire.The couple have two children together – a son born in 2011 and a daughter born in 2014.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton denied a single charge of assault and will be sentenced later.He attacked his wife, seen with Barton in 2011, after drinking up to five bottles of wineCredit: Getty – ContributorBarton married childhood sweetheart Georgia in 2019Credit: Instagram / Georgia McneilHe had denied a single count of assaultCredit: Alamy More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Absolutely destroyed me’ – KSI CRIED after pulling out of Dillon Danis fight and was unable to breathe due to illness

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      KSI revealed he was left in tears and struggled to breathe due to the illness that forced him out of fighting Dillon Danis. The YouTuber-turned-boxer was set to face MMA star Danis in Manchester on Saturday. KSI revealed he was left in tears after pulling out of fighting Dillon DanisBut KSI had to pull out with just eight days to go after catching an infection. He said on his livestream: “It’s so annoying, man. I was so ready, I legit f***ing cried at some point last week, man. “I was just so angry because I’ve literally killed myself for so many weeks putting myself through so much s***. “And then to just get sick right at the final bit, I’m like just trying to push on, push through and I’m still just getting more and more sick. READ MORE IN BOXING”It just got to a point where I’m sparring and I can’t even breathe. I can’t even punch properly, I just feel weak.” KSI, 31, has not fought since October 2023 when he suffered defeat for the first time in the ring, losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25.He was set to face Misfits boxer Anthony Taylor and YouTuber Slim Albaher on the same night last August but he pulled out with a hand injury.Danis himself withdrew from facing KSI in January 2023 due to personal reasons.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe instead made his boxing debut the night Fury beat KSI – losing by disqualification against Logan Paul, 29. KSI plans to reschedule his fight with Danis and said: “I’m getting better. I’m on some strong drugs! KSI’s team reveal new term for Jake Paul grudge fight to finally make £250million bout happen”I’m on some very strong drugs! Basically, I got ill and it was just like a cold, a normal cold blah, blah, blah. “And then I thought I’d just train through it, work through it just keep doing me, going 100 per cent all the time. “And then I got an infection, I got an infection in my sinuses and it just absolutely destroyed me, man. “I’ve never been that ill in my life for that long, as well. It’s fine, I’m getting better.” Danis was due to fight KSI in ManchesterCredit: PAKSI wants to reschedule his fight with DanisCredit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal Fan TV presenter Robbie credits ‘nature’s ozempic’ for incredible body transformation

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      ARSENAL Fan TV host and founder Robbie Lyle has credited ‘nature’s ozempic’ for his incredible body transformation.Lyle, 52, has undergone an impressive change in recent weeks and his put it down to the help of supplement berberine.Robbie Lyle has credited ‘nature’s ozempic’ for his incredible body transformationCredit: Instagram @robbielyleofficialLyle has undergone a sensational transformation in recent weeksCredit: Instagram @robbielyleofficialLyle has been praised for his weight lossCredit: Instagram @robbielyleofficialBerberine – dubbed ‘nature’s ozempic’ – is a chemical compound which is said to strengthen the heartbeat, kill bacteria, reduce swelling and regulate how the body uses sugar in the blood.Berberine is used as an ingredient in lots of supplements, including those made by wellness company Oxford Natural – which Lyle claims helped him lose weight and undergo his sensational transformation. Speaking in a video on Oxford Natural’s Instagram account, Lyle said: “Robbie here! Listen, I just want to big up Dr Andre and also big up all of the guys over there at Oxford Natural Clinic. “These supplements have really been helping me! The Optimum Day, the Optimum Night. This one really helps me to get a good night sleep.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”This one’s really been helping me balance my diet, helping me with my metabolism and I tell you what, I’ve lost a lot of weight.”I feel really good. I’m training, I’m eating well and these supplements have really, really helped me. So, big up to them!”Fans noticed Lyle’s dramatic transformation during a public appearance recently, prompting loads of positive comments online.While he continues to build his impressive online empire too.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesArsenal Fan TV has become one of the most popular fan-channels in English football and boasts an impressive 1.72MILLION subscribers on YouTube and millions more across other social media platforms.And Lyles isn’t the only recognisable face from football that has gushed about the benefits of the supplements.Myles Lewis-Skelly lost for words after finding out he has broken England recordFormer Liverpool, Real Madrid and England star Michael Owen has also endorsed the Oxford Natural products.In a clip discussing the supplements, Owen said: “Hey guys, I just want to say thanks to Oxford Natural Clinic. “Since I’ve been on their programme with Dr Andre, I’ve lost 15kg. Quite a transformation!”Micheal Owen has endorsed the supplements tooCredit: Alamy More

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      in Soccer

      England regulars left fearing they may need summer transfer to win place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad

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      SIX England hopefuls fear they may need to make a summer transfer to book their spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.The former Chelsea boss started life in the Three Lions dug-out with successive Wembley wins in the past week.Six England stars are considering their future to become regulars under Thomas TuchelCredit: AlamyThe aces are all desperate to be on the plane for next year’s World CupCredit: ReutersEngland first beat Albania 2-0 on Thursday.And Tuchel’s men then cruised past Latvia 3-0 on Monday to begin their World Cup qualifying campaign with six points.The German manager made a series of big calls when deciding his squad, giving nods to the likes of exiled Ajax veteran Jordan Henderson and Arsenal teen sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly.But four stars who were not initially called up now reckon they may need to join new clubs to catch Tuchel’s eye.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLElsewhere, two players who did make the cut are also reportedly considering fresh starts to seal their World Cup spots.The Telegraph claims Manchester City misfit Jack Grealish is considering his options after a dismal season at the Etihad.The winger has started just six league games after being axed by Gareth Southgate for last summer’s Euros.And he has been “warned” by Tuchel to “take responsibility off the pitch” to get his career back on track.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSElsewhere, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is another mulling his options.The centre-back has been in fine form recently but still missed out on a spot to Newcastle’s uncapped 32-year-old Dan Burn.Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia Jack Grealish has started just six league matches for Man CityCredit: GettyEverton’s Jarrad Branthwaite missed out on a spot to 32-year-old Dan BurnCredit: GettyAston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey could be on the move after almost making the cut.He is yet to nail down a regular spot under Unai Emery, and could opt for first-team football elsewhere despite being a fan favourite.Finally, Morgan Gibbs-White is flying high with Nottingham Forest but was still left out of England’s squad.Jacob Ramsey is yet to nail down a starting spot at Aston VillaCredit: AlamyNottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was initially left out of the squadCredit: AlamyHe was eventually called up when Cole Palmer withdrew through injury.But the playmaker still failed to make it onto the pitch against Latvia – having been axed completely from the Albania matchday squad.And he would reportedly consider joining a more established side to help make the plane next summer.Finally, the two stars who did make the squad but are still considering permanent transfers are Marcus Rashford and Aaron Ramsdale.Marcus Rashford hopes to get a permanent move away from Man UtdCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale will push to leave all-but-relegated SouthamptonCredit: GettyManchester United winger Rashford is on loan at Aston Villla and has no future at the Theatre of Dreams.But despite a decent showing in the Midlands, his future at his loan side is not guaranteed.And Rashford is open to another club where he would be guaranteed minutes as a regular starter.Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ramsdale will push to leave Southampton with their relegation to the Championship all-but-confirmed.READ MORE SUN STORIESRamsdale will likely have to be playing in the Premier League to be considered as one of England’s three stoppers.But like the players above, he too craves nothing more than a solid spot in a club’s starting XI. More

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      in Boxing

      Jake and Logan Paul lift lid on how they convinced partners Jutta Leerdam and Nina Agdal into filming reality TV show

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      JAKE PAUL and brother Logan had a fight to convince their better halves into a giving up their privacy to film an all-access TV series.Paul American airs on HBO’s Max in the States and centres around the celebrity family from Ohio.Jake Paul with girlfriend Nina AgdalCredit: @jakepaulLogan Paul proposed to Nina AgdalJutta Leerdam is a Dutch speedskaterNina Agdal is a Danish supermodelCredit: SplashJake and Logan’s parents – loving mum Pam and no-nonsense dad Greg – feature throughout the eight-partner.But having raised two of the internet’s biggest stars, Pam and Greg have long been exposed to the lights, camera and action.It’s a different story for Logan’s fiancee – Danish supermodel Nina Agdal – and Jake’s partner – Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam.In fact, Logan had to produce a PowerPoint presentation to convince Nina to leave nothing off limits in the name of entertainment.READ MORE IN boxing WWE superstar Logan, 29, told SunSport: “Yeah, it was hard. But, you know, Max pays well! “The pay definitely helps, helps my fiance Nina feel comfortable with putting parts of her life on camera that she literally never would have ever.”And, I also convinced her. I made a PowerPoint and said, you should be a reality TV star and sold her. I’m a good salesman!”Boxer Jake, 28, added: “I think for Jutta, she’s still like not loving it.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I think she’s still getting used to it all and I think she doesn’t like how she’s portrayed in the hands of like a team of editors. “I think that I understand that it could be hard sometimes and people try to paint narratives that are different than reality sometimes.” Jake Paul says having children will prolong his boxing career and wants them to be best friends with brother Logan’s kidsIn the show, Logan proposed to Nina and they welcomed baby daughter Esme into the world last September. And Jake also recently announced his engagement to Jutta with a series of romantic photos. The prankster-turned-prizefighter now wants babies of his own and said: “I think it would be great for all of our kids to grow up together.“I think they’re gonna be each other’s best friends because of the fact that they’re gonna be growing up in a crazy world that is so different than most other kids and they’re not gonna be able to turn and trust a lot of people.“So I think it’d be good for our kids to be able to be close in age for sure.”Jake’s most recent boxing win – against Mike Tyson – is covered towards the back end of the series. Nina Agdal pictured in 2022Credit: GettyLogan Paul proposing to Nina AgdalJutta Leerdam is a champion on the iceCredit: RexJake Paul got engaged to Jutta LeerdamCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulThe bout was heavily criticised amid 58-year-old Tyson’s age but still over 100 MILLION tuned in to watch live on Netflix. Jake then entered shock talks to fight Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez, 34, in a planned Las Vegas mega-bout on May 3.But Canelo pulled out at the last minute to instead sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.And Jake slammed: “He just missed out on creating arguably the biggest, if not the second biggest fight of all time which could have potentially beat me and Mike Tyson. “I think that’s worth more than money, right? Canelo has money, so I think for his legacy and the fan base that he could have tapped into by fighting me. “He really chose the money over that because they was threatening to pull his $300million contract with Saudi.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So he chose that versus creating a legacy and doing one of the biggest fights ever.”The Max Original reality series PAUL AMERICAN debuts THURSDAY, MARCH 27 on Max. Episodes debut weekly leading up to the season finale on Thursday, May 15.Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson with over 100m people watching on NetflixCredit: GettyCanelo Alvarez pulled out of fighting Jake PaulCredit: AP More

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      Pep Guardiola brainwashed me at Man City – I realised I played football completely the wrong way

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      A FORMER Manchester City star has claimed Pep Guardiola “brainwashed” him into becoming a better footballer.Guardiola revolutionised the beautiful game with his tiki-taka style of football during his historic stint at Barcelona.Pep Guardiola took charge of Manchester City back in 2016Credit: GETTYThe Spaniard has guided City to six Premier League titles and one Champions LeagueCredit: GETTYFormer City defender Danilo has claimed Guardiola “brainwashed” him into becoming a better playerCredit: GETTYHe would somewhat implement his ethos when he took charge of City in the summer of 2016, although he’d have to adapt it for the physicality of the Premier League.Adapt it he would, so much so that City would win SIX of the last seven Premier League titles and the last four in a row.And former Sky Blues defender Danilo, who spent two seasons at the Etihad, is among the players whose games were transformed by the Catalan.The Flamengo star and Brazil skipper said of his former gaffer during an interview with The Guardian: “Pep Guardiola educates his players.READ MORE SPORTS NEWS“That’s the most important thing about his work. He makes all players think about football in the same way.”Time, space, movement, possession, taking care of the ball.“He makes you understand the spaces on the pitch like no other coach and he lives the game emotionally like no other coach.”I was brainwashed by Guardiola, but in a good way.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDanilo reckons he’d be a much better player if he’d been managed by Pep Guardiola earlier in his careerCredit: REUTERSDanilo, 33, believes he would’ve been a far better player had he played under Guardiola earlier in his career.He said: “It was like I was at university. What I experienced with him allowed me to raise my level and keep that level to this day.Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe “It’s not that I was an idiot before I arrived at Manchester City but I realised that I played football in completely the wrong way.”If I had met him before, he would have made my life a lot easier. I’m so glad I was able to play under him and was able to learn from him.”The 2024/25 season has been City’s worst since Guardiola replaced Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad helm.City are currently fifth in the table and a whopping 22 POINTS behind runaway table-toppers Liverpool.Danilo isn’t surprised by his former side’s slump, saying: “We have to remember that football is cyclical.“There are a lot of players who are now 33, 34 years old and have been at the top of their game for eight, nine, ten years.Pep Guardiola has endured a torrid season, with City currently 22 points behind LiverpolCredit: GETTY”This drop in performance is natural. You have to look at the mental aspect as well.”When I talk about age, it’s not even physical. It’s the experience of being under so much pressure for so many years, the pressure of winning and winning all the time.“When you lose, the feeling is that everything has gone wrong and you feel less valuable, incapable. It’s difficult to balance these feelings.”That’s why when you win, you only feel relief. READ MORE SUN STORIES”However, with age comes a better understanding and it is easier to reflect on some of the defeats and victories.”City will be back in action on Sunday, travelling to the Vitality Stadium to take on Bournemouth in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. More