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      in Soccer

      Worrying moment man sprints across pitch towards Erling Haaland before Premier League cult hero acts as human shield

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      THIS is the horror moment a fan charged towards Erling Haaland – only to be stopped by a Premier League cult hero.The Manchester City star was back amongst the goals last night as Norway beat Moldova 5-0 in their World Cup qualifying opener.A man appeared to reach into his pocket while charging over to the Norway benchThe invader was wrestled by Brede HangelandCredit: RexSecurity then escorted him out while he attempted to wriggle awayCredit: RexErling Haaland was sat in the end seat as the fan sprinted towards the dugoutBut their win was overshadowed by shocking scenes in the second-half after Haaland was subbed with 78 minutes on the clock.The striker was watching the rest of the game from the dugout when a pitch invader charged onto the field.He sprinted over to the Norway dugout while appearing to reach into his pocket.Haaland was sat in the end seat nearest the man when he was tackled by Brede Hangeland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former defender-turned-Norway assistant coach grabbed the pitch invader and pushed him away.Security then intervened and carried the man away, who was still trying wriggle free.Fans called the incident “terrifying” and “scary”.Hangeland spent seven seasons at Fulham, playing 270 times for the club between 2008 and 2014.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe has hero status at Craven Cottage and was part of the squad that made the Europa League final two years into his spell at the club.He also had a brief spell at Crystal Palace before retiring in 2016.Erling Haaland swears in live TV interview after Man City win as Sky Sports reporter laughs nervouslyNorway are next in action against Israel on Tuesday night.Brede Hangeland played 270 times for Fulham and is now Norway’s assistant managerCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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      in Boxing

      Frank Bruno: When I struggled with mental health I turned to Colin Hart – he’s the undisputed Champ of boxing reporters

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      SOMETIMES in life, when your back is against the ropes, and you feel like the whole world is mugging you off, you need people you can reach out to for help who you can trust.Colin Hart was – without a doubt – always one of those people.Colin Hart covered Frank Bruno during the 1990sCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHart was ringside through Bruno’s highs and lowsCredit: GettyI was just a teenager, a kid really, when our paths crossed for the first time.I was an upcoming amateur fighter making a name for myself. Colin – or Mr Hart as I called him the first time we met – was a top boxing journalist who had covered boxing’s great and good for decades.So I knew when he kept coming back to watch my fights I must have been doing something right.In the end, he was there at ringside, covering every moment: all the highs and all the lows.READ SOME HART CLASSICSRecently, he very kindly picked my fight against Lennox Lewis as one of his top five British bouts of all time.I quite liked the fight as well. Well, apart from the ending if you know what I mean.But it’s the moments outside the ring that I spent with Colin that I’ll remember the most fondly.Boxing now is nothing like it used to be. These days, those press conferences are like mini-fights. The hype, the drama, the aggro – I wouldn’t be surprised if they start putting some of those press conferences on pay-per-view.Most read in BoxingBack in the 80s and 90s it was totally different. Boxers and newspaper journalists would spend time mixing in and around training camps.There was no social media. No 24 hour sports news. Instead, I’d spend hours talking to Colin and his colleagues.COLIN HART: 50th anniversary of Joe Bugner’s first fight with Muhammad Ali, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in 1973These guys knew everything about boxing and Colin had the biggest brain of all. I used to joke that he was a walking encyclopedia.But I secretly soaked up so much of what he said and the advice he gave me.To me, Colin was a serious hombre. When he had something to say it was worth paying attention. . I knew I could trust him too.I’ve not always had a great relationship with the media, especially some of the news-boys over the years. But Colin was as straight as they came – and he quickly became a really firm friend.Maybe that’s why when I hit rock-bottom and started suffering with mental ill health it was Colin I turned to for advice.I remember one phone call, shortly before I was sectioned, where I spoke to Colin on the phone for an hour.Truth be told I was crying out for help and Colin, as ever, advised me the best I could.In the end, like we all have to, I had to find my own way out of my troubles.But Colin was always supporting me, sending me letters and notes. And once I was out of hospital he was one of the first on the phone to wish me well.Colin Hart was The Sun’s ‘Voice of Boxing’ for more than 50 yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBruno’s rival Lennox Lewis also revered Colin HartCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSince retiring I regularly saw Colin at various boxing events, sportsmans dinners, and charity galas.If I knew he was there I’d always ask to be on his table, and we’d swap stories about the good old days.I last saw Colin in October, at a tribute dinner in London to celebrate my old mate John Conteh, and he was as sharp and as smart as he’d always been.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs ever it was a privilege to spend some time with him and to share a laugh and a joke. It’s hard to believe I’ll never see him again.When it comes to the kings of boxing reporters, Colin was the undisputed Champion. No-one else will ever lay a glove on him. RIP, my friend.Sporting world pays tribute…THE sporting world has paid emotional tributes to The Sun’s legendary Voice of Boxing.Ricky Hatton said: “I am so sad to hear of the passing of Colin Hart. Colin followed my career from the start all the way through to the big fights in Vegas. Colin is one of the last great boxing journalists and he will be sadly missed. RIP old mate.”Michael Buffer said: “I was honoured to know the legendary Boxing Hall of Fame journalist, Colin Hart, for almost all of my career in the sport. His writings and passion for boxing are universally recognised as among the best ever.”Joe Calzaghe said: “Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him. He will be sorely missed and my deepest condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.”Read more tributes including from Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno. More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 Chinese Grand Prix LIVE RESULT: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc disqualified after Oscar Piastri won race – latest

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      MCLAREN’S dominant start to the new season has continued in China!Oscar Piastri started on pole, and he cruised to his third victory in F1, with his teammate Lando Norris finishing right behind him in second.More drama followed after the race as Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly were both disqualified for an underweight car.While Lewis Hamilton, who finished sixth, was also dealt a DQ for excessive plank wear underneath the car, meaning Ferrari leave the Grand Prix with nothing.Podium: 1 Oscar Piastri, 2 Lando Norris, 3 George RussellBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog for updates…Where next?Well, after a dramatic day in China, we have to wait two weeks for the next Grand Prix!Copy linkCopiedFerrari react to disqualificationsThe Italian team have gone away from the Chinese Grand Prix with nothing, following DQs to both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.Ferrari have posted the following statement on the matter: “Following the FIA post-race scrutineering both our cars were found not to conform to the regulations for different reasons.”Car 16 was found to be underweight by 1kg and car 44’s rearward skid wear was found to be 0.5mm below the limit.”Charles was on a one-stop strategy today and this meant his tyre wear was very high, causing the car to be underweight.”With regard to Lewis’ skid wear, we misjudged the consumption by a small margin. There was no intention to gain any advantage.”We will learn from what happened today and make sure we don’t make the same mistakes again. Clearly it’s not the way we wanted to end our Chinese GP weekend, neither for ourselves, nor for our fans whose support for us is unwavering.”Copy linkCopiedConstructors’ Championship standingsHere is how the table looks after China:1 MCLAREN — 78 points2: Mercedes — 573: Red Bull — 364: Williams — 175: Ferrari — 176: Haas — 147: Aston Martin — 108: Sauber — 69: Racing Bulls — 310: Alpine — 0Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedView of SunSport’s F1 reporter Isabelle BarkerLewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly have all been disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix.Gasly and Leclerc’s cars were found to be underweight, while Hamilton’s car was deemed to have excessive skid wear.It means Hamilton and Leclerc’s points for their sixth and fifth place finish respectively – eight and 10 – are wiped from their championship tally.For seven-time world champion Hamilton, one of the skid blocks on his car was found to be less than the required thickness after the race.F1 cars have skid blocks in the floor that are meant to ensure the car maintains a certain ride height and does not run too low.If one is worn too much, it can mean a potential performance advantage as the car is able to run lower to the ground than would normally be possible.It is history repeating itself for Hamilton, who was disqualified from the 2023 United States Grand Prix for a similar issue when he was driving for Mercedes.Copy linkCopiedUpdated race result1) Oscar Piastri, McLaren2) Lando Norris, McLaren3) George Russell, Mercedes4) Max Verstappen, Red Bull5) Esteban Ocon, Alpine6) Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes7) Alex Albon, Williams8) Oliver Bearman, Haas9) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin10) Carlos Sainz, WilliamsCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPerfect day at the office For all the support team of McLaren, the Chinese Grand Prix could not have gone better.With their drivers taking the top two spots on the podium, the constructor could have not written a better script themselves.Piastri will take the plaudits in Shanghai but how well he and Norris drive as a team should be a concern to all.Credit: AFPCredit: EPACredit: EPACopy linkCopiedHamilton also disqualified!A trio of disqualifications in China as Lewis Hamilton, who finished 6th, is also disqualified from the race.The reasoning behind Hamilton’s DQ is different to that of Leclerc and Gasly.Hamilton’s is due to excessive plank wear underneath the car.It means both Ferrari come out of the Grand Prix with nothing.On Hamilton’s disqualification, the stewards said: “The plank assembly of Car 44 (Lewis Hamilton) was measured and found to be 8.6mm (LHS), 8.6mm (car centerline) and 8.5mm (RHS). “This is below the minimum thickness of 9mm specified under Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations.” During the hearing the team representative confirmed that the measurement is correct and that all required procedures were performed correctly. The team also acknowledged that there were no mitigating circumstances and that it was a genuine error by the team.”Copy linkCopiedLeclerc and Gasly DISQUALIFIED Charles Leclerc has been disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix for an underweight car.The Ferrari driver, who finished fifth, will move everybody up who finished behind him as a result.Pierre Gasly, who finished 11th, has also been disqualified from the race for the same reasons.Speaking on Leclerc’s disqualification, the stewards said: “Car 16 (Charles Leclerc) was weighed by the FIA Technical Delegate inside and outside scales with both scales showing the same result of 799 kg after the customary draining of fuel and the replacement of a broken front wing. “The calibration of both scales was confirmed and witnessed by the competitor. During the hearing there was no challenge to the FIA’s measurements which are taken to be correct and that all required procedures were performed correctly. “There are no mitigating circumstances and that the team confirmed that it was a genuine error by them. “The Stewards determine that Article 4.1 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations has been breached and therefore the standard penalty of a disqualification needs to be applied for such an infringement.”Copy linkCopiedHamilton at risk of disqualificationLewis Hamilton, who finished sixth in the race, could also be disqualified due to excessive wear on his skid blocks beneath his car.He has been disqualified for the same infringement in the past during his time at Mercedes at the 2023 United States GP.FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer said: “The skid wear of car number 44 was checked. “The rearmost skid was measured according to the team’s legality documents submission in accordance with TD039 L, item 1.2 b) i). “Measurements were taken along the stiffness compliant area at three different points of the periphery (inner arc). The recorded measurement were 8.6 mm (LHS), 8.6 mm (car centerline) and 8.5 mm (RHS).”Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedMcLaren fancied for successFollowing today’s results, the bookies are edging towards the two McLaren drivers winning the driver’s championship this season:Lando Norris 5/6Oscar Piastri 2/1Max Verstappen 6/1Lewis Hamilton 18/1Charles Leclerc 20/1George Russell 22/1Kimi Antonelli 125/1Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz 150/1Liam Lawson 275/1All odds brought to you by Betfair.Copy linkCopiedLeclerc and Gasly face disqualificationThe FIA have found that Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly’s cars were underweight.Leclerc finished fifth in the race and had a damaged front wing.The FIA fitted an official front wing to the car after the race, and it was found to be 1kg under the 800kg weight limit.Gasly was also said to be 1kg under the limit.FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer said: “After the Race, car number 16 was weighed and its weight was 800.0 kg, which is the minimum weight required by TR Article 4.1. As the front wing was damaged (the missing FW endplate was recovered and weighed with the car), the car was re-weighed with an official spare front wing assembly of car 16 and its weight was 800.5 kg. “After this, fuel was drained out of the car and 2.0 litres of fuel were removed. The car was drained and according to the draining procedure submitted by the team in their legality document. “The car was weighed again on the FIA scales (with the official spare front wing assembly of car 16) and the weight was 799.0 kg. The calibration of the scales was confirmed and witnessed by the competitor. “For information the spare front wing was 0.2 kg heavier than the damaged one used during the race. As this is 1.0 kg below the minimum weight requested in TR Article 4.1, which also has to be respected at all times during the Competition, I am referring this matter to the Stewards for their consideration.” “After the Race, car number 10 was weighed and its weight was 800.0 kg, which is the minimum weight required by TR Article 4.1. “After this, a fuel mass check was carried out and 1.1 kg of fuel were removed. The car was drained according to the draining procedure submitted by the team in their legality document. “The car was weighed again on the FIA scales and the weight was 799.0 kg. The calibration of the scales was confirmed and witnessed by the competitor. As this is 1.0 kg below the minimum weight requested in TR Article 4.1, which also has to be respected at all times during the Competition.”Copy linkCopiedFerrari with plenty of work to doAfter winning the sprint race yesterday, Hamilton reflects on his Chinese Grand Prix:We made changes after the sprint and they didn’t work. The pit lane is too long here, times are a problem with that. We just couldn’t keep up with the other cars. A number of changes were made, they all added up and made the car worse. Hopefully we can learn from that.Lewis HamiltonFerrariCopy linkCopiedChinese Grand Prix official resultsHere are how the drivers finished in Shanghai today:Credit: @F1Copy linkCopiedOscar sees chequered flag in ChinaOscar Piastri put disappointment from Australia behind him as he secured victory in Shanghai.He managed to fend off Lando Norris to take the first spot as McLaren secured the top two places.The Australian will be hoping to see plenty more of these flags over the course of the season.Credit: @F1Copy linkCopiedRed Bull no longer gives you winsSpeaking with Sky Sports, Verstappen discussed the issues they have struggled with to the start of the season:If it is possible to adjust yeh. It was more promising for us and was a lot more fun to drive. We just looked to set our own pace, the tyres were still in decent shape when I decided to pit but we had to as everyone else was. We can take a lot out of it and take that into Japan. Hopefully we can learn from it and be more competitive in ten days.Max VerstappenRed BullCopy linkCopiedYoungster shows potential in China18-year-old Kimi Antonelli was awarded the driver of the day accolade for his performance in Shanghai.Not many people his age can say they have spent their weekend tearing around a Formula 1 circuit.He looks a great addition to the team following the departure of Hamilton and no doubt will soon be having George Russell looking over his shoulder more.Credit: @F1Copy linkCopiedRed not so lucky for ItaliansIn Chinese culture, red is seen as an extremely lucky colour. It did not work out that way for the Ferrari team as Leclerc addressed the coming together between the teammates early on:It was not Lewis’ fault at all. He did not know I was there, it is just a racing incident. There was no bad intentions. It was unfortunate, it cost me in the race. There was the potential to do a lot better but the eight seconds it would take to replace the wing would leave me having to overtake cars. Mercedes were so quick in turn twelve, they had some traction there, which is why I compared it to a dragster.Charles Leclerc FerrariCopy linkCopiedChanging conditions surprise driversHaving seen lots of issues with graining in practice, things changed considerably on race day.While the medium compound tyres were still suffering, the hard compound tyres really held up.Hamilton tried to gamble with a second pit stop, hoping that the tyres of the cars in front of him would degrade considerably in the closing stages while also hoping the forecast rain was to make an appearance.However, it did not pan out for the Ferrari driver as the hard tyres really stood up to the surface of Shanghai when it mattered most.Copy linkCopiedPodium is a sea of orange in ChinaIt is a sight that McLaren want to see plenty of this season, dominating the podium with both drivers up there.Piastri and Norris seem to work well as a team and their tactics resulted in very little pressure in Shanghai.The most concerning moment was in the latter stages where Norris had to protect his position from Russell as his brakes were failing but fortunately the chequered flag came just at the right time for the team.Credit: ReutersCredit: AFPCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedAussie impresses fans back homeOscar Piastri is the man of the moment in Shanghai.After taking pole position, he did not make one error in the entire race as he held off teammate Lando Norris.The McLaren pair will be looking to dominate the driver standings this season, having made such a great start in these early races.Credit: AFPCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedFans make Shanghai one to rememberEach year this race seems to get bigger in China.Martin Brundle commented how in the early years there tended to be more drivers than fans but that is not the case now.There was a lot of love for the McLaren drivers in Shanghai, who will be pleased with the race outcome today.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedPodium drivers watch race backAs they see the highlights of the Chinese Grand Prix, George Russell is impressed with the driving skills of Charles Leclerc.Once they see the damage to his front wing, Russell comments “Wow! He did well if he had that from such an early stage.”He compares the coming together between the Ferrari drivers like Schumacher and Barrichello.Copy linkCopiedBrit content with second placeSpeaking with Sky Sports, Norris gave his view on the race and his car issues towards the end:A few fun moments. The start, the turn went to plan but George then got me at the pit. Oscar drove well, he was quick for the whole race. He deserved the win, he drove well all weekend. Just how we wanted the race to go. It’s scary, it’s like my worst nightmare when the brakes are failing. We survived.Lando NorrisMcLarenCopy linkCopiedMcLaren dominate Chinese Grand PrixOscar Piastri bounces back after the disappointment in Australia to secure the win in Shanghai today.Lando Norris would have liked to have pushed his McLaren teammate more but his braking issues meant he had to focus on holding off George Russell instead.It is a third career win for Piastri, who drove the perfect race today.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedChinese Grand Prix results1. Oscar Piastri – McLaren2. Lando Norris – McLaren3. George Russell – Mercedes4. Max Verstappen – Red Bull5. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari6. Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari7. Estaban Ocon – Haas8. Kimi Antonelli – MercedesCopy linkCopied More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton DISQUALIFIED from Chinese Grand Prix after breaking strict F1 rule by MILLIMETRES

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been DISQUALIFIED from the Chinese Grand Prix to see his dream start to the weekend end in tatters.Team-mate Charles Leclerc and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly have also been disqualified.Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from the Chinese Grand PrixCredit: The Mega AgencyHamilton’s Ferrari car was found to have its skid block plank too low after the raceCredit: AFPHamilton had won his maiden Ferrari race during the Sprint before he finished P6 after a frustrating feature race in Shanghai.But he was then disqualified from the final classification after his Ferrari was found to be in breach of a strict F1 rule by just a tiny margin.A statement released by the motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, said the thickness of the plank assembly on his car was found to be below the permitted minimum thickness following investigation.Rules state is must be 9mm – but Hamilton’s vehicle was measured at 8.6mm.READ MORE IN F1This was a breach of Article 3.5.9 of the strict technical regulations, leading to him being disqualified from the race.Plank, or skid block, thickness matters because it is deemed dangerous to drive if it falls below the minimum allowed wear of one millimetre.A low plank can also give a driver a major performance advantage because the car is able to run lower to the ground than would normally be possible.The statement said: “The plank assembly of Car 44 was measured and found to be 8.6mm (LHS), 8.6mm (car centerline) and 8.5mm (RHS). This is below the minimum thickness of 9mm…Most read in Motorsport”The Stewards determine that Article 3.5.9 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations has been breached and therefore the standard penalty of a disqualification needs to be applied for such an infringement.”The statement added Ferrari acknowledged there were no mitigating circumstances and it was a “genuine error” from them.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHamilton was one of three drivers to be disqualified from the race.Ferrari team-mate Leclerc and Alpine’s Gasly were hit with disqualifications after falling below the minimum car weight limit of 800kg after the race.Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari baseIt means Hamilton and Leclerc’s points for their sixth and fifth place finish respectively – eight and 10 – are wiped from their championship tally.The ruling meant Haas duo Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman moved up two places each to P5 and P8 respectively, while there was a two-place improvement for Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and Williams’ Alex Albon.Chinese Grand Prix after disqualificationsAfter the triple disqualification of Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly, here is the new top 10 standings:1) Oscar Piastri, McLaren2) Lando Norris, McLaren3) George Russell, Mercedes4) Max Verstappen, Red Bull5) Esteban Ocon, Haas6) Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes7) Alex Albon, Williams8) Oliver Bearman, Haas9) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin10) Carlos Sainz, WilliamsMeanwhile, Pierre Gasly had finished P11, so his disqualification saw Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Williams’ Carlos Sainz move up three spots and into the points. Hamilton had snapped at engineer Riccardo Adami during the race after being asked to swap with Leclerc, who was showing better pace despite a damaged front wing.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe moved to the side but did not agree with where the team had directed him to perform the swap, saying: “I’ll tell you where we will swap.”The Chinese Grand Prix was dominated by McLaren, with Oscar Piastri winning the third race of his career ahead of Lando Norris to give the team its 50th 1-2 finish in the sport. More

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      in Boxing

      Livingstone Bramble dead at 64: Former WBA lightweight champion known for Ray Mancini battles and love of snakes dies

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      FORMER boxing world champion Livingstone Bramble has passed away at the age of 64.The fighter held the WBA lightweight belt for two years.Livingstone Bramble [left] has passed awayCredit: GettyBramble held the WBA lightweight belt for two years after beating Ray Mancini twiceCredit: GettyBorn as Ras-I Alujah Bramble, the icon is best remembered for his two victories over Hall of Famer Ray Mancini.The hard-hitter knocked out his rival at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium to claim the WBA lightweight belt in 1984.He retained his crown in the rematch against Mancini a year later and again when facing Tyrone Crawley.But in one of the biggest upsets of a generation, Bramble lost his title to Edwin Rosario in 1986.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe has been described as an “eccentric” character and the Saint Kitts and Nevis-born legend often wore a snake around his neck when heading into the ring.In an iconic encounter with Mancini, Bramble pulled out a voodoo doll and poked it in the eyes while asking him “tell me how your eyes feel, see how your eyes are jumping now?”He also had a pet snake named Dog, a pet dog named Snake and a ferret named Spider.Bramble finished his career with a 40-26-3 records, including 25 knockouts.Most read in BoxingHis old manager and trainer Lou Duva said he was a “nut, a real coconut head, a cuckoo.”In a touching tribute, his pal Stitch Duran said: “One of the hardest punchers I ever did pads for. A true friend. I’ll miss his smile.”Fans added: “Rest in peace champ.”Anther wrote: “Livingstone Bramble was a personality, a character that seemed larger than life with an aura of mystique.”His death comes on the same weekend legend George Foreman and The Sun’s “Voice of Boxing” Colin Hart also sadly passed away. More

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      in Boxing

      Lennox Lewis: Colin Hart was revered and pushed for the truth – at first he doubted me but I used it to fuel my career

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      I WAS only with Colin at the undisputed heavyweight world title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in May and he looked so fit and strong.We were sat behind Usyk’s wife and when she kept standing up to cheer on her man, Colin was politely telling her to sit down so he could see the action.Colin Hart got to know Lennox Lewis during the 1990sCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdLewis used Hart’s critiques to fuel him and the two became friendsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdEven in the VIP seats, Colin was still in ‘journalist mode’ wanting to capture every second and know exactly what had happened.Afterwards, when Usyk had got his hand raised, his wife and Colin had a lovely chat. She apologised and said she couldn’t help supporting the husband she loves so much. And Colin told her that Usyk was a lucky man.Now I realise that was our last time together, it feels like a really nice one.Early on in our careers, things were definitely not as cosy.READ SOME HART CLASSICSBecause I came over to the UK from Canada, with my Olympic win, Colin didn’t take to me.It seemed like he was a proud Englishman, proud of his country and its fighters, so I felt he picked against me, especially when I boxed a guy he felt was more British than me.I remember he picked Gary Mason and Frank Bruno to beat me, even though all of the other reporters were in my corner.But it ended up being a great inspiration to me, because he was respected, I took his doubts about me and used them as fuel.Most read in BoxingWhen I proved him wrong I would look out for him in the front row and press seats and try to catch his eye.I loved proving him wrong and I could see he felt that too.COLIN HART: 50th anniversary of Joe Bugner’s first fight with Muhammad Ali, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in 1973It was a good healthy professional relationship, where he had questions about me and I was eager to answer them.Eventually he did realise that I was the real deal, I answered all of his questions and I cured all of his doubts.He admitted he had got me wrong and I respected that, that’s how things should work between men.It was clear that he was revered among all the other reporters, he was clearly the leader of the boxing press pack.I don’t think anyone else ever started off a press conference or an interview ahead of Colin.The other reporters waited for him to lead and sometimes he would get about 10 questions off before anyone else dared ask some.Colin Hart was leader of the press packCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd’The Voice of Boxing’ joined The Sun in 1969Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdI even remember a couple of times when he finished his list of questions, closed up his notepad, tucked away his pen and walked off, just when the other writers were getting the chance to start their questions!He was that confident in his research and questions that he didn’t need to hang around and listen to the leftovers, he was off to write his words.I noticed it around my era but it’s even more prevalent recently, some reporters seem afraid to ask the real questions, or push for the truth, because the fighter or promoter or manager might get angry or cancel their accreditation.There doesn’t seem to be the same desire to get to the real truth anymore.Fighters and their achievements are often way overblown or their failings and mistakes are ignored and glossed over.From my years working with Colin, I could never accuse him of that.I think he would like to know that.I knew that he wanted to get to the truth and tell the truth and – if he upset people along the way – so be it.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt looks like it’s sometimes hard to have a good name in journalism, to be trusted, but I felt like Colin had that.His longevity made him an icon in British boxing but I think the fact that his name and his word was respected probably meant much to him.Sporting world pays tribute…THE sporting world has paid emotional tributes to The Sun’s legendary Voice of Boxing.Ricky Hatton said: “I am so sad to hear of the passing of Colin Hart. Colin followed my career from the start all the way through to the big fights in Vegas. Colin is one of the last great boxing journalists and he will be sadly missed. RIP old mate.”Michael Buffer said: “I was honoured to know the legendary Boxing Hall of Fame journalist, Colin Hart, for almost all of my career in the sport. His writings and passion for boxing are universally recognised as among the best ever.”Joe Calzaghe said: “Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him. He will be sorely missed and my deepest condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.”Read more tributes including from Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno. More

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      in Soccer

      ‘I felt like I was dying’ – Top Scots football presenter provides major update on mystery illness that forced him off TV

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      DARRELL CURRIE has revealed he’s trying out natural medicines in his bid to get to the bottom of the mystery illness that’s forced him off TV.The popular presenter, 42, has opened up on why he’s decided to move away from the traditional western medical approaches.12.09.2017 Celtic v Paris Saint Germain, UEFA Champions League …………………… DARRELL CURRIE WITH HENRIK LARSSON AND CHRIS SUTTONCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowDarrell Currie presenting for BT SportCredit: AlamyCurrie is one of the most prominent hosts in Scottish football TV.He was a lead presenter for a host of top networks, including the ESPN and BT Sport.Currie anchored BT’s weekly Score programme and when the channel became TNT Sports, he was installed as one of the top presenters.But in September 2022, he began to feel immense pain while anchoring live coverage of Celtic’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.He described it as feeling like “a bomb went off in my brain.”Just weeks later, the same issue arose while he was presenting Scotland’s match against the Republic of Ireland, where he revealed he was struggling to stand up.Currie was taken off-air by his concerned producer and he hasn’t presented a live football match since.In January 2023, Currie revealed he had been battling a chronic pain condition.Most read in FootballAmong his symptoms, he was in constant pain, feeling dizzy and struggling to walk.More than two years on, exactly what has been causing the illness remains a mystery with no conclusive diagnosis.STEPHEN DOBBIE EXCLUSIVE Life with Rodgers AND Ferguson and why I had to say no to CelticThat’s why Currie has decided to head down the route of alternative medicine.During his journey to get to the bottom of the situation, Currie feels like he’s been treated like a guinea pig.He also feels he’s been written off entirely by some medical professionals.Of a visit to a London-based clinic, Currie told The Sunday Times: “That doctor couldn’t work out what was wrong with me so effectively just said I wouldn’t get better.”I felt like he was giving up on me. Saying things like that is criminal. I was at my lowest, hearing that just kills your mentality.”It really affected my daughter too. The teachers at her school pulled me aside and said how worried she was.”He continued: “Sometimes I felt like a bit of a guinea pig.”They were just throwing things at me. Some would prescribe things without naming the meds, then you start reading about them and think, wait a minute, why am I taking this?”Currie thought he was getting somewhere last September when a bacteria connected to Lyme disease was found in his blood.He began a daily regime of three rounds of antibiotics.But instead of the recovery he desired, Currie found that his condition actually DETERIORATED.Ultimately, the amount of medicine he was taking left him feeling like he was dying.Currie continued: “I was getting crushing head pains again and terrible dizziness.”Just standing up was a struggle”By the new year, the small progress that I had made up to then vanished and every day felt like a marathon.”I Just felt that like this amount of drugs was going to kill me. I felt like I was dying, honestly.”Currie, who believes his condition is the effects of long Covid, possible vaccine side-effects and Lyme disease, has now decided to change tact in terms of the treatment he’s getting.He’s started a new diet and taking herbal medicines.Currie believes there’s hope with his new outlook.He continued: “My new approach is a healthy one: I don’t know if it’s going to have all the answers but it’s not going to hurt me.”On the whole I’m not much worse off than I was on the pain medication.”That’s pretty unbelievable given that most people with a chronic condition will draw on those meds for the rest of their life.”He added: “Conditions that can’t be cured today could be cured tomorrow, so you can’t give up. You have to keep on fighting in everything you do.”Currie is working as a consultant for TNT Sports while he also returned to broadcasting with Premier Sports.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlongside pundits Michael Stewart and Alan Hutton, Currie hosts the Scottish Football Social Club on YouTube every Monday night.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Liam Lawson facing axe just TWO races into F1 season as ruthless Red Bull eye rival driver to become Verstappen’s No2

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      LIAM LAWSON is reportedly facing the axe by ruthless Red Bull after his nightmare start to the season continued at the Chinese Grand Prix.The 23-year-old has endured a disastrous start after being promoted to Red Bull from sister outfit VCARB, now Racing Bulls, to replace Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s team-mate for this season.Liam Lawson could be facing the axe from Red Bull after just two racesCredit: AlamyRed Bull bosses are reportedly considering swapping him out of the seatCredit: GettyYuki Tsunoda is in line to be swapped into the seat at the Japanese Grand PrixCredit: SplashLawson crashed out of the Formula One season opener in Australia before finishing P14 in the Chinese GP Sprint and qualifying dead last at the Shanghai circuit.His weekend did not improve much as he finished P15 in the feature race, moving up one spot after the finish line after jumping Jack Doohan who had a 10-second time penalty for pushing Isack Hadjar off track.Lawson admitted on Saturday he “does not have time” to get to grips with the car and needed to improve.However, according to Motorsport he may not be given that chance with the outlet suggesting team bosses are considering swapping Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda for the Japanese Grand Prix.READ MORE IN F1Paddock sources indicated no final decision has been made ahead of the Suzuka race in two weeks time, but the possibility of a driver swap is likely.Tsunoda, 24, had an impressive season in 2024 and was the favourite to land the Red Bull seat alongside Verstappen before Lawson was handed the reigns.The Japanese driver impressed in Australia before a bad strategy call scuppered his chances of points at the season opener.He bounced back to score points with a P6 at China Sprint before finishing P19 today after being forced to pit following a front wing break.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSpeaking to Sky Sports F1 after the race, Red Bull chief Christian Horner said of Lawson: “Well look, F1 is pressure business, there is always time pressure. “He knows that. Hopefully he’ll respond. We will see where we go.”F1 legend Eddie Jordan gives health update on prostrate cancer a month before he sadly passed away Lawson also faced further embarrassment today when Haas rookie Ollie Bearman overtook him and said “ciao” over the team radio before the teen raced to a P10 finish.The next race takes place on April 6 to kick off the first triple-header of the season with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia following in consecutive weeks.McLaren’s one-two finish today, with Oscar Piastri winning the third race of his F1 career, put them firmly in the lead of the Constructors’ Championship.Lando Norris leads the Drivers’ Championship by eight points ahead of Verstappen, who said he would only win the Chinese GP race if all the other cars in front of him retired. More