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    Jack Catterall vs Regis Prograis LIVE RESULTS: Brit pulls off stunning win to earn world title shot – latest updates

    JACK CATTERALL has secured a huge win over Regis Prograis after a breathtaking bout in Manchester.The Brit was downed in the fifth, but a fantastic response saw the American hit the canvas twice in the ninth round – which was ultimately the difference on the night.Catterall now moves a step closer to a world title shot after Saturday night’s stunning win.Result: Jack Catterall def. Regis Prograis by unanimous decisionCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Co-op Live Manchester erupts with decisionThe crowd were amazing supporting one of their own tonight.Jack Catterall has said he wants to fight more at this venue.As soon as the decision was announced everyone in here celebrated the performance seen by the man from Chorley.Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedJack ready for some family timeHaving recently married his fiance, Catterall was unable to go on honeymoon as he went into training camp for this fight.Now the job is done, he can go and unwind with his family and have a belated break.His next fight is likely to take place next year now which gives him some time for a well-earned break.Copy linkCopiedAmerican impressed by Catterall performancePrograis has been there, done it and got the t-shirt.He knows what winning world titles is all about and had nothing but compliments for Jack Catterall:Jack was the better man. He deserves a world title. I’ve had my time in the sun, now it is for him. Eddie Hearn make this man world champion. I hurt my knee, I hurt my ankle, I think 12 rounds is too much for me now. I may go to bare-knuckle after this. I’ve had my time in the sun.Regis PrograisTwo-time world championCopy linkCopiedCatterall makes huge statement with winLancashire’s Jack Catterall wins the WBO international super lightweight belt.Beating two-time world champion Regis Prograis this evening.He has really set himself for a world title shot next year now.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedJack Catterall wins by unanimous decisionCopy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Regis Prograis (Round 12)As we head into the final round, Bellew has Catterall seven points ahead on the card.Prograis knows he needs to a massive round to stand any chance of getting a positive result.He throws a big haymaker but Catterall steps to one side and the American ends up on the canvas as he misses.Catterall has managed the final rounds well.It is all over, we head to the judges’ scorecard.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Regis Prograis (Round 11)Prograis needs to do something special now.As he comes inside, Catterall lands some punches to huge cheers from the crowd.Catterall has done enough now that he can just wait for Prograis to come forward and make a mistake.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Regis Prograis (Round 10)What a left that was from Catterall on the jaw of Prograis to knock down the American that was in the last round.Those two knock-downs has really changed the card of Tony Bellew.He now has Catterall five points ahead.Prograis has it all to do now.Both fighters exchange big left hands to one another towards the end of the round but they take them well and are still standing.This fight is really hotting up now.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Regis Prograis (Round 9)This fight is still finely poised.It really could go either way, all it will take is one mistake.Prograis walks onto a punch and Catterall catches him and sends him to the canvas.The referee gives him an eight count before he is allowed to continue.Catterall sees an opportunity and attacks, landing another hook which causes the American to stumble.He is given another eight count but the bell saves him, what a round for Jack Catterall.It is an electric atmosphere in the arena now.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Regis Prograis (Round 8)Catterall swings a punch at Prograis and he drops to one knee.The referee offers no count which suggests it was merely a slip by the American.On Bellew’s card he now has Catterall one point ahead.Both exchange some big punches before they wrestle each other to the canvas.That round got the crowd going with both fighters letting this fists go.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Regis Prograis (Round 7)Prograis is leading with that overhand left more.Each time he is trying to follow it up, thinking he has hurt Catterall.This is where he needs to take the chance to pick his punches as he comes inside.There is a slight cut to the head of Catterall that he needs to be wary of.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Regis Prograis (Round 6)According to Tony Bellew’s scorecard, that count has Prograis just a point up on the card so far.Prograis continues to come forward on the offense.Catterall starts the land some more blows and it really gets this crowd going in Manchester.Anyone’s call who had the better of that round.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Regis Prograis (Round 5)Prograis looks to come on the offensive more.He catches Catterall with a good punch over the top, catching his on the top of the temple.He is drawing Catterall onto the front foot more, trying some wild punches to work his way back into the round.As Prograis comes inside he catches Catterall with a body blow and the referee gives a standing eight count.That could be a big factor when it comes to the judges’ card if this fight goes that far.It looked like a slip and seemed a harsh count.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Regis Prograis (Round 4)This is still quite a cagey affair with neither boxer committing to letting their hands go.Catterall is quite happy to bide his time and look to land punches when Prograis comes inside.The American is known as a hitter, 24 of his wins have come inside the distance.Catterall’s tactics may well be to keep some juice in the tank for the latter rounds to come on the offensive.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Regis Prograis (Round 3)Catterall continues to wait for his punches.Prograis is just coming forward and probing with jabs.As the American comes forward for one such attack, Catterall catches him with a good hook to the side of the head.Brilliant work from the Brit there.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Regis Prograis (Round 2)It seems both boxers are looking to counter at the moment.They are waiting for the other to commit coming forward before picking them off with punches.Just towards the end of the round Prograis lands a good hook to the back of the head Catterall takes it well.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Regis Prograis (Round 1)It’s a battle between two southpaws here tonight.Prograis shows the punch that they will both be looking to land.That left hand over the top of the jab, on this occasion, Catterall takes a step back to avoid it.It is a cagey start to the fight as both boxers look to feel their opponent out.Neither wants to be the first to make a mistake in this one.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Regis PrograisNow we move onto the main event of the evening.Prograis has it all to do here to keep his career on track.Catterall is looking to work his way up the rankings in this division to get his shot at some of the big belts.Copy linkCopiedHatton loses second fight on the spinYou have to wonder where things go for Campbell Hatton now.He would have been hoping to win this one to turn this into a trilogy event.However, now he needs to consider where goes after this defeat.Copy linkCopiedJames Flint wins by unanimous decisionCopy linkCopiedCampbell Hatton vs James Flint (Round 10)Flint’s corner seem to think he has done enough to win this.The call comes out ‘just one more round’.This could be a tough one to call for the judges.Hatton continues to work Flint’s eye which is almost closed.They are both giving as good as they get.Flint lands a great hook which rocks Hatton.It is all over, that was some fight.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedCampbell Hatton vs James Flint (Round 9)Hatton as so much power behind the body shots he lands.Flint catches his opponent with a good hook but it does not seem to phase Hatton.Despite this, these are all point scoring shots and will help his cause if this fight does go the distance.Copy linkCopiedCampbell Hatton vs James Flint (Round 8)Flint needs a big three rounds if he is to stand any chance when it comes to the card.Hatton seems to have more in the engine, Flint is looking as though the energy is being sapped this deep in the fight.You still feel that Flint is not working that cut on Hatton’s eye enough, it could be his only route to a stoppage.Copy linkCopiedCampbell Hatton vs James Flint (Round 7)This has been a great fight to watch.It is even but both fighters have had their moments.That said, neither boxer is letting up in their pursuit of landing that big punch that swings the momentum in their favour.Flint has a good end to the round and may have edged that one.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedCampbell Hatton vs James Flint (Round 6)Both fighters cotinue to trade blows.They both have war wounds as a result of cuts.Flint has a bloody nose and a cut to the side of eye.He also has that bleeding ear.Hatton is still having problems with his eye bleeding when punches are landed on it.Copy linkCopied More

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    Campbell Hatton facing HUGE questions over future after ANOTHER unanimous defeat to Jimmy Joe Flint

    CAMPBELL HATTON is now facing major questions over his future after a second devastating defeat to Jimmy Joe Flint.Hatton jumped straight in for a rematch with Flint after a unanimous defeat in March but was again outclassed as the Yorkshireman scored a 97-94, 96-94, 96-95 victory. Jimmy Joe Flint beat Campbell Hatton by unanimous decision AGAIN – leaving Hatton at a major crossroadsHatton suffered a huge gash over his left eye that bothered him through the rest of the fightHatton had previously been undefeated in 14 fights before his two losses to Flint but the manner of the losses has already prompted many to question where he goes from here.Hatton employed Anthony Joshua’s trainer Ben Davison in this fight to try and reverse his fortunes.The son of former world champ Ricky started off in a more controlled manner, trying to learn from the mistakes of the first fight.But he suffered a nasty gash over his left eye in the second round that continued to bother him throughout the fight.Flint was a deserved winner againAnd as Flint – who now boasts a record of 15-2-2 – took control of the centre of the ring, showing off his superior skill and picking his shots, Hatton fell back into the wild, pressing style that had served his dad so well.It did not work so well for Hatton Jr as his wide and wild shots were easy pickings for the better fighter.It came as little surprise when Flint’s name rang out as the winner, with Hatton – who employed Anthony Joshua’s trainer Ben Davison for this fight – again at a crossroads. More

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    Ipswich star drops ‘worst performance in Prem history’ with red card, own goal and giving penalty away on first start

    HARRY CLARKE suffered a nightmare first Premier League start with the most unwanted hat-trick. The Ipswich defender, 23, got the nod from Kieran McKenna for the trip to Brentford.Harry Clarke endured the worst first Premier League start possibleCredit: GettyHe was sent off for two yellow cards in the second halfCredit: ReutersBut the right-back could not have had a worse afternoon at the Gtech Community Stadium. It had all started well for Clarke and his Tractor Boys team-mates as they took a 2-0 lead, looking on course for their first win of the season – as fellow Premier League full debutant George Hirst scored.However, ex-Arsenal academy ace and England Under-17 international Clarke inadvertently ensured they would not secure all three points.Yoane Wissa pulled the first Brentford goal back on 44 minutes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThen in the first minute of injury time, Wissa looked for goal again – as the defender slid in to try and clear.Instead, unlucky Clarke only managed to knock the ball over the line with his arm as the Bees equalised.They then took the lead six minutes into the second half from the penalty spot – after Clarke was penalised for pulling Keane Lewis-Potter down.Initially, a free-kick was awarded and a yellow card brandished – before VAR took a look and overruled for a spot-kick, which Bryan Mbeumo duly dispatched. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Clarke’s horror game culminated in a second yellow card and subsequent red for diving in on Lewis-Potter on 69 minutes. As a result, he became just the second player in Premier League history to achieve the triple whammy of scoring an own goal, giving a penalty away and being sent off. ‘I wouldn’t want to be the VAR’ gasps Mike Dean as Aston Villa goal overturned in controversial circumstancesThe first was Jan Bednarek against Manchester United in Southampton’s thumping 9-0 defeat in February 2021. And fans were quick to take to social media to react to Clarke’s dreaded debut. One said: “Harry Clarke has got to hold the record for the worst game ever by a PL player. You gotta feel for him.”Another wrote: “Harry Clarke has had an absolute nightmare today.”A third added: “Harry Clarke will never forget this day.”And a final user joked: “Harry Clarke’s first ever Premier League start going well then.”To make matters worse, after Liam Delap looked to have rescued a point for Ipswich, Clarke could only watch on helplessly as Mbeumo’s cross ended up in the back of the net for a 96th-minute winner.The own goal bounced in off the right-back in unfortunate scenesCredit: GettyThe referee initially gave a free-kick but it was changed to a penaltyCredit: ReutersThe performance matched Jan Bednarek’s against Manchester United in 2021Credit: GettyTV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports) More

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    Arsenal’s title hopes are OVER if they lose to Liverpool, warns Gunners legend Tony Adams

    TONY ADAMS has warned Arsenal ahead of today’s Prem showdown with Liverpool: Lose and you can forget the title.Gunners legend Adams believes they will have more chance of lifting the Champions League if they slip SEVEN  points  behind  Arne Slot’s Reds and SIX behind Manchester City.Arsenal’s legendary captain Tony Adams says the Gunners’ title hopes will be OVER if they lose to LiverpoolCredit: GettyMikel Arteta has an injury headache for the crunch title clashCredit: GettyThe ex-Arsenal captain, four times a champion with the club, said: “This is not quite a must-win game but it is a must-not-lose.“We can’t lose, because then we would not be far off having more chance of winning the Champions League than the title, even this early.“At the back end of the season, you will also have a City squad that has been rotated and is full of beans. Usually they don’t lose a game.“You have to stay in touch with your rivals. If you get to April within three points of the title, you still have a chance.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAdams is the only player to win the title in three different decades — skippering the Gunners to glory in 1989, 1991, 1998 and 2002.But Adams, 58, feels his injury-hit former club have it all to do at the Emirates this afternoon.Defender William Saliba is banned after a red card against Bournemouth.Boss Mikel Arteta fears Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber will not be fit while skipper Martin Odegaard is a long-term absentee.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTony Adams: Red cards are sign of a winning mentality… Arsenal need to be MORE aggressiveBACK in the day at Arsenal, red cards were regarded as signs of a winning mentality — not a failing that could cost them titles.The Gunners go into Sunday’s clash with Liverpool without defender William Saliba after he became the THIRD player in Mikel Arteta’s squad to be sent off this season.When fellow Frenchman Patrick Vieira was dismissed in a home game with the Reds in August 2000, there was indeed talk of crisis in Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal team.But for Arsenal’s captain that day, Tony Adams, Vieira’s disciplinary record and reaction to his latest misdemeanour were water off a duck’s back.Adams told SunSport’s Dan King, chuckling: “It was par for the course, Patrick getting sent off — everyday occurrence. “If I thought Patrick was being out of order, I would have had a quiet word. But I wasn’t going to go up to Patrick and say, ‘Calm yourself down, for God’s sake!’“Because that was half of his game. I needed that from him.“And if sometimes we got red cards — and Arsene said, ‘Oh, I didn’t see it’ — then that’s the way it was.”“When they were closing down people, putting in tackles and getting involved, putting pressure on teams and maybe mistiming a tackle to get a yellow or a red, I didn’t have a problem with that.“I would rather have had that than have no-one getting sent off and accepting losing every week.”I’d like Arsenal to be MORE aggressive in making tackles and closing down.”Read Tony Adams’ full thoughts on Arsenal’s red card woes…Adams added: “With Saliba out and the injuries, everything is pointing to an away win.“As soon as Saliba went off against Bournemouth, you saw it fall apart. We lost our balance.’If Arsenal lose to Liverpool, they are out of the Premier League title race… the gulf is massive’“It’s the first time in about three years that we’ve had a few injuries and it is highlighting weaknesses in the squad.“City have got an array of talent. That level of quality throughout your squad makes a difference over the season.”Adams is also not sure if Arteta has a centre-back good enough to make up for the absence of Saliba.The ex-England captain said: “When we won the league in ’89, we had me and Steve Bould, with Dave O’Leary as back-up.We can’t lose, because then we would not be far off having more chance of winning the Champions League than the title, even this early.Tony Adams“If one of us was out, we were OK. When you have that level of quality in your squad, you are winning titles.”But Adams reckons they CAN get a result.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “Liverpool are confident and Mo Salah is on fire but I have a funny feeling Arsenal will get a point.“I would love it if we got all three — and if that means getting another red card in the process, so be it.”Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

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    Holden Trent dead aged 25: Tributes pour in for Philadelphia Union goalkeeper after sudden death of MLS star

    AN MLS footballer has tragically died aged just 25.Philadelphia Union announced the passing of goalkeeper Holden Trent on Saturday afternoon.Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Holden Trent died aged 25Credit: Instagram @holdentrent93The club released a statement on Saturday afternoonCredit: X @PhilaUnionNo cause of death has been released at this stage although Trent was admitted to intensive care on Thursday, according to reports from Yahoo.The club are in mourning following the awfully sad news.They said: “The Philadelphia Union is devastated by the heartbreaking passing of Holden Trent. “While he was a wonderful player and fierce competitor, he was more importantly a devoted son, brother, fiance, and team-mate who made those around him better. READ MORE ON MLS”He embodied the true meaning of determination, dedication and perseverance, and he will be deeply missed. “We extend our greatest sympathies to his family, his fiance and his friends.”Union’s fellow MLS clubs including Portland Timbers, FC Cincinnati, San Jose Earthquakes, Sporting Kansas City, New England Revolution and New York Red Bulls all replied with their condolences. Trent was selected by Philadelphia in the 2023 MLS Draft from High Point University – playing for the club for two seasons and making six appearances for the second team.Most read in FootballHe was also an unused sub eight times for the club in the 2024 season. Trent’s grieving family also posted a statement of their own on the goalkeeper’s Instagram page. They wrote: “We want to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. “Holden passed away this afternoon surrounded by his family and friends.”Details on services and celebration of life are forthcoming.”Our family is deeply touched to see and experience the love you all have for Holden.”Love, Holden’s Family.”Devastated fans and followers flooded the comments with emotional messages of support and love.’WILL CHERISH ALL OUR MEMORIES’One said: “I love you brother, one of the most genuine people I know. I’ll never forget what you have done for me since day one brother, I love you and I’m always going to keep your name alive bro please watch over us bro.”Another wrote: “So sorry Holden – you will be missed.”A third added: “Love you forever Holden.”A fourth replied: “We love you Holden and will keep your love alive.”And a final team-mate typed: “I love you brother. Will cherish all of our memories on and off the field.”Trent and fiancee Brie Losito got engaged at the end of 2023, with the football proposing in Florence on a romantic pre-Christmas trip to Italy. MLS Commissioner Don Garber said: “Major League Soccer joins the Philadelphia Union and our entire soccer community in mourning the tragic passing of Union goalkeeper Holden Trent.
”A young goalkeeper with a bright future, Trent showcased determination and professionalism every day as he contributed to the close-knit goalkeeping unit at Philadelphia.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We extend our deepest condolences to his fiancee, his family and friends, his team-mates and the entire Philadelphia Union community. “MLS is coordinating with the club to provide players and family members with the resources and support they need during this tragic time.”Friends, family and the football community paid tribute to the shot-stopperCredit: Alamy More

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    DAZN forced to apologise as boxer Reece Bellotti launches foul-mouthed tirade on live TV leaving Eddie Hearn squirming

    DAZN were forced to apologise for boxer Reece Bellotti’s furious expletive-laden rant live on TV.And even Eddie Hearn was left squirming as the swear words kept coming.Reece Bellotti launched a furious X-rated tirade live on TVCredit: DAZN / X @MatchroomBoxingBelotti, left, was due to fight Michael Gomez Jr in Manchester on Saturday nightCredit: GettyBellotti was due to fight Michael Gomez Jr on the Jack Catterall vs Regis Prograis undercard at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester.However, little more than an hour before the first bell with the British and Commonwealth super featherweight belts on the line, the fight was suddenly called off.According to a Matchroom Boxing statement, Gomez Jr had been checked over by a doctor and ruled out of the contest at the 11th hour.But 19-5 boxer Bellotti was not buying the explanation – and launched into a blistering tirade at his opponent for ducking the bout.READ MORE ON BOXINGSpeaking to DAZN alongside boxing promotor Hearn and Tony Bellew, he raged: “He swallowed it. You f***ing know he swallowed it.”He has one million per cent swallowed it.”Bell [Tony Bellew] you can back what I’m saying here – if you’re in that changing room there is nothing out there that will f***ing stop you from fighting. Fact.”He has gone behind his team and swallowed the fight. 100 per cent fact.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”In my last fight against Levi Giles, my hand was mashed up.”I got told by my physio, ‘Don’t take the fight, your hand is mashed.’Reece Bellotti vs Michael Gomez Jr weigh-in”I said, ‘I signed the fight, I’m fighting him, I’ll do him with one f***ing hand. I don’t give a s***.'”The boys could have gone behind my back, the doctor would have bowled in and I would have said, ‘Nah I’m sweet doctor, don’t worry about it.'”I am not swallowing a fight in a changing room ever. “He has swallowed the fight.”He sold 1,000-plus tickets now he’s got to tell all his mates, ‘Oh sorry my team pulled me out.'”You sound like a p***y. You melted. Fact.”Hilariously, midway through the stinging monologue, Hearn tried to warn Bellotti.The promotor put out a hand and simply said: “Language.”But that did not stop the Watford warrior from continuing his X-rated tirade.And that forced the producers at DAZN to add a message on the screen to say sorry to viewers.’VERBAL BOMBS’The note said: “We apologise for any offensive language.”But most fans were fully supportive of Bellotti’s explosive rant, insisting it was totally justified.One said: “Up The Bomber!”Another wrote: “Such a great interview!! Love Bellotti even more now! Letting it all out!”A third added: “Love it and fair play to him. Pay the man Eddie he’s done his bit.”A fourth typed: “Bellotti losing his s*** on DAZN was fun, though not a substitute for the fight.”A fifth commented: “Reece Bellotti throwing verbal bombs on DAZN. Fair to say, he’s p***ed off.”A sixth joked: “I appreciate the frustration from Belotti but someone needs to save him from himself on this mic.”And a final user replied: “Reece is on fire in this interview. P***take for him after a long camp.”Bellotti vs Gomez Jr was supposed to be the main supporting act of the night – and tipped by many to be the best contest on the card.Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell is also a warm-up act before Catterall and Prograis take centre stage at around 11pm.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe super lightweight contenders were originally scheduled to meet in August, but the fight was delayed due to Catterall suffering an injury.Brit Catterall will be desperate to secure a world-title shot in 2025 with a win over former world champ Prograis.Eddie Hearn tried to step in and warn Bellotti as DAZN apologisedCredit: DAZN / X @MatchroomBoxing More

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    Georgia Stanway wants England to take their game ‘to the next level’ following tough loss to Germany

    GEORGIA STANWAY insists England need to step up their game following their heaviest loss under Sarina Wiegman.While the midfielder netted twice the Lionesses succumbed to a 4-3  friendly defeat to Germany on Friday, nine months before the 2025 Women’s Euros. Georgia Stanway believes tweaks may be needed for England following ahead of their upcoming friendly game against South AfricaCredit: PAThe Lioness midfielder netted two first-half goals during England’s 4-3 loss to Germany at WembleyCredit: AlamyThree of the goals conceded at Wembley during a tough opening 29 minutes were scored by two of Stanway’s Bayern team-mates – Guilia Gwinn and Klara Buhl.The clash ended with the reigning Euros champs, who face South Africa next, shipping four for the first time under Wiegman. It was also the first time England conceded four times at home since falling to a 6-4 defeat by Germany in Preston in 1997.Stanway, who scored a first-half brace, said: “My initial reaction was we just need to fix this and it doesn’t matter who was to score or what was going to happen.Read More Football Stories”Two Bayern girls had scored so I thought I needed to do something. “I need to fix something. I can’t have them bragging as soon as we get back to campus. “As soon as we got the penalty, we got the ball rolling and we were able to get some more chances. “It was a hectic game. Even coming in at half time with the score, it could have been 4-4.Most read in Football”Every nation is going to get better and better and having won the Euros, we’ve got a massive target on our backs.”England’s next friendly will be a duel with South Africa at Coventry’s CBS Arena on Tuesday evening. Their upcoming opponents suffered a hefty friendly loss on Friday, getting hammered 5-0 by Denmark. Stanway insists England have got things to learn ahead of the game against the 2022 Women’s Afcon champions. And Wiegman’s side will face far sterner tests when take on the USA and Switzerland on November 30 and December 3. The midfielder, who sealed a May 2022 Bayern switch from Man City, added: “We need to take our game to the next level and we can’t rest. “This international camp so far has been intense and the game itself (on Friday) was intense. “It showcases we’re not there yet and we’ve still got nine months (before the next Euros). England’s clash with South Africa on October will be followed by a friendly game against Emma Hayes’s USA stars on November 30Credit: Alamy”The main thing is that we’re trying to do the right things, but it’s not necessarily working.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Maybe it’s the little tweaks that are necessary, but we’ll review it. “We’ll have a few days to prepare for South Africa.” More

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    Gareth Southgate set for knighthood for his England heroics after he is CLEARED over controversial tax scheme

    GARETH Southgate has been cleared over a controversial tax scheme — paving the way for a knighthood in the New Year Honours List.The former England boss, who got the men’s side to two Euro finals, was under Whitehall scrutiny over film investment deals.Former England boss Gareth Southgate is set for a knighthood after being cleared over a controversial tax schemeCredit: GettySouthgate with Prince William ahead of the 2024 Euro finalCredit: AFPA spokesman for Southgate said he was a ‘proud Englishman’ who had ‘always paid his taxes’Credit: GettyHe still needs official approval but a source said: “Now he’s cleared the checks, people are talking about him becoming ‘Sir Gareth’.”It would see him follow in the footsteps of Three Lions greats Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson.Tax bosses have cleared the way by ruling he did not break rules by investing in a controversial film investment scheme.The decision came after intensive talks between HM Revenue & Customs executives and Whitehall mandarins in recent weeks.READ MORE ON GARETH SOUTHGATESouthgate, 54, stepped down as manager in July after steering the Three Lions to two Euro finals and a World Cup semi-final in eight years.A source said: “Gareth deserves the knighthood and people in high places want to honour him.“He was a tremendous servant to England and came close to leading the team to their first silverware since 1966.“Gareth has also been a great role model and is a hugely respected public figure.”Most read in FootballGareth Southgate drops biggest hint yet over next job amid Man Utd links after stepping down as England managerPlans to knight him if England had won the 2020 Euro final against Italy were reportedly shelved as he had been placed at “amber” on a “tax risk list”.Ministers are traditionally extremely cautious when putting together honours lists.Ex-England captain David Beckham’s tax issues are said to have been a factor in him not receiving a knighthood.A source said: “Now it seems he has cleared all the checks, and people at Westminster are talking about him becoming ‘Sir Gareth’.”Southgate — in charge of England for 102 matches, and pictured with FA patron Prince William before this year’s final against Spain — was among stars to plough cash into Ingenious Media, which invested in fledgling films.But the deals were probed by the taxman over fears that the scheme was simply an artificial way of reducing tax bills.Last year, a spokesman for Southgate said he was a “proud Englishman” who had “always paid his taxes and complied with HMRC throughout his career”.The dad of two is also understood to have put aside the disputed funds “on account” as soon as HMRC challenged the scheme.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast night we approached an agent for Southgate. A Cabinet Office spokesman said: “It would be inappropriate to comment on potential honours recipients.”Stars stumped upGARETH Southgate was among hundreds of high-profile clients to plough cash into Ingenious MediaDavid Beckham, Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney were other sports stars to have invested with the firm between 2002 and 2010.Film-maker Guy Ritchie, actor Sacha Baron Cohen and Ant and Dec also did so.All were advised that their millions would be boosting Britain’s film industry in a tax-efficient way.Ingenious did fund 60 movies, including Avatar and Life of Pi , but was also found by HMRC to have run tax-avoidance schemes.More than 400 investors ultimately found themselves embroiled in a £434million tax avoidance dispute.And following a tax tribunal ruling, HMRC demanded that investors with Ingenious repaid them.None of those involved was guilty of any wrongdoing.Many of the stars ultimately settled financially with HMRC, while others took legal action against advisers.Southgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out. 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