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      Europa League LIVE RESULTS: Man Utd, Tottenham and Rangers all secure spots in last-16 after frantic league phase finale

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      THE Europa League league phase has concluded after a thrilling finale.Manchester United finished 3rd in the table and automatically progressed to the last-16 following a 2-0 win away at FCSB.Tottenham also finished the league phase in the top eight after a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Elfsborg.Rangers claimed 8th spot by the skin of their teeth on goal difference and are the final team to automatically progress to the last 16.TV channel: TNT Sports (various)Live stream: discovery+CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Ruben still keeping it realSpeaking with BT Sports after the match, the Red Devils’ manager gave his view on his team’s performance tonight:I think we control very well the game. We had a lot of possession but the opponents is not the same as the Premier League. We had a lot of time to think. The lads did a good job, clean sheet again and we created some chances. We have to score more goals. We made them chase the ball a lot in the first-half. In the second-half the opponent got tired and it was easier for the players who came on.Ruben AmorimMan UtdCopy linkCopiedRangers ensure Scottish journey continuesThere was only an outside chance of Rangers finishing in the top eight this evening, needing other results to go their way.Clement made sure his side were focussed on getting their job done by beating Union SG this evening.The visitors caused them a lot of problems but they dug deep and saw the game out to grab all three points.Add to that, they got their rewards as they sneaked into the automatic qualification places to ensure there is no two-legged playoff to deal with.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedCaptain’s delightRangers skipper James Tavernier revealed he had no idea his side were in eighth spot until after the full time whistle.But he’s delighted they did sneak in and reckons taking time off when others have play off games will suit them.He told TNT Sports: “We conceded a goal which we know as a team we should do a lot better. It made it closer. Delighted for the team and we sneaked into the top eight. We didn’t have a clue until the end.”I’m happy to play a part for the team wherever I’m asked by the manager I’ve still got the legs to go up and down the right wing.”You want to compete against the best, European football is getting harder and harder each year and you want to test yourself.”We’ll take the weeks off, we can work hard on the training ground and properly train now. Delighted we can save those couple of weeks.”Copy linkCopiedBoss reserved in victory as progress securedSpeaking with BT Sport after the game, the Spurs manager gave his views on the performance and answered whether they would be active in the remainder of the transfer window:Yeh am really pleased. The objective was to try and win today and secure our top eight spot. It took a while to get our goal but yeh a good victory. We shouldn’t lose sight that we had a couple of 18-year-olds out there which is good for the club. We have a big week coming up so it was all about managing the players. People at the club are working hard to see if we can do some business.Ange PostecoglouTottenhamCopy linkCopiedAnge-l delight in North LondonFor the majority of the game this evening, it was all more of the same from Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs.They dominated the game from start to finish, with 81% possession and 21 shots during the course of the game.It took until the 70th minute for them to break the deadlock but once they did, the visitors looked dead on their feet.Goals from Scarlett, Ajayi and Moore gave the fans something to celebrate as they book their place in the last 16.However, the one blot on the landscape was the injury to Dragusin.There may be a sign outside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tomorrow……..defenders required, apply within.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedRed Devils get job done on the roadMan Utd made it back-to-back wins in all competitions as they ran out two-nil winners in Romania.Goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo saw them secure their place in the top eight.Some positive vibes for the long-suffering fans with this competition offering their only realistic chance of securing Champions League football next season.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPotential opponents – CONFIRMEDSo, what does that mean for the British sides moving into tomorrow’s draw?Well none of the three have to contend with the play-off round, so that’s a huge weight lifted off those three sides.And they’re all seeded in the round of 16, meaning second legs at home.Manchester United and Tottenham finish the league phase in 3rd and 4th so have the same four potential opponents in the round of 16.Man Utd potential opponents: Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ, MidtjyllandTottenham potential opponents: Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ, MidtjyllandRangers potential opponents: Bodo/Glimt, Anderlecht, Twente, FenerbahceCopy linkCopiedFT from Craig Mahood watching Rangers vs Union SGWow, wow, wow. Ibrox has seen some incredible nights and sensational atmospheres on Thursdays in Europe.This right now is right up there with them. How on earth have they snatched the eighth spot??The fans didn’t know about it for quite some time and it was in jeopardy with one more goal conceded here or one other in two of the other games going on potentially ruining it.But Gers did their bit and the noise continued to erupt after the full time whistle as news filtered through.A quite stunning achievement from Philippe Clement and his side given where they started the night and now they avoid those dreaded play off spots!Copy linkCopiedPerfect night for British sidesAll three British teams have secured places in the top eight in the Europa League final table.Rangers had a nervy end to the game as Union SG wasted a number of really good chances to get something out of the game and steal their automatic qualification spot.Man Utd had a comfortable 2-0 victory against FCSB to add some positivity to their gloomy season.Tottenham ran out 3-0 winners against Elfsborg with their youngsters digging them out of a hole in North London.Copy linkCopiedFull time from Dan King at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumSpurs fans caught up in the train delays had plenty of time to Google some of the players on their bench. But they all know who Oyindamola Ajayi is now. In a season where Tottenham have had to ask boys to do men’s jobs. Ajayi, 19, came off the bench and scored on his senior debut to put this game beyond doubt. And the one-two he played was with Dane Scarlett, scorer of the crucial first goal after coming on for latest injury victim Radu Dragusin. Scarlett, 20, was recalled from loan at Oxford because of a lack of game time. He scored within four minutes of his introduction here. Tottenham ended the game with four teenagers on the pitch, and one of them Mikey Moore made it 3-0 deep in stoppage time. There’s plenty still to play for in the cups for Spurs this season and whatever happens, the kids are all right. Copy linkCopiedFT: Midtjylland 2-2 FenerbahceA late goal from Byskov salvages a draw for the hosts.Jose Mourinho’s side have just about managed to hold onto 24th spot, the last play-off place as a result.That may have kept the ‘not so special one’ in a job.He looks overjoyed as that reality sinks in.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTottenham 3-0 Elfsborg90+4. We have seen two rare occurances in North London.Firstly Moore scores his first senior goal for the club.Then the camera pans onto, wait for it, Postecoglou smiling on the touchline.His face will be aching tomorrow, it has been a while since he has had reason to pull one of those out of the bag.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Mikey Moore (Tottenham)Copy linkCopiedRangers 2-1 Union SG90+2. Wow, it is anxiety central at Ibrox right now.The visitors get a ball into the box and it drops to Rodriguez who puts it over the bar from six yards out.Had that gone in, Union SG would have replaced Rangers in the top eight.Copy linkCopiedBy the way..Kevin Mac Allister is 100% a Scottish name. I’m not having him being Argentinian.Kevin McAllister (close) played for Falkirk, Chelsea, Hibernian, and Albion Rovers in the 1990s, including playing for the Bairns in their Scottish Cup final defeat to Kilmarnock.Knowledge.Copy linkCopiedAnderlecht 3-4 Hoffenheim90+1. What a game this one is.The Belgian side came into this hoping to secure a top eight spot and that has not gone according to plan.However, they have just scored a late goal hoping to still get something out of this match.Copy linkCopiedSame opponents?In third and fourth as things stand, Manchester United and Tottenham will currently have the same four potential opponents.As it stands they are; Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Porto, Union SG.Copy linkCopiedRangers 2-1 Union SG85. Nervy times at Ibrox as the visitors pull one back.As a cross is swung into the box, Kevin Mac Allister is left home alone in the middle to head home.He is the older brother of Liverpool midfielder Alexis who is probably in ann airport departure lounge somewhere wondering where he is.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 2-0 Elfsborg87. Tottenham defend their one goal lead in the only way how they know, score a second goal.Another youngster is on the scoresheet as Ajayi finds the back of the net.That will put some minds at rest in North London.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Damola Ajayi (Tottenham)Copy linkCopiedTottenham 1-0 Elfsborg84. As this result stands, it is job done for Spurs.The big question is, do they even have it in their locker to just shut up shop and manage this game.It is not the Tottenham vibe really, so we can expect everyone charging forward with no care for defending whatsoever.Copy linkCopiedRangers 2-0 Union SG77. It is nice to see the Rangers fans living their best life and not paying attention to their mobile phones.The downside to that is they are oblivious to the fact they have now moved into the top eight on goal difference.That is all down to Nice equalising against Bodo/Glimt.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedWell, well, wellAs things stand, Rangers are INTO the top eight!It would be quite incredible if all three British sides were to reach that top eight. United are 3rd, Spurs 4th and Rangers into 8th. Remarkable.Potential opponentsMan Utd: Ro16 – Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Porto, Union SGTottenham: Ro16 – Anderlecht, Ajax, AZ, PAOKRangers: Ro16 – Bodo/Glimt, FCSB, Midtjylland, ElfsborgCopy linkCopiedOlympiakos 2-0 Qarabag77. A brace from El Kaabi has put the Greek side in complete control of this one.More importantly, with other results this evening, they move into the top eight as well.They fully deserve the win here this evening, had this match been a boxing bout, someone from the Qarabag bench would have thrown the towel in by now.Copy linkCopiedLatest scores from around EuropeAjax 2-0 GalatasarayAnderlecht 1-4 HoffenheimAthletic Bilbao 2-1 Viktoria PlzenBraga 1-0 LazioDynamo Kiev 0-0 FK RFSFC Twente 0-0 BesiktasFCSB 0-1 Manchester United Ferencvaros 3-0 AZ AlkmaarLyon 1-0 LudogoretsMaccabi Tel Aviv 0-1 PortoMidtjylland 1-2 FenerbahceNice 1-1 Bodo/GlimtOlympiacos 2-0 QarabagRangers 2-0 Union Saint-GilloiseRoma 2-0 Eintracht FrankfurtReal Sociedad 2-0 PAOKSlavia Prague 1-2 MalmoTottenham 1-0 ElfsborgCopy linkCopied More

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      Arsenal are one of Premier League’s LUCKIEST teams this season despite fan complaints as full luck table revealed

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      THE Premier League luck table has been revealed – with Arsenal getting the rub of the green.The title-chasing Gunners have been on the wrong end of a number of decisions so far this season.Arsenal have been one of the more lucky teams in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyManchester United have been at the other end of the able, so far this campaignCredit: APThat includes a now rescinded red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolves last weekend.However, new stats by analysts at OLBG appear to show Mikel Arteta’s side haven’t been as unlucky as they think in the Premier League.A mix of minimal defensive errors and moderate VAR outcomes see Arsenal third in the table.They’ve not conceded an error leading to a goal all season, and score a number of them.READ MORE ON ARSENALHowever, they have had seven injuries this campaign, to key players such as Bukayo Saka.Meanwhile, Manchester United and Chelsea are having very little when it comes to luck.They’ve had a mixture of injuries, VAR decision against them, and a staggering NINE errors leading to goals.Ruben Amorim’s side haven’t had VAR on their side much, and struggled to bag late on.Most read in FootballMeanwhile, Chelsea are in the same boat, with five decisions for and against through VAR.They’ve also had the same amount of injuries and late goals scored.The Blues have conceded eight times between the 81-90 minute in the Premier League, as well.The table – which is solely based off stats – shows Newcastle are the luckiest side ahead of Gameweek 24.Southampton, who are bottom of the real Prem, are the unluckiest, with 17 goals against them from errors.The Saints have also had a tough time stopping late goals, with 11 against them in the final ten.How the Premier League luck table worksErrors Leading to Goals – 20%Goals Conceded (81-90 min) – 20%Number of Injuries – 10%VAR Against – 20%VAR For – 20%Goals Scored (81-90 min) – 10%Ipswich and Everton are also around the bottom, struggling with a high amount of mistakes.Each team has been given a luck score out of 100 for the unique insight into the 2024-25 campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The Luck Index offers a fascinating perspective on how external factors, beyond skill and strategy, can influence the Premier League,” said Jake Aston, Sports Betting Expert at OLBG.”It’s a unique way to analyse the unpredictable elements of football.” More

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      Man Utd ratings: Kobbie Mainoo shines in new role vs FCSB while poor Tyrell Malacia gets hooked at half time

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      KOBBIE MAINOO ran the show as Manchester United marched on in the Europa League in Romania.The Red Devils went into the game looking to guarantee their spot in the top eight of the league phase.Kobbie Mainoo was the best of the bunch in RomaniaCredit: APTyrell Malacia left much to be desired in his 45 minutes of actionCredit: RexMainoo, 19, partnered with fellow academy product Toby Collyer. from the start.He was allowed more freedom in a new role, which saw him further up the pitch to support the likes of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.The midfielder set up Diogo Dalot for the opening goal with a brilliant low cross.It then got even better for Mainoo as he netted the second with a cool finish to wrap up the result.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, it was another game to forget for Tyrell Malacia, as he was hooked at half-time after struggling to make an impact.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has given his ratings of the United players…Altay Bayindir – 6He was often a bystander during the game despite the hosts often getting up the pitch.Did show that he needs to work on his ball control with his feet with a few sloppy clearances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNoussair Mazraoui – 7Battled well at times as he took up the third centre-back role.Did very little wrong throughout the match.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd are a better team with Marcus Rashford but he has to change Matthijs de Ligt – 7Solid showing from the Dutchman in Romania who provided the muscle in the backline.Lisandro Martinez 70′ – 6Did well to help out in defence and keep the ball moving forward.Although, he should never have been allowed to take a decent free-kick opportunity in the first half that he blazed over.Diogo Dalot – 7Diogo Dalot grabbed the opening goalCredit: GettyOut on the wing, Dalot struggled to have a good impact on the game and was caught out on occasion when needing to defend.But proved crucial as he netted the opening goal with a tap in after making a good run at the back post. Toby Collyer 45′ – 6Made up one-half of Man United’s academy midfield duo and looked composed throughout the clash.He did not let the occasion get to him, as he showed plenty of strength when required.Harshly hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 8Kobbie Mainoo set up the opener and then scored himselfCredit: APExcelled in a slightly more advanced role to Collyer in the midfielder.Mainoo set up the opener with a cracking low cross to Dalot before scoring himself with a composed finish.Tyrell Malacia 45′ – 5Provided plenty of width in the left-wing-back role and whipped in a couple of decent crosses.Was replaced at the break Christian Eriksen 70′ – 6Forced a decent save inside 20 minutes and linked the play between the midfield and final third.Fell off during the second half and was replaced by Casemiro.Bruno Fernandes – 6Had a couple of moans at the referee in the first half and was largely quiet.Benefitted from the changes at the break as he had more natural attackers to link up with.Rasmus Hojlund 80′ – 5The on-trial striker put in plenty of effort as he was often making runs.Had a decent chance with his head but failed to get enough power on it to trouble the goalkeeper.SubsAmad Diallo 45′ – 6Added a bit more threat on the wing after replacing Malacia.Alejandro Ganracho 45′ – 7Alejandro Garnacho set up Mainoo’s goalCredit: APAlmost made an instant impact as he latched onto a loose ball but his effort hit the wrong side of the post.Picked up an assist with a decent pass to Mainoo.Leny Yoro 70′ – 6Slotted into the backline to help see out the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESCasemiro 70′ – 6Dropped deep into the midfield and gave himself as an option for defenders to pass to do move the ball forward.Joshua Zirkzee 80′ – 5Did not get much of an opportunity to grab a goal. More

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      in Boxing

      Boxing is show business with blood but dreadful ‘cockapoo vs hungry lion’ mismatches will lead to disaster

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      THIS year is just a month old, yet there have already been a couple of dreadful world championship mismatches that could easily have led to dire consequences.A week ago, I watched through my fingers as Naoya Inoue defended his four world super-bantamweight titles in Tokyo.Naoya Inoue demolished Kim Ye-Joon in their world super-bantamweight boutCredit: AFPJai Opetaia defended his IBF cruiserweight crown against a late substitute in QueenslandCredit: GettyThe devastating KO was one of the most brutal you’ll ever seeCredit: AlamyInoue was supposed to have met his mandatory challenger Sam Goldman but the American was twice forced to pull out because of a cut eye.A national hero in Japan, and easily their most famous sportsman, they don’t call Inoue “The Monster” for nothing — he terrorises opponents and flattens them with freakish power for a man who weighs less than nine stone.Many believe, pound for pound, he is an even better fighter than both Terence Crawford and Artur Beterbiev.Inoue had ruthlessly won all but three of his 28 fights by knockout — and his promoters didn’t want to disappoint the 15,000 sell-out crowd or the worldwide TV audience with a cancellation.READ MORE ON BOXINGAnd they managed to find enough money to persuade journeyman Ye Joon Kim, a willing South Korean masochist, to risk life and limb against the undisputed champ.There was no doubt looking at Kim’s fearful expression and body language as he stood in the ring waiting for the opening bell in the Ariake Arena, that he appeared to be terrified.He is more used to fighting men with 15-9 records and must have been wondering how soon an explosion was about to go off in his face.If anyone fancied having a bet on Inoue, he was a 1-35 favourite — Kim had about as much chance of survival as a cockapoo being thrown into a lion’s cage at feeding time.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInoue mercifully didn’t take liberties — he could have seriously hurt Kim but he went through the motions of a sparring session for nine minutes.In the fourth, he decided he’d put on enough of a show for his fans and it was time to finish the farce.Has Tyson Fury really retired after calling it a day for the fourth time?Backing up Kim, he put an end to the miserable affair with a single shot — a perfectly-timed straight right to the chin that left the Korean in a heap.There was a more worrying outcome two weeks before, when Aussie Jai Opetaia defended his IBF cruiserweight crown against a late substitute in Queensland.Opetaia had won 20 of his 26 fights by KO and may be the best of the three cruiserweight world champions.Stepping in with him after just three weeks notice was Kiwi David Nyika — virtually a novice despite having won all his ten fights.Kim had about as much chance of survival as a cockapoo being thrown into a lion’s cage at feeding time.Brave Nyika tried to make a battle of it but Opetaia was too good for him.Nyika, dazed by a combination of head punches, was defenceless when the US referee allowed Opetaia to land a crushing fourth-round left hook to his chin — described by one reporter as possibly the most chilling KO of the year.Nyika lay on the canvas for five minutes as the medics worked feverishly to revive him.Thankfully he recovered and was able to walk unaided to his dressing room but it was a close-run thing.The governing bodies — WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO — must stop collecting sanction fees and appeasing promoters and TV companies by allowing elite fighters being fed totally inadequate opponents. It will only lead to disaster.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoxing is often referred to as show business with blood — and one of theatre’s worthy traditions is that the show must go on, come what may.A concept that should never be applied to the Noble Art. More

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      My champagne lunch date with Derek Chisora turned into a naked chat in scorching sauna as he was whipped with leaves

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      “YOU know I do this s*** BUTT-NAKED, Wally.”That’s what Derek Chisora said to me as he peeled off his trunks and carefully arranged ALL of himself face-down on the massage table.SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr shared a sauna with Derek ChisoraCredit: The SunChisora braves an ice bath, which he uses to aid recovery in trainingCredit: The SunChisora is a regular at the the luxurious bathhouse BanyaCredit: The SunIt was not how I expected a champagne-and-oysters Frank Warren and Chisora media lunch to peak.But when the generous hall-of-fame promoter suffered a diary clash and had to cancel his presence at the event to promote Del Boy’s February 8 clash with Otto Wallin, things took a turn.The trademark meal Warren regularly and generously hosts at Milos’ stunning fish restaurant at No1 Regent Street was canned.But Queensberry’s quick-thinking PR team and 41-year-old Chisora’s manager arranged for a trip to Banya, the luxurious bathhouse and spa in Belgravia.READ MORE IN BOXINGZimbabwe-born millionaire Chisora is a regular at the health club, usually enjoying caviar and dumplings when he is not in training camp for a fight – but always avoiding their potent vodka now he is a teetotal athlete.His explanation for loving the exhilarating experience is simple: “This place is unbelievable, you jump from being in the scorching hot, to the freezing cold.“It keeps the heart attack away, it keeps so many problems away from your body and makes you feel great afterwards.“It keeps me young as well, it helps me keep up with all these young guys.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunSport jokes that he is doing well considering he is 48 and he sticks a giant middle finger up at my face and reminds us age is just a number.“When I come here after a hard session, I come here for an hour and, instead of feeling tired and beat up, I come back the next day totally normal.Derek Chisora unveils plan for shock career change once he’s retired from boxing but plans dream 50TH fight first “I am the guy who controls the heat levels in here. Nobody can beat my record.“I have four guys in there hitting me with the leaves and it gets so hot that everybody else runs out.“When you are fit your body can take more heat, so I know the more heat I can take, the better condition I am in.”Most of the reporters in attendance had never stripped off with the 18st powerhouse, followed him into a pitch-black sauna and been battered with prickly bouquets of birch, oak and eucalyptus leaves, known as veniks, in unbearable heats, while wearing unflattering hats.I have four guys in there hitting me with the leaves and it gets so hot that everybody else runs out.Derek ChisoraI don’t think I would have gone through with the challenge for any other British boxer but – outside of the financial and world title riches Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have brought us – I struggle to think of a fighter who has given more of himself to fight fans.Journalists and fans – even Warren – have been calling for Chisora to retire with his fortune and faculties intact – for almost a decade.Because we know he has suffered 14 punishing losses, done hundreds of thousands of hard sparring rounds and has two beautiful little girls at home who deserve a coherent daddy to grow up with.Chisora beat Joe Joyce in his last fightCredit: GettyHe has refused to retireCredit: PABut the fearless b*****d defies us time and time again with incredible performances and shock wins, most recently over the likes of David Price, Kubrat Pulev and Joe Joyce.The tone of the introduction gave no indication of how the afternoon would later turn.Once we sat down in a private room we were told there was water on the way and a basic round-table interview would take place.Then Del Boy strolled in and stunned us all, in a way that shouldn’t really surprise us anymore.Thanks to our mutual friend, the Daily Mail’s photographer Kevin Quigley, Chisora pointed across the room and congratulated me on a recent charity white collar bout I won for the Valencia Monroe Ward, at the Royal Brompton hospital.He went around the room and greeted everyone in his own very unique way, some got an unpublishable insult delivered with genuine affection and humour, one poor cameraman who had never met Chisora was suddenly having his long ginger hair praised.The complimentary mineral water order, placed before his arrival, was ramped up rapidly too, as Chisora demanded everyone be treated to traditional soup borscht, beef and chicken mince dumplings and an incredible caviar platter.Chisora and David Haye were involved in an infamous press conference brawlCredit: ReutersChisora infamously threw a table at Dillian WhyteCredit: ReutersChisora’s generosity does not only extend to promotional tours to flog his 49th fight.The bad-boy persona he played perfectly at the modest start of his career left a few fans thinking the mask had eaten into his face.The face-off spits and kisses, the table thrown at Dilllian Whyte, the backstage brawl with David Haye, all painted Chisora as a violent maniac.But when you are climbing your way up the amateur and small-hall circuit as an African unknown, while the likes of Fury and David Price are miles ahead of you on the circuit, you need to do something to catch the eye.Nobody as unhinged as Chisora has sometimes appeared to be could be as popular as he is.Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jr loathe each other, Fury and Joshua are in a vicious rivalry and Tony Bellew and Haye were as spiteful as sport can get.Guess who can break bread with all of those guys – as well as all of his former opponents – Del Boy.Derek Chisora’s last ten fights Joe Joyce, points win Gerald Washington, points win Tyson Fury, stoppage loss Kubrat Pulev, points win Joseph Parker, points loss Joseph Parker, points loss Oleksandr Usyk, points loss David Price, stoppage win Artur Szpilka, KO win Senad Gashi, points win Away from the cameras he regularly asks the boxing press pack how the family of much-missed colleague Ron Lewis is coping following his 2023 passing.That is another reason I jumped into the steaming underground unknown with the hulk nicknamed War, I feel like I owe him and every moment spent in his company – nude or otherwise – will be well spent.I also fear that, in ten or twenty years time, Chisora will start showing heartbreaking signs of CTE and dementia and the guilt I will feel at having benefited professionally from covering it all might be slightly softened by lighter memories of time spent together.Another reason Chisora loves the space run by Alex Lazarev, is his passionate hatred for GOLF.“Most men go to play golf,” he pointed out. “I hate golf.“I went to a charity match once and I went to hit my first ball and completely missed it.“I thought ‘f*** this s***’, gave them the kit back and tried to leave. I hate golf, I gave them some money for the charity and left.’He tells me to f*** off’“This is my golf and this is great.”Chisora has spread the gospel too, Oleksandr Usyk visits on his UK trips and Del Boy has grown the gang outside of the hurt business.Every Sunday he is joined in the pits of humidity hell by Lethal Bizzle – the steamed-up superstars call themselves the Skint Gang and challenge each other to hotter heats and colder plunges.Chisora and his pals taking over the private rooms of these palatial rooms – where far daintier Eastern Europeans and uber-rich locals quietly try to rejuvenate – has not scared anyone off.Banya director Lazarev explained to us: “Derek has been coming to The Bath House since we opened in late 2019.“I remember very well receiving a call and someone saying ‘Derek Chisora would like to visit your place’.“Derek likes the relaxed atmosphere and we hope he feels at home here. He is a part of the family now and we are good friends.When I come here after a hard session, I come here for an hour and, instead of feeling tired and beat up, I come back the next day totally normal.Derek Chisora “Banya is not a competitive exercise, but Derek can certainly absorb a lot of heat and is one of the top guys at The Bath House.”When he does our parenie treatment, he typically does four-hands hands parenie which is when two guys as opposed to just one are warming you through at the same time.“I think he values banya and parenie in particular for the recovery it offers.“It’s not about beating or whipping. Aromatic oak and birch leaves are used to move the steam around and warm your body and muscles through fully.“Sitting in the sauna is one thing, but parenie takes it to another level.”And, of course, Chisora takes it to another level when he whips off his last small layer of clothing and tells us to sit at the highest and hottest point while he gets his eight-handed horticultural hammering on his back.Chisora can break bread with boxing’s top stars like Anthony JoshuaCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunFury and Chisora fought three timesOleksandr Usyk also beat FuryCredit: GettyI took a risk and said: “You’ve been coming here for so long now, Del, I thought they would have cut a hole in the middle of that table for you by now.”He tells me to f*** off.There have been – and will be – millions of better British boxers than Derek Chisora.We have had – and are due – more choreographed and mainstream-appeal showmen in the sport.But I am not sure we have had too many better blokes.I hope his 50th fight later this year is his last.READ MORE SUN STORIESI hope little Angelina and Harare get to enjoy their dad as much as I have been lucky enough to, before the ravages of time and such a punishing career take their toll.And I hope he knows how grateful we are to have had him, his blood and brain cells and caviar and body, every last bit of it. More

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      Premier League giants considering ‘bubble wrap’ stadium expansion that would boost capacity by 8,000 seats

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      NEWCASTLE are said to be considering a “bubble wrap” stadium expansion.The Magpies are planning to boost St James’ Park by 8,100 seats.Newcastle could have a stadium with a ‘bubble wrap’ lookCredit: AlamyThe club are considering expanding St James’ ParkCredit: GettyPlans would see the stadium’s capacity jump from to 60,300 seats from 52,000.And Newcastle have now engaged architects to design plans for a redevelopment of the iconic ground.There is also an option of building a new stadium at the nearby Leazes Park, which could boast a capacity of 70,000.The club has met with architects KSS and Ryder with drawings of the two options being produced.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Mail claims that some of the drawings have shown the ground to have a “bubble wrap” design around it.It would, therefore, look similar to Ligue 1 outfit Le Havre’ Stade Oceane.The French ground has a bubble wrap design, which is a striking blue colour.If Newcastle were to remain at St James’ Park it is thought the ground would not drastically change its appearance.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, it would be expected to undergo major work through the 133-year venue.The extra seating would be expected to be incorporated into a redeveloped Gallowgate End.Newcastle to snub new stadium and expand St James’ Park in ‘one of most ambitious rebuilds seen in UK’Plans could increase St James’ Park’s capacity by 8,000Credit: GettyThe report has claimed that a formal announcement over the stadium’s future could be delayed until the end of the season.Newcastle’s chief operating officer, Brad Miller insisted that the aim is to remain at St James’ Park.He said in November: “The first choice is to stay. If we stayed at St. James’, we have 52,000 seats already.”It comes with significantly more money if we transform it and it will look amazing. That’s option one.“Option two is if we were to move away, and not too far away as we aren’t going to stretch the elastic band to the point of breaking.”The second option, we are looking at it seriously as it does have the potential to earn more than twice as much in terms of revenue, compared to a transformation of St. James’ Park. And more seats, a lot more seats potentially.“The brilliant thing about St. James’ is it is an iconic location, the atmosphere and the competitive edge it gives the team on the pitch – and it has 52,000 seats already.“A new stadium doesn’t have that, and we’d have to pay for all those seats again.”But a new stadium has the potential to earn a lot more, both on match days and non-match days.“It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So, everything we are doing, do we invest and transform St James’ as we see it today on site where we are? Or do we take that bold move and think about moving?”The club could also move into a new stadium More

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      in Boxing

      Claressa Shields vs Danielle Perkins: Start time, TV channel and undercard as pair meet with four titles up for grabs

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      CLARESSA SHIELDS looks to add the vacant IBF and WBO belts to her collection as she fights Danielle Perkins.The two will put their unbeaten records on the line as they face off for four titles in Michigan.Claressa Shields beat Savannah Marshall in her last fightCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe defending champion Shields comes into the fight with a 15-0 record in boxing to date, having also tried her hand at MMA, winning three of her fights by KO.Perkins lacks the 15-fight experience of Shields but is still unbeaten heading into the fight.The 42-year-old currently holds a record of 5-0, winning two of her fights by KO.Claressa Shields is putting her WBC and WBF titles on the line against Perkins, while the pair will both be battling for the vacant WBO and IBF titles.Read more BoxingThe fight will main event a ten match card, and is the only title fight of the night, coming live from the Dort Financial Centre in Michigan.When is Claressa Sheilds vs Danielle Perkins?As the fight is in America, it will be an early start for viewers in the UKThe fight card will start on Monday, February 3, live at 12:30am GMT on Monday morning.Claressa Shields and Danielle Perkins are expected to make their ringwalks at approximately 3:50am GMTWhat TV channel is Claressa Shields vs Danielle Perkins on and can it be live streamed?Claressa Shields vs Danielle Perkins, as well as the whole undercard, is available to stream via DAZN.Viewers will have to purchase a DAZN subscription in order to watch the fight.You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £14.99-a-month, which commits you to an entire year of action.A flexible pass, worth £24.99-a-month (minimum three-month contract), is also available, and you can cancel at any time.You can also pay £119.99 for the year upfront, which is the lowest cost option.Full cardClaressa Shields vs Danielle Perkins in a heavyweight bout for the IBF, WBC, WBO and WBF titles.Joshua Pagan vs Ronal Ron in a light welterweight bout.Brandon Moore vs Skylar Lacy in a heavyweight bout.Leon Lawson III vs Chris Thompson in a super middleweight bout.Joseph Hicks Jr. vs Keon Papillion in a light middleweight bout.Caroline Veyre vs Carmen Vargas in a super featherweight bout.Samantha Worthington vs Vaida Masiokaite in a welterweight bout.Pryce Taylor vs Robert Simms in a heavyweight bout.Jaquan McElroy vs Nathan Mitchell in a super middleweight bout.Ashleyann Lozada vs Denise Moran in a featherweight bout.Most read in Boxing More

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      in Motorsport

      Why Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari crash is a good omen for record F1 world title hopes… but not this year

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      LEWIS HAMILTON suffered an unfortunate crash for Ferrari on Wednesday.The 40-year-old, driving in just his second testing session for his new team, lost control of his car in the final part of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.Lewis Hamilton suffered a crash while driving for Ferrari on WednesdayCredit: RexHamilton suffered similar crashes against with Mercedes and McLarenCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnd it may outline when Hamilton could win his next F1 titleCredit: GettyHis car – Ferrari’s 2023 Formula One challenger – is said to have sustained “significant” damage to its suspension and some aerodynamic parts.Fortunately, Hamilton walked away unharmed and with an improved understanding of the hardware he will use throughout the season.However, his crash could actually be an omen for when he will win his next F1 title.The last Briton to win the title at Ferrari was John Surtees in 1964, while no driver has ever won an eighth world title before.READ MORE IN F1Michael Schumacher is the only other driver to match Hamilton’s tally of seven, winning five of his seven titles with the Scuderia between 2000 and 2004.And Hamilton could now be counting the stars towards title number eight following his crash.That is because the Stevenage-born racer has ended up winning the title with each of his two previous teams after crashing in pre-season testing.Hamilton first crashed his car during his rookie season with McLaren in 2007 after losing control and skating across the gravel and into the wall at 186mph during testing in Valencia.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe then repeated this unfortunate event in 2013 after moving to Mercedes as he suffered a brake failure at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain.However, in both cases, Hamilton then went on to win the title in his second season with the team.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia Hamilton picked up his maiden F1 World Driver’s Championship in 2008 after going agonisingly close in 2007, while he also picked up the first of his six titles with the Silver Arrows in 2014.History appears to have repeated itself at his third team with his debut season testing crash happening in Spain.Ferrari finished second in 2024’s Constructor’s Championship, and will consequently have precious extra time testing aerodynamics in their wind-tunnel compared to winners McLaren.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconThat could give the Scuderia a vital edge to winning one of the two titles in 2025.Should the stars align for Hamilton once again, he should land the World Driver’s Championship in 2026, rather than the upcoming season.But that just so happens to be the year new F1 technical regulations hit, with smaller cars and more efficient engines present which could disrupt the playing field.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 2025 season gets underway on March 16 in Melbourne, Australia.Every team will reveal their car liveries at the same time on February 18 at the O2 Arena in London to celebrate F1’s 75th anniversary. More