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      ‘How was I surviving?’ – Devin Haney grimaces at thought of his old weight cuts after moving up to fight Jose Ramirez

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      DEVIN HANEY is a happier and healthier fighter after ditching dangerous weight cuts to fight safely up in weight.Haney held undisputed world titles at the 135lb lightweight division – somehow shrinking down to 9st 9lb to do so.Devin Haney has put his lightweight days behind himCredit: AFP – GettyHaney even questioned how he made the weightHe is now fighting up in weightCredit: X @RealdevinhaneyAnd going up to 140lb to win the WBC super-lightweight belt at 10st was no less gruelling for the shredded American star. But now Haney, 26, is working his way up the divisions and returns on Friday night in a 144lb catchweight clash against Jose Ramirez.Grimacing at the thought of his old weight cuts, he told SunSport: “I was talking to my nutritionist, my team, and just wondering like, ‘How was I even making that weight? How was I surviving, fighting under those conditions?'”But, you know, Allah’s the perfect planner, everything happens for a reason. READ MORE IN BOXING”It put me in this position that I’m in now, so now I appreciate it so much more and feel so much better, mentally, physically, everything.”Haney is finally able to train on a full stomach, not sacrificing vital calories to squeeze himself down in weight.And no longer starving, a healthy fighter seems a happy fighter. Haney, back after 12 months out, said with a chuckle: “Everybody on my team is happy.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Everybody’s seeing how much better I look, how much I’m glowing, how everything is just so much better like this.”And I was much more disciplined coming into this camp as well with the year-long layoff, I was able to focus more and coming to this camp, prepared to have a good pre-camp.Devin Haney’s new motivation in career after birth of his daughter ahead of boxing return”So, it all played a role and on May 2nd, my performance will show.”Haney has not returned since his controversial fight with Ryan Garcia, also 26, in April 2024.He was dropped three times before losing a decision – only for the result to be overturned after Garcia failed a drug test.Haney took a break from boxing – welcoming his baby daughter in January – while also relocating his training camp. The multimillionaire has traded the sweltering Las Vegas heat for Big Bear’s gruelling altitude in California – devoid of any unwelcome distractions. Haney said: “All I was doing was eat, sleep and praying, and training, that was it.”That was the only thing that I was to do. I was watching a little TV but not like that. I was really just resting when I wasn’t training.”How was I even making that weight? How was I surviving, fighting under those conditions?Devin Haney Garcia tested positive for ostarine – a banned substance known to boost muscle growth – and accepted a one-year ban.It followed after tests taken on the day of and 24 hours before the fight – which was changed to a no-contest.Garcia had returned clean VADA tests during the build-up to the bout, and put the positive ostarine result down to contaminated supplements.A massive rematch between the former amateur rivals is planned for this winter and already looming large.But first, Haney faces Ramirez, 32, and Garcia fights Rolando Romero, 29, in a stunning three-bout card at Times Square on Friday.And while Haney technically had his unbeaten record restored – the beatdown against Garcia lives long in the memory for fans.Questions over Haney’s confidence have been asked – and they will be answered in the ring. He said: “That’s for the world to see. Read More on The Sun”The world is supposed to tune in and see on May 2nd and they’re gonna see that I’m a far better version from what I was before and I’d like to show that on May 2nd.”Watch the full episode of The Sun’s Split Decision featuring exclusive interviews with Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.Ryan Garcia had his win over Haney overturned due to a failed drug testCredit: GETTYHaney returns against Jose RamirezCredit: GettyGarcia faces Rolando Romero with a rematch against Haney due to followCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Xavi new favourite to replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham tipped to make stunning swoop for ex-Barcelona manager

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      BARCELONA legend Xavi is the new favourite to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham should he leave at the end of this season. Postecoglou, 59, has spoken of feeling like he is in “parallel worlds” as Spurs simultaneously sit 16th in the Premier League whilst also being in the final four of the Europa League.Barcelona legend Xavi is the new favourite to take over from Ange PostecoglouCredit: GettyPostecoglou could be relying on Europa League glory to save his jobCredit: RexBut, despite the prospect of European glory, their terrible form domestically has caused many Spurs fans to call for him to be sacked.Postecoglou’s side face Bodo/Glimt in their semi-final first leg tonight and have the chance to win a first trophy since the League Cup in 2008.With the prospect of a ‘back door’ route into the Champions League, this competition is a lifeline for Postecoglou to save his job.However, it would not be a surprise if he were to leave anyway come the end of this season after a tumultuous campaign.Read more footballThere are a substantial list of potential suitors if Postecoglou gets the boot including Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola (6/1) and Fulham’s Marco Silva (6/1) who have both enjoyed successful seasons.Brentford manager Thomas Frank is also short in the market at 5/1 after yet another impressive season in west London. But the former Barcelona boss Xavi, 45,  has had his odds slashed with BetVictor into 2/1 from 33/1 to be appointed.Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is second favourite at 11/4 to return to the club after being sacked in 2019, the season after he took Spurs to a Champions League final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Pochettino only took over the USA national team last year and will be hoping to lead them into a home World Cup next summer.Xavi won four Champions League titles and eight La Liga crowns as a player with Barcelona and returned to the club as a manager in 2021. Tottenham fans fume at Spurs flops as Ange Postecoglou ‘stays out firing line’ after GOADING them during loss at ChelseaMauricio Pochettino is currently in charge of the USA national team but could be tempted by a returnCredit: ReutersAfter retiring as a player in 2019, Xavi managed Al Saad in the Qatar Stars League before his move back to his boyhood club.He guided Barcelona to a league title in 2022-23, but was sacked by the Catalan giants in 2023 following a disappointing run of results.  More

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      Premier League cult hero, 35, scores last gasp winner in wild seventh tier play-off clash with FOUR stoppage time goals

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      PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Charlie Austin scored a last gasp winner to send his seventh tier side into a promotion play-off final.AFC Totton beat Dorchester Town 4-3 in the semi-final of the Southern League Premier play-offs – but only after some incredible theatrics.Premier League cult hero Charlie Austin booked his non-league side a place in a seventh tier play-off finalCredit: Ben Sayers / Sayers Sports PhotographyAustin scored a last-second winner for AFC TottonOne of the most insane non-league football matches of all time saw FOUR goals scored in stoppage time.Austin’s side were trailing 2-0 in the final minute of normal time and were set to end their season there and then at home.But it was somehow 3-3 by the time the referee’s full-time whistle was blown in the 12th minute of injury time.Former Luton Town striker Scott Rendell, 38, scored from the spot to make it 2-1 in the 90th minute.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTotton’s Tony Lee hit goals in the seventh and 10th minute of added time to lead 3-2.But Dorchester’s Jack Dickson levelled the scores straight away to ensure extra-time.But with penalties looming, former Premier League star Austin stepped up to poke home from close range in the 119th minute.One fan wrote on X: “This was the best end to a game I’ve ever seen live!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAustin was still playing professional football last season for Swindon Town before joining the seventh tier Southampton side in July 2024.The 35-year-old is now at the 15th club of his career, having started in non-league before rising to the glittering heights of the Prem.Charlie Austin goes on furious rant about officials after Southampton’s draw with Watford Austin made 111 top-flight appearances across spells at Queens Park Rangers and Southampton.After scoring 18 goals in his debut Prem campaign with QPR, Austin was called up to the England national team by Roy Hodgson in 2015.He teamed up with former Southampton striker at AFC Totton – James Beattie, who is the club’s Director of Football.It is the second straight season that AFC Totton have reached the final, after they were beaten by Salisbury in May 2024.They will take on Gloucester City, who eliminated Walton & Hersham via penalties after a 2-2 draw in their semi final, on Wednesday. More

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      Oleksandr Usyk doesn’t fear Daniel Dubois after he was knocked out by HORSE that left ‘hole in head and lots of blood’

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      OLEKSANDR USYK is not the least bit worried about Daniel Dubois’ devastating horsepower after surviving a knockout blow from a stallion!Ukraine’s 38-year-old WBC, WBO and WBA heavyweight king climbed off the canvas to beat the Brit in Poland back in 2023 — after being thumped in the crown jewels.Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk sat down with SunSportCredit: The SunUsyk revealed that he was kicked in the head by a horseCredit: The SunLondoner Dubois is now the IBF champ following his sensational September shellacking of Anthony Joshua and has the undisputed rematch at Wembley for July 19.The giant pair visited SunSport HQ to film an intense interview.Usyk revealed his freakish resilience — which has helped him beat Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora, Joshua twice and Tyson Fury twice — was first called upon when he was smashed unconscious and lay bleeding after being kicked by a nag.“This silver hair is a power,” the undefeated London 2012 heavyweight golden boy and former undisputed cruiserweight told us after we joked about a few grey hairs appearing around his crown.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe 6ft 3in Usyk claimed: “It’s not possible for me to be too old.“When I was young, a horse punched me in the head, BAM! The horse had zero fights, zero wins and one knockout.“When I opened my eyes I asked, ‘Am I alive?’ and everybody celebrated that I had survived.“They put me on the back of the horse cart and took me home, where they told my parents I had a little problem.Most read in BoxingUsyk was left with a hole in his head after being kicked by a horseCredit: Instagram / @usykaaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“The problem was a hole in my head and lots of blood.“But — after one month — I was back in the field and looking for the horse. I found him and grabbed him by the neck, jumped on and rode him for about 10 kilometres. No problem.”How Eubank Sr’s stunning return helped secure son’s victory | Split Decision | Knockout AnalysisBut 27-year-old Dubois disagreed and said we are looking at a “silver-haired pensioner”.Usyk tragically missed saying goodbye to his dad, Anatoly, on his deathbed because of a delay in getting back home following his Olympic win here 13 years ago.The southpaw has given touching interviews about his dad’s influence even from beyond the grave, with visits in dreams before his big fights.When I was young, a horse punched me in the head, BAM! The horse had zero fights, zero wins and one knockout.Oleksandr UsykMum Nadya has remained out of the spotlight but she has given her boy some specific advice for the Dynamite Dubois rerun.Usyk added: “My mother told me to be careful in training and in the ring.“She told me not to get punched and to have a big groin protector.”Despite shoving the Ukrainian on Wembley’s hallowed turf on Monday, 6ft 5in Dubois paid a perfect tribute to his rival over the work he has done for his war-torn country.Daniel Dubois has said he needs to be ‘the king’ in the ringCredit: The SunUsyk defeated Dubois when they faced off in 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunBut he admits it is pointless trying to outthink the master of mind games who drove Gypsy King Fury into retirement.Dubois said: “He is a hero to his people and I commend him for that.“But once we are in the ring, I need to be the king. I need to take his belts and become undisputed.Boxing is like a drug, big sport is like a drug. And I am a boxing narco man.Oleksandr Usyk“I am battle-hardened now, I am totally different to the fighter who lost our first fight.“I am not going to try to get into his head — I am just going to punch him.”Read More on The SunBut Usyk sees himself as the fight game’s answer to former Colombian drug lord and billionaire criminal mastermind Pablo Escobar — untouchable at the top.He said: “Boxing is like a drug, big sport is like a drug. And I am a boxing narco man.”Usyk found Tyson Fury was his toughest opponent More

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      Teofimo Lopez ready to follow in his dad’s footsteps by one day training his son… despite their ‘rough’ experiences

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      TEOFIMO LOPEZ is ready to one day coach his son to become a boxer – despite the sport taking a toll on the relationship with his own dad. Lopez has been coached by his father Teofimo Sr throughout his amateur and professional career.Teofimo Lopez with his dadCredit: GettyTeofimo Sr has always coached his boyLopez and his son JuniorAnd while the two are inseparable, boxing has caused the lines to be blurred between father and son and trainer and fighter. But even so, if Lopez’s three-year-old son Junior wanted to enter the family business, the world champion could not bare pass his boy over. He told SunSport: “I would train my son and I would coach him.”I think that he’ll be in the best hands with me. I’ll definitely be there watching him, step by step. READ MORE IN BOXING”I’ll definitely have other trainers or other mentors that have paved the way for myself to watch him as well, to make sure that my son is in the great hands along the journey of boxing because this road is rugged, it’s rough.”Many bumps and you gotta be a strong, you gotta be strong willed, to be able to conquer all of them.”Lopez will be the first to admit his volatile dad is often a coach first and father second – with boxing always coming first. He said: “Boxing all the time. I mean, it’s not too hard though.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It’s good to sometimes feel like you have many more things outside of boxing but everything always involves in boxing. “This is what I know, this is my world and I love it. And I think that was the thing about my whole situation was the key of trying to find out what was my purpose what is it that I need to do?”Why Devin Haney was ‘smiling ear to ear’ and Teofimo Lopez ‘loved’ Chris Eubank Jr’s emotional reunion with his dadLopez, 27, returns on Friday night in a historic three-fight card staged in New York’s famous Times Square. He defends his WBO super-lightweight title against rival Arnold Barboza Jr, 33, amid inconsistent performances in the ring. Lopez has excellent wins over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor – but escaped with controversial decisions against Jamaine Ortiz and Sandor Martin.Also in action on the night is Ryan Garcia against Rolando Romero and Devin Haney returning to face Jose Ramirez. Lopez especially has history with Garcia, Haney, both 26, and Romero, 29, dating back to their days boxing in amateur competitions. He said: “We all know each other from like the amateurs. That’s what it feels like right now.Read More on The Sun”It feels like we’re in a national tournament. Only thing is that the stage got bigger. “The people know us a bit more and what else can I say? It’s a historic event. But other than that, it’s, no pressure, no rivalry, just entertainment.” Lopez returns to fight Arnold Barboza JrCredit: GettyDevin Haney fights Jose RamirezCredit: GettyRyan Garcia headlines against Rolando RomeroCredit: Rex More

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      Marcus Rashford refuses to give up on playing again this season as Man Utd loanee jets to Dubai for rehab programme

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has flown to Dubai in a desperate bid to rescue his season.The Manchester United ace, currently on loan at Aston Villa, is battling back from a hamstring injury that threatens to rule him out for the rest of the campaign.Marcus Rashford has rediscovered his form since moving to VillaCredit: RexThe forward will make a decision on his Man United future in the summerCredit: GettyThere have been reports that he will not play again this season but SunSport understands that Rashford is not giving in at the moment.The 27-year-old has kickstarted a warm-weather rehabilitation programme in the Middle East to speed up his recovery.Sources say he’s targeting a shock return before Villa’s season ends, even if the odds are slim he wants to keep the momentum he’s had since his move to Villa Park.There is still three weeks of the season left with Villa fighting to secure European football next season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe man who scored on his Manchester United debut against Arsenal in 2016 has got his eyes firmly set on pulling on the Three Lions shirt again, with England facing Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7, followed by a Wembley clash with Senegal.After falling out of favour under Gareth Southgate, Rashford was thrown straight back into the mix by new boss Thomas Tuchel, starting both of his first two games in charge.Now he’s determined to prove he’s ready to roar again for club and country.Rashford’s future is still up in the air with reports that he could even take a pay cut to move abroad, with Barcelona and AC Milan recently linked.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe has enjoyed his time at Villa Park with four goals and five assists in the 17 games he’s been involved in under Unai Emery.Premier League club announce plans to expand stadium with new stand and concert venue boosting capacity to over 50,000Villa themselves have been reportedly impressed with his attitude and application but again he will have to take a pay cut to stay there.Rashford is currently earning £350,000-a-week and that would be a stumbling block for most clubs. However the England international wants to enjoy his football again and that could be key in his next decision.Emery will be hoping Rashford can get himself fit againCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Absolute cinema’ – Kate Abdo dubbed ‘real talent’ after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interview

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      FANS have praised Kate Abdo for her incredible Spanish skills during an interview with Lamine Yamal.The 17-year-old scored and put in a stunning performance as Barcelona were held 3-3 by Inter Milan in a thrilling Champions League first leg semi-final last night.Kate Abdo stunned viewers with her brilliant Spanish translationCredit: @CBSSportsGolazoThierry Henry asked the questions as Abdo converted the chat to EnglishCredit: @CBSSportsGolazoLamine Yamal was the star of the show in the thrilling first leg semi-final tieCredit: AlamyAfter the game, wonderkid Yamal joined the CBS Sports studio via video link from the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.Presenter Abdo asked Yamal if he could speak English, but he replied just Spanish.She therefore handed the questioning over to Thierry Henry, who is fluent in the language having spent three years at Barca as a player.Abdo took the role as translator and she perfectly relayed what Yamal and Henry were saying for five minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans were left stunned by the hidden talent, with one saying: “Abdo is a legend for this. So hard to translate when you were not expecting it. Well done.”Another added: “Real talent, absolute cinema.”A third said: “Henry can speak three languages fluently? French, English and Spanish? Wow!”Jamie Carragher had a go at Spanish and said to Yamal “enhorabuena”, which means congratulations.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe winger began to giggle before replying in English: “Thank you.”Co-pundit Micah Richards then claimed that he would consider dying his hair blonde like Yamal if he fires Barca to Champions League glory this season.’The girls don’t like it’ – Kate Abdo tells Micah Richards off on live TV for using WRONG toilets at CBS studiosOn CBS’ banter-filled show last night, Abdo gave Richards a telling off live on air for his use of the women’s toilets.She said: “The ladies of the building would like me to request that you kindly stop using the ladies’ toilets. I saw you sneaking in there before.”There were gasps from his colleagues as Richards hit back: “Oh did you? Because the mens’ were occupied. Let’s not turn this into something it’s not Jamie.”You know why, because the boys’ ones are disgusting.”Meanwhile, SunSport has looked behind the staggering stats that show Yamal is already miles ahead of two of the game’s greats. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi knocked out of Champions Leagues on SAME DAY as fans say ‘the end is near’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Lionel Messi were both knocked out of their Champions League semi-finals on the SAME DAY.Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr were dumped out of the AFC Champions League after losing 3-2 to Japan J-League side Kawasaki.Lionel Messi crashed out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final with Inter MiamiCristiano Ronaldo came close to tears as Al-Nassr crashed out of the AFC Champions LeagueAnd just hours later, Messi’s Inter Miami were hammered 5-1 in their Concacaf last-four clash with the Vancouver Whitecaps.Al-Nassr boasted a team packed with top talent including ex-Liverpool star Sadio Mane and former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.But despite having 21 shots and 75 per cent possession, Ronaldo, 40, failed to convert a shot from five yards in the final moments.Mane’s deflected strike made it 1-1 in the 28th minute after Tatsuya Ito’s 10th-minute opener for the Japanese minnows.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSYuto Ozeki and Akihiro Ienaga made it 3-1, before Aiman Yahya set up a grandstand finish as Al-Nassr pushed for an equaliser.But Uefa Champions League record goalscorer Ronaldo looked on the verge of tears at full-time after Kawasaki stood firm to set up a final against Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.And fans argued “the end is near” when Messi’s MLS side crashed out a few hours later.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInter Miami, trailing 2-0 from the first leg, were beaten 3-1 at home by the Canadian Whitecaps, who will face Mexican opposition in the final with Cruz Azul and Tigres in the other semi-final, which is finely poised at 1-1 after the first leg.Most read in FootballMessi failed to make an impact, with the GOAT’s former Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba grabbing the only goal for his side.Prince William picks Messi vs Ronaldo winner and gives David Beckham a huge boost | Big Shot BattleAnd fans were distraught after seeing arguably the two greatest footballers off all-time suffer in this way.One said: “Our childhood is coming to an end 😔.”A second added: “Messi out. Ronaldo out. Their football era is really ending 💔.”A third replied: “Thank you for everything Ronaldo and Messi. But this is just sad to see.”One more wrote: “My kids didn’t witness the Ronaldo and Messi era but they will witness Lamine Yamal’s magic.”Yamal produced a performance for the ages as he broke a pair of records in Barcelona’s 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the first leg of their semi-final.The winger’s outrageous solo goal after 24 minutes made him the youngest player to score in a Champions League semi-final.The 17-year-old also became the youngest player to reach 100 Barca appearances. And to make matters worse one of Ronaldo’s Champions League records is now in jeopardy. Raphinha needs just two more goal contributions to beat Ronaldo’s record of 21 in a single campaign.Read More on The SunThe Barcelona star grabbed his 20th contribution when he assisted Ferran Torres in the LaLiga side’s 3-3 draw with Inter.That bettered Messi’s most productive season when the Argentine provided 19 contributions in 2011/12. More