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      in Boxing

      ‘Come on then, come outside’ – Chris Eubank Jr’s sister’s boyfriend nearly comes to blows with key member of Team Eubank

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      FRANK SMITH was involved in a fierce war of words with a member of Team Eubank at this morning’s weigh-in – despite dating the Brighton fighter’s sister.The Matchroom CEO, who is in a long-term relationship with Chris Eubank Jr’s sister Emily, has been working closely with Conor Benn ahead of this Saturday’s fight.Smith seemed to see the funny side of the bust-upCredit: X formerly Twitter / @MatchroomBoxingMazhar Majeed twice called Smith a ‘pr***’Credit: X formerly Twitter / @MatchroomBoxingFrank Smith has been dating Emily Eubank since 2016Credit: Instagram / franksmithMazhar Majeed, meanwhile, was at the weigh-in as part of Eubank Jr’s team.In footage posted online by Matchroom Boxing, Smith smiled as he said: “Maz, I’m not scared of you.”As Smith turned his back, Majeed appeared to say: “I don’t give a f***. I don’t give a f***. Pr***.”At this point, the Matchroom man appeared to take offence and turned back towards Majeed.READ MORE IN BOXING”Come on! Come outside,” Smith said.Majeed then called Smith a “pr***” again – to which the promoter replied: “Sorry? You keep turning round and saying it! Come outside.”After Majeed said “come on then”, Smith replied: “I’m not going to have a fight with you.”At this point someone else intervened in the war of words, saying: “We need to organise this, Frank off you go.”Most read in BoxingEUBANK JR VS BENN – BETTING TIPS AND LATEST ODDSThe couple will have split loyalties during Saturday night’s main eventCredit: Instagram / franksmithSmith then finally disappeared into another corridor.Despite working closely with Benn, Smith has been in a relationship with Emily Eubank since 2016.Wally Downes Jr reactions as Chris Eubank Jr MISSES weight for Conor Benn fight and set for huge fine ahead of huge showdownAppearing on The George Groves Boxing Club podcast, the Matchroom CEO opened up on the potential awkwardness of the situation.Smith said: “I know the Eubank character from Emily so I know the way they are and I’ve spent a lot of time with Conor since he’s turned pro.”And trying to get the fight over the line was the point where I probably got in the most trouble.”I had to say things I’d say any other time, but obviously my missus is next door listening to me calling me an a**hole.’A BIT TOO CLOSE TO IT'”Sometimes I have to say ‘wait a minute I’ve just got to leave the room’ or be like ‘right, Emily’s in the car so I can’t talk yet.'”This is a fight that obviously means so much because of the history, but for me I’m probably a bit too close to it to be honest.”Eubank Jr went on to miss weight at this morning’s weigh-in.After turning up over an hour late, Next Gen initially scaled at 160.2lbs.The IBO middleweight champion’s second attempt saw him come in at 160.05lbs – agonisingly 0.05lbs over the 160lbs limit.Eubank Jr will now have £375,000 deducted from his purse and sent to rival Benn, per the terms of their agreement.Seeing that his foe had missed weight, the Destroyer posted a short video clip of himself beaming as he said: “Show me the motherf***ing money!”Read More on The SunBenn, unsurprisingly, had no issues at the weigh-in – coming in at 156.4lbs.Fans are now fearing for Eubank after he posted a video showing his gruelling weight loss regime. Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the info More

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      in Boxing

      Fans fear for Chris Eubank Jr’s health as worrying footage of boxer trying to make weight for Conor Benn fight emerges

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      BOXING fans are fearing the worst for Chris Eubank Jr after seeing his gruelling weight cut regime.The IBO middleweight champion will throw down with arch nemesis Conor Benn in a family grudge match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.Chris Eubank Jr looked drained and visibly gaunt before missing weight for his clash with Conor BennCredit: INSTAGRAM@CHRISEUBANKJREubank Jr works out in a sweat suit on exercise bikeCredit: Instagram / chriseubankjrEubank Jr missed weight for the grudge match by 0.05lbsCredit: INSTAGRAM@CHRISEUBANKJRHe also used several towels and thermo sleeping bagCredit: INSTAGRAM@CHRISEUBANKJREubank Jr looked to be in extreme discomfortCredit: INSTAGRAM@CHRISEUBANKJREubank Jr agonisingly missed weight for the contracted 160lbs showdown, coming in at 0.05lbs and then 0.02lbs over the limit.Next Gen, the son of British boxing legend Chris Eubank Sr, will have to pay Benn a whopping £375,000 fine as per the terms of the contract.And he broke his silence on the fine with a series of videos detailing his gruelling attempt to make weight.They showed him wrapped up in insulated sleeping bags and training on an exercise bike while wearing a sweatsuit. READ MORE ON EUBANK JR VS BENNThe clips showed Eubank Jr, 35, covered in sweat from head to toe thanks to the use of several towels, padded sleeping bags and sweat suits.His accompanying caption read: “Pain is temporary… Glory is forever.”Boxing fans were quick to express their concerns after seeing how drained the Hove hitman was, with one saying: “The fact they were trying to boil him down to 157 for the first fight is absurd.”Another said: “Seeing the videos from Jr’s weight cut makes you understand where Sr is coming from about the weight.”Most read in BoxingAnd another said: “Just rehydrate fully now, please don’t dehydrate yourself.”EUBANK JR VS BENN – BETTING TIPS AND LATEST ODDSChris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the infoOne remarked: “[The] fight shouldn’t be on.”Another chimed in: “F**k me, [he] looks dead.. crazy.”Wally Downes Jr reacts as Chris Eubank Jr MISSES weight for Conor Benn fight and set for huge fine A rehydration clause in the contract forbids Eubank Jr from weighing more than 170lbs tomorrow morning.He faces another mammoth fine if he weighs a single ounce over his contracted rehydration weight, with an expected £100,000 hit for every pound they are exceed the limit.Welterweight bruiser Benn, the son of Eubank Sr’s former arch rival Nigel Benn, celebrated pocketing an extra £375,000 thanks to Eubank Jr’s weight miss on social media.He toasted his unexpected windfall by posting a video of the “Show me the money” scene from ‘Jerry Maguire’ to his socials.’The Destroyer’, who scuppered the pair’s first proposed meeting in October 2022 with two failed drug tests, grinned like a Cheshire cat as he said: “Show me the motherf***ing money.” More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘This cannot be real’ – Fans disgusted by ‘soulless’ new F1 track as driver-view video of street circuit revealed

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      F1 FANS have been left disgusted at a new track after it was revealed in a computer-generated video.The organisers of the new Madrid Grand Prix released a simulation of what the new ‘Madring’ circuit would look like after it is finished.Fans have slammed a simulation of the new Madring circuitCredit: xThe simulation did not give the impression of a lot going on outside the circuitCredit: xThe car even struggled to stay on the track at timesCredit: xThe penultimate corner saw the car almost hit the wallCredit: xThe video shows an F1 car driving around the empty track and passing empty stands.Overlooking the track are a few trees and featureless buildings.Even the simulated car endured issues trying to stay on the narrow track at times.In the first chicane, the car struggles to follow the corners and instead cuts both of them and then almost spins out.READ MORE ON F1While in the penultimate corner, the car completely leaves the track after going too wide and almost hitting the wall.The clip was shared on social media, and fans have been left very unenthused by the potential addition to the race calendar.One posted: “It’s terrible, no soul.”A second commented: “Another s**t street circuit.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third wrote: “This isn’t real right guys, tell me this isn’t real.”A fourth said: “This cannot be real surely.Iconic F1 Grand Prix at the Imola circuit has some challenging corners for drivers The track has a 10-year contract to host F1Credit: autosportAnother added: “It’s a brand new track… and there’s still no chance of overtaking. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, street circuits are rubbish.”The track will take an average time of 1.34.4 and has 22 turns throughout.The entire circuit is 3.3 miles long and cars can top out at 186.411mph.Construction is underway, and it is aimed to be completed by May 2026.This could then see the track make its debut in the F1 later that year.The Spanish Grand Prix has been held in Montmelo, Barcelona, for the last 35 years.Read More on The SunThe new track is also very close to the airport and passes right next to Real Madrid’s training facilities.It has a 10-year deal to host F1, ensuring the Madring will remain on the calendar until at least 2035. More

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      in Boxing

      Grinning Conor Benn issues five-word response after Chris Eubank Jr misses weight and is forced to pay him £375,000

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      CONOR BENN has posted a video of himself celebrating Chris Eubank Jr’s failure to make weight.The fierce rivals are set to meet in a controversial 160lbs bout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tomorrow night.Conor Benn celebrates Chris Eubank Jr missing weightCredit: @ConorNigelEubank Jr and Benn have faced off several times in the build-upCredit: GettyEubank Jr, 35, was more than an hour late to the weigh-in, which was due to take place at 11am.The IBO middleweight champion initially scaled at 160.2lbs, before a second attempt saw him weigh in at 160.05lbs.For missing weight by an agonising 0.05lbs, Eubank Jr must now pay Benn a £375,000 fine.The Destroyer was thrilled when he saw the news.READ MORE IN BOXINGIn a short video posted to social media, Benn beamed as he said: “Show me the motherf***ing money!”The money will be deducted from Eubank Jr’s fight purse, per the rules of their agreement.While Eubank Jr missed weight, Benn surprisingly weighed in at 156.4lbs – nearly 4lbs under the middleweight limit.The fight weight has been a major topic of contention going into Saturday’s bout.Most read in BoxingEUBANK JR VS BENN – BETTING TIPS AND LATEST ODDSBenn and Eubank Jr had been set to fight at 157lbs in 2022, lower than the latter has ever fought at before.Eubank and Benn will fight at a middleweight limit of 160lbs – or 11st 6lbs.There is also a hydration clause meaning neither is able to add more than 10lbs in weight between Friday’s weigh-in and Saturday’s fight night.Eubank Jr fought at 159lbs when he took on Kamil Szeremeta in his last fight in October. Benn is jumping up two weights from welterweight having come in at 150lbs for his win over Dobson in February 2024.Chris Eubank Sr has been a vocal critic of the fight, telling SunSport earlier this week that his son was having to “boil himself down to 160lbs”.Wally Downes Jr reactions as Chris Eubank Jr MISSES weight for Conor Benn fight and set for huge fine ahead of huge showdownSitting alongside nephew Harlem, Sr said: “My son probably walks around at around 180lb and he has to boil himself down to 160lb.“People don’t understand what it means for Junior to get down to 160lb, at his age. They don’t understand the drying out.“Junior is now 35 and trying to get down to 160lb and I know what that feels like. I know about the dehydration and the damage it does to fighters.“I am more concerned about that than anything else. I don’t want my son getting down to 160lb. And that is why I have spoken about people trying to murder my boy by boiling him down to 157lb.“Trying to boil my son down to 157lb a few years ago, would have killed him.”Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the infoThe initial 157lbs bout was KO’d due to Benn testing positive for banned substance clomiphene just days out from the fight.Following two bouts overseas, Benn has been able to return to action on home soil after UK Anti-Doping dropped their case against him.At Thursday’s press conference, Eubank Jr played down the importance of weight going into the fight.Next Gen said: “How do I beat Conor Benn? Any way I want to.”It’s not about strength and speed and age and weights. All the things you guys love to talk about.”It’s about dedication, it’s about who’s paid their dues and who’s done it clean. Who’s dedicated their life? Who’s real and who’s fake.”And I believe all those categories are in my favour.”Read More on The SunDue to a rehydration clause, both men will have to weigh in again at 8am tomorrow morning – and must not come in over 170lbs.The clause is unlikely to be an issue for Benn, who as a welterweight usually weighs in at 147lbs.Benn, 28, easily made weight this morningCredit: X formerly Twitter / @ringmagazine More

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      in Boxing

      Chris Eubank Jr’s torment over painful 6-year rift with idol dad… and how legend’s ‘crazy’ demands ‘cost his son £3m’

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      AS Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr face up in the ring tomorrow at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, not even the screaming crowds and bright lights will be able to hide a very conspicuous absence.While Benn will have his dad Nigel backing him up in his corner, Chris Eubank Sr will be nowhere to be seen – despite this fight opening another chapter in a more than three-decade-old Eubank-Benn rivalry.Chris Eubank Jr and his father have been caught up in an ever-deepening rift since 2019Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe legendary boxer has called Saturday’s fight, between his son and Conor Benn, a “disgrace”Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdTheir relationship has been damaged by the passing of Chris Eubank Jr’s brother, Sebastian, in 2021Credit: Instagram @chriseubankjrChris Eubank Sr has branded the fight a “disgrace” and accused his son of “making a mockery” of the family legacy – even calling for his boxing licence to be revoked after the younger Eubank cracked an egg over Benn’s face in a February press conference.But while the build-up to Saturday’s fight has exacerbated the rift, the fallout is nothing new – dating back to 2019.In recent years their fractured relationship has been overshadowed by the tragic death of two members of the family, while promoter Eddie Hearn even claimed Eubank Sr cost his son millions.Ahead of the showdown, 35-year-old Eubank Jr has faced an uphill battle to shed enough weight, with Benn poking fun at the “pain” his rival had been experiencing at a press conference on Thursday.Read More Boxing“What is pain, though?” Eubank Jr hit back.“I have a 31-year old brother who is buried in the desert in Dubai, that is pain. I have a son, three years old, he asks why can’t I see my daddy? Why can’t he take me to school? That is pain.“My own father, a man I idolised for my entire life, and he doesn’t speak to me. We haven’t spoken in years and he thinks I’m a disgrace. “These things are what pain is to me.” Most read in BoxingFor years, Chris Eubank Jr. could count on his dad’s support as he rose up to establish himself as a fighter in his own right. The father and son pair would often be sat side by side at press conferences, with Eubank Sr. helping to coach and manage his son’s career, and providing Eubank Jr. with critical feedback in between rounds.Driven by Rejection, Defined by Greatness | Behind the Gloves: Chris Eubank SnBut this close relationship would eventually come to an end, with a professional – and personal – break-up that left the younger Eubank heartbroken.“We don’t talk, he has shown no interest in my career for a long period of time now. He’s shown no interest in me in a long period of time,” he said in October.“As somebody who’s lost a son, I think that’s a pretty insane thing [for my dad] to be doing, an insane way to be acting – to kind of not be speaking to your remaining kids.”Fighting demonsEubank Jr added that he still wishes his father will have a change of heart and be there the night of the fight.“I would love for him to be involved. The fact that I even have to say that is insane. How is that even a thing?” he says.“His son is gonna fight the son of his arch-nemesis, [from] all those years ago when he was a world champion. How is it a thing that he may not be there?”The build-up to Eubank Jr vs Benn has reheated the rivalry between the boxing familiesCredit: GettyChris Eubank Jr’s dad was constantly by his side as he established himself as a boxerCredit: GettyEubank Jr says their rift began when he chose to forge his own careerCredit: GettyDoubling down on these feelings in March, he told Piers Morgan: “I still hope he’s there on the night, just like [Benn’s] old man will be. I honestly don’t know. I hope and I pray that he is, and I will do things to try and get him there.“He needs to be able to get over whatever demons he’s fighting. Now, this fight is either gonna enable him to get over those demons or unfortunately it’s gonna make those demons grow. I don’t know.”Conor’s father Nigel also urged Eubank Sr to attend, telling the BBC: “I don’t want him having a disagreement with his son.”We all want you there, so we can see each other after the fight and hug each other and say it is all over – so be there my friend.”Eubank Sr. hasn’t been seen in his son’s corner since 2019, and given their recent comments, it doesn’t seem like their relationship will be healing any time soon.By this time, Eubank Jr felt ready to start taking more control over his career – rather than simply becoming another version of his dad. But his father did not take this move well.“My old man was always next to me, and it got to a stage where I decided that I needed to walk my own path. He was not happy with that decision. That’s the start of it,” Eubank Jr told Morgan.I think it’s going to take me being out of boxing for him to come back into my lifeEubank Jr“I had to step out of that cycle because I felt it wasn’t working, and as my own man, I had learned enough and had done enough in the game to do my own thing, to walk my own path and not follow someone else,” he told the Mirror.Tragically, Eubank Jr added that he’d have to ditch his love of boxing to rebuild any relationship with the man who had given him so much.“At this moment in time, he’s having trouble separating the business and the boxing and the coaching from being just my dad.“I think it’s going to take me being out of boxing for him to come back into my life. I hope that’s not the case, but that’s how I see it.”I’m very appreciative of everything he did and everything he taught me throughout my life and my career, but I want to be my own man, and that’s what I’m doing now.”Family painHowever, their gap only widened after a pair of tragic deaths within the family. Much of Eubank Sr’s fury has been directed at the fact that his son is having to shed so much weight, fearing that boiling down to the 160lb needed will risk needless damage – akin to what left Eubank Sr’s own brother paying the ultimate price.Eubank Sr still mourns the death of his brother Simon, who faced a debilitating battle with dementia caused by boxing injuriesCredit: Instagram @harlemeubankThe older Eubank and his nephew Harlem lost Simon in 2023Credit: Louis WoodEubank Jr has had to drastically cut down his weight in order to make the cut for SaturdayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/chriseubankjr/“I don’t want my son getting down to 160lb. And that is why I have spoken about people trying to murder my boy by boiling him down to 157lb,” Eubank Sr told The Sun while choking back tears.“Trying to boil my son down to 157lb a few years ago, would have killed him. You might think the word ‘killed’ is a bit strong but my brother is dead from boxing. He lost his life from boxing, with frontal lobe dementia. “In the end, Harlem was feeding him with a baby bottle, he had to feed his own father. I didn’t have the strength to go and see my brother in the last six months of his life because he was locked in spasm all of the time he was awake,” he added.“That is boxing and 20 losses at the hands of the promoters. It’s a business and a racket and when you keep bringing the same guy in to lose, he ends up being killed.“He was my brother. It is real for us.”Chris Eubank Jr hasn’t made one decision, he doesn’t breathe without his dad’s say soEddie HearnEubank Sr’s brother, Simon, passed away aged 61 in September 2023 after a harrowing battle with dementia, believed to have been brought on by injuries sustained in the ring.In response, Eubank Jr’s promoter Ben Shalon agreed that trying to reach 157lb was “crazy”.“It was irresponsible for everyone involved that we asked Chris Eubank Jr to get 157. [It was] absolutely crazy that that was ever agreed to but we’re here now. He’ll make the weight and he’ll be ready to go,” he added, in reference to Saturday’s fight.Tragically, Eubank Jr also lost his brother, Sebastian, after the 29-year old passed away from a heart attack in Dubai in 2021.“That affected [my dad] in a deep way – it affected all of us,” he told Piers Morgan.“Mental health is a real thing. “That incident, coupled with the fact that we were already not seeing eye to eye, destroyed a large part of the relationship.”‘Crazy’ demandsBut the cost of the animosity has been financial as well as emotion, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, which may have driven the younger Eubank’s decision to step out of his dad’s shadow.In 2016, Eubank Jr was being lined up for a £3million bout against WBC, IBF, and WBA belt-holder Gennady Golovkin. Promoter Eddie Hearn blames Eubank Sr’s “crazy” demands for Eubank Jr missing out on a £3million bout in 2016Credit: GettyEubank Sr and his lawyers never ended up signing the contract for the fight against Gennady GolovkinCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      in Soccer

      Incredible footage shows 7ft 3in NBA star Victor Wembanyama playing football as Peter Crouch posts one-word verdict

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      INCREDIBLE footage has emerged of 7ft 3in NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama playing football.The Frenchman, 21, has been sidelined since February having been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.Victor Wembanyama has been spotted p[laying football in Costa RicaCredit: X/eurofootcomWembanyama, 21, is a huge aerial presenceCredit: X/eurofootcomNo one was going to win a header over the FrenchmanCredit: X/eurofootcomIn the 2023 No1 pick’s absence, the San Antonio Spurs dropped to 13th in the Western Conference, missing the play-offs for a sixth straight season.Encouragingly for Spurs fans, Wembanyama appears to be fighting fit again after being spotted playing football in Costa Rica.Towering over his opponents, the NBA centre could be seen dribbling with the ball in surreal footage.Wembanyama also easily won a header from a throw-in, and would surely have been a threat in Tony Pulis’ Stoke side of 15 years ago.READ MORE IN SPORTSeeing the footage, former Potter Peter Crouch wrote on X: “Baller.”Hailing from Le Chesnay, around 45 minutes out of Paris, Wembanyama supports PSG.Upon being drafted by the Spurs in 2023, Wemby teased team-mate Jeremy Sochan for being an Arsenal fan.On his relationship with Sochan, who grew up in Milton Keynes, Wembanyama said: “We do talk football from time to time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWembanyama is one of the most exciting players in the NBACredit: Getty”My team is PSG, of course. Jeremy was probably the first one to welcome me to the Spurs even before I was drafted.”I’ve played against him a long time ago, so yeah, we’ve known each other for a long time. We get along well, but it’s a shame he’s an Arsenal fan.”Victor Wembanyama leaves Nikola Jokic with head in hands in NBA All-Star locker room for ‘LeBron James moment’ Wembanyama arrived in the NBA two years ago as the most hyped prospect since LeBron James.The France international has since delivered, being named Rookie of the Year during his first season while also earning a spot on the All-Defence first team.Prior to his blood clot issues, Wembanyama had been named an All-Star for the 2024-25 season and was on course to be the consensus Defensive Player of the Year.That honour has since gone to Evan Mobley, with Wemby having not hit the 65 games played criteria to be in contention.In 46 games this season, Wembanyama averaged 24 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and four blocks in 33 minutes of action.San Antonio fans will be excited to see their man healthy again next season alongside De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and two new lottery picks.Wemby has worn a retro PSG shirt on the bench this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Dramatic moment footballer’s kidnapped family are recovered by armed cops after he hid under bed from masked men

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      A FOOTBALLER’S family have been rescued by armed police after being kidnapped by masked men.The wife and five-year-old son of Jackson Rodriguez were kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday.Jackson Rodriguez’s family has been rescued from being kidnappedCredit: GettyThey were found by armed policeCredit: X @PoliciaEcuadorThe wife and son were taken on WednesdayCredit: X @PoliciaEcuadorThe Emelec star, 26, reported the kidnapping to the police after heavily armed individuals had entered his home in Mucho Lote 2 neighbourhood, Ecuador.It was claimed that he was terrified and hid under his bed as they went through his home.The masked men also stole jewellery and money from the footballer’s home after breaking down the door at 3am.They were rescued by police from El Fortin, Guayaquil, where they were held.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA video shared on social media showed the dramatic moment that gun-wielding cops saved the footballer’s family.It continues to show the police taking the victims out of the derelict spot where they were being held.The Ecuadorian police have now confirmed that Rodriguez’s family rescue was successful.It also revealed that the kidnappers were asking for a “large sum of money”.Most read in FootballA statement read: “Following the effective investigative and operational work of the Ecuadorian Police, we released Andrexy O. and his son, relatives of Jackson Rodríguez.”They were kidnapped in Mucho Lote, and their perpetrators were demanding a large sum of money for their release.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeRodriguez’s five-year-old son was takenCredit: Instagram @jackson_rodriguez20″They are in safekeeping.”Local media have also reported that the cops are protecting Rodriguez.It is also believed that he had not received any prior threats or warnings that he was being targeted.Full-back Rodriguez has played 9 times for Emelec this season.The club play in the LigaPro, the highest tier in the country, and currently sit 11th in the table.Kidnapping of footballers is not unheard of in Ecuador.Last December, Quito star Pedro Perlaza was kidnapped in the city of Esmeraldas.He was found alive a few days later.In January 2024, Chelsea paid for the protection of Kendry Paez and his family.The teenager was signed by the Blues from Independiente del Valle in 2023.But he can’t move to London until 2025 when he turns 18.And until the time comes, he will continue playing in Ecuador.But Chelsea are keen to ensure Paez and his family remain safe, and have reportedly offered full support to the whizkid.Read More on The SunThe West London outfit also made the same offer for star midfielder Moises Caicedo.His family still reside in Ecuador and the former Brighton ace has previously confessed his “worry” for them.Chelsea have reportedly started paying for the protection of teenage star Kendry PaezCredit: GettyMoises Caicedo has also had the same offerCredit: Getty More

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      How Tyrique George rose from Chelsea prospect with ‘dynamite’ shot to wonderkid outshining multi-million pound stars

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      HE was once just another face in the crowd at Cobham. Now, Tyrique George is lighting up the Premier League.Tyrique George has had to work hard from the age of eight to get to the topCredit: uniquefaTyrique George has come through the ranks and he could be the next big thingCredit: GettyTyrique George changed the game for Chelsea against Fulham with his first goalCredit: RexHe scored his first Premier League goal against neighbours Fulham last weekend – his story is the kind of tale that reminds us what football dreams are really made of.The 19-year-old winger has gone from academy promise to first-team Premier League baller, and it’s not just talent that got him there, it’s been years of grit, grind, and an unshakable family bond.At a time when Chelsea have spent more than £1billion on signing some of the best talents from around the world, it’s stories like Tyrique’s that give hope to Cobham and reassure young players that you can still rise through the ranks and make it.Born to a Ghanaian mother and Nigerian father, Tyrique’s roots run deep, and so does his support system. READ MORE ON CHELSEAThey’ve poured their lives into him. Ordinary jobs, extraordinary sacrifices. His dad hasn’t missed a single one of his first-team home games, and his mum turned down shifts just to get him across town for training.From North London to South, she ferried him to the training ground in Cobham, Surrey, like clockwork. And now, the boy she believed in is living the dream.George was 11 years old when he was photographed with Jadon Sancho, then 17, in the car park of a goals centre in south London.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeNow they are playing together in Chelsea’s youthful team under coach Enzo Maresca.Bismark Odoi, father of ex-Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi, remembers how George stood out from the pack at an early age.Bismark said: “He is a few years younger than my son but he was very noticeable from his early years.“We all used to take them, but I’m happy that he’s making his parents proud because I tell you it’s a lot of hard work,  people only see the results, but the work is massive.Tyrique George, aged 11, with 17-year-old Jadon Sancho pictured in 2017Credit: ChelseaEnzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ‘easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final “Tyrique was very close to another guy who was similar in stature to him, called Apau I think, a very good young player during their under-12 days.“Not everyone makes it, but yeah, he was there. I think he was one of the youngsters who played very well knowing their parents were watching too.”At youth level, George wasn’t just good. He was special. In 2023, he scored a 35-yard strike against Crystal Palace that would be nominated for the club’s Goal of the Season, announcing him to the top first-team players who might not have heard his name before.Sources at the club’s training base in Cobham, speaking on condition of anonymity to protect their relationship, say his ball-striking ability is one of the best they’ve ever seen come through.A source said: “His ball-striking is off the charts. People don’t expect it from him, but he’s got dynamite in that foot. “When we needed a goal at academy level, we gave it to him, and he’d just let it fly.”Tyrique George is starting to make an impression on the Premier LeagueTyrique George has alwways been highly rated in CobhamCredit: GettyTyrigue George is showing he can be special if given the chanceCredit: GettyRegular journalists Stamford Bridge this season say George has that confidence, not arrogance, but a self-assurance that whispers, “I’ve got it” when he speak to reporters.Across the U18s and U21s, George racked up a combined 33 goals and assists last season. But it wasn’t until his bullet finish against Fulham that the world truly took notice.To be fair, he’s benefited hugely from the suspension of Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance while on international duty last year.But that’s the story of life… you need to be ready when your chance comes. And George, he’s been ready for a while.Saul Isaksson-Hurst, his former coach at Chelsea, tells SunSport how it was easy to see from a young age that he was special.He said: “I remember one tournament in Portugal where we took them, if I remember correctly, it was an under-9 tournament, and for a kid of that age to have the authority he had and the leadership skill he showed was a sign that he could make it.“Chelsea academy has the most rigorous recruitment process and an even tougher process to continue to get a contract. “So for him to keep his head down and do the work is a show of the ingredients that have made him.“He understands the opportunity that has been given to him, and he is determined to make good use of it. “And as coaches, that’s all we want to see after we take these kids from an early age and try to give them a good chance at life.”The feeling among everyone close to Tyrique is that he is just getting started. Read More on The SunBut his journey highlights the importance of self-belief, as well as the commitment-  and often unspoken roles of parents to guide and guard, especially in today’s world.The early starts and late finishes have given him the chance, and now the world is his oyster. More