More stories

  • in

    Who is playing in Sidemen vs YouTube All Stars? CONFIRMED line-ups for massive charity match at Wembley

    THE SIDEMEN will host another massive charity game in front of their biggest crowd yet as they’ve sold out 90,000 seats at Wembley.Boxer and YouTube sensation KSI headlines the Sidemen Charity Match alongside regular running mates.The Olatunji brothers – Deji and KSI – are set to battle it out on the pitch againCredit: AlamySidemen Charity game being held at Wembley – their biggest venue yet.Credit: AFPThis will be the SIXTH time this charity match is being played between Sidemen FC and the YouTube All Stars – but they have never dared to go to a stadium as big as the 90,000-capacity Wembley.Previous matches have been held at St Mary’s (Southampton), the Valley (Charlton Athletic) – which has been their most regular choice having played there three times – and the London Stadium (West Ham).YouTube Allstars have a poor record against Sidemen FC, only winning one of their previous five meetings losing four.They’ll be hoping for a turn of luck in front of a raucous, sell out crowd.Read more on the SidemenDespite the one-sided history, these games never fail to entertain as they are nearly always due to be goal fests. In the last two meetings alone, 28 goals have been scored – 8-5 in 2023 and 8-7 in 2022 – so fans are not going to want to miss out.IShowSpeed will be looking to score his first in at a charity gameCredit: PAIn the last match between these two, it broke the Guinness World Record for having the most viewers for a sports event live stream on social media and this year could have even more.The top performers at these events are normally Miniminter with 10 goals in five appearances and Manny with six goals.Most read in SportIt will be iShowSpeed’s third appearance in this match and he is still yet to score at any charity match he’s taken part in – including two appearances at the Match for Hope.Money raised is in aid of Bright Side, Children in Need and M7 Education.What are the line-ups?Sidemen FC:Olajide Olatunji aka KSISimon Minter aka MiniminterTobi Brown aka TBJZLJoshua Bradley aka ZerkaaHarry Lewis aka W2SVikram Barn aka VikkstarEthan Payne aka BehzingaJMELogan PaulGeorge ClarkeyJoe WellerCalluxXQCLazarbeamRandolphMark RoberMannyJasontheweenManager: CalfreezyYouTube Allstars:SketchWillNEKai CenatMax FoshIShowSpeedChrisMDAngryGingeTheo BakerCarryminatiChunkzFanum3LachlanDanny AaronsStable RonaldoJynxziNiko OmilanaDejiManager: TheBurntChipHow to watch Sidemen FC vs YouTube Allstars?In previous years, the game has been shown via a live stream on the Sidemen YouTube channel, and this year is expected to be the same.The match will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025.Kick-off will be at 3pm.The match will take place at Wembley Stadium in London.SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens. More

  • in

    KSI’s sparring partner says he snubbed Love Island return to focus on Misfits Boxing and reveals how hard YouTuber hits

    IDRIS VIRGO turned down a return to Love Island to focus on Misfits Boxing and continue training with KSI. Virgo entered the ITV villa in 2018 as an undefeated boxer and now has a professional record of 12 wins with one draw. Idris Virgo turned down a return to Love IslandCredit: Rex FeaturesVirgo is focusing on Misfits Boxing fightsCredit: GettyBut more recently, he has focused on the celebrity-style crossover bouts with Misfits Boxing – headed up by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI. Virgo’s next fight is against Ty Mitchell – Tyson Fury’s former sparring partner – on April 12 in Leeds. And he had to reject a return to Love Island on this year’s All Stars show to commit himself to the bout. Virgo, 31, told SunSport: “I could have taken the chance to risk going on the show and come out for this fight.READ MORE IN BOXING”But it’s too much, so I thought I’d kick it to the can. Oh, it is 100 per cent a tough decision because Love Island’s my root, that’s the reason why I’m standing here today.”I got what I have because of Love Island, so it would have been good to go back on there, build my career, X, Y, Z, but sometimes you gotta take sacrifices and that’s one of my sacrifices.”I had to kick the can and train hard ready for this fight.”Virgo has relocated from Birmingham to the capital to train at London Shootfighters alongside KSI.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe two are regular training partners and Virgo said: “KSI is really good. People don’t understand how good he is. “I believe KSI is on, say British come European kind of level if you wanna talk about pro ranks.KSI lifts lid on meeting with Turki Alalshikh and teases fight talks… but blasts Jake Paul as ‘disgrace to boxing’ “Some people are thinking, well, this guy’s chatting rubbish, but he’s really good, honestly. “He’s got power in his right hand, got good movement, good cardio, now he’s picking up boxing IQ, the guy’s got everything.”KSI, 31, has not returned since defeat to Tommy Fury, 25, in October 2023 which was his first loss in the ring. Virgo was KSI’s main sparring partner for the camp and was left with a sore head after their final session. He revealed: “The guy hit so hard when he was training for the Tommy Fury fight, I was his last spar.”I got into that ring, sparred him, he hit me so hard I went home and I put a bet on for a knockout.”That’s how hard he hits. He hits like a truck. Leaves me headaches 100 per cent.””He’s got power in his right hand, got good movement, good cardio, now he’s picking up boxing IQ, the guy’s got everything.Idris Virgo on KSI KSI faces 2-0 MMA star Dillon Danis, 29, in his comeback bout on March 29 in Manchester. And Virgo predicted: “He’s gonna show people his boxing IQ in this fight.”I do believe he’ll probably knock Dillon Danis out in either the third or fourth round. “It’s just gonna show people what he’s learnt from Shootfighters.”KSI was recently pictured with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh – and Virgo believes he is the man to finally make the Jake Paul grudge match.He said: “JJ wants that fight, it’s Jake Paul being a coward, being a duck who’s ducking.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If they can have the fight in the car park, they have the fight in the car park, you know what I mean? “Hopefully Turki can make it happen, you never know.”KSI and Virgo are training partnersCredit: @idrisvirgo More

  • in

    Former EFL star who won trophy at Wembley now runs £10MILLION business after breakdown prompted him to quit football

    LEE BROWN enjoyed one hell of a career in the Football League.Two Wembley wins, more than 400 EFL appearances and a reputation as one of football’s nice guys.Lee Brown during AFC Wimbledon’s match with Salford City, one of the last games of his careerCredit: RexBrown celebrates securing Bristol Rovers’ promotion back to League One with a 92nd minute winnerCredit: PA:Press AssociationBrown, left, celebrates winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2019Credit: ReutersStarting out at QPR, he really made a name for himself at Bristol Rovers, scoring a dramatic 92nd minute winner on the final day of the 2015-16 season to secure back-to-back promotions for The Gas.He moved across to Portsmouth in June 2018, winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley the following season in front of 80,000 fans, before returning to his London roots and finishing his career at AFC Wimbledon.At 33, Brown rejected a new deal at Plough Lane, instead opting to pursue “other business interests”.Dubbed ‘Lee from football’ wherever he went for his bubbly personality and jokey antics on the pitch, Brown has now lifted the lid on the man behind the mask in a candid new interview.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking to the Portsmouth News’ chief reporter Neil Allen, the former Pompey man revealed football “had to go” as two worlds collided.He admits he could have easily carried on playing, and was still a regular in the AFC Wimbledon defence, but behind the scenes all was not well.He said: “I had to quit for my own sake. I was in a dark place, I’d had a mental breakdown, something had to give.‘I could no longer juggle football full-time and run a full-time business.”Most read in FootballNow 34, Brown runs a thriving property business called B3 Homes. He employs 20 staff, and boasts an impressive portfolio of luxury pads, with many selling for well in excess of £1million.B3 Homes “develop niche, high-end residential homes across London and the South East”Credit: Instagram b3.homesInside one of the properties Brown’s property portfolio has builtCredit: www.b3homes.co.ukJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAmong the current projects are a £1.3million house in Purley, a plot of three more houses in the same area and an ultra-modern detached family home in Warlingham.It all started when, at 26, he used his £25,000 savings pot to buy a house in the Filton area of Bristol, and built another house in its garden.Harry Redknapp phoned me up out of the blue to sign for ‘f***ing s****’ team – it was one of best moves of my careerHe had no money left to pay people to help build the house for him, so ended up doing it in his spare time while still playing League One football!Brown continued: “I’d never held a tool in my life, but I have this obsessive nature where I need to learn about everything.” If I was doing the plumbing, I would research how to be a plumber and, all of a sudden, knew how to run pipes. I would sit there until 3am until it sunk in.”Lee Brown wheels away in celebration after scoring for PortsmouthCredit: RexThe business grew and grew, but eventually Brown reached breaking point.He recalled former working from as soon as training finished until extremely late at night, and working again before hitting the training pitches the following morning.But it all became too much for him, and football had to go.”I was building six houses over in Purley, two in Cobham, while training every day and playing matches on a Saturday.”I lived in a pressure cooker, rocking in the chair at points because of so much stress.”I could not cope, physically or mentally. I had to give up football – or I would have been a goner.”Brown admits he shut off those around him, and the tipping point was when he broke down in tears in AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson’s office.Lee Brown lifts the Vanarama Conference Playoff Final trophy as Bristol Rovers secured their return to the Football LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyEx-Spurs and Charlton man Jackson gave Brown a fortnight off, regularly checking in on the veteran defender.He returned to the Wombles team in November 2024, making a further 22 appearances before bidding football farewell at the end of the season.Now almost a year into his post-football life, Brown is back to his bubbly self and is reaping the rewards of his hard work.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe finished: “I had to sacrifice my football career after biting off more than I could chew. But, sitting here now, I am good.Actually, I’m more than good. I’m happy.” More

  • in

    British Boxing card hit by ‘uncalibrated’ scales storm as furious trainer BOYCOTTS weigh-in after interrupting presenter

    TRAINER Joe Gallagher threatened to BOYCOTT the weigh-in before his fighter’s world title bout due to “uncalibrated” scales. Natasha Jonas – coached by Gallagher – faces Wales’ Lauren Price for the unified 147lb welterweight world titles tonight at the Royal Albert Hall.Joe Gallagher said the scales were not calibrated correctlyCredit: ReutersHe was ready to boycott the weigh-insCredit: PABut drama unfolded when Gallagher claimed the official scales used at the weigh-in one day before fight night had not been correctly calibrated – meaning it could produce incorrect results. He interrupted Sky Sports’ MC and said: “No, there’s no weigh-in until these scales have had calibration.”I need to a see a certificate of calibration on these scales. Everyone’s weighed light on it today and usually these scales come with a calibration sticker on it. “Until that calibration sticker is here today, that they’re bang on weight, then there will be no weigh-in for the main event. READ MORE IN BOXING”Them scales need a calibration sticker on it. They’re the rules, I’m only playing by the rules.” Price later came in at 10st 5lb while Jonas – fully clothed – came in at 10st 6lb.Boxxer, promoting the event, said in a statement: “The scales were calibrated and the British Boxing Board of Control are happy that everything is correct” The all-women’s card is topped by Jonas and Price, an Olympic gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympics four years ago.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPromoter Ben Shalom said: “I think Joe believes that they were half a pound too light.”Ultimately, Lauren has come in lighter than Natasha so really it doesn’t make too much of a difference. When does WWE-backed TKO Saudi boxing league start and what does it mean for Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren?”I think Joe is protecting his fighter ahead of an unbelievable night tomorrow night and a huge pressure fight for both of them.”The pressure is on. It’s as much a battle of the trainers as it is a battle of the fighters – two of the best trainers this country has ever produced going head to head. It’s fascinating.”Price added: “There’s been drama all week. Gallagher is trying to make it about himself, but it’s Jonas vs Price.”Cool, calm, collected. Just looking forward to going out and showing how good I am.”I make the weight perfectly every camp, I’m a professional, it’s my natural weight as well.”It makes for a great fight, I respect Tash, I’m proud to be part of it. I’m in my prime, it’s my time and I’ll be taking those belts back to Wales.”Jonas and Price fight for the welterweight titlesCredit: PAControversy surrounded the weigh-insCredit: PA More

  • in

    Harry Kane can return to Premier League to make history, so could Man Utd, Chelsea, Spurs or ARSENAL move be on cards?

    ALL English eyes were on Harry Kane this week as he bagged a brace in Bayern Munich’s Champions League grudge match against Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen.Xabi Alonso’s side were the latest ones to make Kane wait for that elusive first major title of his career when they ended Munich’s decade of domestic supremacy last term.Harry Kane scored a brace as Bayern Munich beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clashCredit: GettyKane’s double on Wednesday night inspired Bayern Munich to a 3-0 win in the Champions League last 16, putting them in good stead for advancing past their German counterparts in Europe’s elite competition. But irrespective of what happens in next week’s second leg, there seems nothing that can prevent that German title medal going round his neck within a few weeks.Bayern are eight points – effectively nine given their hugely better goal difference – clear of Leverkusen with ten games to play.And their remaining opponents including six of the bottom eight and only Mainz and Leipzig in the top six.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt means Kane is on course to lay that bogey to rest – and think about the OTHER main club goal of his career.That would be for him to overhaul Alan Shearer’s Prem record tally of 260 goals – and potentially set a mark that might NEVER be broken.Kane scored 213 goals in 320 top flight games for Spurs before his £100m move to Bavaria in 2023, meaning he is just 47 goals behind Shearer’s tally – set in 441 appearances for Blackburn and Newcastle.Despite his impressive stats at Bayern, with 57 goals in 58 Bundesliga appearances and 73 in 78 matches in all competitions, Kane is not universally popular, being questioned over his contribution outside the 18-yard box and in the “big” games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLast month, claims that he might be available this summer if a club matched his £67m release clause were not denied.That looked to open the door to a Prem return. So where could Kane, who turns 32 in July, go?Harry Kane’s ‘fugly’ £7,200 statue branded ‘stuff of nightmares’ finally unveiled after sitting in storage for almost five years TOTTENHAMA return to N17 would be the dream of Spurs fans – even if the club splashed out £65m to land Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth last summer.Kane became Tottenham’s all-time record scorer in his final season at the Lane, ending on 280 goals from 435 games as he went past Jimmy Greaves’ mark.Many Spurs fans remain convinced they would have been playing Champions League football this season if the club had put faith in Ange Postecoglou working his magic with Kane in the side – even if that would have risked him leaving for nothing last summer.Kane was desperate to land silverware with Tottenham – he spent nearly two decades at the club and will always be “one of our own”.But Kane also felt let down by Daniel Levy when his proposed move to Manchester City fell through in 2021 and it is unclear if he would consider a return to the club while the current hierarchy are in place.Or if Spurs would be willing to meet that asking price.Kane is Tottenham’s all-time top goalscorerCredit: GettyHe never managed to lift a trophy in North LondonCredit: GettyARSENALUnthinkable, surely.Kane knows how Sol Campbell is remembered by Tottenham fans after he walked out on the club to join the Gunners in 2001 – and even if it was not a direct swap he would risk destroying his reputation.But one of the most famous pictures of the young Kane was him wearing an Arsenal shirt and celebrating the “Invincibles” and their 2004 triumph – when the Prem was won at White Hart Lane.He was also on Arsenal’s books as a youngster, released after a year in their academy at the age of nine and who was then picked up by Watford before joining Spurs in 2004. Despite that, Kane has always insisted he grew up as a Spurs fan in a Spurs-supporting family.And Arsenal supporters loathed him with a passion when he scored goal after goal against them – accusing him of all sorts of nefarious activities because he was so streetwise on top.Yet Arsenal’s need for a proper No 9 has become a running joke in the game – even more than previously this season.There is no better authentic line leader than Kane, even into his early 30s. Can you imagine how much delight there would be from the Gooners if that happened?No player has scored more North London Derby goals than Harry KaneCredit: AFP or licensorsKane (left) celebrated Arsenal’s invincible season dressed in full kitKane (front row, far left) also spent a year on the books at Arsenal as a kidCHELSEAWhen Mauricio Pochettino was unveiled as Chelsea boss in 2023, the spectre of Kane following him into Stamford Bridge left many Spurs fans suffering nightmares.Barely 18 months on and Pochettino is long gone.But Chelsea’s need for a totemic central striker who can also be a creator supreme has not gone away.The new Chelsea transfer approach under Todd Boehly has been focused on young players, long-term deals and potential future sales value.That would not be a situation with Kane, who has maybe four seasons at the top level left in his locker, with little or no sell-on value even after a couple of campaigns.While it is hard to envisage Kane wearing Arsenal’s red shirt, the animosity towards Chelsea from Spurs fans is nowhere near as strong – even if it is arguably even deeper the other way, with many Blues supporters viewing Tottenham as their REAL rival.Todd Boehly would have to switch up his transfer strategy to sign KaneCredit: GettyMANCHESTER UNITEDUnited wheeled out the big guns to try to lure Kane on at least two occasions in the past.Gary Neville’s infamous golf course video interview caused major issues at boardroom level in N17, with anger through the roof. Both times, despite the opportunities, Kane refused the invitation – making it clear that he was committed to Tottenham first time round and then effectively choosing City on the next occasion.That Kane would consider going to a United in a state of utter flux now, if he does want to leave Germany, is even harder to imagine.But United’s need for someone who really could make a difference is unquestioned, with fans looking at Rasmus Hojlund’s statistics and shaking their heads at the Dane.Likewise for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, landing Kane would be a game-changer.READ MORE SUN STORIESRemember how Robin van Persie was signed as Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season “present” to fire United to the title.They have not won it since but if Kane has got the silverware monkey off his back at Bayern, he might be able to work a miracle at Old Trafford.Man Utd are in dire need for a new striker given the form of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus HojlundCredit: GettyKane’s interview with Gary Neville in 2021 caused issues in the Spurs boardroomCredit: Sky Sports More

  • in

    Footballer, 24, charged with string of sex offences including imprisoning and raping woman

    A FOOTBALLER has been charged with a string of sex offences including rape.Harry Butters allegedly imprisoned and sexually assaulted the woman, who is aged over 16, in March.Harry Butters has been charged with raping a womanCredit: NNPThe 24-year-old appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court for a hearing.Butters is accused of two counts of sexual assault, one of rape and a count of false imprisonment.All the offences allegedly took place on March 2 in the Darlington area.Butters, who plays for Darlington FC’s under 23s, was released on conditional bail to appear at Teesside Crown Court next month.Read more newsHe has been made subject to a n electronically monitored tagged curfew between 7pm and 7am.Butters has been suspended by the club pending the outcome of court proceedings.He has so far played 21 times this season – including in Darlington’s 5-0 win over Crook Town Youth on March 1.The team said in a statement: “The player is suspended until further notice.”Most read in FootballButters plays for Darlington’s youth teamCredit: NNP More

  • in

    Floyd Mayweather on course to lose unbeaten record to unknown 42-0 boxer who feared he would die in horror kidnapping

    ROAD WARRIOR Abel Mendoza has been been building a record that matches the great Floyd Mayweather – but it almost cost him his life. Mendoza’s undefeated 42-0 record has been flying under the radar thanks to bouts in Mexico, South America, Jamaica and even South Korea. Abel Mendoza is the 42-0 boxerCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelHe is close to breaking Floyd Mayweather’s 50-0 recordCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelHis career has been going under the radarCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelBut it was after his last win in December – a win over Yonnaiquer Rondon in Colombia – that he was left staring death in the face. Mendoza was kidnapped in the back of a taxi alongside his friend and faced a fight to survive. Recalling the harrowing experience, he told SunSport: “I thought we were gonna die. “I thought they were gonna take us, hold us for ransom. At that moment I thought, man, I was disappointed.READ MORE IN BOXING”And in that moment I thought to myself – that’s when it just kind of hit me like – no I can’t die like this. I’m not gonna die.” Before turning professional in 2016 in Texas, Mendoza says he had close to 300 amateur bouts. He even beat Lamont Roach – who most believed was robbed of victory against superstar lightweight champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.Mendoza said: “I thought he beat Tank and I knew Lamont was gonna be a a hard fight for Tank, but a lot of people didn’t believe it.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 29-year-old is managed by brothers Scott and David Tetreault – who have taken his boxing career around the globe. But still Mendoza is without his big break, despite a shiny record to defend. When does WWE-backed TKO Saudi boxing league start and what does it mean for Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren?He said: “I haven’t been working with anybody or no other fighters wants to take a chance. They see my record, maybe they’re intimidated. “But I would have thought it would be the other way like, ‘Oh, he’s 42-0. Let me take his unbeaten record.’ But it’s not like that.”Mendoza took his career on the road in a bid to build his record, fighting largely in Mexico and up to EIGHT times a year.But six of his last eight have been in Colombia – with the most recent sparking his horror kidnapping ordeal. Mendoza claims he hailed down a cab after his Uber app stopped working – before a group of thugs robbed the boxer and his friend. He said: “Two guys get into the back and one of them had a screwdriver, the other one had a knife.”The driver, he turns around, he’s like, ‘Shut up, shut up, don’t talk.’ And I’m just in shock. I just couldn’t believe it.”And then they keep driving. I kept telling him like, ‘Hey man, let me go. You can take all my things here.’Mendoza has fought all around the worldCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelMendoza poses with boxing legend Manny PacquiaoCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelHere he is rubbing shoulders with UFC boss Dana WhiteCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabel”They just kept telling me to shut up. They hit me, I gave him my phone, gave him everything and all the money that I had.” Mendoza spotted an ambulance – first mistaking it for a police car – when he decided to fight his way out. He said: “I look at my friend and I’m like, ‘Right now’ because they don’t know English.”So I’m like, ‘Hey, right now.’ And my friend’s like, ‘All right.’ So I punched the guy and I opened the door.”My friend kicks the seat and he grabs the guy – because you could tell they weren’t fighters – and I opened the door and jumped out and my friend did the same thing.”He grabbed him and he took the knife and he jumped out too and we ran to a gas station.”Despite the terrifying ordeal, Mendoza is still not put off boxing away from home. He said: “I’m not afraid. I’ve been to Korea, I’ve been to Mexico a lot, even in New Mexico. I probably won’t go back to Colombia.”I mean, I’ll go anywhere, it’s what I’ve always done.”No I can’t die like this. I’m not gonna dieAbel Mendoza Mendoza improved to 42 wins before the kidnap attempt – moving ever closer to Mayweather’s record-breaking 50-0.But Mendoza insists: “The goal has always been trying to win belts. “I wanna become a world champion and I really don’t care about getting to 50-0. I have a lot of fights because I like to fight. “I love to fight. I have a lot of fights, I would rather take a fight than stay inactive and that’s why I have a lot of fights.”The goal is not to get to 50-0, the goal is to become a world champion. “If I get to 50-0 while that happens, it happens but I’m just trying to become a world champion.”Mendoza thought his big break was coming in February when Floyd Schofield pulled out of fighting WBC champ Shakur Stevenson.The Texan was ready to travel 8,000 miles to Riyadh to replace Schofield – but Britain’s Josh Padley was just a seven-hour flight away.Abel Mendoza snapped with Jake PaulCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelBrave Padley was beaten in nine rounds as Mendoza said: “My team reached out to them and they were trying to make it happen.”But I guess somebody from the UK was closer so they found him and he was there. It happens.” Mendoza has also called out 11-1 YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul – despite their FIVE STONE weight difference. But he said: “I just put it out there that I’d fight Jake. I actually think Jake’s a decent fighter, so that was one of the reasons why I put that out there.”I don’t know if he’s at the elite level. I think that’s whatwe’re all waiting to see… if if he’s at the elite level.”But from what I’ve seen, he looks pretty decent.”Mendoza is now just waiting for his big opportunity – warning boxing bigwigs he is open for business. He said: “I’m ready to fight, I wanna fight the best so I can prove myself that I am the best. I’m a free agent, so that’s a good thing.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m able to work with whoever right now and there are a few promoters interested. “But I’m just trying to be patient and just waiting to see what happens.”Mendoza is ready for the big timeCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabel More

  • in

    Premier League club to open £300million new stand within months and will be bigger than Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium

    MANCHESTER CITY officials are aiming to open the expanded Etihad Stadium North Stand next January, according to reports.The reigning Premier League champions previously revealed that the new-look stand would open at some point during the 2025-26 season.Man City are currently in the process of expanding the North StandCredit: APCity have invested £300m in the developmentCredit: APBut, as per the Forever Blue podcast, City’s managing director of operations, Danny Wilson, has earmarked January 2026 as the main target should everything go as planned.Man City’s £300million development is set to turn the Etihad Stadium into a 61,470-seater venue.The Prem giants aim to deliver one of the best matchday experiences in world sport.Club officials also want to create an elite entertainment destination for supporters and visitors.Read More in FootballThe renovation of the North Stand will see a Sky Bar introduced, which is set to have premium seating for 450 fans.As well as development inside the ground, there’s a host of new areas being created in the renovations.The Cityzens are building a new fanzone, club museum, City Store, and a huge 400-bed hotel.However, those developments are not expected to be completed until late 2026.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCity’s Director of Infrastructure and Development, Ed Dalton, said: “Work is progressing at pace.”The project is split into four different sections.Premier League club reach new milestone in £300m stadium expansion with special ‘bolt-on’ project set to boost capacity “We have the North Stand development, the hotel, a commercial wing, and the covered fan zone from City Square.”Over the summer and winter months, we’ve completed all ground works.”We did as much work as we could during the close season to minimise disruption to fans.” More