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      in Boxing

      Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman LIVE RESULTS: Taylor homecoming ends in HUGE DRAMA after Itauma scores DEVASTATING win

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      EKOW ESSUMAN left Josh Taylor STUNNED after scoring a career best win in Scotland!The Engine handed Taylor a THIRD successive defeat with a 116-113, 116-112, 115-113 unanimous win that leaves the former unified champion at a major crossroads.It was a deserved win for Essuman, who came on strong in the later rounds in what was one of the best performances of his career.Scots hero Taylor needed a win to revive his own career after suffering back-to-back defeats at the hands of Teofimo Lopez and Jack Catterall – it is unclear where he now goes from here.On the undercard, highly-rated heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma scored a BRUTAL second round KO of Mike Balogun, having dropped him THREE times inside two rounds.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDon’t miss a single punch from the OVO Hydro with our live blog below…Taylor not looking like fighter of oldJosh Taylor will need to have time to reflect now.There is no doubting he is past his best but he looked devoid of that cutting edge you need to excel in the sport.He will always have legedary status from how he got to being the undisputed champion previously.It may be time to call it a day for the Scot now though.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedOdds upset as Eku seals victorySpeaking withh DAZN, Eku Essuman spoke about his impressive victory this evening:”I’d like to say a big well done to Josh Taylor, he is a great fighter and I have respecteed him since Team GB.”Yeh you know what it is, I remember things from a long time ago and we sparred together in Team GB.”Obviously he is a world-class boxer, he knows how to lead with his right hand.”It’s so amazing, thank you to the people of Glasgow, I love you.”Time to take the engine on tour.”Copy linkCopiedEku Essuman wins by unanimous decisionCopy linkCopiedJosh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 12)Another fantastic round from Essuman.Taylor just does not seem to have enough in the tank to take it to his opponent.Essuman seems to do enough to prevent Taylor taking the round and all the pundits have him winning on the card.Copy linkCopiedJosh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 11)Essuman has got right back into contention in this fight.He has ground his opponent down in this fight.He has taken another round and it may now be winner takes all in the last on the judges’ card.Copy linkCopiedJosh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 10)Taylor catches Essuman with a good couple of hooks.Essuman fights back and catches the Scot flush with two big hits to the face.Taylor seems to be leaving himself open far too often.He needs to really give it his all for these last six minutes now.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedJosh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 9)Essuman is known as ‘the engine’ for a reason.Taylor is having to dig deep to show his opponent he has enough left in the tank.His corner are telling him to show it in the ring.Copy linkCopiedJosh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 8)Taylor still seems to have that ability to switch off during rounds.The problem is Essuman notices it and comes on the front foot, taking the fight to the Scot.The man from Nottingham fancies he can get something from this.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedJosh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 7)A clash of heads in the clinch sees a cut appear above Taylor’s eye.While it will not be considered for any stoppage, his corner havbe some work to do make sure it is not a problem.Taylor needs to on the front foot, he is allowing Essuman to grow into this fight.Copy linkCopiedJosh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 6)Essuman is looking to change up his tactics.He continues to use the body shots but now is boxing behind his jab.Taylor fails to land anything of real note in the round.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedJosh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 5)When Taylor lands those big hooks, the crowd go wild.He needs to back it up with combinations and not let Essuman wait for energy levels to rise.Taylor really needs this crowd behind him to get the result his career really needs right now.Copy linkCopiedJosh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 4)What a fight this is turning out to be.Taylor catches Essuman with an overhand right and really rocks the Englishman.However, Essuman comes back and catches the Scot himself and looks to follow it up to get the result.Both boxers had some joy in that round.Copy linkCopiedJosh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 3)Essuman starts the round and seems to have Taylor in trouble.He catches The Scot with two good hits.Taylor regathers himself ad fights his way into the round.This one is really even so far, just the fight we had hoped for.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedJosh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 2)Taylor looks to have that hunger back once again.That said, he cannot take his eye off his opponent.Essuman has a very contrasting style and is more than capable.He can take a punch as well, Taylor will have to work hard to break down his defences.Copy linkCopiedJosh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 1)This crowd are supporting one man, that is for sure.As soon as Taylor lands punches they erupt.Whenever he gets Essuman near the ropes, he has nowhere to go.Taylor with an impressive opening round there.Copy linkCopiedJosh Taylor vs Ekow EssumanThis is for the vacant WBO title.Essuman makes anyone he takes to the ring with fight hard for any potential victory.What a statement it would be for Taylor to get an early stoppage.Copy linkCopiedJosh Taylor vs Ekow EssumanThis is the fight everyone has waited for.As he comes on to the Vengaboys anthem.He needs to answers all the questions people have of him tonight.Copy linkCopiedCollins with impressive victoryNathaniel Collins certainly got the job done there tonight.Protecting his unbeaten record, he left McGregor wanting and went in for the kill when his opponent started to struggle.He eventually finished it with a body shot as McGregor dropped to his knees and his evening was done.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedNathaniel Collins beats Lee McGregor by TKOCopy linkCopiedNathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor (Round 3)These two fighters have come through the amateur ranks together.All that is forgotten this evening as they look to go to war.Collins edge another round but they are both landing good punches.Copy linkCopiedNathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor (Round 2)McGregor looks to go on the attack from the off.A lot of the big punches he is unloading are missing.Collins comes back into it later in the round and lands combinations of big hits.Copy linkCopiedNathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor (Round 1)Collins makes the more impressive start in this 12 round fight.His southpaw stance works so well for him and he really gets some power behind those punches.McGregor needs to impose himself more in this one.Copy linkCopiedNathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor This one is for the vacant WBC silver title in the featherweight division.Lee McGregor will want to impress in front of his home fans.Collins is announced and receives boos from the crowd, Collins is still undefeated in his career to date.Copy linkCopiedNathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor Next up is a battle of the Scots.There is so little to separate these fights.It should be an absolute classic bout this one.Copy linkCopiedKeeping youngster groundedGeorge Warren has spoken about Moses Itauma being a ‘generational talent’ they need to manage well.They would like to see someone take im more of a distance but that seems easier said than done with this British youngster.He is already being likened to Mike Tyson due to his young age and raw knockout power.Copy linkCopied More

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      Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim to grab microphone and APOLOGISE to fans at Old Trafford after Aston Villa clash

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      RUBEN AMORIM is ready to apologise to fans for Manchester United’s awful season but will not offer an explanation — as it would take too long!The boss will speak to the crowd after leading his flops on a red-faced lap of Old Trafford today following the final game of a disastrous campaign against Aston Villa.Ruben Amorim is ready to apologise to fans for Manchester United’s awful seasonCredit: GettyAngry fans will be addressedCredit: ReutersSunSport revealed no Man Utd star is safeCredit: GettyHe will not sugar-coat the fact his six months in charge have been a horror show.Amorim said: “I know the manager addresses the public and I will because the least I can can do is talk to the fans and say what I want to. “It is tradition and we have to face it. It will be the biggest mistake if we don’t.“If there is a season we need to do it, it’s this one. And it will be an apology, I think it is clear.READ MORE IN football “An explanation? You don’t have time! So we will try to be honest . . . I will be honest with the fans and I will say what is in my mind and what is in my heart.”SunSport revealed on Friday that Amorim will stay on at United next term but no job is safe on the playing staff.Alejandro Garnacho, dropped to the bench for the 1-0 Europa League final defeat to Spurs in Bilbao on Wednesday, could be one of the first stars to leave, with his brother accusing Amorim of “throwing him under the bus”.The Portuguese boss, 40, has won just six of 26 Prem games since replacing Erik ten Hag in November, with the side in 16th. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said he would quit if fans or the owners did not want him but insists he has no regrets about taking the job.The former Sporting Lisbon chief is even happy he took over in mid-season, despite previously claiming his ideal choice would have been to wait until the summer.How Tottenham won the Europa League final v Man UnitedHe said: “I’m really glad that I arrived six months before we start a new season, as I think we are going to avoid a lot of mistakes that would be in the next one.“Now is the time that we can use all that suffering to change things in the summer . . . and when I say in the summer, it’s not just the players.“There are a lot of things that we need to change in our club. So we are doing that — we did it for six months. We changed in every aspect of our club.“We suffered a lot but I’m really glad I came six months earlier because it’s going to help me a lot next season.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe consoles Amorim after defeat to SpursCredit: Alamy More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd flops BEG Bruno Fernandes not to quit club after captain admitted he could be sold with Saudi interest

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      DEVASTATED Manchester United players begged Bruno Fernandes ‘don’t leave us’ after he was linked with a move to Saudi.The Portuguese midfielder was criticised after Wednesday’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham but is widely thought of as the one world-class talent in the squad.Bruno Fernandes has been linked with an exit from Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyMan Utd teammates have begged Fernandes to stay at the clubCredit: GettySaudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are willing to pay around £100million for Fernandes, 30, and will offer him a whopping £700,000 a week to ditch Old Trafford for the Middle East.With the club in a dire financial situation following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, an exit for top star Fernandes could be a way to bring in some much needed funds.And after the disappointing final, Fernandes admitted cash-strapped United may look to sell him to raise money for a rebuild.He said: “If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in, it is what it is.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDDespite coming across as noble, those comments have sparked unease among his team-mates – who value his ability to drag them through games.And a source confirmed several have urged the midfielder to stay, adding: “Bruno may be criticised but the players know what a talent he is.“He can be demanding but they all respect him and sent him messages letting him know how valued he is.“If he leaves, the dressing room would fall apart.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordRuben Amorim also suggested that he could leave United if he can’t turn around the sinking ship, but has since told the squad that he intends to be in the dugout at the Theatre of Dreams next season.Amorim, who has amassed less than a point per league game (0.92) since taking over at United, has come under heavy criticism for his work with the team so far but still has the faith of many fans.FIRE SALE at Old Trafford! EVERY Man Utd Star Up for Grabs — Even Mainoo & Garnacho!And despite the manager’s future seemingly decided for now, there’s plenty still up in the air when it comes to the squad.Al Hilal want an answer from Bruno Fernandes by next week over whether he fancies a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia this summer.While Kobbie Mainoo is one of many players being considered as a potential exit given his pure profit status with regard to PSR as an academy graduate.Fellow Carrington star Alejandro Garnacho is another name looking likely to leave United, after it was revealed that Amorim has told him he needs to find a new club for next season.Speaking after the Europa League heartbreak, Garnacho told Argentine press: “It’s hard for everyone.”The season was s***, both now losing the final tonight, and in the league, where we didn’t beat anyone, that’s the truth.“Up until the final, I’ve played every round, and today to play 20 minutes… I don’t know. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens after.”Ruben Amorim is staying put as manager next seasonCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho looks set for an exit from UnitedCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Nottingham Forest and Chris Wood proving you don’t have to reinvent the game as Europe beckons

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      I HAVE backed plenty of outsiders in my time but I wouldn’t have picked these two in a million years.But to be fair, how many of you thought Nottingham Forest would go into the final day with every chance of making the Champions League?Nuno Espirito Santo and Chris Wood have a chance to get Nottingham Forest into the Champions League on SundayCredit: GettyProbably the same number who thought that only Mo Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland would score more than Chris Wood in the Prem so far.But the team which finished fourth bottom a year ago are still in the hunt and if they beat Chelsea at the City Ground on Sunday — and I expect them to — they could be in Europe’s premier competition for the first time since Cloughie’s day.And if striker Wood ends his season the way he’s played the rest of it, centre-backs are in for a rough old afternoon.But I fear Forest will win and still miss out as I fancy Manchester City to get at least a point at Fulham, and can’t see Newcastle or Aston Villa slipping up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNuno Espirito Santo’s boys need at least one of them to fall short and open the door — but just earning a Euro place after last year would be remarkable.And as a big fan of the old school ways, I’m just so pleased Wood has had a bigger say than most.False nines, floating tens, sixes, eights, underlapping, low blocks . . . there are a lot of people out there basically trying to reinvent the game.So I love watching Forest under Nuno, with a proper throwback centre forward.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey don’t have a lot of possession but no one is better at playing to their strengths by getting forward fast, two wingers, and crosses pinging into a man in the middle.The Chelsea defence will not have faced trying to handle someone like Wood too often.Why these WILD Chris Wood & Morgan Rogers stats could spell disaster for Chelsea & Man Utd | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerMany sides play with one up and loads of forwards spend half the time dropping back — so it’s like a free hit for centre-backs.I’d love to see how they’d cope against guys like Mick Harford, John Fashanu and Alan Shearer and a battle against guys who’d knock you about.I don’t mean nasty stuff but genuine challenges. I don’t see many modern defenders who’d handle that and you only have to look at Wood as proof.Nuno’s done a magnificent job and I’m delighted for him because it didn’t go too well when he was at Tottenham.But he’s bounced back, rebuilt his reputation on the back of great recruitment and good signings, and I always say that’s the key for any manager.Chelsea haven’t convinced at any stage this season and if I had to put my life on the outcome, it would be a Forest win.Chelsea’s defence could struggle to contain Chris WoodCredit: EPABut sadly for Nuno and his side, while three points would leapfrog their opponents, I don’t think it will be quite enough.Not to make the Champions League, anyway.If City were going to Fulham needing a win, it would have brought a different pressure but a point will be enough and I’m sure they’ll get it.St James’ Park will be rocking after a year that finally brought a trophy and I don’t see Newcastle slipping up against Everton.And you certainly couldn’t fancy Manchester United to beat Aston Villa, even at home, after that midweek shocker against Spurs. If ever a game summed up a whole season, hey?So if I’m right on all three, it’s going to be the Europa League for Forest next time round and the Champions League will just have to wait another 12 months!Harry Redknapp shared his Premier League Team of the SeasonSPURRING CLUBS ONIT wouldn’t make the shortlist of great finals — to be honest it would struggle to make a very long one — but I was glad to see Tottenham win the Europa League.Not that I’ve got anything against Manchester United, it just capped a great few months for football in general — and for three sets of long-suffering and loyal supporters.It’s been a hard road for Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Spurs fans but finally they’ve got a trophy to celebrate and it’s a nice change from the same old names as winners.In Wednesday’s final, I was disappointed with Alejandro Garnacho’s moan at not being in the side from the start.When you’re on the floor as a gaffer — as Ruben Amorim is — the last thing you need is one of your players coming out and having a pop.Read More on The SunFair enough, Garnacho did alright when he came on — but no more than that. Far better to keep your head down and get on with the job.Let’s face it, if he’d been doing it as well as he should, he wouldn’t have been on the bench in the first place.Alejandro Garnacho complained of not playing from the start in the Europa League finalCredit: GettyTottenham Hotspur won the Europa LeagueCredit: PACrystal Palace also earned silverware through the FA Cup this seasonCredit: GettyNewcastle United were deserving Carabao Cup winnersCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League wage bill hits record £4bn – with hapless Man Utd’s bloated budget revealed…where does your club rank?

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      PREMIER League wages hit a record £4billion last season, a new study has discovered.It means the 500 stars who make up Britain’s top league pocketed an average of £8million a year during 2023/24.Erling Haaland is city’s top earner after negotiating a deal worth £500,000 a week in JanuaryCredit: GettyMo Salah has pledged his future to Liverpool in a new dealCredit: GettyAnd Manchester City players were the Prem’s top earners, taking home a combined £413million.The figures have been collated by football blogger Kieron O’Connor, who runs The Swiss Ramble football finance blog.He says striker Erling Haaland is city’s top earner after negotiating a deal worth £500,000 a week in January.Liverpool came runners-up in the pay stakes, with the Anfield squad taking home £377million.Read More on SportMo Salah is the club’s top earner and recently banked a pay rise after committing his future to Anfield, taking him to £400,000 a week.All Premier League clubs have revealed their accounts from the 2023/24 season, with the figures showing the post-Covid pay bubble continues to climb.The clubs’ combined wage bill has jumped from £2.9billion in just six years, the equivalent of 38 per cent.The wage bills also show the Big Six became the Big Five, with a huge gap opening up between the highest-paying sides.Most read in FootballKieron reveals City and Liverpool are joined by Man Utd (£365million), Chelsea (£338million) and Arsenal (£328million) in the huge pay stakes.Aston Villa had the sixth-largest wage bill, which came in at £252million — a gap of £76million to Arsenal.Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealedTottenham and Newcastle also paid out more than £200million.This year’s FA Cup winners Crystal Palace were the league’s highest achievers last season, finishing tenth despite only four clubs having a smaller wage bill.Man Utd underachieved, finishing eighth, despite having the third- largest wage bill. The three clubs with the lowest wage bills were relegated last season — Luton Town, Sheffield Utd and Burnley.Luton’s wage bill was the lowest in the league, paying out £57million to its squad.The figures were released before today’s final round of games, with Liverpool already crowned champions.’A bit crazy’While Haaland himself admitted his salary was “a bit crazy” when his new ten-year deal was announced in January, wages of the best Prem stars are well below that of other sporting stars around the globe. A study by Forbes magazine put Haaland 27th on the list of top earners when comparing him with greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. And his money pales into insignificance when compared to NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who signed a £410million deal in 2021.And last December the New York Mets baseball team agreed to pay slugger Juan Soto £628million for a 15-year deal.Clubs must remain vigilant as there is still much work to be done to restore pre-pandemic profitabilityAleksander Ceferin Haaland’s outgoing teammate Kevin De Bruyne has previously told how he believes top footballers are underpaid, despite earning £400,000 a week.When asked in 2022 if he got paid too much, the Belgian linked with a move to Serie A winners Napoli, responded: “No. I compare it to a singer at a concert and 60,000 people come. I look at it logically.“There are millions of people watching the football on TV, there’s 60,000 watching the games, the income of a club is £500million to £600million. Yeah, it’s a lot of money, but is it too much?“If the club can afford it, it’s not too much.”In March, figures revealed player wages across Europe had reached £15.1billion in 2023/24, up by 6.5 per cent on the previous year.Following the release of the latest Uefa Club Licensing Benchmarking Report, the governing body’s president Aleksander Ceferin warned teams about paying excessive amounts to their players.‘Players are the stars’He said: “While most clubs appear to be managing player wage increases responsibly, other costs are rising rapidly, putting greater pressure on operating margins than ever before. Clubs must remain vigilant as there is still much work to be done to restore pre-pandemic profitability.”Premier League clubs have to pay within Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) each year or face punishment. Everton and Nottingham Forest faced points deductions for breaching the rules.In February, it was reported the Professional Footballers’ Association, which acts for players, threatened the Premier League with legal action if it brought in a salary cap.Clubs voted last year to explore the introduction of a spending cap from the start of the 2025/26 season as part of a new system of financial controls.It will limit clubs to spending 85 per cent of their total revenue on wages, transfer payments and agent fees.Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie said: “The players are the stars, they are the talent and the reason millions tune in every week and buy the kits.Read More on The Sun“The Premier League is hugely successful, the wealthiest football league in the world, and that will continue.“There will continue to be massive financial implications for players. Sponsorships will go through the roof in terms of value.”SAUDIS UP SALARIES DESPITE earning a fortune, the salaries of Premier League stars are nowhere near what is on offer in the Saudi Pro League.Here is what the big names earn each week at their clubs there.Cristiano Ronaldo,£3.2million, Al-NassrKarim Benzema, £1.6million, Al-IttihadRiyad Mahrez, £850,000, Al-AhliSadio Mane, £650,000, Al-NassrIvan Toney, £490,000, Al-AhliN’Golo Kante, £400,000, Al-Ittihad More

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      in Soccer

      Alex Scott shows off midriff in retro Arsenal kit and sips bubbly with Jess Glynne at Women’s Champions League final

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      ALEX SCOTT went down memory lane with partner Jess Glynne – as they watched Arsenal Women make history.The football presenter sipped champagne with singer Glynne in the Lisbon stands as they wore retro tops and cheered the Gunners to glory in the Women’s Champions League final.Jess Glynne and partner Alex Scott chose 1980s’ Arsenal topsCredit: PAScott watched her old team win the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe ex-Lionesses star looked as toned as ever as she balanced the bubblyCredit: PAGlynne and Scott saw history made at the Estadio Jose Alvalade venueCredit: PASub Stina Blackstenius’s brilliant 74th-minute strike edged out favourites and holders Barcelona 1-0.Scott, 40, was in the Arsenal side on the only other occasion they lifted the crown – in 2007 when it was called the Uefa Women’s Cup.And she looked as toned as she did back then – in a cropped yellow shirt revealing her impressive abs.Glynne was seen grinning as the couple looked on in classic short-sleeved tops from 1988-90, midway during Arsenal’s JVC sponsorship era.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEx-defender Scott walked down steps with a glass of bubbly in each hand.Yet at times Glynne looked to be enjoying herself even more than the famous ex-Gunner.The 35-year-old smiled and laughed as the couple settled in for the action at the Estadio Jose Alvalade stadium in the Portuguese capital.In fact, they could not have looked more relaxed – in contrast to the tense final that developed below them on the pitch.Most read in FootballBarcelona’s Irene Paredes slid in to net an own goal – only for VAR to deny Arsenal that opener as crosser Frida Maanum was ruled offside.But although the Spaniards were often on top, Leah Williamson masterminded the Gunners’ fierce defending.Scott celebrated victory as if she was still a playerCredit: GettyGlynne might have been even happier than Scott, judging by this picCredit: PAAnd Blackstenius came on to fire a first-time winner for WSL runners-up Arsenal following a sublime pass from fellow substitute Beth Mead.Scott was ecstatic at the end after making her way down to the pitch – celebrating with arms as wide as any of the club’s current players.It was sheer joy from the BBC star, who as a player won 140 caps for the Lionesses and lifted the WSL crown five times with Arsenal.Scott’s relationship with Glynne became public two years ago.She’s since called it “special” and has promised to protect it.Meanwhile, the couple have regularly shared blissful snaps – including a spectacular adventure holiday in Costa Rica in January.A glimpse into Scott’s glam life…Alex made 148 appearances for Arsenal Women – but since quitting playing has appeared in magazines including AttitudeCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowScott began dating Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: RexShe was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PAScott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: GettyShe also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PAShe attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish facing up to fact he will have to quit Manchester City if he wants to play for England at World Cup

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      JACK GREALISH fears he may have to quit Manchester City to realise a World Cup dream.The out-of-favour playmaker is mulling over his next step, hoping for a potential adventure with England next summer.Jack Grealish fears he may have to quit Manchester City to realise a World Cup dreamCredit: GettyAnd it looks increasingly likely he will cut ties with City to try to secure that international spot.Grealish is desperate to travel to North America but knows remaining on the outside at the Etihad will not help convince Three Lions chief Thomas Tuchel.The forward is aware that he can form part of the German’s plans only if he is fit and performing at the highest level. He was left out of Tuchel’s latest squad announced on Friday.READ MORE IN football The Brummie has also been sidelined by club manager Pep Guardiola — and his treatment during City’s FA Cup final last week has solidified thoughts that it may be time to move on.Argentine Claudio Echeverri, 19, was brought on instead of the £100million man to make his first appearance for the club.Grealish was left kicking his heels on the sidelines.If the situation continues, any hopes he had of representing his country will disappear.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 29-year-old has two years left to run on the six-year deal he agreed back in 2021 when he joined from Aston Villa.But his £300,000-a-week wage packet will prove a stumbling block to any move.’I will quit’ – Pep Guardiola gives Man City ultimatum over squad issue that is ‘impossible for my soul’One step would be for the player to go out on loan. In the past he has been linked with Newcastle but boss Eddie Howe has Anthony Gordon filling that left-side attacking space.Harvey Barnes, too, played there during his formative years, so that appears a non-starter.But there are likely to be other takers — potentially abroad — if Guardiola and Grealish agree it is best for him to take a break from the Etihad.Grealish is mulling over his next stepCredit: Reuters More

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      in Boxing

      Moses Itauma floors ex-NFL star Mike Balogun THREE times before brutal KO to tee up Oleksandr Usyk undercard fight

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      MOSES ITAUMA scored a sensational second-round knockout over Mike Balogun to send shivers down the heavyweight division.The 20-year-old Chatham southpaw dropped the brave American twice in the opener with long and violent left hands.Moses Itauma scored a sensational second-round knockout over Mike BalogunCredit: PAHe floored the American three timesCredit: PAAnd then he unleashed a magnificent lead right hook, for the hat-trick, and forced ref John Latham to wave the off without even needing a count.After five months out – getting ignored and rejected by high-profile names – Itauma blasted away the cobwebs and the Maryland man in six minutes.The Kent king-in-waiting said: “I appreciate Mike Balogun.  He is one tough cookie.“I couldn’t believe he got up from the second one. Thanks to Mike Balogun for taking the fight, because nobody else would.READ MORE IN BOXING”I don’t have to worry about doing rounds, but my team wants to see me in a 10-rounder. And then I want in with the big dogs.”Balogun swung shots back in the opener but Itauma showed a rapid and wise defence, to pair with his incredible power.And manager Francis Warren revealed he is set to reappear on July 19 on the Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois rematch at Wembley.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWarren said:  “This guy is going from strength to strength. We’ll pick some guys who’ll take him some rounds. Most read in Boxing”If he carries on this trajectory, we’ve got a global star on our hands.” Itauma celebrates his KO winCredit: SNS More