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      Jens Lehmann’s wife of 25 years reveals they are DIVORCED after he attacked neighbour’s house with chainsaw

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      JENS LEHMANN’S wife of 25 years, Conny, has confirmed the couple have divorced.Lehmann, 55, has long lived separated from his former partner, with Conny, 52, moving out of their villa in Starnberg before they called it quits.Jens Lehmann’s ex-wife Conny has confirmed they have divorced, ending a 25-year marriageCredit: GettyIt comes after the ex-Arsenal goalkeeper was caught up in a string of controversiesCredit: GettyOne of them saw Lehmann accused of failing a breathalyser after being pulled over by cops following Oktoberfest celebrationsCredit: GettySpeaking to Bild, Conny was reluctant to go into detail about her split with Lehmann, but said: “I’m single. I’m a happy single.”The pair had met in 1995 before officially getting together in 1999 and marrying in October of that year.Conny has two children with Lehmann, 24-year-old Mats and 18-year-old Lieselotta.Lehmann also adopted Conny’s child from a previous relationship with ex-Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder, Knut Reinhardt.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey have had an on-and-off relationship for some time now, although they went on a family holiday last year which was said to be more for the children than any sort of romantic getaway.Conny had found a new partner while Lehmann remained in their family home before it was put up for sale.Lehmann was caught up in controversy last year when he was fined £112,000 by a Munich court for a chainsaw attack on a neighbour’s garage in September.He had been accused of using a chainsaw to hack through the roof beams on his neighbour’s garage by Lake Starnberg, which is in the Bavaria region of Germany.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe alleged incident was said to have taken place during the summer of 2022.He was initially found guilty in December 2023, being slapped with a 10-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay a fine worth more than £350,000.These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts’ best betsThe former Gunner subsequently launched an appeal, as did Munich prosecutors.According to local reports in Germany, a deal was reached between prosecutors and Lehmann’s lawyers prior to the trial’s resumption.Lehmann’s legal representative Florian Ufer gave an update – with his client having also been on trial for alleged unpaid parking fees.He said: “Mr Lehmann accepts responsibility. He has come to an agreement with his neighbour. The parking fees have been paid.”Lehmann’s initial £350,000 fine was reduced to around £112,000.He is also claimed to have paid his neighbour around £50,000 in order to close the matter, which then saw criminal charges against him dropped.Then, during Oktoberfest celebrations, it is claimed the former Germany No.1 vomited twice and failed a breathalyser after being pulled over by police.Lehmann is alleged to have been drink driving at the time of the stop, which happened at 1:30am. Police could reportedly smell alcohol from his breath through the open window of the car.Reports in Germany claimed he got out of the car and vomited twice by the roadside before he struggled to produce his driver’s license and failed with his first few attempts to do so.He was unable to show his warning triangle and first-aid kit, and had to hold onto the car to stay upright when opening his boot.Breath tests had to be abandoned because the 61-Cap Germany star was “no longer able to blow” so he was instead taken to a police station for further tests.Lehmann later went to the Munich Institute of Forensic Medicine for blood tests.The German was ordered to appear in court with the prosecutor’s office requesting a fine of £60,000 with a trial set for Thursday April 3. His driver’s license was also confiscated.He was hit with a €1,000 (£846) fine for driving under the influence of alcohol.Read More on The SunThe judge said Lehmann had displayed “bad behaviour” in court and to police when arrested in September last year.Lehmann said: “I misjudged myself and thought I could drive.” More

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      Over-excited Wrexham players endured sobering hour-long ordeal during £500,000 Vegas promotion party

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      WREXHAM AFC players got stuck in a lift for an hour during their wild promotion bash in Las Vegas.Insiders said the club’s Hollywood star owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney splashed £500,000 on celebrations after the team clinched a place in the Championship.Wrexham AFC players got stuck in a lift for an hour during their wild promotion bash in Las VegasHollywood star owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney splashed £500,000 on celebrations after the team clinched a place in the ChampionshipCredit: RexThe players flew by private jet to Vegas on Thursday and kicked off the fun at a pool party.A source said: “After leaving there, the players went back to the Bellagio Hotel to get ready before heading to Hakkasan Nightclub.They’d been drinking all day and were a bit over-excited when they got in the lift to go up to the entrance of the club on the fourth floor.“They started messing around by jumping up and down.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Next thing they knew, the lift came to an abrupt stop and would no longer move.“They ended up having a sobering hour-long wait for firefighters to help get them out.”When they were finally released, bosses Ryan and Rob had paid for them to have the best table in the house.Onlookers said those on the Owners Table of the venue on Las Vegas Boulevard tipped their waitress £3,000.Most read in FootballDeadpool star Ryan and fellow actor Rob bought Wrexham in 2020 for £2million when it was a non-league club.It is now worth more than £100million.Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham mercilessly trolled by Peterborough stars after Cup heartache The Hollywood pair’s exploits have been documented in their TV series Welcome to Wrexham.It has seen the North Wales club win their third promotion in a row under manager Phil Parkinson.Wrexham’s visit to Vegas is now a promotion traditionPlayers enjoyed pool parties as they soaked up the sunThe stars hung out with bikini-clad womenWrexham are now in the Championship, England’s second tierCredit: Rex More

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      Mikel Arteta does a Benitez as he rants about xG and tells Luis Enrique ‘look at the stats’ after bold Arsenal claim

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      MIKEL ARTETA doubled down as he insisted KO’d Arsenal WERE the Champions League’s best team —  and told Luis Enrique to ‘look at the stats’.Arteta was mocked by Paris Saint-Germain boss Enrique for claiming his men were better than the Munich-bound side — despite losing their semi 3-1 on aggregate.Mikel Arteta reckons the Gunners were unlucky in ParisArteta is basing his Arsenal verdict on figures like expected goals – and told everyone to look at the statsCredit: PARafa Benitez hit Alex Ferguson with his ‘facts’ in his infamous 2009 rantThe Arsenal chief — stopping just short of Rafa Benitez’s infamous ‘facts’ rant —  reiterated: “I stand by what I said, 100 per cent. I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats.“When you look at all the important stats, the ones that give you the best platform to win football matches, it’s crystal clear who was better.“With an expected goals of five against three, which we had over the two legs, normally you’re in the final.”Arteta’s statistical claims echoed then-Liverpool boss Benitez’s 2009 rant about Alex Ferguson, when the Spaniard blasted the Manchester United chief with a list of ‘facts’.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSArteta said: “If you face PSG and they blow you away, you shake hands and say, ‘We’re not ready still’.“When you look them in the eye, suffocate them in the way we did there, you were the better team.“But it’s not about the winning probability, it’s actually making it count.”But the Gunners chief did accept Liverpool “deserve” to be crowned Prem winners  because his side have taken a “step backwards”. Most read in Champions LeagueMartin Odegaard and Co were shattered by their semi-final KOCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKArteta had been under fire for claiming Liverpool’s title-winning tally — they can still reach 91 points — was less than the 89 his men racked up last term or 84 in 2022-23, when they were again runners-up to Manchester City.He said: “It’s true. With the amount of points we had, we could have been champions twice.This week’s title: How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final“But we were not. In the Premier League we’ve gone a step backwards. Liverpool deserve to be champions.”While the thought of telling his team to line up on the Anfield pitch and give Liverpool their guard of honour on Sunday will be hard to swallow, the Spaniard knows it is something his players MUST do.To realise how close they came. To dig deeper to make sure the boot is on the other foot next term.Another campaign of near-misses has left Arteta wounded, no question.It is now five years and counting since the Basque watched his players parade round an empty Wembley with the FA Cup, the “Covid Final” win over Chelsea something from another age.I stand by what I said, 100 per cent. I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats.Mikel ArtetaSince then, while Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all won trophies, Arsenal have not, falling short at the moment of truth.Being the unwitting walk-on extras at an Anfield party tomorrow will rub home that point, as Arteta knows.He said: “Paris was a very emotional moment.“It was one of the saddest but one of the proudest moments that I have had as an Arsenal manager.“We put a lot of hope and energy and work into that and we didn’t get the outcome. You need to go through that to become stronger and better and that’s what we do.“We are providing the numbers that win you titles. We have to be a little bit luckier or still do better.“Again, with what we did in the Champions League, with those  numbers, you have a big probability of winning it. That’s why a lot of people were thinking that we could go all the way.Last-eight hero Declan Rice couldn’t quite help Arsenal past PSGCredit: Shutterstock EditorialArteta consoled Jurrien Timber as the Gunners missed out on the finalCredit: Reuters“Those two words, ‘success’ and ‘failure’, they are not part of my vocabulary.“But not winning trophies bothers me a lot because I love winning and absolutely hate losing.“If it doesn’t hurt then it means you don’t love winning as much as I do, that’s for sure.”The fear of some Gunners fans is that Arteta might end up as another North London “nearly man”, the sort of jibe they loved to throw at Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs when their most bitter rivals were in the local ascendancy but could not get over the winning line.Arteta and his “trust the process” mantra retain the backing of most of the Emirates faithful but the manager wants his players to feel as bad as the travelling fans shortly before 4.30pm on Sunday.He added: “Liverpool have been the best team, the most consistent team. When somebody is better you have to applaud and accept and try to reach that level.I have no doubts about these players and their attitude. I know how much they are still hurting — now we have to show the fight.Mikel Arteta“Something that has to drive you, motivate you, and pain probably is a good one to use.“When you don’t really want to do something but it’s the right thing to do, usually it is a motivation for next season.“We cannot win the Premier League, that is clear. But over the last 16 days, with three games to go, we must make sure that we do ourselves proud and compete to the end in the manner we deserve.”For many Arsenal fans — and  outside critics — it was the failure to address the elephant in the room in January, the club’s lack of an  out-and-out striker, that ended up being exactly as costly as was widely predicted. Pressed on that and the fact that Mo Salah’s goals for Liverpool have been one of the key differences in the campaign, Arteta did bristle.He asked: “Did I have to make it more clear in January? Was it clear or not?“If you score over 90 goals you have a high probability of winning the Premier League.“It doesn’t guarantee you, but you have a high probability if your defensive record is very good and very dependable.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.“Of course, there’s not that many who can put up those numbers in the Premier League, so I must improve and love the ones we have right now.“This is not the moment to judge players.”That is on Arteta himself as well. He said: “I have so much to achieve and do. That is what drives me every day.“The only way to achieve what you want is to have really high standards and demands.“We are very, very close to achieving it. I understand the disappointment, and the criticism. That is all part of it.“At the end there is one winner and the rest of them aren’t going to win, so they need to reinvent themselves and do better.“But I have no doubts about these players and their attitude.Read More on The Sun“I know how much they are still hurting — now we have to show the fight and how much we care about what is happening.“And what we still have to achieve, which is a big thing because we haven’t done it yet.”Thomas Partey gave his all in vain in the return leg at PSGCredit: Alamy More

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      in Boxing

      Tommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic LIVE RESULTS: TNT calls out Jake Paul after scrappy win while Roman delivers brutal KO

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      TOMMY FURY’S return to the ring after 18 months has been a success as the former Love Island star beat Kenan Hanjalic in Budapest!It was a scrappy contest to say the least but TNT won on points before dedicating the victory to ‘sweetheart’ Molly Mae and calling out bitter rival Jake Paul.And Tommy’s half-brother Roman also came out on top tonight with a dominant KO victory.The ref was forced to call an end to what was a heavily dominated fight after just round four.Full card scores Tommy Fury UD beats Kenan Hanjalic Roman Fury KOs Josip PeharShokhjakhon Abdullaev vs Irakli Alanidze – N/AVaradi Sandor UD beats Nikolas PanicValentin Koloszar UD beats Alexandru IonitaCopy linkCopiedNight of Fury Here’s how the two main fights played out with the Fury bros claiming important wins:Copy linkCopiedFury entices Paul rematch Fury’s post-match touched on all the agony of the past year. All the sacrifices, tribulations and hurt suffered in his long-waited return to the ring and what next. When questioned about a possible rematch with Jake Paul, he refers to him as a terrified b***h and maintains that there is no question that he will knock him out the second time.A rematch will certainly entice many. Copy linkCopiedFury reacts to victoryFury is lapping up his return back in the winning column. “I just want to say thank you for this victory to the Lord Savior Jesus Christ, without him none of this would be possible,” he says buoyantly”I want to say hello to my beautifuyl baby girl Bambi at home, my sweetheart Molly, she’ll always be mine forever. “And I want to dedicate this to my mother and father because without them I wouldn’t be breathing, I wouldn’t be here. The reason I am here today is my mother and father. I will love them until the day I die and i owe them everything.”I’ve been through a hell of a lot these last two year. I’ve been though things that tear men down, drunk, alcoholic; I lost my family for a little bit. But I’ve turned things around, I’ve gone from being low to being on top of the world again.”Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury beats Kenan Hanjalic UD 6Fury’s first ring action in 18 months comes away with a bitty win on points. Shades of quality were present but nothing note-worthy enough that will have make headlines. TNT moves to an 11-0 record with more needing to come. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 6Fury lands a tidy set of hooks on the upper but Hanjalic shows a commendable steel to take them and embrace them. An incredible amount of engaging, whether that be forced or not, from the two. Final round ends in the scrappy tempo this dust-up undertook. Result to come. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 5Fury continues his semi-calculated approach in this. Hanjalic takes a momentarily knee with that low blow still having an uncomfortable impact on his already lax movement. A minute from time, Fury managed to let off some nice combos to the body but nothing Hanjalic couldn’t eat up. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 4There’s little doubt that when Fury dose start to box hes the cleaner fighter but those moments are little between as he founds himself engaging in a scrap of belief rather than a fight of technique. Hanjalic pleads to the referee about the potential Fury head blows, but that dosen’t stop his charge to make this a messy fight even after a points deduction. Both are leaking, especially Hanjalic. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 3A lot of jab-and-retreat work from Fury in the first two rounds but has now presented a more proactive challnege in the ring with his hands. In the closing stages lets his hands go and catches Hanjalic with a low blow and the face as the referee seeks clarification on whether he is able to continue, which he dose. Father John suggests that Tommy continues to control this encounter with the jab. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 2Not much combination or technique from the two as the brute approach remains bare. Hanjalic stumbled on his feet early on before picking himself up and reneging with intention. A taunt or two from the Bosnian to assure he’s not going anywhere. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 1 After an opening 30 seconds of assessing, Fury is on the immediate engage with a few jabs to the body. Not to the fear of Hanjalic, who carries the power that will cause undoubtedly cause hesitancy within Fury with the pair ending with a flurry of hooks and words. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan HanjalicHanjalic enters the MTK Arena with a band of entourage in a black behind him in very business-like mode. Remember he came to Budapest with one mission – “to win.”Fury, the show-stopper that the Hungarian faithful have showed out for, is draped in a white-gold combo as he prances his way to the ring. Showtime. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan HanjalicAfter a hellish break that one of the presenters calls “short” which lasted longer than the 10-minute intended break we took before the Roman Fury fight, main event action is upon us. Anyway, Tommy Fury is being welcomed to the ring finally. Copy linkCopiedElsewhereIf techno filler isn’t your thing, we’ve got the latest action on the World Seniors Snooker Championship and UK Open Pool Championship below: Copy linkCopiedThe wait goes onIt’s been a relatively quick and elaborate-planned night so far but at least the fans in Budapest have been treated to quite the event.From the stage performances to club-like vibes, the crowd has been tonight’s main feature as we await Tommy. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury up nextWhat we expect to be the final musical performance of the event has come to an end as all focus now shifts towards Tommy Fury and his six-round cruiserweight fight with unknown Bosnian Kenan Hanjalic. Not before a bit more techno, of course. Copy linkCopiedRoman speaks on winFury record goes to 5-0 and will certainly endure a sterner test following this. “It was a great comeback. I’ve been out for 14 months so it was a good performance,” he said in his ring interview. “I want to dedicate this fight to my mother, she’s been in bad health and I love her to death, mother that’s for you.”Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury beats Josip Pehar via KOFury, who is donning a Hungary cap, gave the crowd the highlight moment to feast on despite its convoluted nature. Pehar was overmathced from the offset and once the first of three knockdowns occurred the onus was all Fury who claimed his stoppage in the fourth. Time for brother Tommy. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury vs Josip Pehar – Round 4Fury knocks Pehar down again in Pehar’s attempts to scramble back into this contest. The Croatian meets the canvas again and the referee calls ends to this. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury vs Josip Pehar – Round 3As you would expect, Fury goes all-out for the stoppage. The referee deems Pehar’s second fall of the night as a knocdown despite the bundled-down nature of it. Fury actions a sequence with multiple left hand Pehar’s main highlight has been holding, which deducted him a point and the wait to get his gumshield back in his mouth. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury vs Josip Pehar – Round 2Fury, in Tyson-like fashion, jinks and faints his way around the ring probing for a look to get his right hand involved. Pehar escapes from some promsiing Fury combainations before engaing in grappling. Seconds before the end of this round, Fury DROPS Pehar with a planted left hand to the body. The bell saves him. If the size didn’t show it, his strategy does: there’s no stoppage coming from the Croatian despite his winning record. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury vs Josip Pehar – Round 1Fury imposes the heavy right hand early on with John barking our advice in his corner. He tagged Pehar with a left hook but nothing that made the Croat retreat from battle. Copy linkCopiedFirst Fury up Roman will face Josip Pehar, who has won seven of his twelve professional bouts.Pehar had some issues with his walkout music as the audio just cut out with no resumption. As for Fury, he is draped out in white silk with gold lining, of course the famous name in capital gold at the back and importantly his walkout goes more swimmingly than Pehar. Copy linkCopiedInterlude doneBreak finished, half-time show wrapped up and all the shots of a semi-interactive crowd – all accompanied by the techno music and lights that this Hungary arena has to offer – now time for the meat and potatoes. The Fury brothers are set to enter the ring. As for the scheduled bout of Shokhjakhon Abdullaev vs Irakli Alanidze, there’s serious uncertainty on whether we will see that fight but that has yet to be clarified by anyone involved. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury outlines intentionsRoman tends to fade into the irrelevancy when the Fury name is brought up, and for good reason. He has limted resume with even less credibility experience, but tonight presents a chance to craft out a proper name for himself. One that resonates beyond “Tommy’s older brother.”He is set to be the penultimate fight before our main event. Copy linkCopied More

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      Tommy Fury dedicates win to ‘my sweetheart’ Molly-Mae after making emotional boxing return following 18-month layoff

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      AN emotional Tommy Fury dedicated his win in his boxing return to Molly-Mae Hague in a heartfelt and honest post-fight speech.The former Love Island star made his ring return in a shock Budapest bust-up with Kenan Hanjalic on Friday night.Tommy Fury made his ring return on Friday nightHe locked horns with Kenan Hanjalic in a Budapest bust-upFury cruised to a unanimous decision victoryCredit: DAZNVictory in Budapest moved Fury to a perfect 11-0Fury paid tribute to girlfriend Molly-Mae-Hague in his post-fight interviewCredit: DAZNThe former Love Islanders recently reunited following a separationCredit: INSTAGRAMNerves would’ve been jangling for Fury before he made his ring walk due to his 18-month hiatus.But he outboxed his Bosnian bruiser of an opponent to pick up a unanimous decision victory, his first win since beating KSI in October 2023, and move to a perfect 11-0.Fury, 26, was overcome with emotion after having his hand raised and paid tribute to girlfriend Molly-Mae – who recently confirmed they’re BACK TOGETHER – in his post-fight speech.He said: “I just want to say thank you for this victory to the Lord Saviour Jesus Christ, without him, none of this would be possible.READ MORE ON TOMMY FURY”I want to say hello to my beautiful baby girl, Bambi, at home. And my sweetheart, Molly. She’ll always be mine forever.”And I want to dedicate this to my mother and father because without them, I wouldn’t be breathing. I wouldn’t be here. “The reason I am here today is my mother and father. I will love them until the day I die and I owe them everything.”Fury then bravely opened up about his battles with depression and alcohol.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTommy Fury was a step ahead of Kenan Hanjalic in every aspect of the fightCredit: DAZNBut he was hesitant to throw punches in bunches”I’ve been through a hell of a lot these last two years,” he said. “I’ve been through things that tear men down. “Drunk, an alcoholic; I lost my family for a little bit. Tommy Fury SHOVED by opponent Kenan Hanjalic as face-off for comeback fight turns tense”But I’ve turned things around, I’ve gone from being low to being on top of the world again.”Fury opted for a cautious approach in the opening stanza, throwing several probing jabs behind feints.Hanjalic was all too happy to operate on the back foot and strategically blitz Fury.Fury’s speed advantage was apparent in the second, with his in-and-out movement frustrating Hanjalic.The jab continued to be Fury’s best weapon as Hanjalic struggled with the speed at which it came, although he easily got out of the way of several telegraphed right hands.Fury allowed Hanjalic back into the fight by taking his foot off the gas later in the round.And the Bosnian was all too happy to close the distance and work in the clinch.Fury looked to let his hands go in the third but found himself engaged in yet more energy-sapping clinches.An accidental low blow from Fury brought about a pause in the action, much to the frustration of dad John.A bloodied Hanjalic recovered from the foul but looked like he wanted out after the restart.Fury had his dome rattled midway through the fourth by a hellacious right hand.But Hanjalic’s good work was undone seconds later when he had a point deducted.I want to say hello to my beautiful baby girl, Bambi, at home. And my sweetheart, Molly. She’ll always be mine forever.Tommy FuryFury’s best shot of the fight came moments later in the form of a rasping left hook.But he failed to capitalise with a follow-up shot, much to the frustration of his corner.Dad John urged his son to “relax with his shots moments before the fifth.And his Tommy obliged in the few moments he wasn’t caught up in a Hanjalic clinch.Rather than look to put an exclamation on the fight in the final round, Fury opted to operate on the back foot counter-strike.That invited yet more pressure from Hanjalic, who was shaken to his core by a big right hand seconds after eating a right hook to the body.But he stayed elusive enough to avoid a Hanjalic Hail Mary and move to 11-0.Fury had some choice words for rival Jake Paul before he left the ring, saying: “Jake Paul’s a b***h and he’s running scared. “Jake, the hand’s fixed now, baby. The hand’s fixed. Read More on The Sun”I fought a guy in here tonight who’s had over 100 amateur fights and is experienced as hell and he’s as tough as teeth. “If Jake Paul wants to step inside this ring, I guarantee you next time I’ll knock you spark out.” More

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      Premier League could be saying goodbye to one if its biggest ever bargains in Jamie Vardy… but is he the best?

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      IT is the ultimate pub football debate — who has been the biggest bargain to play in the Premier League?Jamie Vardy’s decision to leave Leicester at the end of this season has set tongues-a-wagging across this footie-crazy country, especially after Alan Shearer described him as “the best £1millon spent ever”.Jamie Vardy confirmed he will leave Leicester at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersTitle-winner Vardy cost Leicester just £1million from FleetwoodCredit: Getty Images – GettyVardy has rewarded Foxes fans 199 times since his bargain-basement move from Fleetwood Town in 2012 and stands only a solitary goal away from a double century.His performances have made him a Leicester legend and Shearer is absolutely right to mark his fellow Englishman down as one of the ‘steals’ of the modern game.But the best? Hmmm, you decide, while I throw in a few other candidates.Only two years after Vardy joined Leicester he was followed by Algerian Riyad Mahrez, who signed for… wait for it … £450,000! Four years later the Foxes sold the winger to Manchester City for £60m.read more football newsThere must have been something in the East Midlands air at the time because, in 2011, keeper Kasper Schmeichel arrived for £1m and four years later Leicester also snapped up part human, part midfield machine N’Golo Kante for just £5.6m. OK, not quite Vardy, Mahrez and Schmeichel territory, but in football transfer terms, pretty damn cheap.Elsewhere in the Midlands, Aston Villa got themselves a veritable bargain when they signed John McGinn from Hibernian for less than £3m.While just down the road at Wolves, the Molineux club snapped up Max Kilman from non-league Maidenhead United for just £40,000 back in 2018.Plenty of others have also proven to be genuine bargains, including John Stones, who left his hometown club Barnsley for Everton for just £3m in 2013 — and has now won 83 England caps.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAndy Robertson started his career at part-time Queen’s Park, but in 2017 Liverpool paid only £8m for the defender, who has been an integral part of the team which has been successful both at home and abroad.Another full-back, Everton’s Seamus Coleman, has given remarkable service having signed from Sligo Rovers for £60,000. Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and entire current squadAnd how about Moises Caicedo, who moved to Brighton four years ago for £3.6m and has just won the club’s player of the season award at Chelsea following his big-money switch to Stamford Bridge.Talking of Chelsea, I know £8m isn’t exactly shopping at Poundland, but Spanish star Cesar Azpilicueta barely missed a game in nearly a decade and captained the club to Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup victories.Every manager is keen on snapping up a good deal. Mind you, back in the 1990s the then-Southampton boss Graeme Souness took a gamble on Ballon d’Or winner George Weah’s alleged ‘cousin’.And Ali Dia has gone down in football folklore.Ali Dia infamously duped Southampton, claiming he was George Weah’s cousinAfter coming on as a sub for Saints legend Matt Le Tissier, he was substituted later in the game against Leeds — his only Premier League appearance.Le Tissier said: “He ran around the pitch like Bambi on ice. It was very embarrassing.”Read More on The SunDia was immediately released by Southampton and next rocked up at non-league Gateshead, where he claimed he had recently scored for Senegal in a World Cup qualifier… except the African nation had already been knocked out.And it turned out that Dia was about as much George Weah’s cousin as I am. More

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      in Soccer

      Luton release five players after relegation including Chelsea title winner and club legend who played in every division

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      LUTON have confirmed the release of five senior players at the end of this season.It comes after the Hatters, who were still a Premier League club 12 months ago, were relegated to League One.Luton have confirmed Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu will leave the club at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyPrem title winner Victor Moses will join him out the doorCredit: GettyTim Krul will also leave when his contract expiresCredit: RexAfter being banished from the top flight a year ago, Luton were simply unable to shake the habit of losing in the Championship.And despite replacing popular former boss Rob Edwards in January with Matt Bloomfield, a run of nine games without a win under him left them with a lot to do before a 5-3 defeat to West Brom on the final day confirmed relegation for the second season in a row.Following that disappointment, the club have now confirmed who will be leaving them when their contracts expire.Chief among these is history-making midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 31-year-old came up with Luton from non-league and throuhgh every single division of the EFL to get into the Premier League, becoming the first player to win four promotions and play in five divisions with the same club.He has made 412 appearances and scored 23 goals throughout his Luton career.But having spent the second half of the season on loan at Rotherham, the club legend will now depart to end a 12-year career with them after originally signing as a teenager from West Ham in 2013.The club added a further tribute to him would follow.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOther departures include Prem cult heroes Tim Krul and Victor Moses, four-year Luton veteran Amari’i Bell and on-loan reserve goalkeeper Jameson Horlick.Krul, 37, and Moses, 34, have more than 440 Premier League appearances between them, with the latter also winning the title with Chelsea.Fire brigade rush to Championship stadium as blaze erupts in laundry room ahead of huge clashLuton’s statement said: “We would like to thank Kal, Tim, Victor, Jameson and Josh immensely for their contribution to the club this season and wish them well for their future careers.”Club captain Tom Lockyer is out of contract but will continue his rehabilitation at The Brache, completing his return to football programme after his recovery from ankle surgery.Liam Walsh and Jack Walton, who is on loan at Dundee, have seen one-year contract extensions triggered.Elsewhere, the loan deals of Josh Bowler and Kal Naismith are expiring which will see them return to parent clubs Nottingham Forest and Bristol City, respectively.Players currently out on loan; Cauley Woodrow, Tom Holmes, Jayden Luker and Aribim Pepple, will return to the fold this summer. However, returning loanee Dion Pereira will not be continuing at Kenilworth Road.In the Under-21 ranks, Claude Kayibanda and Jack Lorentzen-Jones have had their contracts extended while discussions are ongoing with Joshua Phillips.Unfortunately, Jack Bateson, Dominic Dos Santos Martins, Tyrell Giwa and Axel Piesold will all be released from their respective deals.For the Under-18s, Sam Anderson, Zach Ioannides, Jamie Odegah, Oliver Pipa, Dylan Stitt, Lucas Thomas, Charlie Trustram and Tate Xavier-Jones have all been handed professional contracts.Luton have offered first-year scholarships to Rufus Barnes, Excel Ed-Okungbowa, Nassim El Gourja, Finley Evans, Luca Knote-Reed, Jerome Passley-James and Luke Takawira.Read More on The SunThey will also add Dawid Gawel as a scholar from Everton.On the other hand, Charlie Emery, Isaiah Harvey, Cai Hockey and Matthew Takawira will be leaving the academy at the end of the season. More

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      Tyson Fury’s other brother Roman stays unbeaten with brutal KO on Tommy Fury’s undercard and pays tribute to mother

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      ROMAN FURY maintained his unbeaten record with a stoppage win on the undercard of brother Tommy’s ring return.The new heavyweight prospect made his first outing in over a year in the co-main event of the Budapest brawls at the MTK Arena.Roman Fury made his first outing of the year on the undercard of brother Tommy’s ring returnCredit: DAZNFury locked horns with Croatian Josip PeharCredit: DAZNFury dropped the Croat with a big left hand seconds before the end of the second roundCredit: DAZNStanding between Roman – Tommy and Tyson Fury’s little-known brother – and a perfect 5-0 record was Croatian clubber Josip Pehar. But he boxed beautifully to remain in the ranks of the unbeaten and continue his own journey to a world title with a fourth-round TKO.After having his hand raised, an emotional Roman sent a heartfelt message to his mother.He said: “It was a great comeback. I’ve been out for 14 months so it was a good performance.READ MORE ON TOMMY FURY”I want to dedicate this fight to my mother, she’s been in bad health and I love her to death. Mother, that’s for you.”Southpaw Roman immediately took the centre of the ring and went to work pumping out the jab.Pehar offered incredibly little, circling out of range each and every time Fury looked to throw a heavy left hand.A straight left rattled Pehar with 20 seconds of the round remaining and forced the Croat into retreat mode.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJosip Pehar was in retreat mode for most of the fightCredit: DAZNRoman Fury was proud as punch to have moved to 5-0Credit: DAZNRoman continued to stalk Pehar after the restart, but opted to be more selective with his shots.And he dropped Pehar with a big left hand seconds before the bell.‘I think she’d come around’ – Roman Fury reveals why even Tyson’s wife Paris will be on board for Anthony Joshua fightPehar got back to his feet but was well and truly saved by the interlude.Roman put his foot on the gas in the third, but Pehar frustrated him with clinches galore.Pehar, however, would find himself on the canvas after eating a stiff jab, although he was actually pushed to the mat.Pehar’s constant holding got the nerves of the referee, who deducted a point moments before the end of the round.Fury walked Pehar onto a beautiful left hand shortly after the restart that felled the courageous Croat.Somehow, Pehar made it back to his feet. But the referee mercifully waved off the contest after Pehar crumpled following another barrage of hellacious shots. More