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      Sir Alex Ferguson took 27 years to ‘knock Liverpool off their f***ing perch’… Slot could undo that in his first season

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON famously claimed his biggest challenge as Manchester United manager was “knocking Liverpool off their f****** perch”.When the great Scot left Old ­Trafford after clinching one last  Premier League title in 2013, it was mission f****** accomplished.Legendary Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson took pride in ‘knocking Liverpool off their perch’Credit: PAHowever, the Red Devils are now far from the threatening club they once wereCredit: GettyBut what Fergie achieved during the course of a glorious 27-year reign, new Kop manager Arne Slot is threatening to undo in his debut season.The crown United won 12 years ago was their 20th, putting them two clear of Liverpool at the top of the list of English champions.Jurgen Klopp brought the Merseysiders back to within one of United by clinching the crown in 2019-20.So if Slot can convert his team’s current lead at the top of the table into a trophy lift in May, he will put them level with their North-West rivals.Read More in FootballAnd given Liverpool’s superior European Cup and Champions League record — with six wins to United’s three — the Anfield faithful would once more have the numbers to back their claim to be England’s greatest club.The one crumb of comfort for United fans in recent years is the other lot down the M62 have failed to take advantage of United’s decline in the same way Fergie filled his boots during Liverpool’s barren years.Many Reds supporters would argue their team fell off that perch rather than being pushed by United.Poor recruitment and a failure to exploit the commercial opportunities of the Premier League breakaway cost the Kop dear as much as United’s quality under Fergie.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArne Slot has carried Liverpool to the top of the Prem table in his first seasonCredit: AlamyIn between Kenny Dalglish’s third and final league title as Liverpool boss in 1990 and Klopp’s victory 30 years later, Ferguson and United were champions 13 times.After Klopp announced his decision to leave Anfield last January — and his second bid for a Quadruple fell even flatter than the first — United supporters probably breathed a sigh of relief.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings RevealedThey have seen just how hard it is to replace an iconic manager and to compete with those other noisy neighbours, Manchester City.But Slot has come in to Anfield — and, rather than picking up where Klopp left off, has coaxed new levels from a group of players who looked spent when finishing third in last season’s three-way title race.So the United faithful will travel to Anfield for Sunday’s game fearing not only another hiding on the day but also a more long-lasting kick in the guts at the end of the season.The Red Devils’ recent Premier League record against Liverpool is humiliating, with just one win in the last eight meetings and six goals scored compared to the Reds’ 26.Losing to your fiercest rivals is bad enough, but the manner of the defeats has often been shocking.In the 2021-22 season, Klopp’s Reds won 5-0 at Old Trafford and then 4-0 at home. But United’s real nadir came at Anfield on March 5, 2023 when Liverpool scored seven without reply.So the United faithful will travel to Anfield for Sunday’s game fearing not only another hiding on the day but also a more long-lasting kick in the guts at the end of the season.It was not only the biggest margin of victory in a rivalry dating back to 1894, it also equalled the worst defeat of United’s entire history.Yet most Liverpool supporters would swap a one-off thrashing like that for another championship.And despite their team’s apparent superiority right now, there will be a small voice of caution in the back of the mind of all but the most optimistic fans.Because failing to beat United damaged title bids led by Klopp more than once.United have suffered some embarrassing defeats against Liverpool in recent yearsCredit: AFPIn February 2019, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield. The Reds finished one agonising point behind City at the end of the season.And Erik ten Hag’s United drew both league games against Klopp’s side last season.Had Liverpool beaten United at Old Trafford on April 7, they would have been level on points with City and two ahead of Arsenal with six games to go.But after Mo Salah’s late penalty salvaged a 2-2 draw, Liverpool lost at home to Crystal Palace the following weekend and watched another title chance slip away.Losing to your fiercest rivals is bad enough, but the manner of the defeats has often been shocking.There is further encouragement for United fans that their team can still lift themselves when playing Liverpool and form can go out the window in this fiercely-contested derby.Bruno Fernandes grabbed the  winner in a 3-2 FA Cup fourth round victory in January 2021.And most memorably last March, United came from behind twice to beat Liverpool 4-3 in the sixth round and went on to lift the trophy.The hero of that Old Trafford ­victory was Amad Diallo, with a dramatic winner in  stoppage-time at the end of extra-time. Or, to put it another way, in Fergie time.READ MORE SUN STORIESHow the United fans would love another shock win for new boss Ruben Amorim’s side on Sunday.And recapture hope their club can remain alone on the title-winning perch where Ferguson left them.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Man Utd fans ‘sick in their mouth’ as injured Luke Shaw stars in cringe TikTok with Molly-Mae Hague with club in crisis

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have criticised Luke Shaw for appearing in a TikTok that also features Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague.The England left-back, 29, has played just 98 minutes this season due to injury – with all three of his appearances coming off the bench.Luke Shaw appeared in a TikTok video that also featured Molly-Mae HagueCredit: TikTok / alishalemayMolly-Mae could be seen miming and walking up some stairs earlier in the clipCredit: TikTok / alishalemayMeanwhile, his Red Devils team-mates are enduring a dismal campaign under new manager Ruben Amorim.Four defeats in a row in all competitions and three on the bounce in the Premier League have left Man Utd languishing in 14th in the table.They are just seven points above Ipswich in 18th, with some supporters fearing their club could be embroiled in an unlikely relegation battle.And the Man Utd faithful’s mood has not been improved by seeing the injured Shaw in a TikTok video.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe defender can be seen miming the words “Your mum’s on benefits,” a lyric to a song being played over the top.Also in the video is reality star Molly-Mae as she walks up a set of stairs earlier on in the clip.And Man Utd fans reacted in a furious manner to the footage – which attracted more than two million views on X.One said: “Manchester United in the worst form of my lifetime and Luke Shaw is doing TikTok’s with MollyMae 😭😭😭.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother added: “I’ve just been violently sick in my mouth.”A third replied: “Oh boy 🤦🏾‍♂️.”Man Utd legend Roy Keane reveals his ‘bizarre’ career highlight leaving emotional Martin O’Neill stunned While a fourth responded: “Hope he doesn’t injure his hamstring.”Last month, Shaw posted an emotional message to fans after suffering a setback in his return to fitness.Speaking on Instagram, he said: “Hi guys, it’s hurting a lot having to write this as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles and was on a positive path going forward, but unfortunately I’ve had a small setback.”I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs but this has definitely been my toughest period.”I’m absolutely devastated and it’s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time.”I understand there is going to be people frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all of that. There is no one feeling that more than me at this moment in time..READ MORE SUN STORIES”But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season.”Thank you to everyone for the support. It really doesn’t go unnoticed and I really do appreciate it.” More

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      Flop Prem star folds fashion brand with debts of nearly £300,000 after pundits blasted launch before huge game

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      FOOTBALLER Jesse Lingard has axed his fashion brand after piling up debts of nearly £300,000.The former Man United star, who is currently playing at South Korean club FC Seoul, has placed JLingz Ltd into voluntary liquidation.Former Man Utd player Jesse Lingard has axed his fashion brandCredit: BackGridJLingz Ltd had been in the red since its inception 6½ years agoCredit: Instagram/@ jlingzLatest accounts lodged with Companies House show the merchandise firm has debts of £276,883.The brand had been in the red since its inception 6½ years ago.Shortly before playing for England in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Lingard applied for trademarks to cover clothing, footwear, headgear and his JL symbol goal celebration.The first JLingz products went on sale that year, but Lingard was criticised for launching a brand rather than concentrating on football.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPundits Roy Keane and Gary Neville later hit out at him before Liverpool beat Man United 3-1.Ex-United defender Neville said: “Before Liverpool away — the biggest match of the season — don’t launch a clothes brand.”He fell out of favour at United and went on loan to West Ham before a 2022 free transfer to Nottingham Forest.He joined FC Seoul in February.Most read in FootballJesse Lingard fires wildly over the bar on K League debutThe first JLingz products went on sale in 2018Credit: Instagram/@ jlingzLingard was criticised for launching a brand rather than concentrating on footballCredit: Instagram/@ jlingz More

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      Boxing promoter Frank Warren starts legal proceedings for defamation against Chris Eubank Jr after shocking outburst

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      FRANK WARREN has opened legal proceedings against Chris Eubank Jr after the boxer’s shocking outburst against him in a press conference.The Queensberry promoter filed the case on December 23, according to the HM Courts and Tribunals e-filing service.Frank Warren has opened legal proceedings for a defamation case against Chris Eubank JrCredit: PAEubank Jr issued a public apology after launching a verbal and personal attack against WarrenCredit: GettyAs first reported by The Athletic, the filing is listed under “Media and Communication: Defamation – libel and slander”.Warren, 72, was involved in the press conference in September in Saudi Arabia to promote an undercard fight between Eubank Jr, 35, and Poland’s Kamil Szeremeta.The card, headlined by light-heavyweights Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, was Eubank Jr’s first fight for over a year following his stoppage of Liam Smith in October 2023.It was also his first fight as part of the Boxxer promotional stable led by Ben Shalom.READ MORE IN BOXINGEubank Jr was asked why he had chosen to sign with them, but launched an astonishing and personal verbal attack on Warren as well as barbs directed at Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith and Wasserman promoter Kalle Sauerland.Speaking at the time, Hall of Fame promoter Warren said: “I’m gonna keep it short and sweet. He’s gonna get sued again for the comments that he’s made publicly.”Eubank Jr later released a statement saying he wished to retract the “inaccurate statements” and apologised to Warren, Hearn and Sauerland.Warren had publicly accepted the apology issued by Eubank Jr, saying he was “looking forward to seeing him compete on this huge Riyadh Season card”.Most read in BoxingBut two months on he has now decided the apology was insufficient and is suing him a second time.The first came back in 2016 when Warren sued the then British Middleweight champion for a breach of contract, ending in Eubank Jr paying a six-figure sum to the promoter.Frank Warren throws doubt on Dubois v Joshua rematch happening Following the September press conference, Warren had told talkSPORT: “The bottom line of it is very simple. “He was sued by me for a legal breach of a contract and I was successful in suing him and he paid substantial damages.”Now you know what he can’t accept is what’s legal and what’s not. “And as regarding what he’s just said just so you know I’m gonna keep it short and sweet. He’s gonna get sued again for the comments that he’s made publicly.”He will be sued and he will have a problem over that and anybody else who says it, they can get in that queue.”Eubank Jr declined to comment. More

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      Arsenal head into 2025 bloodied and bruised but have the chance to invigorate their season this month

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      ARSENAL head into the New Year bloodied, bruised – but crucially, still standing.Gabriel Jesus epitomises this, subbed off in injury time at the Gtech Community Stadium with a ripped shirt, bleeding gum and a fat lip following a New Year’s Day comeback win against Brentford.Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus had his shirt ripped in a physical battle at BrentfordCredit: PABoss Mikel Arteta has the chance to kickstart his side’s season this monthCredit: AlamyIt sums up the state of Arsenal right now. The first five months of this campaign have pushed them to their limits, every game leaving its mark on the players and boss Mikel Arteta.Like a staggering boxer in the sixth round, the Gunners are dazed and weary. Suspensions, injuries, illness and damaging results have taken its toll, each one a painful jab to the stomach.And yet, at the halfway stage, Arsenal sit second in the Prem, two games away from a Carabao Cup final spot and on course to reach the Champions League knock-out stages.But the next few bouts over the next month are crucial for Arteta’s men.read more arsenalThey will either be left KO’d on the canvas or eyeing a remarkable Tyson Fury-esque fightback, teeing up a stunning and potentially historic sprint to the finish.It began at Brentford. Jesus cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo’s early strike before Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli netted three minutes apart in the second half to earn three valuable points.Speaking with a swollen lip after a first half collision with the Bees’ Mikkel Damsgaard, Brazilian striker Jesus said: “That’s the Premier League. You have to compete. Sometimes it is hard to fight for the ball, sometimes it is needed.“I always play around tall guys in my position. That’s football. If [his swollen lip] happens and we win the game and I score a goal, I’ll do it every three days.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAcross Arsenal’s next 10 fixtures, they will feature in FOUR competitions. Six of the games are in N5 at the Emirates.Currently six points off Prem leaders Liverpool – who have a game in hand – there is a trip to Brighton on Saturday.Granit Xhaka reveals reason for dramatic new look with ex-Arsenal star having undergone hair transplant Then there are home clashes against Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester City with a visit to Molineux to face Wolves wedged in between.There is no room for slip-ups in that run. Should Arne Slot’s Reds increase their already comfortable lead, it could be game over as far as the title is concerned.It is why there should be an added incentive in the cup competitions.Beat Newcastle over two legs in their Carabao Cup semi-final – on January 7 and February 5 – and a first major trophy since their FA Cup triumph in Covid-hit 2020 will be up for grabs.Speaking of the FA Cup, Manchester United are in town in the third round on January 12 before Champions League clashes against Dinamo Zagreb and Girona on January 22 and 29.Sat in third with four wins from six, a top eight finish in Europe’s new league phase format means they avoid the two-legged play-offs in mid-February – games Arteta could do without.Arsenal have been battling an injury crisis for what feels like most of the campaign.Right now, Bukayo Saka is battling to be back before March following hamstring surgery, as is Ben White after his own operation on a troublesome knee.A sickness bug blighted the squad to face Brentford, with Kai Havertz forced to isolate away from his teammates while several others played through the wellness barrier.It is why the recent form of Jesus has been so welcome. Having scored just once in 33 appearances, the Brazilian now has six in his last four in all competitions.The 27-year-old has also kept up an incredible record across his spells at Man City and Arsenal of never losing an English top flight match when scoring, finding the net in 62 outings, winning 57 and drawing five – the longest run in Prem history.READ MORE SUN STORIESJesus said: “I don’t look for this [record] personally. I just want to keep winning, scoring and helping the team, the club to be there always fighting for the title.“I know it is still a long way. We have to look at ourselves and then after we want the top of the league to drop points, but we have to do our jobs.” More

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      Incredible stats of Europe’s top attackers reveal how ridiculous Mo Salah has been but Cole Palmer misses out on top 10

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      MO SALAH was statistically the best attacker in Europe in 2024 as his bonkers numbers were revealed.But there was some surprise names missing from the top 20 list.Mo Salah boasted the best goal involvement average in 2024Credit: AlamySalah scored 29 goals for Liverpool in the last calendar year.He also racked up 23 assists for Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot. That worked out as 1.41 goals and assists per 90 minutes of action for the Reds – or nearly three goal contributions in every two matches. And it was enough to put Salah well clear at the top of all the players in Europe’s top-five leagues to play more than 2,000 minutes of football for their club across all competitions in 2024.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHarry Kane had to settle for second, back on 1.29, while there was a shock name in third.Completing the podium is Kane’s Bayern Munich team-mate Michael Olise.The winger, 23, made the switch from Crystal Palace to the Allianz Arena in the summer – but stepped up with a superb average of 1.25 goals and assists per 90 minutes across the last 12 months. There is then a drop of 0.1 back to Vinicius Junior in fourth, followed by Raphinha (1.13) and Kylian Mbappe (1.12).Most read in FootballCharlton academy graduate Ademola Lookman’s 1.11 figures were helped by his emphatic hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final.And the top ten was completed by a few interesting forwards in former Palace flop Alexander Sorloth now shining for Atletico Madrid after a summer move from Villarreal (1.08), Lille ace Jonathan David (1.07) and Eintracht Frankfurt hotshot Omar Marmoush (1.04).’We are far away from that,’ says Mo Salah as Liverpool star sends club another contract warningThat was enough to keep both veteran striker Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea’s goal machine Cole Palmer outside the top ten.The pair were locked on 1.01 goals and assists per 90 minutes in 2024.Everyone else from 13th down dipped under the one goal or assist per 90 minutes average.On 0.97 was Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki, followed by Charles De Ketelaere and Patrick Schick (both 0.95).Newcastle hitman Alexander Isak’s 0.94 was good enough for 16th on the list, one ahead of assist king Kevin De Bruyne (0.93) with Florian Wirtz returning the same numbers. Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy (0.92) pipped 19th as former Arsenal captain Alexandre Lacazette (0.91) completed the top 20.That meant plenty of world-class talents were way down on their goal involvements in 2024.Bukayo Saka (22nd, 0.90), Denis Undav (23rd, 0.89)and Jamal Musiala (24th, 0.88) all finished ahead of Erling Haaland (25th, 0.88).Julian Alvarez, Lamine Yamal, Ollie Watkins, Christian Pulisic, Darwin Nunez and Antoine Griezmann came in 40th to 45thREAD MORE SUN STORIESEnglish wonderkid Jamie Gittens (0.73) was one place above Bruno Fernandes (0.72) and also clear of Phil Foden (0.71).And the likes of Kai Havertz (0.68), Brennan Johnson (0.68), Jean-Philippe Mateta (0.68) and Bryan Mbuemo (0.67) all produced better figures than 73rd-placed Jude Bellingham (0.67). Kylian Mbappe’s 1.12 for PSG and Real Madrid was good enough for sixthCredit: RexAlexander Isak knew exactly where the goal was in 2024Credit: ReutersHarry Kane and Michael Olise finished second and third on the listCredit: GettyCole Palmer missed out on the top ten despite averaging 1.01 goals and assists per 90Credit: GettyJude Bellingham was down in 73rd with 0.67 goals or assists per 90Credit: Getty More

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      Moses Itauma is living his own Rocky story… he’ll be a household name by the year and could be better than Fury and AJ

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      US baseball legend Yogi Berra’s priceless remark “it’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future” always comes to mind at New Year.Crystal-ball gazing can be a hazardous game — but there’s every reason to believe heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma will be a household name before the end of 2025.Moses Itauma is tipped to become Britain’s next heavyweight superstarCredit: GettyItauma flattened Dempsey McKean inside one round on the Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury II undercardCredit: GettyHaving seen the debuts of all ten British men who became world champions, it was not difficult to forecast Frank Bruno, Lennox Lewis, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois would go on to bring the richest prize in sport to these shores.Tyson Fury was the surprise package. Few felt he could beat Wladimir Klitschko in Germany, which launched an amazingly colourful and controversial career.But I am prepared to risk ridicule by suggesting Menacing Moses — who only turned 20 six days ago — may turn out to be the best of the lot.Itauma’s story is another of those boxing tales that sounds as if it belongs more to the realms of Rocky-like fiction than fact.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe was born in Slovakia to a Nigerian father who moved the family here 11 years ago to escape rampant racism and settled them in Chatham.Itauma joined the local amateur boxing club when he was nine.And, remarkably, he remained unbeaten before turning pro two years ago having won golds at various levels — schools, juniors, European youth and world youth.Moses is physically mature way beyond his years and his England schools coach John Stubbs said: “I honestly believe since he was 12 years old he has been destined for greatness.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSItauma would become a world heavyweight champion at the age of 20 if he wins a title this yearCredit: GettyItauma’s story has been compared to ‘Rocky-like fiction’Credit: GettyFrom the age of 15, he has sparred with all this country’s top big men — including Fury and Joshua — which has given him invaluable tuition.Before his first pro fight his manager Francis Warren announced that Itauma’s aim was to be the youngest heavyweight champion of the world.Moses Itauma ‘could beat’ Mike Tyson’s youngest heavyweight champ record after impressive first round KO of Demsey McKeanThat meant beating Mike Tyson’s record of 20 years and 145 days.It was a clever PR ploy to earn publicity but was never an authentic target as it would have meant Itauma winning one of the titles before May 22.Itauma is unrealistically compared to a young Tyson because of his power-packed punches — sending nine of his 11 victims to KO defeats.And jaws dropped open in admiration at the way he demolished experienced Aussie Demsey McKean in less than two minutes on the Usyk-Fury undercard two weeks ago.Dedicated Moses seems to be blessed with a cool temperament, is so quick on his feet for a 6ft 4in, near 18-stone man and his hand speed and timing lights the fuse that detonates dynamite in his fists.But we can never be sure on any potential heavyweight superstar until we see how they react to being badly hurt.I am prepared to risk ridicule by suggesting Menacing Moses — who only turned 20 six days ago — may turn out to be the best of the lot.Colin HartWhen I started writing about boxing more than 60 years ago, I wondered if I would ever see a British fighter acclaimed as the best heavyweight on Earth.We had to wait until 1993 for Lewis to emulate Bob Fitzsimmons and end a 96-year drought.Since then, Fury and Joshua have dominated the division for the last ten years — until bogeyman Oleksandr Usyk came on the scene.Now, former champions Fury and Joshua are facing being referred to in the past tense.And Dubois, the IBF champion, is carrying the torch for Britain — but he will be constantly looking over his shoulder as Itauma stalks him.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe all know heavyweight boxing can be a precarious trade.And I am not unaware that somebody also once proclaimed: “You can trust a crystal ball about as far as you can throw it.” More

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      Wholesome moment Jude Bellingham leaves a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness as he hands him his shirt

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM left a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness after hugging him and handing him his training shirt in a heartwarming moment.The Spanish giants allow club members and their families to attend a live training session once every year at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.Jude Bellingham went over to a young Real Madrid fan and hugged himCredit: X / realmadridHe then took his training shirt off and gave it to the boyCredit: X / realmadridThe youngster was in tears as Bellingham passed him the jerseyCredit: X / realmadridIt was a heartwarming moment praised by football fans on social mediaCredit: X / realmadridBellingham, 21, was one of the star attractions on show for fans who turned up to Los Blancos’ training base.And he took the time to go over to adoring young Real Madrid supporter.The awestruck youngster burst into tears at the mere sight of the England international.And Bellingham was quick to embrace the boy and talk to him, before he took off his training jersey and handed it to the child.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis led to the supporter being overcome with emotion as he clutched the jersey.Bellingham gave the fan one final hug before he smiled and walked off.The clip went viral on social media as people heaped praise on the midfielder for the touching moment.One said: “King Jude 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another added: “So sweet.”A third replied: “The kindest soul 🤍.”Fans hail ‘agent Jude Bellingham’ as England star is spotted with Real Madrid transfer target in nightclubAnd a fourth responded: “This is why football is called ‘The Beautiful Game’. Thanks Jude.”Bellingham has played 21 games for Real Madrid in all competitions this season, scoring seven goals and assisting six.Carlo Ancelotti’s men sit second in the LaLiga table, one point behind city rivals Atletico Madrid.But they are struggling far more in the Champions League, languishing in 20th with two matches remaining in the league phase.Next up for Real Madrid is a trip to Valencia in LaLiga on Friday. More