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    Huge row erupts before Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn as Billy Joe Saunders is BLOCKED from checking old rival’s gloves

    CONOR BENN failed in throwing one final mind game Chris Eubank Jr way – causing a massive row just moments before their fight.Benn sent Billy Joe Saunders – who beat bitter enemy Eubank in 2014 – into his opponent’s dressing room to oversee the wrapping of his hands.Conor Benn tried to send Chris Eubank Jr nemesis Billy Joe Saunders into his dressing roomCredit: APSaunders was sent by Benn to oversee the glove wrapping processCredit: Sky SportsBut he was blocked by a member of Eubank’s manager NapperCredit: Sky SportsIt caused a huge argument right outside of the changing roomCredit: Sky SportsEubank Jr did not look impressed by the stuntSaunders beat Eubank Jr back in 2014Credit: GettyA member of both boxers’ teams are allowed one person into the opposing dressing room to watch over the process.And Benn tried to use former world champion Saunders – who has an ugly history with Eubank dating back to their grudge match a decade ago.But footage shared by Matchroom Boxing revealed Saunders was DENIED access into the dressing room.A furious bust up ensued outside with Eubank’s manager Napper – also known as Elliott Amoakoh – and Saunders – flanked by a right-hand man.READ MORE IN BOXING Saunders – an ex-middleweight and super-middle champ – had leaked the news earlier in the week.But Eubank said at the press conference: “It’s an obvious attempt to unsettle me but you can’t unsettle me, I’m ice cold.“Would I be alright with it? Obviously I would prefer him not to be there but if he is, it’s not going to affect anything.“It’s not like he’s going to be talking to me. He will be in his little corner watching, I’ll get my hands wrapped and then he’ll get out of the room. It makes zero difference.”Most read in BoxingEUBANK JR VS BENN – BETTING TIPS AND LATEST ODDSSaunders, 35, has not fought since having his eye busted by Canelo Alvarez, 34, in their 2021 title unification.But he now manages 11-0 light-heavyweight Lewis Edmondson and claimed earlier in the week that he would oversee Eubank’s hand wrapping.Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn fight thrown into more chaos amid row over glovesHe said: “I spoke to Conor, also spoke to his management and that is something I will be doing.”He asked me to do it so I will be walking into the Eubank dressing room and inspecting and making sure there’s no cheating.”Despite Benn’s failed attempt at mind games – Eubank got the mother of all boosts after reuniting his with legendary dad.The pair had fallen out in the public eye over the years but Sr returned to his boy’s side on the night of his biggest fight.It sent the £1billion 65,000-seat Tottenham stadium into a frenzy.CHRIS EUBANK JR VS CONOR BENN LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE GRUDGE MATCH More

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    Leicester face being leapfrogged by Rangers in chase for first-choice manager target Russell Martin

    RUSSELL MARTIN is heading for a managerial tussle between Leicester City and Rangers.Martin, 39, is the first choice at relegated Foxes, as SunSport revealed last month, and the former Southampton chief is keen.Rangers and Leicester are set to battle for Russell MartinCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy hopes to continue as Foxes bossCredit: ReutersHowever, Scottish giants Gers have also shortlisted Martin, who played for them on loan and is very interested.Martin is waiting on the call from Ibrox, where the club is about to be taken over by an American group tied in with Leeds.Until the takeover is finalised, it is difficult to make a concrete offer to a boss.Leicester are also waiting for a few weeks before committing to their own change, so it is a case of who moves first for Martin.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLee Carsley has been linked with the Foxes – but the England Under-21 boss is not looking to work in the Championship.Current Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy remains in the dark over his future.He has picked up just three wins as manager in 23 games.But he is keen to stay on, despite Sean Dyche also being tipped to join the King Power dugout.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSVan Nistelrooy said of his future: “It’s necessary to find alignment.”The quicker the better in the best interests for the football club.That’s what I’m urging.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 years”We need to be on the same page.”Over the past months, starting in February, I’ve had conversations with the board and the chairman. Later in March and recently as well.”The club knows where I stand.”I’ve always informed the club on the way I see things, the lessons learned now it’s clear it’s going to be in the Championship.”We can move on to that scenario. But I’m still waiting for the club to come back. That’s where it stands now.”I know what my plan is to move forward and bring the club back up with the people in this building.Read More on The Sun”There are 60-70 great professionals here who can move the club forward.”But I’m still waiting on that alignment.” More

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    Prem clubs with most arrests for Class A drugs on match days revealed – where does your club rank?

    THE most arrests for Class A drugs on match days in Premier League grounds were at Manchester’s United and City stadiums, figures reveal.The league table of shame for the past two seasons also includes West Ham, Liverpool and Newcastle among the worst offenders.The Manchester rivals account for one in five of all Class A drug arrests at the 20 Premier League grounds. Police made 15 inside both City’s Etihad stadium and at United’s Old Trafford.One in seven arrests at Prem grounds are for Class A drugs. There were 54 in 2022-23 and 99 last year. Read More on SportIpswich were the only club with none.Home Office stats were analysed by betting service TipMan Tips, which said: “These figures show that drug possession is a prevalent issue across all the Premier League clubs.“They highlight the need for a police presence at football matches to prevent drugs getting inside stadiums.“The fear is however that many more people are getting away with bringing illegal substances into football stadiums.”Most read in FootballMoment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024Number of arrests for Class A drug possession inside Premier League grounds during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasonsManchester City – 15Manchester United – 15West Ham United – 13Liverpool – 13Newcastle United – 12Arsenal – 11Fulham – 9Chelsea – 9Everton – 9Crystal Palace – 8Nottingham Forest – 7Wolverhampton Wanderers – 6Tottenham Hotspur – 6Bournemouth – 5Southampton – 4Brighton – 4Aston Villa – 3Leicester City – 3Brentford – 2Ipswich – 0The most arrests for Class A drugs on match days in Premier League grounds were at Manchester’s United and City stadiums, figures revealCredit: Getty More

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    Chris Eubank Jr looks surprised as dad Sr arrives to support him against Conor Benn despite publicly criticising son

    CHRIS EUBANK SR sent Tottenham’s stadium into a frenzy – by returning to his son’s corner on the night of his life. The father and son duo heartbreakingly fell out in the public eye after Jr no longer wanted Sr as the frontman in his career. Chris Eubank Snr has made a surprise appearance at his son’s fight with Conor BennCredit: Sky SportsEubank Jr looked stunned to see his old man had arrivedSr stepped out of a car to stand with his sonCredit: Sky SportsChris Eubank Sr had claimed he could never support his son’s boxing career againCredit: Sky SportsConor Benn and his dad Nigel saw the footage of Eubank Sr arriving with his sonBenn, with dad Nigel behind him in glasses, did not appear too pleased with the stunning revelationCredit: Sky SportsJr was seen shadow boxing with his dadAnd the breakdown in relationship was played out in the public eye, causing Sr to slam his boy’s generational grudge match against Conor Benn – son of his arch rival Nigel. Sr maintained he could never be in his Jr’s corner, after he smashed an egg around Benn’s face and refused to move up to super-middleweight. The British boxing great even blasted his eldest as a “disgrace”. Eubank had even told SunSport’s Behind The Gloves that his son had “never understood” boxing.READ MORE IN BOXINGJr was prepared to fight the biggest bout of his career alone – as all hope seemed lost. But then, as a black car pulled up in the parking lot of Tottenham’s stadium, out stepped Eubank Sr with Jr flanking just behind him. Speaking to Sky Sports after his arrival, Eubank Sr refused to confirm where he’d be sat for the bout, saying: “I’m here, whether im ringside or in his corner.”And in a message to Conor Benn, he said: “Conor, that’s not fair to say that I don’t even like my son, I love my son.Most read in Boxing” I may not like some of his ways, as I don’t like some of your ways, but I love him.”Liam Smith and Aaron McKenna – boxing in the ring as footage of Eubank Sr arriving was shown to the crowd – got the shock of their lives as the £1billion stadium went wild. Screams of “Eubank, Eubank, Eubank” echoed around the 65,000-seater stadium as though the fight had already been won. EUBANK JR VS BENN – BETTING TIPS AND LATEST ODDSBenn – watching backstage with his dad Nigel who lost to Sr in 1990 – sized up Eubank Jr through the monitor in his dressing room. And those cheering fans soon turned to loud boos – confirming Benn truly is the villain of his fight. Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn fight thrown into more chaos amid row over glovesNigel Benn gave his thoughts on his old rival’s stunning arrival.He told Sky Sports: “I’m so glad he’s here, I wanted him here, it’s a family affair. It’s not affected Conor at all.”Hopefully I can go shake his hand. It depends what Chris is in there, don’t know what Chris will turn up tonight.”Much has been made of the fight weight heading into Eubank Jr’s second-generation grudge match.The born rivals first signed for a 157lb catchweight clash in 2022 – causing fears for Sr with his son having NEVER fought that low.But it was KOd with just days to go as Benn tested positive for clomiphene – a banned substance known to boost testosterone.Benn protested his innocence and took his career to America – having two wins at the light-middleweight limit.Meanwhile, UK Anti-Doping dropped the case against him, allowing Benn to fight on British soil again.But after the doping scandal, Eubank was in no mood to make concessions and demanded the bout be at the 160lb middleweight limit.There was only a 10lb rehydration clause – restricting what they weighed on the morning of the bout – although both made the limit.Sr told SunSport’s explosive No Glove Lost show that Benn should not have been allowed to jump two weight divisions for the fight.Read More on The SunAnd he warned how Jr’s best days at middleweight were over – urging him to move up to super-middleweight or else he would remain absent from his career. But, a last-minute change of heart caused Sr at last return to his son’s corner to help end the family feud he started 35 years ago. CHRIS EUBANK JR VS CONOR BENN LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE GRUDGE MATCH More

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    Marcus Rashford set to miss rest of season and could have played final Aston Villa game after suffering hamstring injury

    MARCUS RASHFORD looks set to miss the rest of the season after picking up a hamstring injury.Rashford might have played his last game for loan side Aston Villa after being ruled out of their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace.Marcus Rashford could be ruled out for the rest of the seasonCredit: RexUnai Emery broke the news after his side crashed out of the FA Cup to Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyThe 27-year-old was set to play at Wembley, after scoring four goals and providing six assists since joining in February. But he suffered a hamstring injury in training on Thursday, forcing him out of Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Palace.Gutted boss Unai Emery revealed: “He’s injured. “He got injured this week and yesterday we did a test – it is his hamstring. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”We are going to try to test him each match but he’s injured and probably won’t be available for some weeks.”This spells bad news for Rashford as there is just one month left until the final game of the season on May 24.It is the latest blow to hit Villa after they crashed out of the Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain, then lost ground in the Premier League after losing to a last minute goal at Manchester City on Tuesday.The 27-year-old, who scored a first-half penalty at the Etihad, replaced by Ollie Watkins after 76 minutes.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAfter defeat at Man City, Rashford issued a statement to fans on Instagram.He wrote: “Losing a game in the last minutes was tough, but we have to stay focused and be ready for the next game.”Moment Marcus Rashford’s £700k Rolls-Royce is towed off motorway after tyre blew outBut that could have been his final game in Villa colours, with his future up in the air.Rashford is on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season, with Villa holding the option to buy him for a reported fee of £40m.But the England international said he is yet to make a decision about his next step, with a return to Old Trafford potentially still on the cards.Villa missed Rashford as the Midlands club crashed out of the FA Cup in brutal fashion.The Eagles cruised into the third FA Cup final in their history thanks to a brilliant goal by their talismanic No 10 Eberechi Eze and two second-half strikes by fellow forward Ismaila Sarr.Emery reflected on his Wembley defeat and confessed: “Crystal Palace deserved to win.  This year we played them four times and lost three and drew one. “We have to accept it and keep going in the Premier League where we are close to qualifying for Europe. We must dominate our frustrations.”Read More on The SunDefeat means Villa have just four Premier League games left to chase Champions League qualification, with Rashford potentially set to miss all of them.Rashford was later spotted across London watching Conor Benn take on Chris Eubank Jr in their family grudge match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Newly injured Marcus Rashford sat ringside at Benn v Eubank More

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    Norwich consider shock move for Watford manager Tom Cleverley, 35, after sacking Johannes Hoff Thorup

    WATFORD boss Tom Cleverley is a shock name on the Norwich shortlist to fill their managerial vacancy.Cleverley, 35, has made a good start to his career as a gaffer after his surprise call to take charge of the Hornets last year.Tom Cleverley is being eyed by Norwich bosses for the vacant managerial roleCredit: RexJohannes Hoff Thorup was sacked by the Canaries earlier this monthCredit: AlamyJack Wilshere was put in interim charge until the end of the seasonCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United and England midfielder has stepped up comfortably and caught the eye of the Canaries.Norwich could offer Cleverley a more stable environment and a long-term plan to work on.And they may appeal if they decide he is their first choice.Cleverley was appointed Watford boss last year and has led the Hornets to 13th in the table. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe was given a stay of execution in January after speculation the club would pull the trigger with a playoff push fizzling out. Johannes Hoff Thorup was axed by the Canaries following a 3-1 Easter Monday defeat to Millwall. The Dane failed to launch a promotion bid at Carrow Road with Norwich 12 points off the playoffs. Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere was put in interim charge by sporting director Ben Knapper.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWilshere admitted: “He was my first coach and he lost his job.” “It’s never a nice feeling when that happens, and actually it was my first time experiencing it as a coach.Jack Wilshere in race against time as he faces huge 350-mile commute from managerial debut to run London Marathon”We’ve had a few bad results, and you get a feeling about the atmosphere not being great and the environment.”But listen, I was behind the manager, we were all behind the manager. “We were all trying to help him get some results and get some performances, and then all of a sudden you get a phone call and things change really quickly.”I got a phone call on Tuesday morning after our game on Monday, maybe at 10am. “I made my way to the training ground and I’ve been there ever since!”Wilshere’s side earned a point on the road at Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.The 0-0 stalemate put a big dent in Boro’s own playoff hopes, setting up a showdown with 6th-placed Coventry on the final day. More

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    Spurs fan Riley bags North London bragging rights & Brit title by beating Arsenal rival Clarke on Eubank-Benn undercard

    SPURS fan Viddal Riley took home North London bragging rights and the British title after beating Arsenal rival Chev Clarke.Riley – who wore the white and navy of Tottenham on his shorts – outboxed and outfoxed his way past Gooner Clarke over 12 rounds.Viddal Riley fought his way to victory over Chev Clarke in North LondonCredit: ReutersThe bout had extra spice with Viddal being a Spurs fan and Clarke a supporter of arch rivals ArsenalCredit: GettyCHRIS EUBANK JR VS CONOR BENN LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE GRUDGE MATCHThe scorecards read 116-112, 117-111 and 115-113 to earn the 27-year-old the prestigious Lonsdale cruiserweight belt.As is the case with most bouts between two seasoned and well-schooled amateurs, it was an early battle of the jabs.Riley, swaying from left to right, pumped out his lead hand with the odd right hand following behind.Clarke – who bravely walked into Spurs’ stadium to North London Forever – stood his ground and attempted to attack the body.READ MORE ON BOXINGAnd one left hook missed the mark by mere inches for the man donning the Gunners’ famous red and white. Riley too was a whisker away from a counter right uppercut in the second as Clarke again went looking for the lead hook – before almost tumbling into the ropes. The action picked up in the third and both traded in the pocket with Clarke ending the round hammering in a combination.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIn the fourth, Riley landed a body shot and walked into a subsequent right hand – but still got the first and last say in the exchanges.Most read in BoxingThe action momentarily kicked into life in the fifth as Riley landed a lead left but was stopped in his tracks by a body shot.Boxer Viddal Riley works out hard in the gymRiley – who shot to fame as the trainer of YouTube star KSI – was beginning to settle into a nice rhythm. And Clarke had just as much trouble keeping his balance as he did putting a dent in his rival.Riley – unlike under-fire Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou – neglected all-out attack and boxed with smart tactics using his jab and lateral movement.In round seven, Clarke again slipped on the canvas and found a body shot sinking into his midriff soon after.The 2020 Olympian – who unveiled veteran coach Virgil Hunter as his new cornerman on fight night – showed his frustration in the eighth after again losing his footing.He looked to the crowd – shaking his head – maybe realising his title was quite literally slipping away from him.  Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the infoIn round nine, the referee eventually intervened and wiped down the greasy surface and huge advertising sticker which was causing the mayhem.Riley kept up his fleet feet and piston-like jab to keep Clarke – now chasing the fight – at bay.Clarke did his best to close the range in the final three rounds, charging at Riley to the point they both hit the deck after a tussle.But Riley was able to see out the rounds and snatch away the British belt – improving to 13-0 in the process.Read More on The SunGlory, glory Tottenham Hotspur rang out around the £1billion stadium as Riley was announced the winner. It gave the long-suffering Spurs fans inside the ground something to finally cheer about.The referee had to wipe down the canvasCredit: ReutersRiley celebrates with his dad and coach DerrickCredit: Getty More

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    ‘This whole show is a farce’ – Fans fear for Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn as ref forced to wipe down slippery canvas

    A BIZARRE issue with the ring at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium left fans fearing for the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn fight.On the undercard, Viddal Riley and Chev Clarke’s North London derby had to be paused mid-fight – so the referee could wipe down the surface. The ref was forced to wipe down the logo on the ring canvas as fighters lost their tractionCredit: ReutersFighters were struggling to stay on their feet as they slipped on the sponsorship logoCredit: ReutersThe ref took a towel to the Fatal Fury logo as it proved to be problematicThe pair contested for the British cruiserweight title but Clarke struggled to keep his footing throughout. Several times the Arsenal fan – who walked into Tottenham’s stadium with North London Forever as his ring-walk anthem – almost hit the deck by slipping. At one point in round eight, Clarke looked to the crowd in frustration as he once again lost his footing. It got so bad that even after he landed a hook on Riley, the defending champion staggered backwards in a loss of balance. READ MORE SPORT STORIESEventually, the referee stopped the bout before round nine could get started to wipe down the massive advert in the middle of the ring – which was causing the chaos and had fans fearing it could impact the main event.Later on, Mike Goodhall – a boxing legend who puts the rings together – was spotted taking a seat ringside to take a closer look.And the concerns remained during the main even.As the fight between Eubank Jr and Benn got underway, one of the cornermen could be heard shouting: “The middle of the ring is wet.”Most read in BoxingAnd viewers were furious at the “dangerous” conditions, seemingly caused by the advert for the video game Fatal Fury.One fan fumed: “This whole show is a farce. The canvas is slippery, ridiculous.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother said: “Sort the f***ing centre of the ring out. It’s gonna cause someone a real problem with how slippery it is.”A third added: “A slippery ring!  Perfect.” Spirit, Code & Confidence | Behind the Gloves: Chris Eubank SrA third fumed: “Slippery ring you know. This is so embarrassing.”Riley eventually took home North London bragging rights and the British title after beating Clarke via the scorecards. More