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      ‘This is becoming funny’ – Boxer sent crashing out of ring… then loses by FOURTEEN points on two judges’ cards

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      DALTON SMITH punched opponent Mathieu Germain out of the ring on the way to a landslide victory. Smith dominated Germain over 12 rounds, scoring knockdowns in rounds two, 11 and 12. Dalton Smith punched opponent Mathieu Germain out of the ringGermain went through the ropesGermain was beaten comfortably on pointsIn the eighth, Dalton chased Germain into the ropes and the Canadian ended up farcically crashing out of the ring. And one fan said: “This match is becoming funny.”Smith was a convincing winner on the scorecards thanks to his knockdowns – despite having a point off in the 12th for low blows. The scorecards read, 117-107, 119-105, 119-105 with Smith now closing in on a 140lb WBC world title shot. READ MORE IN boxing He said: “All I want to say is I want that world title next. “He [Germain] moved down for this fight, he’s been up fighting stronger guys. I could’ve done 20 rounds in there tonight. “Credit to Mathieu Germain, he was tough. I landed some big shots. We needed these rounds.”Smith retained his WBC silver title and now looks towards a world title shot against champion Alberto Puello. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPromoter Eddie Hearn said: “Next time we see [Dalton Smith] we’ll be fighting for the world title.” Also on the card in Sheffield, former featherweight champ Josh Warrington returned with victory over Asad Asif Khan. It was Warrington’s first bout since losing to Anthony Cacace last September – where he laid his gloves down afterwards. But the Leeds legend decided against retirement and is now linked with fighting Michael Conlan. Josh Warrington celebrates beating Asad Asif KhanCredit: Getty More

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      Mason Greenwood called out by fuming Marseille fans who display huge banner but ex-Man Utd man responds in style

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      MARSEILLE fans displayed a huge banner directed at Mason Greenwood during their 5-1 win over Montpellier on Saturday.Fuming supporters took aim at Greenwood and teammate Luis Henrique with a message displayed in the stands. Mason Greenwood was targeted by Marseille fans in their clash with MontpellierCredit: GettySupporters unfurled a banner that said ‘Greenwood, Henrique, get a move on’Credit: XTeammate Luis Henrique was also targeted by the bannerCredit: AFPGreenwood, 23, has had a mixed campaign at Marseille that has seen him come under fire for a lack of effort by manager Roberto De Zerbi despite being the second top scorer in Ligue 1.And it appears that Marseille fans have started to lose patience with the former Manchester United forward too.They unfurled a banner that read: “Greenwood, Henrique, get a move on!!!”Despite some fans claiming that the the banner could be suggesting that the pair should leave the club, it seems more likely that it is encouraging them to put in more effort.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf that is the case then it certainly worked, as Greenwood went on to score twice as Marseille jumped into second place in Ligue 1.De Zerbi didn’t hold back when assessing Greenwood’s efforts earlier in the season.The former Brighton manager said: “No one can have more respect for him that I do. But that doesn’t change anything. “I expect more from him. He has to do more, because what he is currently showing is not enough.Most read in FootballGreenwood responded brilliantly by scoring twiceCredit: AFPThe former Man Utd forward is the second top scorer in Ligue 1Credit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“If he wants to achieve his ambition of becoming a champion, he has to be more consistent, sacrifice more and be more determined.”While Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has had to furiously deny claims that two senior players at the club have refused to play with Greenwood this week.Mason Greenwood to switch allegiance to JamaicaClaims in France suggested that former Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and ex-Paris Saint-Germain star Adrien Rabiot have refused to play alongside the star.Reports claimed that Hojbjerg had gone to Benatia’s office to call for the removal of Greenwood and teammate Henrique from the squad.In an interview with La Provence via RMC Sport, Benatia said: “Can you imagine? He didn’t come to see me. “And what’s more, do you think I need a player to tell me that? “Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is one of the most professional in the locker room, a guy who only wants to unite and carry everyone along with him, like Rabiot.”Today, Adri is dying inside, he only wants one thing: to reach the Champions League. “These two are truly two examples, and at no point did they come to see me to dismiss Luis Henrique or Greenwood. The people who say that don’t want the best for OM.”Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia rubbished claims that two players had refused to play with GreenwoodCredit: Getty More

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      Eddie Hearn announces huge signing who will ‘follow in the footsteps of Anthony Joshua and ignite heavyweight division’

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      EDDIE HEARN believes he has found and signed Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight successor. AJ turned professional with Hearn in 2013 – one year after winning gold at the London Olympics. Eddie Hearn has signed Leo AtangAtang has been dubbed the successor to Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyJoshua went on to win the world titles twice and headlined some of the biggest bouts in recent memory. But now aged 35, the British legend is heading towards the end of his career with a huge void to be left. And Hearn reckons he has found the perfect man to succeed AJ in Leo Atang – a champion of the amateurs. Atang – a former rugby league winger from York – is a five-time national champ. READ MORE IN boxing He won the World Boxing Under-19 world championships last year – stopping Korean Lee Geon Hui inside the first round. And 18-year-old Atang has snubbed a run at the Team GB set up and dreams of the Olympics to turn pro under Hearn. Hearn said: “He’s the guy in my opinion to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Joshua and ignite the heavyweight division to all kinds of fanbases across the country. “Young man, plenty of work to do, we’re going to box him all across the country, all over the world. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Seven, eight fights a year but remember what I say, everybody in this arena, everyone tuning in on DAZN, follow this young man, remember the name. “This is the future of British boxing and the future of the heavyweight division.” Boxer sent crashing out of ring… then loses by FOURTEEN points on two judges’ cardsAtang will be managed by former world champion Sunny Edwards and Anthony Fitzpatrick. He said: “It’s a dream come true to sign with Matchroom.“My team and I have had many good conversations leading to me turning pro. But I knew this one just felt right from the start. It’s what I always hoped for. “I cannot wait to get started with Eddie, Sunny, Anthony Fitzpatrick and all the team at Matchroom Boxing. “More importantly, I just want to get in the ring and show the whole world what I am all about. We put the work in and we put the hours in. I live the life. “My mentality is – push myself the absolute limit and leave no stone unturned. I’m fit, I’m strong and I’l be ready to go with anyone tomorrow. “I’ve got what it takes to go to the top of this sport. The future is here.”Atang is a five-time amateur championCredit: @leoatang1 More

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      Antony breaks silence on relationship with Ruben Amorim after Man Utd boss shipped £86m flop out on loan to Real Betis

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      ANTONY has opened up on his relationship with Ruben Amorim after the Manchester United manager sent him out on loan in January.Antony, 25, was loaned out to Spanish side Real Betis in the winter window after failing to live up to his mega £86m price tag at Old Trafford.Antony has opened up on his relationship with Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyAntony has revived his career with Real Betis since being sent on loanCredit: GettyThe Brazilian has returned to his form of old in Spain, registering eight goal contributions in 16 appearances for Betis.It’s a vast improvement on his numbers at United, where he scored just one league goal across the last two seasons with the Red Devils.Now the former Ajax winger has explained that he holds no bad blood with Amorim for shipping him out, instead complimenting the Portuguese manager for the little time they did spent working together.He told ESPN Brazil: “I’ve only had a short time working with [Amorim], but he’s a very good coach. A very intelligent coach.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”United are going through a difficult time at the moment, but he’s a good coach.”I had a good relationship with him, but I needed a new challenge and I wish him all the luck in the world in this final stretch of the season.”Antony gave a similarly glowing review of Erik ten Hag, who signed him for United in 2022 and managed him during his time at Ajax.He added: “Erik ten Hag is a coach I’m very grateful to.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”He helped me a lot in the Netherlands, and in England too, even though the opportunities didn’t come the way I wanted to.”But that’s the coach’s choice, I don’t hold any grudges or anything. On the contrary, I’m very grateful for everything he’s done with me, for all the conversations too.Man Utd legend Nicky Butt cautioned for head-butting security guard at his 50th birthday party with other football stars”He’s a coach who will certainly be in this story because he helped me a lot.”Antony is clearly enjoying his time at Betis and Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon recently claimed that the star wants to extend his stay at the Villamarin Stadium.While United boss Amorim has suggested that Antony’s revival might be down to Spanish football’s less physical style.Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there. If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot.’Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s [because of] a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality.”Amorim has said Antony is thriving away from the English physicalityCredit: Getty More

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      Ollie Watkins sends message to Aston Villa boss Emery and admits he’s FUMING at being dropped for Champions League games

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      OLLIE WATKINS was left “fuming” over his Champions League axe.The  striker scored as Aston Villa sunk top-five rivals Newcastle — four days after being benched for their defeat by Paris Saint-Germain.Villa striker Ollie Watkins didn’t hold back over his feelingsCredit: Sky SportsUnai Emery’s Champions League selection angered WatkinsCredit: RexWatkins celebrated his opener in the 4-1 win over NewcastleCredit: GettyOn boss Unai Emery’s snub, Watkins said: “I was fuming I wasn’t playing after I played 20 minutes against PSG in both games.“I let him know that. He’s the manager and I respect his decision.“But I’m not one of those players happy to sit on the bench.“Rather than let it hinder you, you have to use that anger and let it spur you on to prove the manager different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I found myself out of the team for a few games so today I was raring to go and  wasn’t going to let that opportunity slip.“The manager is going to have a headache as I’m banging on the door asking why I’m not playing.”Watkins netted after just 33 seconds and set up Villa’s crucial second goal in the rout.Emery’s men sit sixth in the table, level on points with Nottingham Forest in fifth and two points off third-placed Toon.Most read in FootballWatkins took only 33 seconds to make the breakthroughCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThis win followed their painful exit to PSG and Emery praised Watkins’ inspiring performance.Spanish gaffer Emery said: “To be angry is  fantastic. To play like he did today is fantastic.Heartwarming moment Matty Cash’s reporter sister tells him she loves him after Aston Villa’s PSG defeat“Last week he helped  us out, too. On Tuesday, he played 20 minutes.“His commitment is always high to get to  his best and this is what we want and need.“This morning I was speaking with some  players about how they feel. It is a real key moment to find our best.”On their quarter-final exit to PSG, Emery added: “We have to feel angry when we are not winning.“Of course we enjoyed the Champions League — we have to be proud of our effort but we lost.“I’m very proud of how the players responded.”Jason Tindall,  in interim charge at Toon while Eddie Howe recovers from pneumonia, admitted his team were well beaten.After a five-game Prem winning streak, he said: “It was a difficult evening.Read More on The Sun“First half I thought  we did well off the back of the early setback.“Maybe it was one step too far and three games in six days was too much physically for the players.” More

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      Renee Slegers reckons Arsenal can turn fight for Women’s Champions League final spot around

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      RENEE SLEGERS vows Arsenal will use memories of their past trouncing of Lyon to keep their Champions League final hopes alive. Her Gunners fell to a narrow 2-1 loss on Saturday afternoon after Melchie Dumornay’s goal thwarted the chance of a draw.Kadidiatou Diani gave Lyon a 17th-minute lead at the Emirates after her strike was found to be onside following a VAR checkCredit: GettyArsenal won a second-half penalty after Lyon keeper Christiane Endler was adjudged to have fouled Leah Williamson whilst attempting to punch the ball awayCredit: AlamyMariona Caldentey levelled the match with her spot-kick after sending Endler the wrong way with 12 minutes of normal time remainingCredit: AlamyBut Dumornay, pictured with celebrating with Lyon skipper Wendi Renard, restored her side’s lead in the 82nd minuteCredit: GettyThe visitors’ first-leg semis triumph ensured ex-Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro made his return to the Emirates a victorious one.The Gunners now face the challenge having to stun their rivals on the road with the French giants carrying a one-goal advantage. And they hope to win their second leg battle by at least two goals with a spot battling Barcelona or Chelsea in the final at stake.The last time the North London side appeared in the contest’s decider was in 2007 when they lifted the trophy after beating Umea in a two-legged tie. Read More Football StoriesArsenal gaffer Slegers, whose team visit Lyon next Sunday, said: “We’re not happy with the result, because we did really well getting the equaliser and that was the least we wanted. “And after that goal we felt like we could potentially score another. “As the game turned out, especially in the second half, the draw or  the win was what we were going for.”The last time Arsenal took on Lyon away in the Champions League was during the group stage of the contest almost three years ago. Most read in FootballBack in October 2022 they demolished the French giants 5-1 with Beth Mead and Caitlin Foord both netting twice with Frida Maanum also on the scoresheet. However the Lyon team they will battle in the second leg next Sunday will be quite different to the side they faced back then. Aside from Dumornay their attacking options currently includes Kadidiatou Diani and Tabitha Chawinga with the former among the scorers in today’s game. However, Slegers is bullish about her side’s chances of turning things around.The Gunners head coach adds: “Arsenal has done it before against Lyon away and has won by big numbers.”It’s going to be on a pitch, 11 versus 11, and we have all the opportunities to win that game next Sunday.”With Real Madrid getting dispatched in Europe by Arsenal’s women’s and men’s sides, the hosts came into this game full of confidence. However it was Lyon who struck first snatching a 17th-minute lead through Diani’s bottom-corner strike, following a fairly balanced opening quarter Her opener was initially disallowed before a VAR check showed she had been played onside with Arsenal’s defence caught out by her pace and one long ball forward. Later Dumornay hit the crossbar with a chipped effort after spotting keeper Manuela Zinsberger off her line. And there was a scary moment for the hosts when skipper Leah Williamson dropped to the turf in pain before getting up moments later after getting caught on the shin by the Lyon forward.And the hosts almost levelled proceedings with an effort from Alessia Russo striking the crossbarArsenal cranked up the intensity of their attack in the second-half. This eventually paid off when they won a pen after a VAR check found goalkeeper Christiane Endler had struck Williamson while trying to punch the ball away. Mariona Caldentey converted for hosts in the 78th minute. But hopes of a point were wrecked by Dumornay’s ruthless 82nd-minute striking flying past Gunners keeper Manuela Zinsberger after a rapid counter.Despite Arsenal’s loss Montemurro praised how far the team had come since time in charge. And the Lyon boss, whose players are so far still unbeaten in this term’s contest, admits his side suffered before sealing their first-leg victory. Montemurro said: “I’m not sure there are many people that come to this iconic stadium against a very good team and expect to not suffer a little bit. “And we suffered, but it balanced itself out in the end.Lyon boss Joe Montemurro reckons the pressure may be off Arsenal in the second leg despite his side’s one-goal advantageCredit: Getty”It’s not over yet. This thing is not over and maybe the pressure has been taken off Arsenal. Read More on The Sun”They’re 2-1 down, they’re coming to Lyon and whatever happens, happens. “But it’s a dangerous scenario and they’re a good team.” More

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      Real Madrid line up ex-Liverpool star Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti with Italian set for shock new job

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      REAL MADRID are lining up Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti as boss, according to reports.The Italian’s future in the Spanish capital has come under the microscope since his side’s Champions League exit earlier this week.Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid future has come under the spotlightCredit: EPAXabi Alonso is the favourite to replace Ancelotti in MadridCredit: ReutersSpeaking ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with Athletic Bilbao, Ancelotti refused to confirm that he will remain in charge of Los Blancos for the Club World Cup this summer.According to The Athletic, Real Madrid chiefs have already “sounded out” Alonso over replacing Ancelotti.The Bayer Leverkusen boss, 43, played under Ancelotti with both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.Last season, the ex-Liverpool star guided Leverkusen to Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal successes, while also reaching the Europa League final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlonso is the favourite to replace Ancelotti, should the 65-year-old leave the Bernabeu as expected.Ancelotti could go on to manage Brazil at the 2026 World Cup.The experienced boss has long been linked with the Selecao.It’s claimed that a representative of Brazil’s football federation was in attendance at Real Madrid’s clash with Arsenal this week ahead of meetings with Ancelotti.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Selecao are currently without a manager following Dorival Junior’s sacking last month.Real Madrid, meanwhile, could cut the gap to Barcelona at the top of LaLiga to four points with a win over Athletic Bilbao.New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal They will also face Barca in the Copa del Rey final on April 26, after which Ancelotti’s future is set to further come under the microscope.Speaking earlier today, the under-pressure boss said: “We’re still competing for trophies. We have one [the Copa del Rey final] in a week, and we have the first ever Club World Cup at the end of the season, it wouldn’t be right to do it now.”All I can do is thank these players, I’ve enjoyed this and I want to keep doing so. We’re still united, we have a great relationship.”Ancelotti then went on to add: “At the end of the season, I’ll talk about that with the club.”I don’t want to talk about my future today. It’s an obvious question, but I don’t want to talk about it.”So all I say is we’ll talk about it with the club at the end of the season.”Read More on The SunAncelotti won LaLiga and the Champions League last season.But a trophyless campaign this time around could spell the end of his second spell in Madrid.Ancelotti, 65, saw his side dumped out of the Champions League this weekCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd to go all out for Crystal Palace’s £50m-rated ace Eberechi Eze but face Premier League competition for star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim wants Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace as a key summer signing — and is hopeful of winning the race.But the Red Devils will not have it all their own way with Aston Villa potential rivals if they cannot land United loanee Marcus Rashford.Manchester United want to sign Eberechi EzeCredit: ReutersRuben Amorin is keen to add more players to fit his styleCredit: AlamyUnited believe England international Eze would bring the class they lack and will go all out for him this summer.Midfielder Eze, 26, still has two years left on his deal, with the final 12 months an option the Eagles are sure to take up.But even so, time is running out and he is bound to have widespread interest in his signature with Palace braced for offers in the £50million range.The Selhurst Park favourite could fit into Amorim’s system in the front three, where his ability to make and take goals would be a huge upgrade.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, it is not a clear run for Amorim as Villa are also considering Eze — and the Villans will turn to him if they fail to keep Rashford, 27.Palace know Eze’s price will drop after the summer window.It could be a tricky few months for the FA Cup semi-finalists.Eze is 27 in June and hitting his peak years, so he knows this transfer window is the time for his main career move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne way to deal with Aston Villa’s interest in Eze could involve Rashford.Reports have claimed that the Red Devils could offer the out-of-favour forward in a swap deal for striker Ollie Watkins.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd The report suggests that the club could offer Rashford as well as cash in order to land the England striker.Should this deal go through, then it could clear the way for Man United to sign Eze.Meanwhile, Eze did have a moment of misfortune in the week as he fluffed a penalty, Palace’s 5-0 hammering by Newcastle.The tame effort was well-saved by goalkeeper Nick Pope, which was labelled as one of the “worst” ever.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More