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      Man Utd boss Amorim decides replacing blunder-keeper Onana is NOT priority as team-mates get set for the axe

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      BLUNDER keeper Andre Onana is likely to get an Old Trafford lifeline — by default.Ruben Amorim had told his recruitment staff he was keen on a new No 1 this summer after a string of high-profile clangers by Onana.Andre Onana has been under a glaring spotlight following errorsCredit: GettyRuben Amorim is more focused on improving other areas of the teamCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund has struggled while Joshua Zirkzee is now injuredCredit: GettyYet the Manchester United head coach’s transfer kitty will be determined by departures . . . and without mass exits, Amorim has bigger  priorities in other positions.Heading the list is a top-level  striker but he has also targeted a central defender, left-back and at least one more midfielder ahead  of replacing 29-year-old Onana.He had shown interest in Porto keeper Diogo Costa, 25, but could not  afford the £63million release clause —  leaving the way clear for neighbours City.Pep Guardiola is very keen, with doubts over Ederson and back-up Stefan Ortega staying at the Etihad beyond this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnana  had previously been on the radar of the Saudi Pro League and sources say United would do business at little more than £20m — yet that  interest seems to have cooled.The Cameroon keeper was axed for last Sunday’s trip to Newcastle after two more errors at Lyon in the 2-2 Europa League draw.But he was back for Thursday night’s quarter-final second leg and,  despite conceding four goals, also made a host of impressive stops in United’s crazy 5-4 win.Onana has let in 99 goals in just 69 Prem games since  signing from Inter Milan for an initial £43.8m in July 2023 but wants to prove he is up to the job.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKUnless there are a pile of exits, he is set to get his wish, with Amorim keen to sort other problem areas first . . . starting in attack.Rasmus Hojlund has been a flop, scoring  ONE United goal since December. And although partner Joshua Zirkzee showed flashes, they have been too rare and he is now crocked.Man Utd fans celebrate outside Old Trafford after leaving Lyon game early Portuguese gaffer Amorim also feels he is light in midfield and wants to strengthen at the heart of his defence.And despite Luke Shaw’s return easing worries at left-back, the 29-year-old’s catalogue of injuries in recent seasons means Amorim wants another first-team-ready arrival.Onana celebrated Man Utd’s sensational comeback win over LyonCredit: Rex More

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      Liverpool still want to sign Brentford’s £50m-rated Bryan Mbeumo despite Mo Salah agreeing new contract

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      LIVERPOOL are lining up a move for Brentford hitman Bryan Mbeumo — despite Mo Salah signing a new deal.The pace and power of the Cameroon forward has really caught the eye of Kop scouts, who have been at a string of Bees games.Liverpool are lining up a move for Bryan MbeumoCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old scored twice on Saturday in a 4-2 win over Brighton, taking his Prem goal tally to 18 for the seasonMo Salah has signed a new contract to stay at LiverpoolCredit: AFPMbeumo looked a ready-made replacement for Salah but the checks have continued after the Egyptian superstar signed on for two more years.Brentford would want around £50million for Mbeumo, who has one year plus an option of a further season with them.The Reds want to freshen up their forward line and Mbeumo has all the qualities they like.The 25-year-old scored twice on Saturday in a 4-2 win over Brighton, taking his Prem goal tally to 18 for the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMbeumo, who will be even more popular at Anfield if Darwin Nunez leaves this summer, can play wide right as well as through the middle.Insiders reckon Liverpool may even splash out as much as £200m in the summer on new faces — despite their imminent title success.Mbeumo, signed by Brentford in 2019 from Troyes for £5.8million, has been likened to Salah in terms of his style and impact.The duo play in similar positions and incredible data shows the pair even score from similar places.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat Mbeumo is out of contract in the summer of 2026 is likely to force Brentford to make a decision on whether to sell for big money this summer.SunSport understands Arsenal and Newcastle are also keen on the French-born forward.Mo Salah commits to Liverpool with new two-year contract More

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      Ex-West Ham star Dimitri Payet beat me up & made me film sick sex acts, ex lover tells cops as ace faces police probe

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      FORMER West Ham star Dimitri Payet has been accused of “physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence” during a seven-month affair.Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari reported the married midfielder to police last month over claims he forced her to film degrading videos and assaulted her during a ­campaign of abuse.Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari accused the ex-West Ham ace of ‘physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence’Credit: NewsflashThe footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August using a fake profile, claims LarissaCredit: NewsflashLarissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises, which she also handed to policeThe Brazilian lawyer alleged that former French international Payet, 38, even made her take part in a fake wedding and wear a ring to “prove her love”.Last night police in Rio de Janeiro — where Payet now plays — confirmed they have opened an investigation into him.Speaking in Rio, mum-of-two Larissa told The Sun on Sunday: “He’s a sick monster. I was scared for my life, and I’m still scared.“I not only want justice but to also help other women who are blindly allowing their partners to abuse them.”Read more on Dimitri PayetPayet spent 18 months with West Ham before Marseille paid £25million for him in January 2017. He then moved to Rio in 2023 after signing for Vasco de Gama.The footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August. She claims that Payet, who has four children with wife Ludivine in France, used a fake profile. They then started messaging on WhatsApp.Larissa, who knew the star was married, flew 1,500 miles from her home in the state of Parana to meet him in Rio’s Windsor Hotel where his team were staying before a match.Asked for ‘weird things’She said: “He was very sweet and romantic. It was a very intense date and the following day I went to watch him play. He was so attentive and there was lots of hugging and kissing. I thought he seemed like a lovely man.”Most read in FootballAs the relationship grew, they started staying together for days at a time.Larissa said: “I opened up to him. I told him I had just come out of a relationship and that I was mentally fragile and he was very supportive. It felt like he was my shelter.”However Larissa said that in October he started to ask for “weird things” and told her to dress up as a bride.She said: “We had a fake wedding. He said it was an official moment of us entering into a real relationship.“He never mentioned his wife and I didn’t like to ask him about her. He asked me to buy a wedding ring to wear and told me that he would never leave me.”Larissa said she stopped dating other people and they acted as a “normal couple”. But in early December Larissa’s pal posted on social media a snap of two match tickets Payet had given them.Larissa claimed Payet became aggressive and screamed at her. She said: “This was the first time I saw this side of him.“He said he was the only person I could trust. He then told me he was going to punish me and would go to France for 30 days back to his family. He told me that when he came back I would be sexually punished as well.”Payet spent 18 months with Premier League side West HamCredit: PA:Press AssociationLarissa wearing bridal gear for ‘ceremony’When Payet returned to Rio in January, Larissa went to see him.She alleged he kicked her and beat her up and then had violent sex with her.Larissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises. She also handed them to police.She recalled: “Within seconds of me arriving at his house he said, ‘Now your punishment starts’.“I felt like I deserved it though, as he had manipulated me into believing that I needed to be punished for our relationship to continue. I was vulnerable and I didn’t want him to leave me.“I knew I was being hurt but I couldn’t stop it as it felt like a condition for us to stay together.”The next day Larissa said Payet “rewarded” her and sent a driver to take her to watch him play from a VIP box.He said that we already knew that I was a ‘whore’ and that I needed to prove to him with videos reflecting that.Larissa FerrariOn January 22 another footballer reached out to her on Instagram and they started messaging but Larissa insisted it was friendly and that she told Payet.Wiping tears from her eyes, Larissa went on: “He got really mad and started calling me a ‘bitch’. He said that I was cheating on him.“He told me that I had seven days to prove that I really loved him. I didn’t know what to do to prove to him. I said I would get a tattoo of his name but he said that wasn’t enough.“He said he wasn’t with me as he was in Rio and I was home so I needed to punish myself as he wasn’t here to do it.“He said that we already knew that I was a ‘whore’ and that I needed to prove to him with videos reflecting that.”In text messages seen by The Sun on Sunday, Payet asked for “humiliating” sexual videos of Larissa. WhatsApp messages also show Payet asking for “disgusting acts” to prove her love.Payet and his wife Ludivine, a mum of fourCredit: AFPLarrisa claims Payet made her wear a wedding ringLarissa said that she sent shocking videos to Payet of her deg­rading herself as she was desperate for his approval and “really loved him”.She added: “They were really horrible things like putting my head in the toilet. He seemed happy at first that I had sent the videos he wanted, but then he kept asking for more.”Larissa said she rented an apartment in Rio in February to be close to him, only for him to leave her bruised once more.She said: “He said I was a ‘slag’ because I’m a Brazilian woman. What scared me was that I started to believe that I deserved it all.“None of my family or friends knew what was happening.”Pictures seen by The Sun on Sunday and police show bruises on Larissa’s buttocks, legs and arms.She finally gained the courage to end the relationship last month after attending therapy following a panic attack.Larissa said: “I was emotionally fragile and he knew that, which was how he was able to manipulate me so that he could do whatever he wanted with me.“I paid for every plane ticket and every stay to go and see him.“One week I had to take a bus instead of a plane and, as I was longer than he wanted me to be, he started abusing me on the phone.When I stepped off the bus in Rio I just collapsed and had a panic attack.Something in me snapped and I started having therapy which helped me realise that I didn’t deserve this.Larissa Ferrari“I got on the first plane back to my home city without seeing him.“Something in me snapped and I started having therapy which helped me realise that I didn’t deserve this.”Larissa said Payet’s behaviour changed and that he became “very sweet” and even asked her to live with him.She added: “I felt I had to try to protect myself. I went to a newspaper in Brazil to tell them about us — but at this point I didn’t mention the abuse as I wanted to go to the police first.”News broke of their alleged affair on March 22 and one week later Larissa contacted the police.Documents seen by The Sun on Sunday show she made an online report claiming she suffered “physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence”.According to the official report, Larissa’s lawyer said she was “assaulted by Dimitri Payet, which left marks on her body”.On March 30, Larissa filed an additional police report in Parana at a station specialising in assisting women requesting “emergency protective measures” against Payet.A forensic and psychological examination was carried out and police opened an investigation into her claims on March 30.Read More on The SunDefiant Larissa said: “I want to teach women the signals that sometimes we don’t see — especially if you’re a young girl falling for a powerful rich man.” Payet was approached for comment.Domestic abuse – how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak toThreats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:Remember, you are not alone.1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. More

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      Virgil van Dijk’s image rights company banks eye-watering sum from sponsorship deals as he agrees £400k-a-week contract

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK earned £3million in image rights and sponsorship deals last season.And the Dutchman has amassed nearly £12m in the company he set up to handle his off-pitch earnings.Virgil van Dijk recently extended his Anfield stayCredit: GettyLiverpool’s captain raked in the equivalent of £60,000 a week ON TOP of his mega Anfield pay.His earnings are set to increase with his new two-year Reds deal  reportedly worth £400,000 a week — including bumper image rights payments.Latest paperwork for VVD Promotions Limited shows the 33-year-old’s company has assets of £11,689,424.Van Dijk launched his image rights firm in May 2017, several months before he joined the Anfield giants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe defender also has a property firm, set up in 2023, with assets worth £5,685,584.Upon penning his new deal, Van Dijk revealed his delight at staying at Anfield.He said: “I’m very happy, very proud.”There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”It’s a proud feeling, it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible.”The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I’m so happy.” Fans convinced they know what Virgil van Dijk said to Newcastle hero Alexander Isak after Carabao Cup finalHe went on to add: “It was always Liverpool. That was the case.”It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.“There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool.”Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.”Van Dijk, 33, is set to stick around at AnfieldCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Give Fullkrug the manager’s job’ – West Ham star launches expletive-laden rant at team-mates for ‘not playing football’

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      NICLAS FULLKRUG launched a blistering attack on his West Ham team-mates.The Hammers handed rock-bottom Southampton the point which brought them level with Derby’s all-time low record of 11, before Fullkrug let rip in an X-rated rant.Niclas Fullkrug launched a furious rant against his own team-matesWest Ham’s German striker apologised for being “s***” and accused his team-mates of lacking motivation and ability in a scathing assessment.Graham Potter’s men took the lead early in the second half through Jarrod Bowen before sitting back and finally conceding to Lesley Ugochukwu in the 93rd minute.Fullkrug, who set up Bowen’s goal, fumed: “It is a mindset problem. Very angry today.”Not disappointed, just angry with what we did after the goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was difficult to bring the boys back to push up, we didn’t push up anymore.”We tried, but we didn’t have the ability or the motivation to push up again. I am very, very angry that we played like this.”We had some minutes where we showed what we can do against an opponent like that at home.”We showed the possession we can have, that we can go in behind and have the chances to score again.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFullkrug was in action for the HammersCredit: Getty”But the motivation, sorry we were s*** and I’m very angry.”It is not the first time where we score a goal and then the next goal kick we just shoot the ball long.‘Second again, ole ole’ – Brutal West Ham fans taunt Arsenal with three cheeky chants after stunning the Emirates”We don’t try to play football anymore.”We don’t push up anymore, we just sink and that’s not the way we want to play.”Why we play 65 minutes before with possession, even if it’s not perfect.”We try to play with possession, try to create chances, we try to score and then we score and after that half of the team try to score again and the other half just try to defend very deep.”That is not the way it works.”We have to find a way to have togetherness, to have the idea, where we want to go and what we want to do.”The coach was very clear with what he wants, we have to do it all and everyone has to do it.”‘NEVER HEARD TRUER WORDS’Potter, who has just three wins as West Ham boss, had also criticised his team for their inability to control games and dominate at home.Several West Ham fans loved Fullkrug’s rant.One wrote on X: “Give Fullkrug the managers job, never heard truer words.”Read More on The SunWhile a second commented: “Some players need to look at this and be more like it, as fullkrug has said nothing but the truth!”And another added: “That Fullkrug interview is spot on.”West Ham threw their lead away against the SaintsCredit: Reuters More

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      Aston Villa 4 Newcastle 1: Unai Emery’s genius subs down Toon and throw Champions League race wide open

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      MAAT’S the way to do it.When you have been on the wrong end of Champions League heartbreak, this is how to bounce back and boost your chances of having another go next year.Aston Villa stunned Newcastle with a 4-1 victoryCredit: PAIan Maatsen netted his first goal for the clubCredit: ReutersAmadou Onana scored a fantastic goal to wrap up the matchCredit: GettyAnd to dent the challenge of one of your top-five rivals into the bargain.Just when Newcastle were threatening to frustrate Unai Emery’s vibrant team, Ian Maatsen had his own moment of redemption. The Dutchman had been at fault when Fabian Schar cancelled out Ollie Watkins’ first-minute opener, but just past the hour he finished off a brilliant move that typified the hosts.Villa had fallen agonisingly short of forcing Paris Saint-Germain to extra time in their quarter-final, despite having plenty of chances.READ MJORE ON FOOTBALLBut less than four days later, in front of a rapturous home crowd, they capitalised on their dominance and put Newcastle to the sword.Substitutes Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana made sure the scoreline reflected Villa’s superiority.Ramsey’s first major contribution was to force Dan Burn to put the ball in his own net and then Onana smashed home a wonderful fourth.It was a classic one-two combination to settle a brilliant and sometimes bruising brawl between two sides who are now Premier League heavyweights.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey had gone toe-to-toe in an end-to-end first half.But Villa, who also hit the woodwork three times, were always the ones doing the most damage.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksIt was a day when something had to give, with Villa on a four-game winning streak in the league, one behind Newcastle’s five.There was also an element of needle.The teams had threatened to take Boxing Day literally when they met at St James Park in DecemberWind-up merchant Jason Tindall and Villa analyst Victor Manas squared up and sparked a 10-man festive fracas that ended with both being sent off.Villa noted in their report on the game that Tindall later reappeared to celebrate Newcastle’s 3-0 victory while wearing a Wham! Last Christmas hoodie.With that context, it was never going to be a case of wake me up before you go-go for the return at Villa Park.Although some of the Newcastle team did seem to be asleep when Watkins scored after only 33 seconds.Ollie Watkins netted the opener via a deflectionCredit: GettyFabian Schar headed Newcastle back level in the first halfCredit: RexThe England star had initially chased down Sandro Tonali, whose clearance was weak and the ball broke to Youri Tielemans.As the Belgian passed, Tonali was playing Watkins onside. The striker cut inside and his shot took a heavy deflection off Fabian Schar that left Nick Pope with no chance.The Newcastle goalkeeper was equally helpless minutes later when Watkins strode through the away defence and smacked a shot off the crossbar.There were already some tasty tackles flying in, and Villa fans will feel Schar should not have been on the pitch to equalise.Was the Swiss defender’s cynical foul on Watkins a denial of a goalscoring opportunity? Referee Jarred Gillett clearly thought the Villa man would not have reached the ball and showed Schar a yellow card, with VAR Michael Salisbury seeing no reason to intervene.Everyone of a claret and blue persuasion was soon even more annoyed by Gillett.The Australian decided Boubacar Kamara’s challenge on Tino Livramento was worthy of a free kick.It wasn’t, but the home side should have defended it better. Instead, they only half-cleared it and when Harvey Barnes swung in a deep cross, Ian Maatsen allowed Schar to steal in and head the ball through Emi Martinez.Maatsen almost enjoyed immediate redemption but from his fine cross, Marco Asensio mistimed his finish horribly.In a parallel universe, Watkins soon completed his “hat-trick”. But in this world, he hit the woodwork again, this time with a header from an Asensio free kick.Unai Emery’s side have blown the race for Champions League football wide openCredit: GettyJason Tindell was on touchline duty as Eddie Howe continues to be absentCredit: PAAt the other end, Martinez scrambled away a long-range effort by Tonali before Pope kept out a Morgan Rogers effort and Tielemans’ goalbound corner.Watkins dragged a shot wide, then claimed a penalty in vain after going down under a challenge from – guess who? – Schar.It was entertaining, compelling stuff, and so it continued.The excellent Morgan Rogers played in John McGinn and Pope had to intervene. After Tonali cleared a Tielemans header that was probably going wide, Rogers found space only for Schar to block his shot.Bruno Guimaraes somehow escaped a yellow card for a late, spiteful foul on McGinnThe Villa captain almost had revenge, but his shot from Kamara’s through ball was straight at Pope.Alexander Isak was having a very quiet game by his very high standards, which reflected his team’s limited ambition. His first proper effort on goal, after more than half an hour, was comfortably held by Martinez.And then came the move of the match and one of the most important goals of Villa’s season.The ball moved swiftly from Martinez to Rogers to Asensio to Watkins, who rolled it into Maatsen’s path.The Dutchman did not break stride before lashing the ball past Pope.Maatsen had never scored in the Premier League before and he will do well to notch a better one.Tindall made changes, but it was Emery’s that decided the match.After another fine move, Ramsey reached the byline and Burn could only divert the ball into the net as he tried to deny Tielemans.Read More on The SunVilla smelled blood, and when Rogers laid the ball back to Onana on the edge of the area, there was only one place it was going.On this form, Villa will be back in the Champions League before they know it. More

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      ‘Absolutely generational’ – Lamine Yamal, 17, inspires epic Barcelona comeback after shocking home collapse

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      LAMINE YAMAL inspired an epic Barcelona comeback against Celta Vigo to leave his side seven points clear at the top of LaLiga.Yamal and Dani Olmo came off the bench to spark an incredible turnaround, as Barca came back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 and edge closer to LaLiga glory.Lamine Yamal’s genius inspired an epic Barcelona comeback against Celta Vigo in LaLigaYamal was brought on when Barca were 2-1 downThe 17-year-old sent in a delicious cross to assist Raphinha’s equaliserBarca came back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 and edge closer to LaLiga gloryBarca manager Hansi Flick rotated his squad after their 5-3 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals.Barcelona had the lead within 11 minutes thanks to Ferran Torres, who started ahead of Yamal.But Celta hit back within four minutes as Borja Iglesias got on the end of a cross and finished past Wojciech Szczesny just before half-time.Iglesias put Vigo 2-1 up before Flick brought on the calvary soldiers, introducing Yamal for Torres and Olmo for Fermin Lopez.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Iglesias completed his stunning hat-trick, before Spain Euro 2024 winners Yamal and Olmo switched it up a gear.Olmo found the net after Raphinha’s clever pass, hitting the bottom corner and sparking hope of a comeback.And Yamal sent in a delicious cross to assist Raphinha’s equaliser, before the former Leeds star scored a last-minute penalty to secure all three points and move seven points clear of Real Madrid.But fans were quick to praise Yamal’s lively cameo, with one writing: “Absolutely generational. Sometimes I can‘t believe Lamine Yamal is only 17.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another said: “Yamal completely changed the game!”A third added: “He is simply sensational.”Craig Burley praises Lamine Yamal’s clutch goal in Spain’s win One more wrote: “Yamal is the best footballer in the world at 17 do you know how crazy that is?”Meanwhile, former Premier League star Raphinha has now provided 25 goal contributions in LaLiga this season.And the Ballon d’Or favourite has 53 goals or assists across all competitions this term.Raphinha scored two in the comeback More

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      Josh Warrington vs Asad Asif Khan LIVE RESULTS: Khan DROPPED, Dalton Smith eyeing world title after win – latest

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      JOSH WARRINGTON returned to the ring with a huge comeback win over Asad Asif Khan!The bout was on the undercard of Dalton Smith vs Mathieu Germain, with Smith charging to a comprehensive triumph.Former two-time featherweight champion Warrington had reportedly considered retirement after suffering three consecutive defeats, and could now go forth to a big summer showdown against Ireland’s Michzel Conlan.Live stream/TV: DAZNBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow ALL the action from the Park Community Arena with our live blog below…Get me my shot!Dalton says: “There’s no better feeling than fighting in my home town. When it went a bit quiet in there, they helped me up the pace.”All I want to say is, I want that world title shot next.”I did what I had to do, me and my dad said I had to enjoy the rounds and I could have done twenty.”Credit to Germain, he was tough but I needed those rounds and my dad told me not to knock him out.”I finished the last one in the first and this one went the distance, it’s hard when somone runs like that.”Copy linkCopiedSmith wins UDAfter three knockdowns – and one point deducted for low blows – the three judges award Dalton Smith the unanimous win.The cards read: 117-107 and 119-105 and 119-105.Smith remains undefeated and dangerous.But Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn needs to deliver his man a world title shot now, before the warm-ups get boring.Copy linkCopiedGermain down R12!This one counts and gets an eight-count.Germain is down and up and hurt and brave.The Canadian’s skull and ribs must be burning but Smith cannot finish him.Fight over.Smith wins every round but Mathieu Germain proves himself a freakishly tough man.Copy linkCopiedGermain down R12!But it won’t be counted as a knockdown as it was a low blow.Smith holds his gloves up and apologises straight away.But referee Victor Loughlin takes a token point off of Smith for the repeat offence.Copy linkCopiedGermain down R11!Smith takes the advice from his corner and folds his foe down into the canvas.Germain bounces back up, looking more annoyed with himself than lame.He doesn’t run away or clinch, either, he keeps dancing around and popping out his own punches.Copy linkCopiedSmith vs Germain R10Another one-sided round, almost like a spar for Smith.Germain does not want to be stopped and he hasn’t looked close to it.It will be a badge of honour for the low-profile veteran to go the distance with red-hot Smith.Smith’s corner tell their man give the ref a reason to jump in and end it.Copy linkCopiedSmith vs Germain R9Smith goes through the whole arsenal of punches but doesn’t trouble Germain again.There’s no threat coming back from the visitor so Smith should put his foot down and end this early.Germain hasn’t won a round but he’s also only looked hurt once.Copy linkCopiedSmith vs Germain R8Germain is bundled out of the ring but it’s not counted as a knockdown.Smith manhandled him and the Canadian flew through the ropes and thankfully wasn’t hurt.The action resumes inside the ropes.Copy linkCopiedSmith vs Germain R7Dull round.Germain is on his bike and Smith is going around the houses.The crowd and viewers will need a decent knockout to erase the memory of this frustrating opening seven rounds.Copy linkCopiedSmith vs Germain R6Smith slashes at the Canadian’s body with both heavy hands.A one-two to the head scores also, it’s a landslide on the cards but it’s not a highlight-reel performance so far.One dangerous left hook might have dropped Germain but it grazed his nose and his leaped out of danger.Copy linkCopiedSmith vs Germain R6The Montreal man doesn’t want to get hurt or embarrassed so he is staying on the outskirts of the ring.Smith needs to be smarter with his pressure and cut down the ring, rather than following Germain around like a puppy.Smith launches a long left hook but a fruitless single shot and Germain swerves it.Copy linkCopiedSmith vs Germain R5It feels like Smith is looking for the perfect counter punch to win – and it’s just not coming.The combinations are few and far between.Smith lands an accidental low blow and Germain gets time from the referee for his groin to recover.Another session slipbs by, into Smith’s pocket, but without much action.Copy linkCopiedSmith vs Germain R4Double-jab-right-hand-left-hook from Smith drives Germain into a corner.It looks like curtains for the visitor again.But Smith’s best shots are just off target or Germain is a nanosecond too fast.And the underdog hears another bell before Smith Sr tells his boy to throw an uppercut after a body blow.Copy linkCopiedSmith vs Germain R3Germain’s shaven head gets more slaps and pokes and whacks.Smith is so calm in the ring and is ice-cold like a Steel City assassin.Germain deserves credit and respect for taking some big shots and remaining in range for more.Copy linkCopiedSmith vs Germain R3Smith has the stench of blood in his nostrils and Germain is a sitting Canadian duck.Germain wants to go out on his shield, though, he is on the front foot and hurling shots.A lesser, or wiser, man would run around the ropes and hide but Germain gets in range and lands a left hookCopy linkCopiedGermain down R2!The visitor scoots around the ring smartly enough but every time he ventures inward, he looks scared.Smith stalks him menacingly but doesn’t take risks.Right on the bell, Smith lands a peach of a left hook and Germain falls heavily and gets saved by the bell.2-0 Smith, with a 10-8 round.Copy linkCopiedSmith vs Germain R1Smith used the opener to get a read on his opponent, to suss his tells and his feints.Then the local hero landed a whipped left hook and a body shot.And, in the clinch, Germain bizarrely chose to grab and hold Smith’s leg.Smith’s dad and trainer Grant used the break to tell his boy to target more body shots.Copy linkCopiedSmith vs Germain R1Sheffield’s Dalton Smith is mandatory for the WBC super-light world title.So he is treading water with Mathieu Germain tonight and will do well to last the opening five rounds.Smith iced his last overmatched opponent in ONE ROUND in January.Another hometown show tonight and a confidence builder before the world title effort for the Wednesday fan.Copy linkCopiedDalton Smith vs Mathieu Germain NEXT!Home hero Smith is undefeated with a record of 17 wins from 17 bouts.The 28-year-old wants a world title fight next year, so he MUST win here tonight.Mathieu Germain’s record includes 26 wins, two defeats and one draw.Copy linkCopiedMoment Josh drops Khan in the sixthCopy linkCopiedWarrington: ‘I’m a bit disappointed’After his win, Warrington said: “Am I bit disappointed? Yeah. Felt like I could’ve ended it sooner.”But I’m happy to be back in the ring.”I know there were times I was hurting him, he was sometimes making noises before I was even throwing anything.”So I knew he was hurt.”On what’s really left in Josh Warrington, he added: “There’s been a few hiccups and set-backs.”Obviously it’s about implementing what I’m doing in the gym.”The Brit added that he’d be open to fighting Michael Conlan next, who beat Khan in less decisive fashion a few months ago. He concluded: “Just a massive thanks to my family, my wife and kids, they’ve sacrificed a lot for me.”Copy linkCopiedWarrington secures unanimous decision winThe Leeds Warrior wins the vote of all three judges with a dominant performance over Asad Asif Khan.The gloves are still very much on!The scorecard: 99-8999-90 97-91Copy linkCopiedWarrington vs Khan R10The Brit’s engine, stamina and passion is still there.But whether the power, skill, and elitism is, is hard to know given the level of opposition tonight.The Leeds Warrior unleashes several shots the body and allows Khan to walk into a right hand.Khan will go the distance and deserves every bit of his purse after looking on the verge of a knockout in Round 6.Warrington didn’t get the finish, but he’s surely won the 10 rounds.Copy linkCopiedWarrington vs Khan R9The pair clinch and the Brit lands a couple of jabs.Neither man carries knockout power to fear at the moment so it’s who puts together the better combinations.Khan’s are textbook and scoring occasionally but Warrington is showing more ability and fitness ahead of the final round.Copy linkCopiedWarrington vs Khan R8Warrington comes flying out again – remember he hasn’t won since 2022. But he has been victorious in every single session here.The Brit unleashed again, stabbing at his head and slashing at his ribs.If he was serious about America, then Josh shouldn’t really let Khan hear the final bell. He should end it. He’s cruising, but Khan is weathering it now.Warrington more-or-less 8-1 up, at least. Copy linkCopied More