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    Frank Bruno wins top award at British Boxing Awards – but is too unwell to collect it after serious illness

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    FORMER world heavyweight champ Frank Bruno last night won a top gong at the British Boxing Awards — but was too unwell to collect it.The 63-year-old national treasure — recovering from a severe viral infection — got the Lifetime Achievement Award at the London bash.Former world heavyweight champ Frank Bruno won a top gong at the British Boxing Awards — but was too unwell to collect it.Credit: PAFrank wrote a speech to be read out on his behalf by friend Ricky Hatton.It said: “I am sorry I cannot be with you tonight. “Trust me – I would far rather be with you than in hospital having daily tests.“Thank you to the organisers of this event and all the people that voted for me to get this prestigious award.READ MORE ON FRANK BRUNO“To get a lifetime achievement award while only in your 60s is a ­little worrying though — especially with my youthful looks!”Bruno was rushed to hospital in Qatar on March 3 after falling ill on a long-haul flight.He has since returned to the UK, where he has continued his recovery.The star was awarded an MBE for services in boxing in 1990.Most read in BoxingFour Kings takes a look back at the iconic week in British boxing from 1991 More

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      Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of head

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      ERLING Haaland left a Manchester City mascot with suspected whiplash and concussion after a playful knock to the back of her head.The woman, working as alien “Moonbeam”, was hit by the 6ft 4in striker before a game with Southampton.Erling Haaland left a Manchester City mascot with suspected whiplash and concussion after a playful knock to the back of her headCredit: GettyA temp staffer working as alien Moonbeam went to hospital after being playfully struckCredit: GettyShe went to hospital after being playfully struck while working as furry alien Moonbeam, initially believing she was hit by a stray football.A club probe later cleared the Norwegian striker before City decided not to renew the furious uni graduate’s contract.The woman, who does not want to be named, also lodged an assault complaint with police.Last night she accused the “arrogant” Premier League giants of a     “cover-up” to protect Haaland.READ MORE ON ERLING HAALANDShe started as a City temp last June and occasionally worked as Moonbeam on matchdays, earning around £100 a time.Before the Southampton clash on October 26, she felt two blows to the back of her head as she posed for a photo.She said it left her in shock and as she walked off the pitch she asked a colleague: “What the hell was that that hit me?”She recalled: “He said, ‘It was Erling. He hit you from behind’.Most read in Football“I was pretty upset and I was crying and my head was thudding and I think I was in shock.“I later realised he’d come behind me and hit me on the head and then leaned on my head.”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starShe told City’s safeguarding boss who allegedly laughed it off, saying: “At least you can say Erling Haaland hit you.”Following the incident the woman was offered the chance to go home but continued to work the shift. She said she later vomited and suffered neck and head pain before being assessed the next day by City’s first-team doctor who suggested she go to hospital.The Salford Royal’s A&E notes confirmed her symptoms though a CT scan revealed no damage.City’s health and safety head Paul Kenyon launched a probe and told the woman they wanted to look at CCTV. I’m sure Erling would have apologised to me if they had given him the chance.But they just wanted to sweep it under the carpet.She said: “I asked if anyone had spoken to Erling and he said, ‘No, they don’t want to distract him’.”She added: “I was offended because I was the one hurt but I was being asked all the questions.”The probe concluded that the striker, 24, did not cause her injuries. A report stated: “Erling Haaland always does a gentle touch on the back or head of Moonbeam as recognition.”It says footage showed him only “grazing” the mascot.The complainant accused Manchester City of sweeping the issue under the carpetCredit: mancityThe woman returned to her role in the ticket office but was told she would have to reapply to get her contract renewed.Following a half-day interview, she was informed last December she had not been successful.She said: “I have never had any complaints from any of the managers about my work before.“They said they didn’t feel like I’d performed in the interviews to the 100 per cent I usually do.”Greater Manchester Police also told her Haaland had not acted with malice. Last night she hit out at City, saying: “I’m sure Erling would have apologised to me if they had given him the chance.“But they just wanted to sweep it under the carpet.”A  City spokesperson said “Manchester City refute the complaint that was made in this regard. READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Club fully investigated and found that none of the evidence, including video footage backed up the claim that an injury was sustained in the manner alleged. “We’re also aware a complaint was made to Greater Manchester Police and no further action was taken by them either.”City issued a statement denying the claims, while confirming police took no further actionCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family make huge sum selling his memorabilia to help settle £8m debt

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      EX-England football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family have made £140,000 selling off his memorabilia to help settle his debts.He died owing more than £8million, including £7million in UK tax.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family have made £140,000 selling off his memorabilia to help settle his debtsCredit: AFPSven with the late Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2002Credit: ReutersA lunch invitation from the late Queen went for £300Among the items up for sale was Sven’s Armani suit from the 2006 World Cup – it went for £3kCredit: bna.nuweauctionsInside the suit was Sven’s hand-written team notesThe Swede’s loved ones were forced to sell hundreds of mementoes — such as his Armani suit from a 2006 World Cup match with his hand-written team notes still in the pocket.The 349 items which went under the hammer also included his BBC Coach of the Year trophy in 2001 and Premier League Manager of the Month award from his time at Manchester City.A lunch invitation from the late Queen and an Ivory Coast top signed by his ­former forward Didier Drogba were flogged too.Sven died of pancreatic cancer last year aged 76, leaving his partner Yaniseth Alcides and two adult children to deal with his debts.read more on svenHe owed the huge sum despite earning tens of millions in a 42-year managerial career at 12 clubs and four national teams, including England from 2001-2006.The Swedish auction house said: “There was huge interest mostly from England, Italy and Portugal.“It was a reflection of the love and affection that people had for Sven in countries all over the world.“We are very pleased with how both auctions have gone and there may be a third one of items of his furniture.”Most read in FootballBut the cash raised is still a drop in the ocean and Sven’s ­family are also selling his seven-bed lakeside mansion in his homeland for £1.8million.Sven’s Premier League Manager of the Month award fetched £1,700Sven earned the award during his time at Manchester CityCredit: Matthew AshtonSven’s BBC Coach of the Year trophy was auctionedThe trophy, which he won in 2001, went for £500An Ivory Coast top signed by Didier Drogba was sold for £700Sven managed the Ivory Coast in 2010Credit: Getty More

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      Major update in probe into death of ex-Newcastle boss Steve Bruce’s grandson as cops rule tragedy an ‘accident’

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      THE death of footie boss Steve Bruce’s grandson was a tragic accident, cops have ruled.Madison Smith was just four months old when found dead at home in October.Steve, above with his wife Janet, spoke for the first time about the heartbreaking lossCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionThe tot was the son of ex-Man United star Steve’s daughter Amy and her husband Matt Smith, who played for Fulham and Millwall.After Madison’s death, a woman in her 40s, who was working as a nanny, was arrested on suspicion of child neglect. But detectives have ruled it an accident and ended the investigation.Greater Manchester Police said: “While the circumstances are tragic, we don’t believe any criminality was linked to this death.”READ MORE ON STEVE BRUCEThis week, Blackpool FC manager Bruce spoke for the first time about the heartbreaking loss, saying “there’s still not a day where it doesn’t affect you”.He added: “It’s been the tragedy of all tragedies. “Anyone going through the same sort of grief, I feel for them.“It’s horrendous that a fine, young, healthy baby boy doesn’t wake up one morning. Most read in Football”We’ll never come to terms with that. It’s agony.”’I don’t do tactics’ – Former Newcastle star claims he had conversation with Steve Bruce that left him ‘in shock’The death of footie boss Steve Bruce’s grandson was a tragic accidentCredit: Getty More

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      From Arsenal & Man City to Leicester & Leeds Utd – do you fit into AI’s idea of how a stereotypical football fan looks?

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      ARTIFICIAL intelligence is ­everywhere – even taking on the ­terraces of our top football clubs.  That’s because these images are all computer-generated ­likenesses of terrace stereotypes – based on the fans of a string of top clubs. It’s all the work of social media site Reimagine UK.  Do you and your club’s fans match up to how AI sees you? Find out hereCredit: GettyTheir tech wizards get ’bots to scour thousands of fan pictures and descriptions of supporters to analyse the defining traits of each. Then the site, which has tens of thousands of followers online, uploads the results, and no, they’re not real people – before you think you recognise that bloke from down the pub.  The Newcastle entry is a nod to Toon legend Paul Gascoigne’s pal Jimmy “Five Bellies” Gardner, the Brighton bloke gets a seagull, and the West Ham man has an, er, food-stained shirt.  Here, Mike Ridley reveals the full line-up so you can compare them to your footie-loving pals.  READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWest Ham  With spilt gravy and beer belly, AI gives West Ham fans a hammeringCredit: ReimagineUKHAMMERS fans eat all the pies and spill gravy down their shirts, the bots would have you believe – and this gent looks like he’s had his fill of steak-and-kidneys.  This Blades fan is all smiles as Sheffield United eye Premier League promotionCredit: ReimagineUKTHIS Blades bloke comes across as a cheerful chappie – and maybe rightly so, as they are looking like contenders for promotion to the Premier League.  Tottenham fan keeps snapping selfies to distract from his team’s tough season, perhaps?Credit: ReimagineUKWHAT’S with the constant selfies, lad? Maybe it’s to take his mind off the latest disappointing results, as his side languish downtable in the top flight.  This Chelsea fan loves the bling, but can he really afford it with those ticket prices at the Bridge?Credit: ReimagineUKLOVING the bling as much as the Blues’ megabucks players, is this fella. Most read in FootballBut you have to wonder how he can afford it, given the price of tickets nowadays.  This trendy Arsenal fan’s too cool for a red and white scarf, according to AICredit: ReimagineUKTHIS one’s been to a hipster North London hair salon – and maybe that’s why AI reckons he’s too trendy to team his shirt with a red and white scarf.  Five bellies and two chins in tribute to Gazza’s pal – but he’s still smiling. Could Europe be calling next season for this Toon fan?Credit: ReimagineUKNewcastle fans take over Covent Garden ahead of Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and bid to end 70-year trophy waitOF course, it had to be – five bellies and two chins, in tribute to Gazza’s portly pal. But he looks pretty pleased. Maybe he fancies boozing in Europe next season?  The topknot hunk with shades and a hipster beard is a Seagulls fan – and he’s got the bird to prove itCredit: ReimagineUKTHE topknot hunk with the shades and hipster beard is a big fan of the Seagulls and can often be seen with one perched on his shoulder. Like you do.  This surfer dude really Leeds the way as his team pushes for promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: ReimagineUKA SURFER dude beard, headband and neckerchief suggests someone feels like the cock of the north, merrily eyeing up promotion to the Prem.  After analysing thousands of Reds fans, AI couldn’t find a smile – no surprise after this season’s disastersCredit: TikTok/@reimagineukAFTER crunching thousands of pictures of Reds fans, AI couldn’t come up with anything more upbeat than this – little surprise given this season’s calamities.  They may be struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, but the bling and thoughtful look show they’ll always remember their 2016 gloryCredit: ReimagineUKTHEY may be at the wrong end of the Premier League but the proud bling, and philosophical face, suggest topping it way back in 2016 will never be forgotten.  Sporting a bit of a 1970s Paul McCartney lookCredit: ReimagineUKKOP a load of this! There’s maybe a bit of a 1970s Paul McCartney hair thing going on here, in tribute to the Beatles legend. Love, love yourself, fella.  Man City may not be on top right now, but AI says their fans are still smiling from years of successCredit: ReimagineUKCITY are, for once, not bossing things – but AI has seen so many of their happy fans in recent years it reckons they are still smiling from ear to ear.  More

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      Marcus Rashford fined almost £800 for another motoring offence while banned from roads

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      MARCUS Rashford has been fined almost £800 over more driving offences – while he was banned from getting behind the wheel.The Aston Villa ace, on loan from Man United, failed to give Cheshire Police information about who was driving his £100,000 electric BMW I7 motor on October 30 last year.Marcus Rashford has been fined almost £800 over more driving offences – while he was banned from getting behind the wheelCredit: GettyRashford, 27, was banned from driving at the time after being clocked at 104mph on a motorway in December 2023.The grey BMW was clocked in sleepy Winsford, Cheshire, on October 30 last year.Later that day, he started in Man United’s 5-2 win over Leicester in the League Cup.Cops sent the star a letter asking him to identify who was driving as they were “alleged to have been guilty of an offence”.Read More on SportHe pleaded guilty to failing to respond at Warrington magistrates’ court through the single justice procedure on March 13.It means it is still unclear who was driving the car.The £350,000-a-week ace was fined £500, and must cough up £200 in surcharges and £90 in costs, which he must pay by April 10.He was also given six penalty points on his license.Most read in FootballThe incident is the latest in a string of driving woes for Rashford, whose speeding driving ban only ended on January 18, after an undercover car clocked him going more than 30mph above the speed limit on the M60.And we told on Sunday how his Rolls-Royce had to be towed off a motorway following a tyre blow-out on Friday.’That was missing’ – Brutally blunt Thomas Tuchel reveals disappointment in Rashford and Foden’s England performancesThe winger was on England duty when the car broke down on the M60, leaving it stranded for an hour. It is not known who was driving. More

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      Footballers are great role models… but they need to be able to go partying, like I did, says Jack Wilshere

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      HAVING been hailed as the new Paul Gascoigne after making his senior England debut at 18, Jack Wilshere got a reputation for a party lifestyle.The former Arsenal midfielder’s career, including a stunning double strike during the Three Lions’ European Championship qualifying match against Slovenia in 2015, was then hampered by a catalogue of injuries.Former footie ace Jack Wilshere with daughter Siena and wife Andriani last yearCredit: Eleven Miles.Family man Jack with Andriani and the kidsCredit: InstagramJack is helping to get fans learning lifesaving CPR skillsBut now aged 33 and a coach — currently with Championship side Norwich City, and previously Arsenal under-18s — he understands the pressures on young football stars.Like former Three Lions manager Sir Gareth Southgate, he knows how much these kids need role models.The dad of four will run next month’s London Marathon in aid of the British Heart Foundation and is backing a campaign inspiring the nation to learn lifesaving cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.While at Arsenal, Jack helped coach now 18-year-old wonderkids Myles Lewis-Skelly — who last week scored on his full England debut in our World Cup qualifier win against Albania — and Ethan Nwaneri, now with the Three Lions under-21s.Read more on Jack WilshereBut he also believes players need to be allowed to let their hair down when not on club time.He made headlines in 2010 when he was arrested 18 days after making his full England debut in a friendly against Hungary at Wembley, coming on as a late substitute for Steven Gerrard.He was given a police caution following the late-night brawl — where it turned out he had played peacemaker.But Jack tells The Sun: “I always thought I was sensible enough to know the right times to go out and when not to — and it’s important that the players have some downtime.Most read in Football“Of course, the world has changed a little bit and there’s so many things young people, young players can do, but downtime is important, as are the people around you.”After England crashed out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in the group stage, Jack was pictured with a cigarette as he partied in a Las Vegas pool with goalkeeper Joe Hart.Jack Wilshere’ ‘out of his comfort zone’ in first coaching role since shock Arsenal exit But that was in downtime between duties with England and Arsenal.Plenty of footballers, such as England’s Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish, have been haunted by shots of them partying.But Jack says: “I don’t ever really look back and think, ‘I should not have done that’.”During his career he won FA Cups with Arsenal in 2014 and 2015, 34 England caps including six man-of-the-match awards, and scored two Premier League goals of the season.After ten years at Arsenal, until 2018, he was at West Ham for two years before spells at Bournemouth and Danish side Aarhus. But injuries — particularly ankle but also knee and back — forced him to retire in 2022 aged 30.Goals of the seasonHe then became head coach of Arsenal under-18s before leaving last October to become a first-team coach at Norwich.He has taken advice from former England pals Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, who all moved into football management.Jack says of coaching: “It’s a comp-letely different skill set. You have to learn how to lead people.“You have to learn how to inspire people and keep them inspired and convince them to buy into something.”Gareth Southgate spoke last week about how such inspiration needs to be passed on to young men, throughout society, to stop them falling under the spell of toxic online influencers such as misogynist Andrew Tate.Jack has son Archie, 13, and 11-year-old daughter Delilah by former girlfriend Lauren Neal, as well as daughter Siena, seven, and six-year-old son Jack by his now wife Andriani Michael.He says: “We have to be careful about the messages we expose them to, which I try to do, and try and limit their access to social media, and try to give them opportunities to have role models.Jack, pictured in 2010, was a young talent at Premier League side ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics SportJack parties in Las Vegas back in 2013Credit: Splash News“Archie’s 13. As he gets older, things might change. But at the moment his role models are footballers, and he wants to be a footballer, and he’s driven to do that.”Jack — who has been married to Andriani, daughter of his barber, for almost eight years — believes that footballers are great role models for young men.His sons now worship the latest England sensations.He says: “I think about my son, and another son who’s five — they have role models, they love Jude Bellingham, they love Bukayo Saka.“When I grew up, I had David Beckham, I had Joe Cole, I had Frank Lampard.”Meanwhile, football is playing a role in saving lives by asking fans to learn CPR — the emergency procedure of chest presses and rescue breaths to restore breathing and circulation after the heart stops.Sky Bet and the English Football League’s Every Minute Matters cam-paign aim to get 270,000 football fans to learn this by next month — and 235,000 already have. The British Heart Foundation has its own 15-minute online course, RevivR.Jack learned CPR because his eldest child Archie has epilepsy, which causes seizures.Jack reveals: “The first time it happens you don’t know what’s going on, what it is. It was quite scary. So we wanted to learn CPR as a family.”I don’t ever really look back and think, ‘I should not have done that’.Jack GrealishBritish Heart Foundation ambass-ador Jack is now backing the Sky Bet EFL Every Minute Matters Relay — a 4,000km “jaunt” across the country starting today in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, and Plymouth, and ending four weeks later in London on Easter Monday.Fans of all 72 clubs in the English Football League will run, walk and cycle legs of various lengths.Fan favourites “Big Sam” Allardyce, Troy Deeney and Dion Dublin are also taking part.Jack, though, is also training for the London Marathon on April 27 — and the hard yards have been more difficult than he reckoned. He admits: “It’s tough. I never thought that I’d have to actually run that far.”Waiting for him at the finishing line will be daughter Siena, whose potentially fatal heart condition insp-ired Jack to help the British Heart Foundation.In February last year, Siena under-went an operation to fix a hole in her heart. Jack was so stressed by the fear of losing her that he lost almost a stone in weight.He adds: “People said to me, ‘Why are you doing the marathon? You’re crazy’. And, yes, it will be hard, it will be tough, there will be moments where I probably will doubt if I’ll get across the finish line.“But I will get across the finish line and Siena will be there waiting for me. That’s thanks to the British Heart Foundation, thanks to the doctors, and that’s something I’ll always be in debt for, grateful for.”Siena is now fit and well, getting back to a normal life, although Jack says: “We’re a little bit more careful with her, and probably give her a little bit more TLC than the others.”Daughter’s heart opThe marathon will see him pitted against former England teammate John Terry, and Jack says with a laugh: “If I was you, I’d put your money on him.”Chelsea centre-half John was the Three Lions captain when Jack broke into the side as a teenager. The hardman skipper was an inspirational leader who helped guide the young player on and off the pitch.Jack says: “It was something I’d never experienced before. He talked through the whole game — my positioning, how to do this, how to do that. He taught me a lot and showed me what a real leader was.”Jack now hopes to become a manager but is happy to take his time and learn. The success of Southgate taking England to two European Championship finals in a row, in 2021 and 2024, inspires him — like other English managers, such as Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe and Graham Potter at West Ham.But he has no beef with the Football Association having given the England manager’s job to German Thomas Tuchel, ex-boss of Chelsea.Jack says: “I love it, it’s a big step from the FA. Gareth’s done a fant-astic job, and as a young English coach to have someone like Gareth at the top of the tree gave us belief.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But with the players we’ve got now, it’s so important we maximise that, and we’ve got the best guy to do that. Thomas is a proven winner.”Sky Bet and the EFL have joined forces in support of the British Heart Foundation to host the Sky Bet EFL Every Minute Matters Relay. To learn CPR in just 15 minutes with the BHF’s free, online tool, search ‘RevivR’. More

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      Maya Jama & boyfriend Ruben Dias party to 3am in Lisbon after ace breaks her dating ‘curse’ over him with Portugal win

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      MAYA Jama broke her so-called love “curse” over football star Ruben Dias — as she saw him win 5-2 for Portugal on Sunday. The Love Island host, 30, then stayed up into the early hours to celebrate with her boyfriend, 27 – posing for a fireside snap in Lisbon at 3.30am. Maya Jama broke her ‘love curse’ over Ruben Dias, with the pair partying to 3.30am to celebrateCredit: RexMaya’s ‘curse’ over boyfriend Ruben was broken as she saw him help Portugal win 5-2 on SundayCredit: EPAThe Manchester City centre-back spent a month injured on the sidelines after they started dating in December. He also got stick from fans for his performance when Maya was seen in the crowd at the Etihad to watch stuttering City draw 2-2 with Brighton earlier this month. One supporter fumed on X: “Ruben Dias is way too distracted by Maya Jama. His game’s gone to s***.” Another sneered: “Ruben Dias best performance this season was his first chat with Maya Jama.” READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever Maya proved to be a good-luck charm on Sunday after flying out to watch Dias in Portugal’s Nations League quarter-final second-leg with Denmark. She was in a hospitality box with a friend at the José Alvalade Stadium while Dias’ teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s model girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez was sitting nearby. There were fears her dating “curse” may continue when Dias gave the ball away for Denmark to score late on — which would have dumped Portugal out on aggregate. But they grabbed a dramatic late goal before romping home in extra-time. Most read in FootballMaya and Ruben are then believed to have returned to the footballer’s home in the Cascais region of Lisbon. They stayed up late into the night and she shared a photo on Instagram of herself sat next to a fire pit by a swimming pool at 3.30am. Maya Jama stuns fans in her sexiest dress yet for Love Island All Stars finalThe couple got together after being introduced at the MTV EMAs in Manchester in November, following the breakdown of Maya’s on-off relationship with rapper Stormzy last summer. They spent New Year’s Eve together in Ibiza and last month they were seen wearing matching £5,000 Cartier bracelets emblazoned with the word “LOVE”. At the Brit Awards earlier this month, it was also revealed Maya has started taking Portuguese lessons. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Maya was in a hospitality box with a friend at the José Alvalade Stadium while Dias’ teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s model girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez was sitting nearbyCredit: Instagram More

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      ‘He wanted to get the truth’ Tributes pour in for Sun’s Mr Boxing Colin Hart after ‘greatest’ reporter’s death

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      LEGENDARY Sun boxing writer Colin Hart was hailed as “The Greatest” yesterday following his death at the age of 89.Colin had worked for The Sun since its launch in 1969 and was still passing on his unmatched sporting knowledge to readers until a few days before his passing.Sun boxing writer Colin Hart was hailed as ‘The Greatest’ yesterday following his death at the age of 89 (pictured with Lennox Lewis)Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBarry McGuigan said: ‘Colin was a master when it came to boxing journalism’Credit: GettyThe brilliant sports journalist covered eight Olympic Games, motor racing and even showjumping in a stellar career.But he will forever be remembered as one of the wisest and most authoritative ringside figures in the world of boxing, whose heroes led a stream of warm tributes yesterday.British great Frank Bruno called him “Mr Boxing” and told how Colin was his hero.He said: “When it comes to the kings of boxing reporters, Colin was the undisputed champion. read more on colin hart“No one else will ever lay a glove on him. RIP, my friend.”Fellow former world champion Lennox Lewis said: “He was clearly the leader of the boxing press pack. “I knew that he wanted to get to the truth and tell the truth and if he upset people along the way, so be it.”Another ex-world title holder, Ricky Hatton, added: “Colin was one of the first people to congratulate me when I was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.Most read in Boxing“He had previously been inducted himself, and I know how proud he was of that — he will be sadly missed.”Former middleweight hero Michael Watson — whose career was ended by a near-fatal injury in his fight with Chris Eubank — called The Sun writer “a boxing man through and through”.Boxing legend Colin Hart reveals how Larry Holmes was targeted by ‘rednecks’ in build-up to Gerry Cooney fightHe added: “Colin cared about us fighters and he campaigned for us.“I felt like he was in my corner during my boxing career and definitely after it.”Former super-middleweight world champ Joe Calzaghe added: “Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him.”Boxing promoter Frank Warren described him as a “dear friend” and a “superb journalist”, adding: “Colin has been there since the start of my journey in this great sport. “It simply will not be the same without him.”Ring favourite Barry McGuigan said of Colin’s death — coming soon after that of US heavyweight hero George Foreman this weekend: “Colin was a master when it came to boxing journalism. “We are losing all the good ones.”The Sun’s Editor-in-Chief ­Victoria Newton added: “Colin was a brilliant writer who was hugely admired by all of us.“It takes a special journalist to still be at the top of their game approaching the age of 90.“He was never afraid to take on the scariest of heavyweights with his sharp pen and was working in an industry he loved right until the end.Chris Eubank called Colin ‘a boxing man through and through’Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdColin speaks to Mike TysonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd“The number of warm and heartfelt tributes which have come in say everything about how he was revered and respected around the world.“Colin was the best of The Sun — The Greatest.”Cockney Colin grew up in London’s East End during the Second World War and recalled cowering in Tube stations from the German bombs.He was a life-long supporter of West Ham but fell in love with boxing when his gran took him to see his first professional bill at a local baths when he was ten.Colin’s career in newspapers began with the East London News Agency at 17 before work as a crime reporter and news editor following his national service.But he later switched from news to sport and joined the fledgling Sun newspaper where he quickly established himself as a star.Colleagues and rivals marvelled at his ability to compute every detail from fast-moving sporting events then talk them down a phone line to go directly into print.His talent was such that he stayed at the top of his game for decades, despite shunning modern communication methods which transformed the profession.He was — almost certainly — the only journalist still working up until recently who never owned a mobile phone and still preferred to bash out his reports on a clattering, old-school typewriter. After he gave up smoking, the gruff, white-haired newspaper great was known for chewing on an ever-present toothpick in one corner of his mouth while talking out of the other.Colin never pulled his punches as he covered every epic heavyweight clash involving Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and Joe Frazier during the 1970s.He was also ringside at all the epic bouts involving British boxing greats, from Henry Cooper and Joe Bugner to Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.Colin ‘retired’ when he turned 65 in 2000 but continued to write columns for another 25 yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut the most memorable clash of the Sun man’s career was spent in Zaire covering the incredible Rumble in the Jungle classic between Ali and Foreman in October 1974.Foreman — then a terrifying 25-year-old brute — was expected to humble ageing icon Ali but was lured into an astonishing sucker-punch knockout in round eight.Colin described covering the fight as the “most bizarre ten days” after watching locals worship Ali like a god. He added: “At 25, Foreman wasn’t the smiling carefree giant who resembled a benign Buddha that we saw in his latter year. “He was surly, bad-tempered and far from lovable — his fists were like two wrecking balls.“But I had a gut feeling Big George lacked stamina, which is why in Sun Sport I picked Ali to beat him in nine rounds.”Ali would become a personal friend of Colin in his later life and trusted him to break the news of his diagnosis with Parkinson’s.Colin “retired” when he turned 65 in 2000 but continued to write columns for another 25 years, and attend big fights.He also ran with the Olympic torch down South East London’s Old Kent Road in 2012.And he carried on passing on his knowledge to colleagues, combined with hawk-like analysis of fight game skills and weaknesses.In 2017, after Joshua had knocked out Wladimir Klitschko in an epic battle at Wembley, he said the bout ranked in the top ten he had ever witnessed. But he also said that he believed Fury — who had beaten Klitschko two years earlier — was a better fighter.Colin watched his last major heavyweight bout only last year in Riyadh where he saw Fury’s first pro defeat against Oleksandr Usyk.And yet again, he had correctly predicted the result.READ MORE SUN STORIESColin died after a short illness days short of what would have been his 90th birthday on April 6. He is survived by wife Cindy, and daughters Laura and Lisa.Colin with his family after he ran with the Olympic torch down Old Kent Road in 2012Credit: Peter Jordan – The SunColin with boxing promoter Frank Warren who described him as a ‘dear friend’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More