The Sun Newspaper

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares199 Views

      in Boxing

      Chris Eubank ready to renew rivalry with old foe Nigel Benn – but will NOT be tempted to return to the ring

      by

      CHRIS EUBANK SR is renewing his rivalry with Nigel Benn — but would not get back in the ring with him ‘for all the gold in Buckingham Palace’.Three decades after their epic WBO title battles, the legendary middleweights relive their feud in a speaking tour.
      Eubank (left) won the first fight against Benn in 1990 (right)Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The pair then fought to a draw in a rematch three years laterCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      But while a smiling Benn, 57, says he would love a trilogy fight, 55-year-old Eubank is not having any of it.
      The last year saw former heavyweight champions Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr and Evander Holyfield all return to the ring deep into their 50s.
      And Benn, who trains twice a day with son Conor, fancies that final showdown with his old dance partner.
      He said: “I’d love to have the trilogy because I know I won the second fight. We know they gave it as a draw — but he knows I really won that.”
      Yet Eubank insists he will not be lured into taking one final pay day.
      He said: “I wouldn’t sell my peace of mind for the world. No, I’m not taking aim again as I already hit the bullseye. If I take aim again, I know I’m not going to be able to hit the bullseye. You only can do that in your 20s.

      Eubank and Benn now appear to have mutual respect for one anotherCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “I’ve aimed, fired and I’m grateful for my score. All the gold in Buckingham Palace could not make this king go back in there and put it on the line.”
      Benn suffered a ninth-round TKO loss to Eubank in their first meeting in November 1990 at Birmingham’s NEC before their controversial draw three years later at Old Trafford.
      The pair buried the hatchet several years ago but that does not mean things will not get feisty when they are up close and personal again on stage.
      Benn admitted: “If we were playing draughts, chess or tiddlywinks, we’ll always have a rivalry.”
      The Dark Destroyer no longer bears any ill will towards nemesis Eubank, who helped him retire a very rich man.
      Benn added: “I didn’t even think we’d get this far but we have. We’ve grown up and matured. I actually thank God for having Chris in my life. Without him, I wouldn’t be a retired man.
      “To be able to retire because of him at 32, wow. Thank you, Chris. And to have the lifestyle I have. These things, you only dream of these things.”
      And Eubank added: “I’m happy. You show me a man that would jeopardise his happiness and I’ll show you a fool.”
      Eubank’s stance, however, will not stop ultra-competitive Benn from trying to twist his arm for one last tussle.
      He said: “Let’s have a good show and have a talk afterwards. There’s room out there. They’re looking for old rivalries.
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      “But not like Holyfield. I’d never step into the ring and be like that.”
      Often viewed as arrogant and pretentious, Eubank looks forward to showing a side of himself rarely seen by the cameras on their 20-stop tour.
      He explained: “People have slightly misunderstood me.”
      For more information about The Trilogy Tour: Benn v  Eubank III, see www.goldstarpromotions.co.uk More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Polish hooligans joined with Hungarian yobs in far-right alliance to viciously attack cops at England match

      by

      POLISH hooligans joined forces with Hungarian yobs in a far-right alliance to viciously attack cops at England’s World Cup clash.Brazen fans were seen wearing traditional red and white Polish shirts and flying the country’s flag in the visitors’ section at Wembley.
      Polish hooligans joined forces with Hungarian yobs in a far-right alliance to viciously attack cops at England’s World Cup clashCredit: Getty
      Fifa, the FA and Scotland Yard have all launched an urgent investigation into the worrying scenes which marred the opening ten minutes of England’s 1-1 qualifier draw with Hungary.
      The ugly confrontation, in which police were beaten back with kicks and punches, prompted fears about the Three Lions’ next home game against Albania.
      It is believed racist thugs from the two Eastern European countries allied in protest at England players taking the knee.
      One former Polish hooligan, who would not be named, said: “The Poles bought tickets en masse and if you look at the footage, you can see slogans relating to Polish hooliganism on their backs.
      “One was wearing a jacket representing Zaglebie Sosnowiec, another had a LKS Lodz jacket on and another was wearing a balaclava with a Polish flag on the front of his hoodie.
      “I saw a Fighting Anchor, a Polish resistance logo, too. This is what they do, the two countries travel around Europe together to these games with notoriety and cause trouble.”
      Polish fans later boasted on social media how they had, “joined forces with their Hungarian brothers to chase the dogs from their Wembley home”.
      Another fan added: “There is a long-standing right-wing alliance between Hungarian and Polish fans.

      “They are united by religion and they are totally opposed to any form of diversity.
      “The same thing will happen again next month when Albania visit Wembley. I guarantee it. It will be a high-risk match.”
      Questions were yesterday being asked as to why the Met Police seemed to be so quickly overwhelmed and why they were not in full riot gear.
      One former riot squad officer told The Sun: “Given the reputation of the Hungarians, I was surprised to see how lightly equipped and dressed officers at the ground were.”
      Cops were attacked after arresting a Hungarian fan accused of racially abusing a steward.
      Tory Party co-chairman Oliver Dowden described the clashes as “deeply disturbing”, adding: There’s clearly still an underlying problem with racism in football.”
      The Met came under fire in July after shambolic scenes at the Euro 2020 final when ticketless England fans stormed gates at Wembley.
      A fan wearing a Polish scarf makes gestures with his fingersCredit: Sportimage
      Yobs with Polish emblems fight with police on the terraces at Wembley More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Ronaldo’s model girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez shows off enviable figure in white gown in ocean-themed shoot

      by

      RONALDO’S girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez won’t get paddle bored in this glitzy get-up.The model, 27, wearing a white gown and diamond necklace, took her silver shoes off to go for a sea stroll in Venice.
      Ronaldo’s girlfriend shows off her figure in a white gown for this ocean-themed shoot
      Georgina beamed away as she splashed about in the water.
      Georgina and Cristiano, 36, moved to England last month after he returned in triumph to Man United.

      The stunning model left little to the imagination as she posed on a yachtCredit: Georgina Rodríguez
      Stunning Georgina shows off her incredible figure in this snapCredit: Georgina Rodriguez/instagram
      The couple are yet to be married, despite constant rumoursCredit: Georgina Rodriguez/instagram

      Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez to become aunt after sister Ivana announces pregnancy More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney’s Christmas could be ruined by noisy neighbours as nearby farm plans to build huge shed for 200 sheep

      by

      WAYNE Rooney’s Christmas could be ruined by noisy neighbours — with a nearby farm planning to build a huge shed to house 200 sheep.The Rams boss, 35, already has enough to keep him awake at night, with Derby County appealing a 12-point penalty for going into administration.
      Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen have overseen the development of their swanky home after buying a 40 acre plot for £4.3million in 2018Credit: PA
      But now a farm wants permission for a shed housing sheep near the footballer’s £20million mansion in Cheshire “to store sheep throughout the winter months”.
      It comes after they got the green light to put up an outbuilding for 1,000 genetically modified sheep in July after a year-long battle.
      Wayne and his wife Coleen, also 35, have overseen the development of their swanky home after buying a 40 acre plot for £4.3million in 2018.
      The three storey property includes an orangery, snooker room, cinema and wine cellar.
      It also has a bar, huge indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, plunge pool, steam room and his ’n’ hers changing rooms.
      The ex-Man United star’s grounds boast landscaped gardens, a garage and stables.

      And the pad features a guest toilet so they do not use the couple’s own downstairs loo — as well as separate lifts for family and visitors.
      Wayne is said to have amassed an £82million fortune.
      Wayne Rooney slams ‘disrespectful’ Derby owner Mel Morris for keeping him in dark as club entered administration More

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury has stolen Joshua’s crown as world’s No1 heavyweight… now he can fulfil Brit rival’s undisputed destiny too

      by

      IT WAS a slogan seized upon by Anthony Joshua’s PR people: The Road To Undisputed.But it is a street which now belongs to Tyson Fury.
      Tyson Fury put on a stunning show against Deontay WilderCredit: Getty
      Anthony Joshua was humbled by Ukrainian star Oleksandr UsykCredit: AFP
      Fury confirmed his status as the great heavyweight boxer of this era by completing a classic trilogy against Deontay Wilder, which ends with two victories for the Brit after a controversial draw, which ought to have made it three.
      And now the Gypsy King, who is indisputably the No1 fighter in the blue-riband division, deserves the chance to fulfil his destiny of becoming, officially, the undisputed champion, within the next 12 months.
      For years we had envisaged an all-British battle between Fury and Joshua to unify those belts.
      Yet the dramatic events of the last two weeks now suggest that if the politics and self-interest which so often plague this sport can be overcome then it will be Fury pitted against Oleksandr Usyk.
      Ukraine’s former undisputed world cruiserweight king, 34, outclassed Joshua at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a fortnight earlier and will be odds-on favourite to win their re-match, expected next spring.
      But given that a good big one should always beat a good little one — and that Usyk is four stones lighter and six inches shorter than his fellow master craftsman — it would be difficult to imagine anything other than a Fury victory if that pair get it on.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Fury currently holds just one of the four major belts, the WBC version, while Usyk possesses the other three, but that is just a historical anomaly.
      The 33-year-old Mancunian is likely to fight another Brit, Dillian Whyte, in a mandatory defence, at a similar time to the Usyk-Joshua re-match before he can think about unification.
      But for the third time against Wilder, Fury underlined his pre-eminence.
      Across the desert from Vegas, in Hollywood, they acknowledge that the third part of a trilogy is usually when the plot lines go to pot and the Ewoks turn up.
      Not this glorious three-parter.
      And to think, there had been little appetite for a third face-off, so thorough was Fury’s demolition job of Wilder in their second meeting.
      Yet the duo served up a magnificent feast in their climactic bout, which gripped so many of us around 5am on Sunday
      Fury, 33, was made to survive adversity by WilderCredit: Getty
      Dillian Whyte is likely to be up next for FuryCredit: Getty
      It allowed Fury to show all of his best attributes — his ducking, weaving scheming; the brutality of his shots and the size of his big gypsy balls.
      And then, as always, there were the elements of showmanship which could elevate Fury to the status of a genuine national hero, especially if Joshua slips away from elite contention.
      We should not forget that before this trilogy began in December 2018, Fury had suffered from depression and addiction issues, had ballooned to almost 30st, making his career resurrection all the more impressive.
      But neither should we forget the failed drug test in 2015 for the banned steroid nandrolone, nor the homophobic pseudo-religious rants he unleashed, which have since, thankfully, subsided.
      Fury is a complex enigma, with a dark side to his character, but it is impossible to deny that he is a great entertainer too.
      Last year, his lawyers demanded — unsuccessfully — that he be removed from the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award shortlist in a display of supreme contrariness.
      Yet if that episode suggested Fury is disinterested in popularity contests, he remains a crowd-pleaser.
      He played air guitar to AC/DC dressed as a Spartan warrior on his ring walk, then came the trademark post-fight karaoke crooning in the ring, when most men would have been too breathless to talk let alone sing.
      Fans were absolutely loving Fury’s ring walkCredit: Twitter
      Wilder and the Gypsy King produced a trilogy for the agesCredit: EPA
      Between rounds Fury sat on a stool emblazoned with a picture of Wilder’s face, replete with the nickname he has long since bestowed on his rival — ‘Big Dosser’.
      Yet the Alabama wallop merchant emerged from this with his dignity, if not his title, restored.
      Before Fury went out for the seventh, his trainer SugarHill Steward — approximately half the size of the Gypsy King — bellowed in the big man’s face ‘Jab the Motherf****r, Goddammit!’
      As we know, everyone has a gameplan until they get punched in the face and Fury’s had appeared to go out of the window after the pummelling he suffered in the fourth round.
      Steward — the former Detroit cop, who would have made his late, great uncle Manny proud with that foul-mouthed tirade — got his man fully back in the zone and Fury was brilliant in the seventh.
      Finally in the 11th, we saw Wilder, vanquished, face-down. And Fury, the greatest heavyweight of the 21st century, hands-down.
      Now he deserves the chance to confirm it with a full set of belts.
      Tyson Fury says he ‘nearly broke ankle’ after knocking down Deontay Wilder More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury celebrates ‘greatest ever’ fight by partying until 3am in Las Vegas

      by

      TYSON Fury declared himself The Greatest yesterday after winning one of the most sensational fights in boxing history — then partied like a champion until 3am.The Gypsy King, 33, held on to his crown by battering American Deontay Wilder to the canvas in the 11th round in Las Vegas.
      Shirtless Tyson Fury celebrated his win by partying in Las Vegas until 3amCredit: SWNS
      Echoing Muhammad Ali, Tyson roared: “Am I the greatest heavyweight of my era? Without a doubt. I believe I could beat anyone in history.”
      The Gypsy King swigged £800 vodka from the bottle, sank lager and sang to fans just three hours after KO-ing Deontay Wilder.
      He told clubbers: “They’ll be talking about this f***ing fight a thousand years from today. They’ll say where were you? You were all here with the champ!”
      Hours earlier, after coming back off the canvas twice, he said: “Am I the greatest heavyweight of my era? Without a doubt. Number one, numero uno. I believe I could beat anyone in history. Any man born, I believe I’ve got a really good chance of beating him.”
      Superstar Fury, 33, added: “Next, I’ve gotta go get drunk — so thank you very much.”
      True to his word, after clubbing his American rival with a right hand in the 11th round to end the fight at 9.35pm, he was at Hakkasan club by 12.45am.
      The Sun had a ringside seat at the bash where he partied with wife Paris, 31, brother Tommy, 22, boxer Joseph Parker, 29, and 30 of his entourage.

      Fury entered the club to AC/DC hit You Shook Me All Night Long, the song he used for his ring walk, wearing a suit and trousers emblazoned with his Gypsy King motif. Clutching a Bud Light, sporting two black eyes and a welt on his head he took off his suit jacket and began to dance bare-chested.
      He shadowboxed to Queen song We Are The Champions and posed with fans, before jumping on top of the DJ booth with Tommy and Parker.
      A cannon fired confetti into the crowd as Fury blew kisses and put his hands together in a praying motion during hit Livin’ On A Prayer.
      ‘I’VE GOTTA GO GET DRUNK’
      The dad of six also led the crowd in a round of “Oh, Tyson Fury” to the tune of White Stripes song Seven Nation Army. For the next few hours, he partied with wife Paris in a VIP area gulping from two £800 magnums of Grey Goose vodka on his table and necking Bud Light bottles.
      The club’s menu includes 30 litres of Ace of Spades Rose champagne for £217,000, while a three-litre bottle costs a mere £15,000. VIP punters spending £1,400 on booze had bottles brought to them inside a makeshift boxing belt, by women dressed in multi-coloured robes.
      DJ Steve Aoki played at the five-floor venue inside the MGM Grand. When he put on Don McLean classic American Pie, Fury couldn’t resist grabbing the mic to serenade the crowd with a singalong.
      He then leapt on to the DJ booth again and launched into Sweet Caroline for the second time. After snogging wife Paris, who had earlier been dancing on the sofas of the VIP area, he then began to whip up the crowd. Fury roared: “Make some fing noise! Is everybody having a good time in here tonight? Let’s take this up a f***ing notch. Let’s take it to paradise, ecstasy!”
      As AC/DC song Thunderstruck began to play Fury, still shirtless and standing on top of the DJ booth, played an air guitar and declared it “one of the greatest songs that has been written”.
      As the crowd chanted the fighter’s name, DJ Aoki yelled: “This is Tyson Fury day! We have a legend in the building with us.”
      Fury, Paris and their entourage left the club at 3am. Last night he was due to host a pool party.
      The high drama in Sin City marked an explosive conclusion to the trilogy of fights between Fury and 35-year-old Wilder.
      ‘LEGEND IN THE BUILDING’
      The first contest ended in a contentious draw before Fury beat down Wilder in a seventh-round TKO last February. The third fight, set for July, was postponed when Fury caught Covid.
      In August his newborn daughter Athena was fighting for life in intensive care. By turning up for Saturday’s bout both fighters were said to have earned a minimum of £30million.
      Fury, the undefeated WBC title-holder, could now net £100million in a match up with Brit Anthony Joshua next year. Millions of bleary-eyed Brits got up at 4.40am for the fight.
      In Vegas, a full house of 20,000 including basketball legends Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal were at the T-Mobile Arena. Tickets were going for £3,600 each, rising to £28,000 ringside.
      Fury’s topsy-turvy career has seen him abuse cocaine and balloon to more than 28 stone. He would drink 18 pints of lager a day, plus whisky and vodka, before stopping off on the way home for pizzas and kebabs.
      The Manchester-born star, now based in Morecambe, gave up his world titles in 2017 after accepting a backdated two-year doping ban. He was hit by severe depression and attempted suicide.
      After arriving at the T-Mobile Arena, Fury had warned those back home: “Take some energy drinks, whatever you need. Stay awake — it’s gonna be exciting.”
      He entered the ring dressed as a Spartan and knocked down Wilder in the third round. The Brit was floored twice in the fourth but slowly gained control and left Wilder with blood oozing from his mouth and left ear.
      Finally, a minute and ten seconds into Round 11, Fury’s spectacular KO ended the contest. With tearful Paris by his side, he belted out Walking in Vegas to fans and added: “Lancashire, la la la.”
      Actor Dwayne The Rock Johnson raved: “That was one of the greatest fights I’ve ever seen. Congrats to my friend & champion Tyson Fury. What a beautiful & resilient performance.”
      Piers Morgan tweeted: “What. A. Fight. Two absolute warriors.”
      Match of the Day’s Gary Lineker added: “What a champion.”
      Fury said afterwards: “Don’t ever doubt me. When the chips are down, I can always deliver. I can only beat whoever’s in my era and I’ve done that all my life. I’m the greatest heavyweight of my era.”

      The Gypsy King shared a kiss with wife Paris after winning the fightCredit: Reuters
      Tyson Fury won what has been dubbed one of the greatest fights in boxing historyCredit: EPA
      Shirtless Fury waved to clubbers
      The Gypsy King, 33, held on to his crown by battering American Deontay WilderCredit: Reuters
      Tyson Fury says he ‘nearly broke ankle’ after knocking down Deontay Wilder More

    • 163 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League anti-vax stars ­likened to drink-drivers as they’re urged to get jabbed

      by

      PREMIER League anti-vax stars have been ­likened to drink-drivers as they were urged to get jabbed.The top-flight footballers were told by Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi to help protect the public after concerns about their slow vaccine take-up.
      Premier League footballers were told by Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi to help protect the public after concerns about their slow vaccine take-upCredit: PA
      Dressing rooms have been hit by disinformation, with at least five of the England squad refusing to have the jab.
      And now ministers want the stubborn sportsmen to take note of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who sent out a stern warning to those who refuse to get protection from the virus.
      Former vaccines minister Mr Zahawi said: “I urge all footballers to listen to Jurgen Klopp. He says we all have a duty to protect one another.
      “He compared it to being drunk behind the wheel because of the harm to others. 
      “So get yourself protected. Protect your community, protect people that might come into contact with you.”
      Health Secretary Sajid Javid said of those refusing the jab: “It is disappointing. They are role models in society.”

      Fans may have to show Premier League Covid passport to gain entry into stadiums this season More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Mike Ashley celebrates £300m sale of Newcastle United by tipping barmaid £5

      by

      MIKE Ashley celebrated his £300million sale of Newcastle United with a five-hour drinking session — tipping a barmaid £5.The Sports Direct chief — known for his streamlined businesses — was joined by five pals.
      Mike Ashley celebrated his £300million sale of Newcastle United with a five-hour drinking sessionCredit: PA
      Mike Ashley and his group entered the Kings Arms pub in Soho, London, around 5.30pm or 6pm and were drinking beer until closing time, about 11pm
      He looked jolly as he ordered rounds at the Kings Arms pub in Soho, London.
      It followed the announcement that the Geordie club, which he owned for 14 years, had finally been purchased by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund — to the delight of supporters.
      The group entered the boozer soon after the deal, which gives the club the richest owners in the world. 
      An onlooker said: “Mike was in good spirits and left one barmaid a £5 tip.
      “You’d have had no idea he’d done a £300million deal. 
      “Drinkers were flowing. They were all wearing suits and huddled around the table, laughing and chatting.
      “They just looked like a normal bunch of blokes meeting after work.
      “They arrived at around 5.30pm or 6pm and were drinking beer until closing time, about 11pm.”
      Ashley — worth about £2.7billion and the 61st richest man in the UK — has a reputation as a frugal boss.
      A manager at The Kings Arms — described as Soho’s oldest gay club on its ­Twitter account — confirmed Ashley and pals were at the pub on Thursday night but added: “I don’t know anything about football.”

      Amanda Staveley says she is excited about Newcastle’s future after £300m Saudi takeover completed as Mike Ashley reign ends More