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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua could yet be derailed by dethroned champ Deontay Wilder, warns David Haye

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      DEONTAY WILDER remains a serious threat to the Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury undisputed showdown this summer.Saudi Arabia have made a concrete offer to host the all-English showdown for AJ’s WBA, IBF and WBO belts and the Gypsy King’s iconic WBC strap.
      Tyson Fury could find Deontay Wilder posing a threat to his fight with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Rex
      AJ and Fury look set to collide in an epic heavyweight bout this summerCredit: Rex
      And 32-year-old Fury claims he is ‘one million per cent sure’ the all-English bout will be made and has even started his training camp in Las Vegas, as SunSport revealed last week.
      However, the heavy-handed American Fury blasted away in February insists he is still owed a rematch and ex-world champ David Haye fears he could still blow a whole in the plans.
      The former cruiser and heavyweight king knows Wilder from sparring sessions and the bleeding business inside out.
      The Hayemaker told SunSport: “I absolutely believe both fighters want the fight to happen and I am sure there are plenty of offers out there.
      “But I have never heard of a long-running world champion – like Deontay Wilder was – not having a rematch clause in place in case he loses.
      “Deontay himself has been very quiet, the team around him have not given much away but I would be very surprised if does not have some sort of impact in the making of this fight or gets something out of it not being him Fury is facing next.”
      Fury demolished the Alabama powerhouse in magnificent fashion in February 2020, ending his five-year and ten-defence reign.
      Wilder’s behaviour in the aftermath has been woeful, blaming and then sacking much-loved assistant trainer Mark Breland and accusing Fury of cheating.
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      Wilder believes he is still owed a third fight against FuryCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Haye believes Wilder will look to get something out of any fight created between Fury and JoshuaCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The fall from grace has been so heavy that fans and Fury himself have even raised concerns about his mental health.
      But, as erratic as Wilder has been, his 76-year-old manager Shelly Finkel is a veteran of Mike Tyson’s wildest and most litigious days and Haye doubts he would have overseen anything less than a water-tight contract.
      The 40-year-old manager of Derek Chisora said: “The pandemic obviously made the third fight very difficult to make but I remember thinking, when the news broke that the contract for it had expired, it sounded strange.

      “I have boxed, promoted and now managed at the top level and I don’t think I have ever come across an expiration date for a rematch.
      “I hope I am wrong, I hope the June or July date that is being talked about can be achieved.
      “But I do think Deontay Wilder, or the management or promoters around him, will have a say or something to gain from it happening.”
      The Black Mask Company, founded by David Haye, launches rainbow masks to thank our NHS heroes, get yours at www.theblackmaskcompany.com/products/rainbow-mask

      Tyson Fury shows off his lightning speed reactions ahead of Joshua fight More

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      in Soccer

      Gareth Southgate warns England stars to clean up their acts before Euros after Leicester house party shame

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE wants England’s players to be squeaky clean going into Euro 2020.And he is still fuming over his squad’s indiscipline this season.
      Gareth Southgate wants his England stars to stick to the rules during the pandemicCredit: Getty
      James Maddison is the latest Euros hopeful to be caught outCredit: PA
      The Three Lions boss said: “In the autumn discipline off the pitch and on the pitch created the biggest issues for us and meant we didn’t get to the semi-finals of the Nations League that we were desperate to be in.
      “It still annoys me when I look at that line-up — Italy, Spain, Belgium, France.
      “It’s a brilliant line-up and games you want to be involved in.
      “We didn’t have availability of players at certain times for on and off the field misdemeanours.”
      Southgate has praised Leicester for their swift action in dropping James Maddison, Ayoze Perez and Hamza Choudhury for Sunday’s trip to West Ham after they went to a party.
      England’s hopes of qualifying for the Nations League finals were hit by Phil Foden, Mason Greenwood, Ben Chilwell, Tammy Abraham and Jadon Sancho breaking lockdown rules while Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire were sent off during matches.
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      Southgate said: “I’m conscious that Leicester have dealt with the situation brilliantly.
      “We’ve had issues ourselves in the autumn.
      “Coming into the summer we’ve got to make sure we arrive into the camp giving ourselves the best chance to focus on football and that helps to create a calmer environment for everybody.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England boss Gareth Southgate explains how he’ll deal with having so many talented No.10s More

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      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola admits he’ll be branded a FAILURE if Man City don’t win Champions League

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      PEP GUARDIOLA knows he will be called a failure if Manchester City flop in the Champions League again.City lead Dortmund 2-1 ahead of Wednesday night’s crucial quarter-final second leg.
      Pep Guardiola fears he’ll be branded a ‘failure’ if Man City don’t win the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      The Etihad giants have never progressed beyond the quarter-finals with the club itching to break their European Cup drought.
      Ahead of the game, Guardiola said: “If I retire now, or in five or ten years, what happened in my career, it was completely unexpected when I started.
      “I’m most grateful to the clubs, for the players I’ve had, the way we played and the way we’ve done it.
      “These are words and theories that make me so grateful and happy but this is a business.
      “And the business is to win. If we don’t win, I’ll be a failure. And if we win, it’ll be ‘How good is Pep!’ ”
      Guardiola, 50, won the Champions League twice while at Barcelona – but his last victory was ten years ago.
      In three years at Bayern Munich, he failed to get past the semi-finals and City have fallen at the last-eight stage in the previous three campaigns.
      In the last two seasons, his team have been hotly tipped to go through against Tottenham and Lyon – but have thrown it away each time.
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      Man City lead Borussia Dortmund 2-1 going into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-finalCredit: AFP

      Several of his players have lived through those disappointments with him and there is a real feeling they can put it all behind them tonight.
      Pep added: “Now is the time to make another step. Everyone wants it.
      “The players want to do it again because they were sad when we were not able to go to the semi-finals and this is an opportunity to prove ourselves.
      “Nobody’s going to give it to us. We have to win it.
      “It depends on us. If we’re good, we’re going to do it.
      “If we make mistakes like against Lyon, we give them the three goals… maybe we don’t have a chance to qualify, we’ll see.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Borussia Dortmund vs Man City – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      in Soccer

      Ashley Young eyeing stunning Watford transfer return as he mulls over Inter Milan contract extension

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      ASHLEY YOUNG is mulling over his future as he prepares to add a Serie A winner’s medal to his collection with Inter Milan.The ex-Manchester United captain, who turns 36 in July, has helped Antonio Conte’s team move 11 points clear at the top in Italy.
      Ashley Young is considering his future as he closes in on the Serie A title with Inter MilanCredit: Getty
      Young already has a string of offers at home and abroad, including a one-year extension with Inter.
      But the right-back would love to end his career at the place he started it — Watford.
      And it looks as though they will be in the Premier League next season, so that is a possibility.
      Equally, he will also have the lure of Champions League football if he stays at Inter.
      Incredibly, the club have not won the league for 11 years and their Chinese owners are looking to sell so they will not be making any big signings.
      Young, named with Kieran Trippier in the Fifa team of the 2018 World Cup, is set to rewrite the history books.
      The last Englishman to win the Serie A title was striker Gerry Hitchens.
      He did so with Inter in the 1962-63 season although he only played five games at the start of that season before joining Torino.
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      A return to Vicarage Road to finish his career at Watford could be on the cardsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      AC Milan also won the Scudetto a year earlier with Jimmy Greaves featuring — but he only featured in 12 matches.
      Former Arsenal trainee Stephy Mavididi played one match for Juventus in 2018-19 but that was not enough to get a medal.

      SUNDERLAND put on a staff-versus-coaches friendly match — with disastrous consequences.
      New owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and manager Lee Johnson were involved and, to their horror, Under-23 coach Elliott Dickman suffered a double leg fracture after being wiped out by media officer Oscar Chamberlain.
      At least the man being carted off to hospital was not the club’s new billionaire chief.
      New Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus avoided injury in the staff-versus-coaches matchCredit: Getty
      THE mass change to fixtures because of the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh has provided a challenge for TV and radio.
      Due to the large number of lunchtime kick-offs, Sky Sports are running the Soccer Saturday show until 2.45pm, before switching to Sky News for coverage of the minute’s silence and national anthem.
      After that, in place of Soccer Saturday, the station will revert to Sky Sports News output.

      ASK any EFL manager and they will tell you Marcus Maddison has been one of the most talented players outside the Premier League.
      Unfortunately, this gifted winger has been unable to fulfil his potential.
      He is now threatening to quit the game aged 27 due to mental health issues.
      Aware he is struggling, Bolton have just terminated his loan deal and he has returned to Charlton so he can link up with his family.
      Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson has reached out to his former player.
      Marcus Maddison’s loan at Bolton was cut short amid the talented winger’s mental health strugglesCredit: Getty
      IPSWICH have just been taken over by US-based investment firm ORG Portfolio Management.
      They are sourcing the cash from the pension fund of the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.
      They need to see a return on investment so the success of a team chasing the League One play-offs has a direct effect on the retirement pots of police and firemen in Arizona.
      Good luck with that.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Ashley Young insists he would ‘walk from Italy right now’ to play for Watford again 13 years after quitting for Aston Villa More

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      in Soccer

      Uefa plot major revamp of away goals rule in Champions League and Europa League next season as clubs back move

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      UEFA are set to partially scrap the away goals rule from next season.Under the new regulations poised to be agreed on Friday, away goals will only count extra up to the end of 90 minutes in the second leg.
      The away goal rule in the Champions League will partially be scrappedCredit: Getty
      Any then scored in extra-time would have no advantage.
      The proposal, understood to be backed by Europe’s top clubs, will be on the table at the meeting of Uefa’s competitions committee, which includes Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Manchester City chief exec Ferran Soriano.
      A plan to scrap the away goals rules altogether has been rejected.
      Uefa are ready to green light the change next term after a season of Covid-hit competitions increased scrutiny of the rule, which was introduced for the 1965-66 campaign.
      The number of games played on neutral pitches, including both legs on occasions for ties involving Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and City, has raised concerns the rule is no longer fit for purpose.
      Meanwhile, Uefa are pushing ahead with their plans to extend the Champions League from 125 matches per season to 225.
      Uefa’s plan will see the 36 teams in one league but playing ten matches in the opening phase.
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      Just seven players have managed to score a hat-tricks of CL hat-tricks

      The so-called “Swiss system” will mean teams play seeded opponents to ensure a fair calculator.
      The top eight sides after ten matches will automatically reach the last 16, with the final eight places decide by home and away play-off games involving the sides finishing ninth to 24th.
      That concept for the post-2024 shape of the European game is expected to be confirmed by the end of this month.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards dance and do cartwheels on US Champions League coverage More

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      in Soccer

      Leicester stars ‘hid in the dark’ after getting busted by Brendan Rodgers during Covid-flouting house party

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      FOUR Leicester City players at a Covid-flouting house party were busted by their manager — then hid before cops arrived.Boss Brendan Rodgers found out James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Hamza Choudhury were at teammate Ayoze Perez’s home with up to 18 others.
      🔵 Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates…
      James Maddison was one of four Leicester City stars caught at an illegal house partyCredit: Rex Features
      Three of them were then dropped from yesterday’s 3-2 defeat at West HamCredit: Getty
      The group were busted at Ayoze Perez’s home with up to 18 othersCredit: PA
      After hiding from police they went to Hamza Choudhury’s home and continued partyingCredit: PA
      Harvey Barnes would have missed the game with West Ham anyway due to an injuryCredit: Getty
      Furious Rodgers texted them to call it a night. But they hid in the dark then half the guests got taxis to Choudhury’s house, 30 miles away in Nottingham, at 1am to continue partying.
      And on Sunday, three of the quartet were left out of the 3-2 defeat at West Ham. Barnes is injured.
      A source said: “Everyone was having a good time then suddenly the players said to each other ‘Look at your phone’.
      “They’d got a message from Brendan. He told them he knew what they were up to and to stop the party immediately.
      “They told everyone to hide and switched off all the lights so it looked like no one was home.”
      Cops had gone to Perez’s £1.3million home near the Foxes’ King Power Stadium, just after 12.20am last Sunday, six hours after a 2-0 defeat to Man City.
      Furious boss Brendan Rodgers had texted them to call it a night before cops cameCredit: Getty
      Neighbours said sports cars lined the street from 9pm and music was coming from Perez’s.
      Guests were made to put their phones in sealed pouches so no pictures or video could be taken.
      Why do they feel like they can do what they want just because they’re rich footballers?
      The source said: “Most guests were young women. They were all drinking and having a laugh then carried on at Hamza’s.”
      A neighbour said: “I could see coloured lights at Ayoze’s house. He’d also closed his blinds. He doesn’t usually do that.”
      Police found the house in darkness so took no action.
      The neighbour said they heard groups getting into taxis, which made a dog bark, waking another local.
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      Choudhury has played 20 times for Leicester this season, just nine of which have come in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty

      They added: “We are City fans but this is just not acceptable. Why do they feel like they can do what they want just because they’re rich footballers?”
      The players were hauled in at 6pm on Tuesday.
      Leicester said: “Those involved have apologised for their poor judgment. Our response to the matter will be concluded internally.”

      The most recent Covid breach by Premier League players comes just one month after Brighton’s Aaron Connolly was caught on video breaching regulations.
      And among the England internationals who have broken coronavirus rules, Aston Villa duo Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley were caught partying in London back in December.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Meet Leicester City star James Maddison’s stunning girlfriend Kennedy Alexa More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury ‘100 per cent sure’ Anthony Joshua blockbuster will be announced TODAY… but will walk away if it isn’t

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      TYSON FURY is ‘one million per cent’ sure his summer superfight with Anthony Joshua will be officially announced today.But in a trademark twist, Fury warned he will WALK AWAY if it is not.
      Tyson Fury threatened to walk away from AJ if a venue isn’t agreed by TuesdayCredit: PA
      The undefeated WBC heavyweight champion declared: “I have been told there are a few good offers on the table, from a few different countries, from some very rich people, so I am confident.
      “Saudi is involved, I will say that much, but there are also some dark horses involved who have offered some serious money.
      “I am one million per cent sure it will happen and we’ll know where and when.
      “We both want it and we will give each other a good hiding and lay it all on the line.
      “It is exciting for me because I have always been quite sceptical about it all.”
      However, in his interview with YouTube channel Behind the Gloves, he added: “If I don’t know anything by Tuesday I will just move on because it has been a long time in the making.”
      Team AJ believe they have hustled Fury, 32, into the biggest fight in British boxing history begrudgingly.
      Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has tirelessly talked up the clash and scouted for venues while 31-year-old Joshua has been busier on social media than ever before.
      Anthony Joshua has confirmed a deal is all-but doneCredit: PA
      AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn has touted plenty of venues that could host the fightCredit: PA
      The Gypsy King’s army has done the opposite, with promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum going radio silent and the WBC champ’s father John repeatedly claiming the fight was miles off announcing.
      Fury has two big-money fights left on his contract with US promoters Top Rank and American broadcasters ESPN – where he could have collected around £25million for fighting a couple of cherry-picked opponents.
      But the very-public work and promotion AJ and Hearn have launched has helped lure the giant into the showdown.
      After AJ posted yet another social media update about a guaranteed venue making a concrete offer, a source close to the talks told SunSport: “It is a massively positive bit of news on the event now happening.
      “This fight would never have been made without the work Eddie has put in.
      “If Fury had not taken the fight, after all the work put in – and media attention drummed up – it would have looked pretty embarrassing.”
      In fairness to hall-of-fame promoter Warren, who guided Fury’s return to the support after a doping ban and mental health breakdown, he has insisted his uncharacteristic silence has been protocol after the two rival teams signed a non-disclosure agreement while negotiations went on.
      But Joshua’s unusually candid social media posts definitely seemed to have barged plans along rapidly, just weeks after Fury talked about taking on an alternative opponent.

      On Sunday night, AJ wrote: “Positive news this evening! I’m lacing up my running boots rn!
      “@258MGT and @Matchroomboxing have received the first OFFICIAL offer to host the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship Of The WORLD!
      “I will be victorious God Willing! No place to hide now! I’M COMING!”
      If both fighters agree to take the red-hot rivalry to the Middle East, they could face temperatures of up to 110 degrees.
      The bout will have to happen inside and any Brits travelling to catch the action will struggle to spend a second outside.
      But the biggest site fee was always likely to come from the petro-dollar kingdom and the region being around two hours ahead will be a huge boost to the potential pay-per-view sales that Hearn believes could be a record-demolishing 2.2million.
      AJ took his 2019 rematch win over Andy Ruiz to the Diriyah on just a few weeks notice and seemed to strike up a close relationship with the royals there who stumped up the funds.
      But Fury is no stranger to Saudi lucre after he wrestled for the WWE in Riyadh in October that same year.
      Hearn hits back at Tyson Fury’s dad John over lack of support for Anthony Joshua fight More

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      in Soccer

      Harry Kane will decide his transfer future even if Tottenham chief Daniel Levy insists he won’t sell, says Glenn Hoddle

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      GLENN HODDLE would not blame Harry Kane if he quits Tottenham — just like he did.Despite chairman Daniel Levy insisting their star striker will not be sold, an offer of £150million would be extremely hard to resist.
      Harry Kane will have the final say on his future rather than Tottenham chiefs, according to Glenn HoddleCredit: Getty
      The Spurs legend knows all about quitting the club after his 1987 departure for MonacoCredit: Getty
      Legend Hoddle left Spurs for Monaco in 1987.
      Speaking on his latest podcast, he said: “I don’t think anyone would blame Harry if he moved now, if he said he wanted to win silverware elsewhere and the right offer was there.
      “I think he is the one who will make that decision and Spurs will have to get the best deal they can. But it would be a crushing blow.
      “Losing a quality player like Kane would be a setback to any club.
      “I do not know whether it is in Tottenham’s hands.
      “I think it is Harry Kane’s decision at the end of the day, to put his foot down and say he wants to go somewhere else and win trophies.
      “There are only a few clubs able to afford him, that’s his problem. There could be a little game of chess.
      “If Erling Haaland goes to Manchester City that blocks that, if Kylian Mbappe goes to Real Madrid, maybe there is an opening at Paris Saint-Germain.
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      “I would not like to see him go to PSG to be honest. I’d prefer him to stay — but I would not blame him if he did look elsewhere.
      “In an ideal world, I know Harry loves Tottenham and wants to stay to win trophies.
      “If they win the Carabao Cup, does he see that as a key moment in the club’s modern history and say, ‘This is a stepping stone to go and get some success’.”
      The lack of Champions League football and no fans has put huge pressure on the club’s finances.
      The future of manager Jose Mourinho may also hang on the Wembley final against City on Sunday week.
      Hoddle added: “That game is a crossroads. OK, it does not get them into the Champions League, but they get some silverware and that would give everyone a lift and be a stepping stone for Jose to go on from there.
      “For many different reasons, maybe for Harry staying, for them to build on something.
      “They have got world-class players at the top of the pitch — but it needs a rebuild now.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Daniel Levy is determined to try and keep his most valuable asset in North London beyond this summerCredit: PA

      Mourinho says Harry Kane could play at top level for Tottenham for another ten years More