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      in Boxing

      Joe Joyce on strict diet after he ‘had Deliveroo and Dominos on speed dial’ during first lockdown last year

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      JOE JOYCE will stick to a lockdown diet now he has a mouth-watering cold dish of revenge over Oleksandr Usyk on the menu.
      The 35-year-old Juggernaut was a career heavy 19st 4lbs for his July win over Michael Wallisch and dropped almost a stone for the masterful British title win over Daniel Dubois in November.

      Joe Joyce was a career heavy 19st 4lbs for his clash with Michael Wallisch in JulyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      The 35-year-old dropped almost a stone by the time he faced Daniel DuboisCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The 6ft 6in 2016 Olympic silver winner enjoyed a Dubai break after the jabbing clinic he beat the red-hot prospect into submission with.
      But now he is ranked No.2 with the WBO he has the Ukraine No.1 – who beat him in the amateurs – possibly even for an interim belt he wants to slide into with ease.
      Joyce told SunSport: “The first lockdown came in the summer and I treated it a bit like a holiday because I had been in camp so long for Dubois as it was postponed a couple of times.
      “I was just chilling out on the garden decking most days, I had Deliveroo and Domino’s on speed dial.

      “But now I have serious things to do. I have finally beaten Dubois and it sets me up nicely for the fight with Usyk that could potentially take me on to face the winner of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
      “I had my little holiday fling with junk food in the summer and now it is a New Year, it is down to business and 2021 is going to be my year.”
      Joyce was a wide underdog going into the Dubois clash, despite his huge amateur pedigree and Rio heroics where he was robbed of a gold.

      Joe Joyce wants a fight with Oleksandr Usyk to set up a bout with AJ or Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
      [embedded content]
      The ramrod jab Team GB honed on the Putney ace shattered Dubois’ left eyesocket and the agonising injury threatened to overshadow the almost faultless win.

      But modest Joyce has felt a surge of public support from the victory and feels he has got some of the respect his size, skill and dedication deserve.
      “I feel I have gained a lot of respect, I don’t think everyone considers me ‘Slow Old Joe’ anymore!” he laughed.
      “I think people have seen I have been improving. I am not a robot, I can now move my head and feet and I deliver on the big occasions.”
      London 2012 gold winner Usyk became undisputed cruiserweight king in 2018 but his first two wins up at heavyweight have been flat but his excellent standards.
      That dip in form and the three stone of muscle likely to separate them if they meet again, after Usyk’s 2015 points win the World Series of Boxing tournament, are boosting Joyce’s confidence.

      He said: “I have a bigger frame, I am 6ft 6in tall and have a longer reach.
      “I thought Usyk’s last fight with Derek Chisora was very close, I thought Usyk only nicked it on points by jabbing and getting on his bike.
      “I would not be worried about Usyk’s power, it would just be a technical fight.
      “But I would be there with the professional 10oz gloves and he would have to be concerned with avoiding all of my punches for 36 minutes.”
      Joe Joyce, is working with Purplebricks to encourage the nation to get behind Team GB on their journey to Tokyo, with the same amazing home support as London 2012. Visit @PurplebricksUK on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube.

      Joe Joyce prepares for potential Oleksandr Usyk fight with brutal snow workout as London is battered by severe weather More

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      in Soccer

      Diego Maradona’s doctor DID forge football icon’s signature to get medical records, prosecutors confirm

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      DIEGO Maradona’s personal doctor did forge the football star’s signature to get copies of his medical records, prosecutors have confirmed.
      Leopoldo Luque was nailed by handwriting experts called in to examine documents seized in a raid on his home and office.

      Diego Maradona’s doctor Leopoldo Luque did forge the football star’s signature to get copies of his medical recordsCredit: AFP or licensors

      Documents show Maradona’s original signature alongside forgery practices

      They proved he had forged the signature in a request for pre-op records from a clinic in September, the prosecutor’s office in Argentina capital Buenos Aires said.
      World Cup winner Maradona died at his home in November aged 60 following a heart attack after a brain op.
      Luque, 39, has denied claims of wrongdoing from Maradona’s family, who suggest he was not properly cared for.

      Maradona died at his home in November aged 60 following a heart attack after a brain opCredit: AFP or licensors

      Diego Maradona’s relatives begin battle over his £37million fortune
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      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho taught me the ‘art of humility’, reveals Wycombe stalwart Matt Bloomfield ahead of Tottenham clash

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      SPURS boss Jose Mourinho taught Wycombe midfielder Matt Bloomfield the art of humility.
      Mourinho, who takes his team to Adams Park for tonight’s fourth-round tie, has crossed paths with the Chairboys captain on three previous occasions.

      Mourinho at Bloomfield’s testimonial in 2014Credit: Anita Ross Marshall ARM Images Ltd 07403256673

      Mourinho was Chelsea manager when then League Two Wycombe incredibly reached the League Cup semi-finals in 2007 — eventually losing to his reigning Premier League champions over two legs.
      Then, seven years ago the Portuguese boss took his Blues team to Adams Park in pre-season for Bloomfield’s testimonial.
      The Wycombe ace — now in his staggering 18th season at the club — said: “Jose has on every occasion I’ve come across him been nothing but class.
      “After the League Cup games, he made a point of giving the whole team an open invitation to go into his Chelsea dressing room and mix with all the players.

      “Although it was a huge game for Chelsea, because a place in the League Cup final was at stake, he knew what a huge deal it was for Wycombe to reach the semi-finals as well.
      “As a young footballer then it taught me the art of humility.
      Mourinho, recalling Bloomfield and Co’s heroics, then offered to take a Chelsea team to Adams Park for the player’s testimonial in 2014.
      The Chairboys skipper, 36, said: “I was on the golf course with my father-in-law when manager Gareth Ainsworth rang and told me he knew the Chelsea club secretary David Barnard and that he had spoken to Jose, who offered to bring his team down.

      “The only caveat was that, because it was just after the 2014 World Cup, his players who competed in Brazil wouldn’t be able to play as they hadn’t returned yet.
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      Mourinho will look to book Tottenham’s place in the fifth round of the FA Cup tonightCredit: AFP
      But he still had players like John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen, Patrick Bamford and a young Mo Salah.
      “Jose took time to write a lovely message in the matchday programme for me and as I was coming off with about 15 minutes to go he came over to congratulate me.
      “They treated the game with true class. Although it was just a pre-season game for them, they knew it was a testimonial and how much it meant for me.
      “I can’t praise him enough. I had just turned 30 and was thinking, ‘If Jose and his team can make time for me, I can make time for others’.
      “It’s a lovely quality to have.”

      Wycombe vs Tottenham – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford’s old friend hails his free school meals campaign as her family still benefits

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      AN old school pal of Marcus Rashford’s has hailed his free school meals campaign — as her family still benefits.
      Leah Williams, 22, was in the same class as the Man United star from Year 3 to Year 7.

      An old school pal of Marcus Rashford’s has hailed his free school meals campaign — as her family still benefitsCredit: EPA

      Leah Williams was in the same class as the footie ace and said she remembers his kindness from a young ageCredit: Triangle News

      And she remembers his kindness from a young age.
      She said: “He was always such a smiley boy. He was always helpful. If you had a problem, he was always that boy that everyone talked to.”
      Marcus, 23, has twice forced the Government into U-turns over providing free school meals in the holidays.
      He has ­spoken movingly about how they helped him when he was growing up.

      Single mum Leah, of Runcorn, Cheshire, said: “I used to sit with him in class and had no idea how much he would help the community — and the whole of England, really.
      “He is so genuine.”

      Leah said: ‘She said: ‘He was always such a smiley boy. He was always helpful. If you had a problem, he was always that boy that everyone talked to’Credit: Triangle News

      Man Utd star Marcus has twice forced the Government into U-turns over providing free school meals in the holidaysCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Marcus and mum Melanie at a food bank — the young icon has ­spoken movingly about how free school meals helped him when he was growing upCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Today, the food parcels and vouchers help feed Leah’s son Jackson-Lee, three, her brothers and sisters still at school, plus an older sister with children.
      Leah and Marcus attended Button Lane primary in Wythenshawe, south Manchester.

      It has about double the national average of children eligible for free meals.

      Marcus Rashford says his child food poverty campaign is only just beginning
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      in Soccer

      Jack Emmett’s dream of playing for home-town club Harrogate in the EFL is over as he is forced to retire aged of 27

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      JACK EMMETT thought he had achieved his dream when Harrogate clinched promotion at Wembley.
      He was finally going to become an EFL player after doing the hard yards in non-league.

      Former Harrogate midfielder Jack Emmett enjoying some rest time at home

      But, during pre-season as the Yorkshire club prepared for their first season in League Two, the midfielder realised something was wrong.
      After training sessions and games, Emmett was feeling exhausted beyond anything he had previously experienced.
      And following visits to his doctor and a series of medical tests, he has now been forced to announce his retirement from professional football at the age of 27 – having been diagnosed with chronic fatigue.
      Emmett told me: “I’d been struggling after games for a couple of years – but it wasn’t something I thought too much about as I believed it was part and parcel of being a footballer.

      I’d been struggling after games for a couple of years – but it wasn’t something I thought too much about as I believed it was part and parcel of being a footballer

      “It got particularly bad a year ago – especially when I was playing a lot of games: Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday.
      “I was exhausted all the time so had some tests done but nothing came back. I thought I was over training or there was something wrong with my recovery.
      “But then this summer, during an intense pre-season, it got worse.
      “I went back to the doctor and he put me through loads of tests.

      “After a few months of that, yet again nothing came back, which was good because it ruled out all sorts of nasty things.
      “The doctor has now concluded everything and diagnosed me with chronic fatigue.”

      The syndrome is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms.But the most common is extreme tiredness while it can also affect concentration – something which Emmett experienced.
      The condition tends to develop among people between their mid-20s and mid-40s.
      Apart from 90 minutes against Leicester City Under-23s in the Papa John’s Trophy in October, Emmett has not played this season.
      And he said: “The manager knew I was going through tests and was supportive. I told him I couldn’t play until we got something back that was concrete.
      “But with this diagnosis, it was best to take a step away.

      Jack poses with the National League promotion play-off trophy at Wembley

      Jack enjoyed seven great years with Harrogate including promotion from National League North in 2018
      “I reached a point when I’d get through training and tended not to feel too bad but then would get home, crash, feel exhausted and struggle to get out of bed.
      “It was hard to concentrate on anything. I had brain fog.
      “I was just dragging myself through training and hoping it would get better.
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      “But once it got bad it didn’t matter how many rest days I had. It makes you feel like you’re ill and must sleep it off.
      “This happened always after an intense fixture list or tough pre-season.
      “It got progressively worse and to the point where I was so exhausted I couldn’t play well.”
      So Emmett has decided to take time out of the game to avoid any lasting damage – and, if he does return to football, it will be playing part-time in non-league.

      I do want to return to football but it’ll have to be part-time as we don’t know if it’ll come back if I push the body again
      Jack Emmett

      He said: “My recovery plan is to not do anything for a while and just rest my body. I’m focussed on that. It can be a long process.
      “The consensus is that people my age generally make a full recovery.
      “I do want to return to football but it’ll have to be part-time as we don’t know if it’ll come back if I push the body again.
      “You have to be careful because overdoing it can lead to other problems.
      “But I want to return in some capacity because football has been a big part of my life.”
      Emmett – who hopes to get a job using his degree in accountancy – has been playing for his home-town club for seven years and enjoyed the rise from National League North to League Two.
      And he said: “Of course, I’m gutted not to fulfil my dream of playing in the League.
      “But many people haven’t been able to do what I’ve been able to do in football – help take my local club into the EFL. I’m both proud and grateful to have done that.”

      MICK HOLDS THE TRUMP CARD

      GREAT appointment by Cardiff bringing in Mick McCarthy.
      Big Mick is perfect for the Bluebirds and, Neil Warnock aside, no-one knows the Championship better.
      I always love the way he calls a spade a spade and I reckon he can get Cardiff digging deep for a play-off tilt.

      Sterling effort, Cheltenham
      RAHEEM STERLING told the Cheltenham players and staff that he thought they were “done for” after Manchester City survived a real scare a Whaddon Road.
      The Robins were within nine minutes of pulling off one of the greatest FA Cup giantkillings of all time as they led 1-0 through Alfie May’s goal.
      Goals from Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres flattered City in the end.
      And the Premier League stars could not have been more complimentary about the team 72 places below them.
      My old friend Russell Milton is the club’s assistant manager and he told me: “Raheem came up to us and said, ‘You guys were brilliant – I couldn’t see us getting a goal.’

      Alfie May celebrates after firing Cheltenham ahead against Manchester City
      “Although the City players had to get changed in the club bar, they still showered in the away dressing room so walked past ours.
      “Phil Foden told our boys, ‘Well done lads – you were fantastic.’ And you could tell they were all genuine with it – they knew they had just been in a game.
      “Pep said he was aware of our threats and knew we were a good team.
      “And the City analysts told ours they sincerely couldn’t see themselves getting back into the game because we were snubbing out everything.
      “And they were really panicking too. They started moaning about everything on the touchline. Their subs were constantly complaining after we scored – but we weren’t doing anything different to when we first started the game.
      “When Cambridge equalised with the last kick of the game against us a couple of month ago and all ran over to the bench to celebrate. The way City celebrated was just like that. We couldn’t believe it, Wow, that’s Man City.”
      Milton also revealed the goal involving long-throw specialist Ben Towser setting up May was copied from Stoke.
      He said: “We watched videos of Rory Delap and studied the way they got goals – and Ben and Alfie executed it to perfection.”
      Oldham next tomorrow for the Robins in League Two.
      And Milton added: “We certainly don’t need to do any more defensive coaching lessons with them for a while!”

      Man City boss Pep Guardiola speaks to the press following his team’s 0-2 victory over Man Utd in the Carabao Cup More

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle ready to send Matt Ritchie back to Bournemouth in swap transfer for midfielder Philip Billing

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      NEWCASTLE and Bournemouth may do a possible swap deal involving winger Matt Ritchie and Philip Billing.
      Cherries have a long-term desire to bring back Ritchie, who left for Toon in 2016, and midfielder Billing is a possible trade.

      Matt Ritchie has been a target for Bournemouth since his 2016 exitCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Philip Billing could head to Tyneside as part of the dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Dane was left out of the squad in midweek and questioned social media reports he was injured.
      His Instagram account wrote a now-deleted comment on a club fan page: “Didn’t know I was injured.”
      Bournemouth boss Jason Tindall attempted to explain the situation after the midweek defeat to Derby.
      He said: “I’m a little bit confused because Phil Billing didn’t complete yesterday’s training session.

      “He came in. He went in to see the doctor, complaining of his hamstring. It’s one I’ll have to speak to Phil about himself.
      “But in my book – if you’re unable to complete the training session and you come in from that the day before a game – and you go and see the doctor complaining of your hamstring, it means you’re not fit enough to be involved for the game.”
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      The Cherries take on Crawley on Tuesday night after the League Two club’s coronavirus outbreak delayed their FA Cup fourth-round tie.

      Meanwhile Newcastle lost 2-0 to Aston Villa on Saturday night.
      A seventh defeat in eight games left Steve Bruce’s side just seven points clear of the dropzone, although 18th-placed Fulham have a game in hand.

      Newcastle next manager odds- Howe favourite for Toon job, Hughes enters frame, Villas-Boas, Silva & Barton in contention More

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle will go for Eddie Howe if they axe Steve Bruce but Toon face stiff competition from Celtic

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      EDDIE HOWE is wanted by Newcastle and Celtic.
      The two giants are both eyeing the former Bournemouth boss to be their next manager.

      Former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe will be targeted by Newcastle if they decide current boss Stece Bruce can’t turn the tideCredit: PA:Press Association

      The pressure on Steve Bruce increased after Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Aston Villa, leaving Newcastle fifth bottomCredit: AFP

      Bookies Paddy Power suspended betting on Howe taking over at Celtic — while Newcastle want him as their new gaffer if they decide to axe Steve Bruce.
      Toon owner Mike Ashley is reluctant to get rid of Bruce before he sells the club as he does not want the extra expense – despite pressure rising with Saturday’s sorry 2-0 slump at Aston Villa –
      The Sports Direct supremo is even drafting in former Luton boss Graeme Jones as a coach to give his manager all the support he needs in a bid to turn things around at St James’ Park.
      But Ashley knows he will be forced to sack Bruce if the team’s results and performances do not improve quickly.

      Newcastle are 16th in the Premier League table and out of both domestic cup competitions.
      The Geordies have not won for ten matches and Bruce has been blasted by fans on social media for his team’s negative brand of football.
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      Howe, 43, is itching to get back into management after leaving relegated Bournemouth last summer.

      But he is still recognised as one of English football’s brightest young bosses after the incredible job he did in taking the Cherries from the lower divisions to the top flight and then keeping them there for five years.
      He is also renowned for playing stylish attacking football – which would go down well with Newcastle and Celtic fans who are both unhappy with the way their idols are playing at the moment.

      Ciaran Clark signs new two-year Newcastle contract
      — More

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      in Soccer

      Solskjaer set to steal Dayot Upamecano from under Jurgen Klopp’s nose as Man Utd near £55m transfer for Liverpool target

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to put one over on Liverpool by snapping up £55million centre-back Dayot Upamecano.
      Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp has targeted the RB Leipzig star, 22, to bolster his creaking backline in the long-term absence of Virgil van Dijk.

      Man Utd are set to beat rivals Liverpool to 22-year-old RB Leipzig defender Dayot UpamecanoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks set to pull off a transfer coupCredit: PA:Press Association

      Jurgen Klopp is set to lose out to rivals United despite the defensive injury crisis at AnfieldCredit: Reuters

      But with Klopp insisting he will NOT enter the market this month, United chief Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could add to the German’s woes by nipping in to sign him.
      Upamenco’s £38m release clause is only activated in the summer.
      And if United fail to land him then, they could turn their attention to Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane in the summer.
      Spanish reports claim the World Cup winner wants out of the Bernabeu, after winning 17 trophies since joining the club in 2011.

      The 27-year-old’s contract runs until the end of the 2021-22 season and Real would prefer to cash in on the defender rather than risk losing him for nothing.
      However, United have scouted Upamecano, 22, for over a year and were close to agreeing a deal last summer.
      But they stepped back when the player’s father started making extra demands – opening the door for Liverpool to join the race.
      Klopp was under fire for not strengthening his defence even before Van Dijk and Joe Gomez were crocked.

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      Upamecano did not impress against United in this season’s Champions League but is still set to joinCredit: The Mega Agency

      Yet Anfield sources claim he plans to go all guns blazing for the young defender in the summer.
      United have continued to keep tabs on Upamecano, despite cooling on the deal in the summer, and will go head to head with Liverpool – if they do not move sooner.
      SunSport revealed in October they initially tried to sign him as a 16-year-old, but missed out because they would not meet the £700,000 asking price by his then club Valenciennes.
      Upamecano even travelled to Old Trafford with his parents, but United chiefs wouldn’t go above £500,000, despite him already earning rave reviews in France’s youth teams.
      He subsequently joined Salzburg, and moved to Leipzig in 2017, where he is contracted for another two years.
      Upamecano, who is also on Bayern Munich’s radar, actually had a shocker when United beat Leipzig 5-0 in their Champions League group game.
      But he has been one of the stars of the season for a team currently second in the Bundesliga – and is now set to see him at the centre of a transfer shoot-out between England’s biggest two clubs.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Premier League clubs are targeting RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano More