Author: quyen1

Lewis Hamilton is one paranoiac individual. He earns £50million a year and is due to join Ferrari for a lot more next season (perhaps £70m), yet he believes the world is against him.

It may be an element of what motivates him, but it was strange to hear his remarks on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix in which he said there were those ‘talking s***’ about his decision to leave Mercedes for the Scuderia.

He announced the news of his switch in January, a move that caught many people by surprise, though it had been a long-held desire of his and one he had looked into for years, however tentatively previously.

Of course, he is right to seek a new home. Mercedes are struggling to find form and he is bored by the project. One step forward, one back, for them.

He said in Shanghai: ‘I don’t feel like I need my decision vindicated. I know what is right for me and that hasn’t changed from the moment I made the decision.

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Lewis Hamilton hit back at those he believes have been critical of his impending move to Ferrari next season

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The driver appeared incensed but the press room are not thought to know exactly who he was referring to

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Hamilton (pictured in 2023 with Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur) has been inspired in the past by a ‘world-against-me’ attitude

‘There’s not been a moment that I’ve questioned it and I’m not swayed by other people’s comments. Even today, there are people continuing to talk s***, and it will continue on for the rest of the year. I’ll have to just do what I do.

‘Only you can know what’s right for you and this will be an exciting time for me.’

When pressed on who it was ‘talking s***’, Hamilton said: ‘Just read what’s out there.’

Well, perhaps social media trolls have been slagging him off, but who else? Nobody that I have read. The press conference room, I’m told, was not sure what he was banging on about.

This sense of the world-against-me has acted as inspiration for Hamilton throughout his life, and it reached its apogee when, in 2011, the stewards at Monaco penalised him for erratic driving. He had an unusually bad race that day and he asked, tongue-half-in-cheek, ‘Is it ‘cos I’m black?’ It was an Ali G line, and shouldn’t be taken too literally.

Lewis has had everything. Ron Dennis, then boss of McLaren, sponsored himself to the hilt and turned him into the most prepared debutant driver Formula One has ever known. Indeed, he had the most gleaming equipment from a young age. Other go-karters, as boys, looked on in awe at his lavish equipment.

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Ron Dennis (left) was an early champion of the driver’s and helped him emerge as a debutant

It has been that way ever since. Yes, he says that he wants to help other non-white competitors reach the stars, which is laudable, but the barrier towards inclusion in motor sport is not determined by the colour of one’s skin, but by financial considerations.

It costs approximately £8m to progress through Formulae Three and Two. Lewis, who remains a brilliant self-made story, had more privileges than most once he was 13 or so, significantly but not uniquely down to his father Anthony’s hard work.

But feeling sorry for himself, or to think he is being s***-talked, no thanks.

The sprint format, defamed by many traditionalists, returns in Shanghai this weekend.

I have, in fact, been open to the possible potential of the sprints on the understanding that the alternative – three sessions of practice – is stupefyingly dull.

The existence of laborious practice sessions may not matter so much to non-attendees, those who can switch on their TVs as and when they want. But, to those regularly at race tracks, the traditional fare offers little by way of excitement.

Formula One’s owners have been aware of this limitation. They think, probably rightly, that a new Netflix-generated audience want more competitive bang for their buck. (TV viewing figures bear out the truth that sprints bring in bigger numbers than the traditional practice sessions.)

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The sprint format is set to return in Shanghai and offers much more excitement than practice

The teams and their engineers usually rule the roost and last year the powers that be plumped for a disagreeable hybrid: qualifying for the grand prix on Friday and then Saturday given over to sprint qualifying and the sprint race. It was disjointed to say the least.

The new format is far better: Friday, with one practice session and then sprint qualifying. Then the sprint race on Saturday followed by ‘real’ qualifying. And, then, obviously, the grand prix itself on Sunday. It follows a natural order and feels right.

They now have the correct sprint schedule, to be deployed at six races this year, and they should stick to it. Enough chopping and changing has already gone on.

An increasing phenomenon in Formula One is for senior figures to render their WhatsApp messages ‘disappearing’. That is to say that within 48 hours what they send vanishes. It seems to be a lesson learned from the Christian Horner imbroglio.

What have they to conceal?

I understand that the Red Bull saga will enter its next stage once the Chinese Grand Prix is over, this Sunday.

The woman who is alleging Christian Horner harassed her is due to give evidence in the days that follow the race.

The Red Bull employee is challenging the initial finding that exonerated Horner of wrongdoing.

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The Red Bull employee at the centre of the saga is preparing to give testimony in a second appeal (Red Bull team principal Christian Horner pictured)

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The tumultuous start of the season has somewhat settled in the face of impressive results from star driver Max Verstappen

The appeal is due to be heard by a KC, with Horner’s affiliates maintaining that the woman’s original case was dismissed on grounds of ‘dishonesty’ on her part.

READ MORE: Christian Horner’s best man Bernie Ecclestone reveals what’s next for Red Bull boss and Geri, writes JONATHAN McEVOY

For now, Horner looks in command of the team, which has dominated the early part of the season.

An element of the dispute is political – no matter the ins and out of the accusations in question. The Austrian wing of the company want Horner’s wings clipped, but Thai majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya stands resolutely by his team principal. It is difficult to see Horner going anywhere.

Linked to this, it is increasingly impossible to imagine Max Verstappen leaving the team next season. Where to land? Where better to win than at Red Bull?

The only point at which he might shift would be in 2026 if he doesn’t believe the engine (devised in-house but Ford-badged, rather than the current Honda) would be up to snuff. He might then decide to move two years before his contract expires in 2028. As the driver of his generation, he can move wherever he wants.

Fernando Alonso’s longevity is Lewis Hamilton’s blueprint. The Spaniard signed a new contract last week to stay at Aston Martin taking him beyond his 45th birthday.

Alonso and Hamilton have one thing in common: the fact Formula One is an indivisible element of their beings.

Alonso exuded delight at agreeing a new deal – worth £30million or so. Yet, while the cash is evidently a thrill, his desire to go on racing is the central draw.

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Fernando Alonso has just signed a new two-year contract to stay at Aston Martin beyond 2024

He, like Lewis, cannot envisage a life beyond Formula One.

‘I am not the oldest driver here,’ said Hamilton, 39, in Shanghai on Thursday. ‘I am going to be racing for quite some time still, so it is good Fernando is still around.

‘He just shows what is possible in the new era of athlete.’

This sort of talk puts paid to the notion that Lewis would rather be a fashion designer or a musician or an actor. He’s extremely average at all those callings, yet a genius behind the wheel.

Victoria Beckham has claimed that she taught husband David Beckham, ‘everything he knows’ about football.

The fashion designer celebrated her milestone 50th birthday on Wednesday, with her husband, 48, posting a slew of sweet tributes to her.

The former footballer took to his Instagram Stories to share a string of throwback snaps of the couple, as he wrote: ‘Love you so much, 50 never looked so good’.

But David couldn’t resist also poking fun at his wife, posting a childhood snap of the Spice Girl in a sports tracksuit with a football.

He captioned the shot: ‘I love u @victoriabeckham. I knew she always loved football’.

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Victoria Beckham has claimed that she taught husband David Beckham , ‘everything he knows’ about football (pictured together in 2014)

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The fashion designer celebrated her milestone 50th birthday on Wednesday, with her husband, 48, posting a slew of sweet tributes to her

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But David couldn’t resist also poking fun at his wife, posting a childhood snap of the Spice Girl in a sports tracksuit with a football, captioned: ‘I knew she always loved football’

Not to be outdone, Victoria shared the photo to her own Instagram and quipped that she was the reason for David’s knowledge of the sport.

She wrote: ‘Turns out I taught David everything he knows about the game!!’

Victoria has previously made her disinterest in football known, despite being married to one of the countries most famous players.

The couple first started dating back in 1997, and she was one of the world’s most iconic WAGs after becoming a regular fixture at David’s games for clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid.

But Victoria has admitted that David was the sole reason for her attendance in the stands, opening up in their Netflix docuseries last year.

She said: ‘I am not into football at all. I wasn’t into football then [when we started dating], I’m not into football now.

‘But I’d seen pictures of him in magazines, and he was obviously a very good-looking boy … the fact I went to the games really was just to kind of, some would say “stalk” him.’

She later said that her struggle to get into football was exacerbated by not feeling ‘wanted’ when she was pitchside.

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Not to be outdone, Victoria shared the photo to her own Instagram and quipped that she was the reason for David’s knowledge of the sport, writing: ‘Turns out I taught David everything he knows about the game!!’

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Victoria has previously made her disinterest in football known, despite being married to one of the countries most famous players (pictured at Euros in 2004)

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The couple first started dating back in 1997, and she was one of the world’s most iconic WAGs after becoming a regular fixture at David’s games for clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid (pictured at Euros 2004 with son Romeo)

Speaking to The Financial Times in January, she said she had begun to start liking the sport now David’s retired and set up his own club, Inter Miami.

She said: ‘I never enjoyed watching football. I never felt necessarily wanted [at the matches].I’m not saying this as in, poor me, but it was never the fun that it is now.

‘Now, when we’re in Miami, I feel wanted. I’m friends with the families of the players.’

She added that the warm welcome that her and her family got, as well as the signing of footballing legend Lionel Messi has helped her enjoy matches more.

She recalled: ‘All of a sudden, I found myself on the pitch. The club wanted pictures of the family and the trophy. And that was the first time a club had ever entertained the family as well.

‘Since Messi turned up, the energy has gone to a whole other level. It’s a whole other experience. It’s fun.’

It comes after David shared a heartwarming video compilation of clips and snaps of his ‘beautiful wife’ to mark her birthday.

He shared a video set to the Bee Gees classic More Than A Woman, with glimpses at Victoria’s life, starting with a childhood video of her oldest children Brooklyn and Romeo wishing her happy birthday.

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But Victoria has admitted that David was the sole reason for her attendance in the stands, opening up in their Netflix docuseries last year (David pictured in 2009)

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She later said that her struggle to get into football was exacerbated by not feeling ‘wanted’ when she was pitchside (pictured with David in 2003)

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Speaking in January, she said she had begun to start liking the sport now David’s retired and set up his own club, Inter Miami (pictured after Inter Miami win with David last year)

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She added that the warm welcome that her and her family got, as well as the signing of footballing legend Lionel Messi has helped her enjoy matches more (pictured with Messi and Tom Ford)

The video showed photos and video clips of Victoria from childhood dance and theatre performances, through her pop career to her fashion designer days.

David also shared throwback photos from the couple’s wedding day in 1999, including one of her posing for photos in her Vera Wang wedding dress.

In between throwback footage of Victoria on stage with the Spice Girls and  dancing with her family, David couldn’t resist adding a dig at Victoria’s now infamous Rolls Royce gaffe.

Adding a clip of the ‘be honest’ voice over from his 2023 documentary, David shared a childhood snap of Victoria and her sister Louise posing with their dad’s Rolls Royce.

David also referenced the moment in his sweet caption for the birthday video, writing: ’50 and fit I AM BEING HONEST’.

He added heartfelt words about his wife’s many achievements, writing: ‘Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife… As you head into this birthday you should look back and be proud of what you have accomplished , achieved & what you have built , Posh spice , business woman & of course marrying an England captain.’

‘But your biggest success are your children , you guide them , love them & teach them… They love you beyond words , we all love you so much x’

‘Have a special day you deserve it all  50 and fit I AM BEING HONEST @victoriabeckham @brooklynpeltzbeckham @romeobeckham @cruzbeckham #HarperSeven.’

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It comes after David shared a heartwarming video compilation of clips and snaps of his ‘beautiful wife’ to mark her birthday

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He shared a video set to the Bee Gees classic More Than A Woman, with glimpses at Victoria’s life, starting with a childhood video of her oldest children Brooklyn and Romeo wishing her happy birthday

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In between throwback footage of Victoria on stage with the Spice Girls and dancing with her family, David couldn’t resist adding a dig at Victoria’s now infamous Rolls Royce gaffe

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David also referenced the moment in his sweet caption for the birthday video, writing: ’50 and fit I AM BEING HONEST’

He also whisked Victoria away on a European mini-break to celebrate the start of her lavish 50th birthday extravaganza, according to The Sun.

The couple are said to have been joined by their four children Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 21, Cruz, 19, and Harper, 12, as well as Victoria’s parents Tony and Jackie at a ‘remote retreat’.

A source told the publication: ‘It was all top secret up until the last minute. David loves going all-out for big celebrations.’

Yet it is only a short getaway, with the family due back on Thursday in preparation for her main party at a private members’ club in London on Saturday night.

Victoria is sparing no expense for her 50th birthday celebrations and will be honouring the occasion with a four-day extravaganza alongside her family and close friends.

According to the Mirror, guests received save the cards for the celebrations, but only a couple of her Spice Girls bandmates are able to attend.

A source said: ‘David and Victoria have made it known they are planning a party to remember – but now it turns out it will be four nights to remember for members of their family.

‘The current plan is that there will be one main party, but their family and close friends will be invited to stay for all four days.

‘Victoria was keen to reunite with the Spice Girls for one performance during the celebrations and really pushed for it to happen. But unfortunately a performance has now been ruled out, and instead she will get together with the girls separately later this month’.

David Beckham reportedly whisked wife Victoria away to the South of France on a private jet to celebrate her 50th birthday.

The fashion designer and the retired footballer, 48, then took a chaffeur-driven car to £200-a-head restaurant in Saint-Paul de Vence on the French Riviera, believed to be the famous La Colombe d’Or.

The couple were said to be joined by their four children along with Victoria’s parents Jackie and Tony and were later flown back to Luton Airport.

A source told The Sun: ‘David chose somewhere incredibly remote.

‘The restaurant regularly hosts A-list celebrities during the Cannes film festival so none of the Riviera locals bat an eyelid when they see a celebrity.

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David Beckham reportedly whisked wife Victoria to the South of France on a private jet to enjoy a swanky £200-a-head dinner at the famous La Colombe d’Or for her 50th birthday (stock image)

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The swanky French eatery is a favourite of the Beckhams, having visited there in the past for romantic dinner (pictured at La Colombe d’Or in 2003)

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The world-famous restaurant is based in St Paul de Vence, where celebrities such as Sean Connery, Johnny Depp and Joan Collins have holiday homes

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The changing menu, concocted by Paul Roux, features a basket of crudités and a host of famous starters and other specialities from the Midi (sample menu pictured)

‘Victoria had an amazing fine wine-fuelled afternoon, soaking up the rays al fresco, overlooking the Med and enjoying her favourite white fish.’

La Colombe d’Or is a favourite of the Beckhams, having visited there in the past for romantic dinner.

The world-famous restaurant is based in St Paul de Vence, where celebrities such as Sean Connery, Johnny Depp and Joan Collins have holiday homes.

It is steeped in history as a restaurant where impoverished artists used to give paintings for food. The works of Yves Klein, Leger, Picasso and Cezanne, worth millions, still adorn the walls.

The menu, concocted by Paul Roux, features a basket of crudités and a host of famous starters: grilled peppers in olive oil, caramelised onions, stuffed baby vegetables, baked Provençal tomatoes, beans, anchovies, aubergines and other specialities from the Midi.

After her private family dinner, Victoria is looking forward to her 50th birthday bash at a private members’ club in London on Saturday.

Around 40 family and friends will join her including her former Spice Girls bandmates Mel B and Emma Bunton along with other close pals including Eva Longoria and Gordon Ramsay.

The Spice Girl celebrated the milestone on Wednesday, with her husband sharing an early morning Instagram post dedicated to his ‘beautiful wife’.

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A source said: ‘David chose somewhere incredibly remote’ (stock image)

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The fashion designer and the retired footballer jetted to France on a private jet before taking a chaffeur-driven car to the eatery (pictured: Saint Paul de Vence)

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The couple were said to be joined by their four children along with Victoria’s parents Jackie and Tony and were later flown back to Luton Airport (L-R Romeo, Cruz, Harper, David, Victoria and Brooklyn)

A video set to the Bee Gees classic More Than A Woman showed clips from Victoria’s life, starting with a childhood video of her oldest children Brooklyn and Romeo wishing her happy birthday.

In between throwback footage of Victoria during her Spice Girls career and her dancing with her family, David couldn’t resist adding a dig at Victoria’s now infamous Rolls Royce gaffe.

Adding a clip of the ‘be honest’ voice over from his 2023 documentary, David shared a childhood snap of Victoria and her sister Louise posing with their dad’s Rolls Royce.

The hilarious dig refers back to the viral moment in David’s documentary where Victoria told the cameras that her family were ‘very working, working class’.

David interrupted, incredulous, and asked Victoria to ‘be honest’ to which she replied: ‘I am!’ He then repeatedly asked Victoria to reveal what car her dad used to drive her to school in.

The Spice Girl eventually gave in and said: ‘OK. In the ’80s, my dad had a Rolls-Royce.’

David also referenced the moment in his sweet caption for the birthday video, writing: ’50 and fit I AM BEING HONEST’.

He added heartfelt words about his wife’s many achievements, writing: ‘Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife… As you head into this birthday you should look back and be proud of what you have accomplished , achieved & what you have built , Posh spice , business woman & of course marrying an England captain.’

‘But your biggest success are your children , you guide them , love them & teach them… They love you beyond words , we all love you so much x’

‘Have a special day you deserve it all  50 and fit I AM BEING HONEST @victoriabeckham @brooklynpeltzbeckham @romeobeckham @cruzbeckham #HarperSeven.’

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After her private family dinner, Victoria is looking forward to her 50th birthday bash at a private members’ club in London on Saturday

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The Spice Girl celebrated the milestone on Wednesday, with her husband sharing an early morning Instagram post dedicated to his ‘beautiful wife’

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A video set to the Bee Gees classic More Than A Woman showed clips from Victoria’s life, starting with a childhood clip of her oldest children Brooklyn and Romeo wishing her happy birthday

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He added heartfelt words about his wife’s many achievements, writing: ‘As you head into this birthday you should look back and be proud of what you have accomplished

The video showed photos and video clips of Victoria from childhood dance and theatre performances, through her pop career to her fashion designer days.

David also shared throwback photos from the couple’s wedding day in 1999, including one of her posing for photos in her Vera Wang wedding dress.

Her children posted their own Instagram tributes on Wednesday as Romeo thanked his mum ‘for everything’ while eldest son Brooklyn shared a photo of himself as a baby on holiday with his mum.

On the eve of her 50th birthday Victoria shared her own emotional Instagram post.

Posting a photo of herself in a bra and suit from her fashion line, the star shared a lengthy message, thanking David and her four ‘beautiful’ children for their ‘unconditional love and support’ as she reflected on her life.

The Spice Girl declared: ‘As I get ready to step into 50 (in heels, of course!), I feel so incredibly blessed to have reached this milestone.’

She went onto gush about her career highlights, saying she was ‘blessed, but also accomplished and deeply content.’

‘Not just of where I am as a woman, but of how far my fashion and beauty brands have come.’

‘My ambition was always to empower women and make them feel like the best version of themselves. To me, that meant trusting my instinct and never compromising on my creative vision.’

She added that she was proud of her career trajectory, from pop star to fashion designer, writing: ‘I believe that you can be many things. A pop star, a mother, a wife, a designer…’

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The video showed photos and video clips of Victoria from childhood, through her pop career to her fashion designer days

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The future star was seen in dance costumes in the sweet throwbacks

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She was clearly a performer from childhood as snaps shared by David showed his wife in costume for plays and dance recitals

David Beckham’s incredible montage for wife Victoria’s 50th birthday

‘My passion has always been to dream big, then dream even bigger! Believe in yourself first — everyone else will follow. And if you’re really lucky, you’ll find someone who believes in you even more than you do.’

‘Thanking David, the star gushed that she was ‘forever grateful for your unconditional love and support, and for our beautiful children.’

‘@BrooklynPeltzBeckham, @RomeoBeckham, @CruzBeckham you complete me. I’m so proud, so in awe of the kind, hard-working, talented individuals you are all becoming.’

Ending her post with a promise that she will continue to strive for for more, Victoria declared: ‘So, here’s to doing more of what I love with the people I love.’

‘I’m so thankful for my family, my friends, and my incredible team! This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and I’m only just getting started.’

‘Mummy and daddy, I love you. Kisses Victoria xx’.

Tyson gave an insight into the current heavyweight division.

Mike Tyson broke down the current crop of elite heavyweight boxers, including Anthony Joshua, during a chat with Joe Rogan and it’s truly fascinating.

Tyson appeared on the ‘Joe Rogan Experience’ podcast in April 2022, and was asked to give his verdict on Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua.

He also gave his opinion on WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, as well as WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

Tyson went in-depth on all four fighters, and it’s the kind of analysis you wouldn’t hear from anyone else.

Deontay Wilder

On Wilder, he said: “Having a hard punch is like having a nuclear war, but it doesn’t serve any military value if it doesn’t land on his target.”

‘The Bronze Bomber’ suffered two consecutive defeats to Fury in 2020 and 2021, despite putting up a valiant effort in both fights.

After bouncing back with a KO win over Robert Helenius, Wilder then suffered a surprise defeat to Joseph Parker in December, where a win would likely have set up a showpiece fight with Anthony Joshua.

Anthony Joshua

Talking of Joshua, Tyson summarised: “He has never lost hope, he is still learning. That’s why he’s dangerous. Because he’s still f***ing learning.

“Joshua needs to pick up the pace, he’s got so much potential. He has got to turn those jabs into something. Joshua is no walk over. He’s going to have a beautiful life after boxing, he’s beautiful.”

Joshua is a two-time WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion, having lost the belts to Andy Ruiz Jr. in June 2019 before claiming them back the following December.

He slipped to a shock loss against Usyk in September and lost a rematch against him the following summer.

Joshua has since won his last three fights, including a fifth round stoppage of Otto Wallin in December last year.

Oleksandr Usyk

Tyson focused on Usyk’s performance in his first fight against Joshua in his analysis, stating: “Usyk is very hard to hit, he has that elite amateur level movement. It was too much for Joshua.”

After Rogan claimed that the Ukrainian moves like a lightweight, Tyson went on to suggest Wilder as a potential future opponent – although that fight seems a way away currently.

Usyk returned to his homeland of Ukraine in 2022 to help fight off invading forces from Russia.

Following a year’s inactivity after his second victory over Joshua, Usyk defeated Daniel Dubois via knockout in August, and is scheduled to fight Fury in February.

Tyson Fury

Last but not least was the self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’, and ‘Iron Mike’ spoke glowingly of the WBC heavyweight champion.

Tyson admitted: “It’s weird to take him seriously, because he’s so funny. He doesn’t take fighting seriously, he laughs at people, licking the blood. What’s wrong with this guy? You’ve got to be out of your mind.

“He would be a prophet in biblical times, how do you explain how good he is? They couldn’t explain that.”

Anthony Joshua has admitted former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson would have destroyed him in a fight.

The Brit star, 27, claimed the American heavyweight would have been far too good for him had they been active at the same time.

Tyson was the unified, undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and to this day is regarding as one of the all-time greats.

On “Iron Mike”, Joshua said: “Mike Tyson would have battered me.

“There was no way I could have taken on that guy. I would have taken that pay cheque.

“You know what I done against Klitschko in that sixth round when I took that dive? I’m joking.

“I would have taken a dive against Tyson. He was a beast.

“I give all credit and respect to Tyson. Even though Tyson is going on like 50 now, I still remember Tyson as the young, young 21-year-old.

“He was that good and made such an impact in the sport of boxing.”

Joshua is just kicking off his career as a champion after his thrilling win over Wladimir Klitschko in April to add the WBA belt to his IBF title.

The Briton has been dubbed the man to dominate the division, but is clearly unsure of how he would have fared alongside Tyson.

Joshua is currently lining up his next fight, with Ukrainian ace Klitschko weighing up his options.

Should the pair go through with a rematch, the 20,000-capacity T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is being eyed up, with November 11 the expected date.

If, however, Klitschko opts against the fight, Deontay Wilder could be a potential opponent for Joshua.

Mike Tyson will give up one of his habits ahead of his fight against Jake Paul.

Mike Tyson is set to make a major lifestyle change ahead of his big fight against Jake Paul.

Tyson is set to return to action on July 20 when he faces Paul in an exhibition that will be aired on Netflix.

It will be the boxing legend’s first appearance since his clash with Roy Jones Jr back in November 2020.

Fans and critics alike have slammed the contest between Tyson and Paul as current heavyweight star Anthony Joshua made his feelings clear.

The 57-year-old looks to be in supreme shape as he released a first-person POV training workout online.

And he’s amped up preparations ahead of his ring return as he is set to give up smoking cannabis in the build-up to his summer showdown.

Tyson, who’s an avid weed smoker, owns a cannabis farm but he will be giving the hash ahead of fighting Paul.

Asked about his habit, he said: “I don’t know, maybe it has something to do with my tripolar tendencies or something.

“But I don’t think I am going to smoke for this fight. I think I am going to be very irritable and nasty.”

Mike Tyson’s cannabis-infused sweets. Image: Getty

Quizzed whether he would take his own cannabis-infused sweets before a fight, he replied: “Normally I do, but for this particular fight I think I’m going to go pretty raw and naked.

“I’m 58 and what? I’m getting billions of views from just talking to somebody about fighting.”

Tyson also hit out at ‘jealous’ people slamming his fight against Paul.

“Everybody, even most of the athletes, they’re jealous, that’s whack,” he exclaimed. “I say in your prime you couldn’t draw a million people, man. What are you talking, you couldn’t sell out arena.

“Who at 58 could sell out an 80,000-seat arena? Why you think he [Paul] wants to fight me and not anybody else?”

Mike Tyson revealed the only opponent capable of taking his power was little-known heavyweight Jose Ribalta – who retired with 17 defeats.

ATLANTIC CITY – AUGUST 17,1986: Mike Tyson (R) moves in for the punch to Jose Ribalta during a bout at Trump Plaza Hotel on August 17, 1986 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.Mike Tyson defeated Jose Ribalta TKO 10. (Photo by: The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)

A 20-year-old Tyson knocked out Ribalta in 1986 – two fights and three months before beating Trevor Berbick to become the youngest heavyweight champion of all time.

But it took Iron Mike all ten rounds to finally finish Ribalta, which he did with just under a minute remaining in the fight.

After Tyson hammered away all night long with hooks and uppercuts, Ribalta hit the deck in rounds two and eight, but beat the count both times.

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In the final round he was again dropped after a heavy combination and despite again getting up, he could not survive the final bell as he was stopped on his feet.

But in a 2014 interview with The Ring, Tyson – who fought heavy-hitters Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield and Frank Bruno – claimed Ribalta was his strongest ever opponent and had the best chin of all his rivals.

He said: “I hit Jose Ribalta with everything, and he took everything and kept coming back for more.

“Jose Ribalta stood toe to toe with me. He was very strong in the clinches.”

Tyson still stands as the youngest heavyweight champion in history, aged 20 years and four months.

After losing his title in a shock defeat to ‘Buster’ Douglas in 1990, he spent three years in prison after being convicted of rape in 1992.

After his jail sentence Tyson won the WBC and WBA titles in 1996 but in the same year lost to Holyfield and infamously bit his ear in their rematch a year later.

The knockout artist retired in 2005 after losing to Kevin McBride and left the sport with a record of 50–6 and remains one of the most celebrated heavyweights of all time.

And after a 20-year career in the ring, the American named former crusierweight and heavyweight champion Holyfield as the best opponent he ever faced.

He said: “He threw terrific shots with both hands and with bad intentions.

“Great champion: chin, heart, determination, work ethic, demeanor.”

She has a £31million townhouse in London’s Holland Park at her disposal, not to mention trophy properties in Miami, Dubai and, of course, the Cotswolds.

But never assume that Victoria Beckham is content to loll around at home, luxuriating in the £425million fortune which she and her husband David have (so far) accumulated.

I can reveal that the famously disciplined fashion designer, who confesses to initiating her day by drinking three tablespoons of cider vinegar, is currently savouring the sweetest of victories – over a group of six associates who’ve been attempting to cash in on the Beckham brand by selling counterfeit goods.

The battle unfolded after ‘Posh’, as Victoria was known in her days with the Spice Girls, was assailed by the appearance of no fewer than 46 websites, all of them calling themselves ‘victoriabeckhambeauty’, each with a different ‘geographical indicator’ – implying that they were connected to a different country. All of them carried the ‘logo, mark, and copyright-protected images’ of her company.

Aware that none of them had anything to do her fashion and beauty products, which are on sale in 50 countries, Victoria filed a complaint with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and Mediation Centre at the end of January.

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Victoria Beckham is savouring a victory against a group of six associates cashing in on her brand by selling counterfeit goods

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Beckham was assailed by no he appearance of no fewer than 46 websites, all of them calling themselves ‘victoriabeckhambeauty’ with her company’s logo and copyright

Its verdict, delivered this week, has come down unequivocally in her favour. Noting that all the domain names were registered on the same day last November, it records that they ‘copy the look and feel’ of Victoria’s official website – and are, like hers, used as online shops.

The four women and two men who’d registered the websites were invited to respond to Victoria’s complaint. They declined to do so.

The WIPO witheringly concludes that their activities ‘constitute a pattern of abusive conduct of bad faith’ by making a deliberate and calculated attempt to attract custom ‘for commercial gain’, via a ‘likelihood of confusion’.

Acknowledging Victoria’s evidence that what the group of six were selling was ‘most likely counterfeit goods’, it points out that that is a type of fraud – and ordered all domain names be transferred to her.

It’s quite a triumph for Victoria, who celebrates her 50th birthday next week. Back in 2002, she tried – and failed – to prevent Peterborough United from using its nickname, ‘The Posh’, arguing that the word ‘Posh’ was ‘inexorably associated’ with her.

I hope she now indulges herself in what, for her, is the rarest of luxuries – a smile.

Cosmetics show outfit that made Auntie blusher

As an ‘angel’ for Victoria’s Secret lingerie, Leomie Anderson is used to wearing very little — but this led to a dressing-down from the BBC.

The London-born model, 31, is a host of BBC Three’s cosmetics reality contest Glow Up.

She tells me: ‘I had this tiny outfit on which showed my boobs and they told me I couldn’t wear it.’

Speaking at a preview screening of the sixth series, she adds: ‘I don’t have big boobs, but I didn’t have a lot of material covering them. So they tried to crop it so all you could see was my head and shoulders.’

Leonie, who was wearing a black bikini and leather jacket and trousers, reveals: ‘They made me zip up my jacket and it was fine in the end.’

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Leomie Anderson got a dressing-down from the BBC after wearing black bikini and leather jacket and trousers to a preview of the sixth series of Glow Up

Many Tory MPs have been kicking up a stink about the growing influence of oil-rich Gulf states in Britain.

So what better way for the Qatari government to clear the air than by giving the gift of pleasantly smelling perfumes to a minister?

I hear Andrew Mitchell, the overseas development minister, received a ‘fragrance hamper’ worth £369 from Qatar. Foreign Office documents state that the gift is ‘held by department’. It must be the most fragrant office in Whitehall.

Prince Harry said he and Meghan fled Britain in 2020 ‘fearing for our lives’, yet his brother Prince William seems able to enjoy a pretty normal life.

Indeed, I’m told he popped into a pub in North Norfolk at the weekend with his mother-in-law, who is said to have been staying with the Prince and Princess of Wales for Easter.

A patron tells me: ‘It was all very low-key, with no great fanfare. He just walked in and through the pub. He appeared to be with Carole Middleton.’ There was no sign of Catherine, who is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer.

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While Harry said he left Britain with Meghan ‘fearing for our lives’, William (left) appears to be able to enjoy a pretty normal life

Ministers trying to ban mobile phones in the classroom have an ally in no-nonsense choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips.

The former Strictly judge tells me she ‘constantly’ has to tell dancers to ‘put your phone away’ during rehearsals.

‘When you go into [dance] class, your phones cannot be with you — you have to focus,’ explains Dame Arlene, 80, at the NHS Charity gala concert With All Our Hearts.

Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman appears to regret allowing a beautician to use new technology to analyse her face.

‘I did a Pro Derm Scan and the woman said: ‘Your skin is disgusting, you are ancient, you are grey. Have you ever had a glass of water?’ ‘ says Winkleman, 52, at the No7 Future Renew party at Searcys Club in London.

‘I haven’t. I don’t believe in it — I don’t do it and I don’t care.’

Rosamund is in the loop

Saltburn star Rosamund Pike — who is known for her signature bob —showed off a striking new hairdo at a red-carpet event in New York.

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Rosamund Pike showed off a striking new hairdo at a red-carpet event in New York

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Pictured: Pike at the Brooklyn Artists Ball held at Brooklyn Museum on Tuesday April 9

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The Oxford graduate wore her hair in a looped plait, complete with a butterfly clip

The Oxford graduate, 45, who once remarked, ‘actresses generally aren’t allowed to have haircuts, because short hair isn’t considered as versatile’, wore her locks in a looped plait, complete with a butterfly clip.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner insists the team won’t be rushed into finalising Max Verstappen’s team-mate for 2025 as the silly season of the Formula One drivers market rumbles on.

There has been strong speculation over the future of Sergio Perez, whose contract with the Austrian outfit expires at the end of the season, with Carlos Sainz one of many names being linked with the team.

That move seems unlikely according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who told reporters on Thursday that Audi, who will join the sport in 2026, have made a ‘very lucrative offer’ for the in-demand Spaniard. Sainz is being replaced at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton at the end of the season.

Horner, though, wouldn’t be dragged into the rumour mill.

‘It’s incredible that we’re at race five and there’s so much talk already about drivers for next year,’ said Horner.

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Christian Horner insists Red Bull won’t rush to finalising Max Verstappen’s team-mate for 2025

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Sergio Perez’s contract with the Austrian outfit expires at the end of the season, but could stay

‘We’re in a situation where we are very happy with our two drivers but we don’t need to make a final decision about our lineup until much later in the year.’

In response to being asked about Audi’s reported bumper offer to Sainz, Horner said: ‘It’s pure speculation.

‘We have no idea if and what Audi have offered Carlos, who’s a key driver on the open market. It’s only natural there is significant interest.

‘I’m sure Audi would be foolish not to consider a driver of his quality amongst others who have seats available.’

There is, of course, the distinct possibility that Perez’s performances this season prove to be too strong for Horner and Red Bull to ignore.

The Mexican endured a difficult 2023 season but has started this year in fine form, locking out the front row alongside Verstappen in three of the first four races of 2024.

While Perez has made it clear he would like to have his future mapped out sooner rather than later, Horner remains in no mood to rush to any decision.

‘Of course he would like to make an announcement tomorrow undoubtedly,’ said the Red Bull boss. ‘We as a team aren’t in a particular rush. We’re in a fortunate position where many drivers would like to drive for the team.

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Audi, who will join in 2026, have reportedly made a ‘very lucrative offer’ for Carlos Sainz

‘We’re happy with the pairing we have, we just want to make sure the little bit of consistency Checo has started this season maintains and in due course we’ll evaluate those options.

‘But at this point in time we’re very happy with the lineup we have so there is no imminent rush to announce the full driver lineup for 2025.’

Victoria Beckham showed off her £300 mobility scooter while out with husband David on Monday.

The fashion designer, 49, cut a casual figure in gym gear and a baseball cap, while still wearing a medical boot.

Victoria propped her leg up as she scooted out of the car park, while David followed closely behind holding her crutches.

The singer admitted she’ is ‘over it’ now, after suffering a ‘clean break’ to her foot in February after falling over during a work out..

David bought her the ‘knee walker’ bike to help her get around after she broke her foot.

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Victoria Beckham showed off her £300 mobility scooter while out with husband David on Monday

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The fashion designer, 49, cut a casual figure in gym gear and a baseball cap, while still wearing a medical boot

The Spice Girl has been wearing a boot since sustaining the injury, and taking to Instagram, she revealed the thoughtful gift from David.

Sharing a video of David, 48, setting up the scooter, Victoria explained how the £300 bike, called a KneeRover, is designed to help keep her foot off the floor as it heals.

‘Okay so David bought me a bike to try and help keep my foot, which is taking a long time to heal,’ she said. ‘So he bought me this little bike with a basket.’

‘Not any bike,’ David interrupted, before he added: ‘It’s called a KneeRover.’

The bike, which has a soft platform designed to have the rider put their knee on to remove the need for crutches or putting weight on the foot, comes with a bell and a drinks holder.

‘There’s a bell for when I come round the corner,’ Victoria said. ‘I can pick up quite a speed can’t I darling.’

‘A bell for a belle,’ her husband David joked.

Sporting Celine sweatpants and a black T-shirt, David is seen in the video adding attachments to the bike so it is ready for his wife to use.

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Victoria propped her leg up as she scooted out of the car park, while David followed closely behind holding her crutches

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The Spice Girl has been wearing a boot since sustaining the injury, and taking to Instagram, she revealed the thoughtful gift from David

Once the knee walker was set up and ready to use, David joked that Victoria could even attempt a ‘bunny hop’ or a ‘wheelie’.

Gushing over her gift, Victoria shared a picture of it captioned: ‘The accessories are endless. Think how much wine I can fit in this basket.’

In another snap, where she modelled the vehicle while sporting a t-shirt, leggings, one trainer and her injury boot, she wrote: ‘The best gift my Husband ever bought me!!!’

She even went as far to compare herself to Madge from the TV programme Benidorm – who is known for beeping around the resort in her mobility scooter.

Last month, Victoria revealed her Valentine’s Day got off to a bad start when she fell during a home workout.

The couple, who had shared a slew of loved-up snaps to their respective pages, led the celebrity Valentine’s tributes on social media.

But after sharing smitten snaps of her former pro footballer husband, Victoria revealed that she had taken a tumble in the gym .

Sharing an update on her condition, David revealed: ‘Apparently my wife’s little accident in the gym was a clean break… [sad face]’

Victoria Beckham films David’s bottom while he assembles knee bike

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Victoria suffered a ‘clean break’ to her foot after recently falling over during a work out, her husband David revealed on social media last month

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Sharing an update on her condition, David, 48, revealed: ‘Apparently my wife’s little accident in the gym was a clean break… [sad face]’

David shared a photograph of Victoria’s foot strapped up in a medical boot as she recovers from the injury.

Sharing a picture of her foot – complete with a pink pedicure – covered in a bag of ice, she wrote: ‘Happy Valentine’s Day to me… fell over in the gym!!!’

Seemingly less concerned about his wife’s injury, David poked fun at the size of her toe, writing: ‘How big is your toe? Wow I never noticed that before.’

As well mocking Victoria, David also shared a series of smitten photos with his wife of almost 25 years as the commemorated the romantic holiday .

The former footballer described Victoria as an ‘amazing wife, mummy and best friend’.