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Tyson Fury says he’s ‘done’ with boxing after latest heavyweight win
The 33-year-old World Heavyweight Champion has said he is "quitting while I'm ahead".
Tyson Fury has reiterated his retirement plans and has revealed he is “done” with heavyweight boxing following his latest win.
The 33-year-old Wythenshawe-born boxer and self-proclaimed ‘gypsy king’ has been hinting at hanging up his gloves for quite some time now, and even spoke at length last month about his post-career plans during an interview in the run-up to his WBC heavyweight showdown against fellow Dillian Whyte – which took place Wembley Stadium last Saturday 23 April.
In the interview with BT Sport last month, Fury explained that his reason for wanting to retire comes down to the fact he has more money than he’ll ever need.
Before the end of his illustrious career, Fury spoke about what he wanted to achieve: “I want to retire on top, unbeaten heavyweight champion of the world, and I want to do a Netflix documentary, a Hollywood movie, and be a good husband, father and son.
“Most of all I just want to be happy, and that’s probably the hardest thing.”
And now, after clinching the win and retaining his World Heavyweight Champion title during a sixth-round stoppage triumph in front of a record crowd of 94,000 people, Fury has reiterated that he is “done” with boxing.
Confirming that he is ready to call a day on his career during an appearance as a guest on Piers Morgan Uncensored on Talk TV yesterday evening, Fury once again said: “This is the truth, the gospel truth, nothing but the truth – I’m done.
“Every good dog has its day and like the great Roman leader said, there will always be somebody else to fight.
Read more: Tyson Fury sets out his retirement plans and reveals what he ‘puts success down to’
“When is enough enough? I’m happy, I’m healthy, I’ve still got my brains and I can still talk. I’ve got a beautiful wife, six kids, I’ve got umpteen belts, plenty of money, success, fame, glory – what more am I doing it for? Boxing is a very dangerous sport. You can be taken out with one punch as we’ve seen on Saturday and it’s one unlucky blow and you may not get up off that canvas.”
He called his decision to retire now “quitting while I’m ahead”.
“I’m undefeated and only the second man in history to retire as undefeated heavyweight champion,” he continued.
“I’m very, very happy, very content in my heart with what I’ve done and what I’ve achieved.”
Fury said he has always wanted “to go out on a high”, explaining that: “I wanted to walk away on top of the sport and do it on my terms and didn’t want to be the person who said I should have been retired two years ago or whatever.
“They will not forget ‘The Gypsy King’ in a hurry – and no amount of material assets or money will make me come back out of retirement because I’m very happy.”
Featured Image – Tyson Fury (via Twitter)
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Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielder Joe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Gone far too soon. Rest in peace x
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Featured Images — Thompson Family (via Instagram)/Manchester United
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There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
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Featured Images — Disney
Emily Sergeant -
28th April 2022 
