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Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton dies aged 46 | Boxing News

British boxing icon Ricky Hatton has died at 46, sparking tributes from across sport.

Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton has died aged 46, Greater Manchester Police in the United Kingdom have confirmed.

Hatton, who was known to fans as “the Hitman”, was discovered at his home in Hyde, near Manchester, early on Sunday morning. Police said: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am [05:45 GMT] today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

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The Manchester-born fighter became one of Britain’s most celebrated boxers, winning world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight. During a 15-year professional career, he secured 45 wins from 48 bouts before retiring in 2012.

Hatton’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the sporting world.

Former England and Manchester United midfielder David Beckham posted on Instagram: “Ricky was one of a kind. Just heartbreaking.” Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury wrote: “RIP to the legend Ricky Hatton. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this – so young.”

Football figures also paid respect to the lifelong Manchester City supporter. Before City’s Premier League match against Manchester United on Sunday, the Etihad Stadium held a minute’s applause, with fans chanting his name.

City manager Pep Guardiola described him as “a true champion” and “part of the Man City family”. Wayne Rooney, who once carried Hatton’s belts into the ring, said on X that he was “devastated”, calling him “a legend, a warrior and a great person”.

Hatton’s career featured memorable victories over Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, while his only defeats came against boxing greats Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

In recent years, Hatton remained close to the sport. He attempted a comeback in 2012, fought in an exhibition with Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022, and earlier this year announced plans to face Eisa Al Dah in Dubai. He also spoke openly about his battles with depression and featured in the 2023 documentary Hatton, which explored his personal struggles and mental health.

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Teacher suspended ‘after showing children aged 10 and 11 graphic Charlie Kirk video and telling pupils he deserved it’

A SCHOOL teacher has been suspended for allegedly showing a video of Charlie Kirk’s horror assassination to kids as young as 10 in class.

The teacher also reportedly told their students that the MAGA influencer “deserved” to be killed.

Charlie Kirk speaking at the Republican National Convention.

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Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on WednesdayCredit: AP
View of a large crowd through a window.

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Footage showed a dark-clad figure running on a roof after the shooting
Charlie Kirk sitting at a table before a Turning Point USA backdrop.

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Disturbing videos circulating on X captured the moment Kirk was shotCredit: X

Graphic footage of Kirk’s death has been widely circulated online in the aftermath of the shocking attack.

But in Toronto, a teacher allegedly “traumatised” their class by showing school children the grisly clip.

The Corvette Junior Public School teacher, who has not been named, was relieved of their duties after the incident pending an investigation.

Kids aged 10 and 11 were made to watch the horrifying video of Kirk’s final moments, the Toronto Sun has reported.

The staff member is understood not to be the class’ regular teacher and was simply supervising the group that day.


Everything we know so far…


A source close to the situation told the paper: “Several students from his class went home and complained to their parents, traumatised at witnessing the on-camera death, which they were forced to witness numerous times over.

“Parents subsequently reached out to school administrators, who will be putting him on leave at the start of the school day September 12, 2025.”

They added: “While playing this video repeatedly, he gave a speech to his students regarding anti-fascism, anti-trans, and how Charlie Kirk deserved for this to occur.”

Eerie vid of Charlie Kirk suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, receiving presidential scholarship before ‘assassinating activist’

The school’s principal Jennifer Koptie sent a letter to the parents of the affected children to explain the situation.

It reads: “We are writing to inform you about an incident that is reported to have taken place in your child’s class yesterday.

“During class, students were said to have been shown a portion of a violent video in response to questions being asked about a recent tragic event in the United States.”

“The teacher has been relieved of all teaching responsibilities pending the outcome of the investigation and will not be at the school.”

Koptie added that the school is providing support to any kids who were traumatised by the video.

“The video is believed to have been shown once by a staff member supervising the class who is not the homeroom teacher,” she wrote.

Mugshot of Tyler.

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Tyler Robinson has been identified as the suspectCredit: Utah County Jail
Couple at a football game.

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31-year-old Kirk was shot dead earlier this weekCredit: Instagram/mrserikakirk
Charlie Kirk and Donald Trump shaking hands.

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Kirk was a vocal supporter of Donald TrumpCredit: Splash

“While an investigation must still be conducted to learn all of the details, the report of this incident is extremely troubling and completely unacceptable.

“We recognise the seriousness of this matter and have taken immediate steps to follow all appropriate policies and procedures.”

It is just one of several firings and suspensions across schools and universities in the wake of Kirk’s death.

At the University of Mississippi, a staff member was let go for sharing “hurtful, insensitive comments” about the assassination.

Broadcaster MSNBC has also fired one of its analysts over comments made in the wake of the shock attack.

Kirk was hit in the neck by a bullet at a student debate even on Wednesday in Utah.

His death was confirmed by President Donald Trump within a couple of hours.

After a multi-day probe, cops apprehended Tyler Robinson as a suspect in the investigation.

The 22-year-old was arrested after his dad turned him into the police.

He had “excitedly” bragged about his long-range shooting skills last year, according to a former colleague.

The alleged shooter also shared twisted jokes with his friends on Discord as the FBI frantically searched for a suspect.

After a grainy image was released during the probe, Robinson had reportedly joked that his “doppleganger” was on the loose.

On a Discord forum, he also mocked the police investigation, saying he had “better also get rid of this manifesto and exact copy rifle I have lying around”.

A firebrand conservative commentator, Charlie Kirk was perhaps best known for his key role in the pro-Trump think tank Turning Point USA.

His funeral is scheduled to take place on September 21 in Arizona.

Kirk was a hard-line supporter of President Donald Trump, who has pledged to attend the ceremony.

Timeline of Charlie Kirk shooting

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10

Tuesday, September 9

8:29 am MDT – Shooter arrives on the Utah Valley University campus, as seen in surveillance videos.

Wednesday, September 10

11:52 am – The shooter, described as a college-age individual, arrives on campus before maneuvering onto a rooftop.

12:00 pm – Charlie Kirk is scheduled to host a debate in the UVU Fountain Courtyard.

12:10 pm – A shot is fired at Kirk from 200 yards away and hits him in the neck. The event is immediately evacuated and a man is taken into custody.

1:02 pm – President Donald Trump posts a call to pray for Kirk on Truth Social.

1:37 pm – UVU closes campus, cancels classes, and tells students to leave campus immediately.

1:50 pm – Officials confirm Kirk is in critical condition to the Associated Press.

2:40 pm – Trump confirms Kirk has died, hailing him “great, legendary” in a post on Truth Social.

4:21 pm FBI Director Kash Patel shares on X that the ‘subject for the horrific shooting’ is in custody.

4:30 pm – Utah Governor Spencer Cox, speaking at a press conference, brands Kirk’s death a ‘political assassination. Cox adds there is a ‘person of interest’ in custody and a man arrested earlier has been released.

7:59 pm – Patel, the FBI director, confirmed a second subject taken into custody in connection with Kirk’s shooting was released after being interrogated by law enforcement.

Thursday, September 11

7:15 am – Officials hold a press conference where they announce they have “good video” of the suspect and they recovered the “high-action bolt rifle” in the nearby woods.

9:55 am – Visuals of the suspect are released as officials ask for the public’s help in identifying the individual in the photos.

10:44 am – FBI offers a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone involved in Kirk’s assassination.

10:00 pm – Tyler Robinson is arrested on Thursday night in St. George, Utah, after his dad turned him in. He’s booked into the Utah County Jail.

Friday, September 12

6:00 am – Trump announces a suspect was in custody during an appearance on Fox & Friends. “I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him,” the president said.

7:30 am – A press conference is held with FBI and Utah government officials, including Cox and Patel, where the Utah governor confirmed, “We got him.” The suspect is identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Utah.

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Ricky Hatton dies aged 46: Ex-world champion found dead at home

He earned notable world title wins over Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, before defeats by Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Hatton inspired a devoted following during his glittering career.

More than 30,000 fans travelled to Las Vegas for Hatton’s title fight with Mayweather in 2007, and a chorus of “there’s only one Ricky Hatton” echoed around the MGM Grand even after he was stopped.

Those same chants were heard in his final professional fight in his home city of Manchester five years later.

In July Hatton announced his return to the ring. He was due to fight Eisa Al Dah at middleweight on 2 December in Dubai.

Organisers said the contest would be a professional bout, but it was unclear whether it would be fully sanctioned.

Hatton made an unsuccessful professional comeback in 2012, when he lost to Vyacheslav Senchenko in Manchester, and fought Marco Antonio Barrera in an exhibition in 2022.

After agreeing to fight former rival turned friend Barrera, Hatton spoke about his battles with depression.

In 2023 he was the subject of a documentary ‘Hatton’, in which he discussed his personal life and mental health issues.

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Inside Ricky Hatton’s brave battle with booze addiction and mental health demons as he passes away aged 46

BOXING champion Ricky Hatton fought bravely not just in the ring but also with his own mental health struggles.

The legendary boxer, 46, previously spoke out about his battles outside the sport after retiring in 2012.

Ricky Hatton at the British Boxing Awards 2025.

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Ricky Hatton, 46, was found dead at his home this morningCredit: Getty
Floyd Mayweather Jr. knocks down Ricky Hatton in a boxing match.

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Champion Ricky retired from boxing in 2012Credit: AFP
John Hedges, former boxer and trainer.

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The boxer had previously opened up about his mental health struggles and had planned a comeback fight for later this yearCredit: PA

Ricky was found dead at his home this morning, just months after he announced his return to the ring.

Boxer Ricky, who won 45 of his 48 pro fights during a glittering career, previously spoke about his struggles with depression and how he had fought back from the brink with his mental health and alcohol addiction.

Talking about his struggles, the multi-weight world champ told Radio 4 earlier this year: “I used to go to the pub, come back and sit there in the dark crying hysterically.”

He had also been open about the need for boxers to get more help after hanging up their gloves.

Read More on Ricky Hatton

Depression… the signs to look for and what to do

Depression can manifest in many ways.

We all feel a bit low from time to time.

But depression is persistent and can make a person feel helpless and unable to see a way through.

They may also struggle to about daily life.

Mind says these are some common signs of depression that you may experience:

How you might feel

  • Down, upset or tearful
  • Restless, agitated or irritable
  • Guilty, worthless and down on yourself
  • Empty and numb
  • Isolated and unable to relate to other people
  • Finding no pleasure in life or things you usually enjoy
  • Angry or frustrated over minor things
  • A sense of unreality
  • No self-confidence or self-esteem
  • Hopeless and despairing
  • Feeling tired all the time

How you might act

  • Avoiding social events and activities you usually enjoy
  • Self-harming or suicidal behaviour
  • Difficulty speaking, thinking clearly or making decisions
  • Losing interest in sex
  • Difficulty remembering or concentrating on things
  • Using more tobacco, alcohol or other drugs than usual
  • Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
  • No appetite and losing weight, or eating more than usual and gaining weight
  • Physical aches and pains with no obvious physical cause
  • Moving very slowly, or being restless and agitated

If you feel this way, visit your GP who can help you.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.

The following are free to contact and confidential:

Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email [email protected] or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).

YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.

Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).

In the past, Ricky had also talked about how his life took a dark turn after losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a 2007 fight in Las Vegas.

He explained how he overcame problems with drink, drugs and depression, and why mental health issues are so prevalent in boxing.

Ricky told BBC Sport: “If a boxer can come out and say they’re struggling and crying every day, it’s going to make a huge difference.

“Having gone through it, I now see it as my job to help those suffering with mental health.”

The boxing legend ballooned up in weight after his retirement as he struggled with alcohol abuse and depression, but got himself back on the straight and narrow three years ago for an exhibition bout with Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera.

Ricky, nicknamed “the Hitman”, was incredibly popular among boxing fans and enjoyed fame both during his career and after announcing his 2012 retirement.

Ricky Hatton says his stunning boxing comeback is to help people battling mental health demons

And he never shied away from his mental health battles, bravely fighting his demons for years after quitting the sport.

Ricky even shared just months ago that he was planning his comeback to boxing, with a fight set for December 2.

Speaking to SunSport earlier this year, he shared how he had been inspired by Oasis’ comeback tour, as well as his weight loss, to bring himself back into the ring.

He said: “It inspired a lot of people, you know, for me to get in shape again at the age I’m at.

“Especially bearing in mind all my problems I’ve had personally with mental health and stuff like that.

“It was nice for so many people to come up to me and go, ‘Oh, I’ve always struggled with my weight and to see you get it off at your age.’

“I’ve always struggled with my mental health and I’ve had my problems.

“And to see where you were a few years ago to what you’re doing now, it’s inspirational.”

Ricky Hatton’s biggest boxing wins

Ricky Hatton tasted defeat just three times in an illustrious 46 fight career that saw him earn an estimated £37million in prize money. Here are some of his most memorable victories:

  • Tommy Peacock by TKO – In his 11th fight as a professional Ricky won his first title – the vacant Central Area light-welterweight belt – at Oldham Sports Centre
  • Jon Thaxton on points – Ricky picked up national honours when he defeated Thaxton for the vacant British light-welterweight strap at Wembley Conference Centre in 2000
  • Kostya Tsyzu retired – In front of a rapturous home crowd inside Manchester’s MEN Arena, Ricky became a world champion for the first time. He won the IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles against the former undisputed champ Tsyzu
  • Luis Collazo unanimous decision – Just three fights later Ricky added to his title collection, claiming the WBA light-welterweight title stateside by beating tough Collazo over 12 rounds
  • Paulie Malignaggi TKO – Ricky’s final boxing victory came against loud-mouthed American-Italian fighter Malignaggi in Las Vegas. The Hitman let his fists do the talking and stopped his foe in the 11th round. He earned a cool $2.5million for his night’s work.
  • Six months later Ricky would taste defeat for a second time, the first being against Floyd Mayweather in 2007, against Phillippino superstar Manny Pacquiao. He suffered a brutal second round knockout and was taken to hospital for a precautionary brain scan.

Ricky had first retired from the sport in 2011 before announcing a comeback fight in 2012.

However, his ill-fated bout against Vyacheslav Senchenko led to his immediate retirement in November that year.

But inspired by the Gallagher brothers, who also walked him to the ring for his 2008 win over Pauli Malignaggi, Ricky was looking forward to a return to the spotlight, 13 years after his last professional bout.

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Mike Tyson to fight Floyd Mayweather aged 59 in blockbuster boxing clash with contracts already signed

MIKE TYSON is set to fight Floyd Mayweather in a blockbuster boxing fight in 2026.

The two sporting icons have already signed contracts for the exhibition bout.

Logan Paul and Floyd Mayweather boxing.

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Floyd Mayweather takes on Logan Paul in a exhibition fightCredit: AP
Mike Tyson after a boxing match.

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Mike Tyson sparked health concerns after fighting Jake Paul last yearCredit: Getty

The retired duo will face off in a Spring showdown, TMZ reports.

Tyson, who confirmed the news on Instagram on Thursday night, will enter the ring again aged 59.

The heavyweight king sparked health concerns during a fight against Jake Paul last year.

He struggled in the clash against his younger foe.

And unbeaten 48-year-old is eleven years his new rival’s age.

The 50-0 legend has also been able to keep himself in top shape in retirement.

Tyson’s bout against Mayweather is being organized by CSI Sports/Fight Sports.

An exact date and location is not yet known.

“This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen,” Iron Mike said.

“However, boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable, and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets.

Mike Tyson didn’t hesitate when naming ‘monster’ scariest fighter ever who ‘knocked out four cops’

“I still can’t believe Floyd wants to really do this.

“It’s going to be detrimental to his health, but he wants to do it, so it’s signed and it’s happening!”

The exhibition fight will not go towards their professional records.

“I’ve been doing this for 30 years and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy,” Mayweather said.

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“You already know that if I am going to do something, it’s going to be big and it’s going to be legendary.

“I’m the best in the business of boxing.

“This exhibition will give the fans what they want.”

Mayweather has been named the greatest fighter this century.

He last fought professionally in August 2017 when he took on UFC king Conor McGregor.

‘Money’ also fought Logan Paul in an exhibition bout years later.

Tyson’s last fight against his brother Jake drew 108 million viewers.

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Ex-Team GB Olympic medallist dies aged 80 after long illness as wife pays tribute to ‘gentle giant’

THE widow of an Olympic hero and schoolteacher has paid tribute to “a proud Yorkshireman” after his tragic death at the age of 80.

John Sherwood lived in Hillsborough and shot to fame in 1968 when he won the bronze medal in the hurdles at the Mexico Olympics in 1968.

Olympic medalist Sheila Sherwood and her husband John Sherwood with their medals at Heathrow Airport.

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Both Sheila Sherwood and her husband John Sherwood won Olympic medalsCredit: Alamy
Black and white photo of the 1968 Olympic Games 400m hurdles medal ceremony.

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John won a bronze medal in the 400m hurdlesCredit: Getty

He sadly passed away after a long illness at the palliative care unit at the Northern General Hospital on August 19. 

His heartbroken wife, Sheila, who also won an Olympic medal in Mexico has paid tribute to her husband who she said always gave his best whatever he did.

She went on to say: “There were never any half measures. He would do things properly and that was why he had such a great sporting career and was such a good teacher.

“We were unique in 1968, a married couple who both won medals. We’d married six months before the games.

“We were amateurs and both worked full time as teachers. John was at Intake School in Doncaster at that time, I was at Myers Grove.

After we won our Olympic medals we just carried on as normal.”

John’s wife Shiela has received dozens of messages of condolence from John’s former pupils at Forth Park Comprehensive, where he worked for 37 years.

John, who is survived by his two grown up children, retired from teaching in 2005.

He and his wife trained for the games together and both took home medals.

Sheila said: “We were unique in 1968, a married couple who both won medals. We’d married six months before the games.

“We were amateurs and both worked full time as teachers. John was at Intake School in Doncaster at that time, I was at Myers Grove.

“After we won our Olympic medals we just carried on as normal.”

She taught at Myers Grove School and the pair returned to their careers following their Olympic success.

Sheila added: “He loved teaching, and didn’t want to go into an office as a head of year. He wanted to stay as a PE teacher.”

Photo of John and Sheila Sherwood, British track and field athletes, at the 1968 Olympic trials.

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John and Sheila trained together for the gamesCredit: Getty
Black and white photo of a smiling man in a Great Britain Olympic jacket.

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John Sherwood shot to fame in 1968 when he won the bronze medal in the hurdles at the Mexico OlympicsJohn Sherwood

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Geoff Lewis: Welsh jockey great and Derby winner dies aged 89

Winning the Derby in 1971 was the crowning moment in one of the finest seasons ever seen in the saddle.

With Mill Reef he captured the Derby, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris – victories that remain etched in the sport’s history.

He also claimed the Oaks, the Coronation Cup, the Ascot Gold Cup and the Lockinge, making him virtually unbeatable that year.

Although his family moved to London when he was a boy, Lewis’ roots in Wales were never forgotten.

His journey into racing began at the Waldorf Hotel, where he worked as a page boy before jump jockey Tim Molony spotted his build and suggested he try racing.

Apprenticed to Ron Smyth at Epsom, he quickly rose through the ranks, riding his first winner in 1953.

By 1957 he was first jockey at Kingsclere, enjoying big-race victories for Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II.

But it was Mill Reef who defined him, the little colt who carried a Welshman to racing immortality.

Lewis went on to partner 1,880 winners in Britain, twice finishing runner-up in the jockeys’ championship and winning five Classics.

After retiring as a jockey, Lewis turned his hand to training and found success once more.

Based in Epsom, his stable included champion sprinter Lake Coniston, who stormed to glory in the 1995 July Cup.

In November 2024, Lewis’ lifelong contribution to Welsh sport was celebrated when he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Welsh Horse Racing Awards in Cardiff.

Too ill to attend in person, his daughter Mary and grandchildren Luci and Alex collected the award on his behalf.

The award was a fitting reminder of his place in Welsh sporting history.

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Angela Mortimer Barrett: Wimbledon champion in 1961 dies aged 93

Angela Mortimer Barrett, Britain’s 1961 Wimbledon women’s singles champion, has died at the age of 93.

Mortimer Barrett, who was born in Plymouth, won three Grand Slam singles titles and one in doubles, which came alongside Anne Shilcock at Wimbledon in 1955.

Her other Grand Slam singles wins came at the 1955 French Championships and 1958 Australian Championships, and she was runner-up at Wimbledon in 1958 when American Althea Gibson defeated her in the final.

Mortimer Barrett contended with numerous challenges throughout her career, including hearing loss, and she was battling a troublesome case of tennis elbow prior to her triumphant 1961 Wimbledon run which ended with her beating fellow Briton Christine Truman 4-6 6-4 7-5 in the final.

She was known as Angela Mortimer at the time of her Slam wins and in 1967 married John Barrett, a fellow British tennis player who became a distinguished tennis writer and broadcaster.

Mortimer Barrett was also awarded an MBE in 1967 for services to tennis.

Debbie Jevans, chair of the All England Club, said Mortimer Barrett will be remembered “for her determination and extraordinary dedication”.

“An honorary member since her triumph in 1961, Angela has been a familiar face and valued member for more than six decades. Her passing leaves a hole in the fabric of the club, and she will be greatly missed,” Jevans said.

“On behalf of everyone at the All England Club, I offer my sincere condolences to Angela’s husband, John; their children, Michael and Sarah Jane; grandchildren, family and friends.”

Mortimer Barrett was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1993, and her husband joined her in those ranks in 2014.

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Britain’s last WW2 VC hero dies aged 105 – 81 years after being wounded 72 times in extraordinary act of bravery

SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL said: “Courage is rightly regarded as the foremost of the virtues, for upon it all the others depend.”

The truth of those words is highlighted by the heroics of RAF Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank, who has died at the age 105.

Black and white photo of John Cruickshank, a Victoria Cross recipient.

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RAF Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank has died at the age of 105Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Elderly man with cane standing in front of a Catalina aircraft.

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In 2013 with a Catalina flying boat, like the one he skipperedCredit: Getty
Flight Lt. John Cruickshank, RAF Victoria Cross recipient.

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The brave RAF ace stands proudly in his uniformCredit: PA:Press Association

It was 81 years ago that he performed an extraordinary act of sustained bravery, as he defied the agony of multiple severe injuries to bring home his badly damaged plane after a lethal encounter with a U-boat off the coast of Norway.

For this deed he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

He was one of four Coastal Command airmen to receive this award, but his case was unique.

The other three had died in action and were honoured posthumously.

He had survived but it was a mighty close-run thing.

It was appropriate that this Scotsman of rock-hard resilience should hail from Aberdeen, long known as “the Granite City”.

He had left school in 1938 to become an apprentice in banking.

But the drumbeat of war was echoing across Europe so he volunteered for the Territorial Army, enlisting in the Royal Artillery.

Called up for service with this regiment in 1939, he transferred to the RAF two years later then went through initial flight instruction in Canada and the US.

Back in Britain, having won his wings as a pilot, he continued his training until March 1943 when he was assigned to 210 Squadron in Coastal Command, based at Sullom Voe in the Shetland Islands.

The Last of the Few, John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway has died, age 105

Man of modesty

His squadron’s main duty was to protect Allied ships from U-boats and they were equipped with the rugged and reliable American-built twin-engine Catalina flying boat.

It was on July 17, 1944, soon after D-Day, that the incident occurred which lifted John Cruickshank into the record book, but almost killed him.

He was piloting an anti- submarine patrol off Norway when his radio operator John Appleton picked up a blip on the Catalina’s equipment.

John began to home in on the target, whose status as a U-boat was confirmed by fire from its 37 mm gun.

Appleton wrote in his memoir: “The skipper manoeuvred into a perfect attacking position astern of the submarine, just out of range of the enemy gunfire. He gave a blast on the klaxon and started the attack run-in from about two miles.”

As the plane got closer, flak from the U-boat intensified and was reinforced as its two pairs of 20mm cannon opened up.

The skipper manoeuvred into a perfect attacking position astern of the submarine, just out of range of the enemy gunfire. He gave a blast on the klaxon and started the attack run-in from about two miles

John Appleton

John flew on and appeared to have released the depth charges at the right moment.

But the bombs had hung up, so he then took the plane out of range of the U-boat, while his crew rearmed their own guns and checked the bomb-release mechanism.

“Everyone ready! Here we go again,” said John over the intercom.

Of the second attack, Appleton recalled: “This time all the flak was bursting much closer to us and I was surprised at how thick it could be.

“We seemed to be flying into a wall of black explosions.”

But again, John descended upon the target without hesitation.

RAF Catalina flying boat on water.

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The first thing John said when he had regained consciousness in the stricken Catalina, was: ‘How are my crew?’Credit: PA:Press Association
Victoria Cross medal awarded for conspicuous valour.

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John was awarded the Victoria Cross for his extraordinary act of sustained braveryCredit: Alamy

This time the depth charges hit their target with deadly accuracy. Seconds later, the U-boat began to sink. None of the 52 men on board had a chance of survival.

But by now John’s plane, caught by more enemy fire, was in serious trouble.

Flames and smoke began to fill the aircraft. The radar was wrecked and the nose canopy shattered.

One crewman was dead and four others were badly wounded, including John, who had been hit in his chest and legs and was bleeding heavily.

But all was not lost. With the use of extinguishers, some of the uninjured crewmen put out the fire.

As the co-pilot took over the controls, John was carried to the back of the plane.

Throughout, he set an example of determination, fortitude and devotion to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the service

Citation from Victoria Cross ceremony

Lapsing in and out of consciousness, he was in tremendous pain but refused any morphine from the emergency safety kit because he wanted to keep alert so he could help bring the Catalina boat plane home to Sullom Voe.

With almost superhuman fortitude, he returned to the cockpit to oversee the final descent just as dawn was breaking.

After landing successfully on the water, he ran the shattered plane on to the beach.

He had to be given an emergency blood transfusion before being taken to Lerwick Hospital, where he was found to have suffered 72 wounds.

Yet, by September, he was fit enough to receive the Victoria Cross from King George VI in Edinburgh, the first time Holyrood House had been used for an investiture since the reign of Queen Victoria.

His citation read: “Throughout, he set an example of determination, fortitude and devotion to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the service.”

From a generation that never sought the spotlight

Barney Crockett

But he was a man of profound modesty who hated talking about his exploits.

Even at his investiture, he crept out of a side door afterwards to avoid the attention of the press and public.

In the same vein, when he had regained consciousness in the stricken Catalina, the first thing he said was: “How are my crew?”

Though he had recuperated imp-ressively in hospital, the legacy of his injuries was too severe to allow him to return to flying duties, so for the rest of the war he held a staff job at Coastal Command HQ.

Later, on demobilisation at the end of the war, he resumed his career in banking, eventually working in international finance before he retired in 1977.

Happily married, he lost his beloved wife Marion in 1985.

In his final years, in sheltered accommodation, he disliked any fuss, whether about his VC or his birthdays.

Barney Crockett, the former Lord Provost of his native Aberdeen, once said John was “from a generation that never sought the spotlight”.

But it was also the generation that saved the world from tyranny.

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Actor Terence Stamp, who starred as Superman villain General Zod, dies aged 87

Terence Stamp, the English actor who played the arch-villain General Zod in Superman films, has died at the age of 87.

In a career that spanned six decades, the Oscar-nominated actor starred in films including The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Far From the Madding Crowd and Valkyrie.

Stamp died on Sunday morning, his family said in a statement to Reuters news agency.

“He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and a writer that will continue to touch people for years to come,” they said.

Born in Stepney, east London, to working-class parents on 22 July 1938, Stamp attended grammar school before pursuing a career in advertising.

After securing a scholarship to go to drama school, he shot to fame in the 1960s, making his debut playing the titular role in Billy Budd, a 1962 film about a naive young seaman in the 18th century.

His performance earnt him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor and a Golden Globe for best newcomer.

He soon made a name for himself as a villain, with stand-out performances in Superman and Superman II as General Zod and Sergeant Troy in the 1967 Far From the Madding Crowd.

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Heartbreak for Jeff Bezos as his mother Jackie dies aged 78 following dementia battle just weeks after Venice wedding

JEFF Bezos is mourning the loss of his mother, Jacklyn “Jackie” Bezos, who has died at the age of 78.

The Bezos Family Foundation announced the news, revealing she passed away peacefully at her Miami home today.

Jeff Bezos with his parents at the Smithsonian Magazine's American Ingenuity Awards.

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Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos poses on the red carpet with his parents Mike and Jackie in 2016Credit: AFP
Jeff Bezos and Jackie Bezos at an Amazon Emmy celebration.

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Jackie Bezos has died at the age of 78Credit: Getty

While no cause of death was given, the Foundation said she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2020.

In an emotional post, Jeff reflected on how his mom’s life as an adult began early, becoming a mother at just 17.

He said she “pounced on the job of loving me with ferocity,” later bringing his stepfather Mike into the family and expanding her love to his siblings Christina and Mark.

Bezos said her “list of people to love never stopped growing” and that she “always gave so much more than she ever asked for.”

He shared that after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia, Jackie died surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and Mike.

“I know she felt our love in those final moments. We were all so lucky to be in her life,” he wrote, adding: “I hold her safe in my heart forever… I love you, mom.”

In a heartfelt tribute, the Foundation described Jackie as “the true meaning of grit and determination, kindness and service to others” — values she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

It praised her husband, Mike Bezos, for staying by her side “at every step” of her illness and thanked the healthcare team who cared for her.

Born December 29, 1946, in Washington, D.C., Jackie had Jeff at 17 with her first husband, Ted Jorgensen, before the couple split when Jeff was a toddler.

She later married Cuban immigrant Miguel “Mike” Bezos in 1968 — a lifelong partnership that lasted nearly six decades.

In 1995, the couple famously invested just under $250,000 into Jeff’s then-new venture, Amazon.

A devoted mother to Jeff, Christina, and Mark, Jackie juggled work, night school, and family life — making countless trips to Radio Shack for Jeff, supervising cheerleading practice for Christina, and hauling drums in the family station wagon for Mark.

She later earned her psychology degree at 45, proving, as the Foundation put it, “it’s never too late to follow your dreams.”

In 2000, she and Mike founded the Bezos Family Foundation, spearheading initiatives such as Vroom, which supports early childhood development, and the Bezos Scholars Program for students in the US and Africa.

She also played a major role in funding groundbreaking cancer research at Seattle’s Fred Hutch Cancer Center.

Her greatest joy, however, was family — particularly her 11 grandchildren, for whom she created “Camp Marmie,” a summer tradition of adventures, problem-solving, and laughter.

Jeff’s wife, Lauren Sánchez, re-shared the tribute on Instagram Stories with a broken heart emoji.

Jackie is survived by Mike, her children Jeff, Christina, and Mark, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

The family is asking people to honor her memory by supporting a meaningful nonprofit or performing a simple act of kindness.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

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Four children aged between 11 & 13 arrested after ‘stealing car & fatally mowing down grandma, 71, in hit & run’

FOUR children have been detained after allegedly stealing a car and mowing down an elderly woman before fleeing the scene.

Cecilia De Astis, 71, died after being struck by an out-of-control vehicle while walking in the Italian city of Milan on Monday.

Woman in sunglasses on a beach.

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Cecilia De Astis was tragically killed in a hit and runCredit: facebook/@cecilia.deastis
Security camera footage of four children and a woman.

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Four children – aged between 11 and 13 – were reportedly taken into custody in connection with the alleged crimeCredit: www.lastampa.it
Severely damaged car after a fatal hit and run.

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Damage to the stolen vehicle after the hit and runCredit: www.lastampa.it

The grandma had just left a lunch at the “House of Solidarity” – run by the Brothers of St. Francis – in her local Gratosoglio neighbourhood when the tragic incident occurred, reports Italian outlet La Stampa.

Local police took four children – aged between 11 and 13 – into custody on suspicion of vehicular homicide aggravated by failure to provide assistance.

The children were identified by the T-shirts they were wearing, which had been caught on surveillance cameras from a nearby shop.

Under Italian law, children under 14 are not criminally liable.

The minors were tracked down at a Roma settlement on Via Selvanesco, according to Il Fatto Quotidiano.

The stolen Citroën reportedly skidded, crashed into a curb and struck De Astis – throwing her several metres into the air – before slamming into a nearby road sign.

The impact was said to have been devastating – despite emergency services’ quick arrival, nothing could be done to save the woman.

Her sons, Gaetano and Filippo, arrived at the scene shortly afterwards and collected the few belongings left scattered on the road – including the face of their mum’s wristwatch.

Originally from Puglia, De Astis had worked for over 30 years as a textile worker at the Cederna cotton mill before retiring, according to La Stampa.

Dozens of messages of condolence have reportedly been posted in a social media group created by former mill employees.

Tech CEO killed in horror mid-air skydiving crash after ‘pal’s knee hit his head’ as cousin pays tribute to ‘family man’

De Astis had dinner with her sons the night before the incident.

“The only blessing is that we managed to have dinner together the night before,” they told the newspaper.

Her granddaughter said: “She was my second mother, we grew up together. She was a good woman. You can’t die like that.”

The stolen Citroën – which had French number plates – reportedly belonged to a 20-year-old from Strasbourg who was visiting Milan with three friends.

He had parked the car about a mile from the scene and gone to visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology with his friends, only to return and find it missing.

He reported it stolen on Sunday evening.

It comes as a popular travel influencer couple who documented their van life adventures online have died in an off-road crash.

Stacey Tourout and Matthew Yeomans reportedly lost control while driving through rough terrain in the mountains near Trout Lake, British Columbia, Canada.

The Canadian couple ran the Toyota World Runners YouTube channel, which had over 200,000 subscribers, and also built a following of 72,000 on Instagram.

News of their deaths was shared by friends and family on social media and confirmed by Kaslo Search and Rescue, who responded to the scene.

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Derek & the Dominos founder Bobby Whitlock dies aged 77 after cancer battle as wife pays heartbreaking tribute

PIANIST and co-founder of Derek and the Dominos, Bobby Whitlock, has died at the age 77. 

The rock icon died of cancer after a short battle with the illness as his heartbroken wife leads the tributes.

Black and white photo of Bobby Whitlock, songwriter and guitarist, posing with an acoustic guitar.

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Bobby Whitlock has passed away after a brief battle with cancerCredit: Getty
Black and white photo of Bobby Whitlock playing piano.

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Whitlock was the pianist and co-founder of Derek and the DominosCredit: Getty

His manager, Carole Kaye, confirmed his death this morning saying he died at home in Texas at 1:20am.

The legendary rockstar surrounded by his loved ones when he passed.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun

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Figurehead president of military-ruled Myanmar dies aged 74 | Obituaries News

Myint Swe headed Myanmar as president from 2021 to 2024 following the military’s power grab.

Myint Swe, who has served as Myanmar’s military-backed president, has died aged 74 after a long medical leave, according to state media.

The news of his death was announced on Thursday in a statement from the government.

“President U Myint Swe passed away at 8:28am this morning,” the statement said, adding that Myint Swe will receive a state funeral.

A former general, Myint Swe became president of Myanmar in 2021 when the military overthrew the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Before the military takeover, he held several senior leadership posts, including the post of first vice president during a period of semi-democratic rule that ended in 2021.

The coup handed power to Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s military, with Myint Swe serving as a figurehead leader carrying out ceremonial duties.

Min Aung Hlaing stepped in as “acting president” of Myanmar last year when Myint Swe went on medical leave due to the effects of Parkinson’s disease, according to reports.

At the time of his death, Myint Swe was struggling with “weight loss, loss of appetite, fever and a decline in cognitive function” and had been admitted to a military hospital in the capital, Naypyidaw, according to state media.

His death comes just a week after military leader Min Aung Hlaing lifted a state of emergency in the country amid a grinding civil war and called for elections to be held in December.

While the military also nominally transferred authority to a civilian-led interim government in advance of the vote, observers say the change was on paper only, and Min Aung Hlaing has retained ultimate power as head of the armed forces.

Efforts to hold elections are seen as an attempt by the military government to gain legitimacy and de-escalate years of violent political turmoil that have engulfed the country since it grabbed power.

Opposition groups have pledged to boycott the poll.

Myanmar has been in a state of civil war since 2021, when pro-democracy protests escalated into a violent uprising, later compounded by the entry of armed ethnic groups.

The military-backed government has since lost control of large sections of the country.

Estimates in 2024 suggested that it controlled only one-fifth of the country, although the military-held areas include major urban areas.

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Beloved children’s author who wrote over 150 books dies aged 87 – 30 years after first wife died of cancer

A BELOVED children’s author who wrote over 150 books has died aged 87.

Allan Ahlberg produced a host of bestselling nursery classics during a stellar career as an author.

Allan Ahlberg, children's author, in his home.

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Allan Ahlberg has died aged 87Credit: Alamy
Allan Ahlberg in a bookshop.

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The children’s author left behind an incredible legacyCredit: CLPE
Portrait of Allan Ahlberg.

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He worked with his late wife Janet on books together

Some of his most famous work includes lasting favourites Peepo!, The Baby’s Catalogue and Each Peach Pear Plum.

He came to writing in his late thirties, when his wife Janet grew tired of illustrating non-fiction and asked him to write a story for her to illustrate.

Allan later recalled the moment was “as if she turned a key in my back and I was off”.

The Ahlbergs went on to produce 37 books together, and Allan also wrote more than 100 others, some in Janet’s lifetime, and some since her death from breast cancer in 1994.

Following Janet’s death, Allan worked with illustrators such as Raymond Briggs and Bruce Ingman.

His career came full circle in a series of collaborations with his daughter Jessica including Half a Pig and a pop-up set of anarchic variations on the tale of Goldilocks.

Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, CEO of Walker Books Group, which published some of his books, said: “He was enormously playful in spirit and language and had the ability to make you smile in one sentence.

“Allan inspired generations of children’s writers, inspired all of us who worked with him, and inspired artists to make some of their very best work.”

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Malcolm-Jamal Warner, star of The Cosby Show, dies aged 54

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, an actor best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died.

Warner, who was 54, drowned at the weekend while on holiday in Costa Rica, local authorities said.

Warner appears to have been dragged out to sea by a swift ocean current while swimming at Playa Grande around 14:00 (20:00 GMT) local time on Sunday in Cocles, a town in the province of Limón, Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency said.

Warner played the son of Bill Cosby on the hugely popular US sitcom from 1984-1992. Tributes swiftly poured in from celebrities, including Questlove, Jennifer Hudson, Taraji P Henson, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Magic Johnson.

Authorities said bystanders rescued Warner and brought him to shore, where the Costa Rican Red Cross tried to treat him, but he was declared dead at the scene.

He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Warner was Emmy-nominated in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a comedy series for his work on The Cosby Show in 1986.

He was handpicked for his breakout role by Cosby on the final day of a nationwide audition.

“I was literally the last person they saw,” he recalled in a 2023 interview.

The Cosby Show ranked as the number one TV show for five seasons from 1985-90. It portrayed a cosy middle-class family – a relatively rare depiction at the time of black Americans on television.

“When the show first came out, there were white people and black people talking about [how] the Huxtables don’t really exist, black people don’t really live like that,” Warner said in a 2013 interview.

“Meanwhile, we were getting tens of thousands of fan letters from people saying, ‘Thank you so much for this show.'”

After The Cosby Show, Warner appeared in several other television programmes including Malcom & Eddie, alongside comedian Eddie Griffin.

Griffin paid respects to him on social media after his death, writing “R.I.P. King” and “My big little brother”.

Warner had guest appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Sesame Street. More recently, he played AJ Austin, a cardio-thoracic surgeon on the medical drama series The Resident.

Warner also won a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2015, alongside Robert Glasper and Lalah Hathaway for their cover of Stevie Wonder’s song Jesus Children of America.

His spoken word album “Hiding In Plain View” garnered him another Grammy nomination in 2023.

Last year, he started a podcast – “Not All Hood” – which discussed mental health in the black community.

Former co-stars and fans has been posting their tributes to him online.

Basketball star Magic Johnson, who appeared in an AIDS awareness video directed by Warner, wrote that he and his wife were “both super fans of the hit Cosby Show and continued to follow his career” over the years.

“Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life, and business. He will truly be missed,” Johnson wrote.

Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt called him “a gentleman” and “an incredible talent”.

Actress Vivica A Fox posted that she was stunned and saddened by his sudden death, writing: “Thanks for ya gifts, king.”

Tracee Ellis Ross, who starred with Warner on Reed Between the Lines, also mourned him, writing: “My heart is so so sad.

“What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place.

“Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”

Actress Taraji P Henson posted: “Malcolm, we grew up with you. Thank you for the art, the wisdom, the grace you gave us!!!!!

“You left the world better than you found it. Rest easy, king!!!! Your legacy lives far beyond the screen.”

Actress Niecy Nash posted that she had recently spoken to Warner.

“We talked about how happy we both were in our marriages. Damn friend. You were cornerstone of The Cosby Show.

“We all loved Theo! Never to be forgotten. You will be missed. Rest Easy.”

Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock also praised Warner, writing in a post: “For me and so many in my generation, Malcolm-Jamal Warner was a part of our childhood, a brother whose character ‘Theo’ felt like one of my own.

“May God grant peace to his soul, strength and grace to his grieving family.”

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Ronald ‘Wyn’ Davies: Former Wales and Newcastle forward dies aged 83

After starting his playing career, while working in a slate quarry, with local sides Locomotive Llanberis and Caernarfon Town, Davies signed for Wrexham in 1960 before being snapped up by Bolton.

Following his move to Bolton, Davies was first capped by Wales in October 1963 against England and made his last appearance against Poland in September 1973.

The first of his six international goals arrived in 1964, giving Wales an early lead in a 3-2 win against Scotland.

Davies’ most famous strike, though, came in November 1966 – scoring Wales’ only goal in a 5-1 defeat to an England side newly crowned as world champions.

After four seasons with Bolton, Newcastle snapped up Davies in 1966 for a then club record £80,000 fee and he was part of the famous Magpies side that won the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, the competition which later became the Uefa Cup – the club’s only major European silverware.

In 1971 Davies left for Manchester, playing first for City – where he won the 1972 FA Charity Shield and rekindled his striking partnership with ex-Bolton team-mate Francis Lee – and then United before departing for Blackpool in 1973.

Spells at Stockport County and Crewe Alexandra followed before Davies returned to Wales to finish his professional career at Bangor City in 1978-79 and then a short spell in South Africa with Cape Town City – hanging up his boots aged 37.

In his retirement, Davies worked as a baker in Bolton.

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Nigeria’s ex-President Muhammadu Buhari dies in London aged 82 | Obituaries News

Buhari, remembered for an anti-corruption drive and faltering economy, leaves behind a contentious legacy.

Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari has died in London at the age of 82 following a long illness.

“President Buhari died today in London at about 4:30pm (15:30 GMT) following a prolonged illness,” President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson announced on Sunday via the social media platform X.

Buhari made history in 2015 when he became the first opposition candidate in Nigeria’s modern era to defeat a sitting president at the polls, unseating Goodluck Jonathan in what was widely praised as the country’s most credible election.

A retired major general, Buhari first ruled Nigeria in the 1980s after taking power in a military coup. He later rebranded himself as a civilian politician, adopting a softer image in flowing kaftans and declaring himself a “converted democrat”.

Known for his austere style and fiery rhetoric against corruption, Buhari was seen by his supporters as a reformer. “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody,” he often declared, seeking to position himself above Nigeria’s entrenched political factions.

Yet his presidency struggled to contain rising insecurity. While he promised to defeat Boko Haram and restore order, armed violence spread far beyond the northeast. Gunmen, separatists, and criminal groups operated with impunity across large parts of the country by the end of his tenure.

Still, Buhari leaves behind a legacy as a symbol of democratic change in Nigeria, even if the transformation he promised remained incomplete.

A mixed legacy

Buhari is being remembered as both a pivotal figure in the country’s democratic evolution and a deeply flawed leader when it came to economic management and security.

Speaking to Al Jazeera from London, Alexis Akwagyiram, managing editor at Semafor and a longtime observer of Nigerian politics, said Buhari will be remembered for achieving what many thought impossible: winning power as an opposition candidate.

“He was the first opposition candidate since the return to civilian rule to win at the ballot box,” Akwagyiram said, referencing Buhari’s 2015 victory over Jonathan. “History will remember him favourably for that.”

Yet Akwagyiram was blunt about the failings that marked Buhari’s time in office. He described the former general as “very ineffective” in managing Nigeria’s economy, citing his insistence on maintaining a strong naira, which led to a convoluted system of multiple exchange rates and two recessions during his tenure.

“His handling of the economy wasn’t great,” Akwagyiram noted, pointing to his fallout with former Niger Delta insurgents that led to renewed attacks on oil infrastructure. Combined with low global oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic, these factors pushed Nigeria – once Africa’s largest economy – down to fourth place.

On security, Buhari’s record was equally disappointing, Akwagyiram said. Although elected with a promise to crack down on Boko Haram, an insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast only expanded under his leadership. A rival faction, the ISIL affiliate in West Africa Province (ISWAP), also emerged and spread, while armed kidnapping gangs flourished in the northwest.

“All that happened was Boko Haram and ISWAP both proliferated under his tenure,” Akwagyiram said. “The armed forces were spread thin across the country and became weakened overall.”

Despite the criticisms, Akwagyiram highlighted why Buhari resonated so strongly with many Nigerians. “He had the personal brand of integrity and honesty,” he said. “In a political climate renowned for corruption, that was appealing.”

Buhari’s austere image and northern support base helped him build a national coalition that twice propelled him to the presidency, a rare feat in Nigerian politics.

“He didn’t try to enrich himself,” Akwagyiram said. “That’s something history will look on favourably.”

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