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FRANK WARREN shoved Joseph Parker in jest as the pair jokingly faced off in Saudi Arabia.

Parker, 33, was due to face Warren’s fighter Daniel Dubois in Riyadh.

Sky Sports Boxing

Frank Warren and Joseph Parker jokingly faced off ahead of the fight[/caption]

Sky Sports Boxing

Parker started laughing as Warren jokingly gave him a shove[/caption]

Getty

Warren stood in for Martin Bakole as he travelled to Riyadh[/caption]

AP

Daniel Dubois was meant to face Parker but withdrew due to sickness[/caption]

But the heavyweight champion pulled out at a late hour because of sickness.

Congolese boxer Martin Bakole will take his place but was still on his way to the Saudi capital when it was time for the pre-fight face-off.

So Warren, 72, stepped up in his place and stared down Parker with a smirk on his face.

The promoter then gave the kiwi a little shove as the pair broke out in laughter.

Warren admitted he was surprised by Parker’s request to fight 19-1 Bakole after Dubois’ withdrawal.

He said: “We had a list of fighters we talked about and this was the one he asked for – which I was a bit surprised about,” Warren told Sky Sports.

“I stood back and said ‘hang on a minute’. I want to see this guy do it now.

“How many people in boxing have seen much of Bakole? Let’s see what he’s about now.

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“The monster, the so-called avoided fighter… well he’s not being avoided by Joseph Parker.”

Dubois was deemed medically unfit to compete by doctors and so fast-rising star Bakole will take his place.

The 31-year-old took the call from his native Congo and agreed to step in for Dubois on just two days notice.

The Scottish-based heavyweight was back in his homeland on holiday before flying out to Riyadh.

PROPPED up on the sofa in a nightie, Ivy Davies appeared to be watching the TV when she was found by her daughter.

The mum-of-seven had been battered to death with a steel tool and had one side of her body “ripped apart”.

Mediadrumimages/JohnLucas/PenandSwordBooks

Ivy Davies was murdered in her home in Essex[/caption]

Mediadrumimages/JohnLucas/PenandSwordBooks

Serial killer Patrick Mackay is believed to be behind the horror[/caption]

Ivy’s horrific killing became known as the “Orange Tree Murder” after the cafe she owned by the same name in Westcliff, Essex.

Despite three potential suspects being identified – including “Devil’s Disciple” Patrick Mackay – her death remains a mystery.

Now, on the 50th anniversary of her killing, we revisit a chilling murder that horrified the nation.

Ivy, 48, was a well-known figure in the local community due to her popular cafe.

On February 4, 1975, fears were immediately raised when the mum failed to show up for work.

Daughter Madeline went round to her home nearby and discovered Ivy had been beaten to death.

She had multiple wounds to her head as well as a ligature mark around her neck.

Ivy’s skull had also been shattered by a steel pry bar, which was found close to her body.

Police immediately launched a murder probe and took more than 900 statements as they hunted for the killer.

Officers believed they had a breakthrough when an arrest was made following the discovery of a bloodstained carpet.

The rug had been stored in a neighbour’s loft since Ivy’s murder and led police to arrest their first suspect.

But fluids found on the carpet did not match anyone in the police database so the case went cold.

MYSTERY CALL

Then in 2004, a mystery caller phoned Crimestoppers claiming to have information on the murder.

Police said the person had more details about Ivy’s details than had previously been released but they never came forward again.

The cold case became even more disturbing in 2017 when officers investigated claims Ivy had met an escapee from a mental hospital when he visited her cafe before the murder.

He had allegedly posed as a charming doctor escorting a group of patients who had also absconded from Runwell.

But again, no further information was found and the claims became just another theory over the killing.

Ivy’s death has also long been linked to serial killer Mackay, who carried out a bloody rampage across London and Kent in 1975.

The monster hacked up the body of a priest in a bathtub and slaughtered two other victims.

But Mackay, who was previously the UK’s longest serving prisoner, confessed to four other murders while rotting in jail before retracting his statements.

The killer admitted he knew Ivy’s cafe and had considered robbing it – leading some to suspect he had murdered the mum in a burglary gone wrong.

But Mackay has never been arrested or charged over the horrific case.

One person who believes Mackay is behind Ivy’s death though is her son, Victor.

Speaking previously, he said: “The way she was killed was his MO (modus operandi).

“She was ripped apart on one side of the body. Whoever did it had undressed my mother, put her in a nightdress and put her on her bad side, then turned the TV on.

“It’s never going to go away.

“It makes me wonder if anybody is ever convicted whether it will make any difference.”

Essex Police have issued a fresh plea for information and confirmed the case remains open.

A spokesperson told The Sun Online: “Ivy Davies was found murdered in her home in Holland Road, Westcliff, on February 4, 1975.

“Her brutal and tragic murder remains unsolved but no case is ever closed. We periodically review these cases and continue to seek opportunities as DNA technology continues to advance.

“We would urge anyone who may have information about Ivy’s murder to do the right thing and come forward.

“Over time loyalties change, but what has not changed is the pain Ivy’s family endure by knowing that her killer has not yet faced justice.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Mediadrumimages/JohnLucas/PenandSwordBooks

Ivy’s death became known as the ‘Orange Tree Murder’[/caption]

GLADIATORS has delighted legions of fresh fans with the BBC re-boot.

Yet as well as the terrifying challenges, tough stars and nasty injuries, there have been a slew of red-faced moments from the original series, celeb spin off and new Gladiators instalments.

BBC

The funniest bits from Gladiators have now been revealed[/caption]

Here we take a look at the best funny bits.

PANTS DOWN

BBC

Gymnast Roddy Mackay was left flashing his pants in a game of Hang Tough[/caption]

Back in 1993, show bad-boy Wolf took on gymnast Roddy Mackay in a game of Hang Tough.

It was the semi-final stage and the rings were in store for the two challengers.

Yet after just a couple of swings, blue vest-clad Wolf reached Roddy.

He clung on to his torso and proceeded to wriggle around, pulling off his shorts in the process and exposing his pants.

STAR TRIP

BBC

Louise Minchin suffered a series of re faced moments[/caption]

BBC

The ex BBC Breakfast anchor was left straddled between the hurdles[/caption]

Former BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin was left red-faced when she stumbled on the iconic eliminator.

The broadcaster was in the line-up for the show’s celebrity special earlier this year, yet despite her athleticism, took a tumble during the final stages.

After being helped over the first hurdle of the eliminator by referee Mark Clattenberg, when her legs were left hanging over the bar, she then tripped on a flat strip of flooring.

Yet the telly favourite was quick to see the funny side, posting a screen grab of the moment to her page on X with the words: “Me trying to tackle 2025! I hope it goes better for you.”

WARDROBE MALFUNCTION

BBC

Phanton lost his shoe in one challenge[/caption]

Meanwhile, another red-faced moment saw the show forced to be stopped after a wardrobe malfunction.

It came as one show star lost their shoe before the Powerball challenge.

Within seconds of the first game, Powerball, referee Mark was forced to blow his whistle as Phantom found himself in an unfortunate situation.

The audience at the arena were left stunned as the commentators debated why the game had been pulled to an early stop.

However, it quickly transpired that Phantom had lost his shoe during the game.

Speaking to the audience, Mark said: “Because the Gladiator lost the shoe, we had to delay the match.”

CRISTIANO RONALDO exploded in a fit of rage after Jhnon Duran was sent off for Al-Nassr.

The former Aston Villa striker made the move to Saudi Arabia in a £64million January transfer.

X @CanalplusFoot

X @CanalplusFoot

Duran, 21, has already scored four times in three Saudi Pro League games for the club.

However his last outing was cut short as he was given his marching orders against Al-Ettifaq.

The Columbian was sent off for SLAPPING rival player Abdulelah Almalki on the back of the head.

The light slap saw the Ettifaq ace throw himself to the ground and convince the official that it was worthy of a red card.

Ronaldo, 40, was left infuriated by the moment as he was left baffled by the referee’s decision.

He could then be seen raging towards the touchline as Al-Nassr lost one of their star players.

Al-Nassr were 2-1 ahead in the 81st minute but threw away the three points as Mohammed Al-Fatil put through his own net.

To make matters worse, former Liverpool and Newcastle United midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum then netted his second of the game to win the game for Ettifaq.

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Manager Stefano Pioli admitted he was “not happy” with the red card during his post-match press conference.

He said: “We could play better, and the mistakes cost me a lot today and caused the loss.

Reuters

Stefano Pioli was ‘not happy’ with the red card[/caption]

“I repeat the same answer that I mentioned in the previous conferences, after the match, we work for two or three days for the next and most hospitalised match.

“We started well and we advanced the result, but what made the difference is the mistakes.

“Everyone is responsible for errors, I am the first responsible for correcting mistakes and we are working seriously, and I am not happy with the red card.”

Duran could now face a suspension for the upcoming games, which could further dent Al-Nassr’s title hopes.

The club are currently fourth in the Saudi Pro League after playing 21 games and eight points behind leaders Al-Ittihad.

THE IT Crowd star Chris O’Dowd has teamed up with a Mad Men actress for a brand new sci-fi series.

Chris and Christina Hendricks both found fame in the rival shows but have now landed themselves a brand new project together.

Reuters

Chris O’Dowd is launching a brand new show[/caption]

Handout

He has teamed up with Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks[/caption]

Following the success of his semi-autobiographical sitcom Moone Boy, Hollywood star Chris has penned a comedy-drama that combines his past and present life, with a huge helping of science-fiction.

Speaking about choosing to make the show, Chris revealed: “I’d been looking for something to set in the north-west of Ireland, somewhere small, like a village.

“I imagined my mother’s home, which is 10 miles or so outside of Boyle [Chris’ hometown, where Moone Boy was filmed]

“But this time I wanted to make somewhere up – Drumbán, where it’s all a bit dark and silly.

“I had been working in Ireland up by the lakes and I had forgotten how beautiful they were, so I thought they would be a beautiful place to set a show.

“It feels a lot more authentic filming in places with character.”

In the six-part series, US TV executive Wendy Patterson (Christina Hendricks) chooses her sleepy hometown in rural Ireland as the location for the studio’s next blockbuster series.

While the locals are thrilled, local GP – and Wendy’s former boyfriend – Seamus Proctor (Paddy Considine) is afraid that it will shine a light on a hushed-up alien landing 25 years previously.

“I thought the show needed a secret that characters could keep – or not keep,” says Chris, who also has a cameo role.

“That’s the part about aliens. It’s about the ramifications that it has on the characters from the town.

” And a secret that two of those characters have been keeping since Millennium eve…”

Chris’ wife, television presenter Dawn O’Porter, was instrumental in getting Christina Hendricks on-board with the show – and the Mad Men star clearly had a blast during filming.

“It’s a comedy but we play it very, very seriously, which I think makes it even more funny,” said Christina, 49.

“There is the recurring theme of birds dropping from the sky at inopportune moments.

“The way it happens and people’s reactions completely cracks me up. For example, a large swan drops from the sky and just clobbers one of the characters out of the blue!”

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It is a long way from The IT Crowd[/caption]

GERWYN PRICE reckons he and Nathan Aspinall have silenced the doubters who questioned their involvement in the Premier League.

The top four on the PDC world ranking automatically qualify for the 17-week event but the other four names are chosen on a wildcard basis by bosses.

Sportsfile

Tungsten throwers with an X Factor – as well as a crowd-pleasing walk-on music – get the slots ahead of those who are higher on the Order of Merit.

Belgian Mike De Decker, the World Grand Prix champion, was unhappy he was overlooked.

And world No.7 Dave Chisnall says spots should be awarded on merit and performance – “not on a song and a dance”.

Price, 39, beat Aspinall in Thursday’s week three final in Dublin and he said: “There were a lot of doubters before the Premier League, saying that us two didn’t deserve a place in it.

“Both of us getting to the final, well it has proven a point. On our day we are two of the best players in the world.

“And we can entertain. I’m glad I got to the final. We are probably proving people wrong.

“Nathan is probably not bothered about it all – and neither am I.

“As long as we keep playing well, keep getting to finals and keep playing in the Premier League, that’s all we want.

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“We do deliver. You know, we weren’t as consistent as we wanted to be last year or maybe over the last 12-18 months.

“But when push comes to shove, we will deliver, and we will put bums on seats and we will entertain. We want to do that every week. Week-in, week-out.

“Can Damon Heta, Mike De Decker and Dave Chisnall do that? Maybe. But they need to prove it a little bit more.”

The Premier League rocks up in Exeter next week – the smallest venue on the circuit – and then stars go to Butlin’s Minehead resort for the three-day UK Open.

NO LONGER the go-to store for gran fashion, in recent years M&S has become the place to nab the latest highstreet trends.

Must-have items regularly sell-out with fans rushing to get their hands on the department store’s designer dupes and fashion forward pieces.

M&S

Shoppers are racing to get their hands on M&S animal print jeans[/caption]

M&S Animal Print Wide Leg Jeans, £45

M&S

The jeans are fitted with five pockets giving the wearer plenty of storage[/caption]

And the latest item to send fans into a frenzy is a pair of leopard print jeans that shoppers are praising for their versatility and comfort.

While once reserved for the wardrobe of Kat Slater, leopard print can now be found in every fashionista’s wardrobe so it’s no wonder these jeans are proving popular.

The pure cotton jeans are fitted with a wide leg style, with an on-trend high waistline making them both a comfy and stylish choice.

They also feature five pockets giving the girl-on-the-go plenty of places to store phones, bank cards, wallets, you name it.

Coming in at £45, they are a little pricier than M&S other denim choices but according to shoppers they are well worth the price having amassed almost exclusively five star reviews.

Sharing their review, one shopper wrote: “Fabulous fit. Feel absolutely luxurious on. So pleased with my purchase.”

“Saw these recommended and have never been brave rough,” wrote another shopper. 

“But these are basically a neutral and seen much more expensive pairs elsewhere (sic). 

“Super comfy decent denim which is perfect for colder temperatures.”

A third happy customer added: “Love them!! Amazing quality and have had lovely comments.”

Last month, fashion fans were rushing to pick up the retailer’s £30 wide-leg trousers described as “great quality” and “smart for work”.

Featuring an elasticated waist and an adjustable drawstring fastening, the comfortable design and stylish fit is why they’re a hit.

The trousers come in regular, short, long and petite options, with five colourways that are ideal for everyday and formal wear.

If M&S’ new-in leather jacket is anything like the bestselling trousers, it’s likely that sizes will be selling out rapidly.

M&S

At £45 they are more of an investment piece but shoppers say they are worth the cost[/caption]

M&S

The trousers have received almost exclusively five star reviews[/caption]

LEE GRACE would have bitten someone’s hand off for Shamrock Rovers’ Euro run — yet he still does not feel full after it ended.

The Hoops’ Conference League adventure was halted on Thursday night as they were eliminated in the play-off round on penalties by Molde.

But Rovers were still applauded off by their fans at Tallaght Stadium as they did a lap of honour following the greatest continental campaign by a League of Ireland club.

No Irish side had previously gone beyond the group stages but the Hoops were a kick away from reaching the last 16.

And they did so by beating a lot of good teams.

Vikingur and Celje — who Rovers toppled in the preliminary rounds — also advanced from the group stages, with Celje still in the competition.

So did APOEL, Banja Luka, and Rapid Vienna — who the Hoops took points off in the group stage last year — with the latter two in the last 16.

Grace pointed out: “You look at all the teams we played in the play-off rounds or first few rounds, every one of them made it to the group stages.

“They are not an easy calibre of team that you’re playing but when you’re playing them, people are saying, ‘Rovers should beat them’.

“You can see they are good teams and that’s why they are in the Conference League.

“If you asked any of us at the start of this campaign, you’d have bitten your hand off for this.

“It’s the first time an Irish club has gotten this far and we’ve had some special nights.

“The scoreline didn’t reflect it at Chelsea but they were big nights and we have to get back to winning games in the league to have them again.

“These are the reasons we play football, to be in big European competitions.

“We need to get back to winning in the league.

“Everyone is really hurting. Penalties are the worst way to lose and the best way to win, so it really hurts.

“You have to take the positives from it. They are a really good side with a big budget and you could say we should have gone through.

“You just have to forget about it come tomorrow morning because there is such a big turnaround.

“If you don’t, and you’re still thinking about this one going into Sunday, you’ll be beaten.

“We need to get going in the league.”

LEAGUE FOCUS

The Hoops play Cork City at Tallaght tomorrow looking for their first Premier Division points of the season after losing the Aviva Stadium opener against Bohemians.

And they have been boosted by the news that striker Rory Gaffney has re-signed for the club for 2025.

Grace wondered aloud how the Hoops are opening the campaign with four games in 11 days rather than being assisted in their pioneering efforts.

But he knows that winning the league to secure the ‘champions route’ in Europe again, which means you can still lose two ties and make it to the group stage, is the priority.

They do not have that this season as Shelbourne claimed the title last year with the Hoops needing to win four straight ties to secure the groups.

Grace added: “It’s not going to be easy this year as we have to win three or four rounds to get to where we are now. It will be a lot harder but we will look forward to the challenge.

“That’s our aim, get back to the champions route next year and we still have a European campaign to look forward to this year, it will be tougher to get to the group stage.”

MOLDE MISERY

But he still is frustrated that the Hoops are not going on now believing that, even with a starting XI missing seven regulars, they should have sent Molde packing.

He said: “I think we should have taken them even with the players we had missing.

“You are not in this squad if you’re not good enough.

“And the young fellas proved that on Thursday night. Victor Ozhianvuna came on at 16 and he looks like he has been playing for years. We can’t use injuries as an excuse.

“With a full squad you can bring in fresh legs, so maybe we could have.

“With the squad we had we should have gone through but it wasn’t to be.”

DUNNES Stores fans are set to love a new denim dress that’s perfect for “trans-seasonal weather”.

The Belted Utility Denim Midi Dress is available in stores and online now.

It is priced at just €30 and comes in sizes XS to XXL.

The retailer said: “This lyocell denim utility dress is a lightweight piece that is perfect for trans-seasonal weather.

“Cut to a regular fit and a midi-length, it features a zip fastening, two hip pockets, and a self-tie belt for shaping.”

The dress can be worn with heels, trainers, or sandals depending on the occasion.

Meanwhile, a fashion fan has found the perfect pair of jeans for a comfy outfit – and they cost just €30.

The Savida Raw Hem Barrel Jeans are available online and in stores around the country now.

They are the perfect pair for the in-between weather often seen during springtime.

Monica, who goes @mon.fesa on Instagram, has shared how she styled the pair.

Posting on social media, the fashion fan wrote: “And we’re back @dunnesstores with @savida.ds today.

“I can’t believe how well the barrel jeans look on; try them if you don’t own a pair, because you’ll fall in love with them.

“Which top do you like more, the super soft knit or the Bow cardi??? Let me know…”

The jeans cost €30 and come in sizes 6 up to 18, but there’s bad news for some shoppers.

Size six has already sold out online due to its popularity, although it might still be found in stores.

Fashion bosses called the item “trend-forward”.

An official description of the item reads: “Made from a blue cotton denim, these jeans from Savida are designed with wide barrel legs and a raw hem.

“A trend-forward addition to your denim collection, they pair wonderfully with sneakers and a relaxed tee.

“Savida is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”

Monica paired the jeans with the Savida city girl cardigan, a black and white number that’s been a massive hit among shoppers.

It’s available in burgundy or ivory, and comes in sizes XXS up to XXL – and it’s priced at €25.

DUNNES Stores bosses have dropped a “classic” cardigan that’s set to turn heads.

The Savida Sadie Argyle Cardigan has hit the shelves and is also available online.

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The red and pink cardigan has an old-school Argyle design and a V-neck.

Dunnes Stores chiefs said the cardigan is very versatile.

They said: “Shaped to relaxed dimensions, this Savida cardigan showcases an all-over classic argyle pattern.

“Featuring tonal buttons through the front and a V-neckline, wear it solo or layer it over a white shirt for a business casual ensemble.”

Retailing at €25, it’s a piece you keep reaching for all year round.

The cute cardigan, ranging in sizes XXS to XXL, is already selling fast online.

Shoppers have snapped up sizes XXS, XL and XXL.

Team it with a mini skirt for a brunch date or pair it with leggings for lounging.

The fashion giant styled it with jeans for a relaxed look.

Get the look with the Savida Tie Waist Barrel Leg Jeans only €30.

Dunnes Stores designers said: “From Savida, these pure cotton barrel-leg jeans are a modern wardrobe must-have.

“Featuring a self-tie-waist for a flattering fit and classic five pocket design, they bring a fresh edge to any outfit.”

The tie waist jeans are available in sizes 6 to 18.

Dunnes Stores shoppers are racing to buy a new suit that can easily take you from day to night.

One fan has taken to social media to share a look at the stunning outfit.

TikTok user Evelina Silova shared a short video to the platform for her followers.

She noted that the suit is new in Dunnes Stores.

In the video, she shows the stunning blazer hanging on the rail.

It features a folded plunging V-neck collar, and a tie around the waist.

Evelina then pans the camera to the trousers, which have an elasticated waist and a tie.

Trying the two pieces on, she stuns in the outfit that is perfect for the office.

The tie around the waist of the blazer cinches her figure, creating a flattering silhouette.

The Savida City Girl Tie Waist Blazer is available in stores and online now.

dunnesstores.com

Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin