Tag Archives: flintoff

Which football star wants to play club cricket when he retires?

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From Blues to whites: Everton skipper Neville wants to play club cricket when he retires from football

By
Phil Gradwell

PUBLISHED:

13:11 GMT, 14 March 2013

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UPDATED:

13:57 GMT, 14 March 2013

Retirement will be a whole new ball game for Everton captain Phil Neville, who says he wants to spend his post-football days playing club cricket.

Neville, 36, may have won 59 England caps, have six Premier League titles to his name and be leading out an established top-flight side but he is relishing the thought of swapping his blue shirt for his whites.

That may not be for a few years yet but the defender – who played alongside Andrew Flintoff in Lancashire's youth set-up and was a good enough cricketer to play for the county's second XI aged 15 – said when his football career is up he will join Bury-based local-league club Greenmount, for whom he played as a junior.

Is that a wide Phil Neville looks as if he is getting into the cricket a bit early during Everton's FA Cup defeat by Wigan

Is that a wide Phil Neville looks as if he is getting into the cricket a bit early during Everton's FA Cup defeat by Wigan

Different kind of whites: Neville played 59 times for England

Different kind of whites: Neville played 59 times for England

WHO ARE GREENMOUNT CC

Greenmount Cricket Club, founded in 1867 (as far as records can establish) are based in Bury, Greater Manchester and play in the Bolton League.

In 2011 they won a treble of the Bolton League, the Lancashire Knock Out and the Hamer Cup.

They have had many famous overseas players including Australians Mark Taylor and Matthew Hayden and West Indian Franklyn Stephenson.

The much more English Neville Neville, father of Phil and Gary, also played for the club.

Neville told the Bolton News: 'One hundred per cent, I will play cricket again in a couple of years time if my career ends.

'That is the first thing I am going to do; I am going to get back doing something I love.

'People sometimes fear retirement but I am looking forward to it because I can go and do something I love.'

Neville was speaking as an ambassador
at the launch of ‘The Lancashire Way’ – an inclusive cricket initiative
launched by Lancashire CCC.

He
added: 'To get the chance at my stage in my life to get back involved
with Lancashire is great because I love going to Old
Trafford to watch.'

Team-mates: Neville played with a young Andrew Flintoff in Lancashire's youth set-up

Team-mates: Neville played with a young Andrew Flintoff in Lancashire's youth set-up

Advice: Everton captain Phil Neville chats to England women's cricketer Lydia Greenway at Lancashire's Old Trafford ground

Advice: Everton captain Phil Neville chats to England women's cricketer Lydia Greenway at Lancashire's Old Trafford ground

M&C Saatchi complete ground-breaking deal with Merlin talent agency

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Magic touch: M&C Saatchi seal Merlin tie-up in bid to rule world of sport and entertainment

By
David Kent

PUBLISHED:

09:58 GMT, 24 January 2013

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UPDATED:

10:15 GMT, 24 January 2013

The biggest players in sport will join up with some of the leading lights in showbusiness in a company aimed at ruling the world of entertainment.

M&C Saatchi UK Group, one of the world’s fastest growing global communications companies, has acquired leading talent management agency Merlin Elite.

It combines leading sportsmen, such as Amir Khan, with Merlin’s stable of clients, including Andrew Flintoff, Jamie and Louise Redknapp, pop star Jay Kay, TV personality and fashion model Jodie Kidd and radio presenter Jamie Theakston.

Deal: Amir Khan (right) is represented by M&C Saatchi

Deal: Amir Khan (right) is represented by M&C Saatchi

It is the first time a global advertising agency has bought a talent business and the ground-breaking enterprise sees M&C Saatchi acquire a majority 60 per cent of the talent business, with the new company, M&C Saatchi Merlin, becoming the first new organisation to be part of M&C Saatchi Sport and Entertainment Group.

To be based at M&C Saatchi’s headquarters in London, M&C Saatchi Merlin will act as a stand-alone business and will look to further grow its portfolio in sport, TV and entertainment, with a number of new names expected to join the line-up.

Represented: Andrew Flintoff

Represented: Andrew Flintoff

Since founding Merlin a decade ago,
chairman Richard Thompson has built an impressive roster of clients
within sport and entertainment and he commented: 'I am extremely excited to be joining the M&C Saatchi family. With the quality of people I have met, to the level of creativity and professionalism, I have no doubt this merger of talents will help create a new breed of Management Company – the first of its kind anywhere in the world.

'Talent management, both for sportspeople and entertainers, has fundamentally remained the same for the past thirty years. M&C Saatchi Merlin will have a creative approach to managing, nurturing and developing a career that will be unique. This acquisition demonstrates why M&C Saatchi have long been regarded as pioneers.'

Steve Martin added: 'This is not about selling Merlin’s talent portfolio back to our existing clients. We are joining forces with Merlin Elite to allow us to develop new revenue streams, build valuable intellectual property and harness some of the best talent in the country. It is a pioneering business model and the combination of creativity with strategic personal management will really freshen up a part of the industry that has been doing the same thing for a long time.'

The board of M&C Saatchi Merlin will consist of Richard Thompson, who will be chairman, Sian Connolly, Merlin Elite MD, Steve Martin, Lisa Thomas and Jamie Hewitt, M&C Saatchi Group FD.

Lisa Thomas, CEO M&C Saatchi (UK) Group, added: 'The combination of these two incredibly successful businesses will form a formidable powerhouse in our growth areas of Sports and Entertainment. M&C Saatchi Group has always done things differently and we are delighted to lead the way with this brutally simple, strategic acquisition.'

Freddie Flintoff wants to open chip shop in London

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From battering boxers to battering fish: Flintoff intends to open a chippy in London

By
Sunni Upal

PUBLISHED:

10:37 GMT, 3 January 2013

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UPDATED:

12:07 GMT, 3 January 2013

Freddie Flintoff is so unhappy with the quality of fish and chips shops in London that he wants to open his own.

The former England cricketer is in talks with TV producers about a news series, potentially on Sky One, where he runs a chippy in London with wife Rachael.

A source said: 'Freddie isn’t impressed with the quality of fish and chips shops down south and wants to open his own up in London selling market-fresh fish.

What's this garbage Flintoff is said to be unhappy with the quality of chippys down south

Enlarge

Fishy Flintoff

What's this garbage Flintoff is said to be unhappy with the quality of chippys down south

'He would be front of house but the business would be run by his wife Rachael, who has a background in catering and events.'

The move would be the latest in Flintoff's post-cricket career after he won on his professional boxing debut in Manchester last year.

Flintoff has been a regular on Sky's A League of Their Own as well as starring in ITV4 series Freddie Flintoff Versus The World.

Enlarge

King of the ring: Flintoff celebrates beating Richard Dawson

King of the ring: Flintoff celebrates beating Richard Dawson

Experience: Rachael has worked in the catering industry

Experience: Rachael has worked in the catering industry

Ex-England and Yorkshire cricketer Chris Old opened a fish and chip restaurant in Cornwall

Ex-England and Yorkshire cricketer Chris Old opened a fish and chip restaurant in Cornwall

Andrew Flintoff shows off black eye celebrating winning his boxing match

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Bruised Flintoff celebrates winning his boxing debut as McGuigan insists it did not shame the sport

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UPDATED:

13:42 GMT, 1 December 2012

Barry McGuigan has hit out at the notion that Andrew Flintoff's boxing experience is belittling to the sport.

Former England cricket star Flintoff recovered from a second-round knockdown to claim a debut points victory against limited American novice Richard Dawson over four two-minute rounds at the Manchester Arena.

He later celebrated with his wife Rachael and friends at the Arora Hotel in the city. The star was sporting a black eye from his efforts.

Back off, mate: Andrew Flintoff shows off his black eye as a fan gets a little close

Hello, fighter: Flintoff is cornered by another affectionate supporter

Hello, fighter: Flintoff is cornered by two affectionate supporters at the party at the Arora Hotel in Manchester

Now for the party: Flintoff leaps out of the taxi followed by his wife Rachael

Now for the party: Flintoff leaps out of the taxi followed by his wife Rachael

The 34-year-old's preparations for the bout were charted in a Sky television documentary, causing many in the boxing fraternity to question his motives for stepping into the ring.

Those looking to chastise Flintoff were given further ammunition last night as a crude, scrappy contest predictably developed – not that it seemed too much of a concern for the boisterous 6,000-strong crowd in attendance, who were vocally behind their hero throughout.

Respected former WBA featherweight champion McGuigan, who oversaw the ex-Lancashire all-rounder's painstaking four-and-a-half month training camp alongside son and trainer Shane, had nothing but high praise for Flintoff but turned his fire on critics afterwards.

'We never belittled the sport,' he said. 'We were never in this, in any way, to belittle boxing. Those who said that were idiots. We're in this to show how serious he was about it.

Scroll down to hear from Freddie after the fight

Job done: Andrew Flintoff celebrated after beating Richard Dawson in the four-round bout

Job done: Andrew Flintoff celebrated after beating Richard Dawson in the four-round bout

Winner: Andrew Flintoff

Winner: Andrew Flintoff

Frenzied: Flintoff sprayed Richard Dawson with shots

Frenzied: Flintoff sprayed Richard Dawson with shots

'We never pretended that he was
anything other than a novice but we told everyone he was going to give
it everything he's got and I think in the fight he showed that.

'He was knocked down, he got up,
showed pluck and courage. His technique went out of the window because
he wanted to win so much and had the crowd behind him. But it was
honest. Everything about what we've done over the past four and a half
months was honest.

'He's a generous, genuine fella and I
think this was a personal battle for him too – he wanted to show that
he had the courage to go through with something like this and I think he
won that battle.'

Flintoff, who conceded his ring bow
'wasn't one for the purists', does not expect to dissuade the doubters
and fully understands the degree of ill-feeling around a first bout that
may also prove to be his last.

Whoops: Flintoff was caught flush in the second round

Whoops: Flintoff was caught flush in the second round

Gotcha: Freddie catches Dawson on the chin

Gotcha: Freddie catches Dawson on the chin

Baying: The crowd cheered as Flintoff entered the ring to Oasis's song Roll With It

Baying: The crowd cheered as Flintoff entered the ring to Oasis's song Roll With It

Nod to the past: Flintoff pulled on his Lancashire shirt for his walk to the ring

Nod to the past: Flintoff pulled on his Lancashire shirt for his walk to the ring

'I don't know – they'll probably say I
kept dropping my hands,' he said when asked how sceptics might have
received his gutsy display.

'That's not the reason I did it. I
appreciate that people are passionate about sport and people want to
protect their sport – I'd be the same with cricket and boxing's no
different.

'There's a few who've tried to steal a
few headlines, granted, but on the whole people are passionate about
sport. This whole process was never about degrading boxing. We wanted to
do it properly, which we've done.

'We wanted to show boxing for what it
is, a fantastic sport, and I wanted to show what boxers go through.
Sometimes I don't thing they get the credit they deserve.

Eagle-eyed: Flintoff picked the American off in one of his flurries

Eagle-eyed: Flintoff picked the American off in one of his flurries

On the ropes: Dawson battled to hold Flintoff off

On the ropes: Dawson battled to hold Flintoff off

Go out swinging: Flintoff was the far more active of fighters

Go out swinging: Flintoff was the far more active of fighters

'I think boxing should be right up
there. There's some amazing people and I've seen some amazing things
over the past few months.'

And Flintoff was quick to pay high credit to the duo who guided him through those experiences.

He added: 'The McGuigan name within boxing is massive and I was aware that when I walked out I was carrying that as well.

'I'm just glad that I've come out of
there with a win and with that intact because these two guys are the
ones who put themselves out there more than I have and I could not thank
them enough. These are special fellas.'

Flush: Flintoff lands a straight

Flush: Flintoff lands a straight

Embrace: Flintoff leans over to see his wife, Rachael, after the bout

Embrace: Flintoff leans over to see his wife, Rachael, after the bout

Gracious: Flintoff consoles his defeated opponent

Gracious: Flintoff consoles his defeated opponent

Contrast: The two fighters strike a pose after the bout

Contrast: The two fighters strike a pose after the bout

Furious Freddie: Flintoff launched a number of wild swings

Rachael Flintoff

Furious Freddie: Flintoff launched a number of wild swings as Rachael Flintoff (right) cheers her husband on

Nervous Rachael Flintoff took her seat before the fight

Nervous Rachael Flintoff took her seat before the fight

Nervous Rachael Flintoff took her seat before the fight

Celebrity fan: John Bishop was in the Manchester Arena to support his friend Flintoff

Celebrity fan: John Bishop was in the Manchester Arena to support his friend Flintoff

And there's more: Bishop's fellow comedian Jack Whitehall turned up

And there's more: Bishop's fellow comedian Jack Whitehall turned up

Me too! Former cricketer and radio broadcaster Darren Gough

Me too! Former cricketer and radio broadcaster Darren Gough

KO: David Haye leaves the jungle

KO: David Haye leaves the jungle

PS FREDDIE GOT UP BUT THIS BRITISH HEAVYWEIGHT SUFFERED A KNOCKOUT…

On the night that Andrew Flintoff picked himself back up from the canvas to win his first professional fight, former world heavyweight champion David Haye was knocked out of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in the semi-final to take third place on the show.

The boxer left actress Charlie Brooks and singer Ashley Roberts to battle if out in the final on Saturday night's show.

Speaking to Ant and Dec after his eviction, the 32-year-old said was 'weird' to be finally out of camp but said he was looking glad he had 'freedom at last'.

When asked if he was disappointed at being kicked out of the show ahead of the final he replied': 'It's the way it was meant to be.'

He added: 'I had a lot of fun'.

But, although Flintoff may have been the winner on the night, don't expect him to be taking on the Hayemaker anytime soon…

VIDEO: It wasn't one for the purists! Flintoff reflects on the fight

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Andrew Flintoff showed heart if not technique – Mike Dickson

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Mike Dickson: What Flintoff lacked in elegance he made up for with sheer heart

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UPDATED:

01:48 GMT, 1 December 2012

Andrew Flintoff never took a step back on the cricket field and, when it came down to a huge test of nerve and courage last night, he remained resolutely on the front foot to record the first win of his reality boxing career.

We knew he could fearlessly smite short balls from Brett Lee off the tip of his nose, that he could bully the world’s finest batsmen with barrages of short-pitched bowling, and now we know he can hold his own inside the ropes before a baying, breathless crowd.

What he lacked in elegance he made up for with sheer heart to surge forward continually and defeat an opponent two stones heavier, albeit one who lived down to expectations, on a 39-38 points decision to the delirious acclaim of the MEN Arena in Manchester.

Pure heart: Andrew Flintoff was unrefined but brave and persistent

Pure heart: Andrew Flintoff was unrefined but brave and persistent

Caught off balance by the otherwise hapless Richard Dawson in the second round, Flintoff was floored by a clipped left hook in a rare show of aggression from the American, who had all the mobility of a giant water butt.

But recovering from that was a typical show of character from the former England all-rounder, who must now decide if he wants to go through all this again. ‘I don’t know, but the feeling of being back in front of a crowd and winning was incredible,’ he said. ‘It’s been amazing, humbling in fact.

‘It wasn’t one for the purist but it was everything I had hoped for and more. It was like an out-of-body experience. It was similar to how I played cricket: a bit ragged but I wanted to leave everything in the ring.’

His relieved and delighted mentor Barry McGuigan added: ‘He forgot everything I taught him in the excitement of it all but he got the job done.’

A few of the Celebocracy in which Flintoff moves these days were among the 6,000 crowd, including comedians John Bishop and Jack Whitehall and a smattering of former Test colleagues such as Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison.

Made it through: Flintoff survived his first foray into the ring to win on points

Made it through: Flintoff survived his first foray into the ring to win on points

When Ricky Hatton had fought a week earlier, the 19,000 tickets had gone within a week, the appetite for an authentic comeback from a credible star of the sport obviously greater than the desire to see a much-loved cricketing hero take this strange and rather brutal voyage of self-discovery.

You could not fault Flintoff’s courage but it was hard for any outcome to glorify the image of the noble art. A quick knockout or stoppage would have been the farce that many in the game had feared and predicted. Lasting the course as he did, even in this bare minimum format of eight minutes, did not suggest that the skill levels required to turn professional are stratospheric.

Something you could not criticise Flintoff for was his dedication to this cause, the loss of more than three stone sculpting his body into a sharper form than the one which, even at the height of his playing days, always had something of a built-for-comfort look about it.

He clearly answered the demands of McGuigan with four months of the kind of discipline that might have elongated the main part of his sporting career had he employed it then.

Get back up: Flintoff stumbled but recovered to emerge victorious

Get back up: Flintoff stumbled but recovered to emerge victorious

The last time he shared a sporting arena with a Richard Dawson it was the spindly Yorkshire off-spinner, not the former gang member from small town Oklahoma who had forged a more traditional, redemptive path into the sport.

Dawson, 23, has the sort of moobs that Simon Cowell might blush at, but unlike the Lancastrian he had the benefit of several amateur fights before two at professional level, albeit against equally unknown opponents.

Flintoff entered the ring wearing a Lancashire Twenty20 shirt, but he will never have heard a cacophony like this.

Compared to the earlier fighters on the bill Dawson was less nimble than a mobile home and after a cagey beginning Flintoff had him rocking back on the ropes.

Crowd favourite: 'Freddie' connects with Dawson's head

Crowd favourite: 'Freddie' connects with Dawson's head

That was until the left hook that had the home favourite sprawling across the canvas, forced to take a count of eight. Our hero survived through to the end of it and into a third round which saw much grappling, pushing and shoving, and the odd jab from both men.

With chants of ‘Freddie! Freddie!’ ringing around the arena and Dawson being reminded about his copious flab, Flintoff surged forward in the fourth round and landed his best combinations of the bout.

The late flurries, while somewhat ungainly, were enough to guarantee him the points decision after eight minutes of a different sort of fame.

Andrew Flintoff glad to beat Richard Dawson

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I won a personal battle: Flintoff happy to silence critics after overcoming Dawson

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UPDATED:

09:35 GMT, 1 December 2012

Andrew Flintoff admitted he had won a personal battle in beating Richard Dawson on his heavyweight boxing debut in Manchester.

The 34-year-old former England cricket captain was knocked down in the second round but recovered to win by a single point on the referee's scorecard.

And Flintoff, who was roared on by a raucous home crowd of almost 6,000, admitted he will take much more than just victory from his eight minutes in the ring.

Winner: Andrew Flintoff (right) won a personal battle after beat Richard Dawson

Winner: Andrew Flintoff (right) won a personal battle after beat Richard Dawson

'This was a personal battle,' he said. 'The battles with my mind and breaking down barriers every day and improving has been as good as anything.

'I don't want the open top buses but I can go to bed tonight and close my eyes knowing I've overcome a few things.'

Flintoff's battle with bulimia has been well documented during by Sky television in the build-up to the fight and he shed over three-and-a-half stone in preparation for his maiden bout.

'I've had a few personal issues,' he added. 'Every time walking between the ropes has been an effort. The physical aspect is one thing but the mental aspect is another thing completely.

'I take my hat off to boxers and I give every credit to the hard work they put in.

Raucous: Freddie was cheered on by 5,000 fans in the Manchester Arena

Raucous: Freddie was cheered on by 5,000 fans in the Manchester Arena

No 1 fan: Rachael Flintoff, Andrew's wife, was at ringside

No 1 fan: Rachael Flintoff, Andrew's wife, was at ringside

'I put myself out to a degree but if I'd have been knocked out in the first round, everyone would have said: “Oh, he's just a big cricketer”.

'On a global scale, this comes nowhere near to my cricket career. I've had a novice heavyweight fight but I've had the chance to play for England in Ashes series's and been successful.'

Flintoff started the fight on the front foot but Dawson, 23, threatened to spoil the party when he sent his opponent to the canvas in the second session.

'I got caught and went down, I was a bit off balance,' Flintoff said. 'The ref said “What's your name” and I was like “it's Freddie!”. That made me more determined, I didn't want it to end then.

First foray: Flintoff won his debut professional bout

First foray: Flintoff won his debut professional bout

'It was everything I expected and more. It wasn't one for the purists but all the work over the last four-and-a-half months with these two guys [Shane and Barry McGuigan] was about those eight minutes. I think I got the full experience; I got the canvas, the black eye and the win! It was like an out of body experience.'

Flintoff will make a decision on his future between the ropes in the new year and refused to say he had proved his critics wrong after several high profile figures in the sport ridiculed his efforts.

'I didn't do this to prove people wrong. I appreciate people want to protect the sport. This whole process was never about degrading boxing. We wanted to do it properly and show boxing for what a fantastic sport it is. I think at times boxers don't get the credit they deserve.

'We should give credit to Richard Dawson who came over. It was never going to be easy but he's conducted himself very well. '

Andrew Flintoff wins boxing match against Richard Dawson

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It's just not cricket… but Flintoff WINS his first pro boxing bout as former England captain beats heavyweight Dawson on points

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UPDATED:

10:45 GMT, 1 December 2012

Andrew Flintoff entered the ring a former England cricketer but left a heavyweight boxer after overcoming a second-round knockdown to beat American Richard Dawson on his professional debut.

The 34-year-old, who had previously led England to an Ashes series triumph against Australia with a bat and ball in his hand, won by a single point on the referee's scorecard at the Manchester Arena.

Flintoff took the fight to Dawson from the first bell and recovered well from hitting the canvas for the first time since he started training four-and-half months ago.

Scroll down to hear from Freddie after the fight

Job done: Andrew Flintoff celebrated after beating Richard Dawson in the four-round bout

Job done: Andrew Flintoff celebrated after beating Richard Dawson in the four-round bout

Winner: Andrew Flintoff

Winner: Andrew Flintoff

Frenzied: Flintoff sprayed Richard Dawson with shots

Frenzied: Flintoff sprayed Richard Dawson with shots

The former Lancashire all-rounder
walked to the ring wearing his County cricket top to the sound of
Oasis' Roll With It and the crowd of around 6,000 did their best to
recreate the electric atmosphere produced in the same venue last
Saturday for Ricky Hatton's unsuccessful comback.

Flintoff had been training under the
tutelage of Barry McGuigan and his son Shane and had shed over three
stone over four-and-a-half months before weighing in 25lbs lighter than
Dawson.

His decision to take up the sport at a professional level had been widely criticised,
particularly by British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion David
Price who stopped Matt Skelton earlier in the evening in Liverpool.

The British Boxing Board of Control
granted him a licence at the second time of asking and general secretary
Robert Smith was in attendance, all too aware no doubt at the
ramifications if the home favourite was badly beaten up.

Whoops: Flintoff was caught flush in the second round

Whoops: Flintoff was caught flush in the second round

Gotcha: Freddie catches Dawson on the chin

Gotcha: Freddie catches Dawson on the chin

Baying: The crowd cheered as Flintoff entered the ring to Oasis's song Roll With It

Baying: The crowd cheered as Flintoff entered the ring to Oasis's song Roll With It

Nod to the past: Flintoff pulled on his Lancashire shirt for his walk to the ring

Nod to the past: Flintoff pulled on his Lancashire shirt for his walk to the ring

Flintoff had insisted his venture was
not a stunt, despite the presence of Sky television who chronicled his
progress for a three-part documentary and Dawson, who had
been hand-picked, proved to be a wise match.

He brought over an unbeaten record
after three fights, although his debut bout was not sanctioned but had little over five rounds of experience in the professional
ranks. He knocked out his first opponent inside 19 seconds while the
second retired on his stool with broken ribs after the first session.
Dawson was taken the four-round distance in his latest bout.

The 23-year-old was raised by his
sister and brother-in-law until he was 18 while his mum and dad both
served time in prison. He was also locked up for three months
for assault and was shot four times in the back when working as a driver
in the drugs trade.

He had the added benefit of
experienced trainer Bob Shannon, who prepared Hatton for his bout with
Vyacheslav Senchenko, in his corner after his trainer was unable to
obtain a visa.

Eagle-eyed: Flintoff picked the American off in one of his flurries

Eagle-eyed: Flintoff picked the American off in one of his flurries

On the ropes: Dawson battled to hold Flintoff off

On the ropes: Dawson battled to hold Flintoff off

Go out swinging: Flintoff was the far more active of fighters

Go out swinging: Flintoff was the far more active of fighters

But when he came out at the first
bell, Dawson looked the less experienced as Flintoff led with his jab
and looked to land with his right hand. He had his man on the ropes in
the early stages but the visiting fighter was quick to hold whenever he
could.

The fight was already scrappy but
Dawson threatened to spoil the party in the second session. Flintoff
landed a right but his opponent responded with a left hook and, to the
shock of the crowd, sent their favourite to the canvas. Flintoff rose
quickly however and beat the count and did enough for the remainder of
the round to lose it 10-9, rather than 10-8 as is standard with a
knockdown.

Flush: Flintoff lands a straight

Flush: Flintoff lands a straight

Embrace: Flintoff leans over to see his wife, Rachael, after the bout

Embrace: Flintoff leans over to see his wife, Rachael, after the bout

Gracious: Flintoff consoles his defeated opponent

Gracious: Flintoff consoles his defeated opponent

Contrast: The two fighters strike a pose after the bout

Contrast: The two fighters strike a pose after the bout

Having survived that setback, Flintoff
resumed normal service in the next session and although Dawson tried to
keep out of range and slip the jab, he was continually caught on the
ropes and forced to hold to avoid taking a right hand.

Flintoff stalked his adversary round
the ring, knowing he had to win the remaining two rounds and did just
enough to send the contest into a winner-takes-all final stanza.

Rising from his stool to a raucous
reception, he continued to hunt Dawson down and although he took several
stiff jabs flush in the face, he was never unduly worried and raised his
own hand in expectation at the final bell before the referee did
likewise after the score was announced.

Furious Freddie: Flintoff launched a number of wild swings

Rachael Flintoff

Furious Freddie: Flintoff launched a number of wild swings as Rachael Flintoff (right) cheers her husband on

Nervous Rachael Flintoff took her seat before the fight

Nervous Rachael Flintoff took her seat before the fight

Nervous Rachael Flintoff took her seat before the fight

Celebrity fan: John Bishop was in the Manchester Arena to support his friend Flintoff

Celebrity fan: John Bishop was in the Manchester Arena to support his friend Flintoff

And there's more: Bishop's fellow comedian Jack Whitehall turned up

And there's more: Bishop's fellow comedian Jack Whitehall turned up

Me too! Former cricketer and radio broadcaster Darren Gough

Me too! Former cricketer and radio broadcaster Darren Gough

KO: David Haye leaves the jungle

KO: David Haye leaves the jungle

PS FREDDIE GOT UP BUT THIS BRITISH HEAVYWEIGHT SUFFERED A KNOCKOUT…

On the night that Andrew Flintoff picked himself back up from the canvas to win his first professional fight, former world heavyweight champion David Haye was knocked out of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in the semi-final to take third place on the show.

The boxer left actress Charlie Brooks and singer Ashley Roberts to battle if out in the final on Saturday night's show.

Speaking to Ant and Dec after his eviction, the 32-year-old said was 'weird' to be finally out of camp but said he was looking glad he had 'freedom at last'.

When asked if he was disappointed at being kicked out of the show ahead of the final he replied': 'It's the way it was meant to be.'

He added: 'I had a lot of fun'.

But, although Flintoff may have been the winner on the night, don't expect him to be taking on the Hayemaker anytime soon…

VIDEO: It wasn't one for the purists! Flintoff reflects on the fight

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Andrew Flintoff: My battle against bulimia

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My battle to beat bulimia, reveals Flintoff as cricket hero sheds the pounds for start of his boxing career

|

UPDATED:

08:57 GMT, 15 November 2012

England cricketing hero Andrew Flintoff has revealed how he battled with bulimia in the early stages of his career.

The 34-year-old told how he began throwing up in cricket grounds and restaurants after he piled on the pounds.

Flintoff, who has embarked on a sporting comeback as a heavyweight boxer and is set to fight on November 30, revealed his eating disorder in a documentary to be screened later this month.

England cricket star Freddie Flintoff, leaving the Punch Bowl pub in Mayfair with his wife Rachael Wools

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff tucks into a curry in Durban

Honest: Former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff, left with wife Rachael, and right tucking into a curry during his playing days, has revealed how he suffered from Bulimia

He said: ‘I used to be a really skinny kid, I used to be tall and skinny and I didn’t drink, I didn’t do much.

‘Then I started putting weight on. My lifestyle was great, granted, when I started living on my own. I got to about 19 and a half to 20 stone.

‘It was all a bit deeper than that because to lose the weight, I wasn’t really sure how to go about it. I started being sick, I was sick a lot. I would eat and I would be sick.

‘I would be doing it myself. I would put my fingers down my throat and everyone within the team hierarchy thought it was great because I was losing weight.’

Flintoff, who was instrumental in two Ashes victories against Australia, said he was often called ‘fat lad’ and faced jibes such as ‘who ate all our pies’ He added: ‘I’ve thrown up in cricket grounds around the world, in restaurants, all sorts, and I lost about 15kg by doing that.

‘It’s not the right way to go, which I am very aware of. You start off doing it if you have a bad meal, you eat something you don’t think you should have eaten or you have drunk too much.

‘Then before you know it, even good meals you are getting rid of. It becomes a real habit. The only way really to lose weight is to train more and eat less, eat the right things.’

Andrew Flintoff poses during his boxing training

Back in the day, a larger Flintoff

Lean and keen: Flintoff, left, poses for a shot during his boxing training, and right, sporting a 'fuller figure' during his playing days

All change: As he embarks on his new sports career as a boxer, Flintoff has revealed he used to have serious issues with food

All change: As he embarks on his new sports career as a boxer, Flintoff has revealed he used to have serious issues with food

He hopes that speaking about his battle will raise awareness about bulimia.

A spokesman for the National Centre for Eating Disorders said: ‘It is well known that men get eating disorders, too – look at John Prescott (Mr Prescott revealed he had suffered from bulimia during his time as Deputy Prime Minister). This is a condition more likely to occur in someone who has poor body image or shaky self-esteem.’

The documentary Flintoff: From Lords to the Ring, to be screened on Sky1, details the sportsman’s career change from cricket to boxing. Flintoff also uses the programme to criticise former England team-mates who have since taken up careers in cricket commentating. He said: ‘I could have taken the easy option, saying ‘‘Coming into bat for England at No 3’’. But no, I go and get my head kicked in instead.’

Flintoff has been criticised for entering the sport of boxing as a ‘publicity stunt’.

Andrew Flintoff revealed he has struggled with his weight

Flintoff has yo-yo'd with his weight

Out in the open: Flintoff often received criticism from rival supporters over his weight as a professional cricketer – and now he has revealed how deep the problems went

But the cricketer, who lost 45lbs during a gruelling four-month training camp filmed for a three-part series to be screened on Sky1HD, insists his motives are honourable. ‘You couldn’t go through this for a TV stunt,’ he said. ‘I’m hoping this is something where boxing is celebrated.’

Flintoff was born Andrew but nicknamed ‘Freddy’ after Fred Flintstone. He married Rachael Woods in 2005 and has three children – Holly, eight, Corey, six, and Rocky, four. He announced his retirement from cricket in September 2010.

He is not the only sportsman to suffer from bulimia.

Footballer Paul Gascoigne detailed his battle with the condition in his 2006 autobiography ‘Being Gazza: Tackling My Demons’.

Andre Flintoff defends decision to box Richard Dawson

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Flintoff hits back at critics as former cricket star denies boxing match 'cheapens' sport

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UPDATED:

18:56 GMT, 14 November 2012

Andrew Flintoff denies his reinvention as a boxer demeans the sport with trainer Barry McGuigan claiming any criticism is motivated by jealousy.

Flintoff will make his professional debut in Manchester on November 30 in a four-round fight against novice American Richard Dawson, exclusively revealed by Sportsmail, who has won both of his bouts.

Strong opposition from within boxing has greeted the former England cricket captain’s decision to swap bat for gloves.

Defiant: Andrew Flintoff (left), pictured with Mike Tyson (right) claims he is not cheapening boxing by stepping into the ring

Defiant: Andrew Flintoff (left), pictured with Mike Tyson (right) claims he is not cheapening boxing by stepping into the ring

Frank Warren and rising British heavyweight Danny Price described it as “car crash TV”, while Frank Maloney branded it a 'scandal'.

Maloney also called for British Boxing Board of Control chairman Charles Giles to be sacked for approving the 34-year-old’s license.

But Flintoff, who lost 45lbs in weight during a gruelling four-month training camp filmed for a three-part series to be screened on Sky1HD, insists his motives are honourable.

'You couldn’t go through this for a TV stunt,' he said.

'If I was looking for a publicity stunt I’d have picked something easier. There’s other things I could have done.

'There’s been criticism of things I’ve done in the past. I’m just getting my head down and doing the best I can.

'I appreciate that people want to protect the sport they’re involved in. I’d be the same with cricket.

'I’m hoping this is something where boxing is celebrated because it’s not my intention to cheapen the sport or show it up.

Looking on: Tyson and Flintoff's trainer Barry McGuigan watch the former cricketer in action

Looking on: Tyson and Flintoff's trainer Barry McGuigan watch the former cricketer in action

'We want to show the sport in the best possible light because ultimately I’m a boxing fan as well.'

McGuigan mounted a robust defence of the project at today’s preview screening of “The Gloves Are Off”, the first episode of which will be aired on November 22 at 9pm.

Former WBA featherweight champion McGuigan, 51, oversaw Flintoff’s training with his son Shane acting as the technical and strength and conditioning coach.

'What we’re doing is the opposite to cheapening the sport, it’s promoting it. You see the pain and anguish Freddie goes though,' McGuigan said.

'How can that be negative in promoting the sport To say it cheapens boxing is a complete and utter load of nonsense.

'It’s a case of the green-eyed monster I’m afraid. Freddie’s worked his nuts off and we’re promoting the sport in a very positive way.

'We could have done white collar or amateur boxing, but that’s not real. This is real.'

Taking advice: Flintoff listens to the former heavyweight champion of the world during a training session

Taking advice: Flintoff listens to the former heavyweight champion of the world during a training session

In the sparring sessions seen in episode one Flintoff, who has no amateur background, is strong but limited and is generally treated sympathetically by opponents.

McGuigan accepted there are rough edges but praises the 2005 Ashes winner’s attitude.

'Let’s be honest, Freddie is a novice. There’s been a monumental change physically,' he said.

'Technically he has a lot to work on, but we’ll keep at that. He’s a great pupil. He’s not a natural but he works very hard. He gets there because he’s so determined.'

Flintoff faced some of cricket’s biggest names during a career that numbered 79 Test appearances and 141 one-day internationals, but admitted boxing is the toughest challenge he has faced.

Swapping sports: Flintoff was a successful England cricketer before his retirement

Swapping sports: Flintoff was a successful England cricketer before his retirement

'In cricket the mental aspect was tough but this has taken that to a whole new level,' Flintoff said.

'You’re up and down all the time, you get nervous before a sparring session, you’re on a high when you’re in there and then an hour later you’re flat.

'The diet’s had its’ moments….eating steak at 530am isn’t the easiest. Giving up booze has been all right though. It’s been a lifestyle chance.

'One of the things I had to overcome is that I’m not the most confrontational bloke.

'When I played cricket every now and then I would be, but it didn’t bring out the best in me.

'There has to be a ruthless streak in the ring, so there’s been a change mentally to achieve that.'

Mike Tyson sued for 30,000

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Get on a flight, Mike! Tyson ordered to cough-up 30k to Polish boxing organiser… who can claim cash while former champion is in UK

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UPDATED:

15:02 GMT, 9 November 2012

A court in Poland has ordered Mike Tyson to pay 30,000 in compensation to the organizer of a boxing gala for which the former heavyweight champion did not show up last year.

The decision took effect this month after Tyson did not appeal it, and can be executed through European Union regulations on British territory, Judge Igor Tuleya, a spokesman for the Regional Court in Warsaw.

The Polish organizer of the gala, Tomasz Babilonski, sued Tyson in March for 30,000 compensation and interest.

Word of advice: Tyson has been in the UK to visit Freddie Flintoff ahead of his debut bout

Word of advice: Tyson has been in the UK to visit Freddie Flintoff ahead of his debut bout

The Gazeta Wyborcza daily said Babilonski filed the suit because Tyson’s managers were refusing to talk about any compensation.

Tyson has been in the UK to visit Andrew Flintoff who will take to the ring at the Manchester Arena on November 30.

Freddie has revealed a pep talk from former world heavyweight champion has spurred him on as the countdown continues to his boxing debut.

Former England cricketer Flintoff – who has been training under the tutelage of Irish legend Barry McGuigan and his son Shane – will make his debut in the bout.

No show: The Polish event organiser claimed Tyson's no-show cost him money

No show: The Polish event organiser claimed Tyson's no-show cost him money

And a visit from Tyson has inspired the 34-year-old to push himself to the limits between now and fight night.

'It was amazing to meet Tyson because as a kid he was one of my heroes,’ Flintoff said. ‘So to have him come down to the gym – not only that, but to talk to me about it all was amazing.

'He spoke a lot about the emotion of boxing and it was all relevant to how I was feeling. So to hear it from Mike Tyson made me realise it was okay for me to feel like that too.'

Heyday: Tyson is still revered for his exploits in the boxing ring

Heyday: Tyson is still revered for his exploits in the boxing ring