After winning gold at the British Karate Championships, a 10-year-old Harlem Eubank went with his mother to the shop, where they bumped into his famous uncle.
“Harlem’s just won a British title,” his mum, beaming with pride, told Chris Eubank Sr.
She expected a hug or at least a smile… But the former world champion didn’t miss a beat.
“I have 19 world title defences,” he replied flatly, before carrying on with his day.
“That was it, he was gone,” Harlem says now, laughing. “My mum was probably fuming but even at that age, I understood what he was trying to say. He was planting the seed that it’s never enough, there’s always more to do. Aim higher. “
It was vintage Eubank Sr – dismissive yet full of purpose.
It’s a lesson Harlem still carries with him today as he prepares for the biggest fight of his professional career.
The 31-year-old welterweight will face fellow Briton and former world-title challenger Jack Catterall at Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday.
“It’s a massive statement fight. That’s why I pushed for it. I believe I’ll be a world champion and this is the fight that proves it,” Harlem adds.
How boxing found its latest Eubank
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The Eubank name is steeped in British boxing folklore with unforgettable nights and iconic rivalries.
A two-time world champion, the eccentric Eubank Sr was a boxing superstar who transcended the sport. And by the time Harlem turned professional in 2017, his cousin Chris Eubank Jr was already a British champion.
But Harlem – a noticeably less flamboyant and more reserved character than his uncle and cousin – never intended to follow in their footsteps.
“I tried to stay away from boxing at first because my family had already done it,” he explains.
“They’d been to the top of the mountain so what’s the point in me starting? “
In his early years, Harlem threw himself into karate and football. He earned a black belt by the age of 11 and later for signed for Brighton & Hove Albion’s youth set-up.
At 14, he walked into a boxing gym for the first time out of curiosity, but football coaches told him he had to choose. And so, boxing was put aside.
Four years later, though, something pulled him back.
Building a profile on free-to-air television
Harlem turned professional aged 23 but, much like his cousin, quickly realised that being a Eubank in boxing can be a double-edged sword.
“Everyone wants to beat you. They bring their best version into the ring every time because they think they’re fighting for a world title,” he says.
In an age of influencer boxing, Harlem could have arguably chosen an easier and more lucrative route rather than trading on his name.
Instead, he fought on small-hall shows and steadily honed his craft.
“I’ve done it the traditional way. There’s not a door I haven’t kicked down myself,” he says.
In a throwback to the ITV era when his uncle headlined to millions on free-to-air television, Harlem has spent the past few years as a regular headliner of Channel 5’s Friday night boxing cards.
Harlem globetrotter – targeting world honours
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With his uncle and cousin watching from ringside, Harlem stopped Tyrone McKenna in the 10th round in March.
But Chorley’s Catterall is a different proposition.
A proven contender who has operated at world level, Catterall is regarded by many as the man who should have become England’s first male four-belt undisputed champion after a controversial points loss to Josh Taylor.
Harlem, though, is relishing the role of underdog.
“Time and time again, I’ve had to prove people wrong,” he says.
“But I think people are starting to take notice of me now.
The Princess of Wales made two high-profile Wimbledon outings with Meghan Markle in years gone by – but despite the friendly display, a body language expert says there were already signs of future conflict
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle made their first appearance at Wimbledon in 2018(Image: Daily Mirror)
Despite their apparent differences, it seems the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Sussex did have one thing in common – their shared love of tennis. Kate is a well-known tennis fan and a regular each year at Wimbledon while Meghan has been spotted several times as tennis event, supporting her pal Serena Williams, a 23-times Grand Slam champion.
And during Wimbledon back in 2018, the sisters-in-law made a joint visit to Wimbledon to watch the men’s semi finals as well as the ladies singles final. The pair put on a friendly display after being spotted chatting and laughing, with some hoping it was the start of a blossoming friendship.
Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton at Wimbledon in July 2018(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
But as revealed by Prince Harry in his controversial memoir, Spare, things might not have been so rosy behind closed doors as he lifted the lid on the bond between his wife and sister-in-law.
He recounted several times when Meghan seemed at loggerheads with Kate in the early days of their romance. He says the two women had a row over bridesmaid dresses in the lead-up to his wedding that left Meghan in tears and that Kate “grimaced” when the duchess borrowed her lipgloss.
Meanwhile, he wrote how Kate asked for an apology from Meghan when she accused her of having “baby brain” following the birth of Prince Louis. Few knew all of this when Kate and Meghan stepped out at Wimbledon but behind the smiles and enthusiasm, body language expert Judi James says that by that point, it was clear to see that tensions were brewing – and the giveaway wasn’t so much in what they did do, as opposed to what they didn’t do.
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The pair smile as they watch from the Royal Box(Image: Daily Mirror)
“Their first visit to Wimbledon came at a time when expectations were still running high that these two women might be best friends,” Judi told The Mirror of their 2018 debut.
“What we saw from their body language then was a display of politeness that didn’t totally suggest close friendship bonds. Kate looked like a well-mannered host and Meghan appeared to enjoy her company but there were few if any convincing signals of anything more intimate.
“As early-days rituals though it did seem to leave the door part-way open in terms of relationship-forming. The laughter looked shared and authentic but there was no real consequent relaxing of posture or increase in tie-signs or eye-checking signals to suggest these were the first stages in a growing friendship. “
The following year brought yet another friendly outing at the tennis, this time with Meghan sandwiched between Kate and her little sister Pippa – and Judi says there were clear indications of trouble in paradise, especially given the complete lack of friendship signals you would expect to see 12 months on.
Kate and Meghan at the tournament in 2019 with Kate’s sister Pippa (Image: PA)
“By the time of the second visit there did appear to be some subtle signs of potential tension from Kate, who seems to have taken a more ‘adult’ stance,” Judi continued.
“Kate was still very much the polite and friendly host but it is pretty obvious the bonding signals were showing no signs to hint of any growing or matured levels of closeness or rapport behind the scenes.
“The two women laughed together and even turned together to chat to someone behind them but as they turned back their smiles seemed to drop at about the same time. By now you could expect to see more exchanged glances, mirroring and more softening of the facial expressions when they talked to one another but there were no signs of any progression along those lines.
“Meghan had been placed in between Kate and her sister Pippa which looked like a signal of family unity, but it did seem to show up how Meghan tended to mirror Pippa more than Kate and to relax a little more while she was talking to her.
“Neither of these women would produce any active signals of dislike or unfriendliness but it’s the lack of any progression of friendship signals that seemed to imply their relationship had stalled, despite efforts to put on a show of unity in public. Both must have been aware that their husbands were struggling with their rift and this would have made it even more difficult. “
Rock star Ozzy Osbourne is undergoing a worrying health battle as the Black Sabbath frontman prepares for his last ever gig with the band this weekend
Ozzy Osbourne has undergone a huge journey to perform ay Black Sabbath’s last gig (Image: Getty Images)
An icon of both the rock and reality TV world, Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne is in the midst of a worrying health battle while he is set to take to the stage at Villa Park to play in front of around 50,000 fans.
The now 76-year-old music legend hasn’t played a live show in nearly seven years, but he has made it his mission to produce a knockout performance for Black Sabbath fans for their farewell show at Villa Park. Ozzy has committed to his rehab by moving a specialist coach into his home, to give him the fitness he needs to produce the performance.
The show means a lot to the Prince of Darkness. In an interview with Premier Comms the rocker said he viewed the set as a chance to “say thank you to my fans for always supporting me and being there for me”.
He added: “I couldn’t have done my final show anywhere else. I had to go back to the beginning. ”
He’s been battling Parkinson’s which has affected his mobility(Image: FilmMagic)
But the singer has been through it in the past few decades and after fully embracing the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle in his earlier years, his health has taken a hit. Ozzy’s health battle began more than 20 years ago, when in 2003, he broke his neck after falling off a quad bike leading to some extensive back surgery and metal rods being put down his spine.
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In 2020, the singer also announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s around a year before. In an interview with Good Morning America alongside his wife Sharon, he shared: “I had to have surgery on my neck which screwed all my nerves. I found out that I have a mild form of…” Struggling to finish the sentence Sharon stepped in: “It’s Parkin two which is a form of Parkinson’s.”
She added: “There are so many different types of Parkinson’s. It’s not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination but it does affect the nerves in your body. It’s like you’ll have a good day, then a good day, and then a really bad day. “
Black Sabbath will play their last ever show at Villa Park in Birmingham(Image: WireImage)
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But despite his setbacks, and his worsening condition, Sharon claims his voice is as good as ever. Speaking to The Sun she added: “He’s very happy to be coming back and very emotional about this. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease.
“It’s not something you can stabilize. It affects different parts of the body, and it’s affected his legs. But his voice is as good as it’s ever been. “
Loose Women star Coleen Nolan opens up about her ‘roller coaster’ year so far, what got her through the bad times and what’s next for her family – and her Loose Women colleagues
Coleen Nolan describes the past six months as an “emotional roller coaster” — with incredible highs and devastating lows. But the Loose Women favourite, who turned 60 in March, is at her bubbly best when she arrives at our exclusive photoshoot after a busy day at the ITV Studios. Given her bright mood, it’s only right that we start with her biggest high, becoming a grandmother again. Coleen’s daughter Ciara, 24, who lives with her fiancé Maxx in an annexe on Coleen’s Staffordshire farm, is five months pregnant with her first baby.
“I want to shout it from the rooftops,” beams Coleen. “Everything I do is for them. From the moment I had Shane at the age of 23, my kids have always been the most important thing. When Ciara first told me, I cried so much that she didn’t know if I was happy or not! ”
READ MORE: Louise Thompson’s ‘incredibly comfortable’ Ugg mules are perfect for flying in
Coleen is going to become a grandmother again – and she can’t wait(Image: REACH PLC / Alex James)
As well as a sleepsuit embroidered with “How does Nanny and Grandad sound?”, Ciara also gave her mum strict instructions to keep the baby a secret. “It got to about 12 weeks and I told the Loose Women,” Coleen admits. “I was just so excited!”
The news was especially welcome after an incredibly difficult start to the year, with the death of her sister Linda, 65, who had been living with cancer. Attributed to pneumonia, Linda’s death hit Coleen “very hard”, and she found herself struggling to cope with normal life. She took time off from Loose Women and relied on friends and family, especially Ciara, to keep her going.
“Linda had cancer for 20 years and was so positive. I got to a point where I thought she’d outlive us all,” Coleen says. “Then when it happened, it happened so quickly. Afterwards, I didn’t want to get out of bed. It was overwhelming.
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“My kids literally didn’t leave my side and when I needed to be alone, they would be in the next room. Ciara took control of everything and everyone that came round. I’d be asked to do something and say ‘yes’, and she’d jump in and tell them no, I wasn’t ready. ”
Coleen needed to take some time out to heal(Image: REACH PLC / Alex James)
Adding to the whirlpool of emotions was Coleen’s 60th birthday in March. Losing Linda before that milestone gave her a bittersweet perspective. “You start questioning your own mortality. I was asking myself, ‘What’s all this for? ’ I didn’t want to work, I wanted to stay home with the animals. I’d really lost my mojo for everything, and that’s when I realised I needed professional help.
“Therapy has been the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve had it on and off over the years and I’m always pushing people to have it, it’s still a bit of a taboo in this country, but it’s amazing.
“I really needed it this year because I didn’t know how to push forward and had an incredible sadness, and when it wasn’t sadness it was numbness. Therapy has absolutely saved me, my therapist can’t give me a pill or an operation to fix me, it ultimately has to come from me, but it gives me the belief and the courage that I’m strong enough to do it. ”
And doing it she is. As Coleen expertly navigates our shoot — in her element as she rummages through a rack of tulle skirts — her mojo is very much in evidence. She’s not someone to go down without a fight, even when the fights come a little too frequently.
Coleen’s Loose Women life is also going through a period of change(Image: REACH PLC / Alex James)
Therapy helped her find her mojo again(Image: REACH PLC / Alex James)
There’s also the ongoing uncertainty at Loose Women , which has been the focus of her working life for 25 years. In May, ITV announced a raft of changes, including cutting the show to 30 weeks a year. The upshot is suspected job losses, and while there’s no word on the panellists yet, the news has hit Coleen hard.
“The crew have become family. I’ve watched them grow. Some of our runners from back in the day are producers, married with kids. I’ve shared my life with them. They’re in limbo, not knowing what they’re going to do,” she says.
“Loose Women isn’t ending, which I’m so thankful for, but it’s changing. It’s going to be very different in respect of the size of the crew, but it’s still running. Which it should be — there isn’t another show that celebrates and supports all women — every size, age, whatever. But it’s heartbreaking to see some of my colleagues not knowing what they’re going to do. Many of them have young families and mortgages. ”
The TV veteran understands that tough decisions sometimes need to be made(Image: REACH PLC / Alex James)
Coleen is a realist, however, and understands that those at the top need to make tough decisions.
“You read about it all the time — a chain store’s shutting down and 300 people are affected. You go, ‘Oh, that’s awful. Anyway, what do you want for dinner? ’, because it doesn’t directly affect you. I’ve never been so close to it. It’s made me realise how much this is happening across the whole country at the moment and it’s devastating. ”
Coleen has firm friends at Loose Women and dismisses rumours of backstage feuds. “Honestly, it’s boring,” she laughs. “If there were feuds, you’d know. I can’t hide anything! I think it’s down to people not seeing us out together all the time because we all live in different parts of the country. But I see the Loose Women more often than my family. ”
Coleen says her colleagues have helped her through her toughest moments. They texted “every day” after Linda died, and were her closest confidantes after her split from Michael Jones, who she’d dated since 2021. Although they had a “fabulous” time, Coleen decided late last year that she only wanted a friendship. They’re not quite there yet, she says, but she’s hopeful.
A rather unusual dating app might the key to Coleen meeting her Mr Right(Image: REACH PLC / Alex James)
Her focus for now is on her 30-odd animals living on her six-acre Staffordshire farm, but that’s not to say romance is off the cards completely. “I’d probably date again, but the men I meet are either married or gay, so I’ve no hope in the industry I’m in,” she says. “And I don’t go out to bars, unless they’re serving me a cup of tea. ”
Double dating with her Loose Women colleague Ruth Langsford is also off the table, for now at least. “Ruth’s definitely not going on dates yet. I’m trying to force her into it but she’s not having it. And I think she’d be a terrible wingwoman — she’d be too severe and say, ‘No, you’re not right, get away! ’”
Coleen met Michael on a dating app, and she’s not averse to going down that route again. But you won’t find her on celebrity dating app Raya because she “only lasted two days — it wasn’t for me”. She’s recently found an alternative, though.
The odd bit of physical affection would be nice, Coleen says(Image: REACH PLC / Alex James)
“Apparently, there’s one that’s aimed at country folk, called Muddy Matches, so that’ll be the one I try when I’m up for it,” she says. “But whoever I date, I’m not sure I want their toothbrush in my bathroom. I’ve been in relationships my whole life and I’m enjoying having my house to myself, not worrying about anyone else.
“I do miss hugging and kissing, but not necessarily sex. That said, if I meet him and I fancy him, he’s getting it! You can’t beat a good snog and there’s only so many times I can kiss my boxer dog’s crinkly face. ”
Coleen isn’t exaggerating about kissing her dogs (and horses and goats) as anyone who’s watched her new YouTube channel will know. Launched last month, it shows her and Ciara’s daily life with their menagerie of animals and it’s fast become her favourite thing to film, despite the less-than-glamorous vibe.
Coleen is happiest in her wellies on the farm(Image: REACH PLC / Alex James)
“There are so many TV farm shows and I thought, ‘They’re not going to make one with me, so sod ’em, I’ll do my own! ’ And I love it. We’re free to be exactly who we are. We do decide what we might do and film that day, but it’s things we’d be doing anyway because we have animals to look after. Honestly, I’m obsessed with animals. And every time I go, ‘No, we’ve got enough now,’ I see an animal online and think I need to adopt them! We also have to cram a lot in, that’s life on a farm though. Plus there are always people popping by, who are equally as mad as we are, so it’s great fun. ”
“On Loose Women I’ve got make-up and hair people. I did ask if I should put make-up on for this, but the answer was no, because obviously I don’t normally wear pyjamas and make-up! Then you watch it back and think, ‘Holy Mother of God! ’
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“It’s definitely been a battle with my self-confidence — I think we all want to look our best. But actually I love the freedom of it, to be exactly who we are. It’s special. And for the record, I started it before the news about Loose Women came out! ”
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Gareth Griffiths
BBC Sport Wales
At
Mikuni World Stadium, Kitakyushu
603 Comments
Summer tour first Test: Japan v Wales
Japan (7) 24
Tries: Matsunaga, Nakakusu, Vailea Cons: Lee 3 Pens: Lee
Wales (19) 19
Wales’ record losing international run extended to 18 games as they were beaten 24-19 by Japan in extremely hot and humid conditions in Kitakyushu.
The tourists led 19-7 at the break, but wilted in the intense conditions in a match that took two hours to complete.
There were water breaks in each half and an extended half-time period to cope with the extreme weather with players wearing ice hats to cool down.
Japan coped better with the conditions and scored all the second-half points with Halatoa Vailea crashing over from a close-range line-out in the 71st-minute to claim the win for Eddie Jones’ side.
After losing lock Ben Carter to injury after only 24 seconds, Wales took the initiative through tries from from Ben Thomas, Tom Rogers and a penalty try, but they faded badly in the searing heat.
It was a second victory for Japan against Wales with head coach Jones also masterminding the first in 2013.
The defeat means Wales have fallen to a new low and they are now without a Test win in 21 months and have slipped two places to an all-time low of 14th in the world rankings, below Japan and Samoa.
Feeling the heat
The game kicked off at 14:00 local time and with temperatures reaching 34C with a very high humidity reading, the players were given a three-minute water break in the middle of each half, while the interval was extended from 15 to 20 minutes.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) had enquired about delaying the kick-off until later in the day so conditions would be cooler, but Japan wanted to play at this time.
Home coach Jones had said whoever dealt with the conditions better would win and that he hoped for a hot day because the hosts would try to “run Wales off their feet”.
The water break and extended half-time measures are being taken under World Rugby’s updated heat and air quality guidelines, to support players playing in hot conditions.
The half-time extension was applied because conditions were deemed the second-most severe reading, with the next step being to consider “delaying or suspending the game”.
That never materialised, but the excruciating conditions played a part in the length and quality of the contest.
No Wales home from home in 2025
Kitakyushu had been Wales’ training base for the 2019 World Cup with the local population taking Warren Gatland’s squad to its heart.
More than 15,000 locals had crammed into the stadium just to watch Wales train before the home supporters launched into a rendition of the nation anthem.
Six years later there was again a capacity crowd this time to watch what was only the second rugby international to be staged at the venue.
Cardiff coach Sherratt was again in caretaker charge after he had been brought into lead Wales for the final three Six Nations games after Gatland’s departure in February.
He made 11 changes to the side that lost 68-14 to England in Cardiff with flankers Josh Macleod and Alex Mann, lock Teddy Williams scrum-half Kieran Hardy and centre Johnny Williams rewarded for strong domestic form.
Early disruption for Wales
Carter, who missed the 2024 autumn internationals and 2025 Six Nations because of injury, lasted only 24 seconds on his international return.
He was injured while making a tackle and after a lengthy stoppage, was taken off on a stretcher. James Ratti came on in his place, with both sides having to regroup.
Wales responded with a well-worked move that allowed Taulupe Faletau to provide a simple try-scoring pass to Thomas with Costelow converting.
Some more incisive attacking saw Adams burst down the left-hand side with his inside grubber kick almost finding scrum-half Hardy.
Wales had the early upper hand in the scrum, but their line-out was struggling and Japan capitalised on their first opportunity with a well-worked try for full-back Matsunga.
Scarlets midfield man Williams, who was back in Test rugby after an absence of almost two years, formed an eighth different Wales centre partnership in nine games this season.
Williams is more used to playing at inside centre but his defensive inexperience in the wider channel was exposed as Japan produced a fine attacking move, involving new cap Kippei Ishida before Matsunaga crossed.
Lee converted and it was 7-7 at the first water break after 20 minutes where Wales players used ice hats and towels to cool themselves.
Wales rallied and a clever kick from Hardy resulted in replacement wing Ichigo Nakakusu slapping the ball deliberately out of play to deny Adams a try-scoring opportunity and resulted in a penalty try and a yellow card.
Wales took advantage of their extra man after another fine Faletau break released the backs and wing Rogers scored in the corner.
The hosts responded with number eight Amato Fakatava denied by a last-ditch tackle by Ben Thomas.
The 40-minute first half lasted more than an hour with all the stoppages but Wales led by 12 points as both sets of players almost staggered off the field.
Japan’s final flourish
Sherratt had stated the importance of his 23-man selection as he introduced experienced replacement forwards Gareth Thomas, Tommy Reffell and Aaron Wainwright compared to six uncapped Japan players on the hosts’ bench.
But after the second-half water break, it was a Japan replacement in Nakakusu, who crossed after fine work from the home forwards, with captain Leitch at the forefront of the comeback.
Lee converted and slotted over a penalty to reduce the deficit to two points, although Japan could have taken the lead if a try for Ben Gunter was not ruled out for a forward pass from Cornelsen.
Cardiff captain Liam Belcher came on for his international debut when he replaced Lake, but Japan were preying on Wales’ indiscipline, poor line-out and general fatigue.
Japan took the lead for the first time through a try from Vailea with Lee again converting.
Japan: Takuro Matsunaga; Kippei Ishida, Dylan Riley, Shogo Nakano, Malo Tuitama; Seungsin Lee, Shinobu Fujiwara; Yota Kamimori, Mamoru Harada, Shuhei Takeuchi, Epineri Uluiviti, Warner Deans, Michael Leitch (capt), Jack Cornelsen, Amato Fakatava.
Replacements: Hayate Era, Sena Kimura, Keijiro Tamefusa, Waisake Raratubua, Ben Gunter, Shuntaro Kitamura, Ichigo Nakakusu, Halatoa Vailea.
Wales: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Sam Costelow, Kieran Hardy; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (capt), Keiron Assiratti, Ben Carter, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Liam Belcher, Gareth Thomas, Archie Griffin, James Ratti, Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Joe Roberts.
Referee: Damian Schneider (Argentina)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England) & Luke Pearce (England)
Tries: Matsunaga, Nakakusu, Vailea Cons: Matsunaga 3 Pens: Lee
Wales (19) 19
Japan stunned Wales in Kitakyushu with a first-Test fightback that condemned the visitors to an 18th successive defeat.
The tourists led 19-7 at the break, but Japan scored all the second-half points with Halatoa Vailea crashing over from a close-range line-out in the 71st-minute to claim the win for Eddie Jones’ side.
