A long-lost father of a sports fan adopted by a child was shocked to learn that he is a legend in the US boxing commentary business. He will be the sole heir to a PS200million fortune.
Simon Edwards found his extended family in Galway (Ireland) and was told by them that his birth father is American household name Bob Sheridan, 78.
A Hitchin Town steward discovered that legendary boxing commentator Bob Sheridan was his long-lost dada
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Simon, now known as Colonel Jnr, told Bob how he reached him via an agency on the day that the widower and childless had laid his wife to repose.
Bob, who was famous for his commentary on Muhammed Ali’s 1974 Rumble In The Jungle fight in Zaire with George Foreman in Zaire, instantly knew he was his child.
Simon, who was stunned to discover his father's fame, has received messages of support from J-Lo and Angelia Jolie.
Simon, a father-of-two from Hitchin, Hertfordshire told SunSport that he had always longed to be reunited with his long-lost father.
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"As a long-time boxing fan, I knew who he was so it wasn't surprising that it was a surprise to me. It was so great getting to know him.
"To others, it may seem unbelievable that my father is a famous person. But for me, it's incredible to know my dad and keep in touch with him."
"I would probably still be as amazed if he were a plumber from down-the-road.
"It's exciting to have all these plans and fly to America to meet him and make him part my life.
"And of course, it's completely surreal to receive messages from people such as Angelina Jolie.
"But, if I'm being honest, I managed to secure a place as steward at Wembley for European Championship - and I am a little worried that all this might get in my way."
He said, "My dad and mum are over the moon. They've always told me that if I ever wanted to find them, they would be right behind me."
Curious Simon found his extended family in Galway and visited them in 2019. He learned that Rosemary Ruane was his mother, but he had also died in 1985.
According to him, the unmarried manager of the hotel was one of nine girls from the same Catholic family who had traveled to London to have her baby after she fell pregnant.
Simon was born in Newham (London) in 1980. He was adopted by the Catholic Children's Society.
He was placed with Mike Edwards, a retired British Aerospace scientist and Sue, a former healthcare worker. Sue is still his'real parents'.
Simon discovered his new family during his 2019 visit. Bob was an Irish-American baseball player who visited his family's Galway land in 1979.
The land on which Simon's mom worked as a hotel manager was owned by the Colonel. Simon's mother also befriended her before she had an affair.
Bob, overjoyed, said that he was speechless when he was told that he had spent every day talking to Colonel Jnr.
It has given me a new lease on life. I look forward to seeing my junior again in Las Vegas later in the year.
"I cannot wait to have a beer with him and get to know him." He is my everything.
SunSport's Bob said: "I just buried my wife.
"I was beyond myself when the chaplain of my military regiment said that he felt cheated by God, but that he had only given his son 33 years on this Earth.
"I came home, had a Guinness, and felt like there was nothing left in me."
"Then, I received a call from an agency stating that you had a 41-year old son. I replied, "Are you sure?"
They said that all you need to do is meet him once, and then you will know he's your child. He's just like you.
"I was thinking that an hour ago, I had nothing to live with - now I have my son.
"I wondered how this happened?" "Then, I thought back to the beautiful girl I was dating before I met my wife."
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Sheridan said: "She was the manager at the Shannon Shamrock Hotel where I had my farm.
"Rosie said I could go into the Hotel for anything I needed, including a shower or food.
"I asked her what she would get from it. She replied, "I want you."
It seemed like a simple request to the likes me, and we were in love. That's when Simon was born.
The Colonel said: "The first thing I did was speak to him, and I knew that he was my son. He speaks the same way and sounds just like me.
Simon said that my sports number was always six. Simon also told me that Simon played high-level cricket and football, and his number was always six.
"Even down the number on our uniforms, we were all the same.
"It's been a blessing. I can't wait for him to come to Boston to see my brother and his family.
"I wish my wife was here to see our son.
Sheridan is well-known for his loud baritone. He has called ringside action for more than 10,000 fights, including close to 1,000 fights for world titles and 100 fights for heavyweight titles.
Because of his rank in Massachusetts' Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, he is often called the Colonel.
According to Colonel, the Colonel claims that DNA has confirmed the relationship and that he is the only heir to his fortune.
Simon also serves as Lord's steward so that he can take part in the cricket. Simon has a day job working as a senior credit controller.
