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Tony Bellew admits David Haye is a ‘far better’ fighter than him, despite knockout wins, as he talks boxing on I’m A Celebrity

Michael Benson — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 10:29:09 +0000

Tony Bellew has opened up about his boxing career on his first day in the jungle.

The former WBC cruiserweight world champion is currently appearing on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here, having retired from the sport five years ago.

Bellew entered camp on Thursday night’s show but got off to a losing start

ITV

Along with horse racing legend Frankie Dettori, Bellew was a late arrival in the jungle.

He was thrown straight into the deep end on Thursday night’s episode with his own Bush Tucker Trial, which saw him beaten by Dettori.

The result means Bellew is part of the ‘Away Camp’, who receive smaller and lower quality food supplies and amenities.

Not long after becoming settled, he entered into a conversation with former Big Brother winner, now ITV This Morning presenter Josie Gibson.

Gibson asked Bellew: “What was your favourite fight?”

To which he answered: “My favourite ever fight? [Ilunga Makabu] at Goodison Park, when I won my world title.

“I mean I achieved my lifelong dream that night, so all my dreams came true.

“That was my main goal and focus in life – win a world title at Goodison Park.

Bellew became WBC cruiserweight world champion by beating Ilunga Makabu in 2016

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“My missus came to me [after], we were in the kitchen and she said, ‘Is that it now then? Are you done? Will you retire now?’

“But I’m pretty old school, I believe that a man should go out and provide for his family, probably everyone doesn’t agree with this or like it anymore, but you go out and work, try and do the best that you can and be a proper man.

“She said, ‘What do you mean?’

“I said, ‘Well we are so far away from financial security, it’s unbelievable.’

“We were basically skint. We had a heavy, heavy mortgage.

“I’d won a British, Commonwealth, European and a world title, I shouldn’t say ‘skint’, but I was living fight to fight. I wasn’t comfortable.”

At this point Gibson asked: “But I thought boxing was really big money?”

Bellew explained: “To put it into context, I then defended my world title and made okay money.

Bellew’s fights with Haye gave him financial security

Getty Images - Getty

“After I defended, I then fought David Haye and the fight with David Haye, that one fight, was four times my whole career combined, in one night.

“And then I fought him again and doubled it again, the whole net worth and what I’d generated.

“And then I fought Oleksandr Usyk in my last one and I nearly doubled it again.

“I was very fortunate it worked out in the end.”

Talk then turned to Bellew’s famous rivalry with Haye from 2017 and 2018.

“Me and David get on great these days, but I wound him up,” Bellew said with a smile.

“I’m really great at antagaonising. If I wanna get at you, I’ll get at you. I wind people up.

“I’ve fought David twice and I’ve beaten him twice, but he’s a far better fighter than me. Styles make fights.”

Gibson asked: “If you’ve beaten them twice, how can that be?”

Bellew answered: “If Liverpool or Manchester United lose to Wrexham, does that make Wrexham better than Liverpool or Manchester United?”

Fans joke they’ve found proof Christian McCaffrey is a robot as bizarre footage goes viral

Joshua Rogers — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 10:14:06 +0000

Christian McCaffrey has finally confirmed what we all suspected – he’s a robot.

During the San Francisco 49ers‘ 31-13 victory against the Seattle Seahawks on Thanksgiving, the All-Pro running back went viral when a helmet fix-up made him look like a machine.

McCaffrey and his teammates certainly earned their turkey but something else caught fans eyes

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McCaffrey’s helmet broke in the Week 12 NFL matchup and he was forced to wear a replacement for the following drive. During a break in play, cameras caught Niners team staff tightening the screws on either side of his helmet on the chinstrap.

The bizarre image made CMC look more robot than human, and it wasn’t long before the footage went viral.

Social media reacted to the moment, with some calling him Frankenstein given the screws on the popular science-fiction character’s head.

“Robocop version 3.0”, one fan joked.

“CMC-3PO”, another remarked in reference to the popular Star Wars droid C-3PO.

“CMC is AI”, a third person commented.

“Absolute machine”, said a fourth fan.

McCaffrey was asked about the moment postgame, and admitted he ‘felt like Frankenstein’ when the chinstrap was being fixed.

The superstar running back looked on as Niners staff fixed his helmet in between plays

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The San Francisco 49ers star has been a monster this season, helping the Niners to a 8-3 record

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Thankfully for the 49ers the humorous incident didn’t throw CMC off his game. He had a stellar performance where he put up 114 yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns, while adding another 25 yards on five receptions.

He whipped up quite the appetite during the victory and managed to enjoy a postgame Thanksgiving meal with his teammates on Lumen Field.

“That was awesome,” McCaffrey said. “It was actually really good turkey, too. I have no idea how they kept all of the dishes hot … but the turkey was really good, well cooked. It wasn’t dry at all and like I said, still hot, which was impressive for being 20 minutes after the game.”

However, he still had one minor critique.

“I was bummed I didn’t get the sweet potato with the marshmallows,” he told reporters afterwards.

All in all though it was the perfect Thanksgiving afternoon for CMC and his teammates.

With their tenth consecutive win in the NFC West division the Niners move to 8-3 for the season.

Next up for them is a huge Week 13 clash with the Philadelphia Eagles.

‘No, you shut up’ – Furious Novak Djokovic clashes with rowdy British fans at Davis Cup

Sean O'Brien — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 08:37:40 +0000

Novak Djokovic clashed with noisy British supporters during Serbia’s Davis Cup win over Great Britain.

The 24-time grand slam champion led his nation to a 2-0 quarter-final triumph with a 6-4 6-4 victory over Cameron Norrie in Malaga.

Djokovic is a master at channelling negative energy from the crowd

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Playing in front of a 5,000-strong British crowd, Djokovic grew increasingly irritated by a perceived lack of respect and blew kisses to the stands at the end of the first set.

Then, as fans starting banging drums during his post-match interview, a furious Djokovic said: “Learn how to respect players, learn how to behave yourself. No, you shut up, you be quiet.”

Reflecting on the outburst during his post-match press conference, the world no.1 explained: “In the Davis Cup, it’s normal that sometimes fans step over the line but, in the heat of the moment, you react too, and you show that you don’t allow this kind of behaviour.

“They can do whatever they want, but I’m going to respond to that. I was trying to talk and they were purposely starting to play the drums so that I don’t talk and they were trying to annoy me the entire match. So we had a little bit of a chat in the end.”

Djokovic is well-accustomed to vitriolic treatment from tennis crowds and Britain captain Leon Smith insists the Davis Cup is meant to be rowdy.

“That’s one of the things that’s good about Davis Cup and the team competition that actually you’re kind of meant to make noise,” Smith said.

“Whether there is a bit that goes over, comments, I could hear a couple – I don’t think it’s that bad. I would hate to see it quietening down, because there’s enough quiet tennis as it is.”

Drama.

The Team GB section was playing drums during Djokovic’s interview, after knocking Great Britain out of the Davis Cup:

Novak replied: "Learn how to respect players, learn how to respect people, you shut up, you be quiet." pic.twitter.com/SNNsCcxtSn
— Olly (@Olly_Tennis_) November 23, 2023

Tony Bellew gets mouthful of pig testicle on I’m a Celebrity and is placed in camp with Nigel Farage after calling him a ‘maniac’

Jackson Cole — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:44:47 +0000

Tony Bellew had a not-so-tasty start to life on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, but things could get tasty between him and Nigel Farage.

Along with racing legend Frankie Dettori, Bellew was a late arrival in the jungle, but was thrown straight into the deep end on Thursday night’s episode with his own Bush Tucker Trial.

Bellew entered camp on Thursday night’s show but got off to a losing start

ITV

They were up against each other as they had to make their way through an obstacle course… while holding pig testicles in their mouths.

Former WBC cruiserweight champion Bellew boasted a professional boxing record of 30-3-1 but has a Bush Tucker trial record of 0-1 as the nimble Dettori came out the victor.

The result means Bellew is part of the ‘Away Camp’, who receive smaller and lower quality food supplies and camp amenities.

It also means he’ll share camp with former UKIP and Brexit Party leader Farage, and the pair have history.

In November 2022, Farage posted a video on Twitter with the caption: “According to the ONS figures, London, Manchester and Birmingham are now all minority white cities.”

Bellew responded: “Why does someone’s colour matter? Who cares if you’re white, black, yellow or pink? All that matters is are they good or no good people!

“Learn to see people for who they are and not what they look like! It’s cos of people like you that racism still exists! Absolute maniac you are!”

So far there’s been no sign of a rumble in the jungle between Bellew and Farage, but Bellew is finding it difficult to adjust to camp life.

Bellew has taken some brutal punches in his career and now he’s holding pig testicles in his mouth

ITV

Bellew and Farage don’t see eye to eye politically

X @TonyBellew

But now they’ve got to work together

ITV

Farage vs Bellew wouldn’t be as good a Rumble in the Jungle as Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman

ITV

Receiving a measly portion of beans, the 40-year-old decided it wasn’t for him and even spat out some of the food he initially tried.

Bellew has some fight on his hands.

Bellew hasn’t had the easiest of starts

ITV

NFL fans troll Detroit Lions as Thanksgiving curse continues following defeat to Packers

Joshua Rogers — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 21:30:40 +0000

The Lions’ Thanksgiving curse strikes again.

Detroit’s abysmal Turkey Day fortunes continued for another year after a 22-29 defeat to the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on Thursday.

The infamous Family Guy Lions meme was also brought out on what’s become an annual tradition

Twitter

After losing to the Packers, the Lions’ Thanksgiving record moves to 37-45-2, with their last victory on the national holiday coming in 2016 when they beat the Minnesota Vikings, 16-13.

Unfortunately for the Lions, the rest of the NFL world seemed to be loving their latest Thanksgiving misery.

Fans were piling in on the franchise on social media and ridiculing them with various memes and jokes about how terrible their Thanksgiving record is.

‘The old lions showing up on Thanksgiving,’ one fan said after the game.

Many also shared an infamous Family Guy gag where Brian, the family dog, falls into a pit with two lions.

“Easy there”, Brian says as he backs away from the wild animals. “It’s Thanksgiving, shouldn’t you be in Detroit losing a football game right now?”

‘The Lions can’t buy a win on Thanksgiving,’ another person remarked.

‘It’s the Lions on Thanksgiving. It’s tradition for them to lose,’ a rival fan commented.

The Detroit Lions Thanksgiving memes and jokes were in full flow on social media as their curse continued

Twitter

The Lions now drop to 8-3 on the season after one of their sloppiest performances of the season.

The Packers scored a season-high 20 first-quarter points to jump out to an early 20-6 lead, leaving the Lions a fair bit to do in the remaining three quarters.

Green Bay were in control throughout most of the game though, and despite the Lions scoring a touchdown on their final drive, the result was never really in doubt.

Quarterbacks Jordan Love and Jared Goff couldn’t have had more opposite afternoons. The Packers signal caller completed 22 of 31 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns while Goff fumbled three times – including one which was recovered for a TD.

The Lions still hold a lead in the NFC North, but are now 1.5 games behind the Philadelphia Eagles for home-field advantage in the NFC.

Crucially, though, their Thanksgiving hoodoo continues with their seventh straight Thanksgiving loss.

Matt LaFleur furious with Lions security guard who tackled him while running to locker room

Joshua Rogers — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 20:22:58 +0000

Matt LaFleur was bizarrely tackled by a security guard as he ran to the locker room at halftime of the Packers-Lions Thanksgiving game.

The Packers head coach was running off the sidelines with his team up 23-6 when the security guard appeared to tackle him.

Fox’s broadcast highlighted the incident before Jack Harlow’s halftime performance

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LaFleur looked pretty agitated with the individual as he spun around and appeared to say something before heading off to the locker room.

“Matt LaFleur out here with that ‘Do you know who I am?’ Energy,” one NFL fan on X, formerly Twitter, wrote.

“Security trying to get fired at halftime so he can make it home for the Turkey,” joked a second.

“Security thought he was a drunk fan,” a third quipped.

However, Fox Sports’ Mark Rinaldi managed to catch a few words from LaFleur when he came back out onto the field.

“That’s never happened to me, ever, in my coaching career. I was fully committed and I wasn’t going to be stopped.”

Perhaps the employee didn’t recognise him but that seems unlikely given the Packers HC is one of the winningest active coaches in the league and has been at the helm in Green Bay for four years.

It could well have been an accident. Nobody on the Fox broadcast could explain the altercation, with Greg Olsen and Kevin Burkhardt unable to provide furthers details on what went down.

The Packers head coach was already seething after the refs missed a blatant pass interference penalty

Twitter

LaFelur was already pretty heated at the refs missing a pass interference penalty at the end of the first half.

Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love threw a pass to receiver Christian Watson for what should have been a touchdown but he got tangled up with Lions defensive back Cameron Stutton.

The officials failed to call the interference and LaFleur, who couldn’t understand why, got visibly annoyed.

Still, it was a fine first half for LaFleur’s team who led by 17 points. The Packers gained 247 yards with Love going 15-for-20 for 189 yards and two touchdowns.

Matt LaFleur was stopped by a security guard on his way to the locker room pic.twitter.com/3AG8lG0GBH
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 23, 2023

Despite scoring on their opening drive, Detroit only gained 72 yards on five drives after that, with QB Jared Goff completing 8 of 16 passes for 100 yards and two sloppy fumbles.

There was a late rally from the home team in the second half, but the Packers were able to see out the game, 29-22.

The win keeps the Packers on pace with Vikings for the No. 7 seed in the NFC. They remain third in the NFC North and just game in the loss column behind the Vikings for the final playoff spot.

It was also a proud day for Biles/Owens household to celebrate with the Olympic gymnast in the crowd to see husband Jonathan score a touchdown.

Writing on social media, the proud Olympian wrote: “THAT’S MY HUSBAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY MANS MY MANS MY MANSSSSS LFGGGGGGOOOOOOO.”

Simone Biles was following the action and shared her excitement on Twitter when Owens landed a TD

Twitter

NFL fans blast ‘terrible’ Jack Harlow halftime performance in Lions-Packers Thanksgiving game

Joshua Rogers — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 19:32:25 +0000

Jack Harlow’s halftime performance in the Lions-Packers Thanksgiving game did not go down well on social media.

The ‘Tyler Hero’ rapper took to Ford Field at halftime to perform a medley of his hits, but it’s fair to say NFL fans were not feeling it.

The rapper and singer came out at halftime at Ford Field to perform a medley of songs

Twitter

“Feels like Jack Harlow had no chance with that set design.. he was walking on plastic at one point,” said ESPN’s Pat McAfee.

‘I like Jack Harlow but the production value of this halftime set is pathetic’, one person wrote.

‘Glad I’m not the only one who HATED that Jack Harlow half time show…It was TRASH,’ another said.

‘Jack Harlow is actually so bad how is he popular lol’, a third commented.

‘Jack Harlow with the worst halftime show I’ve ever seen’, a fourth remarked.

‘This Jack Harlow performance is terrible’, someone else said.

Many also didn’t seem to get the theme of the performance which featured a giant igloo and lots of cheerleaders.

The show didn’t seem to go down much better inside Ford Field either. The atmosphere was subdued at best and failed to pump up those in attendance.

The ‘Tyler Herro’ hitmaker came out of a giant igloo in the middle of Ford Field

Twitter

It was announced in October that Harlow would perform during halftime of the game between the Lions and Packers.

“I’m proud to say I’m doing the halftime show at the Thanksgiving game in Detroit here in a little under a month,” Harlow announced after the news broke.” “It’s wonderful.”

The 25-year-old is best known for tracks ‘Tyler Herro,’ ‘First Class’, ‘WHATS POPPIN’ and ‘Nail Tech’. He’s also worked with the likes of Drake, Eminem, Drake and Lil Wayne, and has been nominated for six Grammys.

Harlow also made his acting debut in 2023 in the film ‘White Men Can’t Jump’.

The Packers led 23-6 at the half after QB Jordan Love threw two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Lions quarterback Jared Goff lost two fumbles in a pretty awful 30 minute showing for the home team.

Love was 15-of-20 passing for 189 yards and two scores while Goff was 8-of-16 for 100 yards.

Simone Biles declares ‘that’s my husband!’ as Olympic gymnast celebrates Jonathan Owens’ touchdown vs Lions

Joshua Rogers — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 18:37:47 +0000

Simone Biles couldn’t contain her excitement at husband Jonathan Owens’ touchdown against the Lions on Thanksgiving.

Owens scooped up a Jared Goff fumble during the first quarter and returned it for a 27-yard touchdown as the Packers led the Lions, 20-6.

Biles has been hugely supportive of her husband’s career and regularly attends his games in Green Bay

Instagram - simonebiles

Biles reacted to the touchdown on social media, celebrating the score while exclaiming ‘that’s my husband!’.

“THATS MY HUSBAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY MANS MY MANS MY MANSSSSS LFGGGGGGOOOOOOO,” Biles wrote while retweeting a video of her partner’s TD.

Fans were loving her support and commented on how well Owens was playing up to that point.

‘Your husband is feasting right now,’ one person said.

‘YOUR GUY IS HIM’ added another.

‘Your husband making you proud big time !!! LOVE IT !!!’, a third remarked.

It was an impressive play from the Packers safety, who only joined the franchise in 2023.

It was the first touchdown of his career since joining the league in 2018. He had one interception and one fumble recovery in his career headed into Thursday’s game.

The legendary Olympic gymnast was following the action and shared her excitement on Twitter

Twitter

Owens and Biles tied the knot earlier this year and the Olympic gold medallist has become a regular feature at Lambeau Field.

Many expected her to be in attendance for the Thanksgiving game in Detroit but it appears she’s enjoying the action from afar.

The couples’ romance began in March 2020 after meeting on an app when the NFL safety was still a member of the Houston Texans.

They exchanged wedding vows during an intimate courthouse ceremony in Houston, Texas in April 2023, and tied the knot for a second time in a lavish ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico several weeks later.

Despite Owens moving to Wisconsin ahead of this season, the couple have managed to balance long-distance relationship.

Biles has fully immersed herself among the Cheesehead faithful and can often be spotted cheering Owens on from the sidelines of his home games.

Last week she was at Lambeau Field to watch Owens beat the Los Angeles Chargers 23-20.

Jared Goff ‘channels inner Peyton Manning’ with huge red forehead mark during Lions Thanksgiving game

Joshua Rogers — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 18:08:13 +0000

Jared Goff’s forehead looked a little worse for wear ahead of the Lions’ Thanksgiving game against the Packers.

During the national anthem, the Detroit quarterback could be seen with a big, red mark across his forehead and fans online thought it was reminiscent of Peyton Manning.

The bright red mark was clearly visible as Goff listened to the National Anthem

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During a powerful rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner, cameras panned to Goff who listened on with his eyes closed.

However, fans couldn’t help but notice the huge mark which brought up memories of Manning.

‘The game didn’t start yet and Jared Goff already has the Peyton forehead,’ one person said.

‘Jared Goff with the Peyton Manning forehead,’ another person said.

Others joked that Goff was ‘channelling his inner Peyton Manning’ while others thought he looked like Marv from the film Home Alone.

Like Goff, the former Colts and Broncos QB was prone to getting a red mark on his forehead during NFL games.

It could usually be seen whenever the two-time Super Bowl winner took off his helmet.

In an interview with Barstool Sports, Manning once addressed the mark joking that it was because of the size of his forehead.

However, the actual reason was because his helmet was so tight that wearing it for any amount of time would leave a red mark.

Goff seemingly experiences a similar thing, although he probably doesn’t care too much – the helmets are required to be tight in order to keep players’ heads secure whenever contact is initiated.

Helmets are usually custom-fit for the best protection but evidently some can be on the tighter side.

It’s obviously working for Goff – his Lions are 8-2 for the first time since 1962 and top of the NFC North.

Why do Detroit Lions have ‘WCF’ on their Thanksgiving jerseys?

Joshua Rogers — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 17:30:00 +0000

The Detroit Lions take on the Green Bay Packers in a Thanksgiving clash at Ford Field.

The Lions play on Turkey Day every year – a tradition that dates back to 1934.

The Lions have had a strong start to the season and are 8-2 for the first time since 1962

Getty

During the game, you may notice a curious ‘WCF’ jersey patch on the left sleeve of the Lions’ uniform.

The initials are unique to the Lions and are a homage to an important figure in the franchise’s history.

What is the meaning of the Detroit Lions ‘WCF’ patch on their Thanksgiving jerseys?

There’s no cryptic meaning to the letters ‘WCF’ on the Lions jerseys.

The initials are simply in honour to former team owner William Clay Ford – WCF – the youngest grandson of Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford, who owned the Lions from 1963 until his death in 2014.

William Clay Ford’s daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp, is now the principal owner of the franchise.

The ‘WCF’ initials have appeared on the Lions uniforms since the 2014 season, and became a permanent fixture in 2016.

The future of the ‘WCF’ sleeve patch remains uncertain though. The NFL allows teams to change their uniforms once every five years, which means the Lions – who last rolled out new uniforms in 2017 – could potentially have a new look next season.

However, team president Rod Wood said recently that no decisions have been made about the ‘WCF’ patch.

The Lions have not won on Thanksgiving since they beat the Vikings in 2016

Getty

Lions don’t have the best Thanksgiving record

Thanksgiving has not been a particularly joyous occasion for Lions fans over the years.

Across their previous 83 Thanksgiving matchups the Lions have a 37-44-2 record.

The last time they won on the day was in 2016 against the Minnesota Vikings, who they beat, 16-13.

However, this year could be the year they break their recent Thanksgiving curse. They’re 8-2 so far this season and take on a Packers team who are 4-6.

Boxer instantly puts opponent to sleep and leaves him sprawled on the ropes with brutal left hook KO

Cameron Temple — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 17:17:08 +0000

Mark Schleib literally knocked his opponent unconscious with a brutal stoppage against Shamal Ram Anuj.

The pair went toe-to-toe in a boxing fight on Wednesday in Australia on the undercard of Nikita Tszyu vs Dylan Biggs.

It was lights out for Ram Anuj as he ate Schleib’s thunderous left hand

X: @MaineventTV

Schleib, 12-2 prior to this fight, was in desperate need of a win coming off the back of two knockout defeats and he bounced back in spectacular fashion.

In round five of the fight, the 30-year-old Schleib found the finish, as he caught his opponent with a thunderous left hook.

Ram Anuj was immediately put to sleep, as his legs buckled and he collapsed down to the canvas.

But, on his way down he was caught by the ropes and he slumped against them unconscious, as Schleib was awarded the victory.

Ram Anuj was immediately attended to by the doctor who eventually helped him out of the ring.

After the knockout, Schleib could be seen shouting at the camera: “I’m coming for everyone.”

And is post-fight interview the Australian revealed the sacrifice he had to make ahead of this clash, saying: “Nine months without my kid. Crying every day before training. I love you Oscar, I hope you’re proud of me son.

“As long as you love me son, I’m always going to be a world champion.

A BRUTAL KO from Mark Schleibs to start the night Is this a contender for knockout of the year?

Order #tszyubiggs LIVE NOW on Main Event: Link in Bio pic.twitter.com/b7NjQWxjq6
— MAIN EVENT (@MainEventTV) November 22, 2023

“My mum, in and out of the [psychiatric] ward, looking after her. Just a lot of relief.”

Meanwhile, former world champion Billy Dib who was on commentary remarked: “That is a vicious knock out blow.

“That’s got to be knock out of the year.

“He bided his time and went bang! He was asleep straight away.”

Why does Lewis Hamilton have number 44 on his car? F1 superstar explains dad’s touching role in Mercedes digits

Jack Cunningham — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:56:06 +0000

Lewis Hamilton is one of the biggest and most recognisable sportspeople in the world.

As a result, his car is regularly the focus of broadcasters and photographers, and they will all notice the number 44 is prominent on his current Mercedes.

Anthony and Lewis share a close bond

AFP

As a seven-time world champion, Hamilton has had ample opportunity to take the number one on his car reserved for the reigning title holder.

However, each time the Brit has elected to continue using his famed digits and the reason is both heartwarming and poignant.

Why does Hamilton have number 44 on his F1 car?

The Mercedes driver uses the number 44 because these were his original digits when he was karting as a kid.

It’s a number that he’s used for pretty much every season he’s raced for Mercedes.

However, when he started at McLaren, he didn’t have the number 44 on his car.

Hamilton sported the number one on his 2009 McLaren, after winning his first world title, but said: “It didn’t look very good on the car; 44 looks better.”

Since leaving his first Formula One team, the 44 has followed the seven-time champion around.

And although it’s connected to his karting days, the number is more about his father than anything else.

You can’t miss Hamilton’s number

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Anthony Hamilton has been with his son throughout his career and is a huge reason why Lewis has reached this level.

So it’s lovely that the British driver pays tribute to his dad with the number 44.

And at the 2019 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, Hamilton explained the reasons behind these digits.

He said: “I always start with the number 44 because that’s the number that I had on my go-kart when I was eight years old.

“It was my dad’s car registration number, F44, so each year, it’s just a new chance to rise to the challenge.”

Why are NFL Thanksgiving teams wearing black and gold patches on their uniforms?

Joshua Rogers — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:53:55 +0000

It’s Thanksgiving which means a mouth-watering NFL triple header is on the cards.

As ever, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are playing, with the Lions taking on the Packers in the early game followed by the Cowboys facing the Commanders.

Madden was a beloved coach, broadcaster and video game legend who is being honoured this Thanksgiving

Getty

This year the third game of the day will see the 49ers travel to the Seahawks.

Why are NFL Thanksgiving teams wearing black gold patches on their uniforms?

A unique addition to the 2023 Thanksgiving games is a black and gold patch which will be worn on all the teams’ uniforms.

At first glance the patches may be difficult to work out, but on closer inspection they reveal an incredibly cool homage to a legendary figure.

The black and gold patches detail a silhouette of Super Bowl-winning-coach-turned-commentator John Madden with his broadcast headset on.

The patch is part of a Thanksgiving tribute to Madden, who famously loved the day, after he passed away in 2021 at the age of 85.

John Madden will also be honoured with a special coin toss

The NFL will also be honouring Madden with a special coin toss prior to each game.

One side of the coin will feature Madden’s face, and the other side will feature a six-legged turducken, in honor of Madden’s favorite Thanksgiving dish.

“Here’s my turducken,” he once said. “It’s turkey — you got the turkey on the outside. Then you stuff the turkey with the duck, then you stuff the duck with the chicken. ‘Tur’ for turkey. ‘Duck’ for duck. And ‘-en’ for chicken. Then you just mix it all up. I’ve been eating it all day.”

The iconic broadcaster is also being commemorated on a special coin which will be used pre-game

Twitter

Madden created many Thanksgiving traditions

There are few NFL figures who loved Thanskgiving more than John Madden.

“There’s no place that I would rather be today on Thanksgiving than right here, right now, at a football game,” Madden said in 1997 during the Bears-Lions Thanksgiving game.

“There are just certain things that go together: the turkey, the family, the tradition, football. … And we have it all today.”

The iconic figure was also responsible for creating many Thanksgiving traditions over his decades covering the sport.

Perhaps his most famous included the Turkey Leg Award, handed out to the MVP of the Thanksgiving game.

Madden started the tradition in 1989 when he handed it to Philadelphia’s Reggie White following a win over the Cowboys.

After beating the Lions last year, three Bills players, Tyler Bass, Stefon Diggs, and Josh Allen, shared the award.

What is still to be decided in F1’s Abu Dhabi season finale? Sainz, Alonso and Norris battle for third, Mercedes vs Ferrari

Jack Johnson — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:49:22 +0000

The Formula One season comes to an end this weekend and there are still some key battles ongoing as the drivers travel to Abu Dhabi.

Max Verstappen has already wrapped up the Drivers’ Championship for the third straight year while Red Bull are runaway Constructors winners again.

Verstappen is already world champion

AFP

But elsewhere on the grid, things can still chop and change, with Mercedes and Ferrari going head-to-head and Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, and Lando Norris set for a battle.

Lots can happen at the Yas Marina Circuit, so talkSPORT.com has broken down what is still to be decided at the final Grand Prix…

Triple threat

Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton are confirmed to be finishing in second and third place in the Drivers’ Championship.

But fourth place is still well up for grabs…

Sainz and Alonso are currently level on 200 points in the position while Norris is only five points behind in fifth.

All three drivers will be battling for that fourth spot in the standings and it could even end in a tie between them all.

If that does happen, Sainz would claim fourth as he has won a Grand Prix this season.

Charles Leclerc is also in contention but he would need a lot to go his way, sitting 12 points behind ahead of the race weekend.

F1 Drivers' Championship

Max Verstappen / Red Bull Racing / 549 CHAMPION
Sergio Perez / Red Bull Racing / 273
Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes / 232
Carlos Sainz / Ferrari / 200
Fernando Alonso / Aston Martin / 200
Lando Norris / McLaren / 195
Charles Leclerc / Ferrari / 188
George Russell / Mercedes / 160
Oscar Piastri / McLaren / 89
Lance Stroll / Aston Martin / 73
Pierre Gasly / Alpine / 62
Esteban Ocon / Alpine / 58
Alexander Albon / Williams / 27
Yuki Tsunoda / Alphatauri / 13
Valtteri Bottas / Alfa Romeo / 10
Nico Hulkenberg / Haas / 9
Daniel Ricciardo / Alphatauri / 6
Zhou Guanyu / Alfa Romeo / 6
Kevin Magnussen / Haas / 3
Liam Lawson / Alphatauri / 2
Logan Sargeant / Williams / 1
Nyck De Vries / Alphatauri / 0 OUT

Sainz’ win in Singapore could prove to be crucial

Getty

Mercedes vs Ferrari

Away from the Drivers’ Championship, there is plenty going down in the Constuctors’.

Red Bull have claimed the crown but the fight for second place continues with Mercedes coming up against Ferrari.

As it stands, Ferrari are four points behind in the standings but that is only a small deficit to turn around in the final Grand Prix of the season.

There is around a £10million difference in prize money between the positions, meaning both teams will be hoping their drivers can pull off a positive drive this weekend.

McLaren vs Aston Martin

Further down the standings, McLaren and Aston Martin are competing for fourth.

Norris and Oscar Piastri have performed well all year and that leaves McLaren on 284 points, sitting 11 points above Aston Martin.

That gives them the advantage going into this weekend and this battle ties in with Norris and Alonso going for P4 in the Drivers’ Championship.

So both drivers will be going all out for personal and team reasons, setting this one up to a very close contest in Abu Dhabi.

F1 Constructors' Championship

Red Bull Racing – 822 points
Mercedes – 392 points
Ferrari – 388 points
McLaren – 284 points
Aston Martin – 273 points
Alpine – 120 points
Williams – 28 points
Alpha Tauri – 21 points
Alfa Romeo – 16 points
Haas – 12 points

Norris will be fighting for himself and his team

Getty

A four-horse race

Alpine are confirmed to be finishing sixth in the Constructors’ Championship.

But below that, there is set to be a four-horse race between Willams, Alpha Tauri, Alfa Romao, and Haas for seventh.

All of those teams can still mathematically claim sixth spot with 16 points separating Williams on 28 and Haas on 12.

However, both Haas and Alfa Romeo are not in good form, and achieving that turnaround in points does not seem likely.

Alpha Tauri have been climbing up the rankings during recent Grand Prix following a poor start to the season and they are expected to battle Williams.

Should they claim seventh, Williams will have finished in their best Constructors’ place in six years.

List of current men’s boxing world champions as Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk reign as heavyweight kings, while Canelo Alvarez rules the super-middleweights

Michael Benson — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:48:00 +0000

Boxing is a complicated and convoluted sport with several world champions in each division.

Most observers recognise that we are now in a four-belt era, with the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO all given credibility as legitimate world titles.

The WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO are recognised as boxing’s four legitimate, major world titles

Simon Stacpoole/Matchroom

See the full list of the current men’s boxing world champions below…

Heavyweight (200lbs+)

WBA – Oleksandr Usyk

WBC – Tyson Fury

IBF – Oleksandr Usyk

WBO – Oleksandr Usyk

_{^{*Mahmoud Charr has the lesser WBA ‘regular’ belt}}

_{^{*Zhilei Zhang has the lesser WBO ‘interim’ belt}}

Usyk and Fury rule the heavyweight division

Getty

Bridgerweight (224lbs)

WBC – Lukasz Rozanski

The WBC invented the bridgerweight division in 2020, though many deem it unnecessary with none of the other three sanctioning bodies following suit

Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER

Cruiserweight (200lbs)

WBA – Arsen Goulamirian

WBC – Noel Mikaelian

IBF – Jai Opetaia

WBO – Chris Billam-Smith

Billam-Smith is the WBO cruiserweight world champion

Getty

Light-Heavyweight (175lbs)

WBA – Dmitry Bivol

WBC – Artur Beterbiev

IBF – Artur Beterbiev

WBO – Artur Beterbiev

Beterbiev and Bivol own the belts at light-heavyweight

Super-Middleweight (168lbs)

WBA – Canelo Alvarez

WBC – Canelo Alvarez

IBF – Canelo Alvarez

WBO – Canelo Alvarez

^{*David Morrell has the lesser WBA ‘regular’ belt}

^{*David Benavidez has the lesser WBC ‘interim’ belt}

Canelo is the undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO super-middleweight world champion

Amanda Westcott/Showtime

Middleweight (160lbs)

WBA – Erislandy Lara

WBC – Jermall Charlo

IBF – Janibek Alimkhanuly

WBO – Janibek Alimkhanuly

^{*Carlos Adames has the lesser WBC ‘interim’ belt}

Jermall Charlo is the WBC middleweight world champion

Leo Wilson/PBC

Super-Welterweight (154lbs)

WBA – Jermell Charlo

WBC – Jermell Charlo

IBF – Jermell Charlo

WBO – Tim Tszyu

Jermell Charlo is the unified WBA, WBC and IBF super-welterweight world champion

Stephanie Trapp/Showtime

Welterweight (147lbs)

WBA – Terence Crawford

WBC – Terence Crawford

IBF – Jaron Ennis

WBO – Terence Crawford

^{*Eimantas Stanionis has the lesser WBA ‘regular’ belt}

^{*Mario Barrios has the lesser WBC ‘interim’ belt}

Crawford is the unified WBA, WBC and WBO welterweight world champion

Getty

Super-Lightweight (140lbs)

WBA – Rolly Romero

WBC – Regis Prograis

IBF – Subriel Matias

WBO – Teofimo Lopez

Lopez is the WBO super-lightweight world champion

Getty

Lightweight (135lbs)

WBA – Devin Haney

WBC – Vacant

IBF – Devin Haney

WBO – Devin Haney

^{*Gervonta Davis has the lesser WBA ‘regular’ belt}

Haney is the unified WBA, IBF and WBO lightweight world champion

Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Super-Featherweight (130lbs)

WBA – Hector Garcia

WBC – O’Shaquie Foster

IBF – Joe Cordina

WBO – Emanuel Navarrete

Garcia holds the WBA belt at super-featherweight

Getty

Featherweight (126lbs)

WBA – Leigh Wood

WBC – Rey Vargas

IBF – Luis Alberto Lopez

WBO – Robeisy Ramirez

^{*Brandon Figueroa has the lesser WBC ‘interim’ belt}

Wood is the WBA featherweight world champion

Dan Thompson/Matchroom

Super-Bantamweight (122lbs)

WBA – Marlon Tapales

WBC – Naoya Inoue

IBF – Marlon Tapales

WBO – Naoya Inoue

Inoue is the unified WBC and WBO super-bantamweight world champion

Naoki Fukuda

Bantamweight (118lbs)

WBA – Takuma Inoue

WBC – Alexandro Santiago

IBF – Emmanuel Rodriguez

WBO – Jason Moloney

Santiago is the WBC bantamweight world champion

Ryan Hafey/PBC

Super-Flyweight (115lbs)

WBA – Kazuto Ioka

WBC – Juan Estrada

IBF – Fernando Martinez

WBO – Junto Nakatani

^{*Carlos Cuadras has the lesser WBC ‘interim’ belt}

Estrada is the WBC super-flyweight king

Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

Flyweight (112lbs)

WBA – Artem Dalakian

WBC – Julio Cesar Martinez

IBF – Sunny Edwards

WBO – Jesse Rodriguez

Edwards is the IBF flyweight world champion

Light-Flyweight (108lbs)

WBA – Kenshiro Teraji

WBC – Kenshiro Teraji

IBF – Adrian Curiel

WBO – Jonathan Gonzalez

Kenshiro owns the WBA and WBC belts at light-flyweight

Getty

Minimumweight (105lbs)

WBA – Knockout CP Freshmart (Thammanoon Niyomtrong)

WBC – Yudai Shigeoka

IBF – Ginjiro Shigeoka

WBO – Oscar Collazo

^{*Erick Rosa has the lesser WBA ‘regular’ belt}

Boxing schedule 2023: All major fights, dates and results including Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder

Michael Benson — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:38:31 +0000

The 2023 boxing calendar has delivered some fantastic fights – with plenty more on the way.

The heavyweight division will see some exciting action in the coming months. Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder will be on the same card in Saudi Arabia on December 23, before a huge undisputed showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on February 17.

All the heavyweight belts will be on the line when Usyk and Fury clash

Getty

Here is a list of the major fights scheduled for the remainder of 2023 and early 2024…

November 25, Dublin, Ireland – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Chantelle Cameron vs Katie Taylor 2 (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO Super-Lightweight World Titles)

November 25, Las Vegas, USA – Al Haymon’s PBC

Fite TV // Showtime PPV

David Benavidez vs Demetrius Andrade (WBC ‘Interim’ Super-Middleweight Belt)
Jermall Charlo vs Jose Benavidez Jr (163lbs Catchweight)

Benavidez vs Andrade is set for Saturday night

Esther Lin/SHOWTIME December 2, Belfast, UK – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Michael Conlan vs Jordan Gill (Featherweight)
Caoimhin Agyarko vs Troy Williamson (Super-Welterweight)

December 2, Texas, USA – Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy

DAZN // DAZN

Ryan Garcia vs Oscar Duarte (Super-Lightweight)
Ohara Davies vs Ismael Barroso (WBA ‘Interim’ Super-Lightweight

December 9, San Francisco, USA – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Regis Prograis vs Devin Haney (WBC Super-Lightweight World Title)

December 10, Bournemouth, UK – Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Sky Sports // Peacock

Chris Billam-Smith vs Mateusz Masternak (WBO Cruiserweight World Title)

Garcia is back in action in December

Getty December 15, Florida, USA – Jake Paul’s MVP

DAZN // DAZN

Jake Paul vs Andre August (Weight TBC)

December 16, Arizona, USA – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs Sunny Edwards (IBF and WBO Flyweight World Titles)

December 16, Minneapolis, USA – Al Haymon’s PBC

None Confirmed // Showtime

David Morrell vs Sena Agbeko (WBA ‘Regular’ Super-Middleweight Belt)

December 23, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season

None Confirmed // None Confirmed

Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin (Heavyweight)
Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker (Heavyweight)
Daniel Dubois vs Jarrell Miller (Heavyweight)
Jai Opetaia vs Ellis Zorro (IBF Cruiserweight World Title)
Dmitry Bivol vs Lyndon Arthur (WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title)

December 26, Tokyo, Japan – Hideyuki Ohashi’s Ohashi

Sky Sports // ESPN+

Naoya Inoue vs Marlon Tapales (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO Super-Bantamweight World Titles)

Aj and Wilder will fight on the same card in December

Queensberry January 6, Las Vegas, USA – Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy

DAZN // DAZN

Vergil Ortiz vs Fredrick Lawson (Super-Welterweight)

January 13, Quebec City, Canada – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Sky Sports // ESPN

Artur Beterbiev vs Callum Smith (WBC, IBF and WBO Light-Heavyweight World Titles)

January 20, Liverpool, UK – Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Sky Sports // Peacock

Natasha Jonas vs Mikaela Mayer (IBF Welterweight World Title)

February 3, London, UK – Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Sky Sports // Peacock

Joshua Buatsi vs Dan Azeez (European and British Light-Heavyweight Title)

February 9/10/11, Venue TBC – Zeus Network

Zeus Network Online PPV // Zeus Network Online PPV

Floyd Mayweather vs John Gotti III (Exhibition)

February 17, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season

None Confirmed // None Confirmed

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO Heavyweight World Titles)

Fury vs Usyk is set to crown an undisputed heavyweight world champion

Top Rank

Results

January 7, Washington DC, USA – Al Haymon’s PBC

None Confirmed // Showtime PPV

Gervonta Davis TKO9 Hector Luis Garcia (WBA ‘Regular’ Lightweight Belt)
Jaron Ennis UD Karen Chukhadzhian (IBF ‘Interim’ Welterweight Belt)
Demetrius Andrade UD Demond Nicholson (Super-Middleweight)

January 14, Wembley Arena, London, UK – KSI’s Misfits Boxing

DAZN PPV // DAZN

KSI KO1 FaZe Temperrr (177½lbs Catchweight)

January 14, Verona, New York, USA – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Sky Sports // ESPN

Efe Ajagba UD Stephan Shaw (Heavyweight)

January 21, AO Arena, Manchester, UK – Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Sky Sports PPV // DAZN

Liam Smith TKO4 Chris Eubank Jr (Middleweight)
Richard Riakporhe TKO4 Krzysztof Glowacki (Cruiserweight)
Joseph Parker UD Jack Massey (Heavyweight)

January 28, Wembley Arena, London, UK – Frank Warren’s Queensberry

BT Sport // ESPN+

Artur Beterbiev TKO8 Anthony Yarde (WBC, IBF and WBO Light-Heavyweight World Titles)

February 3, Arizona, USA – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Sky Sports // ESPN

Emanuel Navarrete TKO9 Liam Wilson (WBO Super-Featherweight World Title)

February 4, MSG Theater, New York, USA – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Amanda Serrano UD Erika Cruz (WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO Featherweight World Titles)
Alycia Baumgardner UD Elhem Mekhaled (WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO Super-Featherweight World Titles)

February 11, Wembley Arena, London, UK – Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Sky Sports // None Confirmed

Adam Azim UD Santos Reyes (Super-Lightweight)

February 11, San Antonio, Texas, USA – Al Haymon’s PBC

None Confirmed // Showtime PPV

O’Shaquie Foster UD Rey Vargas (WBC Super-Featherweight World Title)

February 18, Nottingham, UK – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Mauricio Lara TKO7 Leigh Wood (WBA Featherweight World Title)

February 25, O2 Arena, London, UK – FrontRow Entertainment

Zeus Network Online PPV // Zeus Network Online PPV

Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers (Exhibition – No Result)

February 26, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia – Frank Warren’s Queensberry and Jake Paul’s MVP

BT Sport PPV // ESPN+ PPV

Tommy Fury SD Jake Paul (185lbs Catchweight)
Badou Jack TKO12 Ilunga Makabu (WBC Cruiserweight World Title)

March 4, Ontario, USA – Al Haymon’s PBC

None Confirmed // Showtime

Brandon Figueroa UD Mark Magsayo (WBC ‘Interim’ Featherweight Belt)

March 11, Paris, France – Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Sky Sports // None Confirmed

Carlos Takam SD Tony Yoka (Heavyweight)
Dan Azeez TKO12 Thomas Faure (European Light-Heavyweight Title)

March 12, Sydney, Australia – George Rose’s No Limit

None Confirmed // None Confirmed

Tim Tszyu TKO9 Tony Harrison (WBO ‘Interim’ Super-Welterweight Belt)

March 25, Manchester Arena, Manchester, UK – Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Sky Sports // None Confirmed

Lawrence Okolie UD David Light (WBO Cruiserweight World Title)

March 25, Las Vegas, USA – Al Haymon’s PBC

None Confirmed // Showtime PPV

David Benavidez UD Caleb Plant (Super-Middleweight)

March 25, Fresno, California, USA – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Sky Sports // ESPN

Jose Ramirez TKO11 Richard Commey (Super-Lightweight)

April 1, O2 Arena, London, UK – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Anthony Joshua UD Jermaine Franklin (Heavyweight)

April 8, Tokyo, Japan – Akihiko Honda’s Teiken

None Confirmed // None Confirmed

Kenshiro Teraji TKO9 Anthony Olascuaga (WBA and WBC Light-Flyweight World Titles)
Takuma Inoue UD Liborio Solis (WBA Bantamweight World Title)

April 8, Newark, USA – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Sky Sports // ESPN

Shakur Stevenson TKO6 Shuichiro Yoshino (Lightweight)

April 8, San Antonio, USA – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Jesse Rodriguez UD Cristian Gonzalez (WBO Flyweight World Title)
Marlon Tapales SD Murodjon Akhmadaliev (WBA and IBF Super-Bantamweight World Titles)

April 15, London, UK – Frank Warren’s Queensberry

BT Sport // None Confirmed

Zhilei Zhang TKO6 Joe Joyce (WBO ‘Interim’ Heavyweight Belt)

April 22, Cardiff, UK – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Joe Cordina SD Shavkat Rakhimov (IBF Super-Featherweight World Title)

April 22, Las Vegas, USA – Al Haymon’s PBC and Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy

DAZN // Showtime PPV

Gervonta Davis KO7 Ryan Garcia (136lbs Catchweight)
David Morrell Jr KO1 Yamaguchi Falcao (WBA ‘Regular’ Super-Middleweight Belt)
Bektemir Melikuziev UD Gabriel Rosado 2 (Super-Middleweight)

May 6, Birmingham, UK – Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Sky Sports // None Confirmed

Joshua Buatsi UD Pawel Stepien (Light-Heavyweight)

May 6, Jalisco, Mexico – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN PPV

Canelo Alvarez UD John Ryder (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO Super-Middleweight World Titles)

May 13, Wembley Arena, London, UK – KSI’s Misfits Boxing

DAZN PPV // DAZN

KSI KO2 Joe Fournier (176lbs Catchweight)
Deji UD Swarmz (172lbs Catchweight)
Anthony Taylor UD Salt Papi (185lbs Catchweight)

May 13, Las Vegas, USA – Al Haymon’s PBC

None Confirmed // Showtime

Rolly Romero TKO9 Ismael Barroso (WBA Super-Lightweight World Title)

May 20, Dublin, Ireland – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Chantelle Cameron MD Katie Taylor (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO Super-Lightweight World Titles)

May 20, Las Vegas, USA – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Sky Sports // ESPN+ PPV

Devin Haney UD Vasyl Lomachenko (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO Lightweight World Titles)
Oscar Valdez UD Adam Lopez 2 (Super-Featherweight)

May 24, Melbourne, Australia – George Rose’s No Limit

None Confirmed // None Confirmed

Joseph Parker TKO1 Faiga Opelu (Commonwealth Heavyweight Title)

May 27, Manchester Arena, UK – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Leigh Wood UD Mauricio Lara 2 (WBA Featherweight World Title)
Jack Catterall UD Darragh Foley (Super-Lightweight)

May 27, Bournemouth, UK – Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Sky Sports // None Confirmed

Chris Billam-Smith MD Lawrence Okolie (WBO Cruiserweight World Title)

May 27, Belfast, UK – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

BT Sport // ESPN+

Luis Alberto Lopez TKO5 Michael Conlan (IBF Featherweight World Title)

June 3, Detroit, USA – Dmitry Salita’s Salita Promotions

DAZN // DAZN

Claressa Shields UD Marciela Cornejo (WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO Middleweight World Titles)

June 10, London, UK – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Sunny Edwards UD Andres Campos (IBF Flyweight World Title)

June 10, New York, USA – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Sky Sports // ESPN

Teofimo Lopez UD Josh Taylor (WBO Super-Lightweight World Title)

June 10, California, USA – Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy

DAZN // DAZN

Jaime Munguia UD Sergiy Derevyanchenko (Middleweight)

June 11, Florida, USA – Zeus Network

Zeus Network Online PPV // Zeus Network Online PPV

Floyd Mayweather vs John Gotti III (Exhibition – No Result)

June 16, London, UK – Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Sky Sports // None Confirmed

Frazer Clarke UD Mariusz Wach (Heavyweight)
Viddal Riley TKO4 Anees Taj 2 (Cruiserweight)

June 17, New Orleans, USA – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Regis Prograis UD Danielito Zorrilla (WBC Super-Lightweight World Title)

June 17, Gold Coast, Australia – George Rose’s No Limit

None Confirmed // Showtime

Tim Tszyu TKO1 Carlos Ocampo (WBO ‘Interim’ Super-Welterweight Belt)

June 24, Tokyo, Japan – Takuya Kiya’s Shisei

None Confirmed // None Confirmed

Kazuto Ioka UD Joshua Franco 2 (WBA Super-Flyweight World Title)

June 24, New York, USA – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Edgar Berlanga UD Jason Quigley (Super-Middleweight)

June 24, Minneapolis, USA – Al Haymon’s PBC

None Confirmed // Showtime

Carlos Adames TKO9 Julian Williams (WBC ‘Interim’ Middleweight Belt)

July 1, Manchester, UK – Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Sky Sports // None Confirmed

Savannah Marshall MD Franchon Crews-Dezurn (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO Super-Middleweight World Titles)
Natasha Jonas TKO8 Kandi Wyatt (IBF Welterweight World Title)

July 1, Sheffield, UK – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Dalton Smith KO7 Sam Maxwell (British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight Titles)

July 1, Ohio, USA – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Sky Sports // ESPN

Jared Anderson UD Charles Martin (Heavyweight)

July 8, New Jersey, USA – Al Haymon’s PBC

None Confirmed // Showtime

Jaron Ennis TKO10 Roiman Villa (IBF ‘Interim’ Welterweight Belt)

July 15, Detroit, USA – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Alycia Baumgardner UD Christina Linardatou 2 (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO Super-Featherweight World Titles)
Andy Cruz UD Juan Carlos Burgos (Lightweight)

July 15, Las Vegas, USA – Al Haymon’s PBC

None Confirmed // Showtime

Frank Martin UD Artem Harutyunyan (Lightweight)

July 22, Oklahoma – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Sky Sports // ESPN

George Kambosos Jr MD Maxi Hughes (Lightweight)

July 25, Tokyo, Japan – Hideyuki Ohashi’s Ohashi

Sky Sports // ESPN+

Naoya Inoue TKO8 Stephen Fulton (WBC and WBO Super-Bantamweight World Titles)

July 29, Telford, UK – Frank Warren’s Queensberry

TNT Sports // None Confirmed

Liam Davies TKO1 Jason Cunningham (European and British Super-Bantamweight Titles)

July 29, Las Vegas, USA – Al Haymon’s PBC

TNT Sports PPV // Showtime PPV

Terence Crawford TKO9 Errol Spence (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO Welterweight World Titles)
Isaac Cruz SD Giovanni Cabrera (Lightweight)
Alexandro Santiago UD Nonito Donaire (WBC Bantamweight World Title)

August 5, Dallas, USA – Jake Paul’s MVP

DAZN PPV // DAZN PPV

Jake Paul UD Nate Diaz (185lbs Catchweight)
Amanda Serrano UD Heather Hardy 2 (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO Featherweight World Titles)

August 12, O2 Arena, London, UK – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN PPV // DAZN

Anthony Joshua KO7 Robert Helenius (Heavyweight)
Filip Hrgovic TKO12 Demsey McKean (Heavyweight)
Derek Chisora UD Gerald Washington (Heavyweight)

August 12, Arizona, USA – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Sky Sports // ESPN

Emanuel Navarrete UD Oscar Valdez (WBO Super-Featherweight World Title)

August 18, York Hall, London, UK – Frank Warren’s Queensberry

TNT Sports // None Confirmed

Dennis McCann TD (Draw) Ionut Baluta (Super-Bantamweight)

August 19, Birmingham, UK – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Galal Yafai TKO1 Tommy Frank (Flyweight)

August 26, Wroclaw, Poland – Alex Krassyuk’s K2

TNT Sports PPV // None Confirmed

Oleksandr Usyk TKO9 Daniel Dubois (WBA, IBF and WBO Heavyweight World Titles)

August 26, Tulsa, USA – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Sky Sports // ESPN

Jared Anderson TKO5 Andriy Rudenko (Heavyweight)
Bakhodir Jalolov TKO1 Onoriode Ehwarieme (Heavyweight)

September 2, Manchester Arena, UK – Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Sky Sports PPV // None Confirmed

Chris Eubank Jr TKO10 Liam Smith (Middleweight)

September 15, Texas, USA – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Sky Sports // ESPN

Luis Alberto Lopez UD Joet Gonzalez (IBF Featherweight World Title)

September 16, California, USA – Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy

DAZN // DAZN

William Zepeda TKO6 Mercito Gesta (Lightweight)

September 18, Tokyo, Japan – Akihiko Honda’s Teiken

None Confirmed // None Confirmed

Kenshiro Teraji TKO9 Hekkie Budler (WBA and WBC Light-Flyweight World Titles)
Junto Nakatani UD Argi Cortes (WBO Super-Flyweight World Title)

September 23, Wembley Arena, London, UK – Frank Warren’s Queensberry

TNT Sports // None Confirmed

Zhilei Zhang KO3 Joe Joyce 2 (WBO ‘Interim’ Heavyweight Belt)
Anthony Yarde KO2 Jorge Silva (Light-Heavyweight)

September 23, Orlando, USA – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Richardson Hitchins UD Jose Zepeda (Super-Lightweight)
Conor Benn UD Rodolfo Orozco (Super-Welterweight)

September 30, Las Vegas, USA – Al Haymon’s PBC

None Confirmed // Showtime PPV

Canelo Alvarez UD Jermell Charlo (Super-Middleweight)

September 30, Antalya, Turkey – Evgeny Vainshtein’s Ural

None Confirmed // None Confirmed

Otto Wallin SD Murat Gassiev (Heavyweight)

September 30, Wembley Arena, London, UK – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Jai Opetaia TKO4 Jordan Thompson (Cruiserweight)
Ellie Scotney UD Laura Griffa (Super-Bantamweight)

October 6, York Hall, London, UK – Frank Warren’s Queensberry

TNT Sports // None Confirmed

Ellis Zorro UD Luca D’Ortenzi (Light-Heavyweight)

October 7, Sheffield, UK – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Leigh Wood TKO7 Josh Warrington (WBA Featherweight World Title)
Terri Harper MD (Draw) Cecilia Braekhus (WBA and WBO Super-Welterweight World Titles)

October 7, Las Vegas, USA – Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy

DAZN // DAZN

Gilberto Ramirez UD Joe Smith Jr (Cruiserweight)

October 14, Manchester Arena, UK – KSI’s Misfits

DAZN PPV // DAZN PPV

Tommy Fury UD KSI (183lbs Catchweight)
Logan Paul DQ Dillon Danis (195lbs Catchweight)

October 14, Texas, USA – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

None Confirmed // ESPN

Janibek Alimkhanuly TKO6 Vincenzo Gualtieri (IBF and WBO Middleweight World Titles)

October 15, Australia – George Rose’s No Limit

None Confirmed // Showtime

Tim Tszyu UD Brian Mendoza (WBO Super-Welterweight World Title)

October 21, York Hall, London, UK – Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Sky Sports // None Confirmed

Isaac Chamberlain UDMikael Lawal (British Cruiserweight Title)

October 21, Liverpool, UK – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Jack Catterall UD Jorge Linares (Super-Lightweight)

October 27, Florida, USA – Jake Paul’s MVP

DAZN // DAZN

Amanda Serrano UD Danila Ramos (WBA, IBF and WBO Featherweight World Titles)

October 28, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season

TNT Sports PPV // None Confirmed

Tyson Fury SD Francis Ngannou (Heavyweight)
Fabio Wardley TKO7 David Adeleye (Heavyweight)
Joseph Parker KO3 Simon Kean (Heavyweight)
Martin Bakole TKO4 Carlos Takam (Heavyweight)

October 28, Mexico – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

O’Shaquie Foster TKO12 Eduardo Hernandez (WBC Super-Featherweight World Title)

November 4, Monte Carlo, Monaco – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Joe Cordina UD Edward Vazquez (IBF Super-Featherweight World Title)

November 16, Las Vegas, USA – Bob Arum’s Top Rank

TNT Sports // ESPN

Shakur Stevenson UD Edwin De Los Santos (WBC Lightweight World Title)
Emanuel Navarrete MAJORITY DRAW Robson Conceicao (WBO Super-Featherweight World Title)

November 18, Manchester, UK – Frank Warren’s Queensberry

TNT Sports // None Confirmed

Nick Ball UD Isaac Dogboe (Featherweight)
Nathan Heaney MD Denzel Bentley (British Middleweight Title)

November 18, Wolverhampton UK – Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Sky Sports // None Confirmed

Adam Azim TKO10 Franck Petitjean (European Super-Lightweight Title)

November 18, California, USA – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

DAZN // DAZN

Diego Pacheco KO9 Marcelo Esteban Coceres (Super-Middleweight)

NFL fans in awe at ‘savage’ DK Metcalf for learning sign language to escape fines for trash talking

Joshua Rogers — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:03:22 +0000

DK Metcalf has an ingenious way of trash talking.

The Seattle Seahawks wide receiver is known for being a bit of a hot head, and has gone to great lengths to be able to taunt his opponents without getting penalised by referees.

Metcalf used sign language to let Ahkello Witherspoon know he was his ‘son’

Twitter

Metcalf recently appeared on the Rich Eisen Show where he revealed he has enrolled in American Sign Language (ASL) classes on his off days in order to trash talk more creatively during games.

The Pro Bowl wideout explained that sign language has enabled him to talk smack without officials realising what he’s up to.

During his interview, Metcalf said, “I kept getting flags for my mouthing, so, got sign my s*** talkin now.”

And in Week 11 against the Rams, Metcalf was able to apply his newfound skills to taunt LA cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon.

After scoring in the first quarter, Metcalf used American Sign Language to sign “44 is my son” to Witherspoon, in reference to the Rams CB’s jersey number.

Fans found out about DK’s trash talking and were in awe of his creativity.

‘Now they about to hire refs who know sign language to start flagging this,’ one remarked.

The Seahawks WR scored a touchdown in the first quarter against the Rams which prompted his creative trash talking

Twitter

‘SAVAGE’, another replied.

‘It’s all fun and games until the league starts signing his fines! Just saying…’ a third commented.

‘Next level hater,’ a fourth joked.

Witherspoon would ultimately have the last laugh though as the Rams won the game, 17-16.

Metcalf finished the game with five catches for 94 yards and one touchdown.

For the season, he leads the Seahawks with 646 receiving yards on 40 receptions and three touchdowns. Seattle ranks 13^th in the NFL for passing yards (2,308) and 11^th in yards per attempt (6.7) and are 6-4 for the season.

They’re currently second in the NFC West and face the San Francisco 49ers next in a Thanksgiving clash at Lumen Field.

Keep your eyes peeled for any trash talking – or trash signing – from Metcalf in that game.

NFL legend Barry Sanders backs Detroit Lions to ‘do something special’ and end Super Bowl curse

Brian T. Smith — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:38:10 +0000

Barry Sanders believes in the Detroit Lions.

That says it all when it comes to the repaired relationship between one of the greatest running backs in NFL history and a franchise that was so inept there was no way that Sanders was even reaching a Super Bowl when he spent 10 thrilling but frustrating seasons starring for Detroit.

Barry Sanders when he was the best running back in the NFL and destroying defenses

Getty

“We’re sitting right now exactly where we wanted to be this time of the year,” Sanders exclusively told talkSPORT. “You’ve got the Thanksgiving game — that’s always a big game.

“Lions fans are excited. We’ve been waiting for this sort of a team for many, many years now. We’ve seen it building the last few seasons but this is exactly what we hoped for.”

Times have definitely changed for the 55-year-old Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Famer who ranks fourth in league history with 15,269 career rushing yards, and a Dan Campbell-coached Lions team that has a serious shot at representing the NFC in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.

Campbell’s tough Detroit crew is 8-2 and coming off a gutsy come-from-behind victory over the Chicago Bears.

When the Lions play their annual Thanksgiving game this evening against the Green Bay Packers, Sanders will already be believing in a remade team and franchise whose next Super Bowl appearance will be its first.

“They absolutely have a chance to go and do something special,” Sanders said. “You see the way they pulled that game out (Sunday against Chicago). To be able to overcome those turnovers and come back and get a win, I just think the team of the past in recent years, I don’t know if they win that game.”

Sanders is a 10-time Pro Bowler who won the 1997 NFL MVP and was twice named Offensive Player of the Year.

His highlight reels are the stuff of internet legend.

Barry Sanders runs look like a video game

@Lions pic.twitter.com/E1WYmhNgsw
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) November 21, 2023

Sanders rushed for a stunning 1,470 yards as a rookie, broke the 2,000-yard mark in 1997, then stunned NFL fans worldwide by suddenly retiring in 1999.

A new documentary on Amazon Prime looks back at Sanders’ storied career and a decision that still confuses football devotees.

Almost 25 years after stepping away from the sport, Sanders is watching his Lions with pride.

“To be where they are now, sitting at the top of the division with a nice little little cushion between them and the second place team, you can almost guarantee that they’re gonna have a playoff game, just matter whether it’s a home or away or whatnot,” said Sanders, who was the No. 3 overall pick of the 1989 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State.

“I think they’ve really just met with all the Lions fans’ expectations about what this team could be. Coach Campbell does deserves a ton of credit.”

I heard #WarrenMoon wanted to play with me as well.

Would have loved a shot to play with @JoeMontana https://t.co/roa1R2w3Kq
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) November 20, 2023

The fiery Campbell has made a huge impression on Sanders.

Detroit has changed its football culture and enters a Thanksgiving game against the Green Bay Packers holding the second-best win percentage in the NFL, only trailing the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Lions’ organization has undergone significant change in the decades that have passed since Sanders’ retirement.

With Jared Goff at quarterback, Amon-Ra St. Brown at wide receiver and Aidan Hutchinson at defensive end, Detroit in 2023 is a loaded team still realizing how good it can be.

GettySanders is finally opening up about his early retirement and legendary career[/caption]

It’s easy to imagine how much better one of the NFL’s greatest running backs would have been if he had played for this 8-2 Lions team.

“I think it comes from coach Campbell,” Sanders said. “I think that he’s very serious about the business of football and about his team, come hell or high water, coming out and and giving their best effort.

“Now you got you got a a great roster with great chemistry, a lot of talent all over the field. Guys contributing just great complementary football and so that absolutely comes from coach Campbell and he deserves all the credit.”

Listen to coverage of all three Thanksgiving games exclusively live on talkSPORT2 off from 5pm.

NFL Thanksgiving Day schedule on talkSPORT

12:30pm (5pm GMT) Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions
4:30pm (4:30pm GMT) Washington Commanders @ Dallas Cowboys
8:20pm (1:30am Friday GMT)San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks

Bye Bye Barry is available to stream now with Prime.

Dana White sticks to his word and bins off Peloton bikes after UFC sponsorship rant

Phil Spencer — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:18:09 +0000

Dana White has kept his word by getting rid of any Peloton bikes from his UFC gyms.

The UFC boss took issue with the exercise technology brand during his appearance on comedian Theo Von’s ‘This Past Weekend’ podcast.

Dana White shared a video to confirm that he’d got rid of the Peloton bikes

X: @MyMMANews

White then blasted the fitness bike company after comedian Von revealed the company reportedly pulled ads on his podcast with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

“Peloton, what do they sell, f***ing stationary bikes?” White said in the expletive-laden tirade.

“Peloton sells stationary bikes, and they’ve got a problem with Robert f***ing Kennedy.”

“F*** you Peloton! Who the f*** are they? Are you f***ing kidding me?” he continued.

“”F***ing Peloton, calling, b****ing about Robert Kennedy.”

White then said that he wanted his UFC gyms to remove all its Peloton bikes.

“We’re getting rid of the Pelotons,” he said. “Pelotons are out of the gym.”

A Peloton spokesperson disputed the claim and told Fox News Digital that the company asked for its ads to be pulled from the 2021 episode featuring Kennedy due to the company’s ‘brand safety guidelines’.

White went on an expletive-laden tirade at Peloton during a recent podcast experience

He also spoke about how his friendship with Donald Trump had cost him sponsorship deals in the past

Getty

But based on his Instagram stories, it didn’t stop White from keeping his word.

In the new video, White said: “So people are hitting me up asking if I really got rid of the Pelotons.

“What did I tell you? Only Assault Bikes for me here – the Pelotons are gone!”

White’s appearance on Von’s podcast also saw him discuss his own experience with sponsors, with one taking issue with his friendship with Donald Trump.

He explained: “I posted a video for Trump on my personal social media.

“One of our big sponsors called and said, ‘Take that down.’ You know what I said? Go f*** yourself.

“You vote for whoever you want to vote for and I’ll vote for whoever I want to vote for. That’s how this works. I don’t even care who you’re voting for. It’s none of my f***ing business. F*** you. Don’t ever f***ing call me and tell me who to vote for.”

I live with my parents despite rookie NFL contract and my mum makes my bed – now I’m starting for the Giants

Callum Davis — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:11:04 +0000

Tommy DeVito’s unexpected rise to NFL fame has fast become one of the feel-good stories of the season.

The undrafted New York Giants rookie has been thrust into the NFL spotlight after injuries to starting quarterback Daniel Jones and back-up Tyrod Taylor.

GettyDeVito is New York’s current starting quarterback following injuries to Jones and Taylor[/caption]

DeVito started the season on the practice squad but was signed to the active roster when Taylor went on injured reserve.

Born and raised in Livingston, New Jersey, the 25-year-old found himself in the unprecedented position of being handed the keys to his hometown team’s offense with seven weeks remaining in the regular season.

Taylor could be in line for a return in the coming weeks, but DeVito has made a strong case for retaining his starting spot, winning over coaches and fans alike with his relatable lifestyle off the field.

In an era when players like Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson have netted multi-million-dollar contracts, DeVito bucks the trend for NFL quarterbacks.

While Giants running back Saquon Barkley earns an estimated $10m-a-year, DeVito’s rookie contract means he pockets around $45,000 a week.

Enough to get by, but not enough to justify moving out of your parents’ house, according to DeVito.

“It’s a no-brainer for me,” said DeVito, who recently discussed his unorthodox domestic set up in an interview with ESPN.

“Everything that I need is there at the house. The decision was made since this level of football is stressful for a rookie, especially from the quarterback position.

GettyDeVito (left) says living with his family allows him to concentrate on football[/caption]

“There is a lot going on, a lot of meetings. So everything outside of football is handled by my family.

“I don’t have to worry about laundry, what I’m eating for dinner, chicken cutlets and all that is waiting for me when I get there.

“My mum still makes my bed. Everything is handled for me. Honestly, I don’t even know if I could find a place closer to here than where I live. It takes me 12 minutes to get here.”

DeVito’s emergence has been so sudden, many of his teammates were unaware their new starting quarterback lived under the same roof as his parents.

“Living at home?” replied Barkley when he was told. “For real?”

“That is the greatest,” said veteran offensive lineman Justin Pugh. “You know what, smart! Saving his money. Genius!”

He added: “That’s the one thing I’d say from a financial standpoint. Your mum helping with your wash, making sure you’re up on time, no distractions, unbelievable.”

DeVito is unlikely to fly the nest any time soon after enjoying a breakout game in front of his home fans last weekend.

Having made his first NFL start in a heavy Week 10 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys, the Jersey native threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns in victory over the Washington Commanders as the Giants improved to 3-8 on the season.

Touchdown Tommy D to Saquon!

: #NYGvsWAS on FOX
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/jckqnJwdb2 pic.twitter.com/L38e9zWL7O
— NFL (@NFL) November 19, 2023

As he settles into his new role, DeVito has even started inviting his Giants teammates round to his family’s New Jersey abode.

“I’ve been over there. I love going to his spot,” said rookie wide receiver Justin Hyatt.

“He has a little hot tub in the back. The crazy thing about it is he lives, maybe, 15 minutes away. So he’s close.”

DeVito is proud of his roots and not afraid to show it.

“He definitely is very Jersey!” said Jones, who has been sidelined with a season-ending injury.

“I remember our throwing trip was in Charlotte this summer before the season started and he was playing in his black tank top and gold chain… he’s Jersey to the core.”

Earlier this week Jones underwent successful surgery to repair the ACL in his right knee.

With his rehabilitation scheduled to take 10 months, Jones could face a fight to regain his starting position if DeVito continues in this form.

WWE Survivor Series best debuts as Rock and Undertaker first appearances ranked – ‘You’re either gonna f****** sink or swim’

Joe Brophy — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:10:50 +0000

Survivor Series is one of WWE’s biggest pay-per-views of the year – and it also happens to be somewhat of a birthplace of legends.

WWE are set to go all out for their fifth and final major premium live event of 2023 – with Survivor Series the company’s second oldest annual event behind flagship show WrestleMania.

Rocky Maivia, aka The Rock, made his debut at Survivor Series 1996

WWE

Survivor Series is best known for being centered around the concept of brand supremacy between RAW, SmackDown, and later NXT, but was once renowned for being the birthplace of legends.

Here, talkSPORT.com looks back at some of WWE’s biggest stars who have also debuted on one of the biggest stages of them all.

Note this is strictly for wrestlers themselves so the Elimination Chamber, which debuted at Survivor Series in 2002 before becoming its own event, will not be included.

5. Sting (2014)

Due to loyalty to WCW and worries about how his character would be handled, Sting evaded WWE for years.

Potential matchups with the best in the business appeared to be a dream consigned to the scrapheap until his shock appearance at Survivor Series.

Team John Cena were competing against Team Authority in a five-on-five elimination match in the main event.

Triple H looked to have handed Team Authority the win when he dragged an unbeknown Seth Rollins onto Dolph Ziggler for the cover before Sting’s iconic music hit.

The six-time WCW champion had a stare-down with Triple H in the ring, before hitting him with a Scorpion Death Drop.

Sting then put Ziggler on top of Rollins as the referee counted to three which gave Team Cena the win.

For pure impact and excitement, it was right up there with the best WWE debuts in history.

However, unfortunately, it’s hard to ignore what happened next which, in hindsight, has reframed the feeling behind his Survivor Series appearance as wasted potential.

Sting’s attack on Triple H set up a WrestleMania 31 match in 2015, which the former lost – perhaps proving correct his doubts over WWE’s booking when he was at his peak.

He then suffered a serious neck injury that ultimately forced him into premature retirement.

Sting only had a small number of matches in WWE

WWE

4. Kurt Angle (1999)

Despite signing a five-year deal with the company in 1998, it took Angle over a year to make his televised debut in WWE.

The Olympic Gold medallist made light work of Shawn Stasiak by defeating him in less than six minutes in the second match of the Survivor Series card.

The quick squash match was the perfect introduction for fans to the wrestling machine, with Angle impressing as much for his mic skills as his grappling.

Discussing his debut in 2019, Angle told WWE’s The Bump: “The match was okay. For my first match, I got through it, and I think that’s all I could ask for.

“But the more you go, the more you improve. A couple of years later, I was actually a much better wrestler.

“It was a good debut, everyone is picking on me because it was Shawn Stasiak, but Shawn was actually a really good wrestler back then.”

Angle got over with his American hero gimmick, based on his gold medal win at the 1996 Olympics, and Survivor Series became the launch pad for one of the greatest rookie years in WWE history.

After being inducted into the Hall of Fame by John Cena in 2016, Angle retired after losing to Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35.

Kurt Angle is one of WWE’s greatest ever in-ring performers

WWE

3. The Rock (1996)

Dwayne Johnson’s title as WWE’s most famous Hollywood export means he occasionally tops these types of lists.

However, the eyebrow-raising electrifying version of the Rock that would later catapult him into global stardom was not born until he joined the Nation of Domination a year after his Survivor Series debut.

Known then as Rocky Maivia – a combination of his father’s and grandfather’s ring names – The Great One debuted alongside Jake Roberts, Marc Mero, and The Stalker against Crush, Goldust, Jerry Lawler, and Hunter Hearst Helmsley [later Triple H] in a traditional Survivor Series elimination match.

The Rock was the sole survivor by eliminating Crush and Goldust to win the match for his team.

The Rock was a very different proposition in 1996,

WWE

Last week, the Fast and Furious actor revealed a conversation he had with Vince McMahon barely minutes before having never even wrestled a match at a house show.

Rock told The Joe Rogan Experience: “He [McMahon] goes, ‘You’re gonna win the whole thing. I’m gonna throw you right into the fire.’ I’ll never forget this.

“He’s like, ‘You’re either gonna f****** sink or you’re gonna swim—it’s New York City. It’s up to you.'”

The Rocky Mavia version of Johnson sunk meaning the historic significance of the match is what earns its ranking here.

Perhaps if he hadn’t been pushed into such a prominent position before he was ready he wouldn’t have been so quickly rejected by fans – which necessitated the need to turn heel and become the Rock.

Thankfully for everyone, he later learned to swim and went on to become a 10-time world champion and headline five WrestleMania’s.

2. The Shield (2014)

The Shield not only have a claim to be one of WWE’s most successful stables of all time but two of their three members are among the biggest stars of their generation.

In 2014, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose [now AEW’s Jon Moxley] made their WWE debuts in emphatic style.

The trio, unknown to sections of the WWE Universe at the time, helped CM Punk retain his WWE Championship against John Cena and Ryback by triple powerbombing the latter through an announce table.

It allowed Punk to pin Cena, who was already down due to Ryback’s Shellshock finisher and record a 365th day as WWE Champion.

The Shield went unbeaten for months as Rollins and Reigns won tag team gold, while Ambrose held the United States Championship.

The Shield was WWE’s greatest success of the past decade – three rookie talents becoming three world champions

WWE

Their obvious individual star power led to their break-up, with all three winning world titles and becoming the faces of modern wrestling.

The Shield reunited sporadically before their final reunion in April 2019, which was Ambrose’s last match in WWE before leaving and subsequently joining rival promotion AEW.

Rollins meanwhile patrols RAW as the world heavyweight champion while Reigns has cemented his legacy as the top attraction in the entire industry.

The Tribal Chief is the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, the longest-reigning titleholder since Hulk Hogan in the 1980s, and has headlined WrestleMania seven times.

Their impact separately and apart is set in stone for a generation and it can all be traced back to that first outing at Survivor Series.

1. The Undertaker (1990)

The single greatest character in pro wrestling history was born at Survivor Series in 1990 and retired at the same event three decades later.

The Undertaker made his official WWE debut as the mystery partner of Ted DiBiase’s Million Dollar Team.

They were taking on The Dream Team of Bret Hart, Dusty Rhodes, Koko B. Ware, and Jim Neidhart.

‘Taker made an immediate impact by eliminating Ware and Rhodes, before being counted out by the referee.

The Million Dollar Team were victorious, though, as The Deadman went on to establish himself as one of the biggest stars in WWE.

It could have been so different as the man now known as Mark Calaway revealed his anxiety going into his initial WWE appearance.

He told the BBC: “They were doing a big promotion and had a big egg on the set. I thought that egg was going to be me because they had so many gimmicks. I really didn’t want to be the Eggman.”

Seven world title reigns and a famous 21-0 streak at WrestleMania later the Undertaker brought his 30-year career full circle by officially retiring during his ‘Final Farewell’ at Survivor Series in 2020.

The Undertaker had the unique viewpoint of saying goodbye to the WWE Universe at Survivor Series

WWE

NFL betting – Get boosted 9/4 on three-match acca with talkSPORT BET

Bruce Archer — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:08:12 +0000

Week Twelve and of the NFL season has arrived and we have some big Thanksgiving games tips for you.

talkSPORT BET have boosted the price for new and existing customers to 9/4 to our three-match acca.

49ers & Lions to win ML, Cowboys to win -8.5 points – add to your bet slip here.

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NFL tips

Detroit Lions (8-2) to beat Green Bay Packers (4-6)

Thanksgiving is one of the most important days on the Lions calendar, where the NFL world focuses on Detroit for the traditional early fixture. This year may be the best time to have them as a headliner as the Lions are flying towards a play-off spot and divisional title.

Detroit showed a different side of them on Sunday, down to Chicago, they rallied to two quick touchdown drives to secure an all important victory. The home crowd was deafening as a David Montgomery touchdown completed the unlikely comeback.

The positivity around Detroit is likely to continue as they take on their rival Packers on Turkey Day. The opportunity to grab the number 1 seed and a play-off bye is still possible, and would predict the Lions to grab another victory against a middling Packers opposition.

Dallas Cowboys (7-2) to beat Washington Commanders (3-7) with 8.5 point handicap

Dallas face the divisional rival Commanders looking a balanced side with a direct path to the playoffs. The Commanders are coming off arguably their worst defeat of the year, a loss at home to a dire Giants side being quarterbacked by a third string player.

The Cowboys were destroyed on Turkey Day by the Commanders 41-16 in 2020 and I think revenge will be on the mind of Americas Team. They will want to make a statement that they are a Superbowl Contender and blow out a rival destined to a mediocre season. A tremendous way to do that will be a primetime destruction of the Commanders.

San Francisco 49ers (6-3) to beat Seattle Seahawks (6-3)

The 49ers have responded from a mid-season slump in the best possible way. A beatdown of the Jaguars was followed by toppling of the Bucs, and now they face the Seahawks, who seem likely to crash into mediocrity after their own poor run of form.

There is a completeness that stands out when looking at the 49ers. Both offence and defence are excelling and they are extremely well coached. Brock Purdy is coming off his best game of the season and his offensive weapons have all returned. The 49ers will have a focus on the number 1 seed in the NFC and will look to strengthen their case with another victory on Thursday.

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‘Kick in the face’ – Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods’ multi-million dollar bonus infuriates fellow PGA Tour pro

Sean O'Brien — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:05:57 +0000

Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods once again took home the biggest prizes as the PGA Tour Player Impact Program results were revealed.

The PIP is a relatively new PGA Tour initiative designed to rewards its top players for attracting positive interest to the game of golf.

McIlroy and Woods are golf’s two most famous players by some distance

Getty

It uses objective metrics such as the number of Google searches and social media likes to dish out a $100million (£79.8m) prize pot among 20 players on a sliding scale.

Some think of the competition as nothing more than a ‘popularity contest’ invented to funnel money into the pockets of the PGA Tour’s most famous players.

Woods finished top of the PIP in 2021 and 2022 but he was beaten by McIlroy to the $15m (£12m) prize this year.

Nevertheless, Woods takes home $12m (£9.6m) to take his total winnings from the competition to $35m (£27.9m).

That is despite playing in just five PGA Tour events outside the majors since 2020 due to ongoing injury problems.

The threat of LIV Golf and nine-figure signing fees meant the PGA Tour – a non-profit, member-run organisation – needed to find a way to give its top players a bigger slice of the pie.

Hence the PIP, but this continues to go down badly with some of the PGA Tour’s more ‘rank-and-file’ professionals.

Ex-Tour winner Nate Lashley posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “How many golf fans actually know what the PIP on the PGA Tour is?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nathan Lashley (@nlashley001)

“Would love to hear from golf/PGA fans if they think this $100m was spent well? There’s 150-200 members of the PGA Tour and they just spent $100m on 20 players. Seems a little ridiculous.

“Time for new leadership on the PGA Tour. This is an absolute kick in the face to the rest of the PGA Tour players.”

Tom Brady leaves Denzel Washington speechless with question about beloved Cowboys

Joshua Rogers — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:04:10 +0000

The Dallas Cowboys are a tricky team to figure out.

When everything’s clicking they look like genuine Super Bowl contenders, but every now and then they’ll put in a horrible performance and expectations come crashing back down to Earth.

The Cowboys have started the season 7-3 but have come unstuck against Super Bowl contenders

Getty

Hollywood legend Denzel Washington is a fan of America’s Team but doesn’t appear sold on their championship credentials.

Washington recently appeared on Tom Brady‘s Let’s Go! podcast where the NFL icon asked Denzel what he thinks of the Cowboys’ chances this season.

The question left the Training Day actor completely stumped as he paused for a good few seconds to think about his answer.

After a while Washington responded: “I don’t know. I don’t know. I can’t… Can you figure them out?”

Brady then responded: “They always feel like they’re right on the brink, and, then, it just doesn’t quite get them to the top, top.”

Denzel replied saying that he’s a big fan of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

“I love the quarterback, I love him. He’s a leader of men. He’s a man of God. He best win championships,” Washington said.

Co-host Jim Gray then chimed in asking the actor who he thinks will win a title sooner: the Cowboys or Washington’s favourite NBA team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Brady and Washington also had fun reenacting a scene from the actor’s iconic sports film, Remember The Titans

Twitter - tombrady

“The Lakers”, Washington said.

The Cowboys have started the season respectably with a 7-3 record. However, those seven wins have come against teams who are all below .500, and include the Giants (twice), Jets, Patriots, Chargers, Rams, and Panthers.

Dallas’ losses have come against the 2-9 Cardinals and Super Bowl contenders the San Francisco and Philadelphia.

Their recent loss to the Eagles means the Cowboys are playing catch up in the NFC East with a home game against Philly on the horizon.

They also have matchups with the Bills, Lions, and Dolphins coming up, which will determine their playoff fate.

During their conversation, Brady and Washington also reenacted a scene from the two-time Oscar winner’s film, Remember The Titans.

The 2000 sports drama features Washington as a newly-appointed football coach of a high school team in their first season as a racially integrated unit.

Table reads with the LEGEND Denzel Washington!?! Episode out now https://t.co/up0t0z210l pic.twitter.com/KPxt6jHgej
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) November 21, 2023

The pair recreated one of the most famous scenes from the film where Washington’s character, Boone, locked horns with player Petey Jones, portrayed by actor Donald Faison.

“Put your hand down,” Washington said to Brady, who was filling in as Faison’s character. “First you smile, then you think. You think football is fun.”

“Uh, yes,” Brady says, before adding. “No sir, it was fun.”

“Not anymore,” Washington says. “Make up your mind, since you’re thinking. Is it fun?”

Brady then channels Jones insisting that football isn’t fun before Washington replies: “Absolutely not, zero fun.”

‘That is such a cop-out’ – Frank Warren denies ‘ambushing’ Adam Catterall as he clashes with Simon Jordan

Michael Benson — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 14:48:19 +0000

Frank Warren and Simon Jordan have gone head-to-head discussing the promoter’s recent viral clash with Adam Catterall.

Jordan’s fellow talkSPORT host was berated by the Queensberry boxing boss at an event on Saturday night as they discussed Catterall’s criticisms of the heavyweight division and particularly Tyson Fury‘s career direction in recent times.

Warren let his feelings be known

iFL TV

Catterall had branded Fury’s bouts preceding his upcoming clash with Oleksandr Usyk as ‘warm lager’ and Warren was furious with his comments, telling him to ‘stop talking b****cks’ about the delay in making the undisputed fight.

Fury is currently boycotting talkSPORT interviews and refusing to allow the station to cover his fights due to his interpretation of remarks from the likes of Jordan and Catterall.

On Thursday, Warren joined Jordan’s show with Jim White and the trio discussed the incident from the weekend.

It was White who began: “You went head-to-head with Adam Catterall who we love unconditionally…

“You didn’t hang back, you were keen to ambush Adam and give him both barrels.”

Warren replied: “That’s not true, I didn’t ambush him. I said to him earlier in the evening, ‘I wanna have a chat with you before you go.’

“What happened was it was the end of the evening and I was doing an interview on iFL about the show and he was going, so I said, ‘Hang on a minute, I wanna speak to you.’

“He went to walk off and someone said, ‘Come over and do the interview,’ I didn’t ambush him at all.

Jordan didn’t like the nature of Warren’s confrontation with his colleague

talkSPORT

“It’s all very well – if you’re a pundit and you wanna criticise, you’re not immune to accepting criticism back if you’re in the wrong.

“Have we gotta just accept what you’re saying because you unconditionally love him? It’s not right.”

At this point Jordan added: “No, but there’s a balance, Frank. You’re right – if people voice an opinion then you’re entitled to have an opinion back.

“But the difference, with you being the exception, is if somebody bites back, which is fair, and then a pundit comes back again, what will happen is the pundit will be blackballed.

“He’ll be unable to speak to those people again, he’ll be shut down and that’s what’s been the case.”

At this point it became clear that Jordan was speaking in reference to Fury’s boycott of talkSPORT.

Warren responded: “I’m not shutting anyone down, how other people deal with it, that’s up to them.”

Jordan said: “But you’re fighting a cause on behalf of someone else Frank, you’re advancing the position that the observations that have been made about Tyson Fury are unfair.

Warren has denied that the exchange was an ‘ambush’

Frank Warren

“And you also know Frank, you’re in a position where you can say precisely what you want because the only person you’re accountable to is yourself.

“And Adam is thinking, ‘If I go at Queensberry and Tyson Fury now, it’s gonna make the situation worse.'”

Warren insisted: “That’s nonsense, that is such a cop-out by you, how can you even come out with that?

“So we’ve gotta just accept what you say and what your pundits say as gospel? When have I ever blackballed anybody?”

The conversation continued for several minutes more, and Warren concluded: “I ain’t fallen out with nobody, I’m just telling you how it is.”

Super Bowl odds: Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys get NFL Thanksgiving under way

Brian T. Smith — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 14:45:24 +0000

The Super Bowl is less than 100 days away.

That means it’s never too early to begin counting down to the NFL’s big game, which will be held in Las Vegas on February 11, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.

The Super Bowl is getting closer and closer but one team is still on top

The Las Vegas Raiders are unlikely to play in Super Bowl LVIII in their home stadium.

The New York Jets probably won’t make it, even if Aaron Rodgers returns.

Here is talkSPORT’s updated list of the NFL’s Top 10 Super Bowl championship contenders entering Week 11.

10. Seattle Seahawks (6-4 | Last Super Bowl win: 2013)

Pete Carroll has his resilient Seahawks in the top 10 Super Bowl contenders list.

Seattle has a middle-of-the-pack offense and the defense is lower tier.

But even when Seattle takes a step backward in the win column, the Seahawks still have enough to remain in the big game conversation.

Carroll’s crew is second in the NFC West and staring at a playoff spot.

It hasn’t been easy for Seattle but as long as Geno Smith stays healthy the Hawks have a shot.

Super Bowl odds: +3700 with FanDuel

Pete Carroll often gets the best out of his resilient Seattle Seahawks team

9. Buffalo Bills (6-5 | Last Super Bowl win: Never)

The Bills have spent the 2023 season as one of the NFL’s most unpredictable teams.

Buffalo finally got back on track on Sunday, blowing out the New York Jets and resetting a shaky offense.

Inconsistency could be the Bills’ downfall but they still have time to catch fire

Getty

Buffalo still has the potential to be a serious Super Bowl contender.

But it’s already past the midway point of the regular season and inconsistency has been the Bills’ weak link all year.

For Buffalo to receive better Super Bowl odds, Josh Allen must start playing like every game is a playoff game.

Super Bowl odds: +2500

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3 | Last Super Bowl win: Never)

Jacksonville appeared to turn around its season with a two-week visit to London in October.

But a humbling 34-3 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers was another reminder that the Jaguars still have a ton to prove.

There’s a long way to go for the Jaguars to reach their potential in 2023

Getty

The Jaguars are coming off a smooth win against Tennessee and now face a pivotal divisional match up against C.J. Stroud and the 6-4 Houston Texans.

Jacksonville began this season as an AFC threat, started 1-2, then slowly climbed back near the top of the conference.

The Jaguars need to beat the Texans or they risk handing the AFC South to Stroud.

Super Bowl odds: +1900

7. Detroit Lions (8-2 | Last Super Bowl win: Never)

Detroit plays old school but modern football and is fun to watch.

So much fun that Eminem almost had a heart attack after the Lions’ latest thrilling win.

The Lions have taken on the personality of fiery head coach Dan Campbell, producing one of the best offenses and defenses in the NFL.

A season-opening win against Kansas City let the league know that this was a different Detroit team.

The Lions have been in the Super Bowl conversation all season since beating the Chiefs

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Even after a disappointing road blowout to Baltimore, the Lions are still in control of the NFC North and a near-lock to make the playoffs.

With Campbell receiving Coach of the Year consideration, Detroit is moving closer to cracking the top five of Super Bowl contenders.

Super Bowl odds: +1300

6. Dallas Cowboys (7-3 | Last Super Bowl win: 1996)

The Cowboys answered a frustrating defeat to Philadelphia with back-to-back blowout victories.

With Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Michah Parsons leading a deep roster, Dallas clearly has the talent to compete with the NFL’s best.

The question remains whether the Cowboys can take the final steps when it matters.

But there’s no doubt that Dallas has serious offensive firepower and the team that just put up 49 points against the Giants could be equally dangerous in the postseason.

Dallas definitely has the talent to compete with the best in the NFL

Getty

Super Bowl odds: +1100

5. Baltimore Ravens (8-3 | Last Super Bowl win: 2013)

Lamar Jackson is obviously good enough to win a Super Bowl.

Baltimore is beginning to put the rest of the league on notice in 2023, starting with a point differential that is tied for the best in the NFL.

It has been ten years since the Ravens were Super Bowl champions

Getty

When the Ravens win, they win big.

And they win often, with five victories in their last seven games, including three blowouts that have led to a command of the AFC North.

As Jackson enters the MVP debate, Baltimore faces a key divisional contest against Baltimore.

The Ravens must control the North before they can think about the big game.

Super Bowl odds: +950

4. Miami Dolphins (7-3 | Last Super Bowl win: 1974)

Miami is finding consistency at the perfect time.

A huge comeback victory against the Chiefs in Germany slipped out of Tua Tagovailoa‘s hands in the final minutes.

But the Dolphins downed the Raiders and remained in the hunt for the top spot in the AFC.

Watch Tagovailoa connect with a wide open Tyreek Hill, who sprints all over the field, and it’s easy to understand why the Dolphins remain so intriguing as Super Bowl contenders.

Miami should win the AFC East, especially with Buffalo struggling.

But the Dolphins must be more consistent weekly if they’re going to do real damage in the playoffs.

The right weekly rhythm will certainly help the Dolphins reach the Super Bowl

Alamy

Super Bowl odds: +900

3. San Francisco 49ers (7-3 | Last Super Bowl win: 1995)

The bye week was helpful for the 49ers, who again look like serious Super Bowl contenders.

San Francisco fans will be looking to Brock Purdy to keep the 49ers moving forward

Getty

San Francisco, once the NFL’s hottest team, regained its footing with a blowout of Jacksonville.

A smooth win over Tampa Bay followed, jumping the 49ers over the Eagles.

Kyle Shanahan’s offensive creativity is again connecting with Brock Purdy.

Mr. Irrelevant will be the difference maker for the 49ers this season.

If he can be the QB that San Francisco needs, the 49ers will represent the NFC in the big game and could win it all.

Super Bowl odds: +470

~1. Philadelphia Eagles (9-1 | Last Super Bowl win: 2018)

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles joined Kansas City as the NFL’s No.1 contenders for the Lombardi Trophy with a landmark win on Monday night.

Hurts has nine passing touchdowns so far this season, and another six on the ground

Getty

Philly just keeps winning and Hurts keeps hanging tough.

Hurts ran for a pair of touchdowns as the Eagles rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to beat the Chiefs 21-17 to put the rest of the league on notice.

It’s going so good for the Eagles that they’ve made a term called “Tush Push” football famous and offensive center Jason Kelce has been named one of the sexiest men on the planet.

Don’t be surprised if the Eagles and the Chiefs are the last two teams standing come February.

Super Bowl odds: +450

~1. Kansas City Chiefs (7-3 | Last Super Bowl win: 2023)

This is Patrick Mahomes‘ league and the Chiefs have been the team to beat so far.

It’s the Chiefs’ league and they are the favorites to win the Super Bowl again

But that all changed in Week 11 as the Eagles avenged their Super Bowl defeat to maintain their league-best record and offer a timely reminder of their credentials.

For the third straight week the Chiefs failed to score a single point in the second half and Kansas’ struggling offense continues to be a concern.

If head coach Andy Reid can find more points for Travis Kelce and Mahomes, the Chiefs should be in the big game again.

Let the countdown begin.

Super Bowl odds: +450

Carl Froch says George Groves gave him ‘biggest beating of my life’ and recalls hatred for former rival who made his blood boil

Cameron Temple — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 14:01:18 +0000

Carl Froch took on some formidable fighters in his career, but George Groves gave him the ‘biggest beating’ of them all.

The fight that everyone remembers between these two was when they clashed at Wembley Stadium in 2014 and Froch knocked out Groves in spectacular fashion before retiring from boxing.

Froch and Groves fought in front of a post-war record attendance in their rematch

GETTY

But, this came after the pair fought for the first time in 2013, while Froch was WBA and IBF super middleweight title holder and a young Groves was gearing up for his first world title shot.

A huge amount of animosity grew between the two men in the build-up, which led to the fight being highly anticipated by boxing fans.

And on fight night, Groves dropped Froch in round one and seemed to be enjoying the better of the action.

But, in round nine, Froch hurt his opponent and the fight was waved off by the referee, and even all these years later, Groves insists the fight was stopped too early, describing it as ‘bizarre’.

With both men appearing on talkSPORT with Simon Jordan and Jim White, Froch joked: “One thing I’ve learned to not do anymore is try and convince George that fight was stopped correctly by [referee] Howard Foster – you’re wasting your time, you’re flogging a dead horse.”

Froch continued, talking about his first fight with Groves: “He was that far ahead on all the scorecards, he’d dropped me in the first round, he beat me up the worst I’ve ever been beaten…

“I’ve got it up there with probably the worst beating I’ve ever had, and when you look at how many fights I had, world title fights back to back, for me to concede that George Groves gave me the biggest beating of my life, that’s a big statement.”

As for why he had such a hatred for Groves during their rivalry, Froch explained: “He was a horrible, obnoxious little ‘beep’, I’m not going to swear because I know we’re live on talkSPORT, but he was horrible.

“He gave me no respect, he was playing down my performances, he said I was slow and that my feet were slow, he said I had no defence, he said everything he could to get under my skin.

“And when we came together and we did a ‘Gloves are Off’ ringside show he said I was gonna start crying… But, he was doing a great job because my blood was boiling.”

Froch and Groves went from being bitter rivals when they fought to great friends today

AFP - Getty

Froch then admitted while a number of fighters attempt to trash-talk their opponents: “Nobody does it like George Groves did it, he was the best.”

Groves then chimed in, saying: “It’s part of the business at times, you want to get under your opponents skin and if it gives you a bit of an advantage come fight night then you do that.

“But, ultimately I felt like what Carl wanted was a bit of respect from me, or what he deemed as respect, and I had it for him, I just wasn’t prepared to show him or give him that satisfaction.”

Nowadays, however, the two men are great friends and Froch confirmed that, saying: “What’s good about it is, George Groves became world champion in his own right… and we’ve both become friends, I never thought was possible.

“I’ve got so much respect and admiration, I mean look at his stupid smile over there.

“That smile I used to want to punch it down the back of his throat, now I want to grab hold of his cheeks and give them a squeeze.”

Will Conor McGregor be at Katie Taylor’s rematch with Chantelle Cameron? UFC superstar’s company erect 14-foot statue of boxer ahead of bout

Jack Johnson — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 13:53:21 +0000

Conor McGregor and Katie Taylor’s relationship is well known, with the UFC superstar regularly providing support to the boxing star.

‘Notorious’ has praised Taylor many times for her achievements in the ring and the Irish pair have a huge respect for one another.

The temporary statue caught the eye in Ireland this week

Forged Irish Stout

But ahead of the 37-year-old’s second fight against the undisputed super-lightweight champion Cameron, McGregor’s support has gone up a notch.

His company, Forged Irish Stout, is sponsoring the bout and they have erected a 14-foot statue of Taylor named ‘Katie The Redeemer’ on Bray Head in Ireland.

The statue is another show of respect from McGregor and he may be ringside this weekend…

Will McGregor be at Taylor’s rematch?

McGregor is expected to be in attendance at Taylor vs Cameron 2.

The UFC star was ringside for the first fight between the two that saw Taylor be handed her first career defeat.

Forged Irish Stout also sponsored that bout, so with there being a similar deal sorted for the rematch, McGregor is likely to be in the building.

Taylor will be boosted by having ‘Notorious’ at the fight, with the boxing legend appreciating the support she receives.

Speaking earlier this year before the first fight against Cameron, she said: “It’s amazing. Conor McGregor‘s obviously a big name here.

McGregor was there to console Taylor following defeat in the first fight

“He definitely is crazier. We have different personalities, but he’s obviously a very proud Irishman as well.

“So, it’s great to get the support from him for this event as a whole.”

And Taylor has that support again, with the 14-foot statue showing McGregor’s commitment to celebrating her success in the ring.

Forged Irish Stout spokesperson Doug Leddin has spoken about why they decided to create the statue ahead of the rematch.

Leddin said: “Bray will inevitably get a more permanent Katie Taylor statue but we felt the need to celebrate her with our ‘Katie the Redeemer’ tribute ahead of one of the biggest fights of her career.

“Like every Irish person we’re so proud of what Taylor has achieved and she’ll have the whole country in her corner when she steps into the ring this Saturday.”

Lewis Hamilton gives bemused reaction to Christian Horner bombshell over switch to join Red Bull and Max Verstappen

Lee Davey — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 13:49:32 +0000

Lewis Hamilton was bemused following claims his representatives contacted Christian Horner over a possible switch to Red Bull.

Horner revealed Hamilton declared an interest in joining Red Bull which would have seen him strike up an unlikely alliance with reigning world champion Max Verstappen.

Hamilton denied all rumours that his representatives reached out to Horner over a move earlier this year

Rex

But the seven-time Formula 1 world champion poured cold water over the bombshell revelation when quizzed on Thursday.

According to the Red Bull boss, Hamilton reached out to him earlier this year before the 38-year-old signed a new deal with Mercedes in August.

“We have had several conversations over the years about Lewis joining,” Horner told the Daily Mail.

“They have reached out a few times. Most recently, earlier in the year, there was an inquiry about whether there would be any interest.

“’But I can’t see Max and Lewis working out together. The dynamic wouldn’t be right. We are 100 percent happy with what we have.”

A relaxed Hamilton responded to the claims and while admitting he did have contact with Horner, he labelled the Red Bull chief a ‘stirrer.’

“I don’t really know where that story has come from,” Hamilton told Sky Sports. “I know it’s come from Christian but I don’t really understand what he’s been talking about because no one as far as I’m aware from my team has spoken to him.

“I haven’t spoken to Christian, however he did reach out to me earlier on in the year about meeting up but that’s it.

“I just congratulated him on an amazing year and said ‘I hope I will be able to fight against you guys in the near future’. That was it so I’m not really sure, I think he’s just stirring things.”

When asked if he would be interested in a future partnership with Verstappen at Red Bull, Hamilton remained complimentary of their work but admitted a switch would not represent ‘the dream.’

Hamilton referred to Horner’s claims as ‘stirring’ when questioned on the recent revelation

AFP

"I don't really understand what Christian is on about!"

Lewis Hamilton responds to rumours linking him with Red Bull pic.twitter.com/kU8QRoxWik
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) November 23, 2023

“Red Bull has done an amazing job and it is an incredible team and any driver would love to drive for just a great group of people,” he added. “I think moving from a car that’s not so great to a winning car, from my perspective, that’s not a dream.

“The dream is to start from where we are and build up to winning and that’s why I’ve stayed with Mercedes.”

I suffered famous KO in failed UFC run – now I’m fighting for a world title and $1 million

Jordan Ellis — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 13:45:00 +0000

Impa Kasangany hopes to finally live down his most famous loss by becoming a world champion and winning $1 million at PFL 10.

Most fans will recognise the 29-year-old as the unlucky fighter who got knocked out cold by Joaquin Buckley’s jumping spinning back kick in October 2020.

Buckley scored one of the greatest knockouts in UFC history in 2020

Getty Images - Getty

The shot impressed UFC CEO Dana White, former US president Donald Trump, rapper Kanye West and literally every MMA fan – it also changed Buckley’s life forever.

However, the man on the receiving end of one of MMA’s most vicious KOs ended up on a downward spiral and he was cut by the UFC – but that didn’t deter him.

“When I got knocked out by Buckley, I don’t remember what happened,” Kasanganay told MMA Junkie at a PFL media day last month.

“I was just like, ‘What happened? What happened?’ But once I got in the ambulance, my dad was like, ‘Go look at your phone.’

“I watched it, and I was like, ‘Ok, good shot.’ But I came into MMA to become a champion. If that’s the route for me to become a champion, then that’s it.

“I didn’t know then why that happened. I didn’t pray for that to happen, trust me, I didn’t. I was like, ‘OK, cool. How do I rise from this?’

“My dad always told me, ‘In order to know your glory, they first need to understand your story.’

“When people ask me about it, I say, ‘Play that highlight as much as you want. It’s great, credit to him. But the day that I’m champion, play that highlight too.’”

It’s a loss that still haunts Kasanganay

Getty Images - Getty

Despite that, he’s on the brink of achieving greatness

@impak5 - instagram

Kasanganay is just one win away from realising his world-champion dream.

The American fighter, who is the son of Congolese immigrants, has revived his career by winning five consecutive fights under the PFL banner.

On Friday, at the PFL World Championships in Washington, he’ll face 12-1 fighter Josh Silveira in the 2023 light heavyweight final the winner will walk away with a new belt and a massive cheque.

Kasanganay, who will no doubt tell you the belt is more important the prize money, now views his failed UFC run as a blessing in disguise.

A win over Silveira will make him a millionaire

@jmdasilv - instagram

He added: “Thank God UFC cut me.”

“It was challenging to get fights there, all my friends were doing well there, great. All the people in the people who I knew in the organization, I love people there too, so nothing against them.

“I’m just happy for me because who knows when I would’ve gotten that $1 million fight or more or less or close to it.

“It’s also [good] too because you get to share that with your coaches and your team and the people who helped you get there and who knows what kind of percentage I get to share with them.

“It’s the overall bigger picture. Man, I’m very, very happy. I enjoyed my time there, and it helped me get better. I’m very, very happy I’m not there anymore.

“Nothing against them, but I’m just glad I’m at PFL.”

All that’s left is to complete that Cinderella story.

I wrestled Stone Cold Steve Austin in WrestleMania masterpiece but hardest was Iron man match against WWE star in his prime

Lee Davey — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 13:45:00 +0000

Few wrestlers get to sample the grandeur of Wrestlemania in their careers and even fewer get the opportunity to put on five-star matches.

The ‘Showcase of the Immortals’ is widely regarded as wrestling’s ceiling as fans from across the world unite across four nights for unparalleled action and a celebration of stars who paved the way for today’s talent.

Bret Hart cemented his legacy as one of WWE’s greatest performers with to huge Wrestlemania performances

As the event enters its 40th Anniversary in April, matches from bygone eras are rarely forgotten and for one Hall of Famer, back-to-back show-stealing matches at the star-studded extravaganza propelled him further into superstardom.

Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart’s battle with Stone Cold Steve Austin at Wrestlemania 13 is regarded by many as the best match ever to take place at the showpiece.

Austin was fresh off the back of his King of the Ring victory in 1996 and quickly picking up momentum due to his outlandish behaviour, use of derogatory language and rebellious nature, which was taboo in WWE at the time.

Hart picked up the victory after putting a bloodied Austin in the famous sharp shooter, only for the Texan to ‘pass out’ leading to the referee calling for the bell.

For the legendary Canadian, his tussle with the ‘Rattlesnake’ ranks as one of his greatest accomplishments, compared to his other WrestleMania duels.

“The match with Steve, that’s the greatest song I ever sang,” Hart said. “When I watch it back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I still love seeing that spot where I’m punching the daylights out of Steve in the corner and he kicks me in the groin.

“It was a beautiful, violent piece of art. Working with Steve was easy, it was fun, and it was memorable. We put a lot of heart into that match. It captures every element you see in a back-and-forth UFC fight.

“I loved the psychology of my match with Steve. I think of the expression, ‘No animals were harmed in the making of the movie.’ There were some hard falls and good shots with Steve, a fight between two warriors.”

For Hart, the responsibility of being face of the company in the mid-90s handed him the gruelling task of a 60-minute Iron Man match against a buoyant Shawn Michaels 12-months earlier.

The ‘Heartbreak Kid’ was vying for Hart’s spot as the face of the company as well as his WWE title.

The pair went head-to-head in the main event of Wrestlemania XXII, a match Hart calls the hardest of his career.

Bret Hart and Steve Austin produced a masterpiece at Wrestlemania 13

Hart and Shawn Michaels pulled off one of the greatest Iron Man matches in history

Hart also revealed his regret at being unable to create further in-ring memories with Austin and Michaels, due to his controversial exit from the company in late 1997.

“As far as the Ironman match, that was the hardest match I’ve ever had,” he added. “And Shawn, as I knew, was going to bring everything, and he brought everything, and I was prepared for everything, and it was two of the best wrestlers in the prime of their lives giving the match of their life.

“So I can never take anything — it’s a flawless, absolutely perfect match. Same as WrestleMania 13, for sure, my two greatest matches. Both guys, Shawn and Steve, I wish if I could have gone back and never gone to WCW. I wish I’d stayed there and worked with those guys just a bit more and Undertaker, and it’s a shame that history played out the way it did.”

Iron Man matches have always been an acquired taste particularly in the modern day preference of fast-paced action and engaging storylines, leaving 60-minute tussles a less frequent booking option, often reserved for wrestling purists.

But Hart’s battle with the ‘Heartbreak Kid’ for the world title in 1996 still tops the list of the all-time greatest Iron Man matches, despite the Calgary native tasting ‘sweet chin music’ before dropping his title to Michaels.

And now, as fans look towards the upcoming Survivor Series, there will be more nods to days of a bygone era as Randy Orton returns – out of nowhere – at the age of 43 to thrill fans.

England icon Ben Stokes snubs £1.6million Indian Premier League payday to focus on ‘workload and fitness’

Jake Lambourne — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 12:50:31 +0000

Ben Stokes has made himself unavailable for the upcoming Indian Premier League season due to fitness issues – which will cost him £1.6million-a-year.

Stokes became the Chennai Super Kings’ most-expensive player when he was purchased in last year’s auction for the same figure.

Stokes will play no part in the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League

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Injuries restricted the 32-year-old to just two matches in the 2023 campaign, which saw the Kings pick up their fifth IPL title.

Stokes, who recently came out out ODI retirement to take part in the Cricket World Cup – scored just 15 runs with the bat and bowled only one over, where he was hit for 18 runs.

And he will now forego his £1.6m-a-year salary, with MS Dhoni’s side confirming the all-rounder will ‘manage his workload and fitness’.

He is set to appear for England in their five-match Test series against India which starts in January, where he is due to undergo knee surgery.

A statement released from CSK read: “England Test captain, all-rounder Ben Stokes has made himself unavailable for IPL 2024 to manage his workload and fitness.

“Stokes, 32, became a part of the Super Kings ahead of the successful IPL 2023.

“He recently participated in the ODI World Cup 2023, which he came out of retirement for.

“The Chennai Super Kings management is supportive of Ben in his decision to manage his workload with England playing a five-Test series in India before the IPL and then the T20 World Cup in June 2024.”

England star Stokes was limited to just two matches in the 2023 campaign

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Stokes was recently in action for England at the Cricket World Cup in India

Getty

It remains unclear if the reigning champions will release Stokes from his contract.

Indian cricket franchises have until Sunday to announce their release and retain list for the 2024 campaign.

Commenting on his fitness at the start of the month, Stokes said: “I will hopefully be fine for the Test series [against India].

“I am having surgery after the World Cup. There was a lot of time put into deciding when to get it done.

“The India Test series, which we start at the end of January, I should be fine to go by then.”

As well as the 2024 IPL season, Stokes will also be absent for England’s white-ball tour of the Caribbean in December.

Formula 1 star faces race against time to return for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after calling in sick

Joe Brophy — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 12:38:12 +0000

Esteban Ocon was absent from the track on Thursday due to illness ahead of the Formula 1 season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Alpine driver was excused from attending the Yas Marina Circuit with the rest of the grid ahead of F1’s media day.

Gasly will have the advantage over his teammate following Ocon’s illness

Getty

The one-time race winner has been reported as feeling unwell and has been ordered by doctors to rest ahead of race weekend.

Ocon will already be missing FP1 in Abu Dhabi on Friday, with Australian Jack Doohan hopping in his A523 instead.

The Frenchman now faces a race to recover for practice two, with Alpine confirming his absence from media day.

“Esteban has been feeling unwell this week and has been advised to rest by his doctors,” wrote the French team on X.

“Although his condition has improved as of this morning, he will not be at the track today.”

The team expressed their well wishes, concluding the tweet with, “Get well soon, Estie!”

Ocon was one of the standout drivers at last weekend’s Grand Prix in Las Vegas where he took the chequered flag in fourth place.

Should he recover in time to feature in the United Arab Emirates he will face a tough task to overhaul his team-mate Pierre Gasly.

Esteban has been feeling unwell this week and has been advised to rest by his doctors. Although his condition has improved as of this morning, he will not be at the track today.

Get well soon, Estie! pic.twitter.com/kSpxlkD2vi
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) November 23, 2023

Doohan was considered by Alpine for 2023 before Gasly was signed

Rex

Ocon is just four points behind his French compatriot in the standings during their battle to be the best-placed Alpine driver.

The 27-year-old had been optimistic of ending a mixed season on a high note in Alpine’s preview for the 2023 finale.

“It’s definitely been a long and intense season for everyone and I know we are looking forward to the time off to rest and recover ahead of next year,” he said.

“Our full focus is now on performing well this weekend, carrying the momentum through from Las Vegas, and ending the season on a high. The Yas Marina Circuit is a track we enjoy and know well.

“Of course, I’ll be sitting out of FP1 this weekend as Jack will be in the car and I am sure he will do a great job.

“We are all motivated to have another positive weekend, wanting to end on a high note and give some extra boost to everyone during the winter season.

“We’ll keep our heads down this weekend and focus on ourselves as we aim for a smooth weekend and to end the season with more points in the bag.”

Chris Paul claims ‘personal’ issue with NBA ref involves his son after ejection for foul-mouthed insult

Callum Davis — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 12:35:08 +0000

Chris Paul has revealed a long-running feud with NBA official Scott Foster stems back to a ‘personal’ issue involving the point-guard’s son.

Paul was ejected after two quick technical fouls during the Golden State Warriors‘ defeat to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.

Chris Paul remonstrates with NBA ref Scott Foster after being penalised for a foul on Kevin Durant

Getty

The incident began when Paul was penalised for a foul on his former Suns teammate, Kevin Durant.

CP3 was given a technical foul by Foster for protesting the call, leading to an animated exchange with the veteran official.

As the argument ensued, a second technical was quickly issued resulting in an automatic ejection, sparking unsavoury scenes.

Warriors star Stephen Curry was forced to intervene as Paul continued to berate Foster.

TV cameras captured Paul calling Foster a ‘b****’ as he was ushered towards the locker room.

The former Oklahoma City Thunder star famously called out Foster in 2019 and said he contacted the NBA about Foster’s behaviour.

And on Wednesday night Paul revealed the animosity between the pair involves his son Chris, Jr, but failed to offer any further details.

“It’s personal,” Paul told reporters after the game. “We had a situation some years ago.”

Chris Paul is restrained by Warriors teammate Stephen Curry after being ejected by Scott Foster

Getty

Chris Paul (right) is ushered towards the locker room after his ejection

Getty

He added: “The league knows, everybody knows, and there’s been a meeting and all that. It’s a situation with my son.”

Paul teams are 0-14 in play-off games officiated by Foster. All-time, Paul is 2-17 in playoff games officiated by Foster.

Wednesday night’s ejection was Paul’s seventh in his career, but his first at the hands of Foster.

Paul went on to reveal he held clear-the-air talks with Foster during his time at the Los Angeles Clippers.

He said: “I had a meeting with him, my dad, Doc Rivers, Bob Delaney and all that at the Clippers.

“It was a whole thing, man. It’s been a thing for a while. I ain’t saying nothing to get fined. It is what it is at this point.”

Meanwhile Foster explained the foul call and resulting ejection was for “unsportsmanlike conduct” during an official post-game review by NBA officials.

The veteran official was then asked how Paul escalated the situation to be given a second technical foul, leading to his ejection from the game.

Foster responded: “He continued to complain and received a second unsportsmanlike technical foul.”

"It's personal."

— Chris Paul on his issue with Scott Foster pic.twitter.com/iHDecyIW0f
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 23, 2023

Inside Tony Ferguson’s brutal training for Paddy Pimblett fight that includes Navy Seal David Goggins’ gruelling ‘Hell Week’

Joshua Rogers — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 12:30:00 +0000

Tony Ferguson is leaving nothing to chance ahead of his fight with Paddy ‘the Baddy’ Pimblett.

‘El Cucy’ faces the Liverpudlian on December 17 at UFC 296 on the back of a six-fight losing streak dating back to 2019. Desperate to get back amongst the wins, Ferguson has enlisted the help of one of the toughest men on the planet.

The UFC lightweight sought out the training of one of the world’s hardest men

Instagram - davidgoggins

Ferguson put himself through Goggins’ “Hell Week” in order to arrest his six-fight skid

Instagram - davidgoggins

David Goggins is a former Navy SEAL, ultramarathon runner and bestselling author whose self-help memoirs ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ and ‘Never Finished’ have sold millions of copies.

The 48-year-old American has amassed a huge following on social media, especially on Instagram where he often encourages his 9m followers to ‘get after it’ while working out and running hundreds of miles.

Ferguson, the former UFC interim lightweight champion, has recently teamed up with Goggins in a bid to revive his career. The 39-year-old’s last win inside the octagon came against Donald Cerrone in 2019, and in the years since he has lost to Justin Gaethje, Bobby Green and Nate Diaz.

HELL WEEK

In order to prepare him for his bout against Pimblett, Goggins has pushed Ferguson to his mental and physical limits in a brutal training regime known as “Hell Week”.

Hell Week – which Goggins has done three of – is performed by US Navy SEALS as part of their training and requires them to perform physical challenges for over 20 hours a day.

Day 1 of Ferguson’s Hell Week started on November 7th and involved the 155lber completing more than three hours of gruelling high-intensity cardio, over 600 push-ups, and tons of chest exercises, bike, and rowing work.

Goggins shared a video montage of Ferguson’s first day in Hell Week which included the fighter throwing up into a toilet bowl out of sheer exhaustion.

The ex-military man’s next video with Ferguson featured the pair doing one mile of walking lunges. Goggins shared that they’d been doing the exercise for over 53 minutes.

The pair completed hours of training including one mile lunges, jumping jacks and press ups

Instagram - davidgoggins

Ferguson through up a number of times during the brutal training regime

Instagram - davidgoggins

“Some people have no idea of the time required to be a champion! They have the math all wrong”, Goggins wrote. “If you are fighting for 15 minutes, you have to put in thousands of hours in training, practising, studying the craft and your opponent, etc.

“Training the mind requires countless hours. You need to find those things that put your mind in the hurt locker.

“You have to be willing to push yourself to the limit and once you reach that limit, that is when your training begins.”

Day 3 of Hell Week saw the duo hit the treadmill.

TIME TO THROW UP

“This is where you win!” Goggins, who was on the machine next to Ferguson, exclaimed.

“This ain’t no f***ing game!” the social media personality yelled at the camera before it panned to Ferguson who was gasping for air and dripping with sweat while running.

Ferguson can be heard huffing and puffing and crying out in pain before jumping off the treadmill to throw up in a bag next to him.

“Many of you will not understand what I am putting Tony through right now but when a man like Tony is looking for more, it forces him to go deep into the dungeon because my job is to make him find every bit of himself and then some,” Goggins captioned the post.

“And he is doing just that!!! He has an unbelievable resolve, ability and willingness to suffer. This speaks to his character. This is not for the weak.”

Ferguson’s conditioning should be elite heading into his fight with Paddy ‘the Baddy’ Pimblett

Instagram - davidgoggins

The former Navy SEAL was right alongside Tony all week doing the exact same workout

Instagram - davidgoggins

The next update included Goggins letting everyone know they’d already started the day off with jumping jack push-ups, which is ten, four count jumping jacks followed by ten push-ups for 45 minutes non-stop.

They then got into walking lunges as Goggins recounted the previous day’s work.

“Stair climber, treadmill, high incline, assault bike, and repeat that over again,” he said. “Then at night time, we did a full leg workout.”

BARELY ABLE TO WALK

“Neither one of us could barely walk after the workouts we put ourselves through yesterday and yet we upped it another notch today,” he wrote accompanying the post.

“I knew that even though our legs were so f***ed up today that we could do the same workout again, and even more, despite feeling worse…and we did!”

Day four of Hell Week saw Tony going through the ringer on the assault bike, which is often used for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts.

Ferguson looked visibly shattered on the bike next to Goggins as he squeezed out every last drop of effort.

The UFC star moaned and groaned as Goggins fired him up from the bike across from him.

The former interim champion was dripping with sweat after he got after it on the treadmill

Instagram - davidgoggins

He carried on working out despite having to stop to vomit

Instagram - davidgoggins

“Ahh s***!”, Ferguson exclaimed repeatedly as Goggins laughed, appearing to take great pleasure from his trainee’s pain.

“When you train a person like Tony, you have to find their limit and once you find it, that is when you have to push them way beyond it.” Goggins commented. “The challenge with Tony is that his limit is way the f*** out there because of his ability to handle so much pain.

GET AFTER IT

“What you are seeing in this video is a man that has been through four days of a no-s*** hell week. This isn’t like a football two-a-days or some wrestling camp bull****.

“There is a lesson to be learned here. He’s comfortable with you all seeing what he is going through because this is the exact kind of dedication it takes to reach greatness. Hard work is never pretty!”

Hell Week eventually came to an end with Goggins congratulating Ferguson for being the first person to ever successfully complete one of his infamous Hell Week’s without quitting.

“Tony finished Hell Week today,” Goggins wrote in an Instagram video of the week’s tasks. “I have had many people try yet he is the first one to get through it.

” I have had a lot of great athletes over the years want to train with me but for one reason or another, ‘something’
always miraculously comes up so they can’t complete it.

“I broke El Cucuy on Day One, or at least I thought I did. I had him deep in the hurt locker and figured the questions were soon to be coming. I told Kish [Goggins wife] late that night ‘this motherf***** is done!’

“But, I was wrong. He woke up on Day Two even more fired up to go. There was never a question asked. His response was always the same, ‘OK, Coach.’

“I was there for the rebirth of El Cucuy.

“It happened somewhere on the Jacob’s Ladder at around 11:11pm. I knew then that the torture I was putting him through was no longer torture.

“A lot of people ask me if I think he will win his next fight- I don’t have the first damn clue about that. That’s up to Tony. What I do know is that the man who walks into the octagon on December 16th will be a deeply changed man.

“Sometimes when the fight is near, the warrior must go back home because home is where the hell began.

“My friends, Tony is home! Hello darkness my old friend.”

Canelo Alvarez net worth: Undisputed boxing champion chasing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo with mega earnings

Jack Johnson — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 12:13:04 +0000

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is considered by many as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers of all time.

And the undisputed super-middleweight champion deservedly gets paid the money that suits that label.

Canelo boasts an incredible 60-2-2 record

Melina Pizano/Matchroom

The Mexican is one of the highest-earning athletes in world sport, so talkSPORT.com takes a look at how much he is worth…

Canelo Alvarez net worth

Canelo’s current net worth is estimated to be over £150million.

He was named the fifth highest-paid athlete in the world in 2023, sitting behind LeBron James, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 33-year-old made around £100m over the last year, earning incredible amounts of money each time he enters the ring due to his stature in the sport.

In 2018, Canelo signed one of the biggest contracts in sports history as he agreed to a five-year deal with Golden Boy and DAZN that would see him make a total of £365m.

However, after only making a reported £50m from his first two fights, he decided to exit the contract and file a lawsuit against his promoter and broadcaster.

He has had many huge paydays, reportedly making almost £70m from his first two fights against rival Gennady Golovkin.

He was also claimed to have made at least £40m for his most recent bout against Jermell Charlo in September.

Canelo made a huge amount for his fights against Golovkin

He also got a big paycheck for beating Charlo

Getty

But Canelo’s earnings don’t all come from boxing.

He has a lucrative partnership with drinks company Hennessy while also owning his own taco restaurant at home in Mexico.

The champion also works with sports equipment brand Everlast as an ambassador and he has his own promotional company for boxing matches and many other events.

It doesn’t stop there, as Canelo has a personal clothing line and is part of the team behind sports drink maker Yaoca and a fitness app called I Can.

According to Forbes, he makes around £20m a year from real estate investments too.

talkSPORT host left in stitches by commentary for stunning KO of the year contender

Cameron Temple — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:57:42 +0000

Brandon Grach pulled off a potential knockout of the year against Liam Talivaa on Wednesday.

The boxing fight took place in Australia on the undercard of Nikita Tszyu vs Dylan Biggs, but it did not last long.

X: @MaineventTV

Grach was the less experienced boxer going into the bout, with a 1-0 professional record, while Talivaa had five fights to his name, winning all of them.

In the second round of the fight, as the men met in the middle of the ring to trade shots, Grach landed a crushing left hook.

This immediately knocked out Talivaa, as he crashed down to the canvas and lay there with no chance of returning to his feet.

As soon as the punch landed the crowd went wild and the commentators could barely be heard on the broadcast.

But, when they could be heard again, one commentator described it as: “Knockout of the year in Australian boxing.”

While his co-commentator added: “Oh s***.”

Before continuing: “I can’t say that, I’m sorry, sue me, fine me,” and he then repeated: “Oh s***.”

talkSPORT host Ade Oladipo found this particularly funny, commenting on X: “The commentator here had me on stitches. ‘Sue me, fine me’.”

In the main event of the night, Nikita, who is the the older brother of world title contender Tim Tszyu and the son of former world champion Kostya Tszyu, also pulled off a KO win.

Nikita was knocked down in the first round, but he managed to climb off the canvas and he stopped Biggs in the fifth.

The commentator here had me on stitches. “Sue me, fine me” https://t.co/cx8pufh72f
— Ade Oladipo (@ade_oladipo1) November 22, 2023

‘Not a bad thing’ – Ricky Hatton explains why Tyson Fury’s fight with Francis Ngannou could end up being good preparation for facing Oleksandr Usyk

Michael Benson — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:43:58 +0000

Ricky Hatton has told talkSPORT that he believes Tyson Fury may well benefit from his lacklustre performance against Francis Ngannou when he fights Oleksandr Usyk.

The Gypsy King was floored as he crept to a narrow split decision win over Ngannou last month, and will now head into the undisputed heavyweight world title showdown on February 17.

Hatton helped Fury make his comeback to boxing, and was even in his corner for the first Deontay Wilder fight

Tyson Fury - Instagram

Of course, many questions have been raised about Fury following his back-and-forth bout with the MMA star and some fans are expressing doubts about his chances of beating Usyk.

However, Hatton told talkSPORT Breakfast on Thursday: “I think Tyson will certainly be a lot better than he was last time.

“And he’ll certainly have to be, he doesn’t need me to tell him that, but I think he will be.

“The last fight, I think he simply just took the fella – even though he was a monster of a man – I think he took him little bit lightly.

“I think he could’ve come in in a little bit better shape than what he did do.

“I went to Saudi Arabia for the fight and it was such an occasion – I think Tyson forgot what he was there for!

“He forgot what he was there to do! It was such an occasion and he was fighting this UFC fighter who’s not had a boxing match before in his life and I think he just took it all a little bit lightly.”

Hatton then explained why he thinks this could ultimately have a positive impact on Fury and effectively act as a wake-up call for him before the undisputed fight.

Fury had to get up off the canvas to beat boxing debutant Ngannou

Getty

“It’s probably not such a bad thing,” he continued, “It’s probably what you want before you go fighting Oleksandr Usyk because he’ll know, ‘I’ve gotta pull my socks up, I can’t be performing like that again.’

“So it probably wasn’t such a bad thing, but yeah we thought we’d lost it when Tyson was struggling.

“A lot of people thought he might have lost the fight or thought, ‘There’s that Usyk fight gone.’

“But he got the decision, which I thought he just did, he won it by the narrowest of margins, just because he was a little bit busier.

“But he’ll be up for this Usyk fight, and he’ll need to be, because only Tyson Fury‘s best will beat this fella.”

JJ. Watt insists he would ‘physically force’ Jon Rahm to sign $600m LIV Golf contract

Callum Davis — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:14:36 +0000

You can always count on a friend for sound advice.

Jon Rahm is facing one of the biggest decisions of his life as he ponders his golf future.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 09: Jon Rahm of Spain poses with the Masters trophy during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Recent reports suggest the Masters champion has been offered a staggering $600 million deal to join LIV Golf and defect from the PGA Tour.

With Rahm at a crossroads in his career, the Spaniard has received a few words of wisdom from his friend and neighbour, JJ. Watt.

Watt, who recently invested in Burnley after retiring from the NFL, is family friends with Rahm and his wife.

The duo are part of an A-list group of Arizona-based friends including Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz and Olympic legend Michael Phelps.

While Rahm and his camp are yet to address the rumours linking him with a move to the Saudi-backed league, Watt has offered his verdict on his pal’s dilemma.

“If this number was correct, I would have driven to Jon’s house myself and used extreme physical force to ensure he signed the deal,” Watt wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Speculation linking Rahm with a move to LIV Golf has intensified in recent weeks after his withdrawal from the inaugural TGL season, which has since been delayed until 2025.

“I am sad to confirm that I will not be participating in the first TGL season,” Rahm announced in a statement on X.

“While I still think it’s a great opportunity, right now it would require a level of commitment that I can’t offer. Best of luck to everyone (involved) and may the best team win!”

JJ. Watt (left) is good friends with Jon Rahm (centre)

Rory McIlory, who created the TGL enterprise in partnership with Tiger Woods, told reporters he was confident Rahm would remain a PGA Tour member.

“I spoke to Jon a couple days ago and would be very, very surprised if that were to happen,” McIlroy said when quizzed on Rahm’s withdrawal. “I’m pretty confident Jon is a PGA Tour player.”

Rahm is an 11-time PGA TOUR winner, including major titles at the 2021 U.S. Open and this year’s Masters.

The Spaniard holds 10 DP World Tour titles and has spent 52 weeks at world No. 1.

He was also part of the European Team’s decisive victory at this year’s Ryder Cup in Italy, compiling a 2-0-2 record.

I’m a 6ft 8in heavyweight who earned $1million title shot and impressed Jon Jones with brutal KO – now I want to fight Francis Ngannou

Jordan Ellis — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Renan Ferreira could be the man who welcomes Francis Ngannou to PFL in 2024 – but first, he’s got the chance to win $1million and a world title.

The 6ft 8inch Brazilian is set to face Denis Goltsov at the PFL World Championships in Washington on Friday night after scoring two consecutive knockout wins.

Ferreira is coming off a highlight-reel KO

Cooper Neill / PFL

Ferreira, who previously worked as a private security guard and in construction before pursuing MMA full-time, even impressed UFC legend Jon Jones with his last win.

‘Bones’ was in the opposing corner when the 33-year-old squared off against Maurice Greene at PFL 8: 2023 Playoffs back in August.

Ferreira closed the show in emphatic fashion inside round one.

The man aptly nicknamed ‘Problema’ dropped Greene with a massive right hand as he rushed in trying to land his own shots and book a place in the lucrative PFL final.

Ferreira immediately followed up with a monstrous hammerfist, similar to the one Dan Henderson famously landed on Michael Bisping at UFC 100 in 2009, to put his opponent out cold.

Another followed before the referee stepped in to call things off and trigger wild celebrations from those inside The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The 11-3 heavyweight let out a roar before making his way over to Jones who immediately showed respect by giving him a fist bump through the cage.

UFC CEO Dana White recently ruled out co-promoting with PFL, so a fight between Ferreira and Jones is unlikely to happen – but that doesn’t mean the giant KO aritst is short of big-name opponents.

Jones was in the corner but couldn’t help his pal

@TheCrochetBoss - Instagram

‘Problema’ made his way over to Jones after KO’ing Greene

ESPN MMA - YouTube

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou inked a deal to fight for PFL in May before giving Tyson Fury all he could handle during his 10-round boxing debut last month.

After a landmark merger between the UFC’s biggest rivals – PFL and Bellator – was announced earlier this week, it was revealed Ngannou will debut for his new promotion next year.

Ideally, he’ll face Deontay Wilder in a mixed-rules fight, but if the ‘The Bronze Bomber’ is unavailable for any reason, the reigning PFL heavyweight champion seems like the most likely alternative opponent.

Ferreira is sure to call out Ngannou if he’s victorious this weekend.

Ngannou has a target on his back after his recent boxing debut

Getty

Goltsov is also hoping to secure a shot at ‘The Predator’

@denis_goltsov - instagram

“I feel like this is almost a make-it-or-break-it moment,” Ferreira told MMA Junkie through an interpreter at a PFL media day last month.

“It’s tough to even say this because there’s so much on the line between the belt and the million dollars, but there really is more on the line when you talk about future opportunities and the opportunity to fight a guy like Francis after this.”

“It’s definitely a fan favourite (fight). It’s two tough guys that swing big, that have a lot of knockout power, two exciting heavyweights.

“I feel like this is the kind of stuff that fans of the sport want to tune in and watch.”

Ferreira’s clearly got big plans, but overcoming Goltsov won’t be easy.

The Russian has finished four of the five opponents he’s beaten during his ongoing win streak and will be targeting a fight with Ngannou himself.

With a $1million prize on the line, the PFL’s final show of the year is always eagerly anticipated, but the stakes have been raised after Ngannou’s addition to their rapidly-improving roster.

Conor Benn’s comeback fight opponent Rodolfo Orozco tests positive for banned substance in drugs test

Michael Benson — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 10:07:00 +0000

Rodolfo Orozco has reportedly been temporarily suspended after testing positive for a banned substance in a drugs test taken around his fight with Conor Benn.

In September, the British welterweight contender made a controversial return to the ring in the USA following his own positive drugs tests last year, though it has now been revealed that his Mexican opponent has in fact recorded a positive result of his own.

Benn beat Orozco on points

Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

Benn twice tested positive for the banned PED clomifene in two separate VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) drugs tests last year.

A ruling made by the NADP (National Anti-Doping Panel) in the 26-year-old’s UKAD (UK Anti-Doping) case saw his suspension lifted in July, clearing the way for him to fight again.

It has been reported that the decision to lift Benn’s suspension was ‘focused heavily’ on jurisdictional technicalities – specifically UKAD’s inability to rule on VADA tests – and did not include any actual examination of science explaining why clomifene was found in Benn’s system.

UKAD and the BBBofC (British Boxing Board of Control) are appealing the NADP ruling – this appeal has no clear resolution yet.

However, as he is no longer suspended, Benn obtained a Texas boxing licence and used it to return against Orozco in Florida in September.

The fight was no easy task for the Brit, as the Mexican was significantly bigger than him and battled through the ten rounds.

Benn didn’t have things all his own way, but did ultimately win by unanimous decision.

Two months later, it has now been reported by BoxingScene that Orozco tested positive for a banned substance around the fight.

It’s not been revealed what Orozco tested positive for

Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

It’s claimed he has been temporarily suspended by the Florida Boxing License Commission as a result, and the matter is still under investigation.

The exact date of the positive VADA test and substance are unknown.

However, it’s reported that the result did not come back until after the fight took place.

Time will tell how this latest questionable situation for boxing plays out.

Footage of Gregg Popovich slamming Spurs fan for booing Kawhi Leonard goes viral and Tom Brady loves it

Callum Davis — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 10:04:33 +0000

Tom Brady is fully behind Gregg Popovich’s quite unprecedented decision on Wednesday night.

The legendary coach is one of the most successful head coaches in basketball having won five NBA Championships with the San Antonio Spurs.

Kawhi Leonard catches up with his former head coach Gregg Popvich after the Los Angeles Clippers’ 109-102 win over the San Antonio Spurs

Now into his 28th season as Spurs head coach, the fearsome 74-year-old showed he may have mellowed in his old age in a rare moment of courtside sentimentality.

Wednesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers saw ‘Coach Pop’ reunite with Kawhi Leonard, who spent seven years under him in San Antonio, winning the NBA Championship and MVP award in 2014.

The superstar forward left Spurs under a cloud, forcing a trade after months of tension over his rehabilitation from injury.

Five years on and bitter Spurs fans let their feelings be known as Leonard stepped to the free-throw line.

The Frost Bank Center crowd unleashed a chorus of boos as the Clippers forwards prepared to take the first of two shots with just over three minutes left to play in the first half.

In response, Popovich grabbed the PA announcer’s microphone to demand the home fans stop booing their former star.

“Excuse me for a second,” Popovich said to the crowd. “Can we stop all the booing and let these guys play? Have a little class. That’s not who we are. Knock off the booing.”

Footage of the intervention quickly went viral on social media as thousands of NBA fans rushed to celebrate Popovich’s sportsmanship, including one NFL icon.

Coach Pop grabs the mic mid-game to tell the crowd 'stop booing' at Kawhi pic.twitter.com/ckvZduDdut
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 23, 2023

Former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady replied to the viral clip: “Love this.”

Popovich’s plea ultimately fell on deaf ears and instead riled Spurs fans into more vociferous abuse.

The boos continued throughout the game every time Leonard touched the ball.

Popovich denied he was protecting Leonard out of any paternal instinct, insisting he feared the abuse would offer Leonard extra motivation to perform.

“I think anybody that knows anything about sports, you don’t poke the bear,” Popovich said.

After the game Leonard claimed he was unaware Popovich’s dramatic intervention had taken place. “I was just in the moment trying to knock down my free throws,” he said.

“If I don’t have a Spurs jersey on, they’re probably going to boo me the rest of my career,” Leonard said.

“But I mean it is what it is. Like I said, they’re one of the best fans in the league and they’re very competitive. Once I step out on this basketball court out here, they show that they’re going for the other side.

“When I’m on the streets or going into restaurants, they show love. So it is what it is.”

Phil Mickelson calls journalist ‘pathetic’ and ‘worst liar’ over Jon Rahm to LIV Golf rumours

Sean O'Brien — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:41:43 +0000

Phil Mickelson has lashed out at journalist Alan Shipnuck over rumours surrounding Jon Rahm and LIV Golf.

Multiple reports claim world No.3 Rahm is in advanced talks over a £480million move to the Saudi-backed breakaway league.

Mickelson has been forced to deny spreading rumours about Rahm to LIV

Getty

The Spaniard is close friends with LIV Golf figurehead Mickelson and the two golfers share the same agent.

Addressing the rumours, Fire Pit Collective writer Shipnuck said: “In recent days Phil has been telling folks that Rahm signing with LIV is a done deal. (They share the same agent.)

“But we all know Mickelson is a relentless salesman/bull**** artist, so take that for what it’s worth.”

It was Shipnuck who first reported Mickelson’s infamous quote referring to the Saudis as ‘scary mother*******’ when LIV was being built in early 2022.

The journalist, who released an unauthorised biography about Mickleson, has since been given the cold shoulder by the six-time major winner.

Responding to Shipnuck’s comments on Wednesday, Mickelson wrote: “This isn’t true and I don’t know anything. I don’t want to know anything and I haven’t said anything. Alan is the worst liar and a pathetic human.”

Shipnuck then doubled down, replying: “I guess Phil tweeted at me? I wouldn’t know since he’s blocked me in a classic tough-guy move. But we all know that what he says publicly and privately are *very* different.”

Meanwhile, The Times claims a source close to peace talks between the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the PGA Tour says Rahm to LIV Golf is ‘possible’ but officials remain tight-lipped.

Rahm (middle) and Mickelson (right) often compete in practice rounds together at majors

AFP

The 29-year-old, who is also close friends with LIV rebel Sergio Garcia, has been linked to the breakaway league multiple times in the past year.

Speaking in August, Rahm told the Golf Sin Etiquetas Podcast: “I laugh when people rumour me with the LIV Golf league. I’ve never liked the format.

“I always have a good time with Phil [Mickelson] and Sergio [Garcia] in the practice rounds of majors.

“Phil respects my decision and I respect his decision. He has told me that I have no reason to go to LIV. And he has told me that several times.”

Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron II odds and free bets on talkSPORT BET

Tom Lunn — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:15:00 +0000

It’s the rematch for Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron in Dublin this weekend with the lightweight belts on the line.

And talkSPORT BET has a huge offer for the fight where you can bet £5 and triple your winnings up to £300!

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Taylor vs Cameron II: Preview

Taylor made her Dublin homecoming in May of this year when first facing Cameron.

Something that had been in the works for around seven years in total as she fought in London, New York, Leeds, Liverpool and many more since she departed on her professional debut back in November 2016.

But it wasn’t to be that her homecoming would extend her unbeaten record as she suffered her first defeat in professional boxing, with her record now reading 22-1-0.

Cameron as a result of her win became the undisputed light-welterweight champion with these belts; WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring female light-welterweight which go on the line again this weekend.

The ‘Bray Bomber’ is still aiming to become a two-weight undisputed champion but Cameron has her own undefeated record to protect now.

She’s won 18 times and will be an incredibly tough challenger to overcome again, and as such she’s odds-on to beat Taylor again.

Taylor vs Cameron II: Odds

Chantelle Cameron – 21/40
Draw – 12/1
Katie Taylor – 6/4

Taylor vs Cameron II: Undercard

Subject to change

MAIN EVENT: Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron 2 – for IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC and WBO super-lightweight title
Paddy Donovan vs Danny Ball
Gary Cully vs Reece Mould
Skye Nicolson vs Lucy Wildheart – for WBC interim featherweight title
John Cooney vs Liam Gaynor
Zelfa Barrett vs Costin Ion
Thomas Carty vs Dan Garber
Emmet Brennan vs Jamie Morrissey
Giorgio Visioli vs Lee Anthony Sibley

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November Racing weekend at Ascot: Racing tips and preview

Tom Lunn — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:08:00 +0000

Ascot puts on a great meeting on Saturday which features the 1965 Chase which has Shishkin and Pic D’Orhy the main contenders in.

Shishkin could be heading to Haydock for the Betfair Chase, but he’s odds-on for this and should find this better suited over 2m5f.

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There’s a couple of other big races on Saturday too including the Grade 2 Hurdle just after the feature race.

This one is much more open though, with nine runners, with prices starting at 2/1 with Goshen.

All eyes are on Shishkin for this weekend at Ascot and it’ll be a big race should he go here and take on Pic D’Orhy once again.

Ascot betting tips

12.20, Ascot Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (Class 3): Chianti Classico
1.30, 1965 Chase (Grade 2): Shishkin 4/6
2.05, Coral Hurdle (Grade 2): Theatre Glory 3/1

12.20: Chianti Classico

Having tipped Chianti Classico before the declarations based on his consistent and superior jumping compared to the others but now there’s just three runners.

Chianti Classico now sets the clear standard, having been entered into the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham Festival but was pulled up at 66/1.

He went off for a wind op in the summer and returned to form over fences for the first time which says a lot and it was that good the handicapper has put him up 8lb.

His hurdle form and win on seasonal debut looks like he will be a big bet here this weekend, especially on his second run since having a wind surgery.

1.30: Shishkin

Shishkin stamped his authority over Pic D’Orhy at Ascot when stepping up to 2m5f for the first time in February

AFP

He came back from a wind surgery in February when winning over this course and distance, after failing to fire in two consecutive races in 2022.

Just a month after his disappointing third place finish at Sandown in December 2022 he had a wind op and that made a significant chance immediately when he returned just over a month later.

Beating Pic D’Orhy by 16 lengths and then he confirmed his ability to go over further – when winning the 3m1f Grade 1 Aintree Bowl Chase in April, beating Ahoy Senor well despite seemingly beaten before the second obstacle.

Shishkin has had two races at Ascot, winning both with the other coming against Energumene in what was probably one of the best races, in the Clarence House Chase in January 2022.

2.05: Theatre Glory

Sceau Royal is a 5/1 shot and though looks like a great play but has yet to really stamp his authority over this kind of a distance.

His last win came at Kempton back in October 2022 and his form reads 43264 since then, dropping down 6lb since that win, where he was the 4/9 favourite.

But he did come a close second to Brewin’upastorm at Fontwell in February over 2m3f, despite carrying 6lb more.

He then didn’t go too well at Kempton in October on seasonal debut which also doesn’t bode well for this weekend.

Goshen will be carrying the most here but is still the favourite at around 2/1.

His last race was on the flat at Newmarket which can have a line drawn through it for the sake of this hurdle contest.

He was a neck second to Knappers Hill at Sandown in April where Theatre Glory was a close third.

They step back in trip just slightly for this one and it may result in Theatre Glory benefiting the most.

He was tested at Newbury on his seasonal debut last year and despite being prominent for the most part was unseated.

In the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival in March, she came a decent sixth place behind the winner, Honeysuckle.

But her best performance was beating Molly Ollys Wishes at Warwick by 11 lengths, while only given 4lb in weight from the second place.

She was showing great form throughout last season and should improve even further on her first run this campaign after a summer off.

She has the pace to win well over 2m and the couple stamina and speed to win over two and a half miles so there could be a huge run here, once again given plenty of weight from Goshen.

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Betfair Chase Day racing tips at Haydock on Saturday

Tom Lunn — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:08:00 +0000

Haydock racecourse stars this weekend amongst a busy Saturday racecard with the Grade 1 Betfair Chase.

Bravemansgame and Protektorat are the big favourites for the race while there’s also the Class 1 Premier Handicap and a Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle as the promising opener.

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Haydock Betfair Chase Day betting tips

1.50, Betfair Exchange Graduation Chase: Gaillard Du Mesnil 9/4
2.20, Betfair Handicap Hurdle: Emitom 14/1
3.00, Betfair Chase: Bravemansgame 6/4

Gaillard Du Mesnil

Jockey Paul Townend and Gaillard Du Mesnil go to post before the BoyleSports Irish Grand National Steeplechase on day three of the Fairyhouse Easter Festival at Fairyhouse Racecourse in Ratoath

GETTY

The majority of the runners in this field prefer a bigger stamina test in and around 3m, with the likes of Gaillard Du Mesnil mostly running over 3m+.

Especially when featuring in the Grand National just a month after winning the Challenge Cup by over two lengths.

He did go over 2m5f twice last season, but each time was beaten by Mighty Potter.

It does mean, at his high mark he could be caught out by a faster horse but 2m5f at Haydock is still a tough stamina test and he should be up there at the finish.

Interestingly, Grey Dawning is the odds-on favourite despite only going over fences once in his career, which was last time out, when he finished just a couple of lengths behind Stay Away Fay.

It doesn’t seem like he’s going to be an odds-on shot unless his jumping is exceptional.

He’s also entered in the Punchestown John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase on Sunday, where he’s a 16/1 shot, over 2m4f.

Which is clearly not an issue for the grey gelding and should be sided with here to put in a big performance.

Emitom

Pedigree suggests Crambo could be greater over 3m, stepping up from his prominent hurdle career between 2m-2m4f.

Slate Lane should still be improving, being quite unexposed still, for trainer Emmet Mullins, but is still at a tough mark here having gone off at 113 last time out and now goes off 14lb higher.

Bold Endeavour put in great performances last season including a fifth place in the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival.

But he consistently places in hurdle contests – including in each of his last four runs, despite winning over fences in January of this year.

Emitom finished ahead of Bold Endeavour last time out when he was second to Young Butler and he’s only raced twice since March when beating Hyland over 3m.

He should be able to go well again here and is a nice each-way chance based on his latest performances.

Bravemansgame

Bravemansgame winning the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day under a great ride from Harry Cobden

GETTY

Daryl Jacob has been confirmed to be the rider this weekend instead of Harry Cobden, and though many are wondering why it’s down to Paul Nicholls having plenty of runners at Ascot on the same day as well.

So that won’t be an issue coming here with a different jockey despite him being on board for every race under rules amounting to 18 with nine wins.

Another key point here is Shishkin and whether he opts for the Betfair Chase or 1965 Chase at Ascot, which is over 2m5f instead, where he’s also the 5/6 favourite as opposed to 7/1 here.

Corach Rambler was obviously an incredible winner in the Grand National but he was so well handicapped for that as well as his Cheltenham Festival win in the Ultima.

But he’s been upped 13lb for those victories and that showed on his first outing since when a never closer fifth at Kelso and it does happen where Grand National winners just take a little while to win again.

He faces a tougher time facing the 166-rated and 172-rated favourites who will be carrying the same weight.

Bravemansgame is still a great price considering his ability and even valiant placed efforts – but last winning in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day 2022.

He was second to Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup but that horse is also on another level, but he should find this a touch easier if jumping fluently and performing like we have seen before.

It’s argued he might have needed the run and that could be part of it but he just never looked like catching Gentlemansgame, who realistically could be another great chaser to follow for the season in the big meetings – as it was just his third attempt over fences.

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Forget Tyson Fury, Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson, these are boxing’s worst heavyweight champions who got KO’d for millions

Damian Mannion — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:06:00 +0000

Not every boxer can rule a division in the same way Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Mike Tyson or Lennox Lewis did – but the following really did fail in the ‘champion’ part when it came to wearing the heavyweight crown.

Boxing’s alphabet title lunacy gives talkSPORT.com some choice candidates when picking the top ten worst heavyweights of all time, but some rules must be imposed first.

Tyson dominated every heavyweight he had faced en route to becoming the youngest heavyweight champion ever in 1986

Nobody took the WBO heavyweight belt seriously until Wladimir Klitschko gave it some legitimacy in the mid-2000s (thank you, Wlad).

So talkSPORT is not even considering early WBO champs from Francesco Damiani to Michael Bentt, Siarhei Liakhovich to Sultan Ibragimov. Plus the WBA ‘regular’ title can get in the bin forever.

However, these men all had some claim to a genuine heavyweight world title at one stage in their careers – and the world was frankly a poorer place for it.

10. Gerrie Coetzee | WBA champion

Nicknamed ‘The Bionic Hand’, which sounds great and like he’s boxing’s own Winter Soldier until you realise it’s just because he had lots of surgery on his injured hand. Oh. South African Coetzee’s best year was 1983 when he took on two talented but troubled heavyweights, drawing with Pinklon Thomas then upsetting Michael Dokes to claim WBA gold (his third attempt at the belt). Lost in his first defence and was knocked out by Frank Bruno in 1986.

9. Greg Page | WBA champion

The biggest moment of Page’s career actually came in a public sparring session when he knocked down Mike Tyson, signalling that all was not well with ‘Iron Mike’ before his shock first pro defeat (see below).

Sadly Page was part of the gifted ‘Lost Generation’ of US heavies in the 1980s beset by personal demons. He picked up an alphabet strap in 1984 but was beaten in his first defence to the similarly out of shape Tony Tubbs. Retired with 17 defeats in 2001.

8. Leon Spinks | WBA, WBC and Ring champion

In 1978, at age 36, Ali won his belts back from Spinks to become a three-time champion

‘Neon Leon’ pulled off an almighty upset when the 7-0-1 novice outpointed an ageing Muhammad Ali in 1978, which makes him a real, lineal world champ. But Spinks, who died in 2021, struggled with drink and drugs throughout his career and, after losing the rematch to a 36-year-old Ali, Spinks suffered 16 more defeats then had a brief career as a pro wrestler.

Forever in the shadow of Ali and his more dedicated brother, Michael – who lost once in his 32 fight career to Mike Tyson – but at least Leon had one iconic win.

7. John Tate | WBA champion

‘Big John’ seemed to have potential as vast as his broad shoulders when the 1976 Olympic bronze medallist and undefeated pro captured the WBA belt in 1979. However he suffered two back-to-back knockouts in his next two fights – the first a brutal 15th-round KO at the fists of Mike Weaver that left Tate face first unconscious on the canvas. The American was never in world title contention again and sadly died in a car accident at the age of only 43 in 1998.

6. Primo Carnera | NBA champion (later known as WBA)

Not many old-time champions here because at least they were the genuine, linear No 1s unlike the fractured titles of today. However, Italian Carnera is a special case as the giant ‘Ambling Alp’ took part in several contests that were, frankly, fixed.

Carnera was a victim in all this, exploited by his handlers and beaten when he came up against top boxers like Max Baer and Joe Louis. Later became a box office draw as a pro wrestler, which he much preferred to boxing and is in the WWE Hall of Fame. He died in 1967 at the age of 60.

5. James ‘Buster’ Douglas | WBA, WBC, IBF champion

Douglas was a 42/1 outsider to beat Tyson and shocked the world when he did, but his reign as champion was shortlived

Rex Features

Like Leon Spinks, Douglas has one terrific signature win: in Buster’s case, the greatest upset in boxing history when he climbed off the canvas to end Mike Tyson’s reign in 1990 having been a 42/1 underdog.

Douglas showed his skills in that fight, controlling a rusty ‘Iron Mike’ with a ramrod jab. But the rest of his career was a bust. While Tyson didn’t take his training for the Tokyo bout seriously, Douglas decided to trained for his first defence against Evander Holyfield by drinking Long Island iced tea cocktails and was polished off inside three rounds. A true one-fight wonder.

4. Frank Bruno | WBC champion

Bruno beat McCall to claim the title in 1995

Getty Images - Getty

It truly hurts us to put Britain’s brave, beloved Big Frank here. But still. While many of his US rivals had all the skills but no discipline, Bruno was a bit more the other way around. He was in tremendous shape and a big puncher but lost against every good heavyweight he faced until he finally won the WBC belt in 1995, defeating the erratic Oliver McCall in a fight that is a good cure for insomnia. Gave his all in the ring, however, and well worth the hero worship. Forgive us, Frank.

3. Bermane Stiverne | WBC champion

Stiverne’s claim to fame is that he took demolitions expert Deontay Wilder the full 12-round distance for the first time in 2015, albeit losing a points decision and his WBC belt along the way. Before that, Stiverne had picked up the vacant title by beating a past his best Chris Arreola – and in 2017 he’d undo his solid work against Wilder by turning up out of shape for the rematch and getting blasted out in the first round. A pretty dire reign by any stretch.

2. Bruce Seldon | WBA champion

Plenty of forgettable heavyweights held alphabet titles in the 1980s but at least most of them tried when they got in the ring. Seldon had already lost to Oliver McCall, Riddick Bowe and Tony Tubbs when he found himself with the WBA belt after beating a faded Tony Tucker in 1995. A $5million payday for fighting a post-prison Tyson loomed and Seldon was not one to hold up the party, flopping to the canvas in the first round from some punches that seemed oddly off target. Maybe the wind from them was just really strong.

1. Charles Martin | IBF champion

It took AJ five minutes to see off the American and become a world champion for the first time

AFP

Charles ‘I walk the earth like a god’ Martin’s 85-day reign as heavyweight champion is the second shortest ever, but almost certainly the worst. Even his winning the vacant IBF title was highly fortunate as Vyacheslav Glazkov – the pre-fight favourite – twisted his knee in round three and could not continue.

Eddie Hearn smelled an opportunity and offered Martin millions to defend his title against rising star Anthony Joshua, although there was little defence on show as Martin was bashed out in two rounds, barely landing a punch of his own. Woeful.

Joshua, meanwhile, took over the division until losing his belts to Andy Ruiz in another shock loss before regaining them and then subsequently relinquishing them to Oleksandr Usyk.

Packers vs Chiefs to show Taylor Swift and Tavis Kelce may not be NFL’s hottest power couple with Simon Biles there to support husband Jonathan Owens

Joshua Rogers — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 08:49:33 +0000

Move aside Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, there’s a new NFL power couple in town.

Olympic gymnastics icon Simone Biles and her husband Jonathan Owens, a safety for the Green Bay Packers, are rapidly becoming the NFL’s most likeable couple after packing on the PDA at recent games.

Owens and Biles weren’t shy about their public dispay of affection at a recent Packers game

Instagram - simonebiles

The US gymnastics star has been a regular at Lambeau Field this season

Instagram - simonebiles

The legendary Olympic gold medallist and her NFL beau were spotted at Lambeau Field as Owens and the Packers defeated the Los Angeles Chargers, 23-20.

26-year-old Biles could be seen cheering her hubby on from the sidelines, and later posted a sweet Instagram photo of the couple sharing a kiss.

She rocked a black puffer jacket with the No. 34 on it, Owens’ jersey number, as well as his name and the words ‘Green Bay’ emblazoned in Packers signature green.

Owens and Biles’ romance began in March 2020 after meeting on an app when the NFL safety was still a member of the Houston Texans.

The budding couple hit it off over their love of pets – she has two bulldogs, he has one – and their relationship soon blossomed.

Fast forward several years to April 2023 and the lovebirds exchanged wedding vows during an intimate courthouse ceremony in Houston, Texas.

Weeks later the power couple tied the knot for a second time with a lavish ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

‘We had to get married ‘legally’ here in the U.S. since our wedding will be a destination wedding,’ the Olympian explained on Instagram at the time.

The couple connected just before the pandemic in 2020 and have been loved up ever since, tying the knot in 2023

Instagram - simonebiles

Despite the long distance the cute couple have been hanging out a lot, including over Halloween

Instagram - simonebiles

That same month 28-year-old Owens signed with the Packers meaning they have had had to navigate a long-distance relationship for most of this year.

‘long distance isn’t easy, but seeing you play your heart out is so worth it… I’m so proud of you baby,’ Biles wrote on Instagram in August.

However, the couple have spent a ton of time together recently, especially over the holidays where they wore matching Halloween costumes.

“It’s been really fun supporting what he loves to do,” Biles said of their relationship. “Obviously, he’s in Green Bay right now so my season just ended. I’m super excited to get out there to Green Bay for the holidays to support him.”

Owens and Biles have a lot in common as elite athletes, but despite their competitive nature they’re always willing to support each other’s careers.

“Oh, he’s always so supportive,” the gymnast said of Owens in 2021. “Even if I wake up in the morning and I’m like, ‘I’m tired, do I have to go,’ jokingly, he’s like ‘Don’t say that! You can do it, this is your dream!'”

Biles has been enjoying life with the rest of the Cheeseheads in Wisconsin this season

Instagram - simonebiles

Likewise, Owens told Texas Monthly Biles is just as supportive of his career.

“She’ll be telling me, ‘Don’t be a baby, you’re all right.’ We’re both super competitive,” he said.

“When I see her getting up and going to practice every morning, it motivates me even more. It’s a great feeling when the person you’re in a relationship with understands what you’re going through.”

The most decorated US gymnast in world championships history has been a regular feature at her husband’s NFL games, and could well be in Detroit on Thanksgiving for the Packers’ game against the Lions.

The pair are the latest example of an NFL power couple after Chiefs star Travis Kelce and pop superstar Taylor Swift’s romance sparked a media frenzy in recent months.

The supercouples could even be on collision course as Kelce and the Chiefs travel to Lambeau Field on December 3rd to take on Owens and the Packers.

It remains to be seen if all parties attend the game but a Biles-Swift meet could make for a potentially social media-breaking photo op.

Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron II: €50 in free bets on talkSPORT BET in Ireland

Tom Lunn — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 08:13:00 +0000

Katie Taylor makes a homecoming to Dublin to face Chantelle Cameron for a huge rematch this weekend after her first ever defeat.

You can get up to €50 in free bets on talkSPORT BET Ireland as a new customer by betting on Taylor vs Cameron II!

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Taylor’s initial Dublin homecoming had to wait seven years back in May but she fell to defeat on points.

That was her first defeat in boxing after going 22 fight unbeaten in professional bouts.

The multiple gold medal winner further burst on to the boxing scene when fighting for the first time at Madison Square Garden to retain the WBA and IBF lightweight titles in December 2018.

The Bray-born boxer had retained those titles up until the 3Arena fight in Dublin in May to Cameron.

Where Cameron picked up all her other titles she previously picked up; WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring female light-welterweight titles to become the undisputed light-welterweight.

Taylor will have a chance to avenge her only defeat when she returns to Ireland for a second shot at Cameron’s belts.

The ‘Bray Bomber’ is still aiming to become a two-weight undisputed champion but Cameron’s undefeated record now stands at 18 wins and she will prove a fearsome challenge to overcome once again.

Taylor vs Cameron II: Undercard

Subject to change

MAIN EVENT: Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron 2 – for IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC and WBO super-lightweight title
Paddy Donovan vs Danny Ball
Gary Cully vs Reece Mould
Skye Nicolson vs Lucy Wildheart – for WBC interim featherweight title
John Cooney vs Liam Gaynor
Zelfa Barrett vs Costin Ion
Thomas Carty vs Dan Garber
Emmet Brennan vs Jamie Morrissey
Giorgio Visioli vs Lee Anthony Sibley

Taylor vs Cameron II: Odds

Chantelle Cameron – 21/40
Draw – 12/1
Katie Taylor – 6/4

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Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
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Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
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