Ahead of an overdue second title defence this weekend, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski insists Brian Ortega (#2) isn’t deserving of the 145lb title and guaranteed he won’t lose it after witnessing the 30-year-old’s sloppy conduct on the Ultimate Fighter. Continue reading
If Bud is the division’s pinnacle, will Shawn Porter finally rise to the occasion?
Ahead of his latest world title attempt on November 20, two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter (31-3-1, 17 KOs) described Terence Crawford as the pinnacle of opposition. Can he end a run of close yet losing decisions against the division’s elite, or will it be more of the same?
Terence Crawford excited to silence his doubters vs. Shawn Porter on Nov. 20
It’ll be 371 days since WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford’s last in-ring appearance by the time he steps into the Michelob Ultra Arena on November 20, but while mandatory challenger Shawn Porter represents Bud’s biggest test yet – it’s something he’s used to hearing. Continue reading
UFC Vegas 37: Anthony Smith submits Ryan Spann in R1, calls out Aleksandar Rakic
Former light-heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith earned another R1 win, as he stormed Ryan Spann (#11). Immediately post-fight, the 33-year-old agreed a December rematch with Aleksandar Rakic (#3) as he plots a return to the top table at 205lbs. Elsewhere, there were big finishes for lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, middleweight Joaquin Buckley and others. Continue reading
Tsitsipas opens up on his struggles, Medvedev backed to avoid Thiem’s slump
Roland Garros finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he – like many others – wasn’t in the best mental state competing during the COVID-19 pandemic this year. However, he’s optimistic about 2022 and beyond, for his tennis and the life lessons he’s ultimately learned. Elsewhere, new US Open champion Daniil Medvedev has been backed to avoid the same drastic slump Dominic Thiem suffered after winning Flushing Meadows last year, by his coach Gilles Cervara. Continue reading
Boxing round-up: Benn’s new deal, Usyk confident, Parker-Chisora 2 booked
Fresh from his ten-round decision win over Adrian Granados, unbeaten welterweight Conor Benn (19-0, 12 KOs) has agreed a new multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing. Elsewhere, there’s praise for Oleksandr Usyk ahead of his heavyweight title fight against Anthony Joshua next weekend while Joseph Parker vs. Dereck Chisora II has been confirmed for December 19. Continue reading
Ashleigh Barty is exhausted and needs extended rest, per coach Craig Tyzzer
World no. 1 Ashleigh Barty is exhausted and needs a long rest after more than six months playing away from home, according to her coach Craig Tyzzer. He also criticised the decision to move this year’s WTA Finals to Guadalajara while hinting the Wimbledon champion may skip that event, scheduled in early November, to avoid quarantine restrictions upon going home.
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Liverpool 3-2 Milan: Henderson’s half-volley settles shaky Champions League opener
It wasn’t perfect, but Liverpool got their Group B campaign underway with a narrow victory. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Jordan Henderson’s thunderous half-volley helped the Reds recover from an abrupt 2-1 half-time deficit, squeezing past Milan’s best efforts as the Italians acquitted themselves well on their Champions League return after a seven-year absence.
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No rush: UFC heavyweight prospect Tom Aspinall happy for gradual growth
After earning fast finishes against Jake Collier, Alan Baudot, former champion Andrei Arlovski and most recently Sergey Spivak in his first four UFC appearances since debuting last July, there’s a clamour from many to witness Britain’s Tom Aspinall face much tougher opposition in a division lacking true prospects. Currently ranked #11, he doesn’t see the need to rush. Continue reading
US Open 2021: Daniil Medvedev beats Novak Djokovic, wins first Grand Slam title
In his third Grand Slam final appearance, world no. 2 Daniil Medvedev produced a fantastic serving display and inpenetrable shot defence en route to blasting beyond a fatigued Novak Djokovic – clinching a maiden Grand Slam title, winning 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours 15 minutes.
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Slow and steady: Conor Benn targeting Adrien Broner next, and it makes sense
After a dominant points win over Adrian Granados last weekend, Conor Benn (19-0, 12 KOs) has reaffirmed his desire to face four-weight world champion Adrien Broner next and while many have been quick to criticise his messy decision victory in Leeds, the 24-year-old’s plan is clear. Continue reading
US Open 2021: Emma Raducanu beats Leylah Fernandez, seals title on main draw debut
It wasn’t without some dicey moments and two championship points saved, but British teenage qualifier Emma Raducanu held firm despite some ever-growing second set tension to beat Canada’s Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 6-4 and clinch this year’s US Open title on her main draw debut. Continue reading
