Author: Mosope

Mosope Ominiyi is a freelance sports journalist and sub-editor with over a decade's worth of experience, having graduated in 2020 with a BA Hons degree at Staffordshire University. His work has appeared in The Times, MailOnline and Sportskeeda, among other platforms.
Specials

Exclusive: Dewey Cooper interview – Joshua study, big predictions and future plans as Ngannou returns this Friday

Mosope

Dewey Cooper speaks during the Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou Press Conference at Outernet London on January 15, 2024 in London, England.

Deep into another Anthony Joshua fight week, build-up before Friday’s fantastic heavyweight clash continues. I spoke to Francis Ngannou’s highly-rated head coach Dewey Cooper about many topics including: how he and the team have studied the Olympic champion, helping their Cameroonian charge develop in a new sport while assessing the landscape across disciplines in 2024. Continue reading “Exclusive: Dewey Cooper interview – Joshua study, big predictions and future plans as Ngannou returns this Friday” →

NBA

Mature beyond his years, Houston’s Alperen Sengun is already must-watch TV

Mosope

Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets celebrates after a three point basket in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center on...

In an ever-changing era where unicorns are being heralded, the role of your traditional big man has continued to evolve. Houston center Alperen Sengun has thrived this season, Year 3 of the Turkish international’s NBA experience and his maturity translates on the court – particularly in games like yesterday’s dominant display against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.  Continue reading “Mature beyond his years, Houston’s Alperen Sengun is already must-watch TV” →

Boxing

Raymond Ford did his part, now Nick Ball must best bullish Rey Vargas in Riyadh

Mosope

Raymond Ford recovered from a sluggish start in style, scoring a dramatic last-gasp knockout over Otabek Kholmatov to win the vacant WBA featherweight gold last Saturday. Footage released post-fight showed him talking with his promoter Eddie Hearn, all but confirming a world title unification bout against Nick Ball – provided the Scouser succeeds in a career-best challenge Friday. Continue reading “Raymond Ford did his part, now Nick Ball must best bullish Rey Vargas in Riyadh” →

Tennis

WTA San Diego: Boulter recovers against Kostyuk to win her maiden WTA 500 title

Mosope

Katie Boulter of Great Britain poses with tournament trophy after defeating Marta Kostyuk in the Cymbiotika San Diego Open 2024 Singles Final at...

She started slowly, leaked 13 total double-faults and could’ve easily faltered after losing set one to 21-year-old Ukrainian talent Marta Kostyuk but Britain’s Katie Boulter recovered from a set down for the second time this week to clinch a maiden WTA 500 title, cracking into the world’s top 30 for the first time too.
Continue reading “WTA San Diego: Boulter recovers against Kostyuk to win her maiden WTA 500 title” →

UFC

Making their case: Mokaev and Umar earn contrasting decision wins at UFC Vegas 87

Mosope

Muhammad Mokaev of Russia punches Alex Perez in a flyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on March 02, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

On a night where Jairzinho Rozenstruik jabbed his way into retaining his top-15 ranking in the heavyweight main event against Shamil Gaziev, the biggest stories unfolded elsewhere in another Apex fight card which saw prospects rise – two in particular – given the existing logjam across fly and bantamweight. Continue reading “Making their case: Mokaev and Umar earn contrasting decision wins at UFC Vegas 87” →

Boxing

Billam-Smith bullish, unpicks Riakporhe’s big weakness before their title rematch

Mosope

Chris Billam-Smith looks on Media Workout at Camden Boxing Club on January 31, 2024 in London, England.

No date has yet been set for their heavily-anticipated rematch, but WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith is confident he can avenge defeat against long-time contender and British rival Richard Riakporhe, who inflicted his only career defeat to date via split decision five years ago.
Continue reading “Billam-Smith bullish, unpicks Riakporhe’s big weakness before their title rematch” →

Analysis, feature pieces

Knockout Chaos: Finally active and in a groove, Anthony Joshua cannot leave Riyadh with regret next weekend

Mosope

Anthony Joshua speaks during the Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou Press Conference at Outernet London on January 15, 2024 in London, England.

Armed with new improvements to his ever-changing team, Anthony Joshua has benefited from refreshing activity of late and continues that next weekend against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, buoyed by a moral victory on debut vs. Tyson Fury last October. Given the carrot dangling in the air for both here, the Brit must be sharp to avoid another banana skin.
Continue reading “Knockout Chaos: Finally active and in a groove, Anthony Joshua cannot leave Riyadh with regret next weekend” →

UFC

Alexander Volkanovski needs rest, but right now? Good luck getting him to agree

Mosope

Alexander Volkanovski of Australia reacts after his knockout loss against Ilia Topuria of Germany in the UFC featherweight championship fight during...

The long-reigning former UFC featherweight champion has suffered devastating knockout defeats in consecutive bouts, barely four months apart, and is adamant about rematching Ilia Topuria in Spain before 2024 ends to regain his crown as the 145lb king. Eugene Bareman’s health update speaks volumes, but will he listen at a stage of his career where he’s fighting time too?
Continue reading “Alexander Volkanovski needs rest, but right now? Good luck getting him to agree” →

News

Report: Liverpool keen to bolster defence, Marc Guehi and Tosin Adarabioyo linked

Mosope

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool holds off Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool FC at Selhurst...

Having instead focused their attentions on rebuilding an ageing midfield last summer, Liverpool look to kick off the post Jurgen Klopp era by bolstering their backline across multiple areas if recent reports are to be believed. The Carabao Cup winners have been linked with a series of defenders, including Premier League duo Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) and Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham). Continue reading “Report: Liverpool keen to bolster defence, Marc Guehi and Tosin Adarabioyo linked” →

NBA

Steve Kerr extended to align with Curry in Golden State, the Kuminga issue settled

Mosope

Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors speaks with Stephen Curry against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on December 25, 2023 in Denver,...

Many were quick to criticise his blunt coaching methods earlier in the season, but Steve Kerr’s two-year, $35m extension now aligns him with franchise centrepiece Stephen Curry having overseen growth from a disgruntled Jonathan Kuminga and handling Draymond Green’s latest transgression well. Continue reading “Steve Kerr extended to align with Curry in Golden State, the Kuminga issue settled” →

Boxing

Benavidez-Gvodzyk for interim LHW title deemed disrespectful, and it’s clear why

Mosope

David Benavidez looks on during a WBC super middleweight title fight against Demetrius Andrade at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 25, 2023 in Las...

In the absence of a Canelo Alvarez showdown at 168lbs, two-time world champion David Benavidez will instead move up a weight division to test himself against former titlist Oleksandr Gvozdyk, who returned after a three-year retirement. While a compelling duel, it shouldn’t be for interim champion status in a class where the two kings will unify in little over three months’ time. Continue reading “Benavidez-Gvodzyk for interim LHW title deemed disrespectful, and it’s clear why” →

UFC

UFC Mexico City: Royval ruins Moreno’s homecoming in frantic flyweight rematch

Mosope

Brandon Royval punches Brandon Moreno of Mexico in a flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Arena CDMX on February 24, 2024 in Mexico...

In the battle of two Brandons, Royval’s confidence grew and he exacted revenge against former UFC flyweight champion Moreno, utilising volume and sharper head movement during their furious stand-up exchanges to silence the Mexico City crowd. He returns to winning ways just three months after losing an Alexandre Pantoja rematch for 125lbs championship gold before Christmas. Continue reading “UFC Mexico City: Royval ruins Moreno’s homecoming in frantic flyweight rematch” →