Analysis, features, news plus more – on European football and sports galore!
After sustaining a perforated eardrum in the final week of his training camp stateside saw their original Nov. 25 date scratched, today the intriguing middleweight clash between unbeaten prospect Hamzah Sheeraz and one-time world title challenger Liam Williams has officially been rescheduled for Feb. 10 at London’s Copper Box – meaning sacrifices over the winter for both. Continue reading “Festive sacrifices: Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Liam Williams rescheduled for February 10”
Joelinton’s rasping drive had Newcastle sitting second in their Champions League group at one stage during an eventful evening, before their hearts were broken twice in a manic second-half after goals from Christian Pulisic and substitute winger Samuel Chukwueze sent them out of European competition altogether on Tyneside tonight while Milan are Europa League-bound in 2024. Continue reading “Newcastle 1-2 Milan: Chukwueze curler sends Toon tumbling out of Europe late”
Once you strip away the off-court controversy he has needlessly courted over recent seasons, as well as the persistent questions over his health, Zion Williamson spoke intently in press this week as he knows there’s ample room for personal growth. How long this latest storyline lasts, only time will tell – but you can’t help but feel the clock is ticking for the 2019’s #1 draft pick. Continue reading “The duality of Zion Williamson continues to frustrate, but can’t last for much longer”
Although he tried to mask the pain initially, two-time Major finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas was in such discomfort that he withdrew from the ATP Finals three games into his second match against Holger Rune last month with a back injury that worsened. Still not 100% now, he’s hoping he’ll be fit enough to lead Greece at the United Cup in little over two weeks’ time alongside Maria Sakkari again. Continue reading “Tsitsipas details just how bad his back injury was, after ATP Finals withdrawal”
It was far from straightforward, but WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith produced an inspired seventh round packed with body shots which eventually saw challenger Mateusz Masternak retire on his stool before the start of round eight, retaining world honours at 200lbs in an eventful first title defence at a tense Bournemouth International Centre on Sunday evening. Continue reading “Billam-Smith’s body shots force Masternak to retire after seven gruelling rounds, retains WBO cruiserweight world title”
In his second championship reign, Regis Prograis makes the second defence of the WBC light-welterweight title overnight vs. Devin Haney – who relinquished undisputed status at lightweight to face a fellow titlist and one who declares he sees weakness standing across from him. While both are at different stages of their respective careers, neither have yet earned the respect such esteemed accomplishments deserve. Will that change with victory here? That depends. Continue reading “Prograis-Haney a battle of two champions searching for the respect they deserve”
Having dethroned Lawrence Okolie on a magical night in Bournemouth seven months ago, WBO world cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith makes his first title defence against Mateusz Masternak this Sunday – most expect him to win comfortably. There’s a quiet air of confidence surrounding the Pole and his team before the 36-year-old’s first world title shot, with his showing against Tony Bellew on UK soil a theory behind that. So, what happened that night?
Continue reading “Fight rewind: Masternak pushed Tony Bellew close for Euro title, in 2015 battle”
2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu’s Australian Open status currently remains unclear, but nonetheless the 21-year-old will make her competitive comeback in Auckland to kick off 2024 after undergoing double surgery in May. American talent Amanda Anisimova hasn’t featured since Madrid clay in late April, and is also on the entry list for the WTA 250 event starting Jan. 1. Continue reading “Auckland Classic: Raducanu, Anisimova return as Gauff looks to defend her title”
Former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo made a winning Octagon return Saturday night, on a Fight Night card headlined by two first-round finishes for lightweight duo Arman Tsarukyan and Jalin Turner. While what’s next for Deus Da Guerra is unclear, his showing reminds just how quickly the divisional landscape – as well as the title picture – can change in an instant.
Continue reading “After impressive bantamweight debut, former flyweight champ Figueiredo trending upwards again”
After standout victories for Indiana and New Orleans to punch their ticket into the Las Vegas semifinals of this inaugural In-Season Tournament earlier today, the New York Knicks hope to follow them – earning a scalp in the process – away against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks overnight. Over this coming month, can they show their early season form and buy-in is no fluke?
Continue reading “Confident but now crunch time for New York – when have we heard that before?”
It was an unconventional showing and his weaknesses were again on display, but Ryan Garcia scored a R8 knockout victory over Oscar Duarte to end 2023 in the win column after Gervonta Davis inflicted a humbling first career loss during their heavily-anticipated PPV matchup back in April. So, what’s next? Continue reading “A returning Ryan Garcia gets it done, but not without fuss against Oscar Duarte”
Since their controversial 2-1 defeat by Tottenham on October 1, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have won seven of 11 games across all competitions (D3, L1) and are unbeaten in England’s top-flight. Premier League leaders Arsenal’s home win yesterday, coupled with Manchester City hosting Ange Postecoglou’s men later today means victory will see the Reds continue to keep pace with the top two.
Continue reading “Liverpool vs Fulham Preview: Reds ready to inflict woe on inconsistent Cottagers”
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