Analysis, features, news plus more – on European football and sports galore!
Song Yadong produced a statement showing against Ricky Simon, snapping the fellow top-10 contender’s five-fight win streak in Saturday’s main event before calling out Sean O’Malley [1] and former foe Marlon Vera [5]. The Chinese talent is still only 25 and a firm fixture at bantamweight, so who should be next? Continue reading “UFC Vegas 72: What’s next at 135lbs, after Song Yadong’s TKO5 win vs. Ricky Simon?”
Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka navigated past an uncomfortable start to ensure Mirra Andreeva’s record-breaking run at the Madrid Masters was ended in their last-16 clash earlier today, though the Russian – who turned 16 at the weekend – should be encouraged after an impressive week where she proved her tennis level is already much higher than most of her agemates. Continue reading “Madrid: Sabalenka sends Andreeva an apt awakening as 16-year-old’s dream ends”
Jimmy Butler recorded 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals in 43 minutes – playing through a rolled ankle late – as Miami Heat profited from turnovers, overcoming a sluggish start to overwhelm the New York Knicks 108-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semi-final matchup on Sunday night. Continue reading “Jimmy Butler battles through pain barrier as Heat start East semis with road win”
Bournemouth have won three straight away games to boost their chances of Premier League survival, and in a month’s time today their fans hope one of their own can make it a summer to savour when Chris Billam-Smith challenges for his first world title at the Vitality Stadium. I spoke to him about that, and much more, as WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie awaits him next. Continue reading “Exclusive: Chris Billam-Smith interview – A month away from his first world title shot”
In Thursday’s lone playoff game, the Boston Celtics went on a 18-7 run in the final five minutes to eliminate a plucky but patchy Atlanta Hawks display on their home floor. How did they do it, Jayson Tatum was asked postgame. Consistently making winning plays in the fourth quarter, doing whatever it takes – with a well-rested Philadelphia 76ers side awaiting them this weekend.
Continue reading “Jayson Tatum hails winning plays, as Celtics eliminate Hawks in cagey Game 6”
BBC Africa ran a story earlier today after being told by the UFC’s chief operating officer Lawrence Epstein the promotion aims to host an event in Africa sometime next year, with Senegal’s Dakar Arena the most likely destination. All things considered, how probable is this and will it live up to the billing?
Continue reading “UFC Africa: As Senegal is named frontrunner destination, how viable is this project in 2024?”
Since losing to former champion Alistair Overeem in November 2018, #2 ranked heavyweight Sergei Pavlovich has won six straight – all in the first round – after blasting perennial contender Curtis Blaydes into submission during their main event at the weekend. He feels his next fight will be for championship gold and following another fantastic finish, it’s hard to deny the rising Russian that wish. Continue reading “UFC Vegas 71: Curtis Blaydes KO sees Sergei Pavlovich punch his ticket into HW title sweepstakes”
Olympic champion Alexander Zverev has endured some teething problems on his return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with a Dubai semi-final his best result since recovering from an ankle injury that needed surgery last June. However, the 26-year-old is right to be introspective about his topsy-turvy form and cited other recent examples that give him cause for future optimism. Continue reading “Alexander Zverev introspective as he talks inconsistent form after serious injury”
Houston have longed for a leader with championship credentials and after the news broke they were hiring Ime Udoka earlier tonight, it’s a timely update for fans to get excited about – someone to build around for multiple years to come. Continue reading “Houston’s Ime Udoka hire only boosts their standing as a budding contender again”
Saturday proved a night to savour in Cardiff, as Joe Cordina regained the IBF world super-featherweight title he never lost in the ring – after emerging stronger from a pulsating 12-round war with unbeaten champion Shavkat Rakhimov. Read on as his promoter, Eddie Hearn, told me plenty afterwards. Continue reading “Eddie Hearn confirms plan moving forward for Cordina, Barrett and others”
Joe Cordina absorbed some big bombs and scored a sweet second-round knockdown of his own, en route to becoming a two-time world champion at super-featherweight, after navigating through danger before ultimately outpointing a relentless Shavkat Rakhimov showing via split decision (115-112, 114-113, 111-116) in-front of a boisterous Cardiff International Arena crowd.
Continue reading “Joe Cordina wades through danger, is two-time world champion after Shavkat Rakhimov battle”
322 days after experiencing the high of a lifetime on home soil in winning a world title, Joe Cordina seeks to do so again. Stripped after sustaining a freak injury, Shavkat Rakhimov pounced to seize a vacant IBF belt against Cordina’s compatriot Zelfa Barrett. Aware he’d face the 31-year-old in his first defence when fully healed, will the savvy southpaw depart Cardiff still unbeaten?
Continue reading “Cardiff beckons again for Joe Cordina, but Shavkat Rakhimov looks to play spoiler”
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