HAMILTON, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 11, 2023--

Former UFC champion Max Holloway broke down in tears on Thursday, while discussing the wildfires that have ravaged his native Hawaii. The Lahaina area in Maui County has been devastated by the natural disaster this month, with at least 155 people killed and more than 1,000 still missing. Holloway, 31, discussed the events at a pre-fight media day this week, ahead of his featherweight clash with Chan Sung Jung in Singapore on Saturday (26 August). “You guys saw how everything went down, how the Lahaina people were let down by the state, by the government,” Holloway said. “But the Hawaii community, they stepped up. The people stepped up, the Hawaiians stepped up. “Then, after the Hawaiians stepped up, the world stepped up. You guys are seeing everything, people helping – the UFC is helping out with ‘UFC loves Hawaii’ and so on and so on. It’s just a tough thing. I just shared my story about how some people ended up passing away. “It’s just tough, man. Those guys [in Hawaii] are the real heroes right now. They’re going through it, and my walkout song is going to be a dedication to them, and they said we should use red [fight shorts] to solidify those guys that are in the fire and going through it. “I’m actually going to be using red for the first time in my UFC career. I’ve been using the black, and I was able to be granted red for the shorts.” A tearful Holloway added: “I always go in there with Hawaii on my back, but it feels a little bit heavier now.” Holloway reigned as undisputed UFC featherweight champion from 2017 to 2019. In his most recent fight, in April, the Hawaiian outpointed British title hopeful Arnold Allen. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Maui county sues Hawaiian Electric Company over deadly Lahaina fires UFC schedule 2023: Every major fight happening this year Oleksandr Usyk may produce his greatest counter yet against Daniel Dubois

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Gareth Southgate has revealed his latest England squad with Bukayo Saka and Callum Wilson coming in for John Stones and Eddie Nketiah in the only changes from October’s internationals, which means Raheem Sterling has once again been left out. England continue their preparations ahead of Euro 2024 with qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia later this month but Southgate insisted the door is “100 per cent open” for Sterling to make the European Championships, despite the Chelsea winger now missing the last five international camps since the World Cup last year. There are just four games to go before Southgate announces his 23-player squad for next summer’s tournament, which England qualified for last month thanks to a 3-1 win over Italy at Wembley. Stones drops out after picking up an injury while playing for Manchester City this week, while Arsenal striker Nketiah is also sidelined. Saka has been passed fit despite picking up a knock in Arsenal’s win over Sevilla on Wednesday, while James Maddison is also included after limping off Tottenham’s defeat to Chelsea on Monday. There is no place for the fit-again Reece James, while Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips retain their places. Follow live updates from Wembley below as the England squad is revealed Read More Gareth Southgate makes two changes to England squad for final Euro 2024 qualifiers England reveal March friendlies against two top-five opponents England’s Euro 2024 squad: Who’s on the plane, who’s in contention and who has work to do?

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Wayne Rooney has been confirmed as the new manager of Birmingham City. The former England captain left MLS side DC United last week and has now returned to English football with the Championship outfit. Former manager John Eustace was sacked last week, despite guiding Birmingham to sixth place in the Championship this season. Rooney, 37, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the Blues with immediate effect and has been joined in the dugout by ex-England team-mate Ashley Cole and former Manchester United team-mate John O’Shea. “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time, said Rooney. “It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club. We are fully aligned on what is expected. “I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity. It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started.” Rooney started his coaching career with Derby County in 2021, where he guided the Rams to safety in his first season. A year later they were relegated but only after battling a 21-point deduction due to finance-related issues. The former Manchester United and Everton striker then joined DC United in the United States; they finished bottom of the Eastern Conference last year and Rooney left his side in ninth place this season. “I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it,” Rooney added. “We will create a winning culture here with an identity that gets Blues fans on their feet. “I’ve played at St. Andrew’s and Birmingham City fans were always loud and passionate about their team. It was a really difficult place to come as an opponent and now I get to experience what it is like to have them behind us. My job is to elevate the Club to the next level and I can’t wait to get started. “I know what the expectations are and our job is to deliver.” Cole, currently an assistant coach with England Under-21s, and Ireland men’s senior team assistant O’Shea will both retain their roles with their respective national sides. Carl Robinson and Peter Shuttleworth, who both assisted Rooney in D.C., will also be part of his team at St Andrew’s. US-based Shelby Companies Limited completed a takeover of Birmingham in July and owner Tom Wagner has been reportedly seeking to make a change of management, with Rooney’s name linked with the club last month. In August seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady became a minority owner in the club. “Wayne is a born winner,” said Wagner. “We believe, with the support of his coaching staff, the Club, and our supporters, he will take Blues forward on the next stage of our journey. His playing philosophy will help to realise the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City. “Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this since he embarked on his coaching education whilst still a player at Manchester United. He and his staff have the full support of the Board and everyone at the Football Club.” Read More John Eustace sacked amid reports Birmingham keen to make Wayne Rooney manager How Lionel Messi and Inter Miami broke America: From armed guards to Kardashians in the crowd Garry Cook vows to make Birmingham ‘a powerhouse’ amid Wayne Rooney reports Wayne Rooney appointed Birmingham manager on three-and-a-half year deal Garry Cook vows to make Birmingham ‘a powerhouse’ amid Wayne Rooney reports John Eustace sacked amid reports Birmingham keen to make Wayne Rooney manager

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