Boxing-Fury to fight Usyk in Saudi for undisputed heavyweight title
(Reuters) -Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will fight for the world's undisputed heavyweight championship in Saudi Arabia at a date
2023-09-30 00:20
Angels star Shohei Ohtani finishes with the best-selling jersey in MLB this season
Shohei Ohtani’s soaring popularity was even more evident when it came to jersey sales
2023-09-30 00:17
Ageless Oksana Chusovitina -- at 48 -- is still hoping to qualify for Paris Olympics in gymnastics
Oksana Chusovitina competed in her first Olympics at the 1992 Barcelona Games and won a gold medal in gymnastics
2023-09-29 21:17
How Canelo Alvarez, boxing’s final throwback, can further cement his sporting legacy
The seemingly endless boxing road for Saul Canelo Alvarez continues in Las Vegas on Saturday night. Alvarez is the boxing wunderkind, turning professional at just fifteen, winning a world title for the first time in 2011 and now, at 33, set to have his 24th world title fight. Alvarez has fought 63 times, the type of number that a champion will simply not repeat in the future. At the T-Mobile Arena, the big house of fights just off the strip but now firmly established as the city’s number one venue, Alvarez defends his four super-middleweight world titles against Jermell Charlo. It is a tricky fight, the latest risk in the long career of the Mexican idol. Charlo holds the four belts at light-middleweight and is naturally the smaller man; he has lost just once in 37 fights, but is smart, slick and fresh. Jermell has an unbeaten twin called Jermall, who holds a middleweight world title and was Alvarez’s first choice. However, Jermall had not fought since 2021, is dealing with a lot of personal issues and had to refuse the offer; Jermell jumped straight in. A fight with Jermall next year will make perfect business sense if Alvarez wins. If he loses, there will be a rematch with Jermell. Every move that Alvarez makes is smart – he is a fighting industry, a man with the ability to demand and receive whatever he wants. Alvarez last fought when he put on a masterclass over the championship distance to beat Islington’s John Ryder in Guadalajara in May. It was a delayed homecoming for Alvarez, a night to enjoy with over 200 members of a mariachi band serenading their fighting icon as he walked to the ring in front of 50,000 devoted fans, all howling under a night sky of stars. Ryder, incidentally, was the eighth British boxer that Alvarez has beaten in world title fights. Charlo is clever enough to create problems for Alvarez, but the weight will be a factor; Alvarez is naturally a stone heavier and on the night in the ring he will be a lot more. Charlo will rely on speed and Alvarez has struggled on occasion with slick movement. Charlo has beaten some quality fighters, but Alvarez poses his own unique problems and simply imagining that some extra lateral movement and fast feet will be enough is a fantasy. “He (Alvarez) makes good fighters do exactly what he wants,” said Joe Gallagher, who took Liam and Callum Smith to fight Alvarez. “He makes really good fighters doubt their own ability.” Alvarez has lost twice in his career; in 2013, Floyd Mayweather was simply too wise, too good and won on points. It was not close. In the first half of 2022, Alvarez jumped back to light-heavyweight, where he had previously won a world title, and was given a surprise boxing lesson by the brilliant Dmitri Bivol. It was an odd fight, and it was obvious that Alvarez had not done his homework. The rematch was expected, but Alvarez has fought twice since and there appears to be no rush to get revenge. Bivol is still waiting and happy to fight Alvarez again; everybody wants to fight Alvarez – he is boxing’s cash cow. There is no doubting that Alvarez is a throwback fighter, a man from a distant time when boxers like Sugar Ray Robinson had 201 fights, Roberto Duran 119 and even Muhammad Ali had 61 fights. There will not be men of that quality with that quantity of fights ever again. Alvarez might just be the last man standing. “He’s a great fighter, but I can beat him,” insisted Charlo. “I know how to beat him. I have the motivation and the skills. He will want a rematch; I know he will. This is my time.” Alvarez is calm, he is always calm before a big fight, and he seems just a bit more focused for this fight. “People have been saying negative things about me for a long time, expecting me to lose in every fight,” he said. “I ignore what they say – this feels different, I’m chasing history.” Alvarez has his place in boxing history secure, he is now chasing greatness and a win against Charlo will add to his legacy. It will not be easy, Charlo is being underestimated, but it will happen and probably against a chorus of screams. Read More Canelo vs Charlo live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV this weekend Canelo Alvarez trainer hits back at ‘sack of potatoes’ sparring partner ahead of Jermell Charlo fight Joe Joyce now faces a harsh truth – he needs protecting from himself Who is fighting on the Canelo vs Charlo undercard? How to watch Canelo vs Charlo online and on TV What time does Canelo vs Charlo start in UK and US?
2023-09-29 20:26
Man United winger Antony to resume playing after allegations of domestic abuse
Manchester United winger Antony is available for selection again after taking a leave of absence to address allegations of domestic abuse
2023-09-29 18:47
FPL Gameweek 7: Jarrod Bowen, Dominic Solanke and 5 players to target
Fantasy Premier League managers get one free transfer a week to make but with the competition in full flow, some may be eyeing up an early wildcard or a four-point hit to try and ring the changes and make up some early lost-ground on rivals. Here are five players who we think are worthwhile considering as the Premier League heads into the new gameweek, judging by upcoming fixtures and individual player form. Jarrod Bowen, West Ham - Midfielder (7.1) With just over 9 per cent ownership, the West Ham winger offers an interesting differential in a stacked pool of mid-price midfielders. Bowen has three goals and one assists in his last four games which included fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester City. The Englishman did not feature in West Ham’s Europa League game last week which perhaps suggests he may be rested in the group stages of the European competition to keep him fresh and firing in the Premier League. Sheffield United at home is the Hammers’ next fixture and after their 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Newcastle, David Moyes’s side must surely fancy their chances of putting a few past the out-of-sorts Blades. Carlton Morris, Luton - Forward (5.6) With Nicolas Jackson managing the impressive feat of picking up five yellow cards in just six games, many FPL managers will be looking to ship out the suspended Colombian after his meagre returns so far this season. Despite Luton’s struggles so far, Carlton Morris has picked up returns in three of the Hatters’ five matches while leading the line. Throw in an appetising-looking double gameweek against Everton and Burnley and suddenly he is a nice differential pick. The Englishman is also 1.3m cheaper than Jackson which could fund an upgrade elsewhere in your team. Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa - Goalkeeper (4.9) Aston Villa registered their second clean sheet of the season against Chelsea at the weekend as Unai Emery’s side continued their solid start to his first full season in charge. The Argentine keeper made four saves against the Blues and has dropped 0.1m in price since the start of the season. With three home games in their next four - including against lowly Luton Town - Martinez could be a good option, especially for those looking to transfer out Aaron Ramsdale following his relegation to the Arsenal substitutes bench. Sergio Reguilon, Manchester United - Defender (4.4) Manchester United’s defence has often been the target of criticism so far this season, but a gritty 1-0 away win against Burnley proved that Erik ten Hag’s defence may offer some value in the coming weeks. New summer signing Reguilon has finally established himself in the team following his loan move from Tottenham and sits at just 4.4m. The Spaniard showed during his time at Spurs his capability for attacking returns and with games against Crystal Palace, Brentford and Sheffield United in their next three, the left-back could be worth a look. Luca Koleosho, Burnley - Midfielder (5.0) Burnley have endured a tough start to the season and remain without a win. However, from an FPL perspective, their players may be worth a look this week due to their double gameweek. Vincent Kompany’s side first travel to face Newcastle but then have a midweek rearranged clash against Luton, with both games counting towards the same FPL gameweek. Out of their options, Koleosho presents the most intriguing option at just 5m. The winger has just one assist so far this season but has often looked a lively presence in the Clarets’ attack and could be worth a punt at such a cheap price. Read More Fantasy Premier League: 30 players you must consider for 2023/24 season Mohamed Salah, Sven Botman and 5 players to target for FPL Gameweek 6 James Maddison, Julian Alvarez and 5 players to target for FPL Gameweek 5 Eddie Howe says Harvey Barnes has ‘big part to play’ this season despite injury Micky van de Ven determined to help Tottenham prove doubters wrong Why new-look midfields will decide Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham
2023-09-29 17:59
Aston Villa women ‘dreading’ WSL opener due to ‘wet kit’ design error
Aston Villa’s women’s team are “dreading” playing in the club’s new home shirt this weekend after players complained the kits were retaining sweat and creating a “wet look”. Villa’s men’s team have reported the issue to the club, saying that the design produced by kit manufacturer Castore makes the shirt “heavy” and “clingy”, according to the Daily Telegraph. The club’s claret and blue home shirts have noticeably been changing colour this season and players say they are uncomfortable while playing in them. Concerns have also been raised among the women’s team ahead of Sunday’s Women’s Super League opener against Manchester United, in a match that will be shown live on BBC Two. The BBC commentator Jacqui Oatley told Newsbeat: “Normally they’d absolutely relish those games and look forward to them. But they’re actually dreading it because they’re really conscious about how they’re going to look in this wet, clingy kit - for obvious reasons." Villa’s women’s team wore the kit in pre-season and although reports suggest no complaints were officially made at the time, Villa and Castore are now working to improve the kit’s design. Villa’s men’s team have worn the shirts twice this week, away at Chelsea on Sunday and at home to Everton on Wednesday, and on both occasions players were left looking soaked in sweat. Villa signed a contract with British company Castore, who have also produced kits for Newcastle, Wolves and Rangers this season, in 2022 and there were no issues with the design on last season’s kit. The Independent has approached Castore for comment Read More Aston Villa women ‘dreading’ WSL opener due to ‘wet kit’ design error Can United, City or Arsenal dethrone champions Chelsea? – WSL talking points Nicolas Jackson strike earns Chelsea much-needed cup victory over Brighton
2023-09-29 16:30
Live updates |Ryder Cup gets going with noise and heckles
The Ryder Cup is finally here and it didn't take long to be reminded how raucous it is
2023-09-29 14:20
J.P. Crawford's 2-out hit in the ninth inning lifts Mariners past Rangers 3-2
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2023-09-29 13:27
Marlins rally in 9th inning to take 2-1 lead over Mets before rain causes suspension
Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Yuri Gurriel had consecutive run-scoring hits in the ninth inning as Miami rallied to take a 2-1 lead over the New York Mets, but the game was suspended by rain at 12:58 a.m. after a 3-hour, 17-minute delay
2023-09-29 13:20
Slow starts continue to hinder Packers as they deal with injuries on offensive line
The Green Bay Packers once again put themselves in an early hole
2023-09-29 12:15
David Montgomery runs wild as Lions beat Packers 34-20 to take early command of NFC North
David Montgomery rushed for 121 yards and three touchdowns, and the Detroit Lions asserted themselves as the team to beat in the NFC North, dominating the first half and beating the Green Bay Packers 34-20
2023-09-29 11:55
