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BOXING

‘Terrible guy’ – Oleksandr Usyk names his toughest opponent, and it’s not Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua

By Admin February 14, 2025

Oleksandr Usyk has locked horns with the best fighters of his generation – but one stands out above the rest.

The Ukrainian technician is one of only three male two-weight undisputed champions in the four-belt era alongside Naoya Inoue and Terence Crawford.

He first unified all the titles at cruiserweight by defeating hard-hitting Russian Murat Gassiev in the final of the 2018 World Boxing Super Series tournament.

READ: “I’ve Got Heads I Need To Put On The Wall”: Gervonta Davis Announces Huge U-Turn On Retirement

And then did the same at heavyweight just under six years later when he beat Tyson Fury in their all-action inaugural encounter.

En route to his epic two-fight series with Fury, which concluded in December when Usyk got his hand raised once again, the 38-year-old fought rugged veteran Derek Chisora in his second outing in the glamour division.

Usyk won the bout on points but was pushed all the way by Chisora, who never took a backward step for the full 12 rounds.

It is for this very reason that Usyk reserves the distinction of his toughest-ever opponent for ‘Del Boy’.

“I think it is Derek,” he told talkSPORT.com. “My friend Derek. Hey, Derek I am coming for you!

“Derek is a terrible guy, really tough. It’s just hard [fighting] Derek. He was just very difficult.”

Chisora defeated Otto Wallin earlier this month in his penultimate professional fight.

He is set to have his final bow in London later this year and the British boxing icon wants it to be a rematch with Usyk.

Chisora previously told talkSPORT in November that he was pushing for a crossover clash with Francis Ngannou in Africa.

However, his sights have now shifted to his former foe.

“I think that the Choo Choo train has passed now,” Chisora told talkSPORT.com of a potential showdown with Ngannou.

“The hype for me fighting him has died down. Put it this way, AJ [Anthony Joshua] fighting Francis Ngannou is the same as Canelo [Alvarez] fighting Jake Paul.

“Do you understand? So I think that the gravy train for Francis Ngannou in boxing and trying it doesn’t work…

“My last fight will be in Tottenham [Hotspur Stadium]…I’m pushing for Tottenham.

“I’m not going to say [Usyk]. I’m manifesting it. I’m asking God for the opportunity.

“I’ve said to Frank [Warren], you know, now Oleksandr Usyk has to phone his boss and ask his boss if he can fight me.

“But that’s the fight I want.”

After defeating Chisora, Usyk went on to beat Anthony Joshua in back-to-back bouts before laying waste to Daniel Dubois.

He is now two fights away from retirement and is waiting patiently for the winner of Dubois and Joseph Parker’s IBF title clash on February 22.

“We wait for a fight on February 22 between Daniel and Joseph,” he added.

“Whoever wins this fight between Daniel and Joseph, I have already made the fight.”

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CELEB NEWS

‘Barbie, the Sequel!’ – Serena Williams’ Stunning All-Pink Look Ignites Frenzy as Fans Draw Iconic Comparisons

By Admin February 14, 2025

Over the years, Serena Williams was a force on the court and a fashion icon off it, leaving fans worldwide in awe!

Be it her catsuit outfit or her ballerina attire at the 2018 US Open, Williams proved why she is one of the best-dressed athletes in the world. Although she retired over two years ago, Williams hasn’t called time on her fashion statements.

Recently, the 23-time Grand Slam champion took to her official Instagram handle and shared a picture of her in an amazing pink outfit. In a stunning full-sleeved one-piece outfit, Williams looked bold and confident while posing for some pictures. Additionally, she coupled her dress with matching pink footwear, which was rather unique, having a square shape on the left and a circle on the right.

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A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)

READ: False! Tennis star Serena Williams is not dead

Further, Williams has been in much news of late with her appearance at the Super Bowl. Her crip-walk dance was a talking point of the evening as the Philadelphia Eagles took down the Kansas City Chiefs. With Williams posing in her pink dress, many fans compared her to Barbie, which isn’t quite the first time that she has been compared to Barbie.

Back in 2023, Serena Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian were compared to the trending ‘Barbie’ tagline, which said, “She’s everything, he’s just Ken,” from the Barbie movie. Thus, when the American legend dropped her picture in this stunning pink outfit, fans reminisced about the Barbie movie and drew comparisons of Williams with it. A fan explored the possibility of Williams starring in the sequel of that part, and wrote, “Barbie, the sequel!”

Further, many fans drooled over Williams’ full-sleeved pink outfit, as they couldn’t take their eyes off it. One of the fans on Instagram called Williams ‘Barbie’ while praising her stunning looks. The comment read, “HEY BARBIE! You look so beautiful,” along with some shining stars emojis. Whenever Williams drops her pictures in unique outfits, she becomes a talking point on social media. This case was no different as fans pointed out similarities between her and Barbie while comparing them. A die-hard fan of the American legend referred to her as a true Barbie and said, “Smashing glass ceilings looking stylish.”

Serena Williams has gone on to become one of the most decorated athletes in the sporting world, winning 23 Grand Slam titles in addition to a host of other big titles. While she is an icon on the court, some fans also feel that she is an icon of style statements. As a result, one fan wrote, “This Barbie’s job is ICON.” Lastly, fans reminisced about Margot Robbie’s performance as Barbie in the 2023 film and compared Williams to her. One fan commented, “A Barbie,” while drooling over Williams’ stunning pink dress.

Even after her retirement, Williams continues to win over her fans with stunning and unique outfits.

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GOLF

Rory McIlroy’s dirty divorce laundry to be aired in public as emotional clip released

By Admin February 14, 2025

Rory McIlroy has shed light on the difficulties of balancing his professional golfing career with his personal life.

In a frank admission ahead of last year’s PGA Championship, he disclosed that he and his wife Erica Stoll were contemplating divorce.

However, they later reconciled and halted the proceedings. Now, almost a year after the initial shock, a sneak peek of Netflix’s ‘Full Swing’ indicates that McIlroy’s personal tribulations will be woven into the narrative.

READ: Tiger Woods withdraws from playing return at Genesis Invitational following the passing of his mother

In the series, he admits: “I’ve struggled with trying to be the best golfer, the best husband, the best dad.”

The sincere revelation from McIlroy, who first announced their marital troubles in May 2024, is featured in the documentary series. The trailer also captures journalists reacting to the breaking news and a moment where McIlroy, conscious of being filmed by Netflix, remarks over the phone: “The Netflix cameras are following me right now” before turning away.

A month after the divorce news surfaced, McIlroy confirmed that he and Stoll would stay together. He stated at the time: “There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumour is a fool’s game.

“Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”

Amidst the speculation, McIlroy suffered one of his most crushing losses. At the U.S. Open held at Pinehurst, Rory seemed poised for his fifth major title, leading by two shots with just five holes to go. However, a disappointing finish saw him bogey three of the last four holes, allowing Bryson DeChambeau to snatch the title away.

Following this setback, McIlroy took a break, stepping back to recharge before returning to compete in the Genesis Scottish Open in July and The Open Championship. This season started on a high note for the Northern Irishman as he clinched the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am title earlier this month.

It marked his 27th PGA Tour title win and his first since May of the previous year. “To win at one of the cathedrals of golf is really, really cool. I knew today was going to be tough and exciting, there were so many guys around the lead,” McIlroy told CBS Sports after the event.

“With it being Pebble Beach, I had to put that to the back of my mind and just go out there and try to shoot a score, which I was able to. But yeah, really cool to have that walk up 18, sort of take it all in.”

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BOXING

Tyson Fury given £100m Anthony Joshua fight message in retirement U-turn verdict

By Admin February 14, 2025

Carl Froch reckons Tyson Fury would be interested in a £100million fight against British rival Anthony Joshua.

Fury announced his retirement from boxing in January just weeks after losing to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time. The 36-year-old previously declared his retirement before offering up a U-turn. However, this latest announcement follows Usyk’s victory over the ex-unified heavyweight champion in their highly anticipated rematch in December.

The Manchester-born fighter was defeated by unanimous decision months after failing to secure victory in their match for the undisputed championship of the heavyweight division in May. Fury’s announcement seemed to extinguish any possibility of a bout with Joshua, which could have – arguably – been the most significant event in British boxing history.

JUST IN: “One Round”: ‘Next Heavyweight King’ Vows To ‘Knock Deontay Wilder Out Cold’ For Avoiding Him

But former super-middleweight champion and current boxing pundit Froch says ‘The Gypsy King’ might not stay retired for long if a potential big-money fight against Joshua comes about.

“I’m not sure [if he will stay retired] because he’s quite stubborn and when he digs his heels in, and similar to me, he’ll double down on it,” he said via Action Network.

Froch went on: “It’s like a lot of boxers. He has retired because deep down he knows he is probably past his best and lost two fights (to Oleksandr Usyk) and I know personally he is p*****. I spoke to somebody close to his team and he’s really frustrated and p***** off that he lost the rematch, but he did lose and lost fair and square.

“It was a close fight, but wasn’t very entertaining, not like the first one where there were moments of excitement, and not a lot happened. I think Usyk did enough to win.

“He shouldn’t have any complaints apart from the frustration that he didn’t go for it.

“I just think Tyson Fury had a bit more left in the tank and could’ve tried a little harder. He’s the bigger man and is heavier. Maybe Fury is feeling a little let down by himself, and it might bring him out of retirement one last time and the fight with Anthony Joshua is a big fight as much as I think that’s not as big of a fight as it could have been, and isn’t as exciting without a title.

“Anthony Joshua has been done a few times now and he’s past his best. Tyson Fury is 36, he’s overweight and he struggles to get fit, so there’s nothing at stake apart from a bragging rights fight. It’s too late now. I’m not excited, but I appreciate it’s a big fight for Britain and if he gets offered £100million then he will take the fight.”

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BOXING

“One Round”: ‘Next Heavyweight King’ Vows To ‘Knock Deontay Wilder Out Cold’ For Avoiding Him

By Admin February 14, 2025

Following back-to-back losses in Saudi Arabia, Deontay Wilder has said he will fight on.

Many felt the 39-year-old from Alabama was set to retire after the second loss – a knockout at the hands of Zhilei Zhang – which followed on from a near shutout points defeat to Joseph Parker.

Another name in the mix at that time was Martin Bakole, who missed out on the Wilder fight but instead put his name on the map by demolishing hot prospect Jared Anderson in August.

JUST IN: “I’ve Got Heads I Need To Put On The Wall”: Gervonta Davis Announces Huge U-Turn On Retirement

Speaking to IFL TV at the time, Bakole criticised Wilder for avoiding him and made it clear exactly what he intended to do had the fight been signed.

“Wilder avoided me. He [chose] not to fight me and pick Joseph Parker … I would knock him out in the first round. I was going to knock him out cold.

He’s small. Everyone knows he was aggressive but we saw him playing in the ring and [not able to] engage the fight. I was going to stop him. Parker gave him time to survive, but I was not going to give him time to survive.”

In a more recent video, the big-hitting Congolese heavyweight said it would be an ‘easy finish’ for him were they to face off.

Bakole – who has been named as the ‘future heavyweight king’ by Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk – will face Efe Ajagbe for the IBF mandatory slot in May. Should he win, he will be called to challenge the winner of champion Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker later this month.

As such, a Wilder fight seems a long way off, perhaps never to happen, but if the American does indeed want to have one final crack at the top level, these are the names he will be met with when he gets there.

Wilder’s comeback plans recently took a hit in the form of a scrapped fight with journeyman Curtis Harper, reportedly due to a financial dispute with promotional outfit BLK Prime.

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BOXING

“I’ve Got Heads I Need To Put On The Wall”: Gervonta Davis Announces Huge U-Turn On Retirement

By Admin February 14, 2025

Gervonta Davis shocked the boxing world when he revealed he plans to retire.

‘Tank’ returns to action in March when he defends his WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach, but during the launch press conference for the fight, Davis announced he will hang up the gloves at the end of 2025.

The American stated he came to the decision as he planned to focus on his family and wanted to get therapy in order to control his anger.

READ: Gervonta Davis Makes It Clear He Wants Ryan Garcia Rematch This Year But Only Under One Condition

‘Tank’ has reigned at super-featherweight, lightweight and super-lightweight during his career, putting together an undefeated record of 30-0 with 28 knockouts.

He has claimed victories against the likes of Ryan Garcia, Leo Santa Cruz, Rolly Romero and Frank Martin during his career, but there are plenty of big names that boxing fans still want to see Davis in the ring against.

‘Tank’ is yet to meet long-term rival and WBC champion Shakur Stevenson or IBF champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, with the announcement of his retirement potentially ending any hope of seeing those fights.

It seems that boxing fans have been given a lifeline though, as Davis has now revealed to A Safe Place Podcast that he no longer plans to retire permanently.

“Yeah I’ve been having those thoughts [on changing my mind]. I want to get myself together. I really want to get myself together. Not retire but take a break … I ain’t gonna lie, I already made a promise to Al [Haymon] we out of it … There’s stuff I need to work on, like being there for my kids, going to school, building myself up as a person, as a great human being.”

It looks like a promise set to be broken, as when asked if there is more to come after the Roach fight, Davis was defiant in his response.

“There’s definitely some more heads I got to put on a wall.”

The U-turn from Davis could now pave the way for the clash against Stevenson, who returns to action himself on February 22 when he defends his belt against Floyd Schofield.

Many top figures from the boxing world have already offered their thoughts on how a clash between ‘Tank’ and Stevenson would go, with Canelo Alvarez one of those who has his prediction.

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GOLF

President Trump is on PGA’s side in LIV dispute – McIlroy

By Admin February 13, 2025

Rory McIlroy believes Donald Trump is “on the PGA Tour’s side” in its ongoing dispute with rival tour LIV Golf having discussed the topic while playing golf with the US President prior to his inauguration.

Speaking before the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines, the Northern Irishman said Trump had told him that he did not like LIV’s 54-hole format.

Trump met with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott last week as the organisation seeks help in talks with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which funds LIV.

READ: Tiger Woods withdraws from playing return at Genesis Invitational following the passing of his mother

The PGA Tour has been in protracted negotiations with PIF in an attempt to heal the split in world golf.

“The President, he can do a lot of things,” McIlroy said. “He has direct access to Yasir [Al-Rumayyan, governor of the PIF]’s boss [Mohammed bin Salman]. Not many people have that.

“Not many people can say, ‘I want you to get this deal done and by the way, I’m speaking to your boss, I’m going to tell him the same thing’.

“He [Trump] can be influential. I saw it when I was playing with Sheikh Hamdan of Abu Dhabi [on] the day [Trump] got elected in November. I don’t think people appreciate how much respect he has [in the Middle East].

“Whenever he says something, they listen and I think that’s a big thing.”

McIlroy said he had played golf with Trump “a few weeks ago” and had “a good discussion”.

“I learnt that he’s not a fan of the LIV format,” McIlroy said, adding that he put it to the President that he had hosted LIV events.

“He was like, ‘yeah, but it doesn’t mean that I like it’, so I think he’s on the Tour’s side,” McIlroy added.

‘Everyone’s just got to get over it’

McIlroy has been a staunch opponent of LIV Golf in recent years but believes it is time for golf to unify.

“Whether you stayed on the PGA Tour or left, we have all benefited from this,” the world number three said.

“I’ve been on the record saying this a lot. We’re playing for a 20 million dollar prize fund this week [and] that would have never happened if LIV hadn’t come around.

“I think everyone’s just got to get over it and we all have to say ‘okay, this is the starting point and we move forward’. We don’t look to the past.

“Whatever’s happened has happened. How we all come back together and move forward, that’s the best thing for everyone.”

LIV Golf started in 2022 and, lured by huge signing on fees and prize funds, several top players moved from the PGA Tour circuit, including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia.

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BOXING

Gervonta Davis Makes It Clear He Wants Ryan Garcia Rematch This Year But Only Under One Condition

By Admin February 13, 2025

Gervonta Davis has left the door wide open for a rematch against former rival Ryan Garcia.

After an entertaining build-up, ‘Tank’ Davis clashed with Garcia at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in April 2023 at a catchweight of 136lbs – something Garcia said hindered his performance massively. Albeit a non-title bout, the contest attracted over 1 million pay-per-view buys and a gate of reportedly over $20 million.

Davis pulled off a routine performance to add the first blemish to Garcia’s unbeaten record, dropping him twice on his way to a seventh round stoppage victory. It was the 29th straight professional win for the 30-year-old from Baltimore, Maryland who has picked up the WBA lightweight title since.

JUST IN: “No Chance”: Oleksandr Usyk Has Now Ruled Out Facing One Heavyweight Despite Reports

Garcia is currently serving a 1-year suspension from boxing after he tested positive for Ostarine in the lead-up to his bout against Devin Haney last year. The 26-year-old is due to return to the ring in May against Rolando Romero.

Speaking to ES News, ‘Tank’ discussed a potential rematch with Garcia and he outlined the one condition for it to take place.

“Yeah [it’s a massive fight]. But not at 143, why 143? Probably at 140, that’s the next weight class up from 135, it’s the weight class he fights at.

“Let’s do 140 and he can rehydrate back up to 150, or the most 152, I’m 135 brother.”

The one issue with the condition, and despite Garcia being particularly keen to get a second crack at ‘Tank’, is that he will face Romero at the welterweight limit and likely not come back down.

Davis returns to the ring on March 1 as he takes on Lamont Roach at the Barclays Center in New York City. In a shock revelation towards the end of 2024, the 30-year-old claimed he could walk away from the sport at the end of 2025 as he admits he is becoming ‘tired of boxing.’ Garcia was one name on his hitlist before hanging up the gloves.

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BOXING

“No Chance”: Oleksandr Usyk Has Now Ruled Out Facing One Heavyweight Despite Reports

By Admin February 13, 2025

Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he will fight on despite, in the eyes of many, ‘completing boxing.’

The Ukrainian southpaw has been undisputed at both cruiser and heavyweight, beating such names as Mairis Briedis, Murat Gassiev, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury along the way.

Still undefeated in 23 fights, many felt that Usyk’s second victory over Fury in December 2024 was the perfect time to walk away from the sport, with a place in the history books and International Boxing Hall of Fame all but confirmed.

READ: “He’s Finished”: Oleksandr Usyk Says Former Heavyweight Champion Should Not Make A Comeback

However, the 38-year-old plans on returning at least once more, with a key goal of becoming two-time undisputed in the heavyweight ranks. He holds three of the four major belts after vacating the IBF last year, which was picked up by Daniel Dubois and is defended against Joseph Parker later this month.

The winner will most likely look for the clash with Usyk, however continuing reports of a return for former long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko could throw a spanner in the works. The 48-year-old, also from Ukraine, has made it clear that he is interested in breaking George Foreman’s record as the oldest heavyweight titlist in history and was even in early discussions with Dubois before the Parker fight was announced.

TalkSPORT recently reported that Usyk was ‘planning’ a fight with his countryman, stemming from an interview conducted with promoter Alex Krassyuk. However, Krassyuk was instead suggesting Klitschko could face the winner of Dubois vs Parker, and cleared up the situation when speaking to IFL TV.

“No. This is what I can say for sure, Usyk and Klitschko will never step into the same ring. Never, ever. No chance whatsoever. Not even a single thought about it.”

Klitschko of course feels the same way, recently telling the Ring Magazine:

“Look, I’ve been always ready, I’ve been always training, I’ve been always ready and still [am]. And you just said this word rumours, those rumours being for a long time since my retirement and I mentioned that as well to break George Foreman’s record, that would be something that is really exciting.

With Oleksandr Usyk, could you imagine two Ukrainians gonna fight each other, he’s not my brother you know we don’t have the same blood and same parents, but he’s my countryman and our country is at war and it would definitely send the wrong message.”

Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh has expressed a keen interest in both Wladimir’s return as well as Usyk’s second tilt at heavyweight undisputed. What fight takes precedence will become clear after Dubois and Parker face off on February 22.

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GOLF

Tiger Woods withdraws from playing return at Genesis Invitational following the passing of his mother

By Admin February 11, 2025

Tiger Woods has announced he will not play at this week’s Genesis Invitational, the tournament he hosts.

Woods’ mother Kultida passed away last week, with the former world No 1 expressing his “heartfelt sadness” when announcing the news on social media.

On Monday, Woods, who had been set to make his first PGA Tour appearance of the year at Torrey Pines, said in a statement on X: “I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready.

READ: Tiger Woods has dominated Torrey Pines throughout his career — a look at his past finishes

“I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.

“Thanks to everyone who has reached out. I hope to be at Torrey later in the week and appreciate the continued kindness since my mom’s passing.”

Woods’ last official tournament appearance came in The Open at Royal Troon last July, when he missed the cut for the third consecutive major.

Since undergoing another surgery, this time on his lower back, in September, the 49-year-old has played alongside his son, Charlie, at the PNC Championship just before Christmas and made two appearances in the new TGL tournament, the indoor golf league that he co-founded.

Woods’ place at Torrey Pines has been taken by American countryman Jake Knapp, who won for the first time on the PGA Tour at last year’s Mexico Open.

Tiger’s withdrawal ‘completely understandable’

Rich Beem, the 2002 PGA champion, speaking on the latest edition of the Sky Sports Golf Podcast:

“I don’t think anybody in the planet could fault him.

“The sudden passing of anybody that’s close to you like that, much less your mum, I was actually a little surprised that he was going to play because of that fact.

“I would imagine that he wanted to play in her honour. But I can also understand that there’s just too many things going on. Emotionally, way more than anything else.

“Believe it or not, folks, Tiger is human. He truly is made of flesh and blood. And so I think it’s what Tiger felt was best.

“He’s not going to go out there unless he’s got the mindset that he thinks that he can win the tournament. And I just don’t think that with everything going on he could tee it up and feel like he’s going to have a chance to win, especially with mum’s passing.

“So it’s unfortunate, it’s sad, especially at his event, but it’s completely understandable.

“I mean, she’s the one that kind of basically turned him on to wearing red on Sundays, you know, it made him stronger.

“And the way that he would always talk about her, you could always see his face light up when she was part of the conversation. So she was obviously a massive influence to him in so many different ways, way different than his dad was.

“But she certainly was a glue that kind of held everything together. But boy, I mean, we all know mom’s mom and you’re only going to have one mother, and sadly Tiger’s passed away.”

Woods’ playing return has to wait

The Genesis Invitational, which has been moved from its usual course at the Riviera Country Club to San Diego due to the Los Angeles wildfires, is the year’s third Signature Event on the PGA Tour – tournaments which feature limited fields and increased prize money.

Woods’ most recent non-major appearance had come at 2024’s Genesis Invitational, when he withdrew mid-way through his second round due to the effects of the flu.

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