HOTTEST
CHRIS EUBANK JR returns to the ring to take on tricky late replacement Anatoli Muratov.Muratov came in after Eubank Jr’s previous opponent Sven Elbir tested positive for Covid. The fight will be Sky Sports’ first in their new era of boxing.
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Chris Eubank Jr headlines the Wembley Arena card
Eubank Jr, 32, is eyeing huge fights against Billy Joe Saunders, Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin should he overcome Muratov.
When is Eubank Jr vs Muratov?Chris Eubank Jr vs Antoli Muratov will take place on Saturday, October 2nd.
Wembley Arena in London plays host to the card.
Expect the main event of Eubank Jr vs Muratov at around 10pm BST.
The middleweight fight is scheduled for 12 x 3 minute rounds.What TV channel and live stream is Eubank Jr vs Muratov on?
Chris Eubank Jr vs Antoli Muratov will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Arena.
Sky begin their coverage from 7.30pm.
Chris Eubank Jr tipped the scales at 163lbs
What is the Eubank Jr vs Muratov undercard?
Unbeaten Brit cruiserweight sensation Richard Riakporhe is in action as he continues to chase a world title shot.
Elsewhere, David Avanesyan makes his comeback after his victory over Josh Kelly in February.Chris Eubank Jr vs Anatoli Muratov
David Avanesyan vs Liam Taylor
Jamal Le Doux vs Germaine Brown
Richard Riakporhe vs Krzysztof Twardowski
Mikael Lawal vs Steven Ward
Linus Udofia vs Xhuljo Vrenozi
Joe Pigford vs TBA
Ebonie Jones vs Bec Connolly
Matty Harris vs TBAAntoli Muratov will be across the ring from Eubank Jr
Who is Anatoli Muratov?
Antoli Muratov, 33, is ranked #7 by the WBA, and has come into the fight as a very late replacement for Sven Eibir.
Eibir tested positive for Covid – which was announced on Monday just five days before the fight – and he was out.
The Kazakh-born German Muratov has won 24 out of his 27 fights, with two defeats and one draw.
Muratov is ranked ahead of Elbir, the WBA’s No 15, and has not lost since August 2014.
What have they said?
Eubank Jr on it being his first fight since brother Sebastian’s death:
“It’s been tough. I’ve never dealt with anything like this in my life.
“I don’t know how it will affect me in the ring, losing such a close family member. It’s been a rough ride.
“I am dedicating this fight to my brother. I’ll have his name on my shorts and bring his son Raheem into the ring afterwards. He was a great soul.
“We will continue to do everything in his name.”
Asked what his younger brother was like, Chris told GMB: “He was an awesome human being.
“He was righteous and true always helping people.
“He always told me don’t do things for you, do them for other people. That will always stay with me.”
On Sky Sports fight: “The opponent has changed but the objective remains the same. War time in 5 days live on Sky Sports.”
Speaking after Anthony Joshua’s loss to Oleksandr Usyk, Eubank Jr said:
“Absolutely, I’m fired up.“Obviously Anthony Joshua is a friend of mine. I’m a little deflated that he lost, but it’s part of the game. We’ve all been there.
“If anything, this makes me want to fight even harder. I know the feelings he’s going through now.
“The first thing you want to do is get back in the ring and win. We’re going to put on a hell of a show.” MoreDANIEL DUBOIS has warned his wobbling heavyweight targets that his growing confidence will help him topple them and become king.
The 22-year-old was shoved into the limelight three years ago by promoter Frank Warren and was painfully shy about being the boy who had allegedly KO’d Anthony Joshua in Team GB sparring.3
Daniel Dubois has enjoyed seeing ‘older targets and potential opponents lose’
3
Fellow British heavyweight Dillian Whyte saw his world title hopes rocked by a shock defeat against Alexander Povetkin
Three years on he is the 14-0 British champion, with a couple of impressive scalps and he has watched from the wings as AJ and fellow Brit rival Dillian Whyte have suffered shock KO losses.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ricardo Snijders, Dynamite Dubois told SunSport: “It may not have come across but I am ferociously confident in my ability because of the work done in the gym.
“I was a boy among men when I sparred on the GB team, I am a baby in terms of experience now in the pro game but don’t mistake my quietness for self doubt.
“I’m not even that quiet or shy, you can’t afford to be when you are one of ten siblings and want to get fed. But when it comes to boxing my approach has been strictly business.I need to start driving soon because we’re out in the sticks now and I won’t fancy running to and from the gym through the rain and snow in the winter.
Daniel Dubois“Beating Nathan Gorman for the British title – in a fight a lot of people thought was going to be 50-50 – just confirmed what I already knew about my potential.
“And seeing older targets and potential opponents lose – in very good and hard fights – only makes me more confident I can take over soon.”
Dubois is a product of the iconic Peacock Gym in Canning Town and his success has helped play a part in the Bowers family opening a second pro-only base in Epping.
The state-of-the-art facility is also now only 20 minutes from the new Dubois family home.And DDD hopes getting into the heavyweight driving seat will make his commutes much easier.
3
Joe Joyce is in the sights of rival unbeaten British boxer Daniel Dubois
He laughed: “My dad used to drive me to and from the old gym but this is close enough that he and my coach Martin could end up telling me to run over.
“I need to start driving soon because we’re out in the sticks now and I won’t fancy running to and from the gym through the rain and snow in the winter.
“There aren’t too many pavements or street lights out here so it’s great inspiration to pass my test soon.”
The BT Studio bout should be little more than a lockdown keep-warm win ahead of the planned October 24 showdown against Joe Joyce.
But Dubois wants to make a statement nonetheless.Gossip
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JU’RE JOKING
Barcelona reject Higuain for Suarez deal after Juve propose shock striker swapHe said: “Joe has already had his warm-up fight and thankfully he won but he wasn’t convincing
“It was the same Slow Joe we have always seen walking forward, taking shots and bullying people out.
“This fight is one last chance for me to fine tune things and send Joe a final message: I am coming for you.”Dillian Whyte slams Frank Warren’s Dubois fight offer and says ‘he’s just trying to deviate from me facing Tyson Fury’ More
THE F1 season gets back on track today with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.Lewis Hamilton leads rival Max Verstappen by eight points at the halfway point of a nail-biting season.
TV/ live stream: Sky Sports F1
Friday, August 27Practice One – 10.30am UK time
Practice Two – 2pm UK timeSaturday, August 28
Practice Three – 11am UK time
Belgian GP Qualifying – 2pm UK timeSunday, August 29
Belgian Grand Prix – 2pm UK time
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“So I think it’s definitely a very positive start but a few things to take into consideration with the weather as well.”
Lewis Hamilton was blocked on his flying run in FP1 and was down in 18th place, but he was up to third in FP2, behind Verstappen and teammate Valtteri Bottas.
He said: “It was an OK day. These sessions are very short so there is not a lot of knowledge we are gaining but we have some work to do tonight.
“Everyone keeps telling us different things about the weather for Sunday. If it rains you generally want more downforce, but if it doesn’t rain you’re stuck and you’re a sitting duck on the straights.
“We have to be very cautious because the set up changes.”
PUSHING IT TO THE MAX
Max Verstappen brushed off a late crash into the barriers as his Belgian GP got off to a mixed start.
The Dutchman topped second practice after being second in the morning’s session but slammed into the barriers late on bringing an early end to proceedings.
He lost control at turn seven and hurtled backwards into the crash barriers, doing plenty of damage to his Red Bull.
Afterwards he said: “I don’t know, I just lost the rear. I did a bit too much oversteer to correct. And, unfortunately hit the wall.
“I think, the whole day, we were quite happy. Of course, there are a few things to fine tune from FP1 to FP2 and overall we’re very happy…”
FINAL CLASSIFICATION
Max Verstappen was fastest in Thursday’s practice with the two Mercedes drivers Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton next in line.SERG EXTENSION
Sergio Perez has signed a contract extension with Red Bull to remain with the team for next season.
The Mexican will continue to partner Max Verstappen, who already has a contract in place until the end of 2023.
Red Bull Racing Honda CEO and Team Principal, Christian Horner, said: “Checo is a highly respected team member and his experience and race-craft are invaluable as we fight for the Constructors’ Championship.
“His integration into the wider team has been seamless and we have been impressed by his performances during the first half of the season which demonstrate what he’s capable of in our car.
“Next year we move into a new era of Formula One with completely revised regulations and cars, and with over 200 races and a decade of experience under his belt, Checo will play an integral role in helping the team navigate this transition and maximise the RB18.”
Perez added: “I’m really happy to be continuing with a great team like Red Bull into the new era of Formula One and it’s a great opportunity for me. Everyone starts from zero next year with the new regulations, so my only goal is to go all the way to the top with Red Bull.”
CRASH
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has crashed into the barriers on turn five.
According to Ferrari’s Twitter account the driver is okay, but the session has now been red flagged.‘INVALUABLE’
Max Verstappen has hailed his “invaluable” team-mate Sergio Perez, who will remain his partner for the 2022 F1 season.
Red Bull announced Perez will be remaining with the team as he continues to “play a key role” in its fortunes.
On the news of Perez’s new contract, Verstappen said: “Checo is a highly respected team member and his experience and race-craft are invaluable as we fight for the constructors’ championship.”NEW DEAL SOON?
Williams has suggested that it will retain Nicholas Latifi at the team for the 2022 Formula 1 season.
Latifi joined Williams for the 2020 campaign alongside George Russell, and was kept on board for 2021. Last time out in Hungary, he scored his first championship points, classifying in seventh.
Latifi recently stated that he was “100% ready” to lead Williams’ driver line-up next year, should Russell depart the squad.
Williams CEO Jost Capito said of Latifi’s leadership comments: “I agree with him.
I think maybe not now yet, but he is really improving race-by-race and I’m sure by the end of the season he is ready to do that.
“Especially his personality is in the right spot to lead the team. He works very well with the engineers, he is very motivational, he is very clear in his direction, where he wants the car to develop and he’s very much liked by the team.
“He’s very demanding. I think he also learned a lot with George, they work together and spend a lot of time together on and off the track, so it’s a fantastic relationship and I’m sure by the end of the season he will be in that position that he can lead the team.
‘I’M REALLY HAPPY’
Sergio Perez has re-signed for Red Bull and will continue to race for the team in 2022.
Perez, currently fifth in the world drivers’ championship, will continue to race for Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen for another year.
He scored the second victory of his career for the team in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in June. By doing so Perez became the first driver other than Verstappen to win a race for Red Bull since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from the team in 2018.
In reaction to the deal Perez said: “I’m really happy to be continuing with a great team like Red Bull into the new era of Formula One and it’s a great opportunity for me.”
SCHUMACHER TRIBUTE
Mick Schumacher is donning a tribute to his dad, Michael, this weekend.
The special helmet design comes 30 years after the legend’s first F1 appearance, which came at Spa in 1991.VETTEL STILL UNHAPPY
Sebastian Vettel has outlined his frustration at losing his second-placed finish in Hungary due to fuel regulations.
Aston Martin withdrew their appeal against the punishment having failed to provide the necessary amount of fuel for testing post-race.
Vettel stated: “It’s very bitter because I think first, we did not have an advantage.
“Second, there was no intention, or no way we could actually explain that too little fuel was in the car.
“So something happened over the course of the race, I don’t know, a leakage or something, that the fuel simply wasn’t there anymore.
“I think it was the last lap, we found out something might not be right and we were very surprised when the fuel wasn’t in the car. It’s very bitter but those are the rules, so we have to accept and carry on.”
WHO WILL PARTNER LEWIS?
George Russell and Valtteri Bottas have remain tight-lipped on their tussle over next season’s Mercedes seat.
A decision from the championship leaders was expected this weekend but no announcement has been forthcoming.
Bottas told reporters: “Maybe I know something, maybe I don’t. But like I said, there’s no news to share.
“I think the same for me and George, that we have a job to do here, and there’s no news, and we’re going to focus on racing and getting maximum points for the team we are racing with.”
Russell said: “There’s nothing to announce one way or another this weekend, and probably not next weekend either, to be honest.
“I think it’s no problem. Do things right rather than quickly, let’s say.”
CHEQUERED FLAG
That is it for FP1, with Lewis Hamilton down in 18th with no serious time put in on the Softs.
Valtteri Bottas claims top spot with Max Verstappen second.
LAST SHOT FOR LEWIS
No points on offer in practice but Lewis Hamilton will want to put in a strong lap to finish the session off.
The Brit is back in 18th having lost that quick lap at the final chicance, having got caught behind Nicholas Latifi.
SPOTS OF RAIN
Charles Leclerc glides through the gravel at Turn 7 as the rain begins to drift back in at certain points of the track.
That could explain Max Verstappen’s slow Sector 3 that denied him top spot with that lap.
LEW UP NEXT
The rear wing on Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes is much thicker and should deliver a quicker time through the tight, technical Sector 2.
Indeed, he gains around four-tenths on Valtteri Bottas here but loses time on the straights before pulling out after getting caught behind Nicholas Latifi.
Max Verstappen follows him through on the Softs – but is SLOWER than Bottas.
BOTTAS GOES TOP
First up is Valtteri Bottas, running a lower downforce setup than Lewis Hamilton in FP1.
A 1:45.199 sends him top with a gap to Max Verstappen of about 0.8 seconds – that won’t be enough.
SOFTS ARE COMING OUT
Nicholas Latifi, Daniel Ricciardo and Lance Stroll all enter the top four on the quickest tyre compound.
But they still can’t get close to Max Verstappen on the Hards – the slowest, most durable tyre.
Let’s see what the Mercedes can muster…
MAX POWERING AHEAD
On the Hard tyres, Max Verstappen is putting in consistently quick laps to top the leaderboard.
His latest, a 1:45.905 gives him a 1.2 second lead over team-mate Sergio Perez in second – with Valtteri Bottas almost two seconds back.
KIMI OFF AGAIN
Kimi Raikkonen smacks the side of the pit wall as he comes in.
Fortunately his Alfa Romeo stays in tact as he skids alongside the concrete barrier and he is able to guide his car back to the garage. Not a pretty moment.HAMILTON DRAGGING
Over the radio, Lewis Hamilton declares he’s far too slow on the straights.
The Mercedes star has stated previously that his car has lost a lot of raw speed to the Red Bull in recent months – and the Brit is back in 13th.
Of course, with the likelihood of rain the Mercs may be preparing their setup for wet conditions later in the weekend rather than the current dry track.
TOP TEN AT HALFWAY
1. VER2. SAI3. OCO 4. GAS5. RIC 6. PER7. STR8. LEC9. VET10. BOT
Credit: Getty
TIMESHEET TAKING SHAPE
Esteban Ocon is currently quickest ahead of Pierre Gasly and Daniel Ricciardo.
Is that a sign the Alpine will double up on its shock Hungarian GP win? Not quite.
The track is still drying out and drivers are gently pushing harder, with the Mercedes duo in eighth and tenth on the slower Hard tyres.
KIMI GOES FOR A SPIN
Kimi Raikkonen is the first driver to get a bit tail-happy, down at La Source.
That is one set of Hard tyres ruined for the Finn, who gets back underway without an issue.
Moments later, Yuki Tsunoda also loses it at the same spot, causing a bit of a traffic jam as he blocks the pit lane.
LANDO GETS US GOING
Lando Norris is on the Medium tyres for a first hot lap of the weekend.
Let’s see what the rest of the pack has in store for us.
INTERMEDIATES TO START
The majority of the runners have ventured out, including Lewis Hamilton, to take a look at the track.
But we have no timed laps yet as the track looks like it might soon dry out.
Load more entries… More
CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI is trying to convince close pal Jamal Musiala to stick with England.
Bayern Munich whizkid Musiala, 17, scored on his first England Under-21s start in Tuesday’s 5-0 thrashing of Albania at Molineux.Jamal Musiala topped off his superb England U-21s debut vs Albania with this goalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Bayern whizkid Jamial Musiala could still switch allegiance to Germany but England U-21s pal Callum Hudson-Odoi is urging him against itCredit: Reuters
The Stuttgart-born winger is also eligible for Germany — playing twice for their U16s — and Nigeria.
But Germany’s head of academy coaching, Meikel Schonweitz, says he has committed his future to the Three Lions — although U21s boss Aidy Boothroyd is not sure that is set in stone.
England and Chelsea star Hudson-Odoi, 20, said: “I said he should be staying with England!
“He knows a lot of the boys already and has been really welcomed into the team. I said to him, ‘I can’t choose for you but it would be nice if you stayed with England’.“Hopefully, he gets to the seniors as quickly as possible.”
Hudson-Odoi knows Musiala well, having attended the same private school, Whitgift in Croydon and been in the Chelsea academy together.
The Blues winger, whose brother Bradley is Musiala’s agent, was keen to help the “shy” teenager feel welcome when he linked up with the U21s for the first time this month.
Hudson-Odoi added: “Jamal is a top, top player. I wanted to welcome him to the U21s as soon as possible.Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi bagged the third of the Lion cubs’ bunch of fiveCredit: Reuters
“He is a good guy, very shy, and before the Albania game I wanted to see he was feeling himself and confident — and not scared or shy.
“I said, ‘Play your own game and get a goal for yourself’, which he did. I was really happy for him. Wherever he is, I will be watching him.”
Hudson-Odoi was the stand-out performer against Albania and sparked the rout with a goal inside five minutes.
The Londoner was playing for Gareth Southgate’s senior Three Lions last November but saw his progress hindered by a bad Achilles injury.
There was talk of him leaving to join Musiala at Bayern — but stayed at Blues.
He said: “It has been a rollercoaster.“I want to make sure I am working my hardest, trying to get in the team and working my way back to the senior team in the England set-up.
“I am feeling more confident day in, day out.
“I want to improve on my goals and assists.”Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour lands harsh red card eight minutes after making injury comeback with Scotland Under-21s More
LEWIS HAMILTON has been eliminated from Chinese Grand Prix qualifying in the first session.The seven-time world champion will start tomorrow’s race from 18th place.Lewis Hamilton is out in Q1 and will start in 18thCredit: SplashHamilton had begun the weekend’s action positively, coming second in the Sprint behind only Max Verstappen.The 39-year-old Brit described the finish as “the best result I’ve had in a long time.”But disaster followed for the Mercedes star in qualifying for the main race.Hamilton made a costly mistake, going too wide around a corner on his final lap.READ MORE IN F1He therefore failed to improve on the time he had already set and finished in a disappointing 18th.Frustration was written across the face of Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, who looked to the heavens in disbelief.Former world champ-turned-pundit Nico Rosberg called it a “disaster” and “seriously painful”.After qualifying, Hamilton swore in a live interview with Sky Sports.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I just struggled – it is what it is.”This morning, George [Russell] and I had very similar cars but this afternoon, we are trying to experiment still with car.Formula One’s Highest Earners”So I went one way, a long way, and he went the other way, just to see if we could find anything.”But yeah, it didn’t work. I’ll give it my best shot – 18th is pretty bad. “When I was making the setup changes I was like ‘it can’t get any worse, surely’.”And it did. S**t happens.”Sky Sports broadcaster David Croft was forced to apologise for the bad language.Verstappen went on to clinch pole position and make it five out of five this season.The Dutchman is the first driver to start the opening five races of the year from the front since Mika Hakkinen in 1999.It was also Red Bull’s 100th pole position. The team’s other star Sergio Perez will be behind Verstappen on the grid, sealing a qualifying one-two.READ MORE SUN STORIESVeteran Fernando Alonso came third in his Aston Martin.McLaren’s Lando Norris is in fourth and Hamilton’s team-mate Russell will begin from eighth. More
