More stories

  • in

    Former England star Sol Campbell, 50, reveals new job developing AI football coaches

    SOL CAMPBELL wants to create a “virtual coach” and take AI-led scouting and coaching platforms across the globe.The former Arsenal and England defender started working with a Swiss tech firm last year.Sol Campbell plans to take AI-led coaching across the worldCredit: GettyHis role was to leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence to help clubs analyse matches and player performance.Campbell, 50, has now branched out on his own and wants take his ideas and software worldwide.He said: “In the UK, there are so many analysts and it’s great.“This is for India, America, Africa and the Caribbean where they need sophisticated coaching.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I’m trying to develop, in the future, something where everyone will have access to high-level coaching, wherever you are in the world.”Yet Campbell urged caution about the rise of AI.He said: “You cannot disregard the human eye and experienced coach, scout or fitness expert.”Campbell has experience in coaching from his days as manager of Macclesfield Town and Southend United.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAs a player, he worked alongside legendary bosses like Arsene Wenger, George Graham and Sven-Goran Eriksson.Campbell won two Premier Leagues and three FA Cups at Arsenal after his controversial move from rivals Tottenham in 2001.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches More

  • in

    Boxing braced for introduction of AI ring girls after first judge at Fury vs Usyk 2 – and fans can speak to them

    RING girls could soon be in a fight for their livelihood – thanks to AI.Ring card girls have been part and parcel of boxing for several decades.Ringcard girls have been part and parcel of boxing for decadesCredit: INSTAGRAM@IAMSYDNEYTHOMASGlam influencers have recently joined models strutting their stuff around the ringCredit: INSTAGRAM@KOURTNEY_KELLERAI models like Lily Hayes have been tipped to also break into the ringcard girl worldCredit: INSTAGRAM@LILYHAYES2001In recent years, glam influencers have joined the hoards of models strutting their stuff around the ring.But they could soon be embroiled in a fight with their AI counterparts, who have been tipped to gatecrash the party by the creator of Lily Hayes – the most prominent AI influencer on Instagram.Hayes’ creator told The Daily Star: “Technology is moving so fast and sports organisations, who are inherently innovative, are beginning to embrace AI Influencers.”Lily has built an incredible fanbase over the past 12 months, and boxing is a really exciting opportunity for her to break into the mainstream.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”Ring Girls have always been a massive part of boxing, but the interesting thing about AI Influencers becoming Ring Girls is fans can actually connect with them online, 24/7, and in multiple languages in the lead up to, during, and after the event.”There’s some big fights touted for 2025, including Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua at Wembley or in Riyadh so we’d love to get Lily on that card.”Hayes can generate £20,000 a month on Fanvue interacting with her followers, despite not being a real person.A Fanvue spokesperson said: “Fanvue is the platform AI Influencers join to build massive fanbases and monetise their content online.Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAn AI judge was introduced for Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTY”It can help kickstart their digital careers and quickly open up opportunities with brands and organisations who are looking to innovate with AI Influencers and connect with fans.”Appealing to Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha is the next big challenge for sporting events and marketers more broadly – and AI Influencers are essentially a new marketing channel for them to be able do that. Tyson Fury gives cryptic update on his future after Oleksandr Usyk defeat as retirement rumours circle”We’ve recently seen the exciting possibilities of AI Influencers in F1, with Aston Martin creating an AI clone of Fernando Alonso to reach new demographics of fans – and we’re predicting a lot more of this type of innovation in sport in 2025.”Artificial intelligence, of course, has already made its way into the world of boxing.An AI judge was introduced for the first time earlier this month ahead of Tyson Fury’s do-or-die rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.The three ringside human judges scored the contest 116-112 in favour of defending unified heavyweight champion Usyk.But the AI judge scored the fighter even wider in Usyk’s favour, turning in a scorecard of 118-112.Fury fumed at the judges’ scorecards in the ring, which he STORMED OUT OF after briefly looking at them.Ad he went on an expletive-filled rant after learning the AI judge only gave him two rounds of the Riyadh rematch.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: ” F**k all computers, keep humans. More jobs for human, less jobs for computers.”[And] f**k electric cars too!”Tyson Fury wasn’t a fan of AI’s scoring of his rematch with Oleksandr UsykCredit: PA More

  • in

    AI judge’s scorecard for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 revealed but fans say ‘worse than VAR’

    THE scorecard of the Artificial Intelligence judge for Tyson Fury’s defeat to Oleksandr Usyk fight has been revealed.The highly-anticipated rematch used a fourth judge – whose scores did not count towards the result – to show how AI could play a part in boxing in the future.The AI judge’s scorecard for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk has been revealedCredit: PAThe bout used an AI judge to score the fight, but did not count its scores towards the resultCredit: X @Turki_alalshikhThe tech analysed every round, every move and every decisive moment during the fight, displaying real time metrics like aggression, landed punches, impact and defensive deployments.And the high-tech addition was in agreement with all three of the other judges – marking Usyk as the champion.The AI official deemed the Ukrainian to have won 118-112, scoring a 10 in every round bar the second and the fifth.That scoring favours Usyk even more than the three judges, who all deemed The Cat to have won 116-112 over Fury.READ MORE IN BOXINGFans were less than impressed by the technology and took to social media to fume about it.One boxing fan wrote: “Worse than VAR! Keep it out of the game”.While another posted: “AI needs some work, mate. I honestly thought Fury got it”.A third slammed: “So AI is worse than real judges. Good to know.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAI Judge Scorecard in fullHere’s a look at how the AI judge scored each round…Round 1: Usyk 10-10 FuryRound 2: Usyk 9-10 FuryRound 3: Usyk 10-9 FuryRound 4: Usyk 10-9 FuryRound 5: Usyk 9-10 FuryRound 6: Usyk 10-9 FuryRound 7: Usyk 10-9 FuryRound 8: Usyk 10-9 FuryRound 9: Usyk 10-9 FuryRound 10: Usyk 10-9 FuryRound 11: Usyk 10-9 FuryRound 12: Usyk 10-9 FuryRESULT: 118-112And a fourth joked: “Was the AI judge based at Stockley Park by any chance?”Tyson Fury was just as angry about the AI result too, slamming it in his post-fight press conference.Meet the AI boxing official who’ll be ringside for Fury v Usyk with fans convinced it ‘will eliminate judges completely’Fury vs Usyk 2 round by round: How SunSport scored the controversial heavyweight thrillerOLEKSANDR USYK took another controversial decision over Tyson Fury to regain his heavyweight throne.Seven months on from their split-decision thriller, this time the scorecards were unanimous 116-112 all in Usyk’s favour.The Gypsy King stormed out of the ring as his promoter Frank Warren was left stunned by the cards.Here’s how SunSport’s Wally Downes scored the fight…Round 1The rules were ignored and Fury arrived at 11:15pm local time with a beard that would make Brian Blessed’s chops feel naked.If we thought his face fuzz looked overgrown, we were stunned to see the size of his belly when the cameras caught him topless in his dressing room.His red shorts were so high that you couldn’t even see much of his gut, an inch higher and the 20st beast would have had the option of tucking his nipples down there too.Fury tried to intimidate Usyk with the final face-off, widening his eyes like a monster but the champ remained ice cold.They swapped jabs and fenced with their lead hands. Usyk drove left hands into his wobbling belly and then clipped him with a head shot to snatch the opener. Usyk.Round 2Usyk lands a scoring one-two to the head as soon as the session starts but then returns to the body and lands lefts, one even makes Fury stumble.But the Gypsy King lands a treble-jab and then a meaty right hand to take the round.Still no signs of the body blows and uppercuts that won him the middle rounds of the May fight. FuryRound 3Three times Usyk scores with a jab to the body and left hand upstairs.Fury struggles to deal with the pressure. Fury lands a little check hook and even tries the southpaw stance.But all his threats to skin and cook the bog-eyed rat or ugly rabbit prove empty. Usyk.Round 4Fury makes a bright start with a chopped right hand.Bit Usyk almost whacks his whiskers off with two left hands that score well.But Fury pings back with a big right hand that forces Usyk back.Then that uppercut returns and cuts through Usyk’s guard. Draw.Round 5Fury takes control instantly when a right hand is the perfect start to the sessionThen the Brit gets warned for rabbit punches as he bids to bully the champ.Usyk is then walked into a lead left uppercut and then he starts shipping body blows. Usyk scuttles off and has to recover. Fury.Round 6Fury in trouble. The challenger’s bloated body starts to sweat and Usyk keeps targeting it with his power-punch left.Then he goes head hunting and clips Fury’s skull.The Morecambe giant is buzzed and worried, his head got rocked backwards. He hides the rest of the round. UsykRound 7A quiet round only really features a crisp Fury one-two and a single Usyk left. Draw.Round 8A one-two-hook works for Usyk as he pushes all of the pace an pressure and Fury tries to hide his 20st target.An accidental clash of heads thankfully leaves no cuts.Fury does launch a limp attack but Usyk smiles back and shakes his shaven head. Usyk.Round 9Fury starts to tire, he has so much timber to lug around and lumberjack Usyk loves chopping him down.He’s too big to dance and rub and counter.He is playing super-fit Usyk’s game. Usyk.Round 10Fury lands a rare uppercut and attacks Usyk’s body. He takes the centre of the ring but then eats a couple of shots.Fury tries to hold and lean and sap at Usyk’s engine. But he is punished with a left to the cheek.Big left from Uysk lands and scatters Fury sweat beads off his head.But Fury cracks back with an uppercut. But Usyk’s pressure and punches win in. Usyk.Round 11These could well be the deciding rounds. Usyk is busier, Fury throws an uppercut but it only grazes his guard.Fury walks onto a tippy-tappy combination but then two serious shots. The wind is coming out of his giant red sails.Usyk is relentless and bouncing and prodding and punching and Fury is 20st and flagging. UsykRound 12Fury starts like a man who knows he needs at least a lockdown but that helps Usyk counter him.A combo of three straight punches score for the Ukraine icon.But Fury keeps swinging and slashing and pulling up the shorts that slip down his back and love handles from all the sweat Usyk has drained out of him.With a section of the ungrateful crowd booing and whistling they slug it out for the final ten seconds finish. UsykSunSport’s scorecards: Usyk 118-112 Fury.”F*** all computers,” Fury said. “More jobs for humans.”Fury was just as angry with the real judge’s score too, with The Gypsy King storming out of the ring without a post-fight interview after learning of their scorecards.Fury wasn’t the only one that thought that the scoring was incorrect either, his promoter Frank Warren slammed the decisions on the broadcast when talking after the fight.He said: “I am dumbfounded, to give four rounds out of the 12 is impossible.”One judge didn’t give him any round from round six onwards, that’s impossible.”It’s crazy, and I’m calm and collected, that is a nonsense. Their faces, the management of Usyk had him winning.”Tyson Fury stormed out of the ring after seeing the judge’s scorecardsCredit: TNT SportsFury and promoter Frank Warren were fuming with the way the fight had been scoredCredit: APFury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on a absolute blockbuster night in Riyadh… More

  • in

    What is the AI boxing judge and how will it work for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2?

    TYSON FURY vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 will make history this weekend for more reasons than one. For the first time ever, the bout will be scored, unofficially, by a fourth boxing judge which has been created by AI (Artificial Intelligence). Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will run it back this weekend in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFPBoxing is often ridiculed for its unfair scorecards and dodgy judging decisions, with Fury believing his first fight with Usyk was unfairly scored. Usyk won the bout on a split decision with scores of 115-112 to Fury and 114-113 twice to Usyk. But now an AI judge is also set to score the fight, providing fans with a unique look at how boxing could be scored in the future. How will the scoring work?Ahead of the rematch, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh announced the experiment would be used on the fight, but would not impact the result.He wrote on X: “For the first time ever, an AI-powered judge will monitor the fight.”Free from bias and human error brought to you by The Ring.”Fury vs Usyk 2 will be unofficially scored by an AI-powered boxing judgeA video was released explaining how the scoring would work. An AI figure explained: “I’m here to bring fairness to the ring.Most read in Boxing”I analyse every round, every move and every decisive moment during the fight, using real-time metrics like aggression, landed punches, impact and defensive deployments.”With this data, I’m able to calculate a score to determine who should win the match.”After the fight, the result of the AI judge’s analysis will be revealed to the public. And it’ll be down to boxing fans to decide whether they agree with the three human judges, or whether the future of boxing scoring sits firmly with AI. More

  • in

    ‘This is going to be revolutionary’ – Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 to feature never-before-seen AI JUDGE

    TYSON FURY’s do-or-die rematch with Oleksandr Usyk will sensationally feature a FOURTH judge.But it won’t be a human scoring the crucial rounds in Saturday night’s eagerly-anticipated Saudi showdown for the unified heavyweight titles.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk renew their rivalry in Saudi Arabia on Saturday nightCredit: GETTYUsyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champ in nearly 25 years with a split decision victory in the pair’s May meleeCredit: ReutersTheir rematch is set to feature an AI judgeCredit: PAArtificial intelligence will be tasked with scoring the desert dust-up, which will attract the eyes of the entire sporting world.Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh revealed the introduction of an AI judge on Tuesday night.The AI judge, however, won’t have any impact on the result of the Riyadh rumble.Ring Magazine supremo Alalshikh wrote on X: “For the first time ever, an AI-powered judge will monitor the fight.READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK 2″Free from bias and human error brought to you by The Ring.”This groundbreaking experiment, which won’t impact the official results, debuts during the biggest fight of the century, #Usyk2Fury, on December 21.”Alalshikh’s short-notice revelation quickly became the talk of fight world.One fan wrote on X: “It would be awesome if this fixes the judging issue in combat sports. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I’m sure it’s a couple of years out from being able to actually be used, but the concept is exciting.”Another said: “This is gonna be revolutionary.”Tyson Fury says he hasn’t spoken to wife Paris for THREE MONTHS and says he has ‘sacrificed a lot’ for Usyk rematchAnd another said: “Loved this. [It] will automatically put judges on high alert.”The future of boxing is safe with you taking over.”One remarked: “Wow! I can’t wait to see how this goes.”Another chimed in: “Boxing VAR in the making?”Several boxing fans, however, are sceptical about the effectiveness of AI scoring fights.One said: “Boxing scoring is subjective.. So what are the rules you put into the bot?”What you like to see or was it more general than that?”Another said: “AI can’t distinguish effectiveness?”The judges were called upon in Fury and Usyk’s May melee, which went the distance.Usyk was crowned the first undisputed king of the heavyweights in nearly 25 years courtesy of a split decision victory.Fury, 36, was adamant he did enough to have his hand raised and has vowed not to leave Saturday’s slugfest in the hand of the judges again.The former unified heavyweight champion said: “I’ve always been a bad man my whole life, and I’m still one today at nearly 40 years old, a few years off 40.”I’m going to go in there with destroy mode. “Last time, I went to box him, I was being cautious.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Anybody can get caught as we have seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights.”But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock that motherf****r out.” More

  • in

    Brazil legend Adriano breaks down in tears during farewell match after late dad ‘sends message’ using AI

    BRAZIL legend Adriano broke down in tears during his farewell match.The striker featured for both sides as his former club Flamengo Legends took on a team called Friends of Italy.Adriano broke down in tears during his farewell matchCredit: SPORTVA video of his late father was played with AI used to recreate his voiceCredit: SPORTVAdriano played for both teams during an emotional farewellCredit: AFPHe also played alongside his son AdrianinhoCredit: AFPThe striker said goodbye to around 21,000 fans inside the MaracanaCredit: APAdriano, 42, scored for both sides in a 4-3 win for Flamengo in front of adoring fans at the Maracana.After 30 minutes played the game was paused and Adriano was honoured on the big screen as he watched a video of his late father, who passed away in 2004.His father’s voice was recreated using AI, and the message for Adriano sparked tears from the 48-cap star.Adriano was joined in his farewell game by former Brazil team-mates Romario, Dida and Ze Roberto, as well as his son Adrianinho.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAround 21,000 turned up to pay tribute to Adriano and unveiled a banner of his face ahead of kick-off.His grandmother and mother were also present with the former even kicking off the match.Adriano retired from playing in 2016 after spells at Inter Milan, Parma and Flamengo and has lived a flamboyant lifestyle since hanging up his boots, including partying on a yacht and being crowned an emperor during carnival.Reflecting on his decision to arrange a final game, Adriano stated: “Many people asked me to say goodbye.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Although I stopped playing a few years ago, I needed this match to end my cycle.”I owed it to everyone who supported me and still supports me.”Brazil cult hero is paraded through streets of Sao Paulo as an ’emperor’ during wild carnival More

  • in

    Premier League club to make history by wearing AI-generated kit designed by fans

    A PREMIER LEAGUE club is set to make history by wearing an AI-generated kit designed by supporters.Manchester City and Puma have collaborated on a new innovative idea to give fans the “unique opportunity”.Man City fans will be able to design next season’s third kit using AICredit: xThe Premier League champions will be offering fans the chance to design the club’s official third kit for the 2026/27 season.The Puma AI creator tool will allow fans to design their dream Man City kits by using text prompts and customization tools.The system also has intuitive sliders that will help fans edit their potential kits.The winning design will be worn by the Man City team during the 2026/27 campaign and be sold in club stores.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club released a video on social media to promote the idea, which led to many supporters getting excited.One posted: “Can’t wait to try this out.”A second wrote: “Cool.”However, many were also worried that some designs might not look great.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third commented: “This could go horribly bad.”A fourth said: “Urm not so sure about this.”Beleaguered Man City boss Pep Guardiola involved in bizarre interview when discussing Rico Lewis red cardSunSport’s attempt at creating a Man City shirt based on Manchester CathedralCredit: PUMA AIThis one featuring bank coins would be perfect for a team known for splashing the cashOne that might not go down so well is this Manchester United inspired design featuring the red of their rivals and a depiction of Old TraffordSunSport had a go at using the tool and created a potential shirt based on a pattern from Manchester Cathedral.The tool created a stunning gold kit with navy trim that was detailed with a cool pattern.Chief marketing and fan experience officer for City Football Group Nuria Tarre said: “Through the power of AI, we are delighted to offer fans this special opportunity to be a part of Manchester City history and design a kit that could one day be worn by their heroes on the pitch.”Each City kit plays a fundamental role in connecting fans around the world to our club and we’re excited to see how they engage with this truly unique initiative.”Man City faced backlash over their special ‘Oasis’ kit that was released earlier this year, with many comparing it to a Refresher sweet.AI was used to predict the kits for nations competing in Euro 2024.However, many of the actual kits did not look like the creations that it presented.Fans were not keen on Man City’s ‘Oasis band’ kit released this seasonCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Artificial ‘intelligence’ reveals the sexiest male football pundit on TV according to ‘golden ratio’

    ARTIFICIAL “intelligence” has named Peter Crouch the sexiest male football pundit on TV.The 6ft 7in ex-England forward, famed for his robot goal celebration, scored 17.39 out of 20 on the AI beauty tool.Pundit Peter Crouch scored 17.39 out of 20 on the AI beauty toolIt measured facial ­symmetry and structure, health, smile and eyes and social media feedback.Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist was second with a score of 16.12, ­followed by ex-Tottenham Hotspur player Michael Dawson on 14.63.BBC Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman was fourth on 14.42.Ex-Man United hardman Roy Keane was in last place with just 9.59.READ MORE ON PETER CROUCHGary Neville came twenty-fourth on 11.67 with Gary Lineker twenty-fifth on 11.21 and Rio Ferdinand twenty-seventh on 11.11.Betting tips and news site Footy Accumulators used the Golden Ratio Face app to measure the looks of 38 pundits.A spokesman said: “Crouch was the clear winner and is the most attractive male pundit on TV.”“As well as expert knowledge he brings sex appeal to punditry and gets female viewers hot under the collar.”Most read in FootballMy Premier League team-mate was catfishing fans… it really annoyed me and I can’t believe supporters fell for it’Peter Crouch – 17.39Ally McCoist – 16.12Michael Dawson – 14.63Mark Chapman – 14.42Shay Given – 14.41Dion Dublin – 13.94Don Hutchison – 13.45Glenn Hoddle – 13.1Joleon lescott – 13.06Ashley Williams – 13.04 More