More stories

  • in

    Joseph Parker: net worth, career earnings and boxing record explained

    HE’S a top New Zealand heavyweight and a family man outside of the ring.Here’s all you need to know about Joseph Parker’s net worth, and his boxing record. 
    Parker will face Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker on the Day of Reckoning card on Saturday 23, December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
    What is Joseph Parker’s net worth? 
    Joseph Parker has an estimated net worth north of $5 million, or £3.9 million, thanks to his career in the boxing ring. 
    But some estimate Parker’s career earnings of more than $20 million, considering he had a $13.1 million payday for his world title fight against Anthony Joshua in 2018, despite not winning. 
    Parker’s 2018 fixture against Dillian Whyte saw him earn significantly less than his fight against AJ, at around £1 million. 
    Reports also suggest that Parker went away with £2.5 million after his 2021 fight with Derek Chisora. 
    read more on boxing
    But estimates for Parker’s purse on the much-anticipated fight against Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia on the Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin undercard stand at around $2–3 million, although unconfirmed. 
    Parker has four daughters to look after, with his long-term partner, Laine Tavita, with whom has been with since he was a teenager. 
    The heavyweight boxer has Samoan heritage— although born in New Zealand, his mother is from the main Samoan island of Upolu. 
    What is Joseph Parker’s boxing record?
    Joseph Parker’s heavyweight boxing record stands at 33–3–0
    Most read in Boxing
    He made his debut in 2012 against Dean Garmonsway winning with a TKO. 
    Parker lost against Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua, both by unanimous decision, in 2018, and another loss came in 2022 in a fight with Joe Joyce, by KO. 
    Parker competed at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, winning a silver medal, and at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, where he placed 5th.
    He’s received many awards throughout the course of his career, from New Zealand Pacific Island Sports Emerging Talent Award in 2011, to the Order of Merit of Samoa in 2016, and the 2017 Counties Manukau Sporting Excellence Sportsman of the Year.
    Ahead of his fight against Deontay Wilder on Saturday, 23 December 2023, close pal Tyson Fury has given Parker some advice. 
    Fury, who’s beaten Wilder twice, and drawn once said: “Don’t get hit in the face with one of them big KO right hands. You’ll be alright.
    “Avoid the right hand! That’s my tip for Parker.
    “What more else can you say? Don’t get hit by the right hand and you’ll win the fight.”
    Read more on The Sun
    At the top of the bill, AJ — who is looking for a third win in a row after losses to Oleksandr Usyk — is facing Swedish boxer Otto Wallin, who left Tyson Fury needing 47 stitches after their encounter.
    Wilder vs Parker will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN pay-per-view. More

  • in

    Naoya Inoue net worth, career earnings and boxing record explained

    NAOYA INOUE is the Japanese undefeated super bantamweight boxer. He’s earned the nickname ‘The Monster’ — here’s do we know about the champion and his career earnings so far.
    Naoya Inoue’s win over Stephen Fulton made him the second-ever Japanese fighter to win major titles in four weight divisions.
    Who is Naoya Inoue? 
    Naoya Inoue is a Japanese super bantamweight professional boxer, nicknamed “The Monster”.
    Inoue was born on April 10, 1993, in Zama, Japan, not far from Tokyo.H
    He inherited a love of boxing from his father, a former boxer who now coaches his son.
    A four-division world champion, he holds, at the time of writing, the title of super-bantamweight world champion, and is the former bantamweight world champion. 
    Read more on boxing
    Inoue often tops lists of the world’s best active boxers, pound for pound, by The Ring, ESPN, BoxRec, and The Independent. 
    As of December 2023, 2nd on The Ring’s Pound for Pound rankings, after Terence Crawford. 
    The 5’5” fighter is well known for his speed, power, and footwork.
    What is Naoya Inoue’s net worth? 
    “The Monster” has an estimated net worth of $7 million, thanks to his unbeaten fighting record. 
    Most read in Boxing
    He also has signed some lucrative sponsorship details, for example with Six Pad, who also sponsors Christiano Ronaldo, and Winning Japan, a boxing gloves company. 
    Inoue has also been featured in adverts on Japanese television. 
    As for fight winnings, the undefeated champion earned a total of $1 million in 2018, from his two fights with Jamie McDonnell and Juan Carlos Payano. 
    For a 2021 fight with Aran Dipaen, Inoue earned a guaranteed purse of $500,000, which included a $200,000 win bonus, with sponsorship payments on top of that. 
    In July 2023, Inoue fought American boxer Stephen Fulton, in a hyped-up match in Tokyo— thanks to his win, Inoue took home $5 million of the $8 million purse. 
    What is Naoya Inoue’s boxing record?
    The Japanese champion’s record is 25–0–0, with a KO rate of 88%. 
    Of his 25 bouts, he has only fought four outside of Japan — three in the US, and one in Scotland. 
    After winning the July 2023 fight against Fulton, Inoue became the second-ever Japanese fighter to win major titles in four weight divisions. 
    On December 26, 2023, Inoue is set to fight Philippino boxer Marlon Tapales in Tokyo, in a fixture that will be broadcast by ESPN+.
    Boxing fans have taken to Inoue’s Instagram account to call for him to fight more in the US.
    One wrote: 
    “He is one of the best however, he is refusing to fight in the USA and follow the regulations there. 
    “He is just a champion in Japan, not the world. 
    Read more on The Sun
    “He is even lucky that Tapales is willing to go to Japan.”
    Another commented: “This dude ain’t never coming to the U.S. to fight.” More

  • in

    Does Carabao Cup quarter-final have extra-time or go straight to penalties after 90 minutes if draw?

    WE have entered the final stages of the Carabao Cup and there is always one question on the front of everyone’s mind.Is there extra time and penalties if the match ends all square after 90 minutes?
    Manchester United beat Newcastle in the final last season
    Will the EFL Cup quarter-final go to extra-time and penalties if needed?
    If the score-line is level after 90 minutes, the match will go straight to penalties.
    Extra time and penalties are only used in the Carabao Cup semi-final and finals.
    When did a match last go straight to penalties?
    Everton’s thrilling match against Premier League rivals went to penalties on Tuesday, December 19 where the Cottagers won 7-6.
    And on the same night, Chelsea beat Newcastle 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the 90 minutes.
    What happened in the final last year?
    Manchester United broke Newcastle hearts by beating them 2-0 at Wembley. More

  • in

    Who is Champions League draw host Reshmin Chowdhury and is she married?

    RESHMIN Chowdhury is one of football’s most popular pundits.But who is she and is she married? From her sporting success to her family life – here’s everything you need to know about Champions League draw host Reshmin Chowdhury.

    Instagram / @reshmintv

    Reshmin Chowdhury reporting from the Champions League final Who is Reshmin Chowdhury?
    Reshmin Chowdhury is a British sports journalist, broadcaster, and event host, who has enjoyed a stunning broadcast career after making a name for herself working for Real Madrid from 2008 to 2010.
    Since then, she has worked for BBC Sport, Uefa, ITV, Discovery, Fifa, BT Sport, beIN Sport, talkSPORT and TNT Sports.
    She has also presented the Champions League draw, revealing the perils of the draw in a 2019 column for SunSport.
    In 2015 Chowdhury won the Media Award at the Asian Football Awards. More

  • in

    Who is Nicki Shields? TNT Sports Formula E presenter starring alongside Jermaine Jenas

    NICKI Shield is the television presenter best known as the Formula E pit reporter.But who is she, and what do we know about her career?
    Formula E presenter Nicki Shields gave birth to her third child in August, 2023
    Who is Nicki Shields? 
    Nicola Shields was born on November 1, 1985, and is better known as Nicki. 
    She was born and raised in Twickenham, in west London, along with her brother. 
    Despite growing up competing in go-karting events, in a motorsports-mad family, Nicki took the academic path. 
    Nicki studied Biological and Zoological Sciences at the University of Bristol, graduating in 2007. 
    Most read in motorsports
    She then took a job in finance at UBS, before leaving after just a year to start her own social media company. 
    Nicki’s new business led her to start her presenting career at science and technology events, which led to television opportunities. 
    What TV shows has Nicki Shields presented? 
    Nicki’s television career started in 2012, with a role presenting The Gadget Show Live. 
    The following year, she presented Escape to the Country on BBC, before she made the move to motorsports presenting, at Silverstream TV. 
    Most read in Motorsport
    Nicki went on to present Sky Sports F1’s Formula Kart Stars.
    Then in 2016, she started working as a pit-lane reporter for the FIA Formula E Championship, which later moved to ITV.
    In December 2023, it was announced that the former Tottenham and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas will be joining Nicki as the new host of the Formula E coverage, which will be moving from Channel 4 to TNT Sports next season. 
    Rumours that Jermaine may be given the job were circulating from November 2023, after MOTDx was axed by the BBC. 
    Since 2014, Nicki has presented for Goodwood TV. 
    She also presents a series on CNN called Supercharged, which focuses on Formula E. 
    Is Nicki Shields married and does she have children?
    Nicki married her long-term boyfriend Mark Sainthill in Ibiza, and now lives in west London.
    The pair tied to knot after four years together, and have three children together.
    Their eldest, Arthur, was born in 2019, followed by brother Orlando, born in 2021. 
    The couple welcomed their third child, Alyra, in August 2023. 
    Nicki worked until near the very end of her pregnancy. 
    She posted a video of herself presenting while heavily pregnant with her 52.2k Instagram followers, adding: 
    “I did work until 39 weeks pregnant which I know isn’t the norm but I felt good and the baby was developing well, so I felt happy to continue…
    “And made sure I had a nice hot bath at the end of every day towards the end!”
    Read more on The Sun
    When Alyra arrived in August 2023, Nicki wrote on Instagram: “I can’t quite believe it. Am I really a mum of three?
    “It feels so surreal saying that out loud. I’m sure it was only yesterday we were getting married in Ibiza, partying without a care in the world!” More

  • in

    Who is Kurt Zouma’s wife Sandra Zouma?

    SANDRA Zouma is the wife of West Ham ace and French international Kurt Zouma.But who is she and when did the couple tie the knot? From Kurt Zouma’s married life off the pitch to his beloved brood – here’s everything you need to know about the couple and their children.
    Kurt Zouma pictured alongside his wife SandraCredit: Instagram
    Who is Kurt Zouma’s wife Sandra Zouma?
    French footballer Kurt Zouma is married to wife Sandra Zouma.
    As a successful sports star, Kurt Zouma was appointed as West Ham captain at the start of the 2023/24 season.
    The central defender accumulated two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions’ League winner’s medal and one EFL Cup winner’s medal during a seven-year career with Chelsea prior to moving across London to join the Hammers in 2021.
    The couple first met when they were a pair of teenagers in Lyon and later wed in 2012.

    According to her official Instagram bio, Sandra Zouma is the CEO of ‘’KZ24 Limited’’ and is currently based in London.
    In December 2023, both Kurt and his wife were left terrified after armed raiders broke into their family home and escaped with £100,000 in cash and jewellery.
    The gang ransacked the West Ham captain’s house after striking over the weekend while he was at home with his young family.
    Police raced to the detached £3million home – on an exclusive street where well-heeled neighbours hire private security – and stayed with the family for hours after the raid.
    Most read in Football
    The robbers are understood to have escaped with jewellery including high-end watches.
    West Ham has since revealed the club is offering a £25,000 reward for information leading to the gang’s capture.
    In a statement, the club said: “West Ham United has offered a £25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of burglars who broke into defender Kurt Zouma’s home on the eve of the Club’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace this weekend.
    “Kurt’s home was broken into on Saturday while all his family were in the house, leaving everyone present extremely distressed. While thankfully no one was harmed, it was a traumatic experience for the West Ham United defender, his wife and their young family. 
    “The burglars took items of significant value and of huge personal and sentimental importance to the family.
    “The West Ham United family continue to offer Kurt’s family their full support.”
    Essex Police told The Sun: “We were called shortly after 11.50pm on Saturday 2 December to reports of a burglary in west Essex.
    “It was reported suspects had gained entry to an address, before taking items including jewellery and watches.
    “Our investigation into this incident is continuing.”
    The star is the latest in a long line of footballers, including Raheem Sterling, Paul Pogba and Joao Cancelo, to be targeted by professional robbery gangs.
    How many kids do Kurt and Sandra Zouma have?
    Kurt and Sandra are the proud parents of four children.
    Their youngest child was born in July 2023.
    Aside from this information, not much else is known about Zouma’s brood, however, the footballer does occasionally share a glimpse into his life as a father with fans and followers on social media.
    Read More on The Sun
    In May 2023, the West Ham ace shared a sweet snap alongside Sandra and their offspring and wrote: ‘’Family comes always first @sandrazouma ,’’ followed by a number of red heart emojis.
    Similarly, Sandra also shares a glimpse into motherhood and married life with followers over on her Instagram channel – where she regularly posts sweet family snaps, pictures taken during trips to sun soaked holiday destinations and days out with the children watching Zouma take to the pitch for West Ham. More

  • in

    What does Dejan Kulusevski’s celebration mean?

    DEJAN KULUSEVSKI is one of many footballers who have adopted a signature celebration to perform during matches.The sportsman, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and the Sweden national team, has opened up about his trademark move in the past, revealing the special meaning behind it.
    Dejan Kulusevski has revealed the special meaning behind his goal celebrationCredit: Alex Pantling/Getty Images
    What does Dejan Kulusevski’s celebration mean?
    Dejan Kulusevski has confirmed that his celebration is to signify his tunnel vision when it comes to football.
    The move sees the player putting a hand on either side of his face.
    Kulusevski has also been known to pay homage to basketball legend LeBron James during football games.
    James is often seen smashing his own chest and pushing his hands down as part of his move that has been dubbed “The Silencer” by fans.
    READ MORE ON Dejan Kulusevski
    Before adopting his “Tunnel Vision” celebration, Kulusevski was seen copying James’ signature gesture on a number of occasions.
    When does Dejan Kulusevski perform his celebration?
    Like other players who have become known for their celebrations, such as Jude Bellingham, Antoine Griezmann and John McGinn, Kulusevski uses his move to mark when he has scored a goal.
    Kulusevski, who was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in May 2000, has scored 10 goals for Tottenham since joining the club in 2022.
    He first joined Spurs on loan from Juventus.
    Most read in Football
    Kulusevski was originally with the squad on an 18-month contract but in June 2023 it was announced that he had signed permanently with Tottenham Hotspur until 2028.
    Midifielder Kulusevski played for Juventus for two years after signing with the Turin-based team in 2020.
    Prior to that, he played for Serie A club Parma.
    Dejan has also enjoyed a hugely successful international career.
    He has played for all Swedish youth national teams, as well as the Macedonia under-17 national team.
    The star made his senior international debut for Sweden in November 2019.
    He has since scored three goals for Sweden in 35 appearances.
    What has Dejan Kulusevski said about his celebration?
    Kulusevski has opened up about the important meaning behind his “Tunnel Vision” celebration.
    When asked about the move, he told Football.London: “It was just watch straight, don’t watch nobody else.
    “Just listen to our coach, be with our team-mates and watch straight that is all.”
    “Nothing else,” he added.
    Kulusevski’s words came after his team was defeated by Chelsea in early November.
    Speaking about Spurs’ 4-1 loss, which saw him score his third goal of the season, the player revealed how proud he was of his teammates despite the defeat.
    He said: “I think we created a lot of chances and Eric Dier scored a goal that in the end was offside, but then we had great opportunity with both Bentancur and Sonny.
    Read More on The Sun
    “So, we created three chances and Vicario was unbelievable in the goal.”
    He added: “We did really well and of course in the end they score the goals, but I am very proud of the team.” More

  • in

    What does Antoine Griezmann’s celebration mean?

    WHILE a number of famous footballers have become known for their celebrations on the pitch, Antoine Griezmann has taken things a step further.Not satisfied with just one unique gesture, the Atlético Madrid star has three different celebrations that he entertains fans with.
    Antoine Griezmann has more than one celebration that he is known forCredit: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
    What does Antoine Griezmann’s celebration mean?
    One of the celebrations Antoine Griezmann is known for is his “telephone” gesture.
    This one sees him stick his thumb and finger out and waving his hands as if holding a vibrating telephone.
    Griezmann himself has confirmed that his move was inspired by Canadian rapper Drake.
    The musician was seen performing a similar gesture in the music video for his 2015 hit Hotline Bling.
    READ MORE ON ANTOINE GREIZMANN
    Griezmann has been seen celebrating with his telephone move many times in the past, including when he scored a whopping 32 goals for Atlético Madrid during the 2015/16 season.
    It has also been featured in several FIFA games as his signature celebration.
    Another popular celebration of Griezmann’s is his salsa gesture.
    For this one the Frenchman, who was born in Mâcon in 1991, is seen holding his arms as if he is about to perform a salsa routine.
    Most read in Football
    He then proceeds to dance in celebration.
    Griezmann is also often seen celebrating with his “L” move.
    This celebration appears to have been inspired by the video game Fortnite, where the “L” or “loser” stance is used as a pose.
    For those unfamiliar with the move, it sees players in the game swinging their legs side-to-side with one arm at head height making the letter “L” with their index finger and the thumb.
    Several other athletes have been seen performing this celebration, including professional baseball player Xander Bogaerts who is shortstop for the Boston Red Sox.
    When does Antoine Griezmann perform his celebration?
    Griezmann celebrates with one of his trademark poses after he has scored a goal in football.
    The forward has had many to his name throughout his impressive career.
    As of December 2023, the player is just two goals behind Luis Aragonés’ record as Atlético’s all-time top scorer.
    Aragonés signed for the Madrid team in 1964 and scored 172 goals during his 265 matches, and ten years, with the club.
    Internationally, meanwhile, Griezmann has scored over 40 goals for France and is the nation’s third-highest all-time top goalscorer.
    Griezmann joined Atlético Madrid for a then-club record of €30million in 2014.
    The sports star signed for Barcelona in 2019 but returned to Madrid shortly after, in 2021.
    As well as his many goals, Griezmann has been awarded a number of accolades during his time as a player.
    He was named French Footballer of the Year in 2016 and was the top goal scorer at the 2016 Euros.
    Atlético Madrid also named Griezmann Player of the Year after the 2015/16 season.
    The star has won the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Supercopa de España.
    He was also nominated for Best FIFA Men’s Player in 2016 and 2018.
    What has Antoine Griezmann said about his celebration?
    Griezmann, who shares three children with wife Erika Choperena, has spoken about his Hotline Bling-inspired celebration in the past.
    After he was quizzed on the move when he forgot to perform it at a 2016 game, he told press: “That’s a dance from the video to Drake’s Hotline Bling.
    “I’ve been doing it when I score for Atlético and I should have done it when I scored against Albania, but the emotion was too much and I forgot about it.
    “The same thing happened when I equalised against Ireland. For the second goal, I remembered.”
    He has also spoken about his Fornite themed celebration, revealing it was one of his daughter’s ideas.
    He said in 2020: “This morning, I was having breakfast with my daughter and I asked her how she would like me to celebrate a goal.
    Read More on The Sun
    “She told me to do this and that’s how it came about!”  
    Griezmann has two daughters and one son who were all born on the same date, April 8. More