More stories

  • in

    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undercard: Who is fighting on huge Saudi bill?

    BOXING fans are eagerly awaiting the first undisputed heavyweight bout in almost 25 years.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will face off in Saudi Arabia for what is one of the most highly anticipated fights in recent history.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will face off in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyThe pair are competing to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the worldCredit: GettyThe Gypsy King has already been forced to postpone the fight twice after a close run affair with Francis Ngannou left him shaken up and a sparring injury to his eye led to a second delay.But as we edge closer to the fight everything seems to be in order for a battle between two of boxing’s biggest fighters.As well as having a huge main event for the Middle East match-up, fans can look forward to some exciting fights on the undercard in Riyadh.Two IBF titles are up for grabs before Usyk and Fury take to the ring for their undisputed clash.And big name fighters such as Joe Cordina and Jai Operaia will be donning their gloves to entertain the Saudi crowds and try and maintain their flawless records.When is Fury vs Usyk?
    Fury vs Usyk will now take place on Saturday, May 18 after the original date of February 17 was postponed.
    The fight will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
    Expect main event ring-walks to get going from around 11pm BST, with the main card likely to start from 6pm BST.
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUTWho is fighting on the Fury vs Usyk card? Here are the confirmed bouts taking place on the huge Saudi bill:
    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk – undisputed WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles
    Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis – vacant IBF cruiserweight title
    Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace – IBF super-featherweight title
    Agit Kabayel vs Frank Sanchez
    Sergey Kovalev vs Robin Sirwan Safar
    Mark Chamberlain vs Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab
    Moses Itauma vs Ilja Mezencev
    David Nyika vs Michael Seitz
    Isaac Lowe vs Hasibullah Ahmadi
    Most read in BoxingHow can I watch the fights?
    Fury vs Usyk will be broadcast on THREE channels in the UK.
    TNT Sports Box Office, Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN PPV will all be showing the clash.
    A price for the event has yet to be confirmed. More

  • in

    What is the new Premier League spending cap, when could it be enforced, which clubs have voted against it?

    THE Premier League is the most lucrative football league in the world, with club spending reaching billions every season.But that number could be reduced very soon, with a new spending cap being discussed by all 20 clubs.Pep Guardiola has won the Premier League five times as Manchester City managerCredit: GettyTeams like Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United are known for their excessive spending in the transfer market.The Blues, in particular, over the past 18 months have spent over £1billion on new players since Todd Boehly took over from Roman Abramovich.And City, Everton and Nottingham Forest have all been slapped with charges in relation to Profit and Sustainability breaches.But the proposed new spending cap could put an end to such violations.What is the new Premier League spending cap?Though clubs still have yet to formally agree, discussion to put through the new bill have been agreed to in principle.The new rules would anchor the maximum spend by each club per year to a multiple of the league’s lowest-earning team in regards to TV revenue.The full measures remain to be confirmed by League legal experts.But it is likely that the multiple being discussed is between 4.5 and five times the TV revenue of the lowest-paid club. Last season, bottom-placed Southampton bagged £104m.Most read in FootballPlans are said to be advanced to the Premier League’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in June.A spokesperson for the PFA says they would oppose such measures.A statement read: “We will obviously wait to see further details of these specific proposals, but we have always been clear that we would oppose any measure that would place a ‘hard’ cap on player wages.“There is an established process in place to ensure that proposals like this, which would directly impact our members, have to be properly consulted on.”Should the spending cap plans push through, the 2025/26 season would see the new rules enforced.Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has spend over £1bn since he took over the clubCredit: GettyWhich clubs have voted against the spending cap?THREE clubs have opposed the plans to introduce a Premier League spending cap.Those clubs are Man Utd, Man City and Aston Villa. It’s understood that Chelsea have abstained to voting at all.Champions City spent £423million on wages last season, the most of any team in the league. They also paid agents over £50m, with an ‘amortisation’ sum of annual transfer instalments of £145m.A cap of 4.5 times the bottom club’s income might have imperilled City and Chelsea last term – although until the full determination of what spending is included in the calculations that does NOT mean a breach would have occurred. More

  • in

    Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid: European powerhouses face off in mouthwatering Champions League semi-final – team news

    BAYERN MUNICH host Real Madrid in the first leg of their mouthwatering Champions League semi-final tie on Tuesday night.The German giants booked their spot in the last four courtesy of Joshua Kimmich’s bullet header, securing a narrow 3-2 aggregate win over Arsenal in the quarter-finals.Joshua Kimmich was the difference maker for Bayern Munich in the second leg against ArsenalCredit: APReal Madrid booked their spot in the semi-finals with a win on penalties against Manchester CityCredit: APThe Champions League remains Bayern’s last chance to win silverware this campaign.The Bundesliga outfit was dumped out of the DFB-Pokal by Saarbrucken and lost the league for the first time in 11 years to Bayer Leverkusen.Thomas Tuchel will be aiming to bow out as Bayern manager on a high, having confirmed that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.Real Madrid progressed after beating holders Manchester City on penalties at the Etihad, leaving no English teams in the Champions League final four.READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUEHowever, two of England’s biggest stars, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, are still in the competition as they prepare to face off in the semi-finals.The pair will hope to emulate Gareth Bale, the last Brit to win a Champions League title with a foreign club when he triumphed with Real Madrid. The last of his five wins came in 2022.The last Englishman to manage the feat was Owen Hargreaves, who won the competition with Bayern in 2001.Bayern and Real Madrid have 20 titles between them, with that number possibly to grow at the end of the campaign.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMadrid are aiming to win a double, having almost wrapped up the LaLiga title.Los Blancos are 14 points clear of Girona with only five games left to play.Watch Harry Kane speak German for first time in Audi advert with Muller as fans say ‘does a Bafta count as a trophy?’Their hopes of a treble ended back in January when they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Atletico Madrid in round 16.Team newsLeft-back Alphonso Davies has served his one-match ban for the quarter-final second leg against Arsenal but is an injury doubt after straining his left knee.Matthijs de Ligt and Konrad Laimer were both forced off in the 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend and are both doubts for Tuesday night.Jamal Musiala missed Saturday’s game but could return from a tendon issue, while Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry have returned to training and are in contention to face Real Madrid.For the Spanish giants, starman Jude Bellingham did not play against Real Sociedad due to a stomach issue but is set to be available for Tuesday night.Experienced right-back Dani Carvajal is suspended for the first leg at the Allianz, with Lucas Vazquez expected to start.Who will be the key stars?Jude Bellingham will be looking to get one over his international captain when Real take on Bayern.The midfielder has been in fine form for the Spanish side and has been just as impressive in the Champions League.Bellingham has scored four goals and assisted four more in the competition.He will be just as keen to get a positive result, having played for Bayern’s rivals, Borussia Dortmund, before his move to Real.Harry Kane will be vital for Bayern’s hopes as he has been in scintillating goalscoring form since his switch from Tottenham.Just like Bellingham, Kane has flourished this season and has proved he can perform on the biggest stages.In the Champions League, he has scored seven goals and assisted three more in his 10 appearances.What have the managers said?Thomas Tuchel wants Bayern’s fans to be on top form against Real MadridCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti previously managed BayernCredit: EPATuchel has asked Bayern’s fans to create a “top atmosphere” for Real Madrid’s visit.He said: “We need an absolutely top atmosphere.”It was already great against Arsenal – it has to be even better now.”We also need the spectators to support us, even in moments when it’s more difficult.”We need maximum support to get through phases in which we have to suffer.”Together with the spectators, we need to create an atmosphere that gives us an advantage.”Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that defender Militao could be back in the starting eleven for Bayern.He said: “I still have to think about the line-up for Tuesday. Militao is back, he played very well and it was his first game as a starter after returning.”They are options and I will evaluate them all in the next few days.”Militao is slowly getting back to his best and now he has time to improve.”SunSport predictionBayern Munich 1 Real Madrid 2.When is Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid?
    Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid will take place on Tuesday, April 30.
    Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
    The Allianz will host.
    What TV channel is Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid on and can it be live streamed?
    Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
    You can live stream the match on the discovery+ app/website.
    Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.
    What are the odds?Match resultREAD MORE SUN STORIES
    Bayern Munich – 13/10
    Draw – 5/2
    Real Madrid – 15/8
    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication More

  • in

    Why does Phil Foden wear a bandage on his hand?

    PHIL FODEN has been setting the Premier League alight this season with prolific goalscoring and swashbuckling displays.But you may have noticed the Manchester City winger has been doing it all while wearing a bandage on his hand.Phil Foden has been playing with his hand in a bandage this seasonCredit: ReutersWhy is Phil Foden wearing a bandage?Phil Foden has been playing through the pain barrier this season, sporting a bandage on his hand.Foden was first seen playing with his hand in a bandage on February 5, scoring a stunning hat-trick in the 3-1 win at Brentford. Both Foden and teammate Ruben Dias have been playing with fractures this season, the Daily Mail have reported.Dias fractured his arm in the FA Cup win at Tottenham in January, while Foden injured his soon after.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhy does Phil Foden wear the No 47 shirt?Foden has stuck with 47 from when he made his senior debut coming on as a substitute for midfield machine Yaya Toure in 2017.Reason being is that 47 acts as a tribute for Foden’s late grandfather Ronnie, who passed away at age 47.Foden said on his number: “I had a few numbers sent to me and none of them really meant anything to me apart from that one, the 47.”That was the age my grandad was when he died. I was young when we lost him. Most read in Football”I remember going to Wales with him and on a few other trips. My dad says he loved playing football with me. I asked my dad if he would be happy if I wore that number. He said it would be amazing so I took the shirt number and I have loved it ever since.”The midfielder even got the number 47 as part of his haircut for the huge Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.Phil Foden in his No47 shirtCredit: RexFoden, 23, revealed that Manchester City’s all-time top goal scorer Sergio Aguero wanted to give him the number ten shirt when he departed for Barcelona before being forced to retire.And while the England starlet admitted to consider it, he opted to stick with number 47.Foden said: “I did think about it.”The ten shirt is such a big number in the club, but I just have a thing with 47.”I’d like to create me own legacy and keep that number.” More

  • in

    Harry Scarff vs Karen Chukhadzhian: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, undercard for welterweight title eliminator

    HARRY SCARFF is one fight away from fighting for welterweight gold.The Derbyshire destroyer has put himself on the cusp of vying for the IBF welterweight title – which is held by Jaron Ennis – with a run of five straight victories.Harry Scarff beat Ekow Essuman in his last fightBut he has the small matter of winning a tricky final eliminator before he can get his hands on the American.Standing between the 31-year-old and a title tilt is feared Ukrainian Karen Chukhadzhian.Chukhadzhian came up short against Ennis in their interim IBF 147lbs belt last January and will be champing at the bit to earn a rematch with ‘Boots’.In addition to fulfilling his own world title dreams, Scarff will bid to become only the seventh Brit to win a world welterweight title.Read more on BoxingWhen is Harry Scarff vs Karen Chukhadzhian?
    Scarff and Chukhadzhian’s tasty 147lbs dust-up will take place on Friday, May 17.
    The fight will be held at the Grand Elysee Hotel in Hamburg, Germany.
    The ring walks are expected to take place at around 10pm BST time, although they haven’t been officially announced.
    The start time for the prelims have also yet to be announced.
    What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?The streaming details for the card have yet to be revealed.What is the fight card?
    Harry Scarff vs Karen Chukhadzhian – IBF welterweight title eliminator
    Viktor Jurk vs TBA – heavyweight bout
    Simon Zachenhube vs TBA – super-middleweight bout
    What’s been said?Chukhadzhian told RingSide24: “The opponent is tall, long-armed, viscous, quite uncomfortable, justifies his boxing nickname, the fight will definitely not be easy.Most read in Sport”I didn’t like my last performance against Ennis, not everything worked out, but the fight with him opened a lot of things we need to work on.”Fighting in the USA in a big show, against a strong opponent is a good, valuable experience for me.”Scarff wrote on X: “Let’s go, it’s my time. Karen is getting it. I will not be denied!” More

  • in

    Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Blues aim to recover from London Derby defeat but face tough trip to Champions League hopefuls

    CHELSEA travel to Aston Villa for a huge Premier League clash on Saturday night.The Blues still have hopes of European football next season despite their 5-0 defeat to London rivals Arsenal last time out.Chelsea were beaten 5-0 at Arsenal in midweekCredit: REUTERSBut it doesn’t get much easier for Mauricio Pochettino’s men as they face Villa, Tottenham and West Ham in their next three Premier League games.Meanwhile, the Villans have been in fine form of late picking up seven points from their last three games.Unai Emery’s side are in the driving seat for fourth spot as they look to secure Champions League football for the very first time.When is Aston Villa vs Chelsea?
    Aston Villa vs Chelsea will take place on Saturday, April 27.
    Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
    Villa Park will host.
    READ MORE IN CHELSEAWhat TV channel is Aston Villa vs Chelsea on and can it be live streamed?
    Aston Villa vs Chelsea will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
    TNT Sport customers can live stream the match via the discovery+ app/website.
    Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.
    Team newsFor the hosts, Douglas Luiz will return from suspension after missing the last two Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Bournemouth.Left-back Alex Moreno is expected to remain out with a calf injury with Lucas Digne set to keep his place.Chelsea will be without midfielder Enzo Fernandes after his season was cut short due to a groin injury.Most read in FootballPoch will be hoping to welcome back starman Cole Palmer for this weekend’s clash.But the trip to the midlands could come too soon for full-backs Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell.What are the odds?Match result
    Aston Villa – 23/20
    Draw – 11/4
    Chelsea – 2/1
    *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More

  • in

    Who is Ryan Giggs’ girlfriend Zara Charles?

    OVER the years Ryan Giggs’ love life has dominated the headlines as much as his lucrative football career.The former Manchester United star has now settled down with girlfriend Zara Charles and they expecting their first baby together..Ryan Giggs with his girlfriend Zara CharlesCredit: BackGridWho is Ryan Giggs’ girlfriend Zara Charles?Born in 1998, Zara Charles is a lingerie model who hails from Manchester.She has been married before and also has a daughter.Zara’s boyfriend Ryan Giggs was born on November 29, 1973, and is known for his glittering football career at Manchester United.The Welshman joined the club in 1987 and went on to make 983 appearances for the Red Devils – a club record.READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGSHow long have Ryan Giggs and Zara Charles been dating?Ryan got together with Zara in April 2021.A source at the time told The Sun: “Zara has been supporting Ryan over the last few months.“She’s a great, upbeat girl. Ryan has been completely open with her about his situation. “They seem very strong together.”Most read in FootballThe couple live in a £2.1M seven-bedroom mansion which Giggs bought in 2023.In November 2023, the footy star celebrated his 50th birthday with a trip to Dubai with Zara.Ryan Giggs finds love with lingerie model as he faces court for assaulting two womenShe who surprised him by having red rose petals scattered across their hotel bed.She posted: “Yesterday was my best friend’s Big Birthday. Happy 50th, Ryan. “So grateful we got to spend it in one of our happy places. I will love you forever.”Zara is a lingerie model who hails from ManchesterCredit: ZenpixDo Ryan Giggs and Zara Charles have children together?This will be the couple’s first child together, but both of them have children from previous relationships.Giggs is already dad to Sheffield United footballer son Zach, 17, plus daughter Libby, 19, from his marriage to Stacey Giggs.Zara has a daughter from a previous marriage, which means when the baby is born they will have a combined brood of four kids.Friends of the couple told The Sun that the couple are excitedly planning for their baby’s arrival.The Manchester United legend with kids Zach and Libby after a Premier League title win in 2011Credit: ReutersAn exact due date is yet to be revealed, but it is understood the tot will arrive in winter 2024.The delighted couple have told close family, and their exes, about their happy news.A source told The Sun: “Ryan was nervous about what his kids would think but they’ve got to know Zara over the last few years and really like her.“They’re happy because they know he’s happy.“But they’ve joked that he might struggle with the early mornings and lack of sleep.“Ryan and Zara are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents again.“They have a very solid, loving relationship and are building a long-term future together.“Their life is very simple, they go for walks, they go for coffees and love keeping fit.”Stacey, who divorced Giggs in 2017, is said to have given the couple her blessingCredit: GettyA separate source said Giggs’ ex-wife Stacey Giggs has also given her blessing.The former couple divorced in 2017.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur insider said that Stacey previously spent Christmas with Giggs and Zara spent as a “blended family”.They added: “Stacey approves of Zara. Her and Ryan have been through a lot but they have moved on and she’s only interested in him being happy, because that makes him a good dad to their kids. There is no animosity.”Ryan Giggs’ Relationship TimelineThe footy star’s love life has dominated the headlines over the years.
    Here we take a look at who Giggsy has dated:
    The footy ace dated TV presenter Dani Behr for a year from 1994 to 1995. She also had a relationship with his mate Rio Ferdinand.
    After his romance with Ms Behr, the footballer moved onto another IT girl of the time, Davinia Taylor. They were together from 1995 to 1997.
    Ryan also had a short romance with Real Housewives of Dubai star Caroline Stanbury in the early noughties.
    Giggsy married Stacey Cooke in 2007 but they divorced in 2017.
    During his time with Stacey, footballer had an affair with Big Brother star Imogen Thomas in 2011.
    After splitting from Stacey, it was reported he was dating Gemma Atkinson – but she denied it.
    After this Giggsy was in a relationship with PR manager Kate Grevill for two years until 2019.
    In 2021, Ryan met Zara Charles, and in 2024 they announced they were having a baby. More

  • in

    Lauren Price vs Jessica McCaskill: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, undercard for world title fight

    LAUREN PRICE faces Jessia McCaskill in what will be her FIRST crack at a world title.Nearly two years after making her professional debut, the 2020 Olympic gold medallist will challenge for the WBA and Ring Magazine welterweight titles.Lauren Price won gold at the 2020 Olympics in TokyoCredit: ALAMYThe Welsh wizard made her professional debut in June 2022Credit: GETTYPrice punched her ticket to a world title shot last DecemberCredit: RICHARD PELHAMThe former Wales women’s footie star has gone a perfect 6-0 in her brief pro career and punched her ticket to a world title shot with a win over Silvia Bortot last December.But she’ll be pushed to the absolute limit by veteran McCaskill, who has been in the ring with the likes of Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron to name a few.When is Lauren Price vs Jessica McCaskill?
    Price’s bid to become a world champion will take place on May 11.
    The fight will take place in front of Welsh fans galore as it’ll be staged at the 7,500-capacity Utilita Arena in Cardiff.
    The ring walks are expected to take place any time between 9:45pm and 10:15pm BST.
    It’s not yet known when the prelims will get underway.
    What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERJessica McCaskill shared the ring with Katie Taylor in December 2017Credit: SPORTSFILE
    The fight will be aired on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
    You can stream the action from the Sky Go app, which is available on your mobile, tablet and Smart TV.
    READ MORE IN BOXING Anthony Joshua called out for trilogy fight as ex-champ announces return against controversial rivalWhat is the fight card?
    Lauren Price vs Jessic McCaskill
    Rhys Edwards vs Thomas
    Patrick Ward Kane
    Shepherd vs Ishmael
    Ellis Kyran Jones Lewis Howells
    Lauren Price is confident of bringing the world titles homeCredit: RICHARD PELHAMWhat has been said?”I’m over the moon for this fight to finally be getting announced,” said Price. “I know Ben Shalom and my team have been working very hard behind the scenes to make this happen so I just want to say a big thank you to them.”Jessica McCaskill is the current champion. She’s game, experienced and strong but I’ll be 100 per cent ready for whatever she brings on the night. I believe in my ability.”Most read in Boxing More