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    Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou: Will any belts be on the line for huge Saudi bout?

    ANTHONY JOSHUA will take on UFC legend Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday night.It will be the first time that the British heavyweight has ventured into crossover boxing.ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTJoshua has been in fine form of late, winning his last four fights, including a recent triumph over tricky southpaw Otto Wallin.AJ now faces former UFC champion Ngannou, who gave the unbeaten Tyson Fury a run for his money back in October.The Cameroonian powerhouse knocked down the Gyspy King in the third round before controversially losing the bout by way of split decision.Ngannou’s stunning boxing debut catapulted the No10 spot on the WBC rankings.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou: Will any belts be on the line?There will be no title on the line when Anthony Joshua takes on Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia, as neither fighter currently holds any belts.The bout will be ten three-minute rounds as opposed to the more conventional 12-round fights.Each fighter can win by way of knockout, decision or TKO.The 10-point ‘must’ system will be used for every round, meaning the winner of a round scores 10 points, while the loser receives nine – unless they are knocked down or badly hurt, in which case they will get eight points, seven or less, depending on the severity of the damage.Most read in BoxingHow to watch Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou
    Joshua vs Ngannou will be shown live on DAZN PPV and Sky Sports Box Office.
    You can live stream all the action from the DAZN and Sky Sports Box Office websites as well as their apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    The DAZN UK PPV price will be £19.99, which includes one month’s DAZN subscription.
    For existing DAZN subscribers, the PPV price will be £18.99.
    The Sky Sports Box Office price for the fight has been set at £19.95 for Sky customers in the UK.  More

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    Why have Aston Villa changed their shirt sponsor for Europa Conference League clash with Ajax?

    ASTON VILLA continue their Europa Conference League campaign with a trip to Ajax TONIGHT.Unai Emery’s side breezed through the group stage, topping Group E with 13 points.Ollie Watkins has been in fine form in the Premier League and the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: GETTYThe Villans are also in fantastic form in the Premier League this season, sitting fourth in the English top flight.Only Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal have a superior points tally to the West Midlands outfit.Villa fans are hoping they can defy the odds and secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.But this campaign, the Villans are hoping for European success in the Conference League, with a trip to Dutch giants Ajax next on the agenda.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy have Aston Villa changed their shirt sponsor for their clash with Ajax?Aston Villa will be wearing the logo of Acorns, the children’s hospice charity, when they take on Ajax in the Netherlands on Thursday night.The Villans have been a long-term partner of the charity – and the Acons logo was on the front of their iconic shirts between 2008 and 2010.Acorns was Aston Villa’s front-of-shirt sponsor between 2008-2010Credit: GETTYAston Villa’s primary front-of-shirt sponsor this season has been gambling firm BK8, but due to Dutch advertising regulations, the West Midlands outfit will be unable to have the brand on their kits on Thursday night.In 2022, the Netherlands introduced stricter rules on advertising gambling, which included banning gambling adverts and preventing gambling-related kit and team sponsorships.Most read in FootballVilla also changed their kit sponsor earlier this season when they travelled to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, with the Aston Villa Foundation being their front-of-shirt sponsor.What TV channel is Ajax vs Aston Villa on and can it be live streamed?
    Ajax vs Aston Villa will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3.
    You can live stream the match on the discovery+ app/website.
    Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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    Who is Turki Alalshikh and why is he referred to as His Excellency?

    ALL eyes will be on Anthony Joshua this Friday as he takes on Francis Ngannou in a huge crossover battle – but fans have Turki Alalshikh to thank for that.AJ has won his last three consecutive fights which includes a dominant five-round dominant display most recently against Swede Otto Wallin.Turki Alalshikh was pictured with four greats – Anthony Joshua, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou (left to right)Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4Jtx8Vo-mb/?hl=en&img_index=1A whole host of mega stars posed for a group photo with the Saudi Royal adviserCredit: Instagram @turkialalshikANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTBut the British mogul’s opponent could cause a serious threat as Ngannou dropped Gypsy King Tyson Fury in his first competitive boxing bout.However, ahead of the fight, Saudi Arabian royalty Turki Alalshikh has been pictured in an iconic photo with Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Francis Ngannou and Cristiano Ronaldo. And SunSport can give fans a rundown on who he is.Who is Turki Alalshikh?Born on August 4, 1981, Turki Alalshikh is the mastermind behind the huge battles that take place in Saudi Arabia and is a member of the Saudi Royal Court.Read more on AJ vs NgannouHis Excellency graduated from King Fahd Security College in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in security sciences before receiving certificates in criminology, investigation, risk management and general management.Alalshikh then worked in several sectors including the Interior Ministry, the Emirate of Riyadh and the office of the Defence Minister and the Crown Prince.But his big break came in September 2017 when a royal decree was issued to appoint Alalshikh as the new chairman of the General Sports Authority before becoming chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA).In his role as the General Minister for Entertainment, Alalshikh and the GEA have been tasked with developing, promoting and expanding tourism and entertainment in the Kingdom.Most read in BoxingWhy is Turki Alalshikh referred to as His Excellency?’His Excellency’ is an official title that is given to members of the extended Royal Saudi family – similar to ‘Your Highness’ for the British Royal family.Turki Alalshikh is known for being key to bringing boxing to Saudi Arabia.The Saudi Royal adviser helped Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk sign off their postponed heavyweight unification bout which was initially scheduled for Saturday, February 17.And his name began to ring bells within the sporting industry when he posted a stunning photo featuring a host of greats.Among them were several icons such as Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao, Conor McGregor, Amir Khan, Lennox Lewis, Ricky Hatton and Evander Holyfield.Oscar De La Hoya and Frank Bruno posed for the picture too.He is also the mastermind behind the World Masters of Snooker, where Ronnie O’Sullivan and Co have been battling for a huge prize pool.The exhibition tournament saw the controversial inclusion of a 23rd ‘golden’ ball, which would be worth 20 points and £400,000 reward for potting it.When is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou?
    Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou will take place on Friday, March 8.
    The big crossover clash will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
    Ring-walks are expected to get going from around 11pm GMT. More

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    Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou: Start time, TV channel, live stream, ring walks, PPV price as AJ faces MMA great

    ANTHONY JOSHUA faces Francis Ngannou in truly make-or-break fight for the British superstar. The fight will be a ten-round boxing match, with the former two-time heavyweight champion and the ex-UFC star colliding in what’s another big coup for Saudi dealmaker Turki Alalshikh.AJ overcame tricky southpaw Otto Wallin on another blockbuster bill in the Middle East at the end of last year. Before last month’s epic card, Joshua was expected to fight long-term rival Deontay Wilder after his meeting with the Swede.But any hopes of a deal went up in smoke after the Bronze Bomber was on the end of a shock defeat to Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia.Ngannou meanwhile raised many eyebrows in the world of boxing following his stunning debut against Tyson Fury in October 2023.READ MORE IN BOXINGMany thought the UFC legend got the better of the Gypsy King on the night, dropping him in the third round before losing a split decision in controversial fashion. Fury now faces Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed title on May 18. And the winner between Joshua and Ngannou are then primed to challenge for the unified belts. So it’s all to play for in the Riyadh rumble with careers and title shots on the line. Most read in BoxingAnthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou fight predictions from Sun Sport panelWhen is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou?
    Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou will take place on Friday, March 8.
    The big crossover clash will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
    The ring-walks are expected to get going from around 11pm GMT.
    Who are their trainers?For the second fight in a row, Joshua will be cornered by Ben Davison, who he linked up with before his latest victory against Otto Wallin. Davison replaced Derrick James, who was occupied Stateside, and the former coach to Fury retains his place in AJ’s team. For Ngannou, his corner is led by ex-kickboxer Dewey Cooper with assistant John M’Bumba and MMA head trainer Eric Nicksick making up the team. What happened in Joshua’s last fight?AJ comes into the bout having dominated Wallin just four months ago in an impressive performance. Many believed he was back to his best as he ruthlessly broke the Swede down, fracturing Wallin’s nose in the process. It was Joshua’s second stoppage on the spin and third victory in a row. What happened in Ngannou’s last fight?The Cameroonian put his MMA career on hold for a boxing switch and stunned several on his debut against Fury. He dropped the Gypsy King and was deemed unfortunate to walk away with a split-decision loss. Still, the showing convinced AJ to the negotation table and set up another lucrative crossover clash for Ngannou. What TV channel is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou on and can it be live streamed?
    Joshua vs Ngannou will be shown live on DAZN PPV and Sky Sports Box Office.
    You can live stream all the action from the DAZN and Sky Sports Box Office websites as well as their apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    The DAZN UK PPV price will be £19.99, which includes one month’s DAZN subscription.
    For existing DAZN subscribers, the PPV price will be £18.99.
    The Sky Sports Box Office price for the fight has been set at £19.95 for Sky customers in the UK. 
    Francis Ngannou dropped Tyson Fury in his last boutCredit: GettyWhy is Joshua vs Ngannou on a Friday?The fight goes down on a Friday night, not the usual Saturday.This is because of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix taking place that weekend at 5pm GMT on Saturday, March 9 over in Jeddah.SunSport’s predictionBoxing will be on it’s knees if 2012 Olympic golden boy and 2x world champion Anthony Joshua cannot handle a cage fighter, writes Sun Boxing correspondent Wally Downes Jr.Yes Francis Ngannou always wanted to emulate Mike Tyson, yes his best days with the UFC were spent on his feet trading punches instead of kicks and submissions and yes the 37-year-old Cameroonian Adonis did floor Tyson Fury in October. But our AJ now knows not to take the powerhouse lightly and to respect his power and resilience in a way Morecambe’s WBC Gypsy King did not. AJ should hit Ngannou harder than he’s ever been struck before and he should finish him inside the opening five rounds.Joshua vs Ngannou full cardAmong the fights taking place on the Joshua-Ngannou undercard is Zhilei Zhang’s huge fight with Joseph Parker. Queensberry fighter Nick Ball will also challenge Mexican Rey Vargas for the world featherweight title.
    MAIN EVENT: Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou
    Zhilei Zhang vs Joseph Parker
    Nick Ball vs Rey Vargas – (WBC featherweight title)
    Israil Madrimov vs Magomed Kurbanov – (WBA super-welterweight title)
    Mark Chamberlain vs Gavin Gwynne (European lightweight championship)
    Andrii Novytskyi vs Juan Torres
    Justis Huni vs Kevin Lerena
    Ziyad Almaayouf vs Christian Lopes Flores
    Roman Fury vs Martin Svarc
    Jack McGann vs Louis Greene
    What has been said?Joshua has said: “He brings two arms, a body, but his mind is different to everyone else. In terms of his frame and make-up, I’ve seen people like him many times before.”My main focus is Ngannou and getting through an intense training camp. “I have got to take his mind and his spirit, it will be explosive. We can both trade and it will be a good fight.”READ MORE SUN STORIESNgannou said: “Of course I think I can beat him. I called for the fight. I am here to beat him and that’s why I came over here. “I’ve been calling for these kind of fights for four years. I’m not here to show up, I am here to take over. It might sound crazy. It might sound irrational. But that’s what I am committed to and that is what I want.” More

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    Bukayo Saka reveals his footballing ‘idol’ as Arsenal star names Man Utd legend over ex-Gunners heroes

    BUKAYO Saka has risked upsetting Arsenal fans by revealing his footballing “idol” is Cristiano Ronaldo.The Gunners homegrown star, 22, said that as a child he looked up to the former Manchester United and Real Madrid legend.Ronaldo became a legend at Manchester UnitedSaka’s love for Ronaldo has grownSpeaking with the Men in Blazers podcast via the Daily Mail, Saka even said he has more respect for the 39-year-old Portuguese legend now that he is a player himself.He admitted: ”Personally I can’t (imagine playing for as long as Ronaldo), and that’s why I have so much respect for him.”Obviously, when I was younger, he was my idol.”But now that I’m playing football professionally, I have even more respect for him, how he’s managed to stay this disciplined and this focused and achieve everything.”Ronaldo won three Premier League titles, a Champions League, two League Cups and an FA Cup with Manchester United.He then secured a then world-record £80million move to Real Madrid in 2009 when Saka was just eight years old.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter leaving United to play for Madrid and Juventus, Ronaldo made a fairy-tale comeback to the Premier League which saw him go up against Saka in 2021/22.The forward’s return to United only lasted just over a year because of a fallout with manager Erik Ten Hag which saw him move to Al Nassr in January 2023.Most read in FootballTop 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveHe is now the top scorer in the Saudi league as he chases another title.Saka is aiming to lead Arsenal to their first Premier League since 2004 as they battle Liverpool and Manchester City in a three-way title race.He recently overtook the Al Nassr star for goals and assists after the same number of matches at his age. After Arsenal’s 6-0 thumping of Sheffield United on Monday night, the Gunners closed the gap on league leaders Liverpool to two points and trail defending champions City by just one. More

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    F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024: Start time, stream, TV, schedule as Hamilton and Verstappen race on Jeddah track

    STRAP on your seatbelts F1 fans as the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is BACK – and there might not be many races left on the Jeddah circuit.The popular Saudi track will be replaced by the Qiddiya Circuit, a “unique” purpose-built track that is set to have a Six Flags theme park run parallel next to it.Saudi Arabia will have a brand new circuitCredit: Qiddiya MediaMax Verstappen won the first race of the season in BahrainCredit: RexBut for now, all eyes will be on Jeddah as Max Verstappen looks to continue his dominance of the sport following a win in the Bahrain opener.The Red Bull racer finished 22 seconds ahead of second-placed Sergio Perez and 50 seconds faster than seventh-place Lewis Hamilton.However, Hamilton’s last win came at the Saudi GP back in 2021, so he’ll be eager to make history repeat itself.When is the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024?
    The F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 9.
    It is expected to get underway from 5pm GMT
    Jeddah Corniche Circuit is the official track for this huge race and it can host a staggering 150,000 fans over the three days.
    Sergio Perez won the 2023 edition while Max Verstappen stormed from 15th to second.
    Read more on F1What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
    The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports F1.
    Subscription members of Sky Sports can stream the entire action on the Sky Go app or Sky Sports website.
    The race will also be available to NOW TV users via all mobile devices and tablets.
    FULL race scheduleThursday, March 7
    Practice One – 1:30pm
    Practice Two – 5pm
    Friday, March 8Most read in Motorsport
    Practice Three – 1:30pm
    Qualifying – 5pm
    Saturday, March 9
    Race – 5pm
    All times are in the GMT🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 Current F1 driver standings:
    Max Verstappen – Red Bull: 26 points
    Sergio Perez – Red Bull: 18 points
    Carlos Sainz – Ferrari: 15 points
    Charles Leclerc – Ferrari: 12 points
    George Russell – Mercedes: 10 points
    Lando Norris – McLaren: 8 points
    Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes: 6 points
    Oscar Piastri – McLaren: 4 points
    Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin: 2 points
    Lance Stroll – Aston Martin: 1 point
    Zhou Guanyu – Kick Sauber: 0 points
    Kevin Magnussen – Haas: 0 points
    Daniel Ricciardo – RB: 0 points
    Yaki Tsunoda – RB: 0 points
    Alex Albon – Williams: 0 points
    Nico Hulkenberg – Haas: 0 points
    Esteban Ocon – Alpine: 0 points
    Pierre Gasly – Alpine: 0 points
    Valtteri Bottas – Kick Sauber: 0 points
    Logan Sargeant – Williams: 0 points More

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    Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight purse: How much money will both fighters earn for huge Saudi fight?

    ANTHONY JOSHUA is set to venture into crossover boxing for the first time in his career as he takes on Francis Ngannou on Friday night in Saudi Arabia.AJ has won his last four fights since losing back-to-back bouts to Oleksandr Usyk.Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou will face off on Friday nightCredit: PAANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTIn his previous outing, Joshua beat Swedish southpaw Otto Wallin with a fifth-round TKO victory.Now, AJ will face UFC legend Ngannou, who made his debut in boxing against the unbeaten Tyson Fury just last year.The Cameroonian dropped the Gypsy King in the third round before going on to lose via split decision in controversial fashion.Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight purseThe official figures for the fight purse for Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou are yet to be revealed.READ MORE IN BOXINGHowever, it has been reported that the former UFC champion will take home at least $20m (£15.7m) before pay-per-view points and additional bonuses.Ngannou walked away with $10m (£7.8m) for his boxing debut against Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia last year, meaning he is expected to make double for his upcoming bout with AJ.Meanwhile, reports suggest that Joshua is in line to earn almost $50m (£40m) – not factoring in pay-per-view and additional bonuses.What are the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou rules?Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou will be a standard professional boxing match.Most read in BoxingThe bout will be ten three-minute rounds as opposed to the more conventional 12-round fights.Each fighter can win by way of knockout, decision or TKO.The 10-point ‘must’ system will be used for every round, meaning the winner of a round scores 10 points, while the loser receives nine – unless they are knocked down or badly hurt, in which case they will get eight points, seven or less, depending on the severity of the damage.There will be no title on the line when Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou collide in the ring.How to watch Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou
    Joshua vs Ngannou will be shown live on DAZN PPV and Sky Sports Box Office.
    You can live stream all the action from the DAZN and Sky Sports Box Office websites as well as their apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    The DAZN UK PPV price will be £19.99, which includes one month’s DAZN subscription.
    For existing DAZN subscribers, the PPV price will be £18.99.
    The Sky Sports Box Office price for the fight has been set at £19.95 for Sky customers in the UK.  More

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    Man City sign blockbuster Netflix deal with inside footage of historic Treble-winning season to be released next month

    MANCHESTER City have sold Netflix the story of their historic Treble-winning campaign after agreeing a seven-figure sum for the six-part series.The release of the story behind City’s historic journey last season is set for early next month with a trailer expected to drop this week.Manchester City secured a historic Treble last season after lifting the Champions League in IstanbulCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunCity’s own camera crew was completely integrated into the first team’s inner circle, following them throughout their Treble campaign.The access will give fans a fly-on-the-wall insight into how the Blues were so successful – and now Netflix have forked out a huge sum for the rights.Sunderland ‘Til I Die was Netflix’s first football team documentary and was a huge hit as behind-the-scenes footage captured their disappointing and dramatic drop out of the Premier League.Netflix, who have shown a string of sporting docs including F1’s Drive to Survive, will be hoping City’s latest offering will be even bigger.The first documentary released on the Cityzens was hosted by Amazon in their “All or Nothing” 2017/2018 season.It showed Pep Guardiola’s side breaking countless Premier League records and became the only team to reach 100 points in a single season. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Blues will be the first Premier League side to feature on Netflix and will be hoping to surpass the success of their last documentary. They will also be hoping that putting their inside story of the Treble triumph on Netflix will further advance their worldwide appeal. Most read in Football Premier League’s Euro adventurers facing crunch week in fight to land England fifth spot in revamped Champions LeagueThe European champions are on route to securing their spot in the quarter-finals of this season’s Champions League.They face Copenhagen at home on Wednesday, carrying a 3-1 advantage from the first leg of the last 16 tie.Manchester City face Copenhagen in the Champions League on WednesdayCredit: PAGuardiola’s men sit just one point behind Liverpool in second place ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash at the top of the Premier league and are also in the last eight of the FA Cup. More