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      in Boxing

      Who is boxer Heather Hardy?

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      SINCE becoming a boxer herself, Heather Hardy has been an outspoken advocate for women in the sport.The Brooklyn-based fighter started her boxing career in 2010 and has gone on to earn an impressive record.
      Heather Hardy is a boxer and trainer from Brooklyn, New YorkCredit: Instagram/@heathertheheat
      Who is Heather Hardy and what is her boxing record?
      Heather Hardy is an American boxer and trainer of Irish descent.
      She was born on January 25, 1982, and has two younger siblings, Kaitlyn and Colin.
      Heather and her family grew up in Brooklyn, New York, specifically the Gerritsen Beach neighbourhood.
      She began boxing in 2010, at the time she was going through a divorce.
      Read More on Heather Hardy
      She told the Bleacher Report in 2015: “It’s hard to say where I’d be if I hadn’t found boxing.
      “When I came here, I was going through a divorce. 
      “I wasn’t getting child support, I was supporting my sister and her son, and I was working anywhere from three to six jobs at any given time.”
      Heather – nicknamed The Heat – has a boxing record of 22 wins and two losses.
      Most read in Boxing
      Her coach is former kickboxing champion Devon Cormack.
      She has been outspoken about women’s boxing and the gender pay-gap debate.
      In 2017, she slammed Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn for comments he had made on Twitter, suggesting female fighters should not expect equal pay until they match the commercial income of male stars.
      Branding his comments “abusive”, Heather fumed on social media: “How F****** dare he. How many of his men did he give this speech to?”
      Heather made her professional MMA debut in 2017, winning a flyweight bout against Alice Yauger at Madison Square Garden.
      At the time, she said she had “fallen in love” with the sport after just one match.
      Hardy has been scheduled to take on Amanda Serrano on August 5, 2023, at the Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz bout.
      The pair are close friends, with Amanda even describing Heather as her “sister” to ESPN.
      Amanda explained to the publication: “Heather opened the doors for women to fight at the Barclays Center.
      “She opened the door for [promoter Lou] DiBella to actually want to look into continuing to sign females.
      “I consider her my sister and it was always us.”
      Is Heather Hardy married and does she have children?
      Hardy was previously married to her high school sweetheart.
      The former couple wed in 2004 but divorced in 2010.
      Heather has one daughter, called Annie, who was born in 2005.
      She has often spoken about balancing her boxing career with parenting.
      Read More on The Sun
      She told ESPN in 2018: “It’s hard to be a mom and be responsible for keeping someone alive and happy and fed and make sure she’s doing ok in school.
      “It’s hard to be a mom and do f****** anything, so just to have a career isn’t easy.” More

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      in Soccer

      Women’s World Cup 2023: Last-16 fixtures and results as Lionesses begin knockout stage with Nigeria clash

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      THE Women’s World Cup has gotten off to a thrilling start – and now spectators are eagerly awaiting the knockout stage.In the final game of the group stage, two-time champions Germany were knocked out after failing to beat South Korea.
      The Lionesses have been flawless in the Women’s World Cup so farCredit: REUTERS
      Elsewhere, England’s Lionesses stormed through Group D, winning every game in style.
      Norway, Spain, Japan and Switzerland have also made it through to the last-16 of the Women’s World Cup.
      Defending champions USA just managed to qualify for the knockout stages following a 0-0 draw with Portugal.
      One of the host nations, Australia, managed to qualify, while New Zealand crashed out in the group stage.
      READ MORE IN WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
      Women’s World Cup knockout round fixtures and results:
      Last-16 fixtures:
      Saturday, August 5 

      Switzerland v Spain – 6am BST
      Japan v Norway – 9am BST

      Sunday, August 6
      Most read in Football

      Netherlands v South Africa – 3am BST
      Sweden v United States – 10am BST

      Monday, August 7

      England v Nigeria – 8:30am BST
      Australia v Denmark – 11:30am BST

      Tuesday, August 8

      France v Morocco – 8:30am BST
      Colombia v Jamaica – 11:30am BST

      Quarter-finals
      Friday, August 11

      Round of 16 one winner vs Round of sixteen three winner – 2am BST
      Round of 16 two winner vs Round of 16 four winner – 8:30am BST

      Saturday, August 12

      Round of 16 five winner vs Round of 16 seven – 8am BST
      Round of 16 six winner vs Round of 16 eight winner – 11:30am BST

      Semi-finals 
      Tuesday, August 15 

      Winner of Quarter Final 1 vs Winner of Quarter Final 2 (Eden Park) at 9am BST

      Wednesday, August 16

      Winner of Quarter Final 3 vs Winner of Quarter Final 4 – 11am BST

      Third place play-off 
      Saturday, August 19

      Third place play-off – Loser of Semi-final 1 vs Loser of Semi-final 2 – 9am BST

      Read More on The Sun
      Sunday, August 20

      Winner of Semi-final 1 vs Winner of Semi-final 2 – 11am BST More

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      in Soccer

      Who is Tom Wagner?

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      KNIGHTHEAD Capital had just acquired a hefty stake in Birmingham City, making its co-CEO Tom Wagner the new chairman of the board.With Wagner taking the reins of the Blues moving forward, here’s what you need to know about the American financier.
      Thomas Wagner’s investment firm Knighthead Capital acquired a nearly 50% stake in Birmingham City in July 2023Credit: Getty
      Who is Tom Wagner?
      Thomas “Tom” Wagner is an American financier who co-founded Knighthead Capital Management LLC in 2008. He is also the firm’s co-CEO.
      Prior to co-founding the company, Wagner worked at Goldman Sachs, where he served as managing director for high-yield credit trading desks. He was also previously employed by Credit Suisse First Boston and Ernst & Young.
      Wagner completed his undergraduate studies at Villanova University in 1992 and received a degree in accounting. In 1999, he graduated Beta Gamma Sigma from Columbia Business School.
      Is Tom Wagner married?
      Wagner is reportedly married.
      Read more on Birmingham City
      But since he largely keeps his personal life away from the spotlight, not much is known about his wife.
      But in a guest appearance on Bloomberg’s Masters in Business podcast, Wagner said that it was his wife who pushed him to start his own company.
      “My wife was in the business as well and had an incredibly successful career,” he shared.
      “And so I always joked that I had a really valuable backstop at home, meaning that I had the ability to take some risk where personal bankruptcy was maybe less likely.
      Most read in Football
      “Having somebody in your corner that’s very supportive, whether it’s a spouse or a significant other or friend, parent, whomever, that’s an important element of achieving success in any new venture.”
      He also mentioned that they share two kids.
      When did Tom Wagner take over Birmingham City?
      Shelby Companies Limited, the UK subsidiary of Wagner’s Knighthead Capital, officially acquired a 45.64% ownership of Birmingham City Limited on July 13, 2023.
      The company also took complete ownership and control of St. Andrew’s Stadium.
      As the new chairman of the board, Wagner will play a big part in the day-to-day management of Birmingham City, as well as reshaping its future.
      In a letter to the supporters of the Blues, Wagner wrote: “SCL is committed to making available the resources, in line with EFL guidelines, needed over time to deliver transformational change for the good of the Club and the benefit of the city of Birmingham.”
      “Birmingham is on the rise again. The city is young, dynamic and a destination of choice for businesses large and small looking to tap into everything it has to offer.
      “It is now time for the football club that carries its name to step forward to play its role in adding both economic and reputational value.
      “We look forward to meeting with the City Council to identify ways to partner together for the benefit of the city, our supporters, and the local community.”
      Birmingham City isn’t Wagner’s first foray into owning a sports team.
      In October 2022, together with NFL legend Tom Brady and tennis icon Kim Clijsters, Wagner bought a Major League Pickleball expansion team.
      Does Tom Brady own Birmingham City?
      In a move that echoed Ryan Reynolds’, Tom Brady acquired a minority stake in Birmingham City.
      He partnered with Knighthead Capital to take part-ownership of the Blues and become chair of the advisory board.
      The football veteran will reportedly be “working directly with the club’s board and members of Birmingham City Football Club’s leadership team”.
      “Birmingham City is an iconic club with so much history and passion and to be part of the Blues is a real honour for me,” Brady declared.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Birmingham City Football Club is built on teamwork and determination and I’m excited to work alongside the board, management and players to make our second city club second to none.
      “I’ve been part of some amazing teams in my day, and I’m looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Who are the Sky F1 presenters?

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      THE Formula 1 season always brings with it high-octane drama as the drivers hit the track to defeat the competition and end the season on top.Sky Sports has an array of star hosts and former champs who lead fans through the action from the commentary box, around the paddock and on the grid.
      Sky F1 has an incredible line up of talented presentersCredit: Getty
      Who are the Sky F1 presenters?
      As usual Sky has an impressive presenting line-up for Formula 1’s 2023 season.
      There are many familiar faces who feature as the UK broadcaster rotates its crew throughout the racing calendar.
      The season kicked off on March 5 in Bahrain, and will conclude on November 26, 2023, in Abu Dhabi.
      A line-up of 14 presenters lead fans through the action on Sky.
      Read more on F1
      Jenson Button
      Former F1 champ Jenson Button is part of the Sky coverageCredit: PA
      Formula 1 driver and 2009 World Champion Jenson Button is one of SKy Sports’ experts in 2023.
      He first appeared on Sky F1’s coverage for the 2018 British Grand Prix, and was an instant hit with viewers.
      Button then became part of the presenting team in 2019.
      Rachel Brookes
      Rachel Brookes is a firm fixture on Sky F1
      Starting her career in radio, presenter Rachel Brookes now works full time for Sky Sports News.
      Most read in Motorsport
      She is well-known for her contributions as a pit-lane reporter.
      However, Brookes has occasionally filled in for Simon Lazenby as the channel’s lead anchor.
      Martin Brundle
      Martin Brundle is a legendary F1 commentatorCredit: Rex
      Former F1 driver Martin Brundle has had an incredible career which saw him first become a commentator in 1997.
      He learned his trade from the late Murray Walker, and is now considered one of F1’s most popular presenters.
      For the 2023 season Martin is working as the lead analyst for the Sky F1 coverage. 
      Karun Chandhok
      Karun Chandhok is a former HRT racing driverCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Former HRT racing driver Karun Chandhok first appeared on Sky in 2012, and worked with them for three years.
      After that, he headed over to Channel 4 to become their main pit-lane reporter between 2016 and 2018.
      However, Chandhok rejoined the Sky team in 2019.
      Bernie Collins
      Bernie Collins is the newest member of the teamCredit: Sky Sports
      Hailing from Northern Ireland, Bernie Collins is the newest addition to the Sky F1 presenting line-up.
      Prior to landing the job she worked as a race strategist for Aston Martin until the end of 2022.
      The talented star started her career at McLaren as a performance engineer.
      David Croft
      David Croft is a well known Sky Sports F1 commentatorCredit: Alamy
      Former BBC F1 radio commentator David Croft was appointed as Sky F1’s lead commentator in 2012.
      Since then, he has become the voice of Sky F1.
      Over the years he has become hugely popular with viewers and Formula 1 fans.
      Anthony Davidson
      Anthony Davidson is a former Super Aguri F1 race driverCredit: Sky Sports
      Former Super Aguri F1 race driver Anthony Davidson started his presenting career on BBC Radio 5’s coverage of Formula 1.
      After his hugely successful career as a sportscar driver in the WEC, he was added to Sky’s line-up for the 2012 season.
      Davidson is best known for the “Sky Pad” – the channel’s famous paddock screen that allows him to quiz drivers whilst looking at an action replay.
      Damon Hill
      Damon Hill is a former F1 champ and legendary driverCredit: Instagram
      F1 World Champion Damon Hill was brought in by Sky F1 as an expert analyst during the 2012 season.
      He is best known for his 1996 F1 win, and therefore brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
      Hill is well-known for being able to offer insight from his own days as a racing driver and also comparing how modern-day drivers face new challenges.
      Ted Kravitz
      Ted Kravitz is a well known sports presenterCredit: Rex
      Long-time broadcaster Ted Kravitz has been around since the days of ITV’s early coverage of the sport.
      He started off as a producer, before becoming the channel’s pit-lane reporter.
      Kravitz continued this job until 2011, before taking up a position with Sky for the 2012 season.
      Simon Lazenby
      Simon Lazenby is key to the Sky FI line-upCredit: Alamy
      Seasoned broadcaster Simon Lazenby is known for being Sky F1’s lead anchor.
      He is the key presenter who keeps the show on the road.
      Lazenby opens the live coverage and orchestrates the expert team of pundits and reporters.
      Danica Patrick
      Danica Patrick is a popular member of the Sky F1 teamCredit: The Mega Agency
      American racing legend Danica Patrick joined the Sky line-up as a pundit for the 2021 United States Grand Prix.
      Appearing on the coverage of races in Canada, the United States and Mexico in 2022, she reprised her role for 2023.
      She also formed part of Sky’s European race coverage, featuring at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
      Natalie Pinkham
      Sky Sports presenter Natalie Pinkham has enjoyed an incredible careerCredit: instagram @natalie_pinkham
      Following her successful coverage of the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2009 alongside Steve Rider, Natalie Pinkham became BBC Radio 5’s pit-lane reporter for the 2011 season.
      Since switching to Sky F1’s coverage, she has gradually become a prominent member of the presenting line-up.
      In 2021, Pinkham became the first female lead commentator for a Formula 1 session in the UK.
      Nico Rosberg
      Nico Rosberg is the 2016 F1 world championCredit: Rex
      Former F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg has proven very popular as a Sky F1 reporter.
      He won the title in 2016, topping teammate and rival Lewis Hamilton.
      Rosberg immediately called it a day in Formula 1 after winning.
      He became the first reigning champion to retire since 1993.
      Naomi Schiff
      Naomi Schiff is a big part of the Sky F1 teamCredit: Rex
      Naomi Schiff is a Rwandan-Belgian professional racing and stunt driver.
      Read More on The Sun
      She appeared in the W Series before being appointed as their Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador.
      Presenting the Mercedes F1 team launch alongside Natalie Pinkham in 2022, Schiff was then brought onboard as a regular contributor to Sky F1’s coverage. More

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      in Soccer

      When is the Champions League group stage draw? Date, TV channel and FREE live stream

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      THE return of the Champions League is fast approaching and all European powerhouses are keen to find out their early opponents.Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City capped off their historic Treble win with victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final last year.
      Manchester City won the 2022/23 Champions LeagueCredit: GETTY
      City will be keen to make it back-to-back wins in the huge European tournament next campaign.
      Elsewhere, Premier League sides Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle will also take part in next season’s Champions League.
      The Toon will feature in the prestigious competition for the first time since the 2002/03 season.
      When is the Champions League group stage draw?

      The Champions League group stage draw will take place on Thursday, August 31.
      The draw is set to begin at 5pm UK time.
      The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco will host.

      READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
      What channel is the Champions League group stage draw on and can it be live streamed FREE?

      The Champions League group stage will be live streamed for FREE on the UEFA.com website.
      TNT Sports are also likely to broadcast the draw.

      What are the Champions League seedings?
      Pot 1

      Manchester City
      Sevilla
      Barcelona
      Napoli
      Bayern Munich
      Paris Saint-Germain
      Benfica
      Feyenoord

      Pot 2
      Most read in Champions League

      Real Madrid
      Manchester United
      Inter Milan
      Borussia Dortmund
      Atletico Madrid
      RB Leipzig
      Porto
      Arsenal

      Pot 3

      Shakhtar Donetsk
      Red Bull Salzburg
      AC Milan
      Lazio
      Red Star Belgrade

      Pot 3 or 4

      Newcastle United
      Celtic
      Real Sociedad

      When does the Champions League group stage start?

      The Champions League group stage will begin on Tuesday, September 19.
      The group stage will last for 12 weeks.
      The final match day of the group stage will begin on Tuesday, December 12.

      Champions League group stage schedule
      Here is the full schedule of the Champions League group stage:

      Matchday 1: 19/20 September 2023
      Matchday 2: 3/4 October 2023
      Matchday 3: 24/25 October 2023
      Matchday 4: 7/8 November 2023
      Matchday 5: 28/29 November 2023
      Matchday 6: 12/13 December 2023 More

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      in Soccer

      What is Lionel Messi’s salary and how much does he earn at Inter Miami?

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      LIONEL MESSI is one of the most revered – and well-paid – football players in the world.The former Paris Saint-Germain star confirmed a move to David Beckham’s Inter Miami team in June 2023.
      Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami CF was confirmed in June 2023Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA TODAY Sports
      What is Lionel Messi’s salary at Inter Miami?
      Football legend Lionel Messi confirmed that he would be joining Inter Miami in June 2023.
      His initial contract is for two and a half years.
      Jorge Mas, who is a co-owner of Inter Miami along with Jose Mas and Beckham, previously told Spanish press that Messi will earn between $50-$60million per year, equating to around £35-£47million.
      This puts the total contract value between $125m and $150m.
      Read More on Lionel Messi
      Messi’s Inter Miami contract is a huge financial boost from his previous earnings at Paris St-Germain.
      There, he took home £94million in wages over his three-year contract.
      What is Lionel Messi’s net worth? 
      According to Forbes, Messi’s net worth at the start of 2023 was estimated to be £105million.
      This has no doubt increased since his move to Inter Miami.
      Most read in Football
      Messi is the third-highest paid overall sportsman in the world, following basketball star LeBron James in second place and Cristiano Ronaldo in first.
      Ronaldo’s own net worth was estimated to be somewhere between £210m and £230m before his deal with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in December 2022.
      It has since risen to an estimated £363m
      How does Lionel Messi earn his money?
      Along with his football salary, Messi has a range of sponsorship and brand deals that contribute to his eye-watering net worth.
      Throughout his career he has endorsed several renowned brands including Lay’s, Budweiser and Air Europa.
      Adidas signed a lifetime contract with Messi in 2017, worth $25million a year.
      The deal sees Messi promote the iconic brand’s football boots, apparel, and other sports equipment.
      Messi is also a long-standing global ambassador for Pepsi.
      Famously, he has starred in TV adverts alongside fellow sportsman Mo Salah, Jadon Sancho, and Paul Pogba to promote the renowned beverage.
      Gatorade, Mastercard, Louis Vuitton, Gillette and OrCam are just some of the other big names that Messi has starred in adverts for.
      He has also branched into other ventures and in 2019, Messi released his clothing label with Tommy Hilfiger’s sister Ginny Hilfiger.
      The range, sold in the sportsman’s own shop The Messi Store, features luxury leisurewear.
      Messi has also worked with bespoke Saville Row tailors Richard James on a collaboration of suits.
      In 2017, Messi became a hotelier and bought the MiM Sitges in a coastal resort near Barcelona for £26million.
      Read More on The Sun
      The four-star hotel, where rooms are priced at around £120-per-night, features panoramic views of the ocean from its rooftop restaurant.
      MiM has since opened establishments in Ibiza, Mallorca, Baqueira and Sotogrande. More

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      in Soccer

      Why are Arsenal playing in the Community Shield against Man City?

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      ARSENAL will face Manchester City in the 2023 Community Shield final – but some would say they didn’t earn the right to be there.The Gunners concluded their pre-season schedule with a thrilling penalty shootout win against Monaco to secure Emirates Cup glory.
      Arsenal beat Monaco on penalties to win the Emirates CupCredit: Getty
      But Mikel Arteta will be more determined for his side to lift silverware this Sunday.
      However, fans want to know how the Gunners have ended up with the chance of contesting for the Community Shield without winning the Premier League or the FA Cup in the previous campaign.
      Why are Arsenal playing in the Community Shield?
      Arsenal will participate in the Wembley showpiece having finished second in the Premier League last season.
      The rules of the Community Shield state that if a team wins both the Premier League and the FA Cup in the same campaign, then the division runners-up get a shot at the early silverware.
      Read more on Arsenal
      Manchester City pegged back long-term leaders Arsenal to finish top of English top-flight football for the 2022/23 campaign.
      And they followed that up with a nailbiting 2-1 FA Cup final win over local rivals Manchester United.
      When is the Community Shield?

      The Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester City will take place on Sunday, August 6.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 4pm BST.
      Wembley Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge curtain-raiser and it can host approximately 90,000 roaring fans.

      What TV channel is the Community Shield on?

      The Community Shield will be broadcast LIVE on ITV 1 in the UK.
      Coverage will begin at 3:15pm BST – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      Mark Pougatch will be joined by Roy Keane and Emma Hayes to present the Community Shield on ITV 1.

      Most read in Football
      How do I live stream the Community Shield for FREE?

      You can live stream the Community Shield for FREE via the ITVX website/app.
      The ITVX app can be downloaded for FREE on to your mobile or tablet.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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      in Soccer

      England vs Nigeria – Women’s World Cup: Lionesses go to battle for quarter-final spot – FREE stream, TV, team news

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      ENGLAND finished top of Group D after a flawless group stage at the Women’s World Cup.The Lionesses need just a point against China to guarantee qualification to the last-16, but Sarina Wiegman’s side took all the spoils in style.
      Lauren James was the star in the Lionesses’ 6-1 win against ChinaCredit: GETTY
      England vs Nigeria: Betting tips, best odds and preview for Women’s World Cup clash
      Lauren James was the star of England’s 6-1 win against China after putting in a performance to remember.
      The Chelsea forward claimed two goals and three assists as the Lionesses cruised to the last-16.
      Elsewhere, Nigeria finished runners-up in Group B, pipping Canada to the knockout rounds.
      READ MORE IN WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
      When is England vs Nigeria?

      England vs Nigeria will take place on Monday, August 7.
      Kick off will be at 8:30am BST.
      The Brisbane Stadium will play host.

      What channel is England vs Nigeria on?

      England vs Nigeria will be broadcast live on BBC One.
      Coverage will begin at 8am BST.
      Gabby Logan will lead the presenting team.

      Can I live stream England vs Nigeria for FREE?

      Yes! You can live stream England vs Nigeria for FREE via BBC iPlayer, providing you have a valid TV licence.
      You can download the BBC iPlayer app for FREE onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage from the Brisbane Stadium.

      Team news
      Kiera Walsh is likely to remain unavailable after the Barcelona star was stretchered off against Denmark.
      Most read in Football
      Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze will be pushing to be involved after overcoming injuries before the tournament.
      Sarina Wiegman will be hoping that forward Lauren James can continue her fine form in the knockout stages.
      The Lionesses’ boss is likely to have the same squad available as the game against China, providing no injuries occur in training. More