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    Hughie Fury vs Christian Hammer: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, undercard including Chris Eubank Jr

    HUGHIE FURY returns to the ring to face Christian Hammer on Saturday night.Tyson’s cousin was last in action in December, when he defeated Mariusz Wach on the Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev undercard.

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    Hughie Fury is fighting to back into title contention
    Fury, 27, has a record of 25 wins from 28 pro fights with three losses, including to Joe Parker for the WBO heavyweight title in September 2017.
    While the 34-year-old German Hammer has 26 wins from 33 fights with seven defeats. He lost to Tyson back in February 2015, when he retired after eight rounds.
    When is Hughie Fury vs Christian Hammer?

    Hughie Fury vs Christian Hammer takes place on Saturday, October 16.
    The Utilita Arena in Newcastle plays host.
    The main event is expected at around 10.30pm.

    What TV channel and live stream is Fury vs Hammer on?
    Hughie Fury vs Christian Hammer will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event & Arena.
    Sky begin their coverage from 7.30pm.
    Alternatively, talkSPORT will be providing exclusive free radio commentary from 7pm.
    Who is fighting on the undercard?
    Savannah Marshall defends her WBO middleweight title against the unbeaten Zambian Lolita Muzeya.
    Marshall is trained by Hughie’s father Peter.
    While Chris Eubank Jr also returns to action two weeks after his headline fight with Anatoli Muratov was cancelled after Muratov failed a medical.

    Hughie Fury vs Christian Hammer
    Savannah Marshall vs Lolita Muzeya – for WBO female middleweight title
    Chris Eubank Jr vs Wanik Awdijan 
    Lewis Ritson vs Henry Lundy
    Bradley Rea vs Jez Smith 
    Michael Webster vs Jone Volau
    Steve Robinson vs Reece Barlow
    Mark Dickinson vs TBA
    Georgia O’Connor vs TBA
    April Hunter vs TBA

    Chris Eubank Jr – trained by Roy Jones Jr – is also on the Newcastle bill
    What have they said?
    Fury: “Let’s put it this way – he’s not here to fight David Price. I’m a fighting man.
    “So we’ll see.
    “He’s tough and durable. These are the fights I want.
    “I have learned the hard way and that’s the way I want it.
    “If the knockout comes, it comes.”
    Hammer: “He’s from the Fury family but he’s not Tyson. He’s a young guy.
    “I will try to break him.
    “I hope he doesn’t only run. I am here to fight.
    “I want a fight, not a marathon.” More

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    Who is Richard Arnold? Ed Woodward’s likely replacement as Man Utd executive vice-president

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to announce that Richard Arnold has replaced Ed Woodward as their new executive vice-president.The group managing director will make the step up to Woodward’s former role with at the end of the year, SunSport can reveal.

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    Richard Arnold alongside Ed Woodward last year
    But who is the new man in the Old Trafford hot seat?
    Woodward, 49, said when revealing his was stepping down: “We have invested more than £1bn in the squad during my time here and I am particularly delighted with the progress the players have made under the astute leadership of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his coaching team in the last two years.
    “I am sure that with the changes we have made on-field and to the coaching and football staff in recent years this great club will soon be lifting silverware again. It deserves to. 
    “I desperately wanted the club to win the Premier League during my tenure and I am certain the foundations are in place for us to win it back for our passionate fans.”
    Woodward had been United’s executive vice-president since 2012.
    Arnold has been with United for more than a decade
    Who is Richard Arnold?
    Arnold, 50, had previously worked as Group Managing Director and Company Director of Manchester United PLC, having been at the club for more than a decade.
    He joined United during the 2007/08 season, with the responsibility to grow the club’s sponsorship business, retail, merchandising, apparel and product licensing business.
    Arnold was nominated for SportBusiness International’s Sports innovator of the year list in 2011 for his work in this sector.
    He was promoted to the Group Managing Director as David Moyes’s reign began in 2013, driving commercial partnerships.
    Arnold on a Thailand trip in 2013 alongside Ryan Giggs, Ed Woodward and Club Secretary John Alexander More

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    Dillian Whyte vs Otto Wallin: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel, undercard for huge O2 heavyweight fight

    DILLIAN WHYTE returns to the ring on Halloween weekend in a corker of a clash with former Tyson Fury foe Otto Wallin. Whyte bounced back from his KO loss to Alexander Povetkin last year by beating the Russian an emphatic fashion earlier this year in Gibraltar.
    Dillian Whyte beat Alexander Povetkin by KO back in MarchCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
    Wallin won a decision over ex-Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder opponent Dominic Breazeale back in February.
    But the Swede is best known for giving Fury one of the toughest fights of his career and opening up a huge cut over his right eye two years ago.
    Whyte has angled for a fight with Fury himself for some time, with the winner set to face whoever comes out on top of the Gypsy King’s showdown with Deontay Wilder this weekend.
    When is Dillian Whyte vs Otto Wallin?

    Dillian Whyte’s heavyweight clash with Otto Wallin is set to go ahead on October 30.
    The fight will take place at London’s O2 Arena, where Whyte is a hugely popular figure.
    There will be close to 20,000 fans in attendance at the fight.
    The main event is expected to get going at around 10.30pm UK time.

    What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

    Dillian Whyte vs Otto Wallin will be shown live on DAZN in the UK.
    To subscribe to DAZN, you have to create an account which will set you back £7.99 a month.
    The fight will be Whyte’s first on DAZN in the UK since Matchroom switched broadcasters from Sky to the streaming service.
    Coverage of the card will begin at 7pm UK time.
    You can expect Whyte to make his ring-walk at around 10.15pm.

    Whyte vs Wallin current card

    Dillian Whyte vs. Otto Wallin
    Chantelle Cameron vs. Mary McGree
    Alen Babic vs. Lucas Browne

    Remaining fights TBC
    Otto Wallin should prove to be a tough opponent for Dillian WhyteCredit: Getty – Contributor

    What has been said?
    “He’s kind of a brawler but he can box a little bit too,” revealed Wallin has said.
    “He’s got a good left hook and he’s a good body puncher so those are things I’ve got to be aware of.
    “I think that in the long run it takes a toll to have hard fights like that. He’s been knocked out twice and he’s taken a lot of punishment and he’s been hurt in different fights.”
    Whyte’s promoter Eddie Hearn said: “As long as Dillian beats Otto Wallin, then Whyte is mandatory for the winner of that fight immediately.
    “There is no reason not to do it. Dillian, who 100 per cent would have wanted AJ to win, because he’s not like that.
    “He now sits there as probably a cast-iron mandatory challenger to the winner of Wilder-Fury.”
    Who is Otto Wallin?
    Wallin burst onto the scene when he fought Tyson Fury in September 2019.
    The Swede was supposed to be an easy touch for Fury, who was preparing for his rematch with Deontay Wilder.
    But their fight turned into a nightmare for Fury, who was cut open by one of Wallin’s left hooks in the fourth round.
    The cut required extensive attention throughout the fight and 47 stitches after the bout was finished.
    Tyson Fury’s cut required 47 stitches after his fight with Otto WallinCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    It also became a possibility that the fight could’ve been stopped due to the cut’s severity, making it a TKO victory for Wallin.
    But Fury hung on and secured a tight win on the judges’ scorecards.
    Since then, Wallin has bounced back with two wins, one of which came against Breazeale in February of this year. More

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    England vs Hungary FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for World Cup qualifier from Wembley

    ENGLAND return to World Cup qualifying action with a home clash against Hungary.The Three Lions were in fine form as they swatted aside Andorra last time out, scoring five on their travels to remain top of Group I.

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    Jack Grealish netted his first England goal in the 5-0 win over AndorraCredit: AP
    Hungary lost to Albania last time out in a shock defeat, with England beating them 4-0 the last time the sides met.
    When is England vs Hungary?

    This Group I clash is all set for Tuesday, October 12.
    It will be held at Wembley Stadium.
    Kick-off is at 7.45pm BST.

    Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
    This game is live on free-to-air TV here in the UK.
    You can catch all of the action live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD.
    Coverage will start at 7pm.
    If you want to stream, download the ITV Hub on your mobile, tablet or PC.

    What is the team news?
    England played a second-string against Andorra and are expected to bring back their strongest side for this one.
    Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Declan Rice are all set for a return with Southgate’s side having no fresh injury concerns.
    Jordan Henderson is expected to start with Kalvin Phillips sidelined, while Jude Bellingham wasn’t included in the squad.
    Endre Botka is suspended for the visitors, with Adam Lang set to deputise in his place.

    Match odds

    England to win – 1/9
    Draw at Wembley – 17/2
    Hungary victory – 19/1

    *All odds from Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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    Portugal vs Luxembourg: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for World Cup qualifier

    PORTUGAL welcome Luxembourg to Lisbon for a crunch World Cup 2022 qualifier.Cristiano Ronaldo and Co have won three on the bounce in Group A and will leapfrog Serbia into top-spot with three points.

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    Portugal are looking to make it four straight wins in Group ACredit: EPA
    Luxembourg have proved to be no pushovers though, beating Ireland and Azerbaijan so far in the qualifying stage.
    When is Portugal vs Luxembourg?

    This World Cup qualifying clash is set for Tuesday, October 12.
    Kick-off is at 7.45pm BST.
    When the sides met earlier in the year, Portugal ran out 3-1 winners.

    Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
    You can catch this game live on the Sky Sports Red Button.
    Head to Sky Sports Football at 7.45pm and hit the red button on your remote, selecting this game from the drop down menu.
    If you want to stream, download the NOW TV app on your mobile, tablet or PC and grab a pass for £9.99.

    What is the team news?
    Portugal are without Francisco Trincao who misses out after testing positive for coronavirus.
    Diogo Jota is a doubt, while Ronaldo is expected to play along with Pepe, Ruben Dias, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva.
    Christopher Martins and Gerson Rodrigues return for the visitors, while Huddersfield’s Danel Sinani will likely lead the line.
    Match odds

    Portugal to win – 1/16
    Draw – 12/1
    Luxembourg victory – 33/1

    *All odds from Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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    How old is Paul Merson, how many children does he have, and who is the ex-Arsenal star’s wife?

    PAUL MERSON is on our screens each weekend as part of Sky’s Soccer Saturday.The former Arsenal midfielder – who battled alcohol and gambling addictions as a player – also made 21 appearances for England during his career.
    Paul Merson took part on ITV show Harry’s Heroes
    How old is Paul Merson?
    The Londoner was born March 20, 1968 – meaning he is aged 53.
    Merson had a distinguished career as a player, winning the First Division – now Premier League – twice with Arsenal.
    The attacking midfielder also played for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Walsall – becoming player-manager at the latter.
    Merson also turned out 21 times for England, taking part in the 1998 World Cup where they lost to Argentina in the infamous penalty shootout.
    Nowadays, he is most notably seen as one of the panellists on Gillette Soccer Saturday, covering one of the headline matches for Sky Sports.
    Merson also co-hosts their Fantasy Football Club programme alongside Max Rushden.
    Paul Merson is now most known for reporting on matches on Gillette Soccer Saturday for Sky SportsCredit: Rex Features
    Who is his wife?
    He is currently married to Kate Merson, his third wife – the ex-Arsenal star previously wed Lorraine Costin and Louise.
    The Sky Sports pundit has eight children –  including twin girls.
    Meanwhile, his son Sam from his first marriage with Lorraine, is a footballer, currently turning out for St Albans City in National League South.
    Paul Merson struggled with alcoholism, drugs and gambling addiction during his football careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Did he have a drinking and gambling addiction?
    Merson’s career was often blighted by his addiction to alcohol and betting, along with drugs.
    In October 2011, he was involved in a car crash with a lorry, where he was later arrested for drink-driving.
    His first wife Lorraine has recalled how she was unaware that he had gambled away £7million worth – but was never in any financial trouble.
    Merson’s childhood sweetheart also claims that he is still afflicted by his addiction and has not yet got a handle on it.
    In March 2019, he thanked fans for their support after admitting that his gambling addiction left him feeling “like a crack addict”.

    Is he part of Harry’s Heroes?
    Merson took part in the ITV show Harry’s Heroes: The Full English, which aired in 2019.
    Viewers praised him for candidly revealing he wanted to kill himself over gambling and drugs addiction.
    The show pitted a team of England legends from the 1990s against their German counterparts.
    The veteran Three Lions side was coached by former West Ham and Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp.
    Redknapp was tasked with getting the team of unfit England footie heroes back in shape and back into the Three Lions shirts they wore with pride in their heyday.
    And the second season Harry’s Heroes: Euro Having a Laugh is coming back to our screens with three episodes in total.
    The first episode is on Monday 18 May at 9pm, the second on Tuesday 19 May and the big finale all the same time on Wednesday 20 May.
    The series will also be available on ITV Player. More

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    What is ‘sportswashing’, and what does it have to do with Newcastle takeover?

    AFTER more than a year of wrangling behind the scenes, Newcastle United finally have new owners.Following the £300milllion Saudi-backed takeover, the club are reportedly set to bring ‘world-class players’ to St James Park over the coming seasons.

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    Newcastle fans partied outside St James Park after Mike Ashley sold the clubCredit: AFP
    But you may have heard the term ‘sportswashing’ mentioned in relation to the takeover – just what does it mean?
    What is sportswashing?
    In simple terms, ‘sportswashing’ is where sport is used a tool to legitimise or improve the reputation of an individual, group, corporation or nation-state.
    With the appeal of sport now global due to 21st century communications, it’s never been easier for fans all over the world to engage with their favourite club or event.
    But the idea of sportswashing is nothing new and you can look back through history to see it in action.
    For example, the 1936 Summer Olympics were long cited as an attempt by Adolf Hitler to legitimise his Nazi rule in Germany, with Benito Mussolini using the Italian World Cup in the same year to similar ends.
    The Berlin Olympics in 1936 saw the torch lite with a backdrop of swastikasCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Sportswashing could also be achieved through participation in a certain sport, or by investing in it through sponsorship and/or ownership.
    By investing or participating in legitimate sport, sportswashing is designed to distract from any illegitimate means the individual, group, corporation or nation may be using.
    So why are people singling out Newcastle?
    Newcastle have been taken over by Saudi Arabia’s public investment fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media.
    The Saudi kingdom has engaged in plenty of sporting activities over recent years, including staging Anthony Joshua fights and a Grand Prix.
    Initially the deal was turned down by the Premier League in July 2020, but that decision was overturned after the PIF convinced Prem chiefs the Saudi kingdom would not be involved in the running of the club.
    Saudi Arabia’s human rights record has been criticised by campaigners, with some claiming that in buying Newcastle they are in effect ‘sportswashing’.
    The Saudi-led consortium bought the North-East club for £300mCredit: PA

    In January 2020, Amnesty’s UK Head of Campaigns Felix Jakens hit out at the potential takeover.
    He said: “Given the deluge of investment in sport we’ve seen from Saudi Arabia recently, a takeover of Newcastle United wouldn’t come as a major surprise.
    “Saudi Arabia is well-known for its attempts at ‘sportswashing’ – trying to use the glamour and prestige of top-tier sport as a PR tool to distract from the country’s abysmal human rights record.
    “Under the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, there’s been a sweeping human rights crackdown – with numerous peaceful activists jailed, including Loujain al-Hathloul and other brave women’s rights defenders.
    “It’s not for us to say who should own Newcastle United, but players , back-room staff and fans alike ought to see this for what it is – sportswashing, plain and simple.” More

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    Spain vs France: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for TODAY’S Nations League final

    SPAIN take on France as the two European heavyweights go for the Nations League crown.After two dramatic semi-finals, the sides meet at the San Siro in Milan looking to bag the final silverware of 2021.

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    France staged a stunning fightback to beat Belgium 3-2 in the semi-finalCredit: Getty
    When is Spain vs France?

    The Nations League final is set for Sunday, October 10.
    Kick-off in Italy is at 7.45pm BST.
    When the two teams last met in a 2017 friendly, David Silva and Gerard Deulofeu netted in a 2-0 victory for Spain.

    Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
    You can catch all of the action live on Sky Sports Main Event, Football and Main Event.
    Coverage starts at 7pm.
    Download the Sky Go app on your mobile, tablet or PC to stream if you’re a Sky customer.
    Non-subscribers can grab a NOW TV pass from £9.99 to stream the game live.

    What is the team news?
    Spain are sweating on the fitness of Ferran Torres, who scored twice against Italy but limped off in the final-four clash.
    He is expected to feature, while France made it through their epic clash with Belgium unscathed.
    Kylian Mbappe was back fit and back in the goals, while N’Golo Kante remains out after his positive Covid-19 test.
    Aurelien Tchouameni was a livewire off the bench as French roared back against the Red Devils and could take the place of Adrien Rabiot.
    Match odds

    Spain to win – 2/1
    Draw – 21/10
    France victory – 6/4

    *All odds from Betfair and correct at time of publication. More