More stories

  • in

    Fans raging at ‘absolutely disgraceful’ new time for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk ring walk as confusion reigns

    FANS have been left angry and confused amid conflicting reports over when the ring walks for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk will commence.Fury fights Usyk tonight in Saudi Arabia as both men look to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the 21st century.The time for tonight’s undisputed heavyweight title fight ring walks have been confirmedCredit: GettyInitially, it looked as though the ring walks were set to be pushed back, leaving Brits facing a late night if they wanted to watch the blockbuster clash.Reports suggested the ring walks would commence at 11:45pm UK time.That led to anger for UK fans, with many having expected it to commence at 11pm.One fan wrote: “Midnight? Thought they were due out about 11.”READ MORE ON BOXINGAnother said: “F*****g hell already on the ciders though main event was 10ish.”A third said: “Said 10 earlier in the week ffs.”While a fourth said: “Absolutely disgraceful.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile a fifth wrote: “Gonna have to delay drinking otherwise peaking too early! 😂”But TalkSPORT boxing reporter Michael Benson has now taken to X to post that the ring walks will take place at 10:30pm UK time.EXCLUSIVE: John Fury left BLEEDING after crazy altercation with Oleksandr Usyk’s team ahead of Fury vs UsykFans remain sceptical as to whether that will come true though, with one saying on X: ” No chance it’ll be at 10:30pm, it’ll be at 12:30am.”Much of the uncertainty and scepticism over the true ring walk time stems from the last big fight held in Saudi.Anthony Joshua fought Francis Ngannou in the Middle East, but the bout didn’t get going until after midnight – much later than expected.That ruined the plans of many boxing fans who tuned in to watch AJ’s win.SunSport expects the ring walk to be closer to midnight, however it will depend on events on the undercard.Tonight’s fight will see one man crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world for the first time since Lennox Lewis held the mantle in 1999.READ MORE SUN STORIESUsyk holds the WBA, WBO and IBF belts, while Fury is the WBC and lineal heavyweight champion.Both men also have unbeaten records.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

  • in

    Why isn’t David Croft commentating at the F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend?

    FORMULA 1 is back this weekend with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – but legend David Croft won’t be in the commentary booth.Known as the the voice of F1 on Sky Sports, Croft has been a mainstay of the channel’s commentary for over a decade.David Croft ha been with Sky Sports since 2011Credit: HandoutBut this weekend he will be missing from the Imola Circuit – the first race he’s missed for a whopping 16 years.Croft will also miss a further TWO races this season, the Austrian Grand Prix and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.Why isn’t David Croft commentating?Back in February, Croft announced that he would be reducing his workload this season by missing three races.Croft is getting married this year and spoke of having to organise the big day, as well as giving back to his family.“It’s more about keeping fresh for the whole season. I’m not getting any younger,” he told The Independent.“I’ve given up and sacrificed a lot for my career. I want to give a bit of time back to my family and not be on the other side of the world. I’m getting married this year as well, so I’ve got a wedding to organise!“But I also want to sit and watch a race at home. I want to enjoy it. Maybe I can learn something by not commentating on a race.“I can spot a few things when I’m watching – I want to see what the viewer sees.”Most read in MotorsportCroft has been replaced by Harry Benjamin, who works for the BBC Radio 5 Live on their F1 coverage.Benjamin has also done commentary work on Formula 2 and Formula 3 races.Benjamin said: “Very excited. I mean, big shoes to fill, but I’m looking forward to it.“What a track to do it at as well, Imola, and stood alongside Karun too. I’m honoured.” More

  • in

    Who is Becky Ives? Glam presenter to replace Laura Woods for TNT Sports’ coverage of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

    BECKY IVES will be stepping into the shoes of Laura Woods to present Tyson Fury’s fight with Oleksandr Usyk.The fan favourite host has dropped out of TNT Sports’ coverage after suffering a freak accident.Becky Ives will be presenting Tyson Fury’s fight with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Instagram @beckyivesofficialShe is an experienced sports presenterCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialWoods suffered a nasty injury after hitting a glass lampshade with a pillowCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyThe incident happened during a getaway with boyfriend Adam CollardCredit: In stagramIves will now take the lead for the coverage of the highly anticipated unification fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.She will be working alongside Carl Frampton, David Haye and Steve Bunce to analyse the fight action.She is no stranger to the sporting world having worked for Uefa, Discovery Sports and TNT.The presenter has also starred for Premier League Today and ITV during an impressive career.READ MORE ON BOXINGHer love of sport “stems from her teenage years, where she competed as a High Board Diver, and swimmer to a County and National standard, an avid football fan”, according to her LinkedIn page.Ives has not only starred in front of the camera but has also hosted sporting events such as the United Legends dinner event for Manchester United and the ‘Road To Victory’ Awards celebration Dinner for West Ham last year.She also refers to herself as a “professional talker.”Most read in BoxingShe has built up an impressive following on social media with over 25k fans on Instagram.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHTOn the social media platform, she regularly shares pictures of herself at sporting events, but also from her social life.She shows off her love of boxing in one video which sees her sparring for a workout.These remarkable pictures show Tyson Fury’s rise from humble beginnings — to heavyweight champion of the worldIn February, the presenter shared a collection of snaps from throughout the Premier League season in which she visited the London Stadium and Turf Moor.On the social front, she’s shared pictures from holidays to the USA and Majorca with pals.She’s also been snapped alongside a couple of dogs showing herself as an animal lover.While Ives appears to specialise in football, her CV shows she has knowledge of a lot of sports.She has reported for Red Bull during the WRC Wales Rally GB race in which she also interviewed winner Sebastien Ohier.She also hosted for Eurosport for the 2017 British Cycling Elite Series and presented the Strongman Championships for Spike TV.Ives is regularly reporting from grounds across the countryCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialShe has worked for TNT Sports and Premier League TodayCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialShe has an impressive following on InstagramCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialHer account is followed by 25.7k peopleCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialShe often wows fans with her picturesCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialShe is a fan of hitting the poolCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialShe was a guest at the Sport Industry Awards in AprilCredit: RexTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

  • in

    Fans ask ‘is this real?’ as Burger King pay tribute to Jurgen Klopp with monster ‘KLOPPER’ burger boasting EIGHT patties

    FANS asked “Is this real?” after Burger King posted a tribute to Jurgen Klopp ahead of his final game in charge of Liverpool.The burger-chain shared an image of “The Klopper”, a burger with eight patties in it to represent each trophy Klopp has won.Burger King unveiled ‘The Klopper’ on XCredit: Burger KingKlopp will oversee his final Liverpool game on SundayCredit: RexThe company posted on X to say: “8 tiers for 8 trophies… introducing the Klopper.”The image alongside it featured a fan in a Liverpool scarf preparing to tuck in to the eight tier burger.One confused fan asked: “Is this real?”Another fan excitedly replied: “I’ll take eight” alongside a gif of Jurgen Klopp saying “I love it”.READ MORE ON BOXINGAnother fan wrote: “I want one right now.”A fourth fan posted a gif of Klopp nodding in approval.A fifth said: “Damn, my gaffer is massive! His own burger now.”A sixth asked: “Can we ask for a Klopper in store?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKlopp will take charge of his final game game at Anfield against Wolves tomorrow at 4pm.The manager announced he would be stepping down at the end of this season in January this year, saying he is “running out of energy”.Jurgen Klopp vows NEVER to watch TNT Sports again as Liverpool boss launches hilarious rant over ‘favourite TV channel’His successor, Arne Slot confirmed that he would take over as Liverpool manager in an interview yesterday.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

  • in

    Laura Woods teases ‘Big Man’ will join TNT Sports’ coverage of Champions League final… but can you figure out who it is?

    FANS have been left guessing who the “Big Man” is after TNT Sports dropped a Champions League final trailer.Real Madrid are set to take on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley in the showpiece on June 1.TNT Sports pundits starred in a Champions League trailerCredit: TNT SPORTSFans are trying to work out who the ‘Big Man’ might beCredit: TNT SPORTSAnd ahead of the big game, the TNT Sports crew showed off their acting skills.The likes of Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, Joe Cole, Ally McCoist and Laura Woods all feature.As they stand in a team huddle, presenter Woods gives a team talk to inspire the pundits into giving their best performance for the big occasion.She says: “Okay, everyone gather round, listen up, As well know this is THE game. It’s the one our whole season has been building up to.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”And to make sure we do it justice, make sure we do it properly, I thought I’d get the ‘Big Man’ in for some words of encouragement.”Crouch hilariously limbers up before Woods shuts him down, saying: “No, no, not you. The real ‘Big Man’.”All the pundits turn their heads and a figure appears out the Wembley tunnel to applause from the TNT Sports team.Fans have been guessing who it is – but can you figure it out?Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMany theories have been thrown out there, but actor Brian Cox looks a strong bet.The 77-year-old legend is famous for his role as Logan Roy in TV drama Succession.Music from the show is playing in the background and in the TNT trailer he stands on a box, just like his character does when addressing staff in a memorable scene.Laura Woods asks ‘did I get pied there?’ in awkward moment during interview with Wolves boss Gary O’NeilWoods features in the clip – but she is in danger of missing this year’s Champions League final after already withdrawing from covering Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk tonight.The glam host suffered horror injuries to her arm and face after a freak accident while on holiday.Sports star and fellow presenters have been wishing her a speedy recovery in the hope she is back in time for Real Madrid vs Dortmund. More

  • in

    Bolton vs Oxford LIVE: Josh Murphy puts Yellows ahead in League One play-off final – latest updates

    BOLTON go head-to-head with Oxford in the League One play-off final this afternoon.The two sides will battle it out at Wembley for a spot in the Championship next season.Bolton beat Barnsley 5-4 over two legs to secure their final spot, while Oxford got past high-scoring Peterborough.
    Kick off time: 4.15pm BST
    TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event
    Live stream: NOW
    Bolton team: To follow…
    Oxford team: To follow…
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow all the latest from Wembley with our live blog below…Bolton 0-2 Oxford
    45. The board goes up to signal five minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half.
    A goal before the break for Bolton would change the complexion of this one massively – but I’m not sure they have it in them at the moment.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-2 Oxford
    44. Who saw this coming?!
    (Maybe those of us who backed Oxford for promotion…)
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-2 Oxford
    42. Oxford United are in dreamland!
    Josh Murphy has his second and his side’s second, and they are now within touching distance of promotion.
    Ruben Rodrigues is the creator once again, punting through a measured pass for Murphy to sprint through, round Nathan Baxter and steer into the net.
    Copy linkCopiedIt’s two!

    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-1 Oxford
    40. Bolton are growing increasingly frustrated.
    Perhaps their best course of action is for Ian Evatt to get them back into the dressing room for half-time.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-1 Oxford
    38. Not only has Ruben Rodrigues registered his fourth assist of the season, he also wears a shocked-at-that-decision-against-him face as well as anyone in League One.
    The midfielder can’t believe he’s been penalised for a coming together with Josh Sheehan, and gives it the full open mouthed, arms out expression.
    Casemiro, take note.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-1 Oxford
    35. Ten minutes to half-time, and you can see that Bolton are trying to make something happen – but still they struggle to get their forwards into the match.
    And for that, you have to give Oxford credit.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-1 Oxford
    33. Now what have these Bolton players got? A small number had regroup while they were waiting for Oxford’s Mark Harris to receive treatment ahead of the restart.
    That effort from Murphy is the first goal that Oxford have scored against Bolton this season – they drew 0-0 at home and lost 5-0 away.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-1 Oxford
    31. First blood to the underdogs of Oxford!
    The U’s lead at Wembley thanks to wonderful work from Josh Murphy – and a little bit of luck.
    The winger – arguably the most talented player in the Oxford ranks – took over possession from Ruben Rodrigues just inside the area, cut inside and curled towards the top corner.
    Nathan Baxter in the Bolton goal may have had it covered but a slight touch off the top of captain Ricardo Santos’ head lifts it over the keeper and into the back of the net.
    Copy linkCopiedOxford opener!

    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
    29. The television cameras cut to Cameron Jerome on the bench.
    There’s a player who knows where the goal is.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
    26. Aaron Collins – like strike partner Dion Charles – not really involved as yet, drops deep to win a free-kick in a semi-dangerous position.
    Forty yards out with the area busy, a good delivery will cause Oxford problems.
    Unfortunately, it’s nowhere near a good delivery and nowhere near the area.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
    24. Rodrigues goes for goal! Wide.
    Space opens up nicely for the Oxford midfielder, who pushes forward and attempts a left-footed curler for the top corner.
    However, it lacks the necessary direction and swerve, and ends up heading for the fans.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
    22. Midway through the first half and still no shots on target.
    The possession, meanwhile, is exactly 50-50.
    Nothing between them so far.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
    20. Branagan is certainly pumped up for this one.
    This time he grabs a handful of Maghoma’s shirt and literally throws him to the ground as Bolton consider a counter.
    Sam Barrott gives him a quick talking to, but there’s no yellow card – much to Andy Hinchcliffe’s disappointment.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
    18. Dion Charles enjoyed his trip to Wembley last year when he scored in Bolton’s 4-0 Football League Trophy win over Plymouth.
    But the 20-goal striker is not having so much fun.
    Starved of service and well-marshalled, Charles has touched the ball just once today.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
    16. Bolton apply some pressure for the first time today.
    An Ogbeta shot from just inside the box is well blocked by Long, and then Sheehan decides to try his luck from distance.
    The midfielder comes inside and hits one crisply from 25 yards. It keeps low – but it also keeps wide.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
    13. Rodrigues curls a teasing free-kick into the box that Jones does very well to deal with.
    The defender gets in front of his opponent and cooly clears behind for a corner.
    As it happens, the whistle had gone for a shirt pull on the Bolton player.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
    11. Branagan thumps into another challenge on the near side, this time dispossessing Ogbeta.
    In fact, Bolton’s Thomason is not happy with the aggressive nature of the Oxford man, and comes across to prove his point by…
    …erm…shouting and pointing his finger in Branagan’s face.
    Referee Samuel Barrott quickly deals with the matter.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
    9. Lovely play from Goodrham in midfield, who turns away from his man and then spreads play out to the right.
    Oxford have made a bright start at Wembley.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
    7. Bolton play out from the back for the first time.
    The three centre-backs pass it between themselves for a few seconds, and the decide to launch it long anyway.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
    5. Maghoma is back on, but moving very gingerly. One to keep an eye on.
    Meanwhile, Oxford have won the first corner of the game – but fail to trouble their opponents with a long delivery that is floated over the head of Elliott Moore.
    Copy linkCopiedBolton 0-0 Oxford
    3. There’s early concern for Bolton and their manager Ian Evatt.
    Paris Maghoma makes his first burst along the left touchline, only for Cameron Branagan to put the ball out of play.
    However, it playing it off the pitch, the Oxford midfielder thumped into Maghoma with his follow through to leave the Bolton man flat out on the turf.
    He looks in a lot of discomfort.
    Copy linkCopiedKick-off – Bolton v Oxford
    1. Game on! Referee Samuel Barrott blows his whistle and Bolton get this League One play-off final underway.
    It’s pleasing to say that both clubs are in their traditional colours for this one; Wanderers wear white shirts and navy shorts while Oxford are in yellow and blue.
    Copy linkCopiedHere come the two teams!
    More than 70,000 supporters inside Wembley Stadium let out a deafening roar at a first glimpse of the Bolton and Oxford players making their way out of the tunnel.
    Tracksuited and focused, the two groups line up for the pre-match formalities – and this being a final mean lining up, being introduced to a random guest of honour, and belting out the national anthem.
    Eventually, they break off to warm-up and – for many – that’s when reality sets in. This is as big as it gets.
    Captains Ricardo Santos and Elliott Moore gather with the officials for the coin toss, and then it’s time for a last get together for words of encouragement.
    It’s a beautiful day in the capital. Proper football weather, as they say. Kick-off comes next.
    Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Chaos at Emilia Romagna GP as session red-flagged TWICE after Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez crash out on same corner

    THE Formula One Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was hit by chaos earlier today as TWO red flags were waved.Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez were to blame for the on-track carnage in FP3 after hitting the barriers.Fernando Alonso spun out around the final cornerCredit: X/SkySportsF1Alonso ended up crashing into the wall and gravelCredit: X/SkySportsF1Alonso’s crash caused the first red flag of the sessionCredit: X/SkySportsF1Two-time world champion Alonso rear-ended the barrier and beached his car into the gravel after spinning off going into the final corner.It came as he lost the back end of the car after carrying understeer into the previous corner, with the Sky Sports F1 commentator calling it a “rare mistake” from the 42-year-old.The Aston Martin driver was fortunately okay, telling his race engineer: “Sorry mate. Yes all good!”That crash came around 25 minutes into the session and after a short delay the session was allowed to resume.READ MORE IN F1Then with just under six minutes of the session to go, Red Bull driver Perez crashed into the wall and broke off his wing, causing a second red flag.The Mexican driver drove into the turn 14 and 15 chicane too quickly, and was unable to correct his course when the car rode over the kerb which resulted in the 34-year-old going into the gravel.Stewards managed to clear away the car with two minutes to go.This gave McLaren ace Lando Norris, who celebrated his first win in Miami last week with a 24-hour bender and rounds of golf in Augusta, time to set the second fastest time of the session.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Brit was bettered only by team-mate Oscar Piastri, who came home three tenths faster at 1:15.529.Ferrari duo Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were directly behind them before Mercedes star George Russell and reigning champion Max Verstappen.Greatest F1 track on Earth’ created featuring iconic parts from Silverstone, Spa and SuzukaFP1 had also seen a heavy shunt for teen sensation Oliver Bearman, who was driving an F1 car competitively for the first time since impressing on his debut in Saudi Arabia in March.Qualifying around Imola gets underway at 3pm UK time, while the race is at 2pm on Sunday.Fans may notice a major change to Sky’s broadcast over the weekend with David Croft missing his first F1 weekend for the first time in 16 years.Sergio Perez then crashed into the barrier and caused a second red flagCredit: X/SkySportsF1🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

  • in

    Former England star to wake up unemployed as Premier League club confirm captain will be released on free transfer

    FORMER England star Jack Cork is set to join the free agents list.The Burnley captain will be released from the club at the end of his contract.Jack Cork is set to be released by BurnleyCredit: GettyJohann Gudmundsson will also leave Turf MoorCredit: PACork, 34, joined the Clarets from Swansea City in 2017 and has made 266 appearances for the club.The midfielder enjoyed some memorable times at Turf Moor which included scoring winning goals against Blackburn and Istanbul Basaksehir in the Europa League in 2018.Cork led the team back to the Premier League last season by winning the Championship with 101 points.Speaking about his exit, Cork said: “The club has been such a big part of my life for 14 years now.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Both my kids are Burnley fans. It will always be a club that we’re close to. It’s gone so fast it’s been some journey.”I just want to say a massive thank you to the fans. They’ve been amazing to me since I’ve been here.”They’ve made me feel at home, made me feel so welcome from the start. Everyone at the club has been amazing with us.”I’m looking forward to the next adventure but I don’t know how I’ll feel on Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It’ll be nice to get to say goodbye to everyone. Everyone has been so good to us on the journey.”During his career, Cork also enjoyed international football as he earned one cap for England in the 0-0 draw against Germany in 2017.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveHe also featured for Team GB at the 2012 Olympics alongside the likes of Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards.Johann Gudmundsson will also leave Turf Moor at the end of the season.The Icelandic winger is the club’s current longest-serving player, having signed from Charlton in 2016.The Clarets are currently in talks over the contracts of Jay Rodriguez and Charlie Taylor.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More