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      Moyes’ genius Pickford tactic before transfer shake-up and AC Milan eye unlikely ace – latest exclusives from Alan Nixon

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      ALAN NIXON is SunSport’s Boss of Goss.Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…SunSport’s Boss of Goss Alan Nixon has this week’s latest transfer inside scoopsJordan Pickford has been told to cut down his mammoth long kicks upfield by David MoyesCredit: GettyNEW PICK KICK TRICKJORDAN PICKFORD’S kicking is getting shorter and more accurate after a quiet word from David Moyes.Everton’s England No 1 has a big reputation for smashing balls huge distances.But boss Moyes felt his Toffees would benefit with more control from his keeper.So he suggested Pickford ease off the gas and start to aim more down the middle — and the impact has been shown in results as Everton have lost just twice in ten games since Moyes returned to Goodison.Meanwhile, Everton’s incoming chief executive Angus Kinnear WILL snap up two of his old Leeds transfer team.Kinnear, who starts work on June 1, has lined up top adviser Nicky Hammond and leading scout Gary Penrice for a new-look backroom team.Hammond and Penrice will be in charge of transfers — just like they were at Elland Road.We revealed in January the club’s director of football Kevin Thelwell would be leaving.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMoyes was keen to bring in some of his former allies such as Rob Newman and Mick Doherty.But Kinnear — who Leeds have confirmed will be leaving Elland Road at the end of the season — has had the final say.Why Gakpo v Isak will decide Liverpool v Newcastle Carabao Cup Final | Experts’ bets – Weekend WagerEverton are interested in West Brom youngster Tom FellowsCredit: PAAnd Everton are staying on top of their interest in West Brom youngster Tom Fellows.The Toffees failed to land the highly-rated winger on deadline day. But boss Moyes has asked scouts Alan Irvine and Charlie Adam to keep tabs on the 21-year-old.MAX FACTORAC MILAN are cranking up their interest in Burnley centre-half Maxime Esteve.The Italian side watched Esteve, 22, again last week — but Everton and West Ham scouts also saw the Frenchman star in the Clarets’ draw with West Brom.AC Milan sent scouts to watch Maxime Esteve in action for BurnleyCredit: GettyAWAY DWEHSHEFFIELD UNITED fancy Liberian centre-half Sampson Dweh.The Viktoria Plzen ace, 23, has shone in the Europa League.Wolves are keen too but United could swoop first if they reach the Prem.Sampson Dweh has shone at centre-back for Viktoria Plzen, catching the attention of Sheffield United and WolvesCredit: SplashFOOTBALL SHORTSPRESTON are keeping an eye out for Manchester City babe Jacob Wright, 19.Norwich have an option to buy the midfielder when his loan ends in the summer. But North End may try a £2million-plus bid using cash from their FA Cup run.Preston and Norwich may both be after Jacob Wright in the summerCredit: GettyLEEDS owners’ hopes of taking control of Rangers will require a change of EFL rules if they miss out on promotion.49ers Enterprises — who also own the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers — are lining up a move to buy a 51 per cent stake in the Scottish giants.Current EFL regulations do not allow ownership of other British clubs. But the Premier League has no such restrictions.Leeds’ rivals Burnley’s tie-up with Scottish Premiership side Dundee is classed as a collaboration rather than ownership.ROB PAGE is looking for a crack at club management with the Barnsley job in his sights.Page left the Wales post in June and is keen to be back in the dugout.Conor Hourihane is in caretaker charge at Barnsley — who sacked Darrell Clarke on Wednesday — and is keen on the job.But Page, 50, may have a chance if Tykes look elsewhere.Former Wales boss Rob Page is keen to return to the dugout, possibly at BarnsleyCredit: AP More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘All-time greats’ – Lando Norris pips Max Verstappen in epic Australian GP after SIX drivers KO’d and Hamilton blunder

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      LANDO NORRIS won a thrilling season opener in Melbourne after SIX drivers were KO’d and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton gamble went horribly wrong.The McLaren driver held onto the lead by the skin of his teeth as Max Verstappen pulled it out the bag to finish a whisker behind him in second. Lando Norris won a chaotic Australian Grand PrixCredit: GettyNorris celebrated the win with his mumCredit: AFPNorris celebrates following his thrilling winCredit: EPANorris finished just ahead of VerstappenCredit: EPAThe wet conditions saw six cars crash outCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton had a Ferrari debut to forget as he finished P10Credit: AFPHamilton was fuming with his race engineerCredit: GettyThe other McLaren, Oscar Piastri, suffered a nightmare ending having been hot on team-mate Norris’ heels throughout before spinning off the track and onto the grass with 11 laps to go. It meant Verstappen overtook him and Piastri finished in ninth after starting the race in second after a front row lock-out for reigning Constructors’ champs McLaren.After the Piastri chaos, Lewis Hamilton was leading the race on his debut for Ferrari as the Italian team gambled by not pitting him and his team-mate Charles Leclerc.  But it did not pay off as Verstappen pitted and hunted them down on fresh tyres, forcing them into the pits for a changeover. READ MORE IN F1The fuming seven-time world champion gave his race engineer Riccardo Adami a tongue lashing, swearing on his radio after Ferrari dropped down the positions and he finished in ninth while Leclerc settled for eighth. At one point Adami was trying to give Hamilton information about DRS but he says on his team radio: “Leave it guys, leave it. I’m learning the car as I go mate, just leave me to it with the DRS. It’s not an issue.”Earlier on in the race, Hamilton asked: “Tell me where I’m slow I’m having a hard time.”British Mercedes driver George Russell made it onto the podium in third and Alex Albon came in fourth in his Williams. Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTo rub salt in the wounds for Hamilton, Lance Stroll also finished ahead of him in sixth for Aston Martin. SIX drivers did not finish the drama-filled race, including Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Gabriel Bortoleto and Liam Lawson. ‘Shock to the system’ – Lewis Hamilton makes surprise admission about progress in Ferrari car ahead of wet Australian GPRB rookie Hadjar crashed on the formation lap before he even started and was left crying with his head in his hands before Lewis Hamilton’s dad comforted him. “Ooof, little bit of pressure! Well done boys, beautifully handled.”Executed to the second. One second later and we were done. Well done everyone, congrats, amazing way to start the year.”Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle called it one of Norris’ “all-time great” drives.After his disappointing debut, Hamilton said: “It was very tricky and went a lot worse than I thought it would go. The car was really, really hard to drive today.”For me, I’m just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.”A lot to take from it and just getting acclimatised with the new power unit in the wet conditions.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The settings it requires are different, and a different way of driving and a different set-up on the steering wheel.”I hung out as long as I could, got in the lead at one point. Just the guidance with how much more rain was coming, was missing there, so I think we missed out.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Rookie crashes on FORMATION LAP of Australian GP before bursting into tears and causing delay to start

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      THE FORMULA ONE season opener in Australia was hit by chaos before the race even started as rookie Isack Hadjar spun out on the formation lap.The 20-year-old, making his F1 debut for Racing Bulls this weekend, burst into tears after spinning out on his way to the grid as he struggled for grip.The F1 Australia Grand Prix saw its start delayed after Isack Hadjar crashed on the formation lapCredit: GettyRookie Hadjar’s crash caused a 15-minute delay to the start timeCredit: APHe burst into tears after the stunning crashCredit: GettyAnthony Hamilton was seen consoling the rookie back at the paddockCredit: X @SkySportsF1Hadjar ended up spinning and binning his car into the wall, seeing his raceday end before it had even begun after a strong qualifying session on Saturday which had seen him place P11.The French-Algerian racer was visibly distraught and burst into tears on his way back to the pitlane.Hadjar, who is known to be a Lewis Hamilton superfan, was consoled by the Ferrari driver’s dad following the unfortunate incident.Revealing what Anthony Hamilton said to him afterwards, he expained: “Just keep your head high. I think he knows what tough times are and I think he sees a rookie putting it in the wall on not even lap one, he knows how tough it feels.READ MORE IN F1″He came to comfort me, I think it was a really nice gesture from him. But nevertheless it feels really hard and I feel really sorry for the team.”The crash caused a race start delay of 15 minutes after an aborted start.When the Albert Park race did eventually get underway, two more drivers crashed out early on.Alpine rookie and home star Jack Doohan spun out at Turn 6 before crashing heavily into the wall and bringing the safety car out.Most read in MotorsportLast year’s race winner, Carlos Sainz, then spun out under the safety car to see three cars out of the race before a full lap had been completed under green flag conditions.The tricky wet conditions meant a full racing lap was not completed until lap nine of the Grand Prix.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThere were early pitstops from three stars – Oliver Bearman, Liam Lawson and Esteban Ocon, as they changed to a new set of intermediate tyres.Max Verstappen enjoyed a strong start in the race as he overtook Oscar Piastri and brought himself right up on the heels of race leader Lando Norris, but was unable to make a move before Piastri took the position back.Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari baseMeanwhile, Hamilton – making his debut for his new team – had a more low-key start by remaining P8.By the end of the race SIX drivers had not survived the gauntlet as the changeable and slippery conditions sparked chaos across the grid.Norris won by the skin of his teeth ahead of Verstappen while Hamilton was left to rue a huge strategy blunder from his team.The seven-time world champion had briefly led the race when Verstappen had to pit from the lead, but Norris – by now back on intermediates after going off track – took the lead back.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe subsequent pit stop for Ferrari left Hamilton down in P9 before he ended in P10, managing to overtake Pierre Gasly but losing positions to Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.And he was fuming with his new race engineer – launching an X-rated blast down the team radio after learning how they had blown their chance of a podium.F1 Australia results1. Lando Norris (McLaren)2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)4. George Russell (Mercedes)5. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)6. Alex Albon (Williams)7. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)10. Carlos Sainz (Williams)11. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)12. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)13. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)14. Jack Doohan (Alpine)15. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)16. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)17. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)18. Liam Lawson (Red Bull)19. Esteban Ocon (Haas)20. Oliver Bearman (Haas) More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 Australian Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Lewis Hamilton makes Ferrari debut in epic opener at Albert Park – latest

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      THE Lewis Hamilton-Ferrari era begins in Melbourne as the greatest show in motorsport returns for another season.Hamilton, 40, made the switch from Mercedes to the Scuderia official over the off-season and will make his debut for the Italian team as he chases a record-breaking eighth world championship.However, the Brit has plenty to do in his first F1 race for Ferrari as he starts eighth on the grid, one behind new team-mate Charles Leclerc.Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen starts third on the grid behind Lando Norris and McLaren pal Oscar Piastri.Race time: 4am GMTTV channel: Sky Sports F1Live stream: NOW/Sky Sports appGrid: Norris, Piastri, Verstappen, Russell, Tsunoda, Albon, Leclerc, Hamilton, Gasly, Sainz, Hadjar, Alonso, Stroll, Doohan, Bortoleto, Antonelli, Hulkenberg, Lawson, Ocon, Bearman.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog for updates… Norris delightedPace setter Lando Norris was in dream land with his pole, as you might expect.He said: “It’s the perfect way to start the year. Everyone at McLaren has done an amazing job to start with a one-two but it’s just qualifying, let’s see tomorrow, it’s going to be a tricky race but this is a good way to start.”The car is extremely quick and when you put it together it’s unbelievable but it’s difficult to put together.”Particularly after the first lap, when I went off and lost my lap, you’re in a tricky position – you need to risk it but not go too far because you can’t make a mistake. It’s a difficult balance. We know how quick Max and Red Bull are in the rain.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChucking it downAfter a scorching Saturday which saw temperatures of up to 37 degrees it is now chucking it down in Melbourne and the F2 race has already been axed because of the rain. Punters have not been put off though and are decked out in their rain ponchos, coats, hats and umbrellas in the stands. The official F1 forecast says conditions will start to improve and there will be a moderate chance of the odd shower during the race.It is also VERY windy too, with gusts of up to 60km, but drivers can definitely race in this weather. Copy linkCopied’A lot to dissect’ Lewis Hamilton finished eighth in qualifying and said he and the engineers had a lot of work to do to catch up to the front runners.He also revealed he doesn’t know the rain settings in his new car.Hamilton told Sky Sports: “We will just get ours heads down and start finding out why we are not on pace with the front runners.”Tomorrow is going to be a challenge. I’ve never driven this car in the rain, I don’t even know the rain settings but I’ve got to go and study that tonight and it will be a learning experience again.”Copy linkCopied2025 scheduleWith that change in schedule, here’s how the opening weeks of the season are looking,There are two races to start the season, then a break, before five races and another break. The calendar doesn’t head to Europe until May 18 – Imola – while plenty of British race fans will have July 6 at Silverstone circled.Copy linkCopiedAll the infoAlbert Park in Melbourne will host the first race of the F1 season.Last year, the Australian GP was the third race of the season but a tweak in the schedule has now seen it host the big opener.Verstappen won pole last year but brake failure saw him last just four laps before being forced to retire, with Carlos Sainz winning ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. The race starts at 4am GMT and will be shown on Sky Sports in the UK – their coverage is just about starting now. We recommend you follow our live coverage for all the thrills and spills from track side in Australia, of course.Credit: SplashCopy linkCopiedGrid in fullLando Norris was quickest in qualifying with McLaren the early pace setters as Oscar Piastri came second.Max Verstappen will start from the second row, in third.The full grid looks like this: Lando NorrisOscar 1PiastriMax VerstappenGeorge RussellYuki TsunodaAlex AlbonCharles LeclercLewis HamiltonPierre GaslyCarlos SainzIsack HadjarFernando AlonsoLance StrollJack DoohanGabriel BortoletoKimi AntonelliNico HulkenbergLiam Lawson Esteban OconOllie BearmanCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedHere we go!The new F1 season is finally here! After months of waiting – and major, MAJOR changes to the grid – we are back in Australia. Lewis Hamilton’s mega move to Ferrari dominated the headlines while the action was away and plenty of eyes will be on the seven-time champion at Albert Park.Hamilton didn’t enjoy the best qualifying session, however, and will start in eighth – one spot behind Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League star faces High Court showdown over claims he owes an agent £650k in unpaid fees

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      A PREM star faces a High Court showdown over claims he owes an agent £650,000 in unpaid fees.Crystal Palace ace Daniel Muñoz is facing a legal battle over an intermediary involved in his £6.5m transfer to Selhurst Park.Crystal Palace full-back Daniel Muñoz, 28, is ­facing a legal battle over his £6.5million transfer to Selhurst ParkThe full-back, already a summer target of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona, has been written to by lawyers.In paperwork seen by The Sun, the Colombian 28-year-old is accused of not paying an invoice sent by agent Ruben Caicedo.The agent insists he was promised 10% commission on the £6.5m deal which took Munoz to Palace from Belgian side Genk.Colombian Mr Caicedo says he tracked his countryman’s career and proved pivotal in bringing the player to England.Read more on footballHe could also claim a cut of a deal which is likely this summer when the much lauded player is set to leave Palace for a bigger club if his £25m release fee is met as expected.Palace have told Mr Caicedo that an agent’s fee was paid as part of the Munoz signing – but they were sent to another agent.Mr Caicedo, who has worked alongside some of the game’s biggest figureheads, including Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson, is understood to have paperwork and recordings to support his legal claim against Daniel Munoz.Munoz, who played for Aguilas Doradas and Atletico Nacional in Colombia before a 2020 switch to Belgium, is represented by former Aston Villa legend Juan Pablo Ángel.Most read in FootballBut a source close to proceedings told The Sun: “Ruben Caicedo was the individual responsible for getting Daniel to Crystal Palace.“Ruben initiated the negotiations, and he gave the player his partner’s number, and the process continued. It led to a positive outcome in January last year.“But neither Ruben or his partner have received the commission due to them.“Daniel has gone from being in touch with Ruben and incredibly grateful to not answering his phone or letters.“The player is now on notice he is facing legal action. Daniel is heading to the High Court in what is a very unlikely legal showdown involving a Premier League millionaire.”Munoz – who has scored three goals in 42 impressive appearances for the Eagles, earning him 36 Colombia caps – did not comment. Crystal Palace also chose not to provide a statement. More

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      in Motorsport

      Kika Gomes sizzles in striped bikini as she supports boyfriend Pierre Gasly at Aussie Grand Prix

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      MODEL Kika Gomes shows off her racy lines in a striped bikini — as she and F1 driver boyfriend Pierre Gasly find their love is still in the fast lane.Portuguese Kika, 22, and Frenchman Gasly, 29, who drives for Alpine, were together at the Aussie Grand Prix.Kika Gomes shows off her racy lines in a striped bikiniCredit: Capture Media AgencyKika, 22, and F1 driver Gasly, 29, were together at the Aussie Grand PrixCredit: GettyPierre qualified 9th for today’s race in Melbourne.Whatever the result, he’s already a winner.Kika has been dating F1 driver Pierre since last October.She grew up in the fast lane with racing driver dad Gonçalo and TV host mum Maria.Read more on Kika GomesKika, real name Francisca, has collaborated with several beachwear brands including Calzedonia and Natura Portugal.Her mum Maria is a top TV presenter and model, and dad Goncalo was a racing driver.Gasly, 27, drives for the Alpine team now co-owned by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Taylor Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce.He is considered as one of the sport’s biggest rising stars.Most read in MotorsportWatch Pierre Gasly’s F1 car burst into flames forcing Frenchman to leap out of fire ravaged Alpha Tauri More

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      in Boxing

      Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny LIVE RESULT: Relentless Wrecking Ball WINS over tough rival but goes unpunished for KICK

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      NICK BALL retained his world featherweight title in front of his hometown crowd with a relentless 10th round TKO stoppage over TJ Doheny!Liverpool favourite Ball is one of the most exciting fighters in British boxing and could now face Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue next.The pair had to be separated by security as the weigh-in descended into chaos on Friday and Ball then went unpunished for landing a KICK on his rival following a tangle at the end of round one.Doheny started well but Ball’s relentless style saw the Liverpudlian exert pressure and tick off rounds before Doheny’ corner threw in the towel before the start of the 11th.Andrew Cain and Charlie Edwards earlier met for the British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles, with Cain winning a split decision after a boring fight.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow the action with our live blog below…Turner’s left hook sends Farrag tumbling to the canvasApart from that brilliant main event, the other massive highlight tonight goes to Liverpool’s own Jack Turner.After starting the fight well in the first round, Turner did not slow his approach and came at Ryan Farrag at full steam.He didn’t waste any time putting Farrag on the ropes and let his hands go swinging.It was the final left hook that sent his opponent tumbling onto the canvas, with Turner then jumping on top of the ropes with sheer joy of what he had just done.At just 23 years old and now 11-0, Turner has lots of potential in the Super-flyweight division.Jack Turner celebrates his victory after beating Ryan Farrag in LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedThe Wrecking Ball’s nightIn an incident-packed fight, Ball kicked out at his opponent following a headlock in the first round and was deducted a point in the ninth for twice pushing his opponent to the canvas.But the 28-year-old Ball landed crisp and cleaner power punches to defend his WBA title.Copy linkCopiedCan Warren entice Inoue?A potential match-up with Naoya Inoue would certainly captivate a mainstream audience.’The Monster’ – with 26 stoppage wins in 29 wins – is a legitimate global great.Inoue is expected to successfully defend his undisputed super-bantamweight title against Ramon Cardenas in May and has teased a move up to featherweight.Veteran promoter Frank Warren’s wish of Ball headlining a stadium fight at either Liverpool or Everton Football Club may just entice Inoue into making a trip to the North West of England.Frank Warren, founder of Queensberry Promotions, at the WBA World Featherweight title fight between Nick Ball and TJ DohenyCopy linkCopiedWho is Naoya Inoue?The smart money on who Ball’s next opponent will be is on Naoya Inoue, a Japanese professional boxer. He has held multiple world championships in four weight classes, and is one of only three male boxers in history to become the undisputed champion in two weight classes in the “four-belt era”.Naoya Inoue poses for photographs last year following a press conference ahead of his super bantamweight fight with Ireland’s TJ Doheny in TokyoCopy linkCopiedBall not asked about kickIrishman TJ Doheny, 38, was repeatedly hurt in the ninth and 10th rounds before his corner stepped in and stopped the contest.Doheny had some success in the earlier rounds but felt the pace against the younger opponent as the match progressed.With his right eye swollen shut for the second half of the fight, Doheny became a punch bag before the bout was halted.Ball, who extends his record to 22 wins and one draw, was fortunate not to be disqualified – or at least have points deducted – after kicking out at his opponent.The local fighter was not asked about the kick in his post-fight interview, below.Nick Ball after his match against TJ Doheny, which he won with a stoppage at the end of the 10th round at the M&S Bank Arena in LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedShould Nick Ball have been DQ’d? Liverpool favourite Nick Ball’s fight vs TJ Doheny was as tense and tasty as you could’ve asked for. The pair were at each other all night, even after rounds. After the fifth round, Doheny seemed to have Ball in a headlock and to the frustration of the world featherweight champion, he kicked out on his Irish opponent. Many have called for at least a points deduction but it could’ve, and probably, should’ve been worse. Copy linkCopiedCard recap A fantastic night of boxing at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.Stephen Clarke BEAT Dmitri Protkunas by pointsIonut Baluta BEAT Brad Strand by split decisionJadier Herrera BEAT Jose Macias Enriquez by TKO in the seventh roundAndrew Cain BEAT Charlie Edwards by split decisionJack Turner BEAT Ryan Farrag by KO in the second roundNick Ball BEAT TJ Doheny by TKO after the referee stopped it in-between rounds 10 and 11.Copy linkCopied’The quicker the fight is made, the better’ Nick Ball has made it no secret that he is open to a fight against Naoya Inoue. Turki Al-Sheikh went on social media to promote Inoue fighting in Saudi at the end of the year, and when posed about the opportunity of the dust-up, if timelines match up, Ball is all for it. “Yeah definitely [to fight Naoya Inoue in Saudi in Decemeber],” said Ball to Ring Magazine. “Everyone is speaking about it, his name is starting to do my head in; the quicker the fight is made, the better.”Copy linkCopiedBall vs Inoue next?With this fantastic second WBA title defense from Nick Ball, the attention now goes to who he could fight next.Many fans are hoping that his next bout could be against one of the best boxers in the world, Naoya Inoue.Even for the impressive Nick Ball, Inoue would be a big step up in competition.The Japanese fighter is the reigning IBF, WBC and WBO super bantamweight champion of the world and is 29-0 with 26 finishes.However Frank Warren suggested this fight might be later than fans were hoping for.He said “A fight with Inoue would happen towards the end of the year or maybe early next year, that’s the plan”.Copy linkCopiedA fantastic display in the main eventLast night’s main event saw Nick Ball have one of his best performances of his career as he beat TJ Doheny by TKO after the referee had stopped the fight in between rounds 10 and 11.Nick Ball was on a mission to show why he is one of the best featherweights in the world. And that performance showcased why pundits and fans have been saying that. As for TJ Doheny, that was likely the last time the 38-year-old will fight for a world title. The Irishman has now come up against Nick Ball and Naoya Inoue in back-to-back fights, two of the best boxers at this weight. Doheny showed lots of heart in last night’s loss and should look back at his performance with his head held high. Copy linkCopiedThe KO of the nightApart from that brilliant main event, the other massive highlight tonight goes to Liverpool’s own Jack Turner.After starting the fight well in the first round, Turner did not slow his approach and came at Ryan Farrag full steam ahead.He didn’t waste any time putting Farrag on the ropes and let his hands go swinging.It was the final left hook that sent his opponent tumbling onto the canvas, with Turner then jumping on top of the ropes with sheer joy of what he had just done.At just 23 years old and now 11-0, Turner has lots of potential in the Super-flyweight division.Copy linkCopiedTonight’s fight resultsHere’s a look back at what unfolded on tonight’s card.A fantastic night of boxing at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.Stephen Clarke BEAT Dmitri Protkunas by pointsIonut Baluta BEAT Brad Strand by split decisionJadier Herrera BEAT Jose Macias Enriquez by TKO in the seventh roundAndrew Cain BEAT Charlie Edwards by split decisionJack Turner BEAT Ryan Farrag by KO in the second roundNick Ball BEAT TJ Doheny by TKO after the referee stopped it in-between rounds 10 and 11.Copy linkCopiedWhat Frank Warren had to sayShortly after Ball spoke about his performance, his promoter, Frank Warren, got on the mic and made some interesting suggestions regarding Ball’s future bouts.He said: “A fight with Inoue would happen towards the end of the year or maybe early next year, that’s the plan.”But Nick doesn’t want to wait that long, he still wants to fight, it’s our job to keep him busy and keep bringing him back here in Liverpool.”I also want to take my hat off to TJ[Doheny]; he is a true fighting man.”Nick Ball is the best featherweight in the world! bar none.”Copy linkCopiedNick Ball shows respect to TJ DohenyWith the WBA featherweight belt wrapped across his waist, the ringside reporter asked Ball about his performance and what he made of his opponent.He said: “In there, I knew it was going to be tricky, it’s a world title fight.”The main thing was taking my time and just do what I’ve been working on in the gym.”They [the crowd] want to see all action, but I can box and do that so I’ve shown both now”.Copy linkCopiedAnd still!After that boxing clinic, Doheny retains his WBA featherweight world title.After ten completed rounds of boxing, the referee, Michael Alexandre, stopped the contest in between rounds after Ball was piling on the pressure on his opponent.Still undefeated, Ball is now 22-0 and has defended his title twice, he now looks onto some potentially huge fights.Who should he fight next?Copy linkCopiedNick Ball wins by TKO!After that ferocious tenth round by Ball, Doheny just can’t carry on.After a very tired-looking Doheny, he is seen shaking his head, looking defeated.The referee decides he has seen enough and waves off the fight.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 10That was a huge round by Ball!The champion lands big flurries on Doheny as he puts him onto the ropes, letting his hands go.Respect to the Irishman there who is staying in this fight and makes it to the eleventh round.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 9One point taken off from Ball!After landing a big combination, Ball pushes the Irishman down, and after the second time doing so, the referee takes away a point.Ball responds brilliantly, landing big straight punches going up a gear as he really tests Doheny’s gas tank.How could that affect the scoring?Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 8Ball continues to throw shots and is setting the tempo in this fight.Doheny lands a good few of his own but nothing is effecting the high guard of the champion.Ball lands a blasting left jab that snaps the back of Doheny’s neck.Another great round for the champ.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 7 Nick Ball is back on with the pressure from the first second as he lands big punches in the pocket.Ball is showing his youth here showing the stamina of a hungry champion wanting more.Doheny is starting to slow down and less punches are coming Ball’s way.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 6Ball is back on the pressure this round and lands some fantastic punches.A quick pause in action as Doheny’s laces are untied.Ball lands a great one-two combination that looked brilliant in slow motion.A great round from Ball as we reach the midway mark.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 5A good round by Doheny here in the fifth, as he does slow Ball’s rhythm well, with consistent in and out attacks.Ball seemed to struggle to get his combinations off this round and seemed frustrated at himself going back to the corner.The champion will be hoping to go up a gear in these next few rounds.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 4Doheny is very much trying to slow this fight down to his pace, however, the man from Liverpool is just so relentless with his forward pressure. Some great punches to the body land on Doheny who is just enough to keep up with Ball.Another good round by the champion.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 3Ball very much in control of this fight, upping the tempo and throwing much more punches in this round.Doheny does land a nice straight hand, but Ball shows no sign of effectiveness.Ball responds with some excellent combinations that are landing at will.A fantastic left hook lands over the top as the Irishman tried to evade but it lands perfectly on the temple just before the end of the round.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 2A much closer round two sees both men land nice combinations on each other.Ball, still much the aggressor, is looks for a powerful right hand over the top that almost lands but Doheny does well to read it.Doheny, now 38, shows his experience well and is holding his own in this fight.Copy linkCopied More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea agree deal to sign second Portuguese wonderkid in two days with £18.5m transfer for midfielder Dario Essugo

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      CHELSEA have reportedly agreed a deal to sign a second Portuguese wonderkid in two days.The Blues secretly completed a shock transfer to land Geovany Quenda earlier this week.Chelsea have agreed an £18.5m deal to sign Dario Essugo from Sporting in the summerCredit: GettyAnd now The Athletic state Dario Essugo is also on his way to Stamford Bridge. A £18.5million fee has been negotiated between Chelsea and Sporting.It is claimed there are no add-ons or sell-on clauses included. Essugu, 20, looks set to put pen to paper on a seven-year contract in West London.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd that would see him link up with the Chelsea first team in the summer, as first revealed by SunSport last year.Essugu came through the academy at Sporting and has 23 first-team appearances for the Portuguese giants.However, it has been during his loan to Las Palmas in LaLiga this season that he has really shone, attracting plenty of interest from the Blues.The holding midfielder and Portugal youth international is expected to provide support for Moises Caicedo next season. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Ecuadorian has started all 28 Premier League games for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca this term. But the addition of Essugu could help ease the burden on the £115m ex-Brighton man. Enzo Maresca defends lacklustre Chelsea after Conference League progress However, while Essugu is set to arrive in the summer, Chelsea fans will have to wait another year to see Quenda in action for them.The 17-year-old winger sensation was a top target for Manchester United but Chelsea launched a “secret blitz” to secure a £40m deal as he underwent a medical in private. Quenda turns 18 next month and will stay with Sporting for the 2025-26 season.Geovany Quenda will join Chelsea in the summer of 2026Credit: AFPChelsea player ratingsCHELSEA are into the Conference League quarter-finals after beating Copenhagen 1-0.A rare moment of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall magic and two half-time subs igniting the game and the crowd were the difference.Cole Palmer’s half-time introduction alongside Marc Cucurella certainly injected some energy into the Chelsea attack, but he was still unable to break his run of poor form in this one.Enzo Maresca and his men will be hoping that small issue is fixed before they face Legia Warsaw in the next round.Check out our full Chelsea player ratings. More