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    Man Utd star Andre Onana tackled to floor by 19st 6lb giant Francis Ngannou moments after win over Bodo/Glimt

    MMA legend Francis Ngannou wrestled Andre Onana to the floor after Manchester United’s win over Bodo/Glimt.The Red Devils won 3-2 in the Europa League as Ruben Amorim made his Old Trafford bow.Francis Ngannou and Andre Onana play fight on the Old Trafford pitchCredit: x/ andreyOnanaFrancis Ngannou grabs hold of Andre OnanaCredit: x/ andreyOnanaFrancis Ngannou throws Andre Onana to the groundCredit: x/ andreyOnanaNgannou said the keeper was man of the matchCredit: GettyBut he was not the only man at the stadium for the first time as former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou was in the stands.He cheered on United goalkeeper Onana and after the game was spotted on the pitch talking to his fellow Cameroonian.But Ngannou switched the ring for the pitch as the pair then began hilariously play-fighting.It did not take the 19st 6lb man mountain long to grab Onana and tackle him to the floor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere was a handshake between the two afterwards – but Onana has demanded a rematch.He wrote: “I demand a rematch in a real ring! Let’s settle this once and for all!”Fans won’t want to see it though after fearing their No1 would get injured.One joked: “Breaking news Andre Onana is out for the next decade with a broken everything.”Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “He is our only injury free player come on.”Ngannou spoke to TNT Sports post-match and said: “It was a good game, we had fun and there was a lot of action. ‘Watching Arsenal is like watching Netflix… you always have to wait for the next season’, says Man Utd legend”Yes, it was my first time here, it was a good experience and we have a victory.”Andre, he had a great game even though he takes a yellow card. He was the man of the game.”Ngannou watched the match from the stands and was sat alongside boxer Derek Chisora.He is not the only MMA star to mingle with Premier League players on the pitch after a European game this term as Conor McGregor showed off his football skills then jokingly fought Bukayo Saka.Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More

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    Scott Parker says working-class spirit comes from helping Heinz delivery driver dad do 3am rounds while he was at school

    SCOTT PARKER’S eyes still light up at the memory of lorry rides with dad at three in the morning.Sometimes there would be trips along the Kent coast as he accompanied his old man Michael on his rounds as a Heinz delivery driver — followed by maybe ice cream and the amusement arcades.Scott Parker has opened up on how helping his dad deliver heinz at 3am has helped his motivationCredit: PAParker, who memorably appeared in a television advertisement for McDonalds as a kid, would help out his dadCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdNow manager at Burnley, Parker smiles as he looks back and said: “As a kid every day I was on at my dad to take me out on the lorries.“Twice a week he’d take me out of school — probably not the right thing to do — but we’d get up at 3am and pick up the lorry.“Thursdays were the best because he’d have coast runs — Ramsgate, Margate — then he’d take me to the amusements after.“For a young kid, those days were fantastic. Great memories.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet they also helped form the bit inside that now drives him on in his managerial career after a hat–trick of sackings — at Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge.That treble, all within 19 nightmare months, might have suggested that being a boss was not for him — even if he did take the Cottagers and Cherries into the Premier League before each gave him his P45.In Belgium he lasted just 69 days and 12 games.He could have, as he knows, joined the bleeding hearts club, bleating about the unfairness of it all.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSYet his only public complaint throughout was to claim after a horrendous 9-0 loss at Anfield in Bournemouth’s fourth game back in the Prem that his squad were “unequipped” for the top flight.He was fired four days after that statement in August 2022 that came on the back of defeats of 3-0 to Arsenal and 4–0 at   Manchester City.Scott Parker talks about the challenges of being head coach at FulhamAsked why he has never talked about the sackings that might have cost him so much inside, he bluntly declared: “Well, in the last four months, nobody ever asked me.”Parker, 44, gives the impression that he would  rather throw himself off Margate’s Harbour Arm than show his true feelings.But for once he dropped the mask and admitted: “Standing on the touchline that day at Anfield, that was a lonely, lonely place.“I was disappointed it had to end way it did and of the three, Bournemouth still hurts the most. But we move on.“The pitfalls you fall into, the bumps we managers take along the road, you just deal with them.“Some have been knockouts for me but you dust yourself off, get back up and go again. There were times things were very tough. No denying that.“That’s why I took a year out after Brugge because at that point there had been a lot of jabs on the nose and I needed to mend, to get out of the fire.“I had to adjust and I realised a long time ago you can feel a bit sorry for yourself, mope around and be a victim. But there was no chance of that.“Not with my upbringing, not from where I come from  — the Lettsom Estate in Camberwell, inner London.“Dad a lorry driver, mum a special needs teacher and it was what it was.“No hard story, but my career was the be-all and end-all for my mum and dad because of where we were. Did I ever think I had  huge talent? Never.“Never even contemplated what life was like then, to the position I’m in now. But I’m always conscious of how different it could have been for me.“Those memories of going to Margate are great — but what I also realise now that it was that work inside my dad that became ingrained in me.“That’s what I stand for now. What I’ve always stood for. Working class values — and working as hard as you can. No one really sees that, that core inside me.“I understand what and how the people are at whatever club I am. Working-class people,  just like they are here at Burnley because I’m one of them.“It’s because I’m one of them that I’ll do everything in my power to take this club back up.”He is making a good fist of it too, the Clarets travel to Stoke today sitting in third.And the former West Ham and England midfielder stressed: “Heading off with my dad, they’re my fondest memories because of the fine margins of what it was and where it was.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Core values were instilled in me. They are as strong as ever. There’s been disappointments and triumphs, a roller coaster ride.“But sitting next to my dad in that lorry helped form who I am today and I’m proud of that.” More

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    Real Madrid ‘tell Liverpool they want to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold’ and free transfer could be agreed within weeks

    REAL MADRID have made it clear that they want to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports.The Spanish giants are set to swoop for the Reds full-back, whose Anfield deal expires next summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold is being chased by Real MadridCredit: AlamyWith Alexander-Arnold’s contract winding down, Real Madrid will be free to begin negotiating a pre-contract with the full-back.According to talkSPORT, however, the reigning LaLiga champions have informed Liverpool of their intention to sign their academy graduate, in a bid to be respectful.Carlo Ancelotti’s side view Alexander-Arnold as a long-term successor to Dani Carvajal at right-back.Carvajal, 32, remains at the Bernabeu club but suffered an ACL injury last month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool still hope to convince Alexander-Arnold to pen a new deal to stay at Anfield.But Real Madrid chiefs believe that they can lure the England star to Spain.One factor in their favour could be Alexander-Arnold’s friendship with Jude Bellingham.The pair have developed a close bond during various England camps.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlexander-Arnold has made 325 appearances for his boyhood club since debuting in 2016.He has played a major role in winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and two League Cups.How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-ArnoldThe full-back has remained a key man under new boss Arne Slot, but is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury suffered earlier this month against Aston Villa.Alexander-Arnold could return from his lay-off against Manchester City on Sunday.Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also set to be out of contract at the end of the season.Salah, 32, even admitted last weekend that he was “more out than in” at Anfield.The Egyptian claims to have not yet been made an offer by the Reds.Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk is set to be out of contractCredit: Rex More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea plotting transfer for Ipswich star Liam Delap – but Man City will have major say in next club

    IPSWICH TOWN striker Liam Delap is reportedly attracting interest from some of England’s top clubs.The 21-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic start to life at Portman Road following his summer move from Manchester City.Liam Delap has attracted interest from Man Utd and ChelseaCredit: GettyIn just 12 Premier League appearances for the newly-promoted side, Delap has managed seven goal contributions.He played a crucial role in the club’s 2-1 win over Tottenham earlier this month, scoring once and providing the assist for Sammie Szmodics’ opener.The striker is now widely considered one of the most exciting young prospects in the Prem.Delap’s impressive form has attracted the attention of several clubs – including Manchester United and Chelsea.Read More in FootballBut according to The Athletic, his former club could scupper a deal.Man City generally insert buy-back clauses or matching rights into most sales, meaning they could have a huge say in the striker’s future.Ipswich officials want to keep Delap at Portman Road for as long as possible.However, they might struggle to do so – especially if they are relegated at the end of the campaign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDelap, the son of Prem cult hero Rory Delap, joined Man City’s academy from Derby County in 2019 and made his first team debut the following year.He struggled to establish his spot in Pep Guardiola’s squad and was subsequently sent on three separate loan spells to Stoke, Preston and Hull.Man Utd player ratings vs Ipswich The striker joined Ipswich in a permanent deal worth up to £20million in July and penned a five-year contract.BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy recently suggested he could be Harry Kane’s successor for England.He said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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    Fears over Roy Keane’s future at Sky Sports after confrontation with fan – months after another headbutted him

    ROY KEANE is expected to be in attendance at Anfield for Sky Sports’ coverage of Liverpool vs Manchester City following his confrontation with a fan.But there are fears over his longer-term future with the broadcaster.Roy Keane will be in attendance at Anfield for Liverpool v Man CityCredit: GettyIt comes following a Sky probe into a confrontation between Keane and a fan at Portman Road last weekCredit: https://x.com/adenLFC4lifeThe Manchester United legend was involved in a heated row with a fan at Portman Road following the Red Devil’s clash with Ipswich last weekend.This prompted Sky bosses to launch an investigation into what happened, speaking to Keane and others present including Kelly Cates, Jamie Redknapp and Izzy Christiansen.The result of the probe into the incident is not known.According to the Daily Mail, Sky bosses are said to have sympathy with Keane, 53, following claims some fans “consistently overstepped the mark”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother altercation saw Keane headbutted by a fan at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in September.But there had been growing concerns about Keane’s future at the broadcaster BEFORE the incident, after he revealed his desire to quit punditry.Keane, who is contracted to appear on around 20 Super Sundays per season, has also spoken about moving abroad to Switzerland.Speaking while in Turin on The Overlap On Tour, he said: “In the next couple of years, I reckon I will be moving abroad… putting it out there.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhen Jamie Carragher then asked where he would move to, Keane added: “Do you know what, Switzerland, maybe? Switzerland is beautiful.”Keane cited the incident with the Arsenal fan in contributing to his desire to want to leave the role.Shocking moment Roy Keane & Micah Richards get in ‘heated argument with fan’ during Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Man UtdTalking on Stick to Football, brought to you by SkyBet, he said: “I love football, but the hassle of matches, getting to games, and the hassle of fans.”I was in court a few months ago with somebody head-butting me – do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not.”The games are fine. Getting to the games, parking up, people shouting your name – good stuff, bad stuff – it’s a nuisance.”When Carragher pressed him on whether he will be a pundit in 10 years, Keane added: “Absolutely f***ing not.”But barring a late pull out, he will be returning to TV screens on Sunday for the Premier League clash.The report adds Sky will NOT beef up their security measures following the Ipswich incident.Keane is set to be joined by Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards for the huge clash.Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry. More

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    Fan spots DEAD RAT in puddle under Old Trafford seat as Man Utd’s crumbling stadium hits new low

    A DEAD rat was seen at Old Trafford during Manchester United’s clash with Bodo/Glimt last night, a fan on social media has claimed.The Red Devils hosted the Norwegian side in what was new boss Ruben Amorim’s first home game in charge.A supporter posted this image from Old TraffordCredit: X / @Connor_LomasClub chiefs have recently received a backlash from fans after it was confirmed that ticket prices would be rising to a minimum of £66 for members, regardless of age.And during last night’s match, a social media user claimed that a “dead animal” had appeared beneath their seat.Man Utd have endured several instances of rain water getting through the Old Trafford roof during recent seasons.The social media user, named Connor Lomas, last night posted a picture that appeared to be taken of beneath his seat.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt showed a soaking wet floor, with what appeared to be a dead rat lying there.Tagging several fan accounts, Lomas posted: “#mufc will let anyone in Old Trafford for £66, including dead animals apparently. Block N3401.”The image has been viewed more than 300,000 times on social media.A Man Utd spokesman acknowledged the picture when SunSport went to the club for comment.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe club stress they undergo regular pest control inspections but the stadium’s location next to a railway and canal, as well as the cold weather, can drive pests into buildings. A mouse was also seen on the pitch during last night’s game.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Since purchasing a minority stake in the club earlier this year, Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has begun the process of improving the Red Devils’ home.It is currently being explored whether the club would be better off upgrading Old Trafford at significant cost, or building a new stadium from scratch.Man Utd chiefs have polled supporters over which option they would prefer.Of the 50,000 polled, 52 per cent claimed to be open to a new build, with 31 per cent favouring an Old Trafford redevelopment and 17 per cent unsure.A decision over the project, which could cost up to £2billion, is expected to be made in early 2025.A mouse was seen on the pitch at Old Trafford last nightCredit: GettyOld Trafford has had several flooding incidents in recent yearsCredit: PAThe roof at Old Trafford has struggled with containing heavy rainfallCredit: Getty More

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    Maurizio Sarri on regret at quitting Chelsea, love for an unlikely star and why he can’t quit addiction to fags and Prem

    THERE ARE two habits that Maurizio Sarri cannot kick – cigarettes and his love of English football.The vastly experienced Italian manager deeply regrets the decision to walk away from Chelsea after just one season. And he wants to put things right.Maurizio Sarri won the Europa League during his one year in charge of ChelseaCredit: Getty – ContributorThe Italian memorably enjoyed a smoke on the sidelinesCredit: AP:Associated PressHe also forged a reputation for his brand of ‘Sarri ball’ footballCredit: Alamy Live NewsDespite guiding the club to the Europa League title, a top four finish and a Wembley final, chain-smoker Sarri ‘panicked’ and headed home for safety’s sake.The gradual breakdown of former owner Roman Abamovich’s deteriorating relationship with the UK government was behind him asking to leave just when he should have been negotiating a new contract.Sarri is still puffing away as he talks exclusively to SunSport about his unfinished business with the Premier League. And more importantly, whether he would pack up fags because stadiums over here are no-smoking arenasIn answer to that question, he declared: “No.”READ MORE CHELSEAHe then goes into great depth detailing why he felt he had to leave Chelsea despite winning a European trophy in his one and only season.Russian Abramovich had his UK visa revoked. Technical director Michael Emenalo had quit the year before Sarri arrived.Transfer guru Marina Granovskaia was left juggling several roles – and it scared Sarri.He said: “I could have stayed at Chelsea.Most read in Football“I wanted to come back to Italy because the situation at Chelsea was not easy. In that period Abramovich was not allowed to go to England. I only saw him at games abroad. We had some telephone calls but not very often.“My point of reference was only Marina. There wasn’t a sporting director so the situation was not so clear. So I wanted to come back to Italy but it was a mistake.’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errors“It would have been better to stay there. I was a little worried about the situation with Chelsea, the situation inside the club. It was not clear.“I asked Marina if it was possible to go back to Italy and Marina asked for some money from Juventus to set me free.“They said if I wanted to stay at Chelsea it was possible. But at the end of the season with Chelsea it was a good experience and good results.“We got third place in the Premier League table, reached the final of the Carabao Cup and won the Europa League. We played a lot of good matches.“Of course at times there were two or three disasters, like at Manchester against City, like at Bournemouth.“Now I am ready to start again. I don’t know where at the moment. But me and the staff are ready.”Sarri has a tricky relationship with Chelsea owner Roman AbramovichCredit: AP:Associated PressA year after leaving Chelsea, Sarri won the Serie A title with JuventusCredit: GettySarri faced an uphill battle to convince Chelsea fans that his possession-based philosophy, or ‘Sarriball’ as it has become known, suited the blood and thunder of the Premier League.His team was trounced 6-0 at Manchester City and 4-0 by lowly Bournemouth during his sole year in charge. But there is no arguing with the end result.Sarri left Chelsea and went on to win Serie A with Juventus the following season. Then a proud second-placed finish with Lazio in 2023.He said: “I managed at the top level. We won the Scudetta with Juve but it is not the same as the Premier League.“England is the top level for players, for teams, for clubs, for stadiums, for fans. For everything. So I’d like to come back.“If I had a team and had the opportunity to be the coach of a team at the same level I think that I could do even better.“If Chelsea were able to get into the top four then my football must have been suitable. Probably the disaster at Manchester and Bournemouth made the fans unhappy about my situation and my football. But I think it was a feeling for a couple of months, no more.”Sarri on his favourite Chelsea playerMAURIZIO SARRI was blessed with a galaxy of stars during his one year as Chelsea boss.Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cesc Fabregas, Olivier Giroud, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho among them.But the Italian has a special place in his heart for an unlikely lad in Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who came so close to making it big with The Blues but is now with AC Milan in Sarri’s homeland.Sarri said: “I loved them all; Luiz, Rudiger, Azpi. But for me one very important player in my season was Loftus. Very, very important. I think he could have done more.“But the injuries were a really big problem for him. He had to go 11, 12 months without playing.“Then it takes another season to reach the same level as before. It is a big thing for one but I think in time he will reach a great level.”Silky midfielder Loftus-Cheek came through the Chelsea ranks and over nine years managed just over 150 Premier League appearances.But nightmarish issues with his Achilles tendon in particular got in the way. He ruptured it playing in a Holocaust Memorial match for Chelsea in Boston.Sarri said: “I hope now there is a great future for him. He deserves it. Achilles was a big, big problem for him.”Sarri also believes current Chelsea boss and fellow countryman Enzo Maresca has settled the club down after several dramatic years off the pitch and in the transfer market with 43 registered first team players at one point.Sarri said: “The situation at the beginning of the season was difficult with so many players but for sure he is doing a good job.“My feeling now is that Chelsea are becoming a team again now- not 11 good players. My feeling is that the future for Chelsea could be good. A winning future I think.“Maresca is an Italian coach but is more an international coach. Maresca in Italy worked only for one or two seasons, no more. He has worked more in Italy than in England.“He is a very young coach. We have to wait I think but at the moment the work at Chelsea is going well. He has the possibility to become one of the best in Europe.”Two Premier League managers have already been sacked this season – Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and Steve Cooper from Leicester.It is at this time of year that top flight clubs start getting twitchy.Julen Lopetegui at West Ham and Russell Martin at Southampton must be looking over their shoulders.At Chelsea, Sarri used a terrace next to his first floor office at the training ground for smoking.His only requirements from any new club are an outside space and potential.Sarri said: “It is very important to get 101 percent from your team. This is more important than winning a cup, a trophy, or the Premier League.“To get 101 percent from the players, the team as a whole. It is better than winning. Real Madrid can win with 98 per cent of the potential of the team. The real win is getting 101 per cent of the potential.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I wanted to leave Chelsea – but only because of a particular situation. Not because of England. “I want to be a coach again.” More

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    Wladimir Klitschko’s bold plan to return to boxing at 48 revealed and why it could be scuppered by Mike Tyson

    WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO’s stunning plans to return to the ring have been scuppered by Mike Tyson, it’s been claimed.The former unified heavyweight champion retired from boxing in August 2017, four months after suffering an 11th-round KO loss in a classicWembley war with Anthony Joshua.Former unified heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko was reportedly set to return to the ring aged 48Credit: AP’Dr Steelhammer’ was said to have been in line to fight Brit champ Daniel DuboisCredit: REUTERSBut plans are said to have been shelved after Mike Tyson’s ring return against Jake PaulCredit: GETTYRumours of a shock ring return, however, have swirled over the last few years.And this week it was claimed the Ukrainian was plotting to lace up his gloves again next year at the ripe old age of 48.According to The Daily Mail, he recently entered negotiations to fight IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in a shock showdown.They claim Team Klitschko threw their hat into the ring to be Dubois’ next opponent following his September slaying of Joshua at Wembley.READ MORE BOXING NEWSBut talks are said to have been scrapped in the wake of former undisputed heavyweight champion Tyson’s display in his ring return against Jake Paul earlier this month.Tyson looked every bit his 58 years and landed very little in his eight-rounder with the YouTuber.And the beloved American, who hadn’t fought professionally in over 19 years, was at times seemingly carried by the crossover star.Tyson’s performance would have served as a stark warning to any ageing legend considering a comeback, Klitschko included.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWladimir Klitschko retired from boxing in August 2017 – a little over three months after losing his Wembley showdown with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Splash NewsDubois and his team are said to have rebuffed the possibility of welcoming Klitschko back to the ring.The Greenwich gladiator’s next fight looked set to be a rematch with former two-unified heavyweight champion Joshua, who he knocked out in the fifth round of their domestic dust-up.Tyson Fury fans chant ‘you big dosser’ at boxing legend Wladimir KlitschkoFebruary 22 was the targeted date for the proposed rematch before AJ was convinced by his team to rest and recover from niggling injuries.Dubois, however, is still being lined up to compete on that date.According to reports, his second defence of the IBF strap is set to come against the in-form Joseph Parker.Former WBO titleholder Parker has rattled off five straight wins since being brutally stopped by Joe Joyce in September 2022.The Kiwi killer has scored upset victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang in his resurgence, the first of which scuppered a two-fight series between ‘The Bronze Bomber’ and Joshua. More