More stories

  • in

    Derek Chisora meets former Anthony Joshua opponent at Man Utd clash after calling him out for last ever fight

    HEAVYWEIGHT stars Derek Chisora and Francis Ngannou teased a potential bout after bumping into each other at Old Trafford on Thursday.The two boxers were in attendance for Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt.Derek Chisora and Francis Ngannou bumped into each other at Old TraffordCredit: Instagram / derekwarchisoraChisora teased a potential boutCredit: Instagram @derekwarchisoraChisora took to Instagram to share some photos of the evening before including Ngannou in a video. Panning to the MMA icon, he said: “Look who I bumped into people.”He then appeared to hint at a potential fight, adding: “Can’t say much. We can’t say much.”Chisora this week admitted that he wants to face Ngannou in his 50th and final fight in Africa next year.Read More in BoxingHe told talkSPORT: “Another push I’m trying to get through is a fight with Ngannou – in Africa.”I want to push that. If I can get Francis Ngannou in Africa for our own African people to see us perform, instead of us performing in European countries and Saudi, it will give just a little bit of a taste to our young and upcoming talent in Africa to see African warriors go at it.”Chisora and Ngannou posed for pictures together in the stands at Old Trafford before the Europa League match.They held up United shirts that were gifted to them by the club.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd went on to win 3-2 against Bodo/Glimt thanks to a brace from Rasmus Hojlund.Before his proposed fight with Ngannou, Chisora is set to face Otto Wallin in February.Derek Chisora unveils plan for shock career change once he’s retired from boxing but plans dream 50TH fight first He was originally expected to fight Jarrell Miller on the night, but talks collapsed following a contractual dispute. More

  • in

    ‘I can tap into a lot of expertise,’ says Frank Lampard as new Coventry boss reveals dinner dates with other managers

    FRANK LAMPARD’S hunger for knowledge saw him arrange regular dinner-dates with some of the best brains in football.And gave him plenty of food for thought ahead of his return to management.Frank Lampard has been hired as the new manager of CoventryCredit: GettyLampard picked the brains of top coaches like Pep Guardiola during his break from footballCredit: GettyLamps takes charge of Coventry City for the first time today when they host Cardiff City at the CBS Arena.And he revealed how he used his 18 month sabbatical from football to gorge himself on a feast of football expertise.He said: “I’m probably fortunate, after a long career as a player and my roots, I can tap into a lot of expertise and other people’s experiences.”During my time out I stayed very close to other managers that are working in the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’ve had dinners with Thomas Frank and Roy Hodgson, people I have a lot of respect for as managers and also Gareth Southgate before the Euros.”I was very lucky, I went up to work in a bit of a media capacity with Manchester City and Pep [Guardiola] invited me in and we had an hour-long chat.”I went to see Thomas Frank and the work he is doing at Brentford.”It’s always enlightening when someone sees the game differently from you, so I’ve done a lot of that sort of stuff.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But, if I’m honest, the main thing I’ve done is watch a lot of games.”I’ve also gone over a lot of things I’ve done in my training and planning for what may come next.Fans spot Frank Lampard do his trademark face change as clip of his first day at Coventry training emerges”I’ve watched a lot of games where teams have tried to do something different and I tap into it.”I watch back games from the weekend, predominantly Premier League games and Championship games.”I’ve been watching matches from a wide angle and it kind of takes some of the excitement out of it with the noise off.”But for me tactically, it’s good to do.”Coventry fans looking for clues about how Lampard will set up the Sky Blues will be interested to discover the teams and coaches who have impressed their new boss most during his watching brief.And Lamps gave a hint that he might Cherries-pick some of the best bits from Bournemouth.He said: “I actually played with Andoni Iraola in New York and watched a lot of what Bournemouth are doing.Frank Lampard’s managerial recordHere’s a look at Lampard’s record as a manager…Derby County May 2018 – July 2019P57 W24 D17 L16 Win percentage 42.1%Chelsea July 2019 – January 2021P84 W44 D17 L23 Win percentage 52.4%Everton January 2022 – January 2023P44 W12 D17 L24 Win percentage 27.3%Chelsea (caretaker) April 2023 – May 2023P11 W1 D2 L8 Win percentage 9.1%Overall: P288 W132 D72 L16 Win Percentage 45.83%”Some of their off the ball work – and how aggressive they are off the ball, I loved that.”I also watched a lot of Ipswich last year and was obviously interested in what was happening there.”Credit to the manager and coaches for what they’ve done.”I went into areas where something interests me – Aston Villa, for example.”You can definitely look at what other people are doing but it’s important as a manager you have your own ideas.”I want to play exciting football. What coach would sit here and say the opposite of that?Lampard’s appointment is a kick in the teeth to Coventry faithful – fan’s viewBy Alex JohnsonIt was always going to be tough to fill the boots of a club legend like Mark Robins, a manager who provided many Sky Blues’ with their best-ever memories supporting the club, but the arrival of Frank Lampard has gone down like a lead balloon among the Cov faithful.In his Q&A appearance with fans after firing Robins, owner Doug King emphasised his intention to bring in a tactically minded head coach to get the best out of what is the most expensively assembled squad in Coventry City history.To end up with Lampard, whose former assistant Jody Morris received a lot of the credit for his success at Derby County, feels like a kick in the teeth. This isn’t someone who has won league titles or been praised for his brilliant style of football in the slightest.Coventry fans will get behind Lampard and give him a chance. But to suggest he is an upgrade on Mark Robins after one playoff finish and a 9.1% win percentage in his last job is laughable.”I’ve got belief in the squad. I want us to be exciting to watch in an attacking sense.”I also want us to be very difficult to play against without the ball and win the ball back as high as we can.”Hopefully the proof will be in the pudding.”Lampard is desperate to get off to a winning start against fellow strugglers Cardiff City today.But he warned: “This is the Championship so you have to have complete respect for your opponent.”Cardiff will be wounded after losing at home to QPR in midweek and we know they’ll be fighting.”We also know they have a manager (Omer Riza) who’s very keen to put his imprint on the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been able to watch them a bit and they do some interesting things in terms of how they play.”So our only focus right now is on Cardiff and trying to give our lads confidence to produce consistency in our work.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

  • in

    TikTok star HSTikkyTokky hunted by cops after dodging court for Misfits boxing fight in Qatar

    TIKTOK star HSTikkyTokky is being hunted by cops after swerving court for a Misfits boxing match.The controversial influencer – real name Harrison Sullivan – was due to face magistrates after allegedly crashing his £220k McLaren but has fled the country.HSTikkyTokky is on the run after dodging courtCredit: InstagramPolice have issued a warrant for his arrestCredit: Surrey PoliceSurrey Police have issued an arrest warrant for Sullivan, 23, and confirmed he is on the run.A spokesperson said: “Sullivan has links to Essex but is believed to have left the country.”While we request the public’s help to locate him, we are making a direct appeal to Sullivan to return to the UK and cooperate with authorities.”It comes after the Misfits boxer was due to get in the ring with opponent Masai Warrior at a show in Qatar last night.But Sullivan pulled out of the fight after claiming he had injured himself while romping with partner Lillie May.He had earlier shared a video of them enjoying dinner together in Qatar.Sullivan was meant to appear at Guildford Magistrates’ Court charged with a string of driving offences – including failing to stop when his £200,000 McLaren was smashed in a horror crash.Pictures of the car showed the driver side’s door caved in as oil and petrol pour out and smoke fills the air.Most read in BoxingHe is also charged with using a phone while driving and driving without third party insurance.The warrant for his arrest was issued when he failed to show up for the hearing.Sullivan gained enormous popularity on TikTok thanks to his fitness videos and rows with other influencers.He has since become a Misfits boxer after making his debut against George Fenson in August.Anyone with information on his whereabouts can call Surrey Police on 101 quoting PR/45240033550.Sullivan was posting pictures with girlfriend Lillie May from QatarCredit: @hsdubaitokkyThe fitness influencer has been charged with a string of offencesCredit: Instagram/hstikkytokky More

  • in

    Tyson Fury receives ominous body transformation warning from ex-world champ as do-or-die Usyk rematch nears

    TYSON FURY has been warned his drastic body transformation for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk could work against him.Photos emerging from Fury’s training camp appear to suggest he’s carrying more weight for next month’s do-or-die Saudi showdown.Tyson Fury renews his rivalry with Oleksandr Usyk on December 21Credit: PAThe Gypsy King looks to be carrying more weight for the boutCredit: INSTAGRAM@KEVINLERENABut former Brit world champ Duke McKenzie has warned Fury carrying too much size could work against himCredit: GETTYThe Gypsy King may have decided to come in heavier in order to rough Usyk up in their Riyadh rumble.But former Brit world champion Duke McKenzie reckons the added size could end up working against the Wythenshawe warrior.He told GiveMeSport: “If he puts on more weight and thinks to himself ‘I’m going to bully Usyk this time, I’m going to go in and walk him down, I’ll be able to take his shots because I’m that much bigger’, it’s not going to work for him.”He’s going to be slower, he’s going to be more predictable, he’s going to get hit more and a lot sooner…READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK 2″Usyk wins the rematch all day long, I can’t see how Tyson Fury beats him.”Fury’s lifestyle outside of the ring is also a concern for former three-weight world champ McKenzie: “He [Fury] doesn’t live, eat, walk and talk the sport.”But you’re supposed to, in-between fights is where fights are won and lost.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We know Fury blows up, puts on a load of weight between fights and then he has got to get rid of all that weight again.Most read in Boxing”Now, they’re trying to tell us that Fury is going to be bigger and better. Bigger and better isn’t going to beat Usyk. It’s really not.”Usyk Vs Fury 2 Launch Event entrancesMcKenzie reckons Fury doesn’t stand a chance of knocking slick southpaw Usyk out, adding: “This guy is unbeaten, so you have to look for chinks in his armour.”Has this guy got a bad engine? Does he get cut? Does he go down?”Does he have to get up off the floor to win fights? “Usyk doesn’t have to do any of them, he’s never shown any vulnerability.”Fury, 36, suffered a split decision defeat to Usyk in their first desert dust-up in May, in which he was knocked down in the ninth round.And he’s adamant he won’t let the Ukrainian hear the final bell, saying: “I’m going to roll the dice and it’s going to be you or me.Tyson Fury has vowed to be killed or be killed in his rematch with Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTY”Best foot forward and swing away.”I’ve never been afraid to get knocked spark out. I’ve always put it on the line every time.”He continued: “There’s no secret! I’m going in there to knock you out. Because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do.”I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m going to have to take it out of the judges’ hands like I did in America that time [against Deontay Wilder].”And I’ve got to get him out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.” More

  • in

    Major broadcasting change as Formula E returns to free-to-air TV with new-look presenting team

    FORMULA E has announced a major change to its broadcast rights that will see it return to free-to-air TV.The motorsport had previously been shown on BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 before it was effectively placed behind a paywall on TNT Sports for the first time in its 10-year history.Formula E have announced a major partnership with ITVCredit: GettyIt has now been announced it will return to ITV for the 2024/25 season, with live broadcasts and highlights being available on the ITVX app and ITV4.That includes the Season 11 opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on December 7.Formula E chief media officer, Aarti Dabas, said: “We’re delighted to offer UK and Ireland fans even greater access to our incredible championship via our two fantastic media partners – TNT Sport and now ITV – giving them more ways to watch and taking them even closer to the sport.”With our new post-race weekend highlights show on ITV, fans will be able to get bespoke content directly from the paddock helping educate, excite and entertain new and loyal fans alike. READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT”We can’t wait to bring our fans more track-side action and continue to grow the sport.”The channel switch will also see a new-look presenting line-up, with sacked BBC star Jermaine Jenas also dropped from his role on the all-electric racing series.Pioneering presenter Nicki Shields will return to lead the line-up and will become the first-ever female lead presenter in the series’ history.She has been a prominent figure both on and off the track since making her debut in 2014, and was the first female lead commentator for F1 Academy in its 2024 debut season.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOn her new role, Shields said: “I vividly remember my first Formula E race in Beijing 2014, and 10 years later, my passion for the sport remains just as strong.”I’m thrilled to return to Formula E as lead presenter for Season 11. It’s an honour to share the excitement and drama of this incredible sport with fans around the world. Watch moment Brad Pitt ‘faints’ after heavy crash at Las Vegas Grand Prix – but all is not as it seems”With our talented presenting team, we’re committed to bringing viewers closer to the action than ever before. Bring on São Paulo!”She will be joined by racing drivers Billy Monger and Catie Munnings on the team, as well as sports commentator Tom Brooks.Pundits who will appear throughout the season will include David Coulthard, Karun Chandhok, Andre Lotterer, James Rossiter and Alan McNish.Saunders Carmichael-Brown and Alexa Rendell are also returning as pitlane reporters.Formula E’s CEO Jeff Dodds admitted before the London season finale that the move to place the racing series behind a paywall had led to “numbers that have been lower than we wanted”.Pascal Wehrlein was crowned as champion last season, narrowly beating Mitch Evans by six points. More

  • in

    Man Utd star Andre Onana avoided red card due to little-known rule as Bodo/Glimt star reveals referee’s explanation

    ANDRE ONANA avoided a red card against Bodo/Glimt due to a little-known rule.The Cameroonian, 28, was in action as Manchester United came from behind to beat their Norwegian opponents 3-2 in the Europa League.Andre Onana appeared to handle outside the boxCredit: TNT SportsOnana helped his side to a comeback winCredit: GettyLawrence Visser elected not to punish Andre OnanaCredit: RexWith 15 minutes remaining, Onana was involved in a highly contentious moment.As Bodo/Glimt broke forward, the United stopper raced out of his goal.Onana challenged Jens Petter Hauge, with the ball clearly striking his arm and stopping Bodo/Glimt’s attack.Referee Lawrence Visser immediately waved away the visitors’ claims.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision was then cleared by VAR as the game continued.After his side’s defeat, Bodo/Glimt’s skipper Patrick Berg revealed Visser’s on-field explanation for the decision.He told Norwegian broadcaster NRK: “I feel Jens tries to drag the ball past Onana and then it hits his hand.”He [Visser] explains that there is a rule that states that the ball can hit the hand if it is on the ground as a support, then it does not matter.”Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd ratings vs Bodo/GlimtWhile the decision not to send Onana off was correct by the letter of the law, it still left some opposition players with a sour taste.Hakon Evjen added: “It looked like he takes it with his hand now and then, whether there is support or not.Ruben Amorim touched by Old Trafford welcome in win over Bodo/Glimt “It is an open target for Jens at 20 metres, so it is at least debatable.”Man Utd had taken the lead after just 48 seconds via Alejandro Garnacho.But Bodo/Glimt stunned the Old Trafford crowd by turning the game on its head courtesy of strikes by Evjen And Philip Zinckernagel.Rasmus Hojlund levelled on the stroke of half-time, before grabbing what turned out to be the winner on 50 minutes.After the game, Onana caught up with a high-profile compatriot.The goalkeeper beamed as he posed for a snap with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.Onana beams as he poses with Francis NgannouCredit: GettyPatrick Berg revealed the referee’s decision making processCredit: Getty More

  • in

    I’m a Ballon d’Or winner who had the world at my feet but I lost control of my career after bold transfer

    MICHAEL OWEN believes he “lost control” of his career the moment he left Liverpool for Real Madrid.The former England international swapped Merseyside for Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight goal-filled seasons with the Reds.Michael Owen joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight seasons with LiverpoolCredit: PA:Empics SportSome of the Anfield faithful turned on the former academy star after his departureCredit: GETTYOwen believes his departure from the club was the moment he ‘lost control’ of his careerCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe stunning move to the Bernabeu, however, didn’t go to plan as he failed to win a trophy in his sole season with the Galacticos, in which he scored 16 goals in 45 appearances.He returned to England the following summer for a four-season stint with Newcastle before a shock move to Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester United in July 2009.Some of the Kop faithful still resent Owen for joining the Red Devils, although the 44-year-old believes their resentment originally stemmed from him leaving Anfield in the first place.He told The Telegraph: “The moment I chose to go to Real Madrid I lost control of my career and what the perceptions of it are.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I don’t love going to Anfield now because I know I am not loved back.”I tend to only go when I am working. It’s not that I dread going, but for a long time I used to bury my head when driving back to the academy to see friends.”I have told myself since, ‘I should not have been feeling like that.'”People say now, ‘It was because he signed for Manchester United.’ Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichael Owen’s career statsLiverpool: 297 appearances – 158 goals & 49 assistsReal Madrid: 45 appearances – 16 goals & four assistsNewcastle United: 79 appearances – 30 goals & 2 assistsManchester United: 52 appearances – 17 goals & three assistsStoke City: Nine appearances – One goalClub Total: 483 appearances – 223 goals & 58 assistsEngland: 89 appearances: 40 goals & 12 assists”But the whole world knows there has been some history rewritten there.”There was resentment directed at me before then when I played for Newcastle, even though I had a clause in my Newcastle contract that I could re-sign for Liverpool every summer.Michael Owen heartbreakingly admits he prays every single night for cure for rare disease that has blinded his son James“The Manchester United aspect is now an easier stick to beat me with.”But when I came back to Anfield for the first time as a Newcastle player, there were a few hundred, possibly a thousand supporters, booing me.”I can’t forget how I, my parents, and my former Liverpool team-mates felt.”Everyone who understood and appreciated the reality of the situation was disappointed on my behalf.”Owen never had any ambitions of leaving Liverpool, let alone playing abroad, when he was at the peak of his powers.But he would have kicked himself had he not taken the opportunity to play for the European giants.The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner admitted: “I never had big ambitions to play abroad. “Really, but I fit the bill as the type of player they pursued.”If you are scoring goals, are a creative midfielder, or an amazing, unique type of right-back like Trent, you are seen as a marquee signing.“They wanted me with [Luís] Figo, [Zinedine] Zidane, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I looked at that and thought it would have been harder not to score.”I thought long and hard about leaving Liverpool, but in the end something inside told me I would regret it if I didn’t give it a go.”Michael Owen doesn’t ‘love going to Anfield’ any moreCredit: GETTY More

  • in

    Ruben Amorim singles out key Man Utd star who was ‘dead’ as he explains changes in 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt

    RUBEN AMORIM singled out Rasmus Hojlund for praise after his match-winning performance against Bodo/Glimt but revealed the ace was “dead” at full-time.Manchester United emerged as victors from the 3-2 thriller at Old Trafford, with Hojlund scoring twice and proving pivotal to Alejandro Garnacho’s opener.Rasmus Hojlund was ‘dead’ after his match-winning display against Bodo/GlimtCredit: GettyRuben Amorim has said he needs to build the fitness of his playersCredit: RexHojlund, 21, played the full length of the Europa League clash, which is only the second time this season he has completed a match.However, speaking to TNT Sports, Amorim admitted: “We had more chances [than against Ipswich] and were more dangerous. “But we will have to change players.”I felt that Rasmus was dead. Some [players] were really, really tired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We made four substitutions because of the fitness of the players, not because of what was best for the game. “We are in that moment. We need the squad all together and fit.”Amorim was full of praise for the “quality” forward, but had some pointers on where he will need to improve going forward.On the ex-Atalanta star, he said: “He has to improve more. He takes too many touches when he holds the ball.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He connected in transitions very well. He was aggressive in the box for the goals. He is a quality player.”Amorim, 39, confessed to being taken aback by the support he had received from supporters during his first home game in charge of the Red Devils.Manchester United vs Bodo/Glimt: Player RatingsThe ex-Sporting Lisbon boss said: “The first thing is that half of the stadium doesn’t really know me.”I came from Portugal and I have done nothing for this club yet, so the way they make me feel at home is so special.”It’s not after something, it’s before something.”This is something special and I will keep this to the end of my career.”Amorim went bold with his tactics against the Norwegian side, even playing without any recognised centre-backs in the latter stages.He will be hoping to land his first Premier League win next when his team host Everton on Sunday.Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More