Wednesday, 21 October 2026
AFRICA: GHANA SECURES QUALIFICATION FOR 2026 BEACH SOCCER AFCON | AFTER THRILLING 7-4 WIN OVER NIGERIA
Ghana's national beach soccer team, the Black Sharks, have booked their ticket to the 2026 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal after securing a commanding 7-4 victory over arch-rivals Nigeria in the final round of qualifiers.
The result crowns a remarkable qualification campaign for the Sharks, who showed grit, flair and clinical finishing to overcome one of the continent's traditional powerhouses and return to Africa's biggest beach soccer stage.
After a tightly contested first leg, the Black Sharks went into the decisive clash knowing only a win would guarantee qualification.
From the first whistle, Ghana set the tone. Playing with pace and confidence, the team pressed high and moved the ball quickly, forcing Nigeria onto the back foot. The Sharks raced into an early lead and managed the game superbly, responding every time Nigeria threatened a comeback.
The 7-4 scoreline reflects Ghana's attacking intent and improved defensive organisation -- an area the technical team had prioritised in the build-up to the qualifiers.
Qualification for Senegal 2026 marks a significant milestone for beach soccer in Ghana.
The Black Sharks last featured at the AFCON in 2024 and have since been rebuilding, investing in grassroots development, regional leagues and regular camping aimed at staging a comeback onto the continental stage once more.
The win over Nigeria is not just about qualification; it is a statement that Ghana is ready to compete with the best on the continent.
For Ghana, qualification offers a chance to test itself against the continent's elite, including defending champions Senegal, former champions Egypt and Morocco, with qualification for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup also at stake.
- Ghanaian Tumes
3 WORLD SERIES LESSONS FROM BREWERS' REFULAR SEASON MATCHUP WITH RAYS
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| Mar 30, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) watches his two-run home run off of Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Martinez (28) during the sixth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect |
For a decent projection of the 2026 World Series matchup, the natural first place to look is at how the Brewers and Rays matched up in the regular season. And thankfully for Milwaukee, the results point in their favor. The Brew Crew won two of their three regular-season games against the Rays, all in America's Dairyland, by a nine-run margin — Milwaukee scored 16 runs to Tampa Bay's seven.
Granted, this was so long ago that both teams look completely different by now. They haven't faced each other since early April, and the Rays have undergone a major transformation since that fateful World Series preview. Their bullpen has pulled itself together, and offensively, this team has found a rhythm that will be hard to stymie.
Nonetheless, there are still details to pull from that series that'll surely reflect on this year's World Series matchup and hopefully give us a sign of what's to come.
1. Brewers need to ride the hot hands of William Contreras and Jake Bauers to beat the Rays.
The NLCS MVP, Jake Bauers, began his emergence as Milwaukee's breakout offensive hero with an electric series against the Rays, hitting three balls and scoring three runs, including a home run, in 10 at-bats versus Tampa Bay. The same could be said for star catcher William Contreras, who rocked four hits, including a home run for two RBIs in 12 chances in that series.
It's only right for Bauers and Contreras to finish their season the same way they started it — cooking at the plate against the Rays, with all the confidence in the world and the support of Milwaukee behind them. It's almost certainly a recipe for offensive success.
2. Brice Turang can change the narrative of his playoffs facing Tampa Bay in the World Series.
It hasn't been an easy postseason run for one of the best second basemen in baseball, despite showing his chops defensively as an elite fielder in a vital position. But offensively, Turang has struggled in the postseason, batting just .222 for six hits in 27 plate appearances. But if he can channel some of what worked for him in the regular season against Tampa Bay, when he hit three balls in eight at-bats for four RBIs and three walks, he can wipe the slate clean and start anew.
3. If history repeats itself, Milwaukee's pitchers don't need to be perfect to win against the Rays.
These weren't the best games for the Brewers' bullpen, allowing multiple runs in every game and seven in the series. But Milwaukee's steadfast defense and consistent strikeout potential kept them in every game, every inning, limiting Tampa Bay's explosive innings that helped them get to this point in the postseason.
Starters Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson allowed a combined eight hits in 11 innings, but only three earned runs in total. And frankly, they should both be far more confident and prepared for this outing than they were in their first go-around against the Rays. So if they can channel some of that same energy, the Brewers have a serious shot at winning their first World Series in franchise history.
- Dylan Carter
F1 US GRAND PRIX: ALL SPECIAL LIVERIES REVEALED
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| Haas US GP special livery © Haas |
A number of teams will use special liveries at the US GP
A number of teams will run special one-off liveries this weekend at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
The US Grand Prix returned to the F1 calendar at the Circuit of the Americas in 2012, with the series last racing in the country in 2007 at Indianapolis before that.
The annual US Grand Prix at COTA has become one of the biggest events on the calendar, particularly since Liberty Media took over ownership of F1 in 2017.
With so much attention on the US Grand Prix now, teams lean into the event with special livery designs. Here are all of the ones confirmed so far.
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| Haas US GP special livery © Haas |
Haas - Godzilla promotion
The Haas F1 team is one of two American outfits competing at COTA this year.
It will run a one-off livery for the event, though with a theme that has absolutely nothing to do with its home race.
Partnering once again to promote Godzilla Minus Zero, the squad ditches its usual red, white and black colour scheme for a more blue-dominated design.
The livery also features Godzilla on the engine cover. It’s the second time this season Haas has used a Godzilla design, having done so at the Japanese Grand Prix.
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| Mercedes US GP livery © Mercedes |
Mercedes - MANUFAKTUR
Mercedes has been hot on special liveries lately, running a mint green design at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia as a nod to its title partner Petronas.
For this weekend’s US Grand Prix, the Silver Arrows will tweak its design, rather than overhaul it in the same way Haas has done.
To mark its MANUFAKTUR cross-brand car customisation programme, Mercedes will add dashes of blue to its livery for the COTA race.
George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who could win the championship this weekend, will also sport new race suit designs to go along with the livery.
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| Cadillac US GP livery © F1 |
Cadillac - American West
Cadillac will be making its second visit to its native US this season at the United States Grand Prix, following the Miami round earlier this season.
While Miami was still a home round, this weekend is Cadillac’s first official US Grand Prix as a manufacturer on the F1 grid.
And to mark the occasion, the team is sporting a design inspired by the American West.
The usual white and black colour scheme has been accentuated by embroidery-inspired patterns to resemble stitched clothing.
- Lewis Duncan
FERRARI'S 2026 AUSTIN GRAND PRIX SUITS INSPIRED BY ULTRAMAN π₯
For the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Ferrari has prepared a special white-heavy race suit for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, featuring significantly more white than the team's traditional kit, white racing shoes, and text on the suits that points to a one-off HP special livery for the SF-26 at Circuit of the Americas with Ultraman inspired suits.
Ultraman is a Japanese science fiction media franchise created by Eiji Tsuburaya and produced by Tsuburaya Productions that launched in 1966 with the live-action television series Ultra Q and Ultraman.
Key Franchise Details
• Core Concept: Giant alien superheroes from Nebula M78 (the "Land of Light") protect Earth from giant monsters (kaiju) and alien invaders.
• Original Hero: The first Ultraman bonded with human host Shin Hayata of the Science Special Search Party (SSSP), transforming using a device called the Beta Capsule.
• Signature Abilities: The Spacium Beam, an energy blast formed by crossing the arms in a plus/minus configuration.
• Major Formats: Spans decades of television shows (such as Ultra Seven, Ultraman Taro, and Ultraman Z), films, and modern media like the Ultraman Manga and Netflix 3DCG Anime Adaptation
Ultraman spirit will be with Ferrari at Circuit of the Americas π₯
AUTOPSY ATTRIBUTED HYRON ANDREWS' DEATH TO TORN ARTERY - LIONS
South Africa rugby player Hyron Andrews died of natural causes with the cause of death found to be caused by an aortic dissection, an autopsy has found.
Andrews, 31, died on Friday on the eve of the Lions' Champions Cup match with La Rochelle in France. Reports said he was found unconscious in a shower cubicle at the team's hotel.
An autopsy has since been carried out, with his club the Lions saying "Hyron's death was found to be caused by an aortic dissection. This dissection most likely occurred on an aortic aneurysm."
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| Hyron Andrews. Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images for Sale Sharks |
Andrews' body remains in France awaiting repatriation.
"The French authorities, who conducted the autopsy and, in whose care Hyron's body currently remains, described the cause of death as "a tear in the aorta [due to natural causes,] which led to a significant accumulation of blood within the sac surrounding the heart"," the Lions' statement continued.
The statement added: "The Andrews family asks for respect, privacy and patience during this difficult time as the repatriation process begins."
Andrews spent two and a half seasons at Sale Sharks and joined the Lions ahead of the 2026-27 season. His team played the match on Saturday just a day after he died in his honour.
- Tom Hamilton
JOSHUA KIMMICH STATEMENT RELEASED AFYER SUFFERING TRAGIC LOSS HOURS BEFORE ARSENAL CLASH
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| EPA |
Bayern Munich have released a statement confirming the devastating news hours before the Champions League fixture.
Bayern Munich have released a statement confirming that Joshua Kimmich will not play against Arsenal due to a death in the immediate family.
German champions Bayern Munich host Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday night, but they will be without a key player in Kimmich due to a personal tragedy.
Various reports have confirmed that the midfielder's father, Berthold, has passed away at the age of 57, with Bayern releasing a statement confirming the tragic news.
Bayern Munich release statement after Joshua Kimmich's dad passes away
Ahead of the Champions League clash with Arsenal, Kimmich missed training for personal reasons, which Bayern have now confirmed to be a death in his immediate family.
"Due to a death in his immediate family, Joshua Kimmich is not in the squad today for the match against Arsenal London," Bayern wrote in a club statement.
"On behalf of the family, we ask that his privacy and grief be respected, and that further inquiries and reporting be refrained from.
"In deep sympathy, the entire FC Bayern stands by Joshua Kimmich's side."
Later reports from various outlets have revealed the death to be Kimmich's father, who he is said to have been very close to.
The news comes just one week after Ateltico Madrid captain Koke was forced to miss their Champions League meeting with Manchester United following the sudden death of his mother, Ana Merodio Borja.
Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise ruled out with Vincent Kompany a doubt
The devastating news means Bayern Munich will be without two key players for the Arsenal clash with Michael Olise also absent due to a one-match ban after he was sent off against Viking in their Champions League opener.
Manager Vincent Kompany could also miss the match after it emerged that a virus has left him in pain when he walks.
Speaking about the illness,, Kompany's assistant coach Aaron Danks said on Tuesday: "It has affected his legs, yes. He has had pain in his legs.
"The most important thing for him now is to rest and I don't know if he will be ready tomorrow or in two or three days' time.
"Getting him to rest is hard. He's a leader. But it's a virus and it's really important that he rests.
"He is at home at the moment but I am in constant communication with him and he will be involved tomorrow, whether that's at the Allianz or not I don't know at the moment."
- Ben McCrum
MAN UNITED MAKE LISANDRO MARTINEZ TRANSFER DECISION AFTER HITTING OUT AT CLUB CHIEFS
After Lisandro Martinez publicly lambasted Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox, the club has reportedly made a decision about his future
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| Lisandro Martinez's future at Manchester United has reportedly become clearer(Image: Aidan Hunter/Action Plus/Shutterstock) |
Lisandro Martinez will leave Manchester United next summer, according to reports. Martinez, 28, found himself in the headlines when he publicly lambasted United director of football Jason Wilcox.
He specifically earmarked Wilcox after United's 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Martinez blasted him and the club for not signing enough players last summer, saying "I expect more from our technical director" in a jaw-dropping post-match interview.
Martinez was fined by the club before issuing a public apology for the interview. He also held clear the air talks with Wilcox, club CEO Omar Barrada and United manager Michael Carrick.
He is now expected to leave next year. According to the Daily Mail, it's unlikely the 2022 World Cup winner will sign a new contract before his current deal expires in September 2027.
United will be reluctant to let him leave as a free agent, so the club are expected to trigger a 12-month extension in his deal so they can extract a transfer fee next summer.
United are expected to overhaul their defence, in the same way they invested in their attacking line in 2025 and their midfield this year.
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| Martinez blasted Wilcox after United lost to Atletico(Image: AFP via Getty Images) |
There is also uncertainty regarding the futures of club stalwarts Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire. The latter is in a similar position to Martinez, in that his deal expires next summer and the club hold an extension clause in his deal.
The same cannot be said for Shaw, as there is no such clause in his deal, which is also set to expire next summer. United had been in the market for a new left-back and were linked with Newcastle United defender and England international Lewis Hall.
United tested the waters but Newcastle rebuffed any approach from the Reds, insisting Hall was not going anywhere. In regard to central defenders, United do still have Matthijs de Ligt, who has not played since November 30 last year due to a recurring back injury which eventually required surgery.
The Dutchman has been in the squad for United's last two matches, and it's understood the club still see him as a big figure in the dressing room. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are both seen as long-term options, but are raw and inexperienced.
Martinez was included in United's starting XI for the 1-1 draw away to Leeds United, but he was taken off at half time with an injury. He has been at the club since the summer of 2022, when he arrived from Ajax in a deal worth £57m.
The Argentine has been important for United, albeit his last two campaigns have been disrupted by a cruciate ligament and a calf injury, which saw him miss dozens of matches.
- Patrick Austen-Hardy
PSG STAR HAILED AS THE 'MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER OF ALL TIME' AFTER BARCELONA WIN
Fabian Ruiz scored PSG’s fourth goal in a 4-2 win over Barcelona
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| PSG star hailed ‘most underrated player of all time’ after Barca win Fabian Ruiz (left) celebrates his goal against Barcelona AP |
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz has been hailed as the “most underrated player of all time” after scoring in the Champions League holders’ statement 4-2 victory over Barcelona.
Ruiz tapped home PSG’s fourth after the French giants were pegged back twice in their win at the Parc des Princes, first by Xavi Espart before Lamine Yamal produced his latest moment of magic to level in the 79th minute.
Vitinha’s strike two minutes later gave PSG the lead once again and it didn’t take much longer for Ruiz to put the game out of sight, finishing Achraf Hakimi’s cross.
“He could be the most underrated player of all time, Fabian Ruiz,” said Joe Cole on TNT Sports. “He’s won everything in the game, Champions League, does his job, and what I would say is they look a stronger side with him in.”
Ruiz came into the season off the back of winning the World Cup with Spain, being an integral figure in midfield alongside Rodri.
PSG winger Desire Doue, who brilliantly fired in the opener in Paris, was delighted with his side’s performance.
“The atmosphere was crazy tonight,” he said. “We did a great job because we won obviously but we’re really happy with the content of the match.
“We did some amazing things, we never quit and when you win against one of the biggest teams in Europe you are really happy so we are really happy tonight. I’m always happy when I can help the team.
“Every game you say that we send a message, I don’t know. We just try and play the best football we can and we did a great job tonight.”
PSG return to action this weekend against Ligue 1 leaders Lyon, who are above them in the table on goal difference.
- Will Castle
Tuesday, 20 October 2026
MIKEL ARTETA COULD MAKE FIVE ARSENAL CHANGES FOR BAYERN MUNICH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLASH
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| Myles Lewis-Skelly could be recalled to the Arsenal starting line-up (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) |
Arsenal have won both of the Champions League games they have played this season but on Wednesday face one of the tournament favourites in Bayern Munich.
An away win at Napoli was followed by a 3-0 victory over Lille at Emirates Stadium last week but Mikel Arteta now must try and navigate past the German giants at the Allianz Arena. Speaking after Sunday's 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, Arteta called on his team to be ready.
"I think it depends on the game and the way the opposition wants to play," the Gunners boss said on grinding out results. "Today was a different one to Lille, and will be extremely different to three days’ time against Bayern Munich, which will be 96 minutes man-to-man, and let’s go. But we adapt, learn, and try to make the margins bigger."
Vincent Kompany will want a response from his team after they could only draw to Viking FK last week. The Bundesliga side did smash five goals past Bodo/Glimt on the opening matchday, though, but will be without Michael Olise against Arsenal after he was sent off against Viking.
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| Noni Madueke fired Arsenal to glory against Nottingham Forest |
Bayern have had one extra day of rest as they played on Saturday, with Luis Diaz netting a hat-trick in a 6-1 rout of RB Leipzig. Arteta may want to freshen things up then and that could start at right-back. Ben White started Sunday's vital win at the City Ground but could take his place on the bench if Jurrien Timber is fancied from the start.
It will be interesting to see if Riccardo Calafiori is also given a rest. The Italian played the whole 90 minutes in Nottingham but Myles Lewis-Skelly could come in at left-back. The Hale Ender impressed against Lille and would offer fresh legs given he did not come off the bench at the weekend.
In midfield, it was Bruno Guimaraes, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard from the off in Nottingham. You would think Martin Zubimendi starts, possibly for Guimaraes, as Arteta may want to keep Rice and Odegaard in the team given their experience and quality.
Moving to the front three, Bukayo Saka will most definitely start and Noni Madueke has probably done enough to start on the left given his heroics against Forest. It's a toss up between Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz for the striker role and the Swede may just edge it given he has started the two previous Champions League matches.
Possible Arsenal team to face Bayern Munich (changes from Nottingham Forest in bold): Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke.
- Sam Truelove
Monday, 19 October 2026
EAGLES FANS SEETHING AS TERRIFYING DETAILS OF JALEN HURTS' BLOOD CLOT SITUATION SURFACE
Philadelphia Eagles and NFL fans furiously questioned why quarterback Jalen Hurts was allowed to play in a game just days after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his leg
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| Eagles fans are dumbfounded by the decision to allow Jalen Hurts to play despite his terrifying injury situation(Image: Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) |
Philadelphia Eagles are seething over the terrifying details of quarterback Jalen Hurts’ injury situation.
Hurts has officially been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 NFL regular season after missing the Eagles’ Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers due to a blood clot in his left calf.
The injury, which Hurts sustained after taking a cleat to his calf in Philadelphia’s Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, was discovered by the team’s medical staff prior to his next game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 11 in London, England. New details have now emerged about Hurts’ hospital stay prior to that game.
The Eagles star was advised by doctors not to fall asleep as it posed a risk to his health, so Hurts stayed awake for roughly 36 hours before taking the field against Jacksonville.
He then played the entire game and threw for 220 yards and a touchdown in a 19-17 loss. Afterwards, new scans revealed that the blood clot had moved, forcing the Eagles to rule him out indefinitely.
Further imaging over the weekend showed that Hurts has several blood clots in his lungs and will go on blood-thinners, effectively ruling him out for the rest of the season.
The scary diagnosis, which FOX’s Jay Glazer smartly characterized as a “life situation” and “not a football situation,” prompted NFL and Eagles fans to furiously question who cleared Hurts to play against the Jaguars after the blood clot was first discovered.
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| Hurts was cleared to play in the Eagles' Week 5 game in London after a blood clot was discovered in his calf(Image: Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) |
“Why on earth was Jalen Hurts allowed to play in London vs. the Jaguars?” NFL insider Ari Meirov asked on X.
“I need a full investigation into who allowed Jalen Hurts to play and get on a plane with a blood clot. @Eagles football isn’t this important. @NFL,” added another X user.
Another fan chimed in on the matter, writing, “Jalen Hurts was told by doctor not to sleep after his initial diagnosis of a superficial blood clot while in London. Hurts stayed awake for roughly 36 hours before starting against the Jaguars… !! This is beyond sickening FIRE EVERY STAFF MEMBER.”
“If I’m Jalen Hurts I’m refusing to play for the eagles again. Whole organization played with his life,” wrote a fan.
“THEY TOLD Jalen Hurts NOT TO SLEEP. YET THEY STILL LET HIM PLAY. Are you kidding me right now???? FIRE THE ENTIRE @Eagles MEDICAL STAFF NOW. THIS IS BLATANT MALPRACTICE,” wrote Jesse Morse, a sports medicine physician who regularly offers his commentary on social media about NFL player injuries.
Hurts is expected to make a full recovery and is anticipated to “have the opportunity to resume contact football activities when off the blood thinners,” wrote his agent, Nicole Lynn.
Hurts, 28, is one of the most successful active quarterbacks in the NFL with a 59-28 regular season record, six playoff victories, two Super Bowl appearances, and one Super Bowl title in less than seven professional seasons.
- David Schneidman
Sunday, 18 October 2026
2026 FIA HYPERCAR WORLD ENDURANCE MANUFACTURES CHAMPIONSHIP
π MANUFACTURERS’ CHAMPIONS π
Toyota Racing secure the 2026 FIA Hypercar World Endurance Manufacturers' Championship title! π
This milestone marks the teams fifth manufacturers’ title in the Hypercar category ππ
#FIA #WEC
Saturday, 17 October 2026
MATCHROOM AND ZUFFA PUSH BOXING TO SIX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Matchroom Boxing and Zuffa are pushing boxing toward seven world championship titles after Eddie Hearn’s promotional company once again described the IBO as a world title, while Dana White continues to promote his own championship belt.
The latest example came on October 16 when Matchroom announced George Liddard’s challenge against Michel Soro for the IBO middleweight title in Monaco on December 12.
The press release opened by declaring that Liddard would challenge for his “first World Title” on one of boxing’s most prestigious nights.
Soro was also described as having reclaimed a world title in June, while Liddard was said to be on the brink of world honors.
At no point did Matchroom distinguish the IBO championship from the four major world titles recognized through the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO.
Matchroom’s IBO Recognition
World Boxing News raised the same issue with Hearn five years ago.
The debate followed Maxi Hughes winning the IBO lightweight championship and signing with Hearn, who described the achievement as picking up “a piece of the 135lbs division.”
Then-IBF champion Sunny Edwards questioned the attention being given to the organization.
“What’s the current obsession with IBO titles on Matchroom shows?” Edwards asked.
Five years later, Matchroom is still using the same approach.
The IBO has operated for decades, and its champions deserve recognition for their achievements. However, the organization has never gained the same standing as the four established major sanctioning bodies.
And there was a time when Anthony Joshua press releases never even mentioned the ‘fifth sanctioning body’ when the Londoner reigned as WBO, WBA, IBF and IBO champion.
Zuffa Makes It Seven
The situation has become more complicated following the arrival of Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.
White introduced his own championship system earlier this year, with Jai Opetaia becoming the promotion’s inaugural cruiserweight champion after defeating Brandon Glanton in March.
Zuffa’s belt operates outside the traditional sanctioning structure, but the promotion continues presenting it as a world championship.
However, to his credit, White has since refrained from adding any further Zuffa belts and has begun recognizing the sanctioning bodies in a massive U-turn.
WBN’s previous analysis included a PBC belt displayed during Sebastian Fundora’s fight week with Keith Thurman, although it appeared ceremonial and has not developed into another recognized championship.
The Ring remains a separate championship recognition system rather than another sanctioning body, leaving the four established organizations, the IBO, the WBA Regular and Zuffa at the center of the current debate.
The WBA Regular World Title
The WBA Regular championship adds another complication because it comes from one of boxing’s four established major sanctioning bodies.
The organization has operated with more than one world champion in the same division, distinguishing its primary titleholder from a secondary Regular champion.
That means the WBA can have two fighters holding belts described as world championships in the same weight class, even though the Regular title is not generally treated as an additional major belt when determining an undisputed champion.
The IBO creates a similar problem to the WBA Regular title, with fighters being presented as world champions despite neither championship carrying the same recognition as the four major belts.
Liddard has earned his opportunity against Soro, and winning the IBO title would be another significant achievement for the unbeaten British middleweight.
However, that does not automatically put the championship on the same level as the four major belts.
Five Years of Title Confusion
The four major organizations still determine the established championship structure, including the belts required to become undisputed champion.
That structure has not officially expanded, but Matchroom’s promotional language, the WBA’s secondary championship and Zuffa’s new belt have brought three additional world-title designations into the conversation.
Five years after WBN challenged Matchroom over the IBO and WBA Regular, the same promotional approach remains.
The difference is that boxing now has Zuffa adding another belt to a problem the sport had already failed to solve. It’s a wonder the fans can keep up if the media can’t.
- Phil Jay
SOURCE SPORTS: BREWERS DETHONE DODGERS WITH NLCS SWEEP, PUNCH FIRST WORLD SERIES IN 44 YEARS
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ dreams of a historic World Series three-peat came crashing down Thursday night at Dodger Stadium, where the Milwaukee Brewers completed one of the most emphatic postseason statements in recent memory. Behind a relentless comeback, timely home runs and another dominant bullpen performance, Milwaukee erased a four-run deficit to defeat Los Angeles 6-4 in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series, sweeping the two-time defending champions and securing the franchise’s first World Series appearance since 1982.
For a Dodgers organization that has spent years establishing itself as the National League’s premier powerhouse, the elimination was more than another disappointing October exit. It was a stunning reversal of fortune against the same Milwaukee club Los Angeles swept out of the NLCS just one year earlier.
The Dodgers appeared determined to avoid elimination early, jumping ahead 4-0 in the second inning. Andy Pages delivered an RBI single before Shohei Ohtani finally broke out of his postseason power drought with a towering three-run home run. The blast, Ohtani’s first since August 18, electrified the Dodger Stadium crowd and briefly suggested that Los Angeles might have enough fight left to extend the series.
Milwaukee had other plans.
The Brewers began chipping away in the fourth inning when Jake Bauers delivered a two-run double, cutting the deficit in half. An inning later, Milwaukee loaded the bases and continued applying pressure, with Bauers drawing a bases-loaded walk that tied the contest at four. The comeback demonstrated the same patient, fundamentally sound approach that helped Milwaukee finish the regular season with Major League Baseball’s best record at 103-59.
The decisive blow came in the sixth inning when Garrett Mitchell launched a go-ahead solo home run off Dodgers reliever Tanner Scott, giving Milwaukee its first lead of the night at 5-4. David Hamilton added insurance with a solo shot in the ninth, providing the Brewers with a two-run cushion heading into the final three outs.
While the offense supplied the comeback, Milwaukee’s bullpen made certain there would be no Hollywood ending for the defending champions. JoJo Romero earned the victory, and left-hander Aaron Ashby delivered a remarkable three-inning save, shutting down the Dodgers’ final opportunities to keep their season alive.
When Jackson Chourio secured the final out in left field, Milwaukee’s dugout emptied onto the Dodger Stadium diamond in celebration of a National League pennant that had eluded the franchise for more than four decades.
Bauers, whose contributions throughout the series proved instrumental in Milwaukee’s offensive success, earned NLCS Most Valuable Player honors after driving in six runs during the four-game sweep. His emergence as a postseason difference-maker epitomized a Brewers roster that repeatedly found production from players outside baseball’s traditional superstar conversation.
The sweep was particularly remarkable because Milwaukee trailed at some point in all four games, yet never allowed Los Angeles to finish the job. The Brewers opened the series with a 2-1 victory at American Family Field, followed with a 7-4 win in Game 2 and took complete control with a 6-2 triumph in Game 3 before Thursday’s comeback completed the humiliation.
For Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, the series exposed offensive inconsistencies that proved impossible to overcome despite a roster loaded with former MVPs, All-Stars and some of the game’s highest-paid players. Los Angeles finished the NLCS just 5-for-43 with runners in scoring position, a staggering .116 average that illustrated its inability to produce timely hits when games were hanging in the balance.
Even Ohtani’s three-run blast in the elimination game couldn’t rescue a lineup that repeatedly failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Dodgers held leads in all four contests but couldn’t secure a single victory against a Milwaukee team that executed more consistently when the pressure intensified.
The result also raises legitimate questions about the balance of power in the National League. Los Angeles entered the postseason pursuing a third consecutive World Series championship, an accomplishment no Major League franchise has achieved since the New York Yankees won three straight titles from 1998 through 2000. Instead, the Dodgers were sent home by a smaller-market organization that relied on player development, situational hitting, aggressive baserunning and bullpen depth to overcome one of baseball’s most expensive rosters.
Under manager Pat Murphy, Milwaukee has built a team whose identity revolves around collective execution rather than individual star power. That philosophy carried the Brewers through a 103-win regular season and ultimately through the National League’s defending champions without suffering a single NLCS defeat.
The accomplishment carries even greater historical significance for Milwaukee, which last reached the Fall Classic in 1982, when Hall of Famers Robin Yount, Paul Molitor and Rollie Fingers helped lead the franchise to its first American League pennant. Those Brewers eventually fell to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.
Forty-four years later, Milwaukee has captured its first National League pennant and will enter the World Series with an opportunity to claim the franchise’s first championship.
The Brewers will now await the winner of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays. Game 1 of the World Series is scheduled for October 23, with Milwaukee holding home-field advantage after finishing with the best regular-season record in baseball.
For Los Angeles, the offseason arrives much earlier than anticipated, along with difficult questions about how a championship-caliber roster failed to win even one game in the NLCS. The Dodgers will undoubtedly remain contenders, but their aura of postseason invincibility has taken a significant hit.
For Milwaukee, the conversation has shifted from whether the Brewers could challenge the Dodgers’ dominance to whether they can finish the job and bring a World Series championship to Wisconsin for the first time in franchise history.
The Dodgers’ three-peat is officially dead. Their National League reign has been interrupted, and the Brewers have taken the pennant with authority.
Now, the Brew Crew is four victories away from baseball immortality.
- Sha Be Allah
Friday, 16 October 2026
DANIEL DUBOIS VS. FABIO WARDLEY 2 WEIGH-IN RESULTS: DUBOIS HAS SLIGHT 5-POUNDS EDGE AHEAD OF FIGHT OF THE YEAR REMATCH
Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley rematch Saturday in London
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| Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley Richard Heathcote, Getty Images |
Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley are ready to run back one of the year’s most brutal battles.
The heavyweight stars successfully weighed in for their bout Saturday, which takes place The O2 in London with Dubois’ WBO championship on the line. Wardley weighed in at 248.3 pounds, six pounds heavier than their first encounter this past May, but Dubois will still enter the ring as the bigger man at 253.9 pounds.
Dubois-Wardley 1 was widely acclaimed as a Fight of the Year candidate after the two big men engaged in a dramatic and bloody duel, with Wardley having Dubois in serious trouble early before Dubois battled back and outlasted Wardley en route to a TKO victory in Round 11. With the win, Dubois claimed the WBO belt for the first time to become a two-time heavyweight champion (after previously holding an IBF belt).
Several other heavyweights compete on Saturday’s card, with undefeated prospect Adam Olaniyan (250.15) holding the biggest weight advantage as he came in 27 pounds heavier than Dan Garber (223.15).
See Dubois vs. Wardley 2 weigh-in results below:
Daniel Dubois (253.9) vs. Fabio Wardley (248.3) — WBO Heavyweight Title Bout
Louie O’Doherty (134.⁵I 12) vs. Michael Gomez Jr. (134.3)
Adam Olaniyan (250.15) vs. Dan Garber (223.15)
Bakhodir Jalolov (255.12) vs. Solomon Dacres (242.9)
Nelson Birchall (134.12) vs. Levi Gilles (134.6)
Fawas Aborode (134.5) vs. Rashid Omar (132.8)
Aaron Noriega (133.14) vs. Leonardo Baez (129.9)
Issiah Hamilton-Allen (158.12) vs. Jensen Irving (159.12)
- Alexander K. Lee
SANCTIONED BILLIONAIRE ALISHER USMANOV PLOTS EVERTON INESTMENT RETURN AMID THE FRIEDKIN GROUP SALE PLANS
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| AFP |
Alisher Usmanov is reportedly plotting a sensational return to Everton following confirmation that the club's current owners are exploring a complete sale. The sanctioned billionaire previously held deep commercial ties to the Merseyside outfit, and fresh revelations suggest he is eager to capitalise on the formal sale process to inject substantial funds into the team once again.
Alan Brazil reveals investment rumours
Russian-Uzbek businessman Alisher Usmanov is actively seeking a way to resume his financial involvement with Everton, according to talkSPORT. Broadcaster Alan Brazil revealed on Friday that the billionaire is monitoring the situation closely as the Merseyside outfit prepare for another potential ownership change.
The current American owners have formally confirmed they are exploring the sale of their controlling stake, seemingly opening the door for former investors. Discussing the unexpected development on air, Brazil stated: "I can't confirm it, but I hear that Usmanov is trying to get back into Everton. He has got some serious, serious money..."
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| Getty Images Sport |
Deep pockets and historic ties
Usmanov boasts a staggering net worth of $14 billion and previously worked closely with former Everton owner Farhad Moshiri. The pair even shared a 14.58 per cent stake in Arsenal before focusing on the Merseyside club. In 2017, Usmanov agreed an £11 million deal for the naming rights at the Finch Farm training ground through his company USM Holdings.
He later expanded his commercial influence by sponsoring the women's team. Brazil added: "Mr Usmanov, who was behind Moshiri, it appears that he's trying to get back in, if he can, to plough a load of dough into Everton."
The Friedkin Group seek suitable successors
The potential return of Usmanov comes as The Friedkin Group have officially put the Toffees on the market just under two years after their December 2024 takeover. The club released an official statement confirming the owners are actively exploring new investment options, including selling a controlling interest.
Emphasising the need for a suitable successor, it read: "We will only entertain interest from parties who we strongly believe will be the right stewards to take the club forward and build on the momentum that has been established."
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| AFP |
What comes next for Everton?
Despite his apparent eagerness, Usmanov faces an immense hurdle due to strict UK Government sanctions imposed in March 2022. With British authorities refusing to lift these restrictions, his immediate return remains practically impossible under current law. Meanwhile, The Friedkin Group will continue to bankroll Everton until the ideal buyer emerges to lead the Merseyside club forward.
- Moataz Elgammal
SERBIAN PLAYER STEFAN MILIΔEVIΔ SUSPENDED UNTIL 2050
A 24-year ban from tennis. π³πΎ
Serbian player Stefan MiliΔeviΔ has been suspended until October 2050 and fined $70,000 by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
The case involves allegations of fixing six matches — including five he played in — and attempting to manipulate six more between 2022 and 2024.
The ITIA also said he was charged with recruiting or attempting to recruit other professional players into a corrupt network.
According to the agency, MiliΔeviΔ did not respond to seven attempts to contact him during its investigation. The sanction took effect on October 9, 2026.
His suspension means he cannot play, coach at, or attend events organised or sanctioned by major tennis governing bodies while the ban remains in force.
The suspension is set to end on October 8, 2050.
A case that raises serious questions about integrity in professional tennis. πΎ
Do you think a 24-year ban is an appropriate punishment?
UCI CANCELS URBAN CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS AMID MISSILE STRIKES ON HOST SAUDI ARABIA
National federations were already pulling out of the event which was due to start on November 3
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| Getty |
The UCI has cancelled the 2026 Urban Cycling World Championships with just over two weeks' notice due to the security situation in the host city of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
Amid a much broader landscape of conflict in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has come under fire from a series of attacks in recent days that have been linked to the Houthi militia movement in Yemen.
In the past 10 days, the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which is where the vast majority of the athletes and staff would have been flying into, has been struck in several separate missile attacks. Both the airport and aircraft have been targeted in the strikes, which have reportedly killed 18 people and injured hundreds more.
Several national federations had already taken the steps to withdraw from the Urban Cycling World Championships, which comprises BMX Freestyle and Trials and was set to run from November 3-7. Australia's federation stated on Friday that it "cannot justify exposing our athletes and staff to these risks", citing government-issued travel advice.
Several hours later, the UCI and the Saudi Cycling Federation announced that the event "will not proceed" anymore.
"The decision follows a joint assessment of recent developments in the region and their impact on the logistical organisation of the Championships," read a statement from the sport's governing body.
"The UCI regrets having to take this decision and expresses its appreciation to the Saudi Cycling Federation for their support and cooperation throughout preparations for the event. It also thanks the athletes, teams and National Federations for their understanding.
"The Saudi Cycling Federation reaffirms its commitment to developing cycling in the Kingdom and strengthening its partnership with the UCI. These efforts aim to support the growth of the sport, broaden participation and continue attracting major international cycling events to Saudi Arabia in the years ahead."
It is not clear whether the UCI will look to rearrange the 2026 Urban Cycling World Championships at some point down the line, or whether it will simply be scrapped for this year.
The event was set to have a direct impact on the qualification pathway for the Olympic Games in 2028 for BMX Freestyle.
The UCI stated it "will communicate shortly on the sporting consequences of this announcement".
The UCI Urban Cycling World Championships were first held in 2017 and took place in Riyadh in 2025 as part of a two-year hosting deal with the Saudi Cycling Federation.
- Patrick Fletcher
GIANNI INFANTINO ISSUES PUBLIC APOLOGY AS FIFA ANNOUNCES MASSIVE $6.35 BILLION INVESTMENT PLAN FOLLOWING WORLD CUP SUCCESS
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| Getty Images |
Gianni Infantino has issued a direct apology following the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich after the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal was permanently scrapped. However, record commercial returns from the 2026 World Cup have allowed the governing body to announce a massive financial boost for member associations.
Massive funding package unveiled
FIFA President Infantino issued a public apology following the latest FIFA Council meeting at the Home of FIFA in Zurich. The chief executive addressed past mistakes regarding the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which has now been permanently withdrawn.
Despite the governance setback, FIFA presented a landmark financial initiative called the FIFA Surplus Solidarity Programme. Driven by exceptional commercial returns from the 48-team 2026 World Cup, the plan will more than double development funding for the 2027-2030 period.
The total support package will reach $6.35 billion, drawing from an estimated cycle surplus of between $5.2 billion and $5.6 billion. Under the new proposal, allocations per FIFA Member Association will rise to $25 million while maintaining $1.7 billion in hard reserves.
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| Getty Images |
Infantino addresses the past
The primary focal point of the meeting centred on the withdrawn FFE initiative, which had drawn sharp criticism from key stakeholders in recent months. Infantino took responsibility for how the project was handled and communicated to the global football community.
"As has been said many times since 2016, FIFA’s money, including its reserves, belongs to the 211 FIFA Member Associations, and the proposal to increase investment across all FIFA Member Associations, confederations and other stakeholders to USD 6.35 billion aims to reinforce our unwavering commitment to further supporting football development and access globally thanks to the outstanding financial result of the FIFA World Cup 2026," Infantino stated
"In ten years since I became FIFA President, we have gone from USD 1 million per FIFA Member Association to USD 25 million each – all across the world. At the same time, I would like to thank everyone who has made suggestions over the past few months on the distribution of FIFA’s funds to our 211 FIFA Member Associations as we need to look forward in a spirit of unity and in the best interests of football."
Governance under the microscope
The FIFA Council confirmed that the FFE initiative will not reappear in any form, with externally appointed lawyers updating members on confidential legal proceedings in the United States. A new working group featuring representatives from across the confederations will now examine FIFA's overall governance framework.
To ensure transparency, the distribution of the $6.35 billion funding will align directly with women's football, youth development, long-term projects, and infrastructure. The plan remains subject to final approval mechanisms to ensure strict control and audit standards.
"We held discussions in relation to the FIFA Forward Enterprise project, where everyone had the opportunity to ask questions and express their views," Infantino said.
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| Getty Images |
Key decisions on horizon
The FIFA administration will now work alongside relevant committees to finalise the eligibility, application, and disbursement rules for the Surplus Solidarity Programme. The full framework will be submitted to the FIFA Council at its next meeting in December 2026.
Several other administrative matters were also progressed during the Zurich summit. The Football Social Responsibility Committee will assess the FIFA Peace Prize, while the Legal Committee conducts a review of disciplinary procedures following Folarin Balogun's suspended ban.
All major proposals, including the expanded funding distribution plan, will ultimately be put forward for formal approval at the 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027.
- Yosua Arya
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