When Russian-Armenian boxer David Avanesyan arrived in England in search of training, he didn’t speak a word of English. On Saturday, February 18, he makes the first defense of his world title.
Category: More Sports
Celtic mark Jansen’s return with a victory as Rodgers expresses pitch concerns
TOWARDS the end of this relatively workaday victory for their team over Motherwell, the Celtic fans offered up a song in praise of Wim Jansen. The Dutchman was back in Glasgow for the match – his distinctive curls made him easy to pick out in a crowd – and he remains a feted figure among the supporters despite spending only a solitary season as manager.
The New Saints’ Paul Harrison warns the Paisley Saints: ‘We’re the Celtic of Wales’
Culture clash: Paul Harrison’s The New Saints will come up against Stephen McGinn’s St Mirren in today’s Irn-Bru Cup semi-final. IF St Mirren think they are to have an easy ride of it in today’s Irn-Bru Cup semi-final simply because their opposition comes from the Welsh Premier League, they may be in for a rude awakening.
The best FA Cup stats
James Tarkowski of Burnley and Matt Rhead of Lincoln City battle to win the ball during The Emirates FA Cup With the help of Opta, we round up the best stats and facts from Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round ties… Lincoln City are just the second non-league side to knock out Premier League opposition, after Luton Town . This is the first time a non-league side has reached the last eight of the FA Cup since QPR in 1913/14 .
Six things you missed from Chelsea’s win over Wolves
Wolves 0-2 Chelsea: Pedro and Costa secure FA Cup progress for Conte’s side as Premier League leaders keep double hopes alive Watson is dragged 500 yards along the street while hanging out of his vehicle following a bungled car theft – 26 years after he was brain-damaged by Eubank Ranieri’s crisis deepens after champions Leicester are dumped out of FA Cup by 10-man League One side Millwall Ibrahimovic has made mockery of those who doubted him… but will he finally end his Champions League curse at United? Bale’s back! Welshman scores on his return from injury to help Real Madrid sink Espanyol and move four points clear I was made to feel like a criminal, says United legend Yorke after he was denied entry to US because of Iranian stamp in his passport What life is REALLY like for a Chelsea kid on loan: ‘I was out of the team and it was difficult.
Sport24.co.za | Guardiola rules out return to Barcelona
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he will never go back to Barcelona as their coach amid growing uncertainty about present incumbent Luis Enrique’s future. Enrique is out of contract at the Nou Camp at the end of the season, and the chances of him leaving have increased significantly after a calamitous 4-0 defeat away to Paris St-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Reunions abound as Man Utd tackle Saint-Etienne in Europa League
Just like the New England Patriots boss, Manchester United’s manager wasn’t smiling after his team beat AS Saint-Etinne in the first leg of their Round of 32 meeting in the UEFA Europa League. Manchester United will travel to Stade Geoffroy-Cuichard in Saint-Etinne, France on February 22 for the second leg of the Round of 32. The pair have spoken of their excitement prior to the game and another player rubbing his hands in anticipation is United’s Anthony Martial , who came through the ranks at Saint-Etienne’s arch rivals Lyon.
Sarah Jane Smith takes 1-stroke lead at Australian Open
In this Oct. 28, 2016 file photo, Lydia Ko of New Zealand checks her line on the eleventh green during the second round of the LPGA golf tournament at Tournament Players Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A day ahead of the start of the Women’s Australian Open at Royal Adelaide, the 21-year-old Thai golfer Ariya Jutanugarn also says she’s not putting pressure on herself to overtake Ko for the No.
What are the key games for Burton Albion fans to watch out for tonight?
It is almost a full round of Championship fixtures tonight, on Valentine’s night, no less. Burton Albion and Queens Park Rangers moved their game ahead by two-and-a-half weeks when both had a free Saturday, so they are the only teams in the second tier not playing tonight.
Man Utd news: Florentin Pogba dishes dirt on brother Paul
Is this Guardiola’s answer to Messi-Suarez-Neymar? How boss is moulding young guns Jesus, Sterling and Sane to fire up Man City ‘He doesn’t like to lose.
Gasquet and Zverev win to set up Open Sud de France final
Frenchman Richard Gasquet remains on course for a third straight title at the Open Sud de France, where he will face German teen Alexander Zverev in the final Gasquet and Zverev win to set up Open Sud de France final Frenchman Richard Gasquet remains on course for a third straight title at the Open Sud de France, where he will face German teen Alexander Zverev in the final Check out this story on USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/2l1ae61 MONTPELLIER, France – Frenchman Richard Gasquet remains on course for a third straight title at the Open Sud de France, where he will face German teen Alexander Zverev in the final.
Derrick Findley Decisions Daniel Heinze in Copenhagen, Denmark
Super middleweight veteran Derrick “Superman” Findley, 26-21-1, was no Superman in the headliner of this show against Daniel Heinze, now 6-1, but he showed what experience and knowledge of how to fight – and what that means in professional boxing as he pounded out a ten round unanimous decision over the brave but too green Dane. It was scored 96-93 twice and 95-94 Findley, who was off to a good start and even scored a flash knockdown in the first.
On-the-whistle report: Brighton & Hove Albion 4-1 Burton Albion
Burton Albion remain out of the bottom three as they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to new Championship leaders Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX Stadium. Michael Kightly’s stunning free kick was the pick of the goals but a double from Tomer Hemed, a powerful header from Glenn Murray and a near-post finish from Sam Baldock ensured Chris Hughton’s side took all three points and go top of the league for a few hours at least, before Newcastle United play this evening.
Norwich City 5 Nottingham Forest 1
Norwich City turned on the style to hammer 10-man Nottingham Forest and keep up the heat on the Championship top six at Carrow Road. Alex Neil’s side were rampant with a three-goal spell inside eight first-half minutes over-powering the Reds.
James ‘Buster’ Douglas: for one night only
Boxing 101 provides 24/7 obsessive sports coverage of the Indianapolis Colts as a part of Sports Media 101 . For news, op/ed, game reviews, team updates and even rumors you will find all of it on Boxing 101.
Former cup hero takes charge of Rangers
Former York City midfielder Graeme Murty has taken temporary charge at Scottish Premiership club Rangers. It follows the Glasgow outfit stating they have accepted the resignations of manager Mark Warburton, his assistant David Weir and head of recruitment Frank McParland.
Golf Capsules
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Jordan Spieth knew the pin position on the ninth hole at Spyglass Hill as much by memory as by sight, which was a good thing considering the fog creeping across the Monterey Peninsula on Friday.
Diego Maradona to get ambassador role with FIFA
Diego Maradona to get ambassador role with FIFA Diego Maradona is getting an ambassador’s role with FIFA Check out this story on USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/2ktI93D Former soccer star Diego Maradona cheers as he attends the Davis Cup first round tennis match between Italy’s Fabio Fognini and Argentina’s Guido Pellain Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 6, 2017. The governing body wants to ensure the Argentina great “has a major role in FIFA’s activities to promote the game across the globe,” including with its Legends team.
Betting Offer: Tottenham upped to 16/1 to beat Liverpool
Be sure to take up your option on either side in Saturday’s big clash at Anfield. Anybody opening an account can take a huge enhanced price on either Tottenham take on Liverpool in a massive clash that is likely to have big implications on the Premier League title race.
Marc Warren takes 1st-round lead in Kuala Lumpur
Marc Warren overcame a missed cut last week to shoot a 9-under 63 and take a two-stroke lead after the opening round of the Maybank Championship on Thursday Marc Warren takes 1st-round lead in Kuala Lumpur Marc Warren overcame a missed cut last week to shoot a 9-under 63 and take a two-stroke lead after the opening round of the Maybank Championship on Thursday Check out this story on USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/2kRYNx5 Danny Willet of England plays a putt on the eighteenth hole during the first day of the Maybank Championship golf tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017.
Marc Warren takes 1st-round lead in Kuala Lumpur
Marc Warren overcame a missed cut last week to shoot a 9-under 63 and take a two-stroke lead after the opening round of the Maybank Championship on Thursday Marc Warren takes 1st-round lead in Kuala Lumpur Marc Warren overcame a missed cut last week to shoot a 9-under 63 and take a two-stroke lead after the opening round of the Maybank Championship on Thursday Check out this story on USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/2kRYNx5 Danny Willet of England plays a putt on the eighteenth hole during the first day of the Maybank Championship golf tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017.
19 and counting: Sydney FC remains unbeaten this season
The big question in the A-League is one that Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold doesn’t want to discuss much: the prospect of an unbeaten season 19 and counting: Sydney FC remains unbeaten this season The big question in the A-League is one that Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold doesn’t want to discuss much: the prospect of an unbeaten season Check out this story on USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/2kRY1A8 SYDNEY – The big question in the A-League is one that Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold doesn’t want to discuss much: the prospect of an unbeaten season. Sydney won its 14th game along with five draws in 19 matches to remain the class of the A-League this season.
19 and counting: Sydney FC remains unbeaten this season
The big question in the A-League is one that Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold doesn’t want to discuss much: the prospect of an unbeaten season 19 and counting: Sydney FC remains unbeaten this season The big question in the A-League is one that Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold doesn’t want to discuss much: the prospect of an unbeaten season Check out this story on USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/2kRY1A8 SYDNEY – The big question in the A-League is one that Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold doesn’t want to discuss much: the prospect of an unbeaten season. Sydney won its 14th game along with five draws in 19 matches to remain the class of the A-League this season.
My last season: Lahm
Captain Philipp Lahm celebrates with teammates after winning the 2014 World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro. Berlin: Bayern Munich’s Philipp Lahm, who captained Germany to their 2014 World Cup victory, will retire at the end of the season a year before his contract with the German champions expires, the 33-year-old defender said on Tuesday.
Michael Collins hails the impact of new Leyton Orient boss Danny Webb despite defeats
The experienced midfielder insists the O’s can still get out of trouble and will use people writing them off as motivation Michael Collins insists Leyton Orient boss Danny Webb could easily have started his managerial career with two wins instead of two narrow defeats, but has praised the impact of the new man in charge. The O’s started February with a 2-1 loss at home to Carlisle United on Saturday and a 1-0 reverse, also at Brisbane Road, to Morecambe yesterday.
Tottenham’s Harry Kane on ’emotional’ Mauricio Pochettino
Ibrahimovic lifted the dressing room during low moments this season, reveals Rashford as United stars get ready for next test ‘They are spineless and mentally weak at Arsenal, they accept mediocrity… and that’s just the fans!’: Gunners supporters savagely criticised by Burley as he urges them to trigger change after he labels Wenger ‘stale’ From the kid they all wanted to the man no-one wants: Adu fails to land contract at MLS side Portland Timbers after trial Holm claims she was catalyst for Rousey’s latest defeat as she hopes career isn’t defined by that victory Who’s in your team of the season so far? From Hazard to Sanchez, Ibrahimovic to Costa, our reporters reveal their XIs… The dramatic decline of Mr Bayern Munich: Muller was the star that Van Gaal vowed was undroppable… but after just one goal in Bundesliga this season, does he need to move on? Gayle’s T20 record score is … (more)
Atletico Tucuman pull off amazing win after nightmare journey
Travel chaos meant that an incredible race against time ensued for a club chasing its first major honour, but they managed a famous victory Atletico Tucuman faced a journey for the ages as they attempted to meet their Copa Libertadores date with Ecuadorian side El Nacional. The fixture was an important second qualifying round second-leg clash, with the previous fixture between the sides having finished 2-2 six days previous.
USL Moves: Phoenix signs veteran striker Omar Bravo
Phoenix Rising, one of 12 entities to submit an MLS expansion bid last week, has brought aboard a vital component for the 2017 USL season. The team announced Thursday it has signed Mexican striker Omar Bravo to a contract.
USL Moves: Phoenix signs veteran striker Omar Bravo
Phoenix Rising, one of 12 entities to submit an MLS expansion bid last week, has brought aboard a vital component for the 2017 USL season. The team announced Thursday it has signed Mexican striker Omar Bravo to a contract.
Raith Rovers 0 Greenock Morton 1 – Duffy’s side ensure they go into …
Raith Rovers 0 Greenock Morton 1 – Duffy’s side ensure they go into Rangers cup tie with wind in their sails THIS rearranged fixture may have been something of an inconvenience ahead of the more appealing Scottish Cup tie with Rangers this weekend, but Morton dealt with it in a professional fashion as they ensured they will head to Ibrox buoyed by a victory. Lee Kilday played a captain’s role in securing the three points that sees the Greenock outfit leapfrog back over Falkirk into third in the table.
Pacquiao is Firm: Drug Traffickers Deserve The Death Penalty
Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao is once against pushing for a law that would impose the death penalty on drug traffickers in the Philippines. Pacquiao, who last year became a senator in his country, once again defended the controversial bill on Tuesday during the first public hearing of the Senate justice and human rights committee on the proposed death penalty bill.
Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Marco Asensio, Michael Carrick Rumours
Manchester United have reportedly been told they’ll need to fork out a 44 million if they’re to sign Real Madrid ‘s Marco Asensio this summer. Elsewhere, Arsenal are said to be chasing a deal to sign Michael Carrick .
Carlos Vela scores in Real Sociedad win over Osasuna
The Mexico forward was on the mark in the 72nd minute, putting Sociedad ahead after Osasuna found an early goal through Kenan. But Raul Navas scored an equalizer in the 62nd minute and ten minutes later it was Vela nosing the home side ahead.
Defeat But Plenty Of Positives For Swansea City
Swansea City suffered an agonising defeat at Manchester City this afternoon but there was still plenty of promising signs and reason for optimism for Paul Clement and his side. The first half was a rather forgetful one for the Swans, at one point – Guardiola`s side had 82% possession, while we were camped in our own half for the vast majority of the opening 45 minutes.
Sevilla loses ground after home draw with Villarreal
It all led to another disappointing setback for Sevilla, which was held by Villarreal to a scoreless draw at home on Sunday and missed a chance to move closer to the Spanish league lead. Samir Nasri failed from the penalty spot in the 49th minute, Wissam Ben Yedder had his goal disallowed for offside in the 59th, and Vicente Iborra’s close-range header was brilliantly saved by Villarreal goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo in the 82nd, keeping Sevilla from being able to gain much ground atop the standings.
India beat New Zealand 4-1 in Davis Cup tie
PUNE: A lanky Ramkumar Ramanathan was fluent in his win over Finn Tearney while Yuki Bhambri struggled past Jose Statham as India completed an emphatic 4-1 victory over New Zealand in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie, here on Sunday. Ramkumar sealed the tie for the hosts by thumping Tearney 7-5, 6-1, 6-0 in two hours in the fourth rubber before Yuki won the dead fifth rubber against Statham 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in one hour and 55 minutes.
Sydney’s love affair with the Sevens could be rewarded
Men’s and women’s games could be played across all three days at next year’s Sydney Sevens, with the option being left open for the tournament to be moved ahead of the Wellington Sevens. South Africa dominated England in the Sydney Sevens final to win gold while New Zealand beat Australia again to pick up bronze.
Kristina Mladenovic through to final at St Petersburg Ladies Trophy
Kristina Mladenovic continued her brilliant run in the St Petersburg Ladies Trophy as she booked her place in the final against Yulia Putintseva. France’s world number 51 had already put out Australian Open finalist Venus Williams and then added the scalp of 2016 St Petersburg champion Roberta Vinci in the last eight, before a hard-fought semi-final success over wildcard Natalia Vikhlyantseva.
German brothers lose as Belgium leads 2-1 in Davis Cup
Belgium’s Joris De Loore, right, and Ruben Bemelmans celebrate in their doubles match against Germany’s Alexander and Mischa Zverev, during the Davis Cup first round match between Germany and Belgium in Frankfurt, Germany, Saturday Feb. 4, 2017. Belgium won the doubles match and leads by 2-1.
Pep Guardiola: Swansea one of the toughest games left for Manchester City
Swansea have climbed out of the Premier League’s bottom three with three wins from four games since former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich assistant manager Clement took charge last month. One of the those victories came away against title-chasing Liverpool, and Manchester City boss Guardiola is expecting a difficult afternoon as the Swans visit the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.