Joshua V Dubois tops Riyadh Season card at Wembley Stadium

Joshua V Dubois tops Riyadh Season card at Wembley Stadium
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Anthony Joshua will take on Daniel Dubois, as Riyadh Season comes to London, at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 21. (Supplied)
Joshua V Dubois tops Riyadh Season card at Wembley Stadium
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Anthony Joshua will take on Daniel Dubois, as Riyadh Season comes to London, at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 21. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 June 2024
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Joshua V Dubois tops Riyadh Season card at Wembley Stadium

Joshua V Dubois tops Riyadh Season card at Wembley Stadium
  • Former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will take on IBF interim heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in what is expected to be an intriguing contest
  • Frank Warren: ‘British fight fans and fans tuning in across the world will be treated to a British version of the quality of shows that are now a hallmark of Riyadh’

LONDON: Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh has confirmed that Joshua V Dubois will top the Riyadh Season card at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 21.

As Riyadh Season comes to London, former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will take on IBF interim heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in what is expected to be an intriguing contest.

Alalshikh said: “We are pleased to bring two of the world’s current best heavyweight fighters together in their home city of London and at Wembley Stadium, a historic venue for boxing.

“We know it will be another exciting contest, complemented by a great undercard of fights, and we look forward to giving British fans and visitors to London the opportunity to experience a Riyadh Season event just a matter of weeks before we officially launch the 2024 Season in Riyadh in October.”

The headline attraction is one of six all-British fights confirmed to take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium, which will feature a special guest music act that has yet to be announced.

Among the matchups, two-time world featherweight champion Josh Warrington returns to world title action by going up against the current super featherweight world champion Anthony Cacace. Hamzah Sheeraz, who recently secured a knockout victory against Austin Williams during the hugely successful 5 v 5 fight night in Riyadh, will take on European middleweight champion Tyler Denny.

Former British Olympian Josh Kelly will face former WBO super welterweight champion Liam Smith while the undefeated 2016 Olympic bronze medalist and British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi will go into battle for the WBO Interim world championship by taking on Willy Hutchinson, who impressed at Kingdom Arena after claiming an impressive points victory over Craig Richards on the 5 v 5 card.

WBA Intercontinental champion Mark Chamberlain is also set to feature on the card against undefeated fellow British lightweight Josh Padley.

Frank Warren, Chairman of Queensberry Promotions, said: “Riyadh Season lands in London with the most spectacular and gripping event ever to be witnessed in this country. On September 21, British fight fans and fans tuning in across the world will be treated to a British version of the quality of shows that are now a hallmark of Riyadh, headlined by what promises to be a breathtaking clash of the big hitters between the new IBF interim world champion Daniel Dubois and the former unified champion Anthony Joshua.

“The undercard is simply unprecedented, with Willy Hutchinson being rewarded for his magnificent display on the 5 v 5 with a shot at the WBO Interim light heavyweight title against fellow British contender Joshua Buatsi in what is a huge opportunity for both fighters. Hamzah Sheeraz going up against European title holder Tyler Denny following Hamzah’s exploits in Riyadh last time out is another fight I can’t wait to watch.

“Anthony Cacace defending his super featherweight world titles against former featherweight world champion Josh Warrington promises to be all-out warfare.

“Liam Smith taking on Josh Kelly will be a classic confrontation at super welterweight and a clash between the old guard and the new.”

Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Boxing, said: “AJ is back at the National Stadium on what will be a blockbuster event. Riyadh Season comes to London and we are confident this will be a historic night full of opportunity for the fighters and drama for fans around the world.”

This London fight night represents the second Riyadh Season Card to be staged outside of Saudi Arabia, with the first taking place overseas in Los Angeles on August 3 as Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov compete for the WBA and WBO Interim World Super Welterweight title.

Tickets go on general sale at noon on Friday 28 June from TicketMaster.co.uk


Australia’s Marsh out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy with back issue

Australia’s Marsh out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy with back issue
Updated 01 February 2025
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Australia’s Marsh out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy with back issue

Australia’s Marsh out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy with back issue
  • Replacement to be named later with deadline for final squads on Feb. 12
  • Eight-nation Champions Trophy tournament to begin from Feb. 19-Mar.9

SYDNEY: Australia’s Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of next month’s Champions Trophy with a back injury, with the allrounder needing an “extended period of rehabilitation.”
Marsh struggled with the complaint during their recent home Test series against India and Cricket Australia said the problem had not “responded sufficiently.”

“Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction,” the governing body said late Friday.

“His lower back pain flared in recent weeks leading the National Selection Panel to make the longer term decision for Marsh to complete a more extended period of rehabilitation.”

A replacement will be named later, with the deadline for final squads on February 12.

The eight-nation Champions Trophy will be hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates between February 19 and March 9.


Wembanyama has 30 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks to help Spurs beat Antetokounmpo, Bucks, 144-118

Wembanyama has 30 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks to help Spurs beat Antetokounmpo, Bucks, 144-118
Updated 01 February 2025
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Wembanyama has 30 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks to help Spurs beat Antetokounmpo, Bucks, 144-118

Wembanyama has 30 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks to help Spurs beat Antetokounmpo, Bucks, 144-118
  • Wembanyama was 9 for 20 from the field in an dynamic showing one day after being named to his first All-Star Game as a Western Conference reserve

SAN ANTONIO: Victor Wembanyama had 30 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks and the San Antonio Spurs had a season high in points to overcome 35 points and 13 rebounds from Giannis Antetokounmpo and beat the Milwaukee Bucks 144-118 on Friday night.
Keldon Johnson added 24 points and Stephon Castle had 20 as San Antonio snapped a two-game skid and won for just the second time in seven games.
Damian Lillard had 22 points for Milwaukee. Khris Middleton added 21.
Wembanyama was 9 for 20 from the field in a dynamic showing one day after being named to his first All-Star Game as a Western Conference reserve.
Wembanyama banked in a 34-foot 3-pointer that hit the backboard, bounced off the front of the rim, hit the backboard again and dropped in with 7:18 remaining in the third quarter. The 3-pointer drew loud gasps and cheers from the fans and left Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers with his arms raised in puzzlement.
Wembanyama closed out a 14-point quarter by making a running, one-legged 3-pointer.
Takeaways
Bucks: Middleton was 8 for 9 from the field, including 3 for 4 on 3-pointers, in 23 minutes off the bench.
Spurs: Castle is averaging 16.8 points and 3.3 assists in his past nine games since returning to the starting lineup.
Key moment
Wembanyama was held to two points on 1-for-4 shooting in the first quarter, but he had three blocks to help San Antonio end the period tied at 35. Wembanyama blocked Antetokounmpo’s shots twice in 14 seconds in the opening two minutes of the game. Antetokounmpo avoided a third block by powering in a dunk over Wembanyama.
Key stat
San Antonio shot 15 for 25 from the field in outscoring Milwaukee 45-30 in the third quarter.
Up next
The Bucks host Memphis on Sunday night. The Spurs host Miami on Saturday night to complete a three-game homestand.


Pooran’s brilliance guides MI Emirates to victory over Gulf Giants in ILT20

Pooran’s brilliance guides MI Emirates to victory over Gulf Giants in ILT20
Updated 01 February 2025
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Pooran’s brilliance guides MI Emirates to victory over Gulf Giants in ILT20

Pooran’s brilliance guides MI Emirates to victory over Gulf Giants in ILT20
  • Captain’s innings seals impressive triumph

DUBAI: MI Emirates secured a five-wicket victory over the Gulf Giants in the DP World ILT20 at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday, with skipper Nicholas Pooran leading from the front with a match-winning unbeaten 58 off 37 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award as his side claimed their first win of the season.

Batting first, the Gulf Giants made a strong start, with openers Gerhard Erasmus and James Vince regularly finding the boundary.

However, their momentum was dented in the third over when Akeal Hosein dismissed Erasmus for 12. Vince, undeterred, found an able partner in Jordan Cox, and together they pushed the score to 52 for one at the end of the powerplay.

Cox and Vince put together a solid 51-run stand before Alzarri Joseph dismissed Cox in the 10th over. Tom Curran chipped in with 13, while Vince continued to anchor the innings, reaching his half-century in style.

With the Giants poised for a strong finish, Vince was joined by Shimron Hetmyer, and the duo accelerated in the 16th over, hitting 19 runs. However, MI Emirates fought back, removing Hetmyer (15) and Vince (86 off 50 balls) in quick succession. Late contributions from Tim David and Chris Jordan (both 10 not out) took the Gulf Giants to 173 for six in 20 overs.

Chasing 174, MI Emirates got off to a flying start as openers Andre Fletcher and Muhammad Waseem took the attack to the bowlers. Waseem smashed a rapid 26 off 10 balls before departing, while Tom Banton added 11 before falling to Aayan Khan.

Despite a run-out setback that saw Kusal Perera dismissed for just one, Fletcher continued to hold the innings together, scoring 31 before being castled by Blessing Muzarabani, who impressed with figures of one for 17 in four overs. At 102 for four, MI Emirates faced an uphill task, needing 72 runs off the last five overs.

Pooran, however, took control of the chase alongside Bevon Jacobs, forging a crucial 53-run stand off 33 balls. Jacobs’ departure for 18 brought Romario Shepherd to the crease, but Pooran remained composed under pressure.

Reaching his half-century in the 18th over, Pooran shifted gears as Shepherd’s late blows further eased the equation. With six runs needed off the final over, the MI Emirates skipper finished the job in style, smashing a six over cow corner to seal the victory.

Reflecting on his match-winning knock, Pooran said: “I knew I had to get the job done and be there until the end. I am more experienced now and know what’s required. The key is to trust yourself to absorb the pressure.”

Vince, captain of Gulf Giants, admitted that missed opportunities cost his side. “We didn’t feel it was that straightforward out there. There was some turn for the slower bowlers, but we dropped a catch and it ultimately cost us tonight,” he said.


Hilal, Ettifaq return to winning ways

Hilal, Ettifaq return to winning ways
Updated 31 January 2025
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Hilal, Ettifaq return to winning ways

Hilal, Ettifaq return to winning ways
  • Blue Waves’ victory over Al-Okhdood comes after surprise defeat at Al-Qadsiah
  • Brazilian Kaio Cesar put hosts ahead on debut in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Al-Hilal returned to winning ways on Friday, defeating Al-Okhdood 4-0 to go three points clear of Al-Ittihad at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
The victory, albeit against the relegation-threatened visitors, showed a return to form after the club’s surprise defeat to Al-Qadsiah earlier in the week.
Al-Hilal may have seen the departure of megastar Neymar but thanks to fellow Brazilian Kaio Cesar, who was making his debut in Saudi Arabia, the result was never in doubt. The 20-year-old winger fired home from close range in the fourth minute after a shot-cum-cross by Moteb Al-Harbi.


It was the perfect start but the Blue Waves had to wait until the end of the first half to establish their dominance.
Two minutes before the break, Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic curled a free kick worthy of Cristiano Ronaldo into the top corner, and two minutes into added time Marcos Leonardo headed home at the far post following a headed cross from Saudi Arabian international Hassan Tambakti.
The Brazilian forward scored a second from close range just 10 minutes after the restart to seal the win.
While the victory put Al-Hilal back on top of the table, Al-Ittihad will join them on points if they beat Al-Kholood at home on Saturday.
Later on Friday Ettifaq recorded a much-needed 3-1 win over Al-Shabab, just a day after the departure of head coach Steven Gerrard.
Gini Wijnaldum put the hosts ahead after 35 minutes and despite a quick response from Abderazzak Hamdallah goals from Joao Costa and a second for the Dutchman deep into injury time put the game beyond reach.


Postecoglou hopes for end to ‘vicious cycle’ of Tottenham injuries

Postecoglou hopes for end to ‘vicious cycle’ of Tottenham injuries
Updated 31 January 2025
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Postecoglou hopes for end to ‘vicious cycle’ of Tottenham injuries

Postecoglou hopes for end to ‘vicious cycle’ of Tottenham injuries
  • Postecoglou is under severe pressure after a miserable run of seven Premier League games without a win
  • Postecoglou is battling a lengthy injury list that threatens to stop the north Londoners ending their malaise

LONDON: Ange Postecoglou admits Tottenham’s “vicious cycle” of injuries has hampered his attempt to get the troubled club back on track.
Postecoglou is under severe pressure after a miserable run of seven Premier League games without a win, with six defeats in that dismal spell also triggering fan protests against chairman Daniel Levy.
Ahead of Sunday’s game at Brentford, Postecoglou’s side are languishing in 15th place, just eight points above the relegation zone.
The Australian earned a little breathing space on Thursday when a 3-0 win against Elfsborg booked Tottenham’s place in the Europa League last 16.
But Postecoglou is battling a lengthy injury list that threatens to stop the north Londoners ending their malaise.
Postecoglou was already without Dominic Solanke, Cristian Romero, Guglielmo Vicario, Brennan Johnson, Destiny Udogie, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner and James Maddison.
Romania defender Radu Dragusin became the latest to be bitten by the injury bug when he was forced off against Elfsborg, although center-back Micky van de Ven played 45 minutes on his return from a hamstring problem.
“We’ve had to deal with a real extreme situation, which unfortunately once we got hit, it is then very hard to rectify on the run,” Postecoglou told reporters on Friday.
“We obviously got some significant injuries early on, which hampered our progress, and then we had to rely on a small group of players to get us through and that then burdened them.
“It has been this vicious cycle. The volume of games that clubs are playing, we’ve been in an extreme situation but a lot of clubs are facing similarities in Europe.”
It is a vital week for Tottenham, who travel to Liverpool holding a 1-0 lead in the second leg of the League Cup semifinals on Thursday before heading to Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round on February 9.
Injuries forced Postecoglou to turn to youth academy graduates Dane Scarlett, Mikey Moore and Damola Ajayi, who all scored their first goals for the club against Elfsborg.
Now the former Celtic boss is desperate to avoid any further fitness setbacks as he bids to end a Tottenham trophy drought stretching back to 2008.
“Every time I’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s usually been an oncoming train,” he said.
“We seem to be losing players as we get them back. We don’t want to lose anyone else, but again, best laid plans.
“You can’t plan for these things. We’ve got a big week coming up, starting Sunday.
“We’re going to have to do it with this core group of players, so we’ve just got to be careful about how we go about it.”