Gallagher return cancelled as Jones misses weight
Tysie Gallagher's Commonwealth and British title fight against Ebonie Jones on Friday is off after the challenger failed to make weight.
Gallagher, 26, was due to make her return to action three months after her mother-in-law was killed and the original fight with Jones was postponed as a result.
Jones beat Gallagher twice in the amateurs and Friday's fight was scheduled for the undercard of Terri Harper's world title defence at Doncaster's Eco-Power Stadium.
"We got a call late last night saying the fight is off due to Ebonie not making weight," Gallagher said on Instagram.
"As professional athletes we have a job to make weight. Unfortunately Ebonie couldn't stick to her end of the bargain.
"Absolutely gutted. Even if it's not a title fight, any fight, I think it's disgraceful if a fighter can't make weight."
"I am just devastated," she added. "I put everything into this camp."
The bout is not expected to be rescheduled as a catchweight nor is a new opponent possible for Gallagher at this late stage.
Gallagher pulled out of her fight with Jones on 7 February when her mother-in-law was killed following what the police described as an "altercation" at her home.
A 25-year-old man has since been charged with murder and grievous bodily harm.
Gallagher and Jones have a long history together having fought twice in the amateurs.
Jones, 27, won both those bouts and Gallagher was hoping to avenge that defeat while retaining her titles.
Boxing schedule and results 2025
Watch every Born to Brawl episode
Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Billy Boston to become rugby league's first knight
Billy Boston will receive rugby league's first knighthood in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. Cardiff-born Boston, 90, blazed a trail for black sports stars during the 1950s and 1960s, making 488 appearances for Wigan and finishing his career with a British record 571 tries to his name. Advertisement He also became the first non-white player to represent Great Britain on a Lions tour in 1954, scoring 36 tries in 18 appearances in Australia and New Zealand, and featuring in a total of 31 international Test matches. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 'Billy Boston's knighthood is a historic milestone providing fitting recognition for the greatest player rugby league has ever seen. 'As MP for Wigan, this is a proud day for our town, for the Welsh nation, for rugby league fans across the country and, most importantly, for Billy and his family. 'The first knighthood for a rugby league player is long overdue recognition for a game that has contributed so much to our national life. This is the moment we right a historic wrong.' Boston made a try-scoring debut for Wigan against Barrow in November 1953, and by the time he left the club in 1968, he had played in six Challenge Cup finals at Wembley, featuring on the winning side in 1958, 1959 and 1965. Advertisement Wigan owner Mike Danson said he was 'thrilled' by Boston's award, describing it as 'a richly deserved honour which means this most humble of men rightly receives, at last, fitting recognition for his extraordinary efforts'. Boston's honour followed a sustained campaign by local councillors and MPs as well as leading figures in the sport, who have frequently pointed out the relative lack of recognition for rugby league compared to union, which has seen 20 knights anointed. Billy Boston (front row, far left) featured in six Challenge Cup finals with Wigan (PA Archive) Rugby Football League chief executive Tony Sutton said: 'On behalf of the Rugby Football League, and the sport of rugby league, it is a privilege to congratulate Sir Billy Boston on his knighthood. Advertisement 'Sir Billy deserves to be recognised as an iconic figure in the history of British sport, for the way he overcame prejudice in his journey from working-class Cardiff to legendary status in Wigan, and became the most prolific British try-scorer in the 130-year history of rugby league.' The full King's Birthday Honours list is set to be announced later this week. It is understood Boston's award was brought forward due to concerns about his health.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sky Sports staying in the fight gives British boxing a chance to keep swinging
Sky Sports' decision not to renew its exclusive deal with BOXXER marks the end of a four-year chapter that promised so much but delivered very little. Yet, British boxing fans should breathe a sigh of relief — not because BOXXER is gone, but because Sky isn't. At a time when boxing is struggling to entice mainstream networks to broadcast the sport, Sky's presence becomes even more vital to the survival of boxing across the pond. Advertisement In the U.S., HBO, FOX, Showtime, and now ESPN have all decided to bow out of the boxing business in recent years, leaving the sport without the consistent backing of a mainstream television outlet. While Amazon Prime Video has an existing deal with Premier Boxing Champions, the events have been infrequent and mostly behind an additional paywall. Boxing has faced a steady decline in mainstream visibility in the U.S. and has thus struggled to stay in the public eye, losing casual fans and slipping from the broader sports conversation. A sport that was once among the biggest in the country is now battling to stay in the top 10. This should serve as a warning sign for British boxing — if broadcasters like Sky pull away completely, the sport risks fading into niche obscurity, losing crucial exposure that builds household names. When Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing decided to end a 25-year partnership with Sky in the U.K. to join forces with streaming service DAZN in 2021, Sky contemplated exiting boxing altogether, but ultimately chose not to. Instead, they handed a four-year exclusive broadcasting deal to the unheralded newbie promoter, Ben Shalom of BOXXER. Advertisement Shalom's tenure on Sky has been a failed experiment of sorts. The broadcast giant was hoping to replicate the success it had with Matchroom over recent years with another promoter and perhaps demonstrate that they were responsible for the triumphs more so than Hearn. But the run of boxing on Sky in the post-Matchroom era has been disappointing. There's been some success with BOXXER-led events on Sky, notably Amir Khan vs. Kell Brook in 2022 and Chris Eubank Jr.'s two high-profile bouts with Liam Smith in 2023, but overall the product has been underwhelming. Matchroom set the bar very high, creating stars and delivering pay-per-view events on a consistent basis with the backing of the powerful British broadcaster. BOXXER has managed neither. But then again, it was always a tall order to expect a promoter who had only done small-hall events until it arrived at Sky to suddenly fill Matchroom's shoes. After Matchroom's departure and BOXXER's uninspiring run on the platform, Sky wouldn't be blamed for giving up on the sport — yet it hasn't. Advertisement That the pugilistic art still appeals to boardroom executives is, in and of itself, a quiet victory for the sport. Chris Eubank Jr.'s two-fight series with Liam Smith was a rare highlight of the Sky Sports/BOXXER era. (Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images) (Peter Byrne - PA Images via Getty Images) The importance of Sky's presence in boxing shouldn't be understated. Without Sky, the vast majority of boxing shows would reach a live audience of far less than 100,000 people in the U.K. — although some of the shows on Sky hover around that number anyway. Boxing needs to remain visible on big platforms to continue the success it has enjoyed in recent years in the U.K. Sky's boxing strategy moving forward is expected to see them become more selective about the fights they showcase. The broadcaster is understood to want a greater input into the shows and talent on offer, with a desire to continue to broadcast some of the fighters that it has helped build up. Advertisement The network will essentially become an open shop for promoters to pitch cards to. However, with the U.K.'s two biggest promoters, Matchroom and Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions, locked into exclusive promotional agreements with DAZN, the options will be limited for the time being. The Sauerlands' Wasserman Boxing houses a stable of fighters that includes Josh Kelly, Michael Conlan, Harlem Eubank and Lyndon Arthur, among others. They have struggled to put on well-rounded shows with the limited budget of Channel 5, but with the backing of Sky Sports, Wasserman could become a significant force in British boxing. Izzy Asif's GBM Sports has managed to promote the likes of Hughie Fury, Terri Harper, Maxi Hughes and rising Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson since signing a short-term deal with DAZN in 2024. They are a promoter on the rise who have delivered enjoyable events on a shoestring budget and would also be a beneficiary of Sky opening its doors. Although neither has the firepower of Matchroom or Queensberry, both could fill gaps in Sky's schedule and offer some variety in the talent they showcase. In the absence of an exclusive partner, Sky would be wise to incentivize a range of promoters to build strong shows and earn the opportunity to benefit from Sky's marketing power and substantial budget. That kind of competition within their boxing output is precisely what Sky — and the sport of British boxing — needs moving forward.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
'Opposite of Postecoglou' - what could Spurs expect from 'chef' Frank?
"I probably won't be at Brentford forever," Thomas Frank told BBC Sport in January when asked about his ambitions. "I will maybe walk into another club." That club could be Tottenham Hotspur, who finished 17th in the Premier League table - seven places below Brentford - but will play in the Champions League next season after winning the Europa League. Advertisement Spurs have closed the door on the Ange Postecoglou era and are bidding to replace him with the Dane who established Brentford in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship in 2021. Frank, 51, is the second-longest-serving current manager in English football's top-flight behind Manchester City's Pep Guardiola. "It is just a question of time," said six-time Premier League-winning boss Guardiola last September, when asked if he was surprised Frank, appointed by Brentford in 2018, had not been offered a bigger job. Frank did not play football professionally but has overseen 152 Premier League games - winning 54, losing 60 and taking 200 points from a possible 456. Advertisement Of the 54 managers to take charge of 150-plus games in the Premier League era, Frank ranks 29th for points per game (1.32). During his Brentford reign, Frank has spent £254m on players and received £183m in sales - a net spend of £71m. Tottenham have spent £961m on transfers since 2016-17, according to data. Frank, who has been described as the opposite of Postecoglou for his adaptability, would be Tottenham's fourth permanent manager since 30 June 2021. Nuno Espirito Santo lasted just four months, Antonio Conte 16 months and Postecoglou, despite ending the club's 17-year wait for a major trophy, has been sent packing after two years. Advertisement "There's much more pressure at Tottenham than there is at Brentford, because of the expectation - and the manager has to handle that expectation," Chris Sutton, a Premier League winner with Blackburn Rovers in 1994-95, told BBC Sport. 'Heat on Frank straight away' Frank's boundless energy and motivational skills have got the very best out of Brentford, who are planning for a fifth consecutive season in the Premier League despite one of the smallest budgets. He has built a reputation for producing teams full of strong characters with no egos, and has helped the likes of Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa become better players - as well as many others. Advertisement Often described as a 'great human', Frank built strong relationships and socialised with his players and staff - including his love of padel - and has been praised regularly for his motivational skills. Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Thomas is very personal with the players. "He cares a lot about how we are and how we feel. It's a very important quality for a manager to have. "Not every manager has it, and the ones that do seem to have more success. He's definitely a leader and someone who guides us. He's done a fantastic job in the years that I've worked with him at Brentford." Advertisement Managing Brentford feels a very different proposition to managing Spurs though - moving from a club with consistently one of the lowest budgets in the division, to one full of high-paid, high-profile players. Sutton described Tottenham's decision to part ways with Postecoglou as "madness", and added: "That is how things work at the club that Frank is walking into." He also also believes Spurs are taking a gamble on a manager who has no experience in the Champions League. "Thomas Frank has done a brilliant job at Brentford, but this is a whole different kettle of fish," said Sutton. Advertisement "Because of the expectation at Tottenham, Frank won't get time to get his feet under the table. He will be under pressure from the off. "Postecoglou has just won them their first major European trophy for 41 years and has gone. So already you have to wonder what does Frank need to do this season to keep his job? "The aim for Frank will be to keep them in the Champions League, and whether that is by making the top four or five, that is not going to be easy. "That is a big ask for this squad, to compete on both fronts. We know this Tottenham team is better than 17th place, because they finished fifth in Postecoglou's first year, but other Premier League teams have improved since then." Tottenham recorded the league double over Brentford in 2024-25, defeating the Bees by an aggregate score of 5-1 [Getty Images] 'Frank is the opposite of Postecoglou' Brentford finished 2024-25 with more points than Tottenham (56 compared with 38), more goals (66-64) and fewer goals conceded (57-65). Advertisement In addition, Mbeumo (20), Wissa (19) and Kevin Schade (11) scored 50 goals between them after Frank was forced to adapt following the departure of Toney - 36 goals in 83 top-flight appearances for the Bees - to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli. There have been many different versions of Brentford though since Frank first took charge. High-possession football, more counter-attacks, more percentage football - Frank has played them all, leading to many seeing him as one of the game's more adaptive coaches. From attacking flair and bravery, to at times being more pragmatic, what will Spurs look like under Frank? "It's a surprisingly difficult question to answer because he's a really flexible manager," said football tactics writer Alex Keble. Advertisement "He will automatically adapt his tactics to whoever the opposition is, a bit like Unai Emery at Aston Villa. "In many ways he's the opposite of Ange Postecoglou, who is famously wedded to one idea. "There's a statistic - what Opta call 10+ - referring to the number of passes and sequences [in one move]. In 2023-24 Brentford registered 245. In 2024-25 that figure was 325. "That tells you as time has gone on, Frank has wanted to play a more possession-based game. There's certainly plenty of counter-attacks, fast transitions and plenty of highly choreographed long balls forward - direct football." Advertisement Who are the Tottenham players who could benefit from the arrival of Frank, a manager who pays great attention to stats? "You can certainly imagine Dominic Solanke linking with Wilson Odobert in a way Wissa and Mbeumo interact," added Keble. "Defensively, Tottenham are least like Brentford. Would Frank look at the Spurs squad and think 'I can't play Brentford football here?'" Spurs fans struggled to buy into the brand of football under recent managers Jose Mourinho and Conte. Will they take to the Frank style? "I think the way he played at Brentford was quite balanced - they had different ways of playing, depending on the opposition," added Sutton. Advertisement "His Brentford team played good football at a high intensity, but ultimately fans take to managers when they win games, and that is it. "I do think he has got different strings to his bow, but it will be interesting to see what Tottenham do recruitment-wise this summer." Former Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy is another to praise Frank's flexible approach. "They had a great intensity and physicality about them," Murphy told BBC Sport about Brentford last season. "They vary their game as well as any other team in the Premier League." 'Collaborative' and 'curious' - what is it like to play for Frank? Frank, praised for his methodical detail, has likened managing in the Premier League to being a head chef in a high-end restaurant. Advertisement "The chef needs to be able to cook the food himself," said Frank. "He's got 20 other chefs doing all these things for him so he's leading all these many chefs through his vision, his recipes and they are maximising every little detail. "But he knows how the perfect outcome should be." His profile has rocketed since he arrived in England in 2016, being appointed Brentford's assistant head coach under Dean Smith. Despite not playing professionally he has ended up in the Premier League after starting his coaching journey with the under-8s of his hometown club Frederiksvaerk. Advertisement He progressed to become coach of Denmark at various youth levels until 2013, when he was offered a first-team coaching role at Danish Superliga giants Brondby. Former striker Lee Rochester Sorensen, who was part of the Denmark Under-17s side, said: "He was always looking to improve and had a plan for every step of the way. "Thomas always had a plan A, B and C, making it clear what was needed through the four phases of play, from our goalkeeper to our attackers - he'd tell us how to press our opponents and the reasons why." Ex-Brondby midfielder Martin Ornskov enjoyed Frank's collaborative approach during their time together at the club. Advertisement "There were times when he'd discuss solutions with us during games," he said. "Far from seeing it as a weakness, I saw that as a strength. "I knew he'd be liked as a person and could evolve as a coach, but to work in the Premier League without having the experience or being a big name was a huge test. "But the thing about Thomas was he was always so curious about football - he lived for the game. I saw a different coach at the end of my three years with him." After Frank Lampard left his role as Chelsea boss in 2023, Frank invited the former England midfielder to watch Brentford train. Advertisement "When you see someone like Thomas and how diligent he is and how well he speaks, you understand he has put thousands of hours into viewing, observing, working out his way, his approach to people," Lampard, now boss at Coventry City, told the Football Daily podcast. BBC Radio London commentator Phil Parry added: "Thomas Frank as a manager is exceptionally gifted, as a person he's great - he's an exceptional coach and leader. "He also accepts he is the head of something that is very important. He stands on the shoulders of other giants who make that thing tick." Chris Sutton was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan. Advertisement