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The Independent
21 minutes ago
- The Independent
Dave Allen makes surprise career announcement ahead of Arslanbek Makhmudov clash
Dave Allen has revealed that he intends to have one more fight if he beats Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 October at the Sheffield Arena, and then retire. Allen, 24-7-2 (19), told Sky Sports that he is motivated by his underdog status and that he will be 'really rich' if he beats Makhmudov, 20-2 (19), planning a swift exit from the sport after one more fight. Allen said: 'The motivation is I'll be really rich if I beat him. I'm not bothered by him, I just want to beat him, have another big fight and then hopefully chill out for the rest of my life. That's the plan.' When it was announced that Allen would take on the towering Makhmudov, it shocked many who thought he was going to take a run at the British title after his knockout win over Johnny Fisher. But it seems he wants to prove himself on the world stage. Allen said that he performs better when he is expected to lose, believing he has the right style to beat a man like Makhmudov. Allen explained: 'I think I thrive off the underdog tag I've had most of my career; every time I've been expected to win, I get beat, I'm not very good with pressure. That's why I picked Makhmudov: I think a lot of people will expect him to beat me, but I like that and I like to shock. 'I think I can beat him. I am the underdog, but I think I've got the right style to beat him.' Makhmudov is coming off a mixed run of form. He is 2-2 in his last four fights, having lost to WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello. But Allen believes the danger posed by his opponent will help him fulfil his dream of headlining and selling out the Sheffield Arena. Allen said: 'He's big, dangerous, somebody that will help fill Sheffield Arena out, and if I beat him, it will send me on to big fights. I'm over the moon, it's something I've always wanted to do.'
The Independent
21 minutes ago
- The Independent
Crisis club Sheffield Wednesday can't afford to think about the future
New Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen admitted he was living day-to-day at the crisis club rather than setting targets for the season ahead. A stormy past few months has seen Wednesday hit with several EFL -imposed embargoes for financial breaches, including failing to pay players and staff on time in May, June and July. That led to the 15 first-team players still on the books at the club to boycott a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley, which came to light on the same day Pedersen was announced as Owls boss. Pedersen is certain a repeat scenario would not unfold in their Championship curtain-raiser at Leicester on Sunday, although he was unwilling to think too much beyond the East Midlands trip. The Danish boss told the PA news agency: 'I think if I spoke about goal-setting – with 15 players right now – and say we will stay in the league or this or that, this is not where we are right now. 'Tomorrow, I will do everything with my staff to have the best (training) session for the players and then on Sunday, make the best possible game plan. This is where we are right now. 'Of course, I have an idea of how the club should look in the future. In my head, I know where we want to be but this is not interesting for the players right now. 'I think I have a really good relationship with the players. I'm convinced we have a group who are really looking forward to Sunday's game and will do everything they can for our club. 'How the players are handling this situation is not for everyone to do this, it's for special ones and they're doing a really special job at the moment.' Pedersen stepped up from assistant last week to replace Danny Rohl, who left the club by mutual consent after helping them avoid relegation in 2023-24 before overseeing a respectable 12th-place finish last season. Unable to sign or loan players for a fee until January 2027, Pedersen is working diligently to bump up the threadbare playing and non-playing numbers at Hillsborough and bring in individuals for free. Adding to the uncertainty is owner Dejphon Chansiri looking to offload the club but Pedersen, who says he speaks 'regularly' with the Thai businessman, has no regrets about committing to Wednesday. Pedersen said: 'What (Chansiri) said to me the last time we spoke is he will do everything he can to solve the problem as quick as possible. I think he'll do what he can. 'To be Sheffield Wednesday manager is an honour. I spoke with (other) clubs but I said to my wife 'it's really interesting but you know where my heart is'. 'My family love to stay here. My two boys love to be in the school where they are, they love to play football here and my wife loves to be here. When the club asked me to come back, I had no doubt. 'It's important (to look at) what can I control, what can I not control? Of course we need new players and new coaches, but right now it's not so easy just to find players and players and players. 'It's a tough environment right now because there are so many things (happening) from outside. But I have the biggest respect for my players and staff and how they are handling the situation.'
The Independent
21 minutes ago
- The Independent
Friday racing tips: Best bets and odds for Newmarket, Musselburgh, Thirsk and Brighton
Friday's Racing Tips Jungle Monarch (Musselburgh, 14.20) – 1pt win @ 15/8 bet365 South Parade (Thirsk, 15.40) – 0.5pt each-way @ 7/1 bet365 Mumayaz (Brighton, 15.30) – 0.5pt each-way @ 9/1 bet365 Dashing Dick (Newmarket, 19.05) – 0.5pt each-way @ 7/1 bet365 Rogue Dynasty (Newmarket, 19.40) – 1pt win @ 3/1 bet365 Racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge enjoyed a profitable Glorious Goodwood, picking out no fewer than nine winners and finishing the week 9.82pts in profit. Now, he turns his attention to Friday's racing, using the best betting sites when selectng his latest racing tips. 14.20 Musselburgh Tips At Musselburgh there are some trappy handicaps where finding value on horse racing betting sites is not looking easy, but an interesting runner goes in the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes (14.20) in the shape of Jungle Monarch. Karl Burke's string is in good shape and, after a disappointing debut effort at Wolverhampton, he ran much more like the market suggested at Redcar last time, despite being the beaten favourite. He travelled well that day and had excuses, as it was reported after the race that he'd lost his right fore shoe. This flat track suits speedier types and, now gelded, he might have more improvement in him this time than his opponents. 15.40 Thirsk Tips Over at Thirsk, there's an interesting contest for the JW 4x4 Northallerton Handicap (15.40). Several of these have C&D form, including South Parade, who represents Richard Fahey. The four-year-old filly wouldn't be in quite as good form as some recently but she's back on a handy mark as a result. She also has a good draw and she could be poised to strike again. Friday racing tip 2: South Parade – 0.5pt each-way @ 7/1 bet365 15.30 Brighton Tips The Harry Bloom Memorial 'Brighton Bullet' Handicap (15.30) looks the pick on the card at Brighton. An in-form Abate should prove popular with punters after success last time at Lingfield and can again go well. However, a better value bet could be Mumayaz for trainer Tony Carroll. He's already a C&D winner, his career best turf effort having come here earlier in the season. He also posted a career-best AW effort at Wolverhampton (5f) last time out, so he's still in good nick. He's 2lb higher than that C&D win from April, but conditions will suit and cheekpieces now go on to accompany the tongue-tie he usually sports, which could help lift him to greater heights. He looks a decent each-way play. Friday racing tip 3: Mumayaz – 0.5pt each-way @ 9/1 Newmarket Tips Newmarket stages one of its Friday summer evening cards and there's an open contest on paper for the Maritime Cargo Services Outperforming The Opposition Handicap (19.05). Dashing Dick already has a course and distance success to his name last season and arrives in good form, having gone close at York and then run another cracker back here when a close third last time. Admittedly, he is exposed but so are most of his opponents and he should be capable of being heavily involved again. A mention, at this point, for the unexposed Deadly Kiss, who improved here on slower ground last time but with a dry forecast before the race, she will have a bit to prove on the forecast ground, whereas the selection does not. Friday racing tip 4: Dashing Dick – 0.5pt each-way @ 7/1 bet365 Staying at 'HQ' and the Maritime Cargo Services Smart Customs Clearance Fillies' Handicap (19.40) looks to present a good opportunity for Rogue Dynasty to win again. James Owen's filly broke her duck on her first start for the trainer, at Chester last month. She bettered that effort, despite defeat, at Yarmouth last time. She will probably appreciate the drying ground and can continue her recent progress with another win. Responsible Gambling Bettors should always practice responsible gambling. When using gambling sites, keep in mind that sports betting can be addictive. Please take steps to remain in control of your time and budget. The same applies whether you're using new betting sites, slot sites, casino sites, casino apps, betting apps, or any other gambling medium. Even the most knowledgeable punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses. It's particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino offers you might receive, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution. You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs. You may also want to visit the following free organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having:
