Latest news with #Co-opLive
The Independent
a day ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Potential opponents for Derek Chisora's farewell fight – from Oleksandr Usyk to Anthony Joshua
Derek Chisora 's next bout will be the 50th of a long career, and if he stays true to his word, it will also be his final fight. Shortly after his most recent bout, a win over Otto Wallin, Chisora took a novel approach to matchmaking, presenting three posters to the crowd and asking them to choose his next opponent. The options he presented included Daniel Dubois, Anthony Joshua, and Oleksandr Usyk, with the Co-op Live crowd seeming to prefer either Joshua or Usyk. Oleksandr Usyk – one last shot at glory Chisora's victory over Wallin in February saw the British veteran become the International Boxing Federation's mandatory challenger at heavyweight, although the title picture with the IBF is somewhat murky. That is complicated by the fact the IBF have ordered an eliminator between Frank Sanchez and Frank Ajagba, suggesting that Chisora could be bumped out of the queue. At the time of Chisora's win Dubois was the IBF champion, but he has since lost his strap to undisputed heavyweight king Usyk. One of the three options listed by Chisora after his most recent fight, Usyk also implied that he was open to facing the Brit in the aftermath of his win over Dubois. Usyk stated: 'Maybe it's Tyson Fury. Maybe we have three options – Derek Chisora, and Anthony Joshua. Maybe Joseph Parker. I cannot say now.' The pair first faced each other in 2020, where Usyk took a unanimous decision win over Chisora. Two of the judges had it very tight at 115-113 in favour of the Ukrainian, but five years later many would expect Usyk to be a clear winner. Martin Bakole – Chisora's chance to fight in Africa? A chance meeting between Chisora and Martin Bakole on IFL TV produced some very amusing quotes, with the former having a go at the latter for piling on the pounds in between fights. Having carved out a niche as the heavyweight division's boogeyman, Bakole's stock has dropped slightly after a knockout loss to Parker, followed by a subdued draw against Ajagba. Chisora is another vanquished Parker foe, and a contest between a heavy-hitting puncher like Bakole and a fighter who doesn't know when to quit in could produce a thriller. A major sticking point could be the choice of venue. In that aforementioned interview, Bakole said he wanted a big stadium fight in the UK, whilst Chisora has frequently spoke about his final fight being staged in Africa. Born in Zimbabwe, Chisora moved to the UK with his family as a teenager, whilst Bakole, of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has relocated to Scotland to help his boxing career. A return to Africa for both fighters could give Chisora the romantic farewell he is after. Fabio Wardley – passing of the torch Whilst not quite a prospect at the age of 30, Fabio Wardley has emerged as one of the faces of Britain's next generation of heavyweights. He claimed the interim WBA title at the start of June to cement his position as a top contender, but with all four belts in the possession of one man, it is a waiting game for Wardley. A fight with Chisora poses enough threat to make things interesting and attract a crowd, with both fighters proving they are strong ticketsellers. For Chisora, a fight with Wardley could represent a changing of the guard. If he wins, he goes out on a high, while there would be no shame in losing to a man 11 years his junior. For Wardley, not only would it be a big name on the CV but a step up in opposition, both in terms of quality and experience. Chisora's willingness to step into the ring with pretty much anyone has seen him pick up a few losses, but Wardley has not faced many seasoned veterans in the first 20 fights of his career so this could offer him a new challenge. Anthony Joshua – friends to foes Forty-nine fights into a professional career, you start to run out of opponents on a similar level to your own. Chisora is prone to getting into the ring with the same fighter multiple times, as evidenced by his losing record in a trilogy of bouts with Tyson Fury. When it comes to top level British fighters, there are not many that Chisora is yet to come to blows with. Chisora's longevity means he has shared the ring with names such as David Haye and Danny Williams, whilst he is well acquainted with Fury, Dillian Whyte, and Joe Joyce, prominent fighters of his own generation. One fighter he has not fought is Anthony Joshua, who happened to come through the same Finchley ABC gym as Chisora. Chisora frequently refers to Joshua as his brother, but the Zimbabwean-born boxer has called out the younger man before. With Joshua rebuilding following a shock loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 and elbow surgery earlier this year, this all-British heavyweight clash could finally be made. Daniel Dubois – wounded former champion looking to rebuild In an ideal world, Chisora would be fighting Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title this year. However, the option to unify all four belts in boxing's glamour division came up for Dubois, and no heavyweight would turn that down. Dubois suffered another knockout loss to Usyk, demoting him back to contender status in the heavyweight division. At only 27, Dubois has plenty of time to get back into the mix, but appropriate opponents will be hard to come by. Chisora could then present the perfect challenge. An experienced fighter capable of asking questions of anyone, Dubois' credentials – especially the debate over a tendency to 'quit' - would truly be tested. Dubois was another of the three names listed by Chisora after his victory over Wallin, suggesting he is more than open to the fight. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Drake leaves fans fuming as he cancels Manchester gig hours before he's due onstage
US star Drake has left fans fuming after he cancelled his Manchester gig just hours before his performance. The One Dance singer, 38, was forced to miss his show due to "travel logistics and unforeseen ferry schedule". Advertisement 4 Drake cancelled his Manchester gig just hours before the performance Credit: Getty 4 Drake was set to perform at Manchester's Co-op Live arena on Monday Credit: PA But the Canadian hitmaker informed fans that he had rescheduled for August 5, with organisers ensuring "all tickets remain valid for the new date". A statement on the arena's website read: "Due to unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics, tomorrow's performance in Manchester on July 28th has been rescheduled. "The good news is that Drake will now perform in Manchester on Tuesday, August 5th, and it's set to be an unforgettable night." Advertisement READ MORE ON DRAKE The singer had already played in the city on Friday and Saturday. Earlier this month, Drake left fans disappointed when he ended his three-show extravaganza at An insiders revealed the Canadian star threw an epic party after his last gig — which saw him partying at Mr Porter in Mayfair until after 5.30am. A source said: 'After his back-to-back shows on Friday and Saturday, Drake had a party. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity 'He hired out Mr Porter in Mayfair and was seen arriving around midnight. 'There were loads of celebs there like Casey Affleck and Hidden link between Kendrick Lamar's beef with Drake, the Super Bowl halftime show, and Duolingo's dead owl revealed 'The party went on all through the early hours of Sunday morning, with Drake finally heading home not long before 6am. 'It was a great bash and everyone who came out looked like they'd had a really good time. Advertisement 'Drake looked a bit tired when he came out with some of his entourage, so it's not surprising that his final show at Wireless was cut short. 'He probably needed some extra sleep.' After his final show at Finsbury Park, North London, Drake took to Instagram to speak directly to his fans and said: 'Thank you London. 'Need some time to process what just happened so I don't have my usual caption . . . just thank you so much for the best three nights of my performance career.' Advertisement Drake's fans, who had tickets to his final performance night, were not too impressed though. His shows on Friday and Saturday ran for 90 minutes, with the latter featuring 13 special guests. On Sunday, the official setlist had advertised two sets for Drake, one at 6.25pm and one at 8.55pm. But the first randomly disappeared from the schedule, with Drake coming on after Advertisement His first track was an unreleased collaboration with One concert-goer said Drake then raced through hits, with a surprise appearance from Nigerian rapper Rema and Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel. There was then only time for a few more tracks, with Drake finishing to 4 Drake disappointed fans when he ended his three-show extravaganza at Wireless after 40 minutes Credit: Getty Advertisement 4 The Canadian star threw an epic party after his last gig Credit: Getty
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Drake Cancels Manchester Show Due to ‘Travel Logistics'
Drake has called off his concert in Manchester, England, citing an 'unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics.' The rapper was scheduled to perform at Co-op Live tonight, July 28, as part of a series of three concerts at the venue. The venue shared the news on their website last night, writing, 'Due to unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics, tomorrow's performance in Manchester on July 28th has been rescheduled. The good news is that Drake will now perform in Manchester on Tuesday, Aug. 5, and it's set to be an unforgettable night. All tickets remain valid for the new date—we can't wait to see you there!' More from Rolling Stone Tyler, the Creator, Drake, Lola Young, and All the Songs You Need to Know This Week Drake Enlists Central Cee for 'Which One' Single Drake Honors Ozzy Osbourne at Birmingham Concert Drake performed the first two concerts at Co-op Live on Friday and Saturday nights. He will also play the venue on Aug. 4. The rapper's current European tour also include stops in Amsterdam, Zurich, Stockholm, and Milan. It is unclear what ferry schedule the statement is referring to as Drake was already in Manchester before Monday's show. Last week, Drake dropped a new song, 'Which One,' featuring Central Cee. He premiered the new track on July 25 during episode two of his Iceman livestream before officially releasing the song. His last single, 'What Did I Miss?,' was similarly dropped via livestream. On that one, he drove around Toronto in a van called The Iceman, leaving many fans to speculate that his next album will be titled Iceman. He had previewed another song called 'Supermax' during the stream as well. 'What Did I Mis?' debuted at Number Two on the Hot 100. It directly addressed the aftermath of his feud with Kendrick Lamar, including the success of Lamar's diss song 'Not Like Us.' Iceman would be Drake's first solo album since 2023's For All the Dogs. It follows up his collaborative album with PartyNextDoor titled Some Sexy Songs 4 U, which came out earlier this year. Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked Solve the daily Crossword
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Drake's Manchester gig cancelled due to 'travel logistics' issues
Drake has cancelled his gig at Manchester's Co-op Live arena due to "travel logistics" issues. The Hotline Bling rapper had been set to play at the venue in Manchester on Monday (28.07.25) but the performance has now been rescheduled for August 5 and organisers say "all tickets remain valid for the new date". Drake had already played two shows in the city on Friday (25.07.25) and Saturday (26.07.25) as part of his Some Special Shows 4 U tour and is also due to stage another gig at the arena on August 4. A statement on the arena's website read: "Due to unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics, tomorrow's performance in Manchester on July 28th has been rescheduled." It added: "The good news is that Drake will now perform in Manchester on Tuesday, August 5th, and it's set to be an unforgettable night." Meanwhile, Drake recently dropped a new single with British rapper Central Cee ahead of his shows in Manchester. The track – titled Which One – was revealed in an episode of the Canadian rapper's Iceman stream that was broadcast last Thursday (24.07.25) and filmed around the city. It featured scenes of Drake running from a pursuer in a Pinocchio mask – which was interpreted as a symbol for "lies" following the star around. He previously teamed up with Central Cee for the 2023 song On the Radar Freestyle. Drake had hinted at the collaboration during the second of his three headline performances at London's Wireless festival earlier this month – where he brought Central Cee out on stage. He told the crowd: "I'm so proud of this guy. "He's going around the world, killing it, shutting down every show, record after record." Drake also hailed other rappers from the UK during the festival, where he headlined all three nights. The God's Plan hitmaker said: "Nobody can out-rap London rappers. This is the best, this is the highest level." Drake revealed earlier this year that he is working on a new solo album and has promised that it will be "a slap". He said: "Thank you to everybody that's streaming the album. Every time, every journey. Working on a new album, it's a slap." Asked if it's a solo record, he replied: "Yeah."
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Richard Ashcroft announces huge tour update after 'nearly outshining Oasis'
Liam Gallagher said it was never a question that Richard Ashcroft would be joining them on tour after their shared history After embarking upon the biggest stadium tour of the year as special guest to Oasis, and selling out Manchester's Co-op Live, Richard Ashcroft today announces additional UK dates due to overwhelming demand. Richard will perform at arenas in Cardiff, Liverpool, London and Leeds in Spring 2026, with tickets on sale at 9.30am on Friday 1st August. The announcement follows the news of the October 3rd release date of his brand new album Lovin' You - his first all-new album since 2018's Natural Rebel and follows 2021's Acoustic Hymns, Vol. 1. Speaking on Radio 2 earlier this month Richard Ashcroft said: 'The album's due in September, just after I finish the dates with Oasis. That'll be coming out in September, and yeah, happy days, we'll see how it goes. I'm buzzing that I'm still here. I'm still making music, people pay me to make music, people pay me to sing live. It's like I can't complain.' Ashcroft has won huge praise from fans after being picked to join Oasis on their huge sell-out Live 25 tour. Speaking after seeing the band play at Wembley Stadium, David Baddiel said the former Verve frontman gave the Gallaghers a run for their money when it came to entertaining the crowd. Noel has even been spotted watching Ashcroft's sets before walking on stage himself. "Oasis were great tonight. But they were nearly outshone by their support, Richard Ashcroft, in incredible voice: still the Scott Walker of Britpop," Baddiel posted to X. "Don't think Richard has ever done a bad show," replied one of his followers. "Magnificent," agreed another, while a third said: "It's the absolute dream lineup. Chris Martin said Richard Ashcroft had the best voice going around. Richard Ashcroft and Oasis playing in 2025. It's what the world needs some GOOD THINGS! I can't wait to see them in Australia. Magic. How special to be at Wembley. Brilliant." Responding to Baddiel's video of Ashcroft singing The Drug's Don't Work, another X user replied: "This was a real moment in Manchester too. Something about that song still felt fresh / in the room as it were. The Oasis tunes being great, but definitely a stronger nostalgic tinge to them." Richard Ashcroft and Oasis share a mutual admiration which dates back to touring together before Oasis first broke through. Richard is performing as special guest on all of their UK shows alongside band Cast. Here's how to catch Richard on tour this year and next: Tour dates JULY - WITH OASIS 25th - London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT) 26th - London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT) 30th - London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT) AUGUST - WITH OASIS 2nd - London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT) 3rd - London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT) 8th - Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT) 9th - Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT) 12th - Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT) 16th - Dublin, Croke Park (SOLD OUT) 17th - Dublin, Croke Park (SOLD OUT) 23rd - Cornwall, Live At Scurrier House (HEADLINE SHOW) SEPTEMBER - WITH OASIS 27th - London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT) 28th - London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT) NOVEMBER – HEADLINE SHOW 8th – Manchester, Co-op Live (SOLD OUT) MARCH 2026 – HEADLINE SHOWS 24th – Cardiff, Utilita Arena 26th – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena 28th – London, The O2 APRIL 2026 – HEADLINE SHOW 2nd – Leeds, First Direct Arena
