Latest news with #RuntheWorld
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
The league is worried about AFLW. We asked footy's best and brightest how to improve it
On a chilly Tuesday night, Beyoncé's feminist anthem Run the World (Girls) reverberated around the Ciel venue in Melbourne's Southbank as the football world gathered to launch the AFLW's milestone 10th season. Percussionists and black leather-clad dancers performed on stage against a backdrop of flickering neon red spotlights, while the crowd sipped pink martinis and ate fresh oysters. AFLW general manager Emma Moore took to the stage to welcome the attendees and reflect on the seismic growth of the women's game since its inception in 2017, when a lockout crowd of 24,568 attended the inaugural game. Since then, the league has expanded rapidly, with 18 clubs and a 12-game home-and-away season in 2025. AFLW players now rank as the fourth-highest-paid sportspeople nationally and the past three grand finals have sold out. However, the league has encountered some significance turbulence. Broadcast numbers are dwindling, as are crowd numbers at home-and-away matches (an average of 2600 last year) – no doubt impaired by last year's controversial compressed fixture and unfriendly timeslots. Consequently, the AFL recently told clubs AFLW is losing $50 million a year. So where does the league go from here? This masthead contacted media commentators, club presidents, past players, coaches and content creators for their insights and aspirations. What is one change or implementation they think would take AFLW to the next level? Kelli Underwood, commentator and journalist Imagine a State of Origin AFLW event in Adelaide for Gather Round, where a star-studded Victorian team, coached by Daisy Pearce, faces off against formidable South Australia. Commentator Kelli Underwood says an event like that would draw more than 20,000 fans and is a non-negotiable for the future of the sport. 'It [State of Origin] exploded in rugby league when they introduced it for the women's game,' she said. 'I think it fits perfectly in Adelaide for Gather Round. 'People love watching the best of the best. We saw that with the Matildas at the World Cup. So I think it's a no-brainer.' The former host of ABC's Offsiders program says women's footy is here to stay, but it needs a permanent home. Loading 'In 129 years of VFL/AFL, there's been 51 venues. In nine seasons of AFLW, there's been 61 venues used,' she said. 'So I would love to see just three or four venues in Melbourne.' Underwood recommends Punt Road, Whitten Oval and wants to see Victoria Park developed into the home of women's footy. 'There's so much history there,' Underwood said. 'It's accessible, unlike Ikon Park, and it's smack-bang in a neighbourhood characterised by diversity and the demographic AFLW appeals to – socially progressive, young and inclusive. There's a strong fan base there already, and we know that women's sport is where sport is growing the most.' Daniel Harford, former AFLW coach Former Carlton coach Daniel Harford wants to see bigger venues and an earlier start date for the women's league. To put it plainly, he wants AFLW players to play footy during the footy season. 'A grand final on the last Saturday of November, I just reckon people are tired by then,' Harford said. 'Instead, have the grand final during the bye after the men's home and away [season], so it's got clear air and work backwards from there. That opens up the opportunities for double-headers with clubs and use of Marvel Stadium. 'They have double- or triple-headers at Marvel Stadium every second weekend to get through two or three games played in awesome conditions, which I think the product would absolutely blossom from.' Despite calls to alter the season timing, the AFL is wholly committed to the August-November model. That slot in the sporting calendar would remain 'indefinitely', the league said. 'Providing certainty and clarity for fans, players and clubs around the future of the competition, the AFL Commission approved this key priority that aligns with the new AFLW growth strategy,' the AFL said on Friday. But Harford said starting the AFLW season earlier would ease the burden on clubs and staff and also become 'more palatable for footy fans' who are already in the zone. 'When I was coaching, I thought the summer period might be good for our own space,' he said. 'But you're asking lot from the public to come and support and be a part of it for 12 months. That's a big ask.' Harford wants to see more access to better stadiums, acknowledging that while community grounds were 'beautiful and historical' they were not appealing from a spectator perspective. 'Play them in stadiums and you'll get better quality footy, less affected by the elements.' Kat Sasso, content creator Sports presenter and content creator Kat Sasso says there is 'a million and one' TV shows covering the men's game, but a huge gap in the market for more AFLW coverage. 'They need their own set, proper, fun and exciting TV show; bringing in different players and platforming players in a way that you don't really get to see,' she said. Sasso has worked across major sporting events including the Women's World Cup and the Australian Grand Prix and would love to see media continue to spotlight women in sport. 'I think … it would be a really good way to platform these players – especially for the older generation of people who watch TV shows,' she said. Chloe Dalton, former AFLW player One of AFLW's top priorities, according to the recent review, was to lift attendance numbers and TV ratings that have fallen over the past few years. However, former AFLW, rugby and basketball player Chloe Dalton also wants the league to take a grassroots approach to growing fan bases, through connecting with school children. The Olympic gold medallist would like to see each AFLW player align with one school in their local area and visit regularly to facilitate sessions with kids. 'As a former AFLW player, I know that players are already spread quite thin,' she said. 'But what if a community development officer was running weekly sessions at the school and then an AFLW player went in one session per term to build relationships with the kids? 'That way when they [kids] get offered tickets for them and their family to go to the games, there's actually that personal connection and a bit of incentive for them as well.' Ben Brown, AFLW assistant coach A premiership player in the AFL, Ben Brown thinks AFLW 'is already amazing' but has a few ideas on how to improve the game from a players' perspective. The retired Demon joined Essendon this year as head of AFLW development and would like to see AFLW and VFLW seasons align. 'I know there are players on our list who haven't played because of the shortened seasons and because they've started to not have the opportunity to necessarily play second-tier football,' he said. 'There are players in our list that at times, haven't played an actual proper game in nearly two years. 'To align the league from the players' point of view, I think that would immensely help their growth and development.' He's also open to double-headers, but said it would be important to consult players on their preferences. 'I know there are some who think double-headers are a good idea, and some potentially that want to see W stand a bit more on its own,' he said. 'I do think one of the benefits of AFLW is that it's such a family-friendly vibe.' Abbey Holmes, former AFLW player Channel Seven footy reporter and former player Abbey Holmes wants to see the AFLW season's start date move back to February and then run alongside the men's competition. 'Traditionally, what we've seen is, after the men's grand final has wrapped up, people look to other sports like cricket or racing … and switch off for the summer,' she said. 'Whereas when women would start in February, I just think people were craving footy. They've been starved of it since the AFL men's grand final in September. So when February rolls around, it doesn't matter if you're a supporter of the men's competition or the women's competition, you're a supporter of footy.' Holmes said the February state date would allow for double-headers early in the men's season and better weather for AFLW players. She'd love to see the women's grand final held at Marvel Stadium, but said that dream might take time. Andrew Demetriou, former AFL CEO In the mid-90s, player agent Ricky Nixon launched 'Club 10', enlisting 10 AFL superstars as part of a marketing juggernaut that borrowed from 'The Quarterback Club' in American football. The Club 10 initiative also gave the players more control of their intellectual property. The original 10 in the '90s were Wayne Carey, Gary Ablett, Jason Dunstall, Glen Jakovich, Tony Lockett, Stewart Loewe, Gavin Brown, Garry Lyon, Gavin Wanganeen and Greg Williams. Andrew Demetriou, the former AFL CEO, wants to bring the concept back. 'My one idea to improve AFLW is to establish the old 'Club 10' and market the stars so they become household names and personalities,' he said. 'It would help raise awareness of AFL and the real talent.'
The Age
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
The league is worried about AFLW. We asked footy's best and brightest how to improve it
On a chilly Tuesday night, Beyoncé's feminist anthem Run the World (Girls) reverberated around the Ciel venue in Melbourne's Southbank as the football world gathered to launch the AFLW's milestone 10th season. Percussionists and black leather-clad dancers performed on stage against a backdrop of flickering neon red spotlights, while the crowd sipped pink martinis and ate fresh oysters. AFLW general manager Emma Moore took to the stage to welcome the attendees and reflect on the seismic growth of the women's game since its inception in 2017, when a lockout crowd of 24,568 attended the inaugural game. Since then, the league has expanded rapidly, with 18 clubs and a 12-game home-and-away season in 2025. AFLW players now rank as the fourth-highest-paid sportspeople nationally and the past three grand finals have sold out. However, the league has encountered some significance turbulence. Broadcast numbers are dwindling, as are crowd numbers at home-and-away matches (an average of 2600 last year) – no doubt impaired by last year's controversial compressed fixture and unfriendly timeslots. Consequently, the AFL recently told clubs AFLW is losing $50 million a year. So where does the league go from here? This masthead contacted media commentators, club presidents, past players, coaches and content creators for their insights and aspirations. What is one change or implementation they think would take AFLW to the next level? Kelli Underwood, commentator and journalist Imagine a State of Origin AFLW event in Adelaide for Gather Round, where a star-studded Victorian team, coached by Daisy Pearce, faces off against formidable South Australia. Commentator Kelli Underwood says an event like that would draw more than 20,000 fans and is a non-negotiable for the future of the sport. 'It [State of Origin] exploded in rugby league when they introduced it for the women's game,' she said. 'I think it fits perfectly in Adelaide for Gather Round. 'People love watching the best of the best. We saw that with the Matildas at the World Cup. So I think it's a no-brainer.' The former host of ABC's Offsiders program says women's footy is here to stay, but it needs a permanent home. Loading 'In 129 years of VFL/AFL, there's been 51 venues. In nine seasons of AFLW, there's been 61 venues used,' she said. 'So I would love to see just three or four venues in Melbourne.' Underwood recommends Punt Road, Whitten Oval and wants to see Victoria Park developed into the home of women's footy. 'There's so much history there,' Underwood said. 'It's accessible, unlike Ikon Park, and it's smack-bang in a neighbourhood characterised by diversity and the demographic AFLW appeals to – socially progressive, young and inclusive. There's a strong fan base there already, and we know that women's sport is where sport is growing the most.' Daniel Harford, former AFLW coach Former Carlton coach Daniel Harford wants to see bigger venues and an earlier start date for the women's league. To put it plainly, he wants AFLW players to play footy during the footy season. 'A grand final on the last Saturday of November, I just reckon people are tired by then,' Harford said. 'Instead, have the grand final during the bye after the men's home and away [season], so it's got clear air and work backwards from there. That opens up the opportunities for double-headers with clubs and use of Marvel Stadium. 'They have double- or triple-headers at Marvel Stadium every second weekend to get through two or three games played in awesome conditions, which I think the product would absolutely blossom from.' Despite calls to alter the season timing, the AFL is wholly committed to the August-November model. That slot in the sporting calendar would remain 'indefinitely', the league said. 'Providing certainty and clarity for fans, players and clubs around the future of the competition, the AFL Commission approved this key priority that aligns with the new AFLW growth strategy,' the AFL said on Friday. But Harford said starting the AFLW season earlier would ease the burden on clubs and staff and also become 'more palatable for footy fans' who are already in the zone. 'When I was coaching, I thought the summer period might be good for our own space,' he said. 'But you're asking lot from the public to come and support and be a part of it for 12 months. That's a big ask.' Harford wants to see more access to better stadiums, acknowledging that while community grounds were 'beautiful and historical' they were not appealing from a spectator perspective. 'Play them in stadiums and you'll get better quality footy, less affected by the elements.' Kat Sasso, content creator Sports presenter and content creator Kat Sasso says there is 'a million and one' TV shows covering the men's game, but a huge gap in the market for more AFLW coverage. 'They need their own set, proper, fun and exciting TV show; bringing in different players and platforming players in a way that you don't really get to see,' she said. Sasso has worked across major sporting events including the Women's World Cup and the Australian Grand Prix and would love to see media continue to spotlight women in sport. 'I think … it would be a really good way to platform these players – especially for the older generation of people who watch TV shows,' she said. Chloe Dalton, former AFLW player One of AFLW's top priorities, according to the recent review, was to lift attendance numbers and TV ratings that have fallen over the past few years. However, former AFLW, rugby and basketball player Chloe Dalton also wants the league to take a grassroots approach to growing fan bases, through connecting with school children. The Olympic gold medallist would like to see each AFLW player align with one school in their local area and visit regularly to facilitate sessions with kids. 'As a former AFLW player, I know that players are already spread quite thin,' she said. 'But what if a community development officer was running weekly sessions at the school and then an AFLW player went in one session per term to build relationships with the kids? 'That way when they [kids] get offered tickets for them and their family to go to the games, there's actually that personal connection and a bit of incentive for them as well.' Ben Brown, AFLW assistant coach A premiership player in the AFL, Ben Brown thinks AFLW 'is already amazing' but has a few ideas on how to improve the game from a players' perspective. The retired Demon joined Essendon this year as head of AFLW development and would like to see AFLW and VFLW seasons align. 'I know there are players on our list who haven't played because of the shortened seasons and because they've started to not have the opportunity to necessarily play second-tier football,' he said. 'There are players in our list that at times, haven't played an actual proper game in nearly two years. 'To align the league from the players' point of view, I think that would immensely help their growth and development.' He's also open to double-headers, but said it would be important to consult players on their preferences. 'I know there are some who think double-headers are a good idea, and some potentially that want to see W stand a bit more on its own,' he said. 'I do think one of the benefits of AFLW is that it's such a family-friendly vibe.' Abbey Holmes, former AFLW player Channel Seven footy reporter and former player Abbey Holmes wants to see the AFLW season's start date move back to February and then run alongside the men's competition. 'Traditionally, what we've seen is, after the men's grand final has wrapped up, people look to other sports like cricket or racing … and switch off for the summer,' she said. 'Whereas when women would start in February, I just think people were craving footy. They've been starved of it since the AFL men's grand final in September. So when February rolls around, it doesn't matter if you're a supporter of the men's competition or the women's competition, you're a supporter of footy.' Holmes said the February state date would allow for double-headers early in the men's season and better weather for AFLW players. She'd love to see the women's grand final held at Marvel Stadium, but said that dream might take time. Andrew Demetriou, former AFL CEO In the mid-90s, player agent Ricky Nixon launched 'Club 10', enlisting 10 AFL superstars as part of a marketing juggernaut that borrowed from 'The Quarterback Club' in American football. The Club 10 initiative also gave the players more control of their intellectual property. The original 10 in the '90s were Wayne Carey, Gary Ablett, Jason Dunstall, Glen Jakovich, Tony Lockett, Stewart Loewe, Gavin Brown, Garry Lyon, Gavin Wanganeen and Greg Williams. Andrew Demetriou, the former AFL CEO, wants to bring the concept back. 'My one idea to improve AFLW is to establish the old 'Club 10' and market the stars so they become household names and personalities,' he said. 'It would help raise awareness of AFL and the real talent.'
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dating a Leo: Bring Sunglasses for the Spotlight
Dating a Leo is not for the faint-hearted—or the dimly lit. This sign doesn't just walk into a room; it arrives with theme music, probably something between Beyoncé's Run the World and Freddie Mercury's mustache. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Leos date like they're starring in a reboot of a romantic classic, where everything is extra, dramatic, and possibly directed by Baz Luhrmann. Think Moulin Rouge! with fewer corsets and more selfies. Ruled by the Sun, Leos radiate confidence with the intensity of a reality show contestant who knows the camera loves them. Compliments are their currency, and if a date forgets to applaud the outfit or fails to notice a fresh haircut, prepare for the kind of silence usually reserved for plot twists in Grey's Anatomy . But don't mistake the sparkle for shallowness. Underneath the glam, Leo hearts are fiercely loyal, like a golden retriever with a Spotify playlist. They love big, they love loud, and they will absolutely expect matching Halloween costumes. Leos are the type to post anniversary slideshows that deserve their own Emmy nomination. Expect gifts that sparkle and dates with surprise candlelight, even if it's just a Tuesday. The drama is not optional—it's part of the package. Somewhere between a Shakespeare sonnet and a Lady Gaga music video, there lies the essence of a Leo in love. Arguments? Picture a debate stage hosted by Oprah. Leos fight fair—but dramatic. Winning isn't the goal; making a statement is. Bonus points if someone storms out and returns two minutes later with a perfectly timed monologue. And yes, the attention-seeking is real, but it's not selfish—it's performative affection. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A Leo in love wants to be seen, celebrated, and maybe clapped for. But in return, they shine light on their partner like a spotlight in a one-person Broadway show. In short, dating a Leo is like dating the main character—because that's exactly what they are. Just pack emotional sunscreen.
The Guardian
16-04-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Snub the tub and buy a butt: nine ways to cut your water bill
If you live in England or Wales, your home has more bedrooms than people and you are not already metered, then switching to a water meter could save you hundreds of pounds each year. You may be able to figure out whether a meter could save you money by using online calculators on your water company's website. The water consumer group CCW also has one on its site. If unsure, you can always call your provider and ask for advice. It can review your usage and compare it with how much you are likely to pay if metered. It is free to have a meter installed but you have to apply through your provider's website or give the company a call. In Scotland, you will be charged the labour costs for installing a meter, so staying with fixed payments may be the better option. If you do not have a meter, you will probably pay for your water with your council tax. A council tax reduction could mean you also get up to 35% off water and waste. If you cannot get a meter in England or Wales, you may be eligible for an assessed charge, which is based on factors such as the size of your property and the number of people in it. You can also apply for a social tariff. If you are unhappy with the water company's decision or billing in England and Wales, you can make a complaint to the water redress scheme (WATRS). Cutting the time you spend showering to four minutes or less could save more than 50 litres of water compared with an eight-minute shower, which adds up if you are on a meter. To help track the time you could make a playlist of your favourite four-minute songs, or use Water Aid's Spotify one. Beyoncé's Run the World (Girls) comes in at 3:55. A lot of 80s hits also fit the four-minute bill. When the song starts to wind down, you will know time is nearly up and the bubbles must come off. Bonus points if it is a song about water or washing. You could still be wasting a lot of water by using an inefficient shower head. A standard version uses 10-15 litres a minute, compared with about six litres a minute for a water-saving one. It works by reducing the amount of water that flows through it using restrictors or aerators, which mix air and water to create a misty spray that feels like a full-flow shower. This allows you to use less water without sacrificing shower pressure, and can save a lot of money in the long run. Even if you are not on a water meter and are paying a fixed rate, changing your shower head can also help to lower your energy bills because it reduces the amount of water that needs to be heated. Similarly, consider reducing the number of baths you take. If you love a soak, this will not be welcome news: a typical bath uses about 80 litres of water, about double the water used in a six-minute shower. You do not have to cut out baths entirely, but taking fewer of them could help you save over time. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that swapping one bath a week for a four-minute shower could save you £9 a year on energy bills. Do not leave the tap running while brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face or doing the dishes. This also applies when applying soap, shampoo, or shower gel in the shower. A running tap can waste more than 6 litres of water a minute, according to the industry body Water UK. That is about 24 litres of water wasted every day from just brushing your teeth twice a day. If you spend 10 minutes washing up, that adds up to 60 litres of water. Instead, fill up a washing-up bowl with soapy water. If you need to rinse utensils or wash vegetables, use cold water if possible and when you are finished use it to water your plants. You could also fit a tap aerator. This small device attaches to the spout and mixes air with the water, making the water feel fuller and more forceful, even though less of it is actually being used. It could save you about £16 a year in water if you are on a meter, plus an additional £19 on energy from reduced heating costs, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Modern toilets, such as low-flow models, typically use about 4.5 litres of water a flush, compared with older ones that can use up to 13 litres or more. Dual-flush toilets offer a lower-water option for liquid waste (about 3 litres) and a higher-water one for solid waste (about 6 litres). Some high-efficiency toilets use even less water. Fitting a new toilet is not cheap, so instead you could get a cistern displacement device, which sits your toilet cistern and saves you about 1-2 litres every flush. A dripping tap or running toilet can waste up to 400 litres of water a day. Some water companies such as Yorkshire Water offer free leak-detection services and may even repair them at no cost. You can also buy dye tablets that you put in a cistern to check toilet leaks. According to the UK housebuilder Barratt Redrow, fixing leaks can save a household up to £519 a year, making it an easy and effective way to reduce your costs and conserve resources. Instead of running your dishwasher or washing machine half-full, wait until you have enough for a full load. The average washing machine uses 50 litres on a normal cycle. Wessex Water estimates that cutting out two washes a week could save you about £50 a year on water and energy bills. Dishwashers are generally more water-efficient than handwashing dishes, using about 9.5 litres of water per full cycle. Opt for eco-friendly cycles and use lower temperature settings for washing. Regular maintenance of your washing machine and dishwasher also ensures they run efficiently. Cleaning filters and checking for leaks can prevent them from using more power than necessary. If your appliances are outdated, upgrading to energy-efficient models – which are designed to be water-saving – can further reduce bills. While the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term savings on energy and water make it a wise investment. If you have a garden or balcony, collecting rainwater for watering plants or washing your car can help to reduce water use. As it rains quite a lot in the UK, you probably will not have to wait long before it is full. You can pick up a 210-litre water butt from B&Q for about £40; a balcony-friendly 100-litre model costs about £35.
The Guardian
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Price rises to occasion with glory in historic night for women's boxing
On a night steeped in history, Natasha Jonas could not roll back the years as she was outfought and outclassed by Lauren Price who dominated their world welterweight title unification fight to add the IBF and WBC belts to the WBA bauble she already owns. Price, in her fighting prime at the age of 30, is 10 years younger than Jonas and she was just too quick, fluid and powerful as all three judges awarded her the decision by comprehensive margins of 98-93, 100-90 and 98-92. Jonas has had an admirable career and she was the first woman to be named as British boxing's fighter of the year in 2022. But, in the end, time ravages every fighter and Jonas could not match the fire of Price whose poise as an Olympic champion was also evident. The ring walks for both Price and Jonas were electrifying. Price, the passionate Welsh fighter, was accompanied by the rousing defiance of Dafydd Iwan's Yma o Hyd. Jonas soon followed as Beyoncé's Run the World (Girls) boomed around her and the noise intensified. Price wore black while Jonas was more colourful in blue and gold trunks and a pristine white top. The most notable punches of a busy opening two rounds, for both fighters, came from Price whose hand speed was far more impressive. In the second, off-balance and under intense fire, Jonas was clipped by a hard right hook which left her stumbling across the ring. She already had the look of an old champion who knew she faced a punishing ordeal. The black gloves of Price were a constant blur and Jonas looked bullied and tentative as the heavy punches hurt her round after round. As slick as she was aggressive, Price dominated with remorseless zeal. The age difference seemed painfully acute, even when Jonas tried to wrest back the initiative, Price caught her with blistering counters to win almost every round. The two women fought in an atmospheric setting for boxing as the Royal Albert Hall first opened its doors 154 years ago this month. It provides intimacy and grandeur, as well as a deep sense of history, with the circular tiers of seating creating an imposing boxing theatre in the round. Dubious and great fighters have boxed here – including Primo Carnera, the Kray brothers, Muhammad Ali, Frank Bruno, Lennox Lewis and Marco Antonio Barrera. At the outset of a soft spring evening in London, near the back entrance of the Albert Hall on the aptly named Kensington Gore, the familiar sight of two ambulances waiting to take any stricken fighter to hospital offered a sobering reminder. Boxing, even on a supposedly historic night for women fighters, is freighted with danger. But the beautiful venue added a cultural sheen to the stark logistics. In the basement, the fighters were told that if they needed wifi then the password was 'Elgar' – the English composer of Pomp and Circumstance. A different kind of fight crowd greeted the first boxers, the heavily tattooed Gemma Ruegg and the richly promising Fran Hennessy. It was notable, in a venue with seating for 5,200 boxing fans, that there were as many women as men shouting their support – especially for the fluid footwork and crisp punching of Hennessy who cruised to a shutout victory. Raucous booing is never far from traditional boxing and it made an early appearance when Chloe Watson, trained by Ricky Hatton, lost her European flyweight title on a split-decision to Jasmina Zapotoczna. There are rarely many knockdowns in women's boxing but Karriss Artingstall dropped Raven Chapman heavily in round two of their contest for the vacant British featherweight title. Artingstall, Price's former partner, won a wide and unanimous verdict on all three cards to become the new champion. The extremely shallow pool of premium talent is hard to ignore but such nights can only help attract prospective new fighters. As the Albert Hall filled to around 80% of its capacity it felt important to remember that women's boxing was still banned in Britain in 1998. So progress is being made but this bill lost some lustre after Cindy Ngamba's enforced withdrawal owing to medical concerns. Ngamba, the Olympic medallist from the Refugee Team, spoke this week of her worry that Saudi Arabia's stranglehold on the fight business seriously undermines female fighters. The Riyadh Season logo was printed on the ring's grey canvas yet, so far, there has been no meaningful interest in women's boxing from the Saudis. Sign up to The Recap The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend's action after newsletter promotion But British boxing has a clear future star. Caroline Dubois is the most gifted young female fighter in this country and she showed flashes of her vast potential against Bo Mi Re Shin, the tough and resilient South Korean. Both women wore black but Dubois' top and trunk glittered with silvery tassels which suited her extra class and panache as she switched from head to body. In her 24th bout, double the amount of fights which have featured Dubois, Shin ploughed forward determinedly but with little effect. Dubois' fast hands and sharp power rocked her repeatedly. Then, in the 10th and last round, the champion allowed herself to be dragged inexplicably into a dogfight. Looking suddenly drained Dubois was forced to retreat as Shin tore into her. The Korean landed some telling shots and, as Dubois fought back, a thrilling series of exchanges lit up the venerable old arena. Most of the roaring crowd were on the feet as Shin strived but failed to find the knockout she needed. Dubois, who learned a valuable lesson in those bruising final two minutes, retained her WBC world lightweight title on a majority decision – with two judges being accurate in their 98-93 and 98-92 scoring. The third official somehow saw a 95-95 draw in another little nudge to Dubois that, for all her feisty skills, she still has plenty to learn in the ring. The night belonged to Price – who is now in a strong position to make her own history as the leading women's boxer in Britain. 'Stepping up here tonight, what a venue, made history,' Price said soon after the last bell. 'But I've got to say a massive thank you to Tasha. We need perfect dance partners. I respect her for what she's done, not just for women's boxing, but boxing. True legend. It's been an honour to share the ring with her.' Price then added: 'I honestly believe I can become undisputed [welterweight champion]. I want to go on. I want to create a lasting legacy.' As Jonas took her leave of this famous old building she, too, could look ahead. Her best days in the ring are over but, as the first woman to obtain a licence as a manager in British boxing, Jonas is already building a growing stable of young fighters. She can find some consolation in this new life as she recovers from a hard and hurtful night in the ring.
