Latest news with #Toney
Irish Independent
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Jamaican boxing legend Mike McCallum dies suddenly, aged 68
McCallum died suddenly near his home in Las Vegas on Saturday (31 May), with the Jamaica Observer reporting that he was on his way to the gym when he fell ill and pulled his car off the road. He was later found unresponsive and later pronounced dead. Known 'The Bodysnatcher' due to his vicious punching ability, especially to the body, McCallum was the first Jamaican to become a boxing world champion – eventually winning titles at junior middleweight, middleweight and light heavyweight between 1984 and 1995. After retiring in 1997 with 49 wins, five losses and one draw from 55 fights, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. Jamaica's sport minister Olivia Grange wrote on Instagram: "It is with utter and complete sadness that I learned of the death of Jamaica's three-time World Boxing Champion Michael McKenzie McCallum. "I express my personal condolences to his mother, siblings and his children. On behalf of the Ministry of Sport, I take this opportunity to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of this legendary Jamaican. "We hope they find strength in this time of bereavement." His most famous fights came against the likes of Michael Watson, Steve Collins, James Toney and Roy Jones Jr, having turned professional in 1981 after winning welterweight gold for Jamaica at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton. McCallum became world champion when he beat Ireland's Sean Mannion at Madison Square Garden in New York in 1984, claiming the WBA junior middleweight crown, and won his first 32 fights in the paid ranks, including successful title defences against Milton McCrory and Don Curry. His first defeat came in Italy against Sumbu Kalambay in 1988 when trying to add the WBA middleweight title to his collection but he did claim that belt a year later by earning a split-decision win over Herol Graham in the Royal Albert Hall in London. Successful defences came against Collins in Boston and Watson back at the Royal Albert Hall before avenging his Kalambay defeat in Monaco. December 1991 saw the first of a trilogy of fights against Toney over the course of his remaining career – with a split-decision draw and majority-decision loss in the space of nine months twice denying him the IBF middleweight belt. He did win a world title in a third weight division as a 38-year-old in 1994 when Jeff Harding was defeated for the WBC light heavyweight title but lost it to Fabrice Tiozzo a year later. His career then ended with losses to Jones Jr and Toney, the latter at cruiserweight. McCallum was hugely technically gifted as fighter and is undoubtedly the greatest Jamaican boxer of all time, as well as one of the best of his era, who leaves a huge legacy behind. 'Rest in Peace to the legendary Mike 'The Body Snatcher' McCallum,' read a tribute from the WBA. 'Former WBA world champion and one of the most technically gifted fighters of his era. Thank you for the fights, the lessons, and the greatness."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ivan Toney's England recall set to propel his status to Saudi Arabia poster boy
England boss Thomas Tuchel gave Ivan Toney a call-up despite joining Saudi side Al Ahli and his decision has given the Middle East league a huge PR lift amid claims players only join them for the money Ivan Toney is set to become a poster boy for the Saudi Pro League. Toney's shock return to the England squad for next week's World Cup qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona and the friendly with Senegal at the City Ground is seen as a landmark moment for the Saudi dream of one day eclipsing the Premier League as the biggest domestic football competition in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the star attraction in the desert - and could now be joined by his Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes. But Thomas Tuchel's decision to bring Toney back into the Three Lions pack has given the Arab nation a massive PR lift as they look to clear themselves of the accusation that any player moving to Saudi is motivated by money. It was thought that the 29-year-old striker had sacrificed his international career when he decided to cash in on a three-year contract with Al-Ahli worth a staggering £63million when he left Brentford in a £40million deal last summer. Jordan Henderson was ruthlessly axed from Gareth Southgate 's plans after chasing riches in the desert with Al-Ettifaq - and even a return to Europe with Ajax after just six months later did not prevent the midfielder from missing the cut for last summer's Euros. New Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel has no such concerns. The German recalled Henderson to his first squad - and now Toney is back in the fold after a productive first season in Saudi. Tuchel's first squad, named for the opening qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, included Dan Burn, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Marcus Rashford and Dominic Solanke as well as Henderson. Ollie Watkins has now been added alongside Toney as the England boss looks for alternatives for skipper Harry Kane. Toney scored 28 goals in 42 games in all competitions as Al-Ahli lifted the Asian Champions League and was on target 23 times in 30 league games. He is being touted for a possible return to the Prem, but that now appears unlikely following his return to the England set-up. Toney won the last of his six caps when he came on as a substitute against Spain in the Euro 2024 final - and he will now be looking to add to his solitary international goal after being given the nod by Tuchel. Al-Ahli now want Fernandes to join Toney at the club. Landing the Manchester United captain when manager Ruben Amorim has made it clear that Fernandes is key to his Old Trafford plans would represent another piece of astute business - even if it comes at the cost of a £100million transfer fee and wages of £650,000-a-week.
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
RGC advises sports fans to know and manage the risks when gambling as Stanley Cup finals loom
As many as 39 per cent of Ontarians betting on the Stanley Cup playoffs are betting more than they can afford and 25 per cent admit borrowing money or selling items to come up with gambling funds. Those are numbers from a survey by the Responsible Gambling Council, an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to problem gambling prevention. It is partially funded by the provincial ministry of health and long-term care and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. The survey reports 59 per cent of Ontarians said they are watching the playoffs and 41 per cent of that group is expected to wager on one or more of the games. Melissa Toney, RGC associate director of prevention programs, said gambling is a form of entertainment many people will enjoy without becoming a problem gambler. According to the survey, 38 per cent of respondents are concerned they are a problem gambler and 27 per cent report feeling mental health effects from stress or anxiety related to betting. Toney cites a number of risk factors which can lead to problems including the illusion that knowledge of a sport can help predict outcomes, the adrenalin rush from a big game or a winning bet, substance use and persuasive advertising. Those at greatest risk are males aged 18 to 24 who are moving into a stage of more independence in life. 'From a science perspective the prefrontal cortex of their brain isn't fully developed yet,' said Toney. 'When it comes to risk taking and those types of behaviours, the decision-making piece isn't fully developed.' The proliferation of sports betting since it was legalized in Ontario in April 2022, the onslaught of advertising and the embrace of it by sports organizations and media has made sports and sports betting seem synonymous, said Toney. 'When you have people who are really into sports who feel they know the game and they feel they will be able to make wagers that are going to be positive for them, you just have a tendency to bet a little bit more and more aggressively,' she said. 'That's when the challenges happen. When you're chasing losses. When you're not being mindful of how many online envelopes you are using or platforms that make these bets. You can now make in-play bets and all kinds of bets within the game. You can bet 24 hours a day. It has just become so easy.' She says knowing the risks and having strategies to manage the risk is the key to keeping gambling fun. 'We're not telling people that they shouldn't bet. We just want people to be mindful of why they are betting. What kind of mind frame emotionally and mentally they are at when they are betting so that they can make better decisions. We are giving people tips on how to keep the fun in the game,' she said. It's also important to understand the odds are not in your favour. 'Whether you are in a land-based casino or you are playing online the house is set to win. That's how it works. It's a game of chance,' she said. Alcohol and drugs can also impede decision-making and Toney cautions against wagering while under the influence. The challenge is to recognize the signs of problem gambling before it gets out of hand. Shame and stigma often cause people to avoid getting help before more significant damage is done. It's OK to admit you have a problem and there are resources to help, she said. 'Generally, people have to come forward for support when they have been devastatingly impacted by financial harm,' said Toney. There are numerous resources on RGC's website at , including self-assessment tools and information on addiction support services.
Saudi Gazette
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Toney earns England recall after standout season with Al Ahli
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney has been recalled to the England national team for the June fixtures against Andorra and Senegal, capping off a stellar debut campaign in the Roshn Saudi League. The 28-year-old forward, who joined the Jeddah-based club from Brentford last August, has emerged as one of the league's standout performers. Toney played a crucial role in Al Ahli's AFC Champions League Elite triumph last month and has scored 22 goals in the domestic league this season. With one match remaining in the 2024–25 campaign, Toney sits second in the Golden Boot race behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who has netted 24 goals for Al Nassr. 'Toney deserves to be with us,' said England manager Thomas Tuchel on Friday.'He scored over 20 goals this season, won a major title in Asia, and has made a big impact with goals and assists. I couldn't visit Saudi Arabia as planned in March, so now we're bringing him back to join us.'Toney's last appearance for England came in the UEFA Euro 2024 final loss to Spain. He has earned six international caps to will face Andorra on June 7 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, followed by a friendly against Senegal in Nottingham on June 10 — a match that could see Toney line up against Al Ahli teammate Edouard Mendy, along with Al Hilal's Kalidou Koulibaly and Al Nassr's Sadio Ahli currently sit fifth in the league table, three points behind fourth-placed Al Nassr, heading into the final matchweek of the season.
Leader Live
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Saturday's briefing: Tuchel defends Toney call while Slot seeks Trent support
Arsenal Women boss Renee Slegers said her side was not just making up the numbers in their Champions League final against heavy favourites Barcelona. And Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou hinted at a third season in charge during the club's Europa League trophy parade. Tuchel says Toney deserves his place in the England squad after surprisingly recalling the Saudi Arabia-based striker. After kicking off his reign with World Cup qualification wins against Albania and Latvia, the head coach is preparing for June's Group K game against Andorra and City Ground friendly at home to Senegal. Tuchel plumped for a 26-man selection for his second camp in charge, with Toney, 29, called up for the first time since leaving Brentford for Al-Ahli after helping England reach the Euro 2024 final. 'Ivan deserves to be with us, I think,' Tuchel said. 'I'm convinced because he scored over 20 goals for Al-Ahli this season. He's won a major title with the Asian Champions League, had a big involvement in the team with goals and assists and a huge contribution.' Liverpool head coach Slot has called on fans to put their grievances over Alexander-Arnold's departure to one side for the Premier League champions' coronation. Former captain Alan Hansen will hand over the trophy to current skipper Virgil van Dijk after Sunday's final match of the season against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace. It will be 35 years and 24 days since Hansen himself lifted what was then the Division One trophy in front of a full Kop, and the first time fans will have seen it in person since then as the 2020 ceremony took place in an empty stadium because of Covid regulations. Slot said: 'Everyone in the stadium deserves to be there: the fans, the staff but also the players. And one of my players is Trent, so he definitely deserves to be there as well because he has been part of an incredibly successful season and incredibly successful few years at this club.' Slegers insisted underdogs Arsenal 'are here to win' and called for bravery from her side ahead of their Women's Champions League final against holders Barcelona in Lisbon on Saturday. Barca have lifted the trophy on three out of the last four occasions, while there has not been an English winner since the Gunners did it themselves to seal a quadruple in the 2006-07 season. Just 90 minutes now stand between the Women's Super League runners-up and what that competition's serial winners Chelsea – Champions League runners-up to the Spanish giants in 2021 – have yet to achieve. Slegers said: 'We want to show courage. We respect Barcelona as a team. They're a really, really good football team, so we're very humble for the occasion, but also we are here to win and we have to find ways to win.' Postecoglou teased a potential third season at Tottenham as thousands of fans serenaded him and the club's Europa League heroes at a euphoric open-top bus parade. Two days after Brennan Johnson's 42nd-minute winner in Bilbao fired Spurs to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United, the players to end a 17-year trophy drought were back in north London. A white double-decker bus with 'Europa League winners' written across the front started in Edmonton Green at 5.30pm before it moved down the High Road to chants of 'glory, glory Tottenham Hotspur' from supporters young and old. Postecoglou hailed his players and told fans: 'They did it all for you, because you deserve it. This club deserves it. And I'll tell you something, I'll leave you with this – all the best television series, season three is better than season two. Thank you.' Underdogs Arsenal hope to cause an upset in the Women's Champions League final against holders Barcelona in Lisbon. Celtic will bid to complete another treble and a third straight Scottish Cup final win when they take on Aberdeen at Hampden Park and Sheffield United go head-to-head with Sunderland for Premier League promotion in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final.
