Latest news with #Vada
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What happened with Conor Benn's failed drugs tests? Saga explained ahead of Chris Eubank Jr showdown
After two-and-a-half years of waiting, Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will settle their rivalry in the ring on Saturday night. It is a fight built on their surnames and one that was set to take place at a catchweight of 157lbs in October 2022, despite concerns over the risks of Eubank cutting down so much having spent much of his career at 168lbs. However, that bout fell through due to Benn failing two drugs tests. That controversy has fuelled the bad blood in the build-up to this weekend's grudge match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and it remains a cloud that hangs over the event. Just days before the pair were due to fight in 2022, it emerged that Benn had failed two voluntary drugs tests for the female fertility drug clomifene. Despite claims from promoters that the bout would proceed as planned, it was called off and Benn has spent much of the two-and-a-half years since attempting to clear his name, maintaining his innocence throughout. Benn gave up his British boxing license after the positive tests and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) suspended him in March 2023, though he insisted he was still free to fight outside of the UK. The WBC initially removed Benn from their world rankings but reinstated him in February 2023 and suggested the failed tests could have been caused by a "highly-elevated consumption of eggs". However, Benn distanced himself from that explanation, instead pointing to 'testing errors'. "At no point did I indicate that I failed any Vada tests because of contaminated eggs," said Benn. "As part of its lengthy investigation, the WBC instructed its own experts to review my supplements and diet, and they concluded that egg contamination was the most likely cause.' The National Anti-Doping Panel (NADA) lifted Benn's suspension in July 2023, however that decision was appealed by UKAD and the BBBoC and he was subsequently provisionally suspended again in May last year. Benn had by that point had two fights in the USA, recording low-key wins on points over Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson. That suspension was withdrawn in November 2024 after the NADA ruled it was "not comfortably satisfied" that UKAD had proved Benn had committed an anti-doping violation, and the both UKAD and the BBBoC opted against appealing that decision. Benn took to social media to announce that the NADA had 'finally cleared me of any wrongdoing'. The verdict of the independent panel has left Benn free to continue his career and fight in the UK, with Saturday night's bout his first on home soil in more than three years.
NDTV
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Billionaire Sridhar Vembu Tries Vada Pav For The First Time. His Reaction...
Indian billionaire business magnate and Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu discovered a newfound love for Mumbai's iconic street snack - vada pav. Taking to his X handle, Vembu posted a picture from Mumbai in which he can be seen posing in front of a snack shop while holding a vada pav. While many famous people have confessed their love for vada pav on social media, what surprised Vembu's followers was that it was his first time trying this snack. Along with the photo, the Zoho founder wrote, "Enjoying vada pav in Mumbai. First time in life. How did I miss it all this while pav." See the full post here: Enjoying vada pav in Mumbai. First time in life. How did I miss it all this while 😁 — Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) April 24, 2025 The post quickly went viral. Take a look at the comments below: "Wow! First time? In all these years? Damn," a user wrote. Sharing some great places for vada pav in Mumbai, another added, "Hope you went to one of the good places which serves authentic vada pav. If not try Aaram Vadapav - near CSMT station or Ashok Vadapav- Dadar Shivaji Park (you can also see the cricket mecca of Mumbai on Shivaji Park ground while having Vadapav)." A curious foodie asked, "With green chilli or without?" Another user recommended more foods to try. "Sridhar ji, do try Sabudana Wada at iconic Prakash in Dadar/Girgaon. I would also recommend midnight Pav Bhaji at Sukh Sagar." An X user chimed in, "Enjoy sir - you should also try Misal pav." Previously, several influential people from around the world have expressed their love for vada pav. In 2024, Bryan Adams came to Mumbai for his concert and did not leave without trying vada pav. He called it "the most delicious vegan street dish... so damn good!." In 2023, Madhuri Dixit introduced Apple CEO Tim Cook to his first vada pav in Mumbai. "Thanks, Madhuri Dixit for introducing me to my very first Vada Pav - it was delicious!" he wrote on X.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eubank Jr fined £100,000 for slapping Benn with egg
Chris Eubank Jr has been fined £100,000 for slapping Conor Benn with an egg during a chaotic media conference last month. As the pair prepared for the obligatory face-off, Eubank produced an egg from his pocket and hit his British rival across the cheek with his left hand. Benn, with his father Nigel next to him, lost control and both boxers were held back by security guards. In a statement, the British Boxing Board of Control said Eubank, 35, was in breach of regulation 25 in relation to misconduct. The incident happened in Manchester on 25 February as the pair promoted their fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next month. A scheduled fight between the pair in October 2022 was called off when Benn failed a voluntary drugs test, prompting a two-year battle with anti-doping authorities, before his suspension was lifted in November. Benn has always denied intentionally doping and both fighters are being tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) for the contest. An independent report by the World Boxing Council (WBC) in February 2023 said the 28-year-old's failed drugs test was not intentional and could have been caused by a "highly elevated consumption" of eggs. "Apparently egg contamination was the reason for his two failed drugs tests. So I contaminated him with an egg," Eubank posted on social media with a clip of the incident. Boxing schedule and results 2025 Watch every Born to Brawl episode Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport
BBC News
25-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Eubank Jr slaps Benn with egg at chaotic face-off
Chris Eubank Jr slapped Conor Benn across the face with an egg during a head-to-head at an extraordinary media conference in British rivals - who will fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 26 April - at times acted like petulant children and hurled foul-mouthed insults at each other throughout the later filled the auditorium at the Manchester Central venue before the obligatory pair exchanged words close up, before Eubank produced an egg from his pocket and hit Benn across the cheek with his left already volatile Benn, with his father Nigel next to him, lost control and both boxers were held back by security guards.A scheduled fight between the pair in October 2022 was called off after Benn failed a voluntary drugs test, prompting a two-year battle with anti-doping authorities, before his suspension was lifted in has always denied intentionally doping and both fighters are being tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) for the independent report by the WBC in February 2023 said his failed drugs test was not intentional and could have been caused by a "highly elevated consumption" of eggs."Apparently egg contamination was the reason for his two failed drugs tests. So I contaminated him with an egg," Eubank posted on social media with a clip of the incident. Media conference boils over & Hearn in firing line Eubank made a slow entrance and demanded Benn be seated closer to him."I don't know who you think you're talking to," responded a twitchy Benn, dressed in a black silk pyjama-like fighters belittled each other's records, Eubank spoke about the injustice of a rehydration clause which means he cannot weigh more than 10lb more than the middleweight limit on fight night, and Benn said he would "render [Eubank] unconscious"."I'm excited to end this man's career," said 28-year-old Benn, who has won all 23 of his fights, with 14 34 wins in a career spanning more than 13 years, Eubank, 35, has fought at a significantly higher level. His losses have come against former world champions Billy Joe Saunders, George Groves and Liam Smith."I'm going to beat him because I'm a better fighter in every department," he and Benn have reignited a family rivalry after their hall-of-fame fathers fought for a second time almost 32 years Sr was not in attendance, however, and appears reluctant to be involved in the promotion of the fight."The bottom line is that his dad does not even like him," said the war of words continued, Nigel Benn and Eubank's team, including promoter Ben Shalom, remained Eubank took particular aim at Benn's promoter, Eddie Hearn, who refused to back down."This is not the Eddie Hearn show," he said, talking over Hearn every time the Matchroom chairman spoke as a standoff ensued. More security needed for Thursday? – Analysis It is unlikely the Manchester Central Auditorium - which usually caters for corporate events - has seen such v Eubank is a bloodline rivalry which has transitioned into bona-fide hatred. Put these two volatile Englishmen together in any room and the chances of it kicking off are extremely by BBC Sport before the media conference what he thought of his opponent, Benn - without hesitation - replied: "Idiot."We expected a push or maybe some insults which crossed the line, but Eubank's actions caught everybody by pair are set to face off again at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday. The security firm used by organisers may need to call on a few more staff.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
A century ago, Kansans celebrated by introducing Wheat Girl to the president. Madness followed.
President Calvin Coolidge stands with Kansas "Wheat Girl" Vada Watson and a group of men. She presented him with a tiny bag of wheat. (Library of Congress) On Kansas Day in 1925, a 19-year-old farm girl named Vada Watson was whisked to the White House to present President Calvin Coolidge with a tiny sack of wheat. Her mission? To proclaim Kansas wheat the best in the world. Kansas Day is just around the corner — Wednesday, Jan. 29, the date in 1861 Kansas was admitted to the Union — so let me turn your attention from the cacophony of current events and dwell, if only for a little while, with Vada's story. It is a thoroughly Kansas tale, similar in some ways to 'The Wizard of Oz,' with ample amounts of hubris and eventual madness. If Vada was Dorothy Gale, then the wizard was F. Woodville 'Woody' Hockaday, a 40-year-old Wichita promoter and highway trailblazer who accompanied her to the White House. I'm thinking of the 1939 movie, not the more complicated and disturbing L. Frank Baum novels. It must have all seemed like a technicolor dream to Vada, because it all happened so fast. The 'Wheat Girl' contest was sponsored by the Kansas Daily Newspaper Advertising Association, in an attempt to show the world that the Sunflower State produced more than 'cyclones, grasshoppers and sunflowers.' In the space of fewer than 60 days — from December 1924, when the contest kicked off, to Jan. 29 — she went from being a farm girl studying at a small Christian college to briefly being the best-known ambassador of the Sunflower State. Nomination ballots were published in newspapers across the state, which was divided into regions for the contest, and there were only two requirements: the girl must be under 22 and have lived on a Kansas farm for the previous two years, with exceptions for stays at college. Judging by the amount of ink Kansas newspapers devoted to the contest, the competition must have been keen. Ballot tallies were regularly reported. Mary Wheat of Parsons was a contender, but ultimately her name did not carry her. The Hutchinson News-Herald reported on the fierce campaigning and accompanying shenanigans as seriously as it would have a major political contest. 'When the last election day came the Turon Commercial club ordered 10,000 copies of the News and Herald with the ballot in,' the newspaper reported Jan. 3, 1925. 'But the order had to be turned down, as it was decided not to sell any extra papers in bulk.' At Sterling College, the Presbyterian institution where Vada was a student, her campaign was organized by the college president. Her list of supporters at Turon reads like a business directory for the town: physicians, bankers, and merchants were madly clipping ballots. At the last minute Turon sent 40 'shock troops' to Hutchinson, 34 miles distant, to support Vada. They worked all day in weather that hit 10 below. They rounded up an extra 1,500 ballots for Vada, the Hutchinson paper reported. 'There were frozen hands and frozen feet,' according to the news account, 'but there were warm hearts and red-hot enthusiasm. And they put their candidate over.' Having clinched the nomination of the Hutchinson News-Herald, on Jan. 12 Vada was sent to Topeka to be judged with the other contestants. The Kansas Wheat Girl would be chosen, according to the rules distributed to newspapers, as the 'best looking, most intelligent, and most popular farm girl in Kansas.' Did I mention the contest was in 1925? After Vada was chosen the winner, she was introduced at the state capitol to Kansas Gov. Ben Paulen, a Fredonia Republican who had been freshly sworn into office. Paulen, who was supported by the Ku Klux Klan, defeated famed Emporia editor William Allen White in the gubernatorial primary. It was after Vada's crowning as Kansas Wheat Girl that our wizard enters the story. Woody Hockaday was born in 1884 in Caldwell and by the age of 14 had moved to Wichita and started a coal delivery business to pay for his education. He and his brother went into the bicycle trade but soon moved into automotive supplies and services. Hockaday offered free air, water, and battery charging and free tire repair for stranded motorists within 10 miles of Wichita. By 1915, Hockaday had turned his attention to mapmaking — and promotion. From New York to Los Angeles, he hired crews to put signs up along the country's evolving highways listing distances between towns, and the signs were marked with a big red H — for Hockaday. 'In a program planned to make automobile travel easier, he marked more than 60,000 miles of road with his familiar 'H' marker,' the Wichita Beacon noted in his obituary. 'He was responsible for the establishment of the zero milestone in Washington, D.C., the starting point of all the highways in the United States.' Hockaday provided a temporary zero mile marker that was placed on the Ellipse south of the White House, according to the Federal Highway Administration. At the time, he was president of the National Highway Marking Association. A squat stone marker later replaced the temporary one. The idea for a starting point to measure highway distances, according to the highway administration, came from one S.M. Johnson, who relayed his idea through the Army's Motor Transportation Corps. The Beacon obit noted Hockaday's promotion of the Kansas Wheat Girl but also acknowledged his more recent activities. 'In more recent years Hockaday figured in the news with publicity stunts in which he attempted to further the cause of world peace and understanding,' the obituary said. Hold your questions, because there will be more on those stunts shortly. Hockaday's involvement in the Kansas Wheat Girl campaign was to take Vada from one place to another — by automobile, train, and aircraft. Hockaday was secretary of a booster organization called the 'Kansans,' and he and his wife, Grace, chaperoned Vada on her travels. In the first and biggest trip, they went to Washington, D.C., and Vada presented Coolidge with a two-ounce sack of Kansas wheat. Although it was too small to be of any practical use, that little bag of wheat had big political significance. The bag was part of the crop that had been harvested during a photo op in June 1923 by President Warren G. Harding at the wheel of a tractor near Hutchinson. It was a preliminary stop on a western tour by Harding, a then-popular Republican president. Harding died of a heart attack during the tour, on Aug. 2, in San Francisco. Posthumous revelations of scandal and extramarital affairs tarnished Harding's legacy. More lasting was the Sunflower State's reputation for wheat. Although Kansas is among the nation's top producers of wheat, and for many years our license plates proclaimed us 'The Wheat State,' it wasn't always so. The state was known more for its corn harvests, at least until 1874, when Russian Mennonite immigrants brought the hardy Turkey Red wheat with them. About 5,000 migrants came to Kansas to escape religious persecution in Ukraine and, in doing so, were largely responsible for a revolution in the state's agriculture. Coupled with advances in motorized farming in the decades to come, the stage was set for wheat to become the state's dominant crop. In Washington with her little bag of reliquary wheat, Vada was 'accorded (the) honors of a foreign dignitary,' reported the Associated Press. Vada was described as a 'blue-eyed miss' who raised chickens and cooked for farm hands. She was welcomed by congressmen, cabinet officers and the president himself on the birthday of her home state. She was treated to lunch by Kansas Sens. Charles Curtis and Arthur Capper and was the guest of honor at the annual dinner of the Kansas Society. Later, Vada and the Hockadays went on a 12-day summer train tour, making stops across the state, singing the 'Wheat Song,' and spreading the gospel of agricultural prosperity. Their tour would eventually take her outside of Kansas, all the way to Los Angeles. Hundreds of column inches of newspaper copy were devoted to the Coolidge meeting and the railway wheat tour, but there is precious little in the way of interviews about what Vada thought about it all. A photograph in the Library of Congress seems to sum up the role Vada played in this theater of commerce: a well-mannered dark-haired girl in a modest dress handing over that tiny sack of wheat to Coolidge in a doorway to an official-looking building. Is it at the White House? Congress? It's difficult to tell. Whatever the location, Vada and the president are surrounded by a crowd of official-looking white men in suits. The Kansas wheat boom would continue a few more years. But overproduction would lead to a collapse in prices, and unsustainable farming practices would leave the topsoil with no defense against extreme weather. The Dust Bowl came and reset Kansas agriculture again. 'The long succession of abnormally dry seasons turned a considerable area in western Kansas into a near desert,' the Works Progress Administration publication 'Kansas: A Guide to the Sunflower State' said in 1939. 'Wheat planting had destroyed the natural coverage of buffalo grass and left the soil exposed to the ravage of drought and wind. By 1934 soil blowing had become a major problem.' Kansas wheat production eventually rebounded, especially with agricultural advances in the second half of the 20th Century. Yet, drought remains a peril for wheat farmers, with the added dangers of aquifer depletion and climate change, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. But I'm getting ahead of the story. Something happened to Hockaday in the decade or so after his triumphant wheat tour. By 1936, he had taken to throwing feathers at various politicians and bureaucrats in Washington. The United Press called him a 'feathers-tossing peace advocate' who was arrested by Capitol Police after scattering a gunny sack full of chicken feathers in the office of Assistant Secretary of War Harry Woodring. A Democrat, Woodring had been Kansas governor in the early 1930s. 'Shouting his war-cry of 'feathers instead of bullets,' Hockaday, garbed in semi-nudist style, loped out of the building before officers could seize him,' UP reported Aug. 7, 1936. The breach-clouted Hockaday was apprehended after taking refuge near the offices of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Hockaday, who advocated for giving the country back to Native Americans, held rallies in national parks during which he urged people to collect skunks to send to Hitler. He slung feathers in New York to show his displeasure with Wall Street. He crashed an American Legion meeting in Baltimore. He showered Wall Street with feathers in 1936. In Oklahoma City, he rushed Franklin D. Roosevelt's car and was beaten by the crowd and the Secret Service. He was accused of kidnapping an 11-year-old boy and taking him to the New Jersey statehouse for a protest. Dressed in a Santa Claus costume, he tossed hundreds of live chickens to crowds around Rockefeller Center in 1940, according to the Associated Press. He was repeatedly thrown in jail, in towns big and small. 'They always popped old Woody into the psycho wards,' wrote Robert Ruark in his newspaper column in 1949, lampooning the politicians of his day, 'but sometimes I get to wondering if he wasn't as sane as the people he serenaded.' Hockaday died of diabetes in 1947 at the Still-Hilldreth psychiatric hospital in Macon, Missouri, according to his death certificate. He was 63. Vada graduated from Sterling College, taught elementary school, and married Willis Hoskinson, a banker from her hometown. A scholarship to promote post-secondary education in the Turon area is named for Vada and her husband. She died in 2000, age 94. That is the story, which concludes with a long and perhaps happy life for Vada but ends on a cipher for Hockaday. What triggered him to go from being the state's biggest travel booster to waging a one-man feather war for peace? It is tempting to put it all down to mental illness, but that seems too simple. His madness wasn't random, it was focused, and while his methods may have been shocking, he knew how to make headlines. The tragedy is that his demons drove Hockaday beyond the bounds of peaceful protest, into the inexcusable acts of kidnapping a child and rushing a sitting president. We Kansans have always been a little mad, at least since the time of John Brown, but the end of Hockaday's story has a certain cringe undiluted by time. But Hockaday is as much a part of the kaleidoscopic story of Kansas as winter wheat. He deserves to be remembered, feathers and all. Max McCoy is an award-winning author and journalist. Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
