Latest news with #comeback
The Sun
18 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Sun
‘Maybe all of them' – Tyson Fury names three-man hit list that could tempt Gypsy King out of boxing retirement
TYSON FURY has named THREE huge fights that could tempt the boxing legend out of retirement - again. 'The Gypsy King' hung up his gloves once again in January after suffering back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia. 1 Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh recently revealed that he is currently negotiating a three-fight deal with Fury, who was undefeated before losing to Usyk. And there were three names on the Brit's list when iFL TV asked him to list match-ups that would motivate him to box again. Fury said: "Well, don't hold your breath, it's not going to be this year, but it might be next year. "If I get the right offer, it might be 2026. If it turns me on, then I will come back. "But if there is no turn on, I will stay retired. Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk, Daniel Dubois, any of them or maybe all of them." Fury won't be able to make a comeback until next year due to his ongoing commitments to various projects with Netflix. The two-time world heavyweight champion is currently in the middle of filming a documentary about his family life as well as the second series of At Home With The Furys. Once that's wrapped up, Alalshikh intends to start sowing the seeds for a mouth-watering all-British showdown between Fury and Joshua. Alalshikh recently told The Boxing Voice: "Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury next year, we are trying to do it and we are thinking about it." Before Usyk knockout Dubois inside five rounds on Saturday, Fury appeared at a boxing event at BOXPARK where he confirmed to fans that he would indeed return. He previously said: "I do miss it, every single day I wake up in the morning and miss it. I've been away seven months, missed it everyday. I'm open to offers at the moment." "The takeover! I'm gonna be 37 in about three weeks so I'm going to be the oldest swinger with all these young boys coming up it's going to be difficult." A trilogy with Usyk is Fury's priority, but it will depend on the Ukrainian's plans for the future. The three-time undisputed king did name Fury to the crowd when listing who he should fight next, also including Derek Chisora, AJ and Joseph Parker in the line-up. Parker, 33, has been named as the mandatory challenger for 38-year-old's Usyk's IBO world heavyweight title.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patriots' Robert Kraft makes '28-3′ admission
The post Patriots' Robert Kraft makes '28-3′ admission appeared first on ClutchPoints. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is making a startling admission. Kraft says that whenever someone tells him about something that is impossible to achieve, he refers them to the improbable comeback his team had in the 2017 Super Bowl game. 'When people believe something is impossible, I go '28-3,'' Kraft said on the Adam Schefter Podcast, and reported by ESPN. In early 2017, the Patriots were down 28-3 to the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. Tom Brady then led the Patriots on an incredible comeback, before winning the game 34-28 in overtime. 'It is the largest comeback — down by 25 points in the third quarter — in Super Bowl history,' Mike Reiss wrote. That Super Bowl would turn out to be one of the last ones that Kraft would win with Brady and head coach Bill Belichick. It was one of six Super Bowls won by that team of owner, head coach and quarterback. The Patriots are looking for some of that magic once again The Patriots haven't been the same since Tom Brady left the franchise. New England hasn't sniffed a Super Bowl since, and Belichick is also gone. Kraft is the only one of the group that remains. New England has a new head coach this season, in Mike Vrabel. Vrabel takes over after Jerod Mayo was fired last year. Mayo lasted just one season with the Patriots. He won only four games. Brady may not be with the Patriots any more, but the team does have a talented young quarterback in Drake Maye. Maye is about to enter his second NFL season. He has made a strong first impression on his new coach, as well as the team owner. Even some of Maye's competitors are tipping their cap to him. One is Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. 'I think Drake is super talented, he's one of my favorite young quarterbacks in the league,' Allen said, per Sports Illustrated. 'I've spent some time around him and he's got his head on his shoulders the right way. He just does things the right way. I think that he exemplifies football.' The Patriots, like other NFL teams, start training camp in July. Time will tell if that old 28-3 magic can help New England again this season. Related: 1 obvious New England Patriots trade candidate entering 2025 training camp Related: Patriots cut rookie defensive tackle
The Independent
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Floyd Mayweather, Conor Benn: Who's next for Manny Pacquiao after Mario Barrios draw?
Manny Pacquiao almost completed the dream comeback against Mario Barrios but was held to a majority decision draw in Las Vegas on Saturday night. Pacquiao had been out of boxing for four years and challenged for Barrios's WBC welterweight title. The legendary Filipino impressed with his speed and power at 46 years old, reminding the world how he became one of the greats. For those worried that this fight may have been a one-off, Pacquiao said this was not the end of his boxing journey. Pacquiao said at the post-fight press conference: 'Don't worry. The 'Pac Man' is back, and the journey will continue.' So, after such an impressive performance and with fuel still in the tank, what options lie ahead for the Filipino icon? Mario Barrios rematch After such a close fight, a rematch would be an enticing proposition for the fans. In their bout this past weekend, Pacquiao was ahead on two out of three judges' scorecards, but lost the last three rounds, which cost him a historic win. Pacquiao said he would like a rematch and that he would have a longer training camp headed into it. He was forced to have an eight-week camp because of his electoral campaign in the Philippines. Pacquiao said: "I need to continue my training for longer going into a championship fight. Because of the election, I started late, but it's OK. Of course, I'd like a rematch. I want to leave a legacy and make the Filipino people proud.' Barrios gave Pacquiao his due respect and also said he would love to do it again. Barrios said: 'He's still strong as hell, and his timing is real. He's still a very awkward fighter to try and figure out. He added on the rematch: 'I'll do the rematch. Absolutely. This was huge for boxing. I'd love to do it again.' Conor Benn Rumours of a fight between Conor Benn and Pacquiao have been circulating since last year. The pair shared a face-off in Riyadh during the build-up to Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou – sparking speculation over a welterweight clash between them. Benn has since gone on to fight Chris Eubank Jr, losing a unanimous decision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April. A rematch between Benn and Eubank Jr looks set for the autumn, but speaking to Sky Sports, Benn revealed he would be open to a fight with Pacquiao or Barrios if the rematch doesn't materialise. Benn said: 'He's past his sell-by date, but he's still a legend – one of the greatest of all time – so either or there's options. Benn still holds top five rankings with the WBC and WBA at welterweight, and a fight with Pacquiao would help boost his world title hopes, if he returns to 147lbs after his rematch with Chris Eubank. However, Pacquiao's manager Sean Gibbons said that the Filipino boxing legend wants to fight again before the end of the year, and with the Eubank Jr rematch looking to be in in the final quarter of 2025, it would be difficult for Benn to squeeze in another fight. It might not be next, but it is a fight that is on the radar of both men, and if Pacquiao can get a rematch and beat Barrios, Benn will be at the front of the queue with the WBC. Floyd Mayweather After a successful comeback, proving he still has what it takes to compete at the world level, Pacquiao has revenge on his mind. He and Floyd Mayweather shared a fierce rivalry that culminated in a fight in 2015 that was one of the most lucrative in boxing history, albeit a tad late. Mayweather beat Pacquiao via unanimous decision to seemingly put an end to their rivalry. But with Pacquiao now an active boxer again, he wants to reignite their feud and fight one more time. Pacquiao said after his fight with Barrios: 'If [Mayweather] comes out of retirement and signs the contract, we'll fight.' He concluded: 'Let's fight again if he wants, I'm active now.' Mayweather, now 48, has been retired from professional boxing since 2017 after he came back to fight Conor McGregor, but stays active in the gym and has had a handful of exhibition bouts. With Mayweather still in shape and Pacquiao back in the professional ranks, a rematch is a genuine possibility, and perhaps the promise of a big payday can draw Mayweather back out of retirement. Other Welterweights Pacquiao's manager has said they are aiming for bigger names than Barrios in his next fight. Gibbons said: "He's a nice guy [Barrios] and I like the kid, but Manny deserves a bigger name.' He continued: "There are fighters like Gervonta 'Tank' Davis and [Rolando] 'Rolly' Romero out there." 'Rolly' Romero has yet to confirm his next opponent after his upset victory over Ryan Garcia in May. He currently holds the WBA 'Regular' title and would be an intriguing match-up for Pacquiao. Elsewhere in the welterweight division, Brian Norman Jr and Devin Haney have had a fight confirmed for November 22 on the Ring IV card in Riyadh. Haney is coming off a lacklustre win over an ageing Jose Ramirez, and Norman Jr is in the form of his life after scoring a devastating knockout of Jin Sasaki in Japan and currently holds the WBO welterweight title. If Pacquiao was looking for a more robust challenge and another shot at a world title, the winner of this fight is a real option.
Independent Singapore
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Independent Singapore
Venus Williams returns to tennis, hopes her sister Serena will end retirement and join her
INTERNATIONAL: American tennis player Venus Williams is back on the tennis scene and preparing for her first match in more than a year. She will make her comeback at the DC Open. She admitted she would be even happier if her younger sister, Serena Williams, also played with her. The athlete's most recent tournament was the Miami Open in March 2024, where she was unfortunately knocked out in the first round. As she has not competed since then, the official WTA Tour marks her as 'inactive' on their website. Her sister, Serena Williams, has not played tennis since the 2022 US Open. During her athletic journey, Serena won 23 major singles titles and 14 more in the doubles category with Venus. Venus admitted: 'I keep saying to my team: The only thing that would make this better is if she was here. Like, we always did everything together, so of course I miss her… But if she comes back, I'm sure she'll let y'all know.' See also Singaporean graduate referee Taqi goes to Qatar World Cup 'I don't know what she's going to do. I don't ask those questions… I think we always hit the ball, because that's who we are. We're always hitting,' the athlete added. She stated that Serena came by and played with her during her recent practice session, which took about 15 to 20 minutes. 'She can take six months off and she clocks it clean,' Venus said. 'You can't teach that kind of talent. She's just so good,' the athlete also shared. About her comeback, Venus remarked: 'This is very special for me to come back and play tennis… I think it's a surprise for the fans — and a surprise in general, as I hold my cards tight.' 'I'm just here for now, and who knows?… Maybe there's more. … But at the moment, I'm focused just on this. I haven't played in a year. There is no doubt I can play tennis, but obviously, coming back to play matches, it takes time to get in the swing of things. I definitely feel I'll play well. I'm still the same player. I'm a big hitter. I hit big. This is my brand,' she added. See also Canadian Vasek Pospisil ends Davis Cup career DC Open chairman Mark Ein admitted that he was shocked that Venus agreed to play in Washington through a wildcard entry. Ein declared: 'She's such an icon of the sport — and, importantly, both on and off the court… So anytime you can have her engaged and have the spotlight on her and everything she's done and continues to do, it's hugely positive.' On social media, netizens showed their support to Venus by stating: 'Fans want to see Venus and she is an amazing ambassador for the sport and for female athletes. I'm thrilled she is still competing. ❤️,' and 'I will say it again, champions get to retire when they are ready. She has earned every wild card she gets for what she has given to the game.' However, some netizens were not thrilled by her comeback and commented that she should now retire and offer the wildcard spot to a younger player. One netizen declared: 'It's time. Let someone else play that needs the ranking points, the money, and the experience. We love you, Venus, but it's time. Join the Legends bracket.' Another netizen remarked: 'Taking a wildcard spot from people who have been working their tail off for the opportunity is wild work. Just stay retired and enjoy being one of the greats!'
The Independent
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Marcus Rashford finally has his Barcelona move but the saga has cost Man United a heavy price
There is a history of Manchester United turnarounds at the Nou Camp. Now there may be another. A player who, six months ago, was not even granted a place on the bench for the team who went on to finish 15th in the Premier League, is now being unveiled as Barcelona's new signing. For Marcus Rashford, it feels quite a comeback. He may go from Ruben Amorim's bomb squad to Hansi Flick 's bench. He might only be Plan C after Nico Williams performed a U-turn to stay at Athletic Bilbao and Liverpool rebuffed an approach for Luis Diaz. As Flick's forward line consists of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, Rashford could yet spend much of his time watching on. And yet a loan could feel evidence of his class and enduring appeal; vindication of his strategy, too. Since December, when Rashford said he wanted a new challenge, Barcelona has felt his dream destination, but far from United's ideal move. The Catalan club's well-documented financial problems meant the prospect of a sizeable transfer fee always felt remote. Now Rashford heads out on his second successive loan, with Barcelona possessing a €30m option to make it a permanent deal. But United could be scarred by past clauses: they thought one meant Jadon Sancho was going to Chelsea on a long-term basis and he is back on their books. Aston Villa had a £40m option to buy Rashford. But they did not qualify for the Champions League; in any case, it hardly felt that Rashford had his heart set on a lengthier stay. The price to purchase him has gone down by a third despite a loan spell that appeared restorative. The unwanted truth for United is that they will find it hard to ever sell Rashford for much of a fee, in part because of his enormous wages. It does not appear improbable that Barcelona will look for another loan next summer. But there were hints at Villa, glimpses of the Rashford of old, moments when he was running Paris Saint-Germain ragged. His 17 appearances brought just four goals, but they also yielded six assists. He displaced Ollie Watkins as first-choice striker and earned an England recall. There were signs of hunger; if the breakdown of his relationship with United was caused in part by nights out, there were evenings at Villa Park where he looked sharp and speedy. Unai Emery saw him smiling; the demanding Emery felt Rashford was responding to his methods. There is nevertheless a burden of proof on two men now. Rashford is only one, though his underwhelming last 15 months in the United team prompted Teddy Sheringham, among others, to suggest he had not deserved a move to Barcelona. That return of 15 goals in 67 games stood in contrast to the career-best season before then, the rush of 30 goals that led to one of the biggest contracts in United's history. Which, with his subsequent decline, scarcely seems the wisest of investments. If it is for Rashford to show he is good enough for Barcelona, that he belongs in the company of Yamal, Raphinha and Lewandowski, that, unlike some other quick forwards, his best days did not come early in his career before his acceleration diminished, the jury remains out on the question of whether United were right to discard him. Certainly, it is notable how few fans sided with Rashford: a player who could have been a United icon has instead become a symbol of an era of underachievement. A willingness to see him go may be an attempt to banish much of the last decade. None of Rashford's 426 games came for a team who genuinely challenged for the league title or who reached a Champions League semi-final. And yet if one risk for Amorim is that Rashford shines for Barcelona, another lies in United's form. Shorn of Rashford, United registered their lowest league finish in half a century, with their fewest league goals since 1974. However blame is apportioned for Erik ten Hag's falling-out with Sancho, neither benefited. History has repeated itself: so far, Rashford's absence has done United no good. It is hard to imagine he would have scored fewer goals than Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Making it clear he was persona non grata is scarcely the cleverest of negotiating ploys; it has diminished United's chances of striking a better deal. Meanwhile, United are spending some £133m on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, two replacements who have had better seasons but lack his pedigree. Meanwhile, United may have offloaded Rashford's salary for a season but they are yet to cash in on him. There should be an essential sadness that a man who could have been destined for a status as a United great will instead be consigned either to the past or annual loans. Even in a time when the team has declined, a return of 138 goals in 426 games at 27 could have positioned him for places on the all-time leaderboard. But there was also an underlying, unanswered question of how Rashford would have developed elsewhere, given a skillset that could have been suited to life under Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp. Instead, he has played for a detailed-obsessed Spaniard, in Emery, and now begins life under a German with a marked fondness for high pressing, in Flick. Rashford has got what he has wanted for months; perhaps longer. But he and United both ought to harbour regrets about how their relationship unravelled.
