American heavyweight boxer, Deontay Wilder has confirmed that the clash between him and Anthony Joshua will happen in December.

The much anticipated clash between both heavyweight boxers have generated a lot of reactions from their fans on social media.

Talks are also ongoing for Wilder to take an interim fight against Andy Ruiz, though these appear to have reached a stalemate.

‘The Bronze Bomber’ assured 78SportsTV that the blockbuster bout with Joshua in the Middle East is definitely happening.

“We coming baby, soon! The next fight, we’ve been working very hard, you’ve seen me training. It’s always been Ruiz, but if he doesn’t want to accept it then we will move on, or maybe hold out until the Joshua fight, because that’s definitely going down.

“Y’all need to get your money ready for that,” he said.

Skill Challenge Promotions are determined to stage Wilder vs Joshua, even if they can’t agree a deal for an undisputed showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on the same show, which now looks to be off the table for December, as per Fury’s promoter Frank Warren.

Wilder could be forgiven for perhaps wanting a fight before taking on Joshua, given he has not boxed since his one round demolition of Robert Helenius in October of last year.

Joshua is well accustomed to fighting in Saudi Arabia, which played host to both his successful rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr back 2019 and his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last summer.

Wilder has never boxed in Saudi himself, though he was seen in attendance at the Tommy Fury vs Jake Paul fight in February, where it is speculated that early talks for a fight with Joshua could have occurred.

However, Joshua has been billed to fight Dillian Whyte on August 12 in Saudi Arabia.

[TheNewsGuru]

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has charged the Senior Women National Team, the Super Falcons to pull efforts, talents and skills together and dominate at the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals starting in Australia and New Zealand in 18 days’ time.

The First Lady threw this challenge to the nine-time African champions at a Send-Forth dinner held for them at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Saturday, less than 24 hours before the team was due to depart Nigeria’s shores for a 15-day training camp in Down Under before the global spectacle.

“You are the shining star and pride of Africa. I charge you to go all out and do your very best to dominate other teams, and become the pride of the entire world,” she said in a speech read on her behalf by Dr. Betta Edu, APC National Women Leader.

“I am proud to note that our Super Falcons have remained in that mix of the very best globally in the world of football. They have featured in every single edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals since the competition started in 1991, and our country is also one of only seven countries worldwide to have done so.

“While our Falcons made it to the quarter-finals at the 1999 finals in the United States of America, and reached the second round at the last championship in France, our expectations as a nation and as a people is for a much better performance at what is certainly the biggest and best championship yet, in Australia and New Zealand starting from 20 July.”
The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar advised the girls to work as a team in order to achieve greater results, while President of NFF, Ibrahim Musa Gusau noted that the Super Falcons have won their last three matches and possess the winning mentality to be a strong force for any opposition in Australia and New Zealand.

“Our belief in the Super Falcons and what they are capable of achieving informed the NFF’s decision to spare no cost in adequately preparing the team for the finals, with tournaments and matches in Japan, Mexico and Turkey, and a 15-camping already planned in Australia before the tournament begins.”

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu expressed confidence that the Falcons will go all the way to the Championship Final, and pledged to attend the quarter-final and semi-final matches if the girls get to the latter stages.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi urged the Falcons to observe the integrity of the sport and prioritize good character on and off the field of play at the finals.

Team captain Onome Ebi, on behalf of the players, said: “We are not just going to be part of the competition, but going to break records and surpass our previous outing which was Round of 16.”

The occasion was also attended by a representative of the Accountant General of the Federation, NFF partners and sponsors, members of the diplomatic corps, business moguls, NFF management and staff, members of the Supporters Club and other football stakeholders.

On Friday, the Australian High Commission in Nigeria treated the Super Falcons to a celebration dinner hosted by the Ag. High Commissioner, Leanne Johnston in Abuja, and which was also attended by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Ismaila Abubakar, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, NFF Management team and football stakeholders and enthusiasts.

[ThisNigeria]

Karolina Muchova reveals she used to look up to the great Roger Federer and that's probably one of the reasons why she is always looking to be aggressive and attack. Muchova, 26, made her first Grand Slam final at this past French Open.

At Roland Garros, Muchova didn't back down to anyone as she upset Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinal before falling to Swiatek in three sets in the final. “When I rewatch my videos from when I was 10 years old, you would find me there playing drop shots and slices and going to the net.

I think it was always there. [Ever] since I picked up the racket, I liked to play this way. Then when I was older, I looked up to Roger [Federer] and players like this, playing this aggressive, attacking style and I saw myself in that a little bit, in the way I would like to play the game.

That helped and I tried to play some similar shots and I just enjoy the game to play it this way," Muchova told The Guardian.

Muchova looked up to Federer

After a strong French Open run, world No 16 Muchova is hoping to also make a deep Wimbledon run.

This year, Muchova is making her fourth Wimbledon main draw appearance. In two of her first three Wimbledon appearances, Muchova made the quarterfinal. On the grass, an attacking style of tennis usually works extremely well. Traditionally, Czech women know how to play extremely well at Wimbledon.

In 2011 and 2014, Petra Kvitova won Wimbledon titles. Muchova doesn't remember what she was doing when Kvitova won her Wimbledon titles but noted she absolutely loves the grass.“I was probably somewhere in school. I immediately loved it, I love the surface and the way everything was working there.

You play one volley, you don’t have to play five volleys, like on clay. I loved the surface from the start," Muchova said.

[tennisworldusa]

Real Madrid, the legendary Spanish football club, appears to have taken a step back from its pursuit of French forward, Kylian Mbappé, this summer. This comes amid reports that Mbappé, whose contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ends in 2024, is seeking a hefty €240 million for a transfer during this window.

Mbappé, who has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, recently ruffled feathers at PSG by indicating that he is not keen on extending his contract. This prompted speculation that PSG might transfer the star player this summer to prevent him from leaving as a free agent next year.

As reported by MARCA, however, it seems that Real Madrid is not holding its breath for a Mbappé transfer. The club believes they would only secure the player if he signs a contract after he begins negotiations on January 1, 2024.

Notably, a move to Real Madrid is contingent not only on the substantial transfer fee but also on the player's sizeable personal package. The club has reportedly decided to postpone its pursuit until next summer when Mbappé could be available as a free agent, eliminating the transfer fee from the equation.

As the Kylian Mbappé saga continues, it is important to note that nothing is set in stone. Premier League clubs are likely keeping an eye on the Frenchman, and there's a chance he might extend his PSG contract, as has happened unexpectedly in the past.

In the face of these developments, the Spanish giants are said to be exploring alternative options. Despite their well-documented desire to sign the gifted French forward, Mbappé's insistence on securing the best possible financial package has reportedly left Real Madrid feeling both frustrated and disappointed.

This latest twist in the Mbappé negotiation saga suggests that the prospect of the player moving to the Spanish capital seems increasingly remote. Real Madrid is now expected to pursue a temporary solution to complement striker Joselu, given that Mbappé will only be available as a free agent next summer.

While a potential move of Mbappé to Real Madrid in the future can't be completely dismissed, the Spanish giants' decision highlights their pragmatic approach to balancing high-profile acquisitions and fiscal responsibility.

[Btimes]

Yaya Toure says he asked Manchester City to sign Sadio Mane from Southampton when he was at the club.

He went on to become an integral part of Jurgen Klopp's side which won the 2019 Champions League and the Reds' first Premier League title in 2019-20.

"I always wanted to play with him [Mane]," Toure said.

Toure spent eight years at City from 2010-2018, winning the club's first Premier League title and the FA Cup.

Speaking on Match of the Day Africa: Top 10 about the Premier League's best African player, the former Ivory Coast midfielder, 40, said: "When I was at City, at the time when he was at Southampton, I highly regarded him and I was asking some of my superiors to just sign him. But in the end it just didn't happen.

"After that Klopp had the eyes to get him and now look what he did for Liverpool, he was brilliant. I like him, I like him as a player."

Mane joined Bayern Munich in June 2022 for £35m after scoring 120 goals in 269 games and winning six major honours at Anfield.

Toure says the Senegal captain is a "big example" for his work outside of football.

In March 2020 Mane donated £41,000 to his national committee fighting against coronavirus. He also donated 300 Liverpool shirts prior to Liverpool's 2018 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid for locals in his hometown of Senegal to wear during the game.

"The way he deals with things smoothly and the support he gives back to his people in his country is incredible, with what he's been involved with," Toure added.

"Some days I get mad when I read media about him and a journalist will ask him, 'Why don't you have a Ferrari and things', and he says, 'No, I don't need it, I prefer to have a normal car than have a Ferrari'.

"Two months later we see him, he's been doing things back in his home country, he's a big example."

[BBC]

Manchester City are ready to improve their Treble-winning squad by securing the signing of RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol.

The 21-year-old central defender has made 88 appearances for the club since leaving boyhood side Dinamo Zagreb in 2020 - and is one of the most highly-rated young stars on the planet.

A 21-cap Croatia international, Gvardiol could be on his way to the Premier League this summer after the latest update from his club chairman.

RB Leipzig director Max Eberl said: "I can confirm that Josko Gvardiol and agents told us about their desire to move to Manchester City."

The sim of £86million would surpass what Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire, while giving stern competition to the likes of John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Manuel Akanji.

The left-footed centre back, who has also played at left-back in the past, has been the target of several high-profile clubs in recent seasons.

However, he had a game to forget when taking on City last season as Erling Haaland scored five-goals in a 7-0 defeat at the Etihad.

The desire of the player to join City will be key for negotiations, with his contract running until the summer of 2027.

City have plenty of time to get a deal done with the transfer window not closing until 11pm on September 1.

City have also saved cash by choosing not to pursue a move for West Ham skipper Declan Rice after having a bid worth up to £90m rejected.

City CEO Ferran Sorriano then said: "We are not the top net-spenders of last year or the last three or five years. We have a platform where we know what to do and we can do it with time and intelligence.

"When we don't like a deal, we walk away and we don't panic."

[DailyStar]

Dominik Szoboszlai, 22, stood out ever since his childhood days in Hungary. In training, young Dominik and the other kids wore colored headbands rather than bibs to encourage them to look up and to blindly control the ball at their feet. “When you have the technical skillset it’s a lot more enjoyable to just play”, said Szoboszlai’s father Szolt in First Time Finish, a soccer site.

Liverpool triggered Szoboszlai’s release clause of $76 million (€ 70 m, £ 60m) hours before its June 30 expiration date to bring the RB Leipzig man to Anfield. The signing is a statement of intent from Jurgen Klopp. The 22-year-old, who will wear the coveted number 8 shirt, could be the missing jigsaw piece in Liverpool’s game.

Klopp urges caution: "Szoboszlai still very young"

At RB Leipzig, Szoboszlai contributed 20 goals and 22 assists in 91 matches. At sister club RB Salzburg, where he played before, the then teenager managed 26 goals and 34 assists in 83 outings.

“Szoboszlai is probably one of the most intensive pressing attacking midfielders I’ve seen in the last few years”, said Jasmine Baba, a soccer scout who works for several Europa League and Champions League clubs. She added: “He’s explosive, dynamic, very fast and all of these attributes have helped him be a vital creator for RB Leipzig. Szoboslai is also good in possession and offers a bridge between midfield and attack in either the central areas or the halfspaces."

Previous Bundesliga have struggled to adapt to the speed and robustness of the PremierPINC +0.8% League and to the culture in England. “There is no pressure, though. Dominik is still a very young player,” said Klopp on Liverpool’s website. The coach urged fans of the Reds to “give him the time and space to allow his talent to come through within our team.”

From Red Bull to Liverpool like Mane and Keita

It bodes well that the young Hungarian already made the jump from his homeland to Austria and then Germany. Like Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino before him, Szoboszlai comes to Anfield from the Red Bull clubs’ talent pipeline. That’s no accident, because the Bundesliga’s RB Leipzig and Austrian sister clubs RB Salzburg and FC Liefering employ a high-pressing, fast and technical approach that closely resembles Liverpool’s own.

The Szoboszlai signing is a statement of intent from Liverpool. After a mediocre season, the transfer “signals that the Liverpool head coach is going back to more high-intensity pressing football”, said Baba, noting that Klopp lately lacked the players to use that style. Baba sees Szoboszlai as an inverted winger, a number 10 or a number 8 but warns that the 6′1 ft tall midfielder should “not play out wide like Mo Salah.”

Moulded by his father at Fonix Gold in Hungary, chances are good Szoboslai will rise like a phoenix from the ashes at Liverpool, too.

[Forbes]

Approaching a pivotal pre-season period, FC Barcelona have begun making preparations as Xavi has already shortlisted the players he plans to take with him. Among the players shortlisted for the upcoming US tour is young talent Aleix Garrido, who has gallantly risen to a prominent role in the youth ranks.

The teenage sensation was handed opportunities to showcase his talents among the senior team in the past season, with his €400 million release clause a testament to the potential Barcelona see in him. Xavi Hernandez has also spoken highly of him, especially recognizing his instrumental final ball, capable of dismantling defenses.

Aleix Garrido recently gave an interview to ‘Tot gira’ on Catalunya Ràdio, where he expressed his contentment with continuing at Barcelona and clarified that he does not feel upset about the massive release clause that hangs over his head.

When asked about the whopping €400 million release clause, he lightheartedly responded: “Scary, scary… This way nobody will sign me, that’s fine. I have no complaints, it’s a way to ensure that I will stay here for these two years.”

Residing with the Spanish under-19 team for the European Championship, he said: “I’m very happy, the debut with the first team has been the best, but there have been many other things, gaining experience with the reserve team has been great, and now it will be amazing to play the European Championship with the national team.”

He will be called up by Xavi Hernandez on the 19th of July to join FC Barcelona on their pre-season US tour. Understanding the privilege of sharing a dressing room with many stars, he commented: “It’s one thing to be called one day, but it’s another thing to spend weeks with your idols, getting to know them and fighting with them in training and matches to earn a place for yourself.”

Garrido will be one to watch out for in the upcoming USA tour, but competition will inevitably be high and brief spurts of promise will have to be capitalized.

[barcanewsnetwork]