Sports

Hearn slams Ngannou over Joshua defeat excuse

Published

6 months ago

March 28, 2024

Eddie Hearn has slammed Francis Ngannou for appearing to suggest that his demolishing defeat by Anthony Joshua was down to his early arrival at the arena.

Joshua knocked down the former UFC heavyweight champion three times in two rounds to secure a dominant victory in Saudi Arabia.

Ngannou, in a recent interview on the MMA Hour, said that he arrived at the Kingdom Arena, in Riyadh, two hours earlier than Joshua, appearing to suggest that this was a ‘trick’ to tire him out.

Joshua’s promoter Hearn has taken exception with the comments, suggesting the 37-year-old ‘should know better’.

He told Boxing Social, ‘I was baffled. It is a bit disappointing really.

“He said they got him to the arena (early), who is they? You get given times by the broadcaster.

“He said that he was made to come to the arena early to tire him out for the fight, which is really an inexperienced boxing guy talking here, he should know better.

“You get your time, which is the ideal time that the organiser or the broadcaster would like you there, you make your own mind up.

“Some fighters like to get there three hours before, some like to get there an hour before, it all depends on the fighter.

“If AJ is told for example that “we want you there at 10 ‘o’clock” and we know that the fight is happening at 1am, then we would come a little bit later, because he doesn’t want to be hanging around that long.’

Hearn also reacted to a social media post which contained Ngannou’s comments, stating: “I’m not sure he has come round yet.”

ALSO READ Christian Eriksen reveals why he turned down several offers to join Man Utd

Ngannou after the fight confessed that he couldn’t remember being knocked out by Joshua and that from going back to his stool in between the first and second rounds, he ‘wasn’t there anymore’.

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Sports

Xabi Alonso says Victor Boniface has more to offer Bayer Leverkusen

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2024

Seun Okerayi

Xabi Alonso on Victor Boniface improvement

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso believes that despite Victor Boniface’s strong performance, the Nigerian forward still has room to improve.

Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso, has expressed his belief that Nigerian forward Victor Boniface still has untapped potential to offer the team.

Boniface made a significant impact in Leverkusen’s recent 4-1 victory over Hoffenheim, where he scored twice and registered an assist, marking his first Bundesliga goals of the season.

Also read: Boniface named among Bundesliga’s most skilful stars

The 23-year-old’s stellar performance earned him the Man of the Match award, but Alonso insists that Boniface can elevate his game even further.

During a media interaction, the Spanish coach stated, “He can and must do more. He knows it, and the team needs it.”

Boniface’s contributions have been pivotal for Leverkusen, but Alonso’s remarks suggest that the club sees even greater potential in the striker as the season progresses.

ALSO READ Euro 2024: France wait Mbappe’s return, goals flow

Sports

Manchester City assured of victory in “Trial of the Century” against premier league

Published

2 days ago

September 16, 2024

Seun Okerayi

Manchester City’s management has assured Pep Guardiola and players of a favourable outcome in the trial over alleged financial breaches.

Manchester City Assured of Victory in Financial Trial: Manchester City officials have assured Pep Guardiola and the team that the club will win the upcoming trial against the Premier League.

The trial, starting Monday, involves 115 charges related to alleged financial breaches from 2009 to 2018.

Also read: De Bruyne not leaving Manchester City-Guardiola

Aymeric Laporte, who recently moved to Al Nassr from City, shared the players’ confidence. Laporte revealed that during his time at City, the sporting director Txiki Begiristain and CEO Ferran Soriano reassured the squad.

“They told us we can all be very calm because not one rule has been broken by Man City,” Laporte told Mail Sport.

The reassurance from management has led players to believe in a positive outcome. “They said everything was fine, so that’s why we all think City will be fine. I don’t think there will be any issues,” Laporte added.

Manchester City, which has won eight league titles since 2012, including six of the last seven, faces a 10-week hearing. A verdict is expected early next year.

ALSO READ Christian Eriksen reveals why he turned down several offers to join Man Utd

Sports

Rodri feels like a winner despite Ballon d’Or competition

Published

6 days ago

September 13, 2024

Seun Okerayi

Manchester City’s Rodri feels like a Ballon d’Or winner due to public support, despite facing strong competition from Vinicius and Jude Bellingham. His pride stems from the recognition he has received for his contributions to Manchester City’s title and Spain’s Euro 2024 win.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has expressed that he already feels like a Ballon d’Or winner, thanks to the overwhelming public support he has received since being shortlisted for the prestigious award.

Rodri, who played a crucial role in Manchester City’s fourth consecutive league title and Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, acknowledges the significant recognition he has garnered.

Also read: I’m Not Bothered About Winning Ballon d’Or, Says Kroos

In an interview with ESPN, Rodri highlighted his respect for the competition he faces, particularly from Real Madrid stars Vinicius and Jude Bellingham.

“People say I’m going to fight with Vinicius, who is someone I admire. I think he is a great player,” Rodri remarked.

Rodri’s pride comes from the mere fact of being in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or. He believes that the support and positive comments from fans, who have expressed confidence in his potential to win, make him feel like a winner already.

“Imagine for me, to be in the conversation that the people when I walk into the street, they say to me, ‘you’re going to win the Ballon d’Or, you deserve it’. And for me, that means I am already a winner with this,” he said.

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Despite the competition, Rodri remains humble and appreciative of the support. He reflects on the years of hard work, self-belief, and the assistance from others that have led him to this position.

“Once you are in this situation, this position, because a lot of years of work, a lot of trust on yourself and the help of all the people, you think about this award and being there is just unbelievable,” he added.