Sports

Artur Beterbiev became the undisputed light-heavyweight champion with a controversial victory over Dmitry Bivol on Saturday. Beterbiev, who entered the fight in Saudi Arabia as the unified champion holding the WBC, WBO, and IBF titles, added Bivol’s WBA belt to his collection after winning by majority decision. The judges scored the bout 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112 in favor of Beterbiev, with the latter scorecard raising eyebrows after a closely contested and tactical fight. Bivol, 33, known for his technical skill, faced the 39-year-old Beterbiev, renowned for his knockout power, having amassed a 20-0 record with 20 KOs prior to this fight. Bivol appeared to gain an early lead with his sharp work, but Beterbiev relentlessly pressed forward, occasionally demonstrating his ...

Daniel Dubois delivered a sensational performance, dismantling fellow Briton Anthony Joshua in just five rounds, propelling himself to global sporting fame in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. The 27-year-old knocked Joshua down several times, retaining his IBF heavyweight title and leaving his domestic rival's career in tatters. Dubois, a London native, sealed the biggest victory of his 24-fight career with a stunning counter right hook that stopped the 34-year-old Joshua. "Are you not entertained?" Dubois shouted to the roaring crowd after the fight. "I'm a gladiator, a warrior to the bitter end. I want to reach the top of this sport and fulfill my potential."

Former Liverpool captain Ron Yeats has passed away at the age of 86, after battling Alzheimer's in recent years. In a tribute on their website, the Anfield club hailed the Scottish defender as a "colossus," noting that he captained the team in more than 400 matches during the 1960s. "The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Ron's wife, Ann, all of his family, and his friends during this incredibly sad time," the club stated. "Flags across club sites will be lowered to half-mast today as a mark of respect." Yeats joined Liverpool in 1961 from Dundee United and played a crucial role in helping manager Bill Shankly achieve promotion from the second division. Shankly famously referred to Yeats as a "colossus," not only because of his imposing 6ft 2in frame but also due to the le...

Anthony Martial has reportedly been offered a lucrative contract by Greek side AEK Athens, a deal that would make him the highest-paid player in the club's history. After spending nine years at Manchester United, Martial was released this past summer and is now a free agent. The 28-year-old French forward has been linked to various clubs across Europe, as well as potential moves to Saudi Arabia and the United States. With his career at a crossroads, Martial is running out of time to secure a significant deal before his value declines further. Once regarded as one of Europe’s most promising talents, Martial’s Manchester United career began with a memorable goal against Liverpool, where he dribbled past Martin Skrtel to score. Despite moments of brilliance—such as his 17-goal sea...

While many of his Manchester City teammates were engaged in international football over the summer, Erling Haaland spent his time helping his father chop wood. The striker, who would have preferred to be competing in the Euros with Norway, had to settle for a summer of chores and relaxation after Norway failed to qualify for the tournament. This period of rest and work seems to have had a positive impact on him. In just two games of the new season, Haaland has already scored four goals, including a hat-trick in Saturday's 4-1 victory against Ipswich. This remarkable start means he has already doubled the goal tally of any other player early in the season. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has noted the noticeable improvement in Haaland’s performance. "A few weeks ago, I mentio...

Tottenham have agreed to a bid from newly promoted Leicester City for midfielder Oliver Skipp. The fee for the 23-year-old, who progressed through Spurs' academy, is reported to be over £20 million. Skipp is scheduled to undergo a medical on Monday, just before the two clubs face off in their Premier League opener. The England Under-21 international, who made his first-team debut for Tottenham in October 2018, has since appeared in 77 Premier League matches, including 21 last season. If the deal goes through, Skipp will reunite with former Spurs teammate Harry Winks and will become Leicester’s fifth signing of the summer as they prepare for their return to the top flight.

The Premier League kicks off this weekend with Manchester City aiming to maintain their dominance in English football and Ipswich making their return to the top tier. The season begins on Friday with Manchester United facing Fulham, followed by matches throughout the weekend. Ipswich will host Liverpool on Saturday, while Manchester City will visit Chelsea on Sunday, featuring two of the most anticipated games of the opening weekend. Arsenal are hopeful they can finally overtake Manchester City for the title, and Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from their worst season since 1990. Expect changes to handball rules, VAR, and injury time among other adjustments. BBC Sport explores the new faces and changes to watch for in the 2024-25 Premier League season. The v...