CELEB NEWS Archives - Page 9 of 72

Ahead of fighting for the right to be crowned undisputed heavyweight champion, WBC title holder Tyson Fury reflects on his journey to the top of boxing; watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday, May 18

At 20-years-old, Tyson Fury had already declared his intention to be world champion. Now, 16 years on, he has the opportunity to do something no heavyweight has achieved for a quarter of a century.

The WBC heavyweight title holder faces WBA, WBO and IBF unified king Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh on Saturday May 18, live on Sky Sports Box Office, in a bid to become the first undisputed champion in boxing’s blue-ribband division since Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield in 1999.

JUST IN :TYSON FURY V OLEKSANDR USYK: GEORGE GROVES SAYS BEST VERSION OF FURY HAS BEEN AND GONE AND USYK IS FAVOURITE

Fury, whose professional record stands at 34-0-1 (24), with the sole blemish being a draw in the first part of his epic trilogy with Deontay Wilder, has not had a simple road to the top though.

Notably, there were his two and a half years out of the ring after defeating Wladimir Klitschko to become unified champion where he was embroiled in a legal fight with UKAD, which was resolved in December 2017, and battled his own personal demons.

However, he has been in the ascendancy since his return to the ring in May 2018 and believes the good times and the bad have served to shape the fighter he is now.

RELATED :Tyson Fury: How WBC heavyweight champion rose to fighting Oleksandr Usyk for undisputed status

“You live and learn from your experiences – nothing happens overnight,” Fury said. “Back then, I wanted to fight [Wladimir] Klitschko and I did get to seven years after that.

BOXING

Deontay Wilder fires ominous warning to Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury ahead of comeback

Deontay Wilder has expressed his excitement at the prospect of fighting Anthony Joshua in London. The former WBC world champion was set to face Joshua in Saudi Arabia in March, but a disappointing performance in a shock defeat to Joseph Parker in December derailed those plans.

Wilder’s career appeared to have reached a dead end after the unanimous decision defeat to the New Zealander, but the 38-year-old is back with renewed vigor and is optimistic about his chances of facing Joshua if he can impressively defeat Zhilei Zhang on the Matchroom vs Queensberry card in Riyadh on June 1.

JUST IN :Anthony Joshua predicts phenomenal rival to win Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk fight

Joshua is riding a four-fight winning streak, capped with a sensational knockout victory over MMA star Francis Ngannou in March. Wilder has been impressed by the Englishman’s return to form, but he insists he has no fear of stepping into the ring with the former two-time unified heavyweight king.

“I want it. I’ve never ran from a fight, I never shied away from the fight, no matter what you’ve heard over the years,” he said. “I’ve never run from anyone, I’ve never dodged anyone, I’ve taken the short end of the sticks just to make fights happen, that’s the god’s honest truth. I’m here, and when I’ve done what I’m supposed to, let’s get this fight on. I want the biggest fights possible that can be made, but it all relies on June 1.”

Wilder also has his heart set on a fourth fight with Tyson Fury. The pair first met in 2018 with the bout ending in a draw before Fury won the rematch and the trilogy fight by stoppage in 2020 and 2021 respectively.”

RELATED :Anthony Joshua hints mega clash with Tyson Fury will happen in September and says ‘it’s coming, most definitely’

“I want to make Tyson Fury pay so bad, so bad. I don’t think that chapter is over with. I could see a fourth fight. I could see a fourth in the making, created by the creators. The Saudis have the source and the power to make it all happen. I want to get it back so bad.”

CELEB NEWS

Serena Williams wins Madrid Open to retain No. 1 ranking and 50th career title

May 12

1909 — The Preakness Stakes is held in Maryland after 16 runnings in New York. As part of the celebration marking the return of the Preakness, the colors of the race’s winner were painted onto the ornamental weather vane at Pimlico Racecourse for the first time.

1917 — Omar Khayyam, ridden by Charles Borel, becomes the first foreign-bred (England) colt to win the Kentucky Derby with a 2-length victory over Ticket.

1970 — Ernie Banks hits his 500th career home run off Pat Jarvis in the Chicago Cubs’ 4-3 victory over Atlanta at Wrigley Field.

1973 — 6th ABA championship: Indiana Pacers beat Ky Colonels, 4 games to 3.

1974 — The Boston Celtics beat the Milwaukee Bucks 102-87 to win the NBA championship in seven games.

1976 — 20th European Cup: Bayern Munich beats Saint-Etienne 1-0 at Glasgow.

1979 — Chris Evert’s 125-match winning streak on clay comes to an end.

1980 — West Ham United wins the FA Cup, beating Arsenal 1-0 at Wembley Stadium; midfield playmaker Trevor Brooking scores winner with a rare header.

1982 — FC Barcelona of Spain win 22nd European Cup Winner’s Cup against Standard Liège of Belgium 2-1 in Barcelona.

1993 — Parma of Italy win 33rd European Cup Winner’s Cup against Royal Antwerp of Belgium 3-1 in London.

1995 — Martin Brodeur ties NHL record getting his 3rd playoff shutout in 4.

1996 — LPGA Championship Women’s Golf, DuPont CC: England’s Laura Davies wins by 1 stroke ahead of runner-up Julie Piers.

1996 — A three-way dead heat is run at Yakima (Wash.) Meadows, the 20th such finish in thoroughbred racing history there. In the day’s third race, a trio of $8,000 claimers — Fly Like A Angel, Allihaveonztheradio and Terri After Five — hit the wire together after a one-mile race.

2001 — English FA Cup Final, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (72,500): Liverpool beats Arsenal, 2-1 with Michael Owen scoring twice for the Reds.

2006 — Laure Manaudou of France breaks Janet Evans’ 18-year-old world record in the 400-meter freestyle, finishing in 4:03.03 at the French national swimming championships. Manaudou beats the time of 4:03.85 set by Evans in winning the 400-meter freestyle at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

2006 — Justin Gatlin breaks the 100-meter world record with a time of 9.76 seconds at the Qatar Grand Prix. A week later, the International Association of Athletics Federations announces a timing error gave Gatlin a time of 9.76 seconds. His time of 9.766 seconds, should have been manually rounded up to 9.77, tying Asafa Powell’s world mark of 9.77.

2010 — Montreal follows up a monumental upset by pulling off another. The Canadiens, who eliminated the Washington Capitals, beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Montreal accomplishes what no team had done since the current playoffs format was adopted in 1994. And that is beat the Presidents’ Trophy winner and defending Stanley Cup champion in successive rounds as an eighth-seeded team.

2010 — Kelly Kulick, the first woman to win a PBA Tour title when she beat the men in January in the Tournament of Champions, wins the U.S. Women’s Open for her second women’s major victory in 15 days. Kulick beats Liz Johnson of 233-203 in the final.

2013 — Serena Williams beats Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-4 in the final of the Madrid Open to retain her No. 1 ranking and collect her 50th career title.

2013 — PGA Players Championship, TPC at Sawgrass: Tiger Woods wins his second PC, 2 strokes ahead of David Lingmerth, Jeff Maggert and Kevin Streelman.

2014 — LeBron James ties his playoff career high with 49 points, Chris Bosh makes the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 57 seconds left, and the Miami Heat beat the Brooklyn Nets 102-96 for a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

2019 — Manchester City beats Brighton, 4-1 to claim back-to-back English Premier League titles with 98 points, 1 ahead of runners-up, Liverpool.

CELEB NEWS

ATP Rome Day 5 Predictions Including Novak Djokovic Vs Alejandro Tabilo

Novak Djokovic made an impressive start to his ATP Rome campaign in the opening round. The 24-time Grand Slam champion will seek to do the same in his match against the Chilean Alejandro Tabilo. As always, we at LWOT have predictions for that match and all the others taking place in Rome including Grigor Dimitrov vs Terence Atmane. But which players do you expect to win?

ATP Rome Day 5 Predictions

Karen Khachanov vs Francisco Cerundolo

Head-to-head: Khachanov 4-0 Cerundolo

JUST IN :Novak Djokovic dreaming of incredible ranking milestones amid Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner woes

This will be a fun match with a lot of powerful hitting. Shelton’s progress on clay has been impressive, including a title in Houston last month. However, the clay-courts in Texas play very differently to those in Rome. Zhang is not a player known for consistency, but if he can find some in this contest, Shelton usually has periods in matches on clay where his level drops. That could be decisive, although this is another contest that is likely to be tight.

This will be a good test for Novak Djokovic. Alejandro Tabilo is in very good form on the dirt. He won the ATP 175 event in Aix-en-Provence before Rome began and then overcame Yannick Hanfmann in the opening round, who is a dangerous player on clay. Djokovic’s movement looked back to full sharpness in his previous match against Corentin Moutet, which will be important against an opponent who is capable of extending the rallies. This is likely to be competitive, but not enough for Djokovic to be the victim of an upset.

CELEB NEWS

ESPN Analysts envision ideal PGA Championship scenario for Tiger Woods

Everybody hopes to cover Tiger Woods at the PGA Championship, no matter how he is playing.

But for ESPN Golf Analysts Andy North and Curtis Strange, both two-time U.S. Open champs, they particularly hope for Tiger Woods to play well at a specific time.

Andy North was very direct.

“I think the key is, coverage-wise, we want him Friday afternoon,” he said.

“It keeps my energy level up,” said Strange.

JUST IN :Why Tiger Woods relationship with Rory McIlroy has SOURED over recent months

Regardless of their actual start time, one day it’s morning or “early” and one day it’s afternoon or “late.” The ideal time combination for Tiger Woods is the early/late rota because that gives him more time between rounds one and two to do whatever it is he has to do to his body to recover. Ice baths, massages, and so forth, between rounds. Plus the warm-up routine that he has to go through just to play.

At the recent Masters, Woods got late/early and the bad side of the weather. There his tee time combination meant even without the weather, he faced a hard time with recovery after the first round. The situation was made worse when there was a weather delay causing the first round to finish on Friday. Worse yet, Woods had to start his second round right away.

While the tee times can definitely affect the outcome, there are other circumstances that come into play at any tournament, magnified at a major. One is the player’s feelings about the golf course.

RELATED NEWS :David Pecker makes shocking revelation about Tiger Woods sex scandal in NY v. Trump trial

He likely has a lot of good feelings for the place.

“He’s played well at Valhalla,” North noted. “He’s got some great memories there. He’s got a lot of great shots he can step up on tees and remember hitting. I think that’s really important.”

CELEB NEWS

‘Twisties’ Persuaded Simone Biles for Paris Olympics? Gymnastics World Unearths Retirement Truth: “Wanted To Be Done”

Following her withdrawal from most events at the Tokyo Olympics due to “Twisties”, Simone Biles made a triumphant return that has only added to her repertoire. Her Tokyo journey sparked global conversations about the importance of prioritizing physical and mental health in elite sports. Following a hiatus of two years and two days, Biles made a comeback in August 2023, clinching her eighth all-around individual national title in a decade.

JUST IN :Rebeca Andrade’s Confession On Simone Biles Leaves Gymnastics In Frenzy: “Can’t Wait”

Another commenter recalled Biles’s pre-Tokyo sentiments about retirement, stating, “She said before Tokyo that she wanted to retire after Tokyo but was considering coming back for Paris in honor of her French coaches.” This observation underscores the significance of personal connections and professional relationships in shaping Biles’ potential Olympic journey.

One user highlighted the challenges Biles faced during the Tokyo quad, “During the Tokyo quad she was dealing with the aftermath of abuse and the usag scandals and wasn’t finding much joy in the sport, but it seems that she was happier after the quad ended. All of this probably made it easier for her to make the comeback she had previously considered.” They speculated that the post-Olympic period brought positive changes, such as new USAG leadership and personal milestones, which may have reignited Biles’ enthusiasm for competition.

RELATED NEWS :“I Could Vomit”: Despite No-Show at USA Camp, Simone Biles Ready to Start Olympic Season

In contrast, another commenter hinted at the possibility of retirement had Tokyo unfolded differently, noting, “It wouldn’t have shocked me if she’d retired had Tokyo worked out the way she expected.“. This perspective suggests that Biles may have been inclined to step away from gymnastics had her Tokyo experience aligned with her

Finally, a concise yet poignant remark encapsulated a prevailing sentiment: “No. It seemed like she wanted to be done after Tokyo.” This observation echoes Biles’s own statements about considering retirement, indicating that regardless of external factors, her desire to conclude her gymnastics career after Tokyo was palpable. In essence, these user comments offer a multifaceted view of the complex considerations and emotional dynamics surrounding Simone Biles’ potential Olympic trajectory.

BOXING

Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson winner made fight offer by UFC legend who knocked out Evander Holyfield in under two minutes

The winner of Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson could already have their next fight lined up.

Paul and Tyson will meet on July 20 in a high-profile showdown, that has surprisingly been declared as a professional contest despite the latter approaching age 58.

A new wave of crossover boxing has seen legends return to the ring including Evander Holyfield, who was beaten by KO in under two minutes of a farcical exhibition bout against Vitor Belfort in September 2021.

And UFC legend Belfort, who won a world title in the light-heavyweight division, believes he has earned a shot against one of the two huge names.

JUST IN :Mike Tyson on surprising technique he used before every fight: ‘Only certain people get it’

“This fight feels more like an exhibition, and I don’t think Mike is the same fighter he used to be.”

Belfort boxed and defeated Jacare Souza on Jorge Masvidal’s lavel Gamebred Boxing in April 2023, but is way beyond his own prime aged 47.

It was a sad ending to the career of Holyfield despite it only being an exhibition, which serves a warning for his former rival Tyson, who is 31 years older than Paul.

Tyson has been documenting his training in footage posted to his social media, where he has shown off his power in small bursts leading to fears for Paul.

RELATED NEWS :Insider Says Mike Tyson Is in the Same Situation as Conor McGregor – “Biggest Fear Is…”

But in reality, a professional fight could be dangerous for Tyson who has received multiple medical warnings over the lasting damage a KO could leave on his physical health.

He told talkSPORT.com: “He is definitely in danger and I think it is sad to see as a boxing fan.

“I fight and I don’t want to see a fellow boxer at that age, at 58, I just think he has had his time.

“I think he is done and should stay that way, but people will do what they want to do at the end of the day.

UPDATE NEWS :Stephen A. Smith disgusted by Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson being sanctioned as a professional boxing bout

“I feel like it is just dangerous, and the idea of a YouTube boxer beating Mike Tyson is not a nice feeling for me.

“He could have that on his record and it is not nice as a boxing fan because we see Mike Tyson as a legend.”

BOXING

Mike Tyson warned he faces being left in a coma after Jake Paul fight

Mike Tyson will take on social media star Jake Paul in a controversial heavyweight fight this summer which has been sanctioned as a professional bout

Deontay Wilder fears Jake Paul could leave Mike Tyson in a coma after their controversial fight this summer.

Heavyweight legend Tyson will return to the ring at the age of 58 to take on social media star Paul in Texas in July. The fight has been sanctioned as a professional bout with the rivals taking each other on over eight two-minute rounds. But fears have been raised about Tyson’s health with doctors warning he faces suffering brain damage.

JUST IN :Jake Paul is not satisfied with Mike Tyson alone and sends a clear message to Canelo Alvarez after his win over Munguia

“They may say they’ve done tests and all that, ok, but as long as you’re willing to suffer the consequences if something bad goes wrong. His power may not have left completely but you still need to set it up, your stamina needs to be a certain way, or it’s going to look like a clown show.

“I don’t want to see it to be honest. I don’t want to see one of my legends fight a YouTuber. If he goes in there and he knocks Mike out, that’s going to tarnish the reputation of Mike. I don’t want the last thing I remember of him is him getting knocked out by a YouTuber. The last thing you do, that’s what people remember you by.”

RELATED NEWS :Stephen A. Smith disgusted by Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson being sanctioned as a professional boxing bout

Meanwhile, Wilder admitted he has difficulty splitting Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk who meet next weekend for the undisputed heavyweight crown. “I really don’t know, I’m on the fence. I honestly do not know because although Usyk is smaller, he will manoeuvre around. Usyk still has the power and speed to do certain things,” he said. “You can’t count Usyk out just because Fury’s so tall. I hope they handle business, put in a great show and leave the ring with good health. I have no dog in the fight.

BOXING

EXCLUSIVE :OLEKSANDR USYK: UKRAINIAN LOOKING TO MUHAMMAD ALI FOR INSPIRATION AHEAD OF TYSON FURY ‘RING OF FIRE’ CLASH

Oleksandr Usyk is taking inspiration from boxing great Muhammad Ali, with the Ukrainian paying tribute to ‘the Greatest’ as he faces Tyson Fury in just a week in a fight billed as the ‘Ring of Fire’, The pair will clash in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 18 live on TNT Sports Box Office. Usyk’s WBA, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine titles, and Fury’s WBC title, will all be on the line.

Oleksandr Usyk is taking inspiration from Muhammad Ali and other boxing greats such as Rocky Marciano ahead of his undisputed heavyweight title fight with Tyson Fury, live on TNT Sports Box Office on May 18

The Ukrainian, who shares his birthday with the late boxing great, has previously called Ali his “ favourite athlete” and is drawing motivation from ‘the Greatest’ as a date with Fury in Riyadh next Saturday looms.

Boxing: Report: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk to fight in February 2023 | Marca

“When I think about Muhammad Ali, it’s not just boxing,” Usyk said,

“It’s the path he took, his nature. He fought for his rights, his nearest and dearest.”

Protracted and lengthy negotiations and a postponement finally landed the May 18 date for the fight in Saudi Arabia. Now begins an auspicious week of excitement with the undisputed heavyweight crown resting firmly on someone’s head at the end of it.

“This is an incredible feeling, having the opportunity to be here now and do what God allows me to do,” Usyk added.

“It turns me on.” Deontay Wilder spoke about a possible fight with Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder had been planning to step into the ring together since 2017. Since then, they have been diligently trying to negotiate a fight agreement and only managed to do so in March of this year.

However, before this, Wilder was defeated by Joseph Parker, and instead of facing him, AJ fought Francis Ngannou. It’s worth recalling that the Briton secured a stunning victory with a devastating knockout.

Meanwhile, the American is set to return to the ring in a bout against Chilean Zhang on June 1st in Riyadh as part of the Queensberry-Matchroom 5 on 5 tournament. The main event of this tournament will be the clash between Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois.

JUST IN :‘Fastest heavyweight in the world’ – Anthony Joshua wows fans with blistering hand speed in latest training clip

Recall that earlier, Deontay Wilder was the WBC heavyweight world champion, defeating Canadian Bermane Stiverne in 2015. Five years later, the championship belt was taken from him by the current champion Tyson Fury, who will be fighting for the title of undisputed champion against Alexander Usyk in just a week.