Former heavyweight world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have reportedly agreed terms for a highly anticipated all-British mega-fight.

The historic bout between the iconic fighters has been speculated upon for years but repeatedly failed to materialise.

However, veteran boxing journalist Gareth A Davies has now revealed that a deal is firmly in place for the long-time rivals to finally meet in the ring.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Davies claimed that an agreement has been quietly secured by major financial backers.

“The Fury-Joshua fight is signed. Okay, it is signed in the background. I’ve got that on good authority,” Davies said.

Fury builds towards highly anticipated ring return

‘The Gypsy King’ is currently preparing to end his brief retirement when he faces Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April.

The 37-year-old previously stepped away from the sport following consecutive defeats to Ukrainian undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.

His upcoming comeback card is being facilitated by Saudi Arabian powerbrokers, which perfectly aligns with the lucrative forces expected to back the Joshua clash.

Addressing the definitive timeline for the domestic showdown, Davies expressed supreme confidence that the historic event is firmly on track.

“Agreed. They are moving towards it, but they both want the fight. It’s on the cards and it’s going to happen.”

Joshua plans comeback following tragic accident

While his rival prepares for April, the Watford-born star remains sidelined following his involvement in a fatal car crash in Nigeria last December.

The tragic accident cast significant doubt over his boxing future, but the Olympic gold medallist is now expected to resume his professional career.

Prior to the incident, the 35-year-old had returned to winning ways with a brutal knockout victory against American crossover star Jake Paul.

Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has publicly indicated that a July return is the most realistic target for the former unified champion.

Recent reports suggest he could initially face compatriot Dillian Whyte to settle an old rivalry before turning his full attention to the looming mega-fight.

The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics have concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony at the Cortina Curling Centre, marking the end of a record-breaking Games.

The 50th anniversary of the event featured an unprecedented 611 competitors representing 55 nations across six different sports.

Titled ‘Italian Souvenir’, the farewell spectacle combined music, dance and light displays to honour the achievements of those who took to the snow and ice.

The Paralympic flag was subsequently handed over to the organising committee for the French Alps 2030, before the flames in both host cities were finally extinguished.

Parsons praises athlete resilience

International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons used his closing address to commend the Italian public and highlight the legacy left behind.

The Brazilian administrator reserved his highest praise for the competitors themselves.

“You rose above pressure, expectation and global tension to keep the focus where it belongs: on you and your sport,” said Parsons.
“You expanded the imagination of the world. You have shown that excellence is universal and that determination knows no boundaries.”
“The Games have not only celebrated sport – they reminded us that when we focus on human potential, sport can unite and empower us in ways few other things can.”

Russian return sparks podium protests

A major talking point throughout the fortnight was the return of Russian competitors under their national flag for the first time since the Sochi 2014 Games.

The governing body had lifted its suspension in September, ending a ban initially imposed over state-sponsored doping and extended following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Their presence in Alpine and cross-country skiing events triggered widespread controversy, including an opening ceremony boycott by Ukraine and several other nations.

Tensions spilled onto the podium when German cross-country skier Linn Kazmaier and guide Florian Baumann turned their backs on Anastasiia Bagiian after the Russian pair claimed gold in the vision-impaired sprint.

Despite the friction, the six-strong Russian delegation finished third in the overall medal table with 12 podium finishes, including eight golds.

Masters cements legendary status

Away from the political disputes, American Oksana Masters further established her status as one of the greatest adaptive athletes in history.

The 36-year-old secured four golds and a bronze in Italy, elevating her astonishing career medal tally to 24.

Dominating both cross-country skiing and biathlon, the United States’ most decorated Winter Paralympian recorded her highest single-Games gold medal haul.

Born with physical defects linked to the Chernobyl radiation disaster, the multi-sport star continues to rewrite the record books on the global stage.

Two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard has secured his first Paris-Nice title after finishing second on Sunday’s final stage in southern France.

The 29-year-old was narrowly beaten to the finish line on stage eight by Frenchman Lenny Martinez, but his overall general classification lead was never in doubt.

Colombia’s Harold Tejada, who tasted victory on Friday’s sixth stage, crossed the line in third position as part of a small chasing group seven seconds behind the stage winner.

General classification dominance

The Dane finished a commanding four minutes and 23 seconds clear of Daniel Martinez in the final standings to comfortably seal the overall title.

His Colombian rival slipped drastically adrift in the general classification after suffering a crash with 50 kilometres remaining on the final day.

Conditions for Sunday’s 145-kilometre route, which started and ended at the Allianz Riviera in Nice, were significantly improved after heavy snow forced the shortening of Saturday’s summit finish.

Grand Tour ambitions

Vingegaard had initiated the decisive move on the final climb, leading Lenny Martinez away from the remaining peloton before the Frenchman found an extra gear to triumph in the sprint.

This early-season victory establishes a highly positive trajectory for the climbing specialist ahead of a demanding summer schedule.

He is now targeting a rare and ambitious Giro d’Italia and Tour de France double across May and July respectively.

France have secured back-to-back Six Nations titles after a last-gasp Thomas Ramos penalty clinched a dramatic 48-46 victory over England in Paris on Saturday.

The thrilling conclusion at the Stade de France dashed the championship hopes of Ireland, who had beaten Scotland 43-21 earlier in the day to claim the Triple Crown.

Fabien Galthie’s side entered the final weekend needing a victory following a remarkable 50-40 defeat against the Scots at Murrayfield that had ended their Grand Slam ambitions.

Captain Antoine Dupont ultimately hoisted the trophy amid exploding fireworks to crown what is widely being hailed as the greatest edition in the tournament’s history.

A finale of cinematic proportions

The climax of the championship delivered a relentless 14-try spectacle between the hosts and a rejuvenated English squad.

Steve Borthwick’s men had arrived in the French capital under immense pressure following a historic defeat by Italy and a three-game losing streak.

Despite those recent struggles, the visitors scored seven tries to six and briefly looked to have won the game when Tommy Freeman crossed the line in the 76th minute.

However, the ice-cool Ramos ensured Les Bleus had the final word by striking the match-winning kick through the uprights with the last play of the game.

“England were blistering – their pace, their skill, their intensity, their physicality and they had a genuine chance of winning.”

Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson speaking to BBC 5 Live

Record-breaking Bielle-Biarrey shines

The historic encounter was further illuminated by the unstoppable form of Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who crossed the whitewash four times against the English defence.

The 22-year-old winger has now scored in 10 consecutive championship matches, extending an unprecedented streak for the European competition.

Having broken the tournament try-scoring record with eight touchdowns last year, the dynamic back went one better this season to reach nine.

His astonishing career tally now stands at 18 tries in just 14 appearances, elevating him to joint-fifth on the all-time tournament scorer list.

Tumbling tournament statistics

This year’s championship shattered numerous attacking benchmarks, cementing its reputation as a uniquely high-scoring and unpredictable campaign.

The RSPCA has demanded urgent improvements to racehorse welfare after four horses died during the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.

Animal welfare campaigners highlighted that 24 equines have lost their lives in competitive UK racing this year alone.

Two fatalities occurred on the final day of the prestigious Gloucestershire meeting.

Saint Le Fort died following a fall in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.

Later on Friday, 12-year-old Envoi Allen collapsed and died having successfully completed the Cheltenham Gold Cup course.

Tragic week for racing

The earlier days of the prominent jump racing festival were also marred by equine casualties.

Hansard sustained a fatal injury after being pulled up during Tuesday’s Arkle race.

The following afternoon, HMS Seahorse died following a fall in the BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle.

The animal charity confirmed they are actively engaging with the racing industry to advocate for enhanced safety measures both on and off the track.

“One death is too many, but the scale of fatalities reiterate the urgency that lessons must be learned.”

A spokesperson for the organisation described the incidents as being completely at odds with the country’s reputation as a nation of animal lovers.

Regulator promises detailed review

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) described the sequence of deaths as devastating.

James Given, the governing body’s director of equine regulation, safety and welfare, confirmed every incident will undergo a rigorous examination.

This standard fatality review process forms an integral part of the sport’s commitment to ongoing safety improvements.

“Risk can never be entirely eliminated.”

Given added that British racing remains transparent about the inherent dangers and openly publishes injury rate data online.

The Cheltenham Festival carries immense economic significance alongside events such as the Grand National.

However, welfare groups insist that the competing animals deserve every possible step to protect them throughout their lives.

Oleksandr Usyk has revealed he expects to conclude his illustrious boxing career with a third and final bout against long-time rival Tyson Fury.

The unified heavyweight world champion defeated the Briton twice in 2024 to firmly cement his legacy.

Following a brief retirement throughout 2025, the former world titlist has returned to the sport and is on a collision course with his old adversary.

Speaking to the Associated Press, the 39-year-old Ukrainian described a potential trilogy clash as his “last dance”.

Middle East uncertainty and future plans

Both previous encounters between the heavyweights were staged in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

However, escalating regional conflict and the Iran war have cast doubt over the Middle East safely hosting the trilogy.

“Given the situation currently unfolding in the world, my task is simply to be ready for what I am preparing for,” Usyk stated.
“Then the organisers will decide where it can be held – where they can stage this show so that it is safe for all participants and spectators.”

Before contemplating his retirement showpiece, the former cruiserweight king must navigate a highly demanding schedule.

World title defences beckon

He is scheduled to defend his WBC title against kickboxing superstar Rico Verhoeven in Egypt this May.

After facing the Dutchman, the undefeated southpaw intends to fight the winner of Fabio Wardley’s WBO championship clash with Daniel Dubois.

Promoter Frank Warren, who represents Fury alongside both British heavyweights, welcomed the champion’s ambitions.

“The fact that Oleksandr has come out and said he wants the winner of the two of them, it’s very encouraging,” Warren told Sky Sports.

Stance on Russian sanctions

Beyond his future in the ring, the Olympic gold medallist remains a vocal representative for Ukraine on the global stage.

He is resolute that international sporting bodies must not soften their bans on Russian athletes following the full-scale invasion of his homeland.

British snowboarder Davy Zyw has made history as the first athlete with motor neurone disease to compete at a Winter Paralympics, taking to the slopes in Cortina nearly eight years after his terminal diagnosis.

Taking his place in the snowboard cross start gate on Sunday, the Scottish athlete stood as the ultimate symbol of defiance against adversity.

Surrounded by the rugged landscape of the Italian Dolomites, the history-maker was never expected to reach this elite stage.

Diagnosed with the devastating neurological condition at the age of 30, the former London sommelier was initially told he had just 18 months to live.

Defying medical expectations

Seven years later, the courageous competitor has shattered all medical projections to reach the pinnacle of winter parasports.

“The outlook can look pretty bleak, my health is going one way,” he told BBC Sport.

“I look at my health like I’m sliding down an icy slope and I’ve got to run up the other way just to maintain strength, maintain my function.”

“But the pride, the positivity, the memories, the strength, the resilience I’ll take from this Paralympic experience is going to fortify the rest of my life.”

Currently, a third of those diagnosed with the incurable disease die within a year, while half pass away within two years.

Controlling the narrative through sport

Although the 37-year-old’s condition has progressed slower than average, he has lost significant functionality in his hands alongside upper body muscle wasting.

Returning to the snow provided a vital lifeline in the dark aftermath of his initial prognosis.

Having learned his craft on an Edinburgh dry slope as a child, the freestyle specialist had competed regularly until an earlier knee injury halted his progress.

“I learned very quickly that the only aspect of this diagnosis in my control is my attitude towards it.”

“I couldn’t affect how quickly the disease was going to manifest itself, how quickly I was going to fall off a cliff, how quickly I was going to lose motor functions.”

“When I held on to that positive message, every day became easier and that’s what I’ve done every day since.”

Family support and a painful finale

A dedicated support group tracked the British star across the Italian Alps, flying Scottish flags and wearing custom blue beanies to celebrate his achievement.

His wife Yvie and four-year-old son Aleksander cheered enthusiastically from the sidelines as he navigated the demanding course.

“When I’m unable to snowboard, looking back at my runs from the Paralympics when I turned up, despite my injuries and my disease, that is something I’ll cherish and hold on to.”

Unfortunately, his monumental Paralympic debut concluded abruptly with a trip to the hospital after sustaining two broken ribs during a crash.

Swedish golfer Ludvig Åberg has tied the front-nine course record at TPC Sawgrass by shooting a spectacular seven-under-par at The Players Championship.

The highly rated European produced a flawless display of ball-striking, carding two eagles and three birdies before making the turn in Florida.

His remarkable achievement immediately etched his name into the history books at one of the PGA Tour’s most prestigious venues.

Spectacular scoring at TPC Sawgrass

The Ryder Cup star dismantled the iconic layout with precise approach play and clinical putting to reach seven-under in just nine holes.

Registering two eagles in a single nine-hole stretch remains a phenomenally rare feat on the notoriously punishing Stadium Course.

This blistering run of form quickly propelled the 26-year-old up a leaderboard packed with the world’s elite players.

Building momentum on the PGA Tour

The Players Championship is widely regarded as the unofficial fifth major of the golf calendar, presenting a uniquely stern test for the field.

Continuing his rapid ascent since turning professional, the talented Swede has once again demonstrated his exceptional ability to excel on the sport’s biggest stages.