Promoter Frank Warren has insisted the disruption caused by a pre-fight party ahead of Daniel Dubois’ defeat by Oleksandr Usyk must never be repeated.
Lessons learned from Wembley defeat
Dubois is preparing to challenge Fabio Wardley for the WBO heavyweight world title on 9 May in Manchester.
The British contender arrived at Wembley Stadium just 90 minutes before his ring walk for last year’s knockout loss to Usyk.
It has been suggested that a gathering hosted by the heavyweight’s father delayed his arrival and disrupted his preparation.
“That can’t happen again,” Warren told Sky Sports.
“The good thing is they’ll be in Manchester so they’ll be staying in a hotel.”
Warren admitted the lateness caused significant stress behind the scenes moments before the biggest fight of Dubois’ career.
“When he was late getting there, I was tearing my hair out, what I’ve got left,” Warren added.
“I can’t be arguing with everyone when he’s two hours away from the biggest fight ever but afterwards we had a sitdown and said what we had to say.”
Stability in the corner
Following the defeat to the Ukrainian, Dubois briefly switched camps to train with Tony Sims.
However, the Londoner has since returned to head coach Don Charles ahead of the Wardley clash.
“He’s in a good place at the moment,” Warren said.
“Leaving Don and then going back has been good for him that he’s been elsewhere and seen he’s more comfortable with Don.”
‘Taking no steps backwards’
Dubois believes Wardley is gambling on him suffering from a lack of confidence following the fifth-round stoppage against Usyk.
The challenger insists he has moved past the incident and is focused solely on taking Wardley’s unbeaten record.
“It’s taking no steps backwards. This is the best fight for me,” Dubois said.
“I’m glad he’s taken it. My big chance, my big opportunity and I’ve got to take his 0.”
Dubois claims the tactical matchup favours him and has vowed to secure the WBO strap in emphatic fashion.
“Skills, that’s what it’s about, breaking him down and then taking him out,” he added.
President Donald Trump is set to host a roundtable discussion with Power 4 commissioners and high-profile sports figures at the White House on 6 March to debate the future of college athletics.
The event, titled the “College Sports Roundtable”, aims to address the rapidly shifting landscape of university sports in the United States.
According to sources, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and New York Yankees president Randy Levine have been listed as vice-chairs for the gathering.
A distinguished list of 35 invitees includes 15-time major golf champion Tiger Woods and legendary former Alabama head coach Nick Saban.
Other notable figures expected to be involved include former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
Executives from major broadcasters, including Fox Sports president Eric Shanks and ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro, are also on the guest list.
Skepticism over outcome
While invitations have been distributed, it remains unclear exactly who will attend the session in Washington DC.
Some sources intending to travel have privately expressed doubt regarding how much can be achieved on a Friday afternoon given the diverse backgrounds of those present.
“It is people who could be involved in helping shape the future of college athletics and some of the solutions and strategies to structuring the athletic world going forward,” one source told ESPN.
“It is so preliminary, it is hard to say anything with any sort of specificity because there has not been anything provided to us in writing of that sort yet.”
No active college head coaches were included in the group invited to the capital.
NIL and legislative battles
The high-level meeting comes as university leaders continue to lobby lawmakers on Capitol Hill for legislation to regulate Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals.
Texas Tech booster Cody Campbell, a key figure in the “Saving College Sports” campaign, is expected to attend after pushing for such a dialogue for over a year.
Despite previous outspoken support from Mr Trump and various politicians regarding athlete employment issues, the NCAA has so far failed to secure a congressional vote on federal regulation.
Saracens have categorically denied reports linking Ireland head coach Andy Farrell with a return to the club following the 2027 World Cup.
The Premiership side issued a strong statement dismissing claims made in the Irish press that the 49-year-old had been offered a deal worth more than £1m a year.
Speculation suggested the Ireland boss would take charge of the north London club once his international commitments concluded.
However, Saracens labelled the rumours "disrespectful" to both the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and their incoming director of rugby, Brendan Venter.
‘Categorically state no offer made’
Reports indicated that the former dual-code international was lined up to replace Venter, who is set to succeed long-serving director of rugby Mark McCall.
But the club insist no conversations have taken place regarding a potential homecoming.
Andy has not discussed his future with anyone on the board or ownership group of Saracens and we can categorically state, despite numerous reports to the contrary in the press, that no offer has been made to Andy.
Saracens club statement
The statement emphasised the harm caused by such speculation during a transition period for the club’s management.
The misguided reporting is disrespectful to Brendan Venter who will be assuming the DOR responsibilities from Mark McCall at the end of the 25/26 season. It is also disrespectful to Andy and the IRFU.
Strong family ties
Farrell began his coaching career with Saracens after retiring as a player in 2009 and maintains a close connection to the StoneX Stadium.
His son, Owen Farrell, remains a pivotal figure for the team having re-signed with the club last summer.
Given Andy’s close relationship with Saracens, the club looks forward to welcoming him to more home fixtures once the Six Nations Championship has concluded.
Farrell has enjoyed significant success on the international stage, guiding Ireland to two Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2023.
Defending champions India kept their T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive and eliminated Zimbabwe with a commanding 72-run victory in Chennai.
Having previously gone unbeaten in the group stage, the Chevrons leaked more than 250 runs for the second consecutive match in the Super 8s.
India piled on a massive 256-4, punishing the opposition bowling attack after being put into bat.
It stands as the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history, falling just short of Sri Lanka’s 260-6 against Kenya in 2007.
Sharma and Pandya power record total
Opener Abhishek Sharma set the tempo with a blistering 55 from 30 balls, striking four boundaries and as many sixes.
He was supported by a brutal finish from Hardik Pandya, who completed a 23-ball half-century with a six off the final delivery of the innings.
Tilak Varma also played a crucial cameo in the middle order, flashing an unbeaten 44 from just 16 deliveries to accelerate the scoring rate.
The total marked the fifth time the Men in Blue have passed the 250-run mark in men’s T20 internationals.
Bennett shines in defeat
Chasing a daunting target of 257, Brian Bennett produced a standout performance for Zimbabwe.
The 22-year-old opener showcased his immense talent, registering his third unbeaten half-century of the tournament with 97 from 59 balls.
Bennett struck eight fours and six sixes but lacked significant support at the other end.
Sikandar Raza’s 31 off 21 balls was the next highest score, as Arshdeep Singh claimed 3-24 to stifle the chase.
India bounce back from South Africa loss
This was a necessary statement from India following a heavy defeat by South Africa in their Super 8 opener.
Having been bowled out for just 111 in that match, the holders responded by bludgeoning their highest total at a T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe’s cause was hampered by poor fielding, with five catches dropped during the Super 8 stage.
It marked a sharp decline from the group stage, where they boasted a catching efficiency of over 95%.
Must-win clash awaits
India are now level on points with West Indies in Group 1.
A victory against the two-time champions in Kolkata on Sunday will guarantee India’s spot in the last four.
South Africa, who maintained their 100% record by beating West Indies, have already joined England in qualifying for the semi-finals.
Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has admitted his desired title fight against Islam Makhachev is unlikely to happen after being told UFC matchmakers want to take the division’s ruler in a different direction.
The Nigerian-American has been campaigning for a shot at the pound-for-pound king since Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena to become a two-weight champion at UFC 322.
While the Dagestani titleholder has previously labelled Usman as the "hardest fight" available to him, the promotion appears hesitant to book the contest.
Both fighters are managed by Ali Abdelaziz, theoretically removing many of the logistical obstacles usually associated with high-profile championship bouts.
‘Hunter Campbell feels differently’
Despite the mutual interest between the athletes, Usman revealed that UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell has reservations about the matchup.
Speaking on the uncertainty surrounding the potential clash, Usman said: "Right now, honestly, I really don’t know."
"The Islam fight was obviously what I wanted and what I felt would have been great, not just for me, not just for Islam, but would have been great for the company."
The 36-year-old insists he remains honest about his abilities to compete at the elite level but acknowledged the hierarchy’s resistance.
"For some reason… we’ve had conversations, but Hunter Campbell feels differently and Hunter Campbell’s like, ‘ah, maybe not’," Usman explained.
"He wants to go a different way. We don’t know yet. They haven’t come out and said, ‘okay, Islam is going to get this guy’."
Rebuilding momentum
Usman is currently working to re-establish his dominance in the 170lb division following a turbulent period in his career.
The former champion secured a crucial decision victory over Joaquin Buckley last June to steady the ship.
That result snapped a three-fight losing streak which began when he surrendered his title to Britain’s Leon Edwards at UFC 278.
Despite recent setbacks, the "Nigerian Nightmare" remains one of the welterweight division’s most decorated competitors.
Between 2019 and 2022, he successfully defended the belt five times, recording victories over major contenders including Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns.
Two-time DP World Tour winner Andrea Pavan is recovering from surgery after suffering serious injuries when he reportedly fell down an elevator shaft in South Africa.
The 36-year-old Italian was forced to withdraw from the South African Open following the incident at his private accommodation.
Reports indicate Pavan plummeted several floors when the elevator doors opened despite the lift car not being present.
Although the injuries are described as serious and required hours of surgery, they are not believed to be life-threatening.
Status and recovery details
A spokesperson for the DP World Tour confirmed the golfer withdrew due to injury but cited medical confidentiality regarding further specifics.
Richie Ramsay replaced the Roman-born player in the field at Stellenbosch Golf Club as competition began for the $1.5m (£1.2m) prize fund.
Eurosport commentator Jaeck Pearson has since reported that Pavan remains in a stable condition following the procedure.
‘Freak accident’
Ryan French, who runs the Monday Q Info social media account, shared details of the incident on X.
“According to multiple people Pavan fell down an elevator shaft after the doors opened on the floor he was on but the car itself wasn’t there,” French wrote.
“He fell multiple floors and was badly injured. Although from the people I spoke with, the injuries don’t seem to be life-threatening, he was in surgery for hours.”
Tour context and recent form
Pavan turned professional in 2010 and claimed his maiden Tour success at the D+D Czech Masters eight years later.
He added a second title to his resume the following year by winning the BMW International Open.
The former Challenge Tour number one had recently shown promising form, finishing tied for ninth at the Bahrain Championship earlier this month.
However, he missed the cut at last week’s Qatar Masters prior to travelling to South Africa for this event.
Fast bowling consultant Tim Southee insists England head coach Brendon McCullum remains unfazed by scrutiny as the team approaches the business end of the T20 World Cup.
McCullum entered the tournament under significant pressure following a heavy 4-1 Ashes defeat.
However, England have silenced some critics by securing a semi-final spot with a match to spare.
Southee, a long-time friend and former team-mate of McCullum, believes the coach is showing no signs of strain.
Consistency key for ‘Baz’
The pair played together 170 times for New Zealand before reuniting in England’s backroom staff last May.
Southee maintains that the 42-year-old’s demeanour has not shifted despite recent outside noise.
“Baz is just Baz. I have known him, played a lot with him and get on with him very well.”
Tim Southee, England fast bowling consultant
Southee praised the former batter’s steadfast approach to leadership.
“But one thing with Brendon is he is the most consistent guy I have ever come across. Nothing really changes from him. He believes in what he believes in.”
According to the bowling coach, McCullum’s desire for team success remains his sole focus.
“He’s been very consistent with his behaviours and it’s been no different here. He just wants guys to do well, he wants the team to do well and that hasn’t changed since he was a player and now as a coach.”
Southee’s ‘disappointing’ Ashes absence
Southee faced his own questions earlier this year regarding a scheduling conflict during the Test series.
The 37-year-old departed after the first Test to fulfil a playing commitment in the United Arab Emirates ILT20 league.
The tournament dates were brought forward to early December, necessitating his exit.
“It was disappointing, I’d have loved to have been part of all five [Tests].”
Despite the clash, Southee relished the chance to work with the Test side.
“Being a Kiwi kid, having the opportunity to work with the England side during an Ashes series was awesome. It’s just a shame that the dates were changed for fulfilling a two-year contract with the ILT20.”
Archer finding top gear
England can seal top spot in their Super 8 group by beating New Zealand at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium on Friday.
Facing his former nation will be a “strange” experience for Southee, who represented the Kiwis 394 times.
However, his focus remains on the developing threat of Jofra Archer.
The fast bowler has recovered from a slow start to take eight wickets in his last four games.
Archer has been consistently clocking speeds exceeding 90mph, troubling batters with his raw pace.
“The good sign is that we’ve seen over the last few games he looks like he’s getting better and better so that bodes well for the next few games.”
Southee believes the paceman is peaking at exactly the right moment for England’s campaign.
“He’s obviously a class bowler.”
Veteran promoter Frank Warren has confirmed he is considering legal action against Saudi Arabian-owned Sela and American media giant TKO in a dispute potentially worth $1bn (£739m).
The Queensberry Promotions chief alleges that the two entities breached existing contracts by forming a rival outfit, Zuffa Boxing.
Sela is a Saudi state-owned entertainment company, while TKO Group Holdings owns both the UFC and WWE.
Warren claims the formation of the new promotional vehicle, fronted by UFC president Dana White, was conducted without his knowledge.
Contractual ‘difference of opinion’
It is understood that lawyers representing Queensberry have sent "letters before action" to the parties involved.
Reports suggest the alleged breach could result in lost earnings amounting to ten figures.
Despite the magnitude of the potential claim, the 72-year-old played down the personal animosity of the situation.
"It’s just a difference of opinion over the contracts that we signed, so that will just take its course," Warren told BBC Sport.
"I can’t make any comment on it. It is what it is and it will take its course."
In a statement, Sela expressed they were "disappointed" by the accusations and said they "reject them in their entirety".
Fury promotion changes hands
Tension appears to have stemmed from the organization of Tyson Fury’s upcoming return to the ring.
The former heavyweight champion has been promoted by Warren since mounting his comeback in 2018.
However, the Gypsy King’s fight in April on Netflix has been primarily organised by Sela and the streaming platform.
TKO executive Mark Shapiro has stated that promotional duties for the event will fall to Zuffa Boxing rather than Queensberry.
Zuffa makes waves
The launch of Zuffa Boxing has immediately disrupted the established order of British boxing.
Dana White’s new venture recently secured the signature of Conor Benn from Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
They have also signed IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, who is set to defend his titles in March.
When asked if the legal dispute would impact future collaborations with Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh, Warren insisted his focus remains on delivering events.
"We will do what we continue to do and that is put on great shows," said Warren.
"Boxing is not broken for us, it’s well and alive. We’re not babies, we get on with it."