Former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk has been labelled an “average” southpaw by boxing legend Johnny Nelson, just days after the Ukrainian vacated his heavyweight titles following a victory over Rico Verhoeven in Egypt.

The 39-year-old shocked the sporting world by relinquishing his belts a little over a month after an 11th-round stoppage win at the Pyramids of Giza.

Despite giving up his championship status, the undefeated fighter intends to step into the ring at least once more before officially retiring.

Widely regarded as a generational pound-for-pound great, the former two-division king has rarely looked vulnerable during a 13-year professional career.

Nelson questions technical ability

Ex-cruiserweight champion Nelson has now offered a surprising critique of the veteran’s overall skillset.

Speaking on the Fight Your Corner podcast, the British pundit insisted that his compatriot Tony Bellew was a superior talent.

“As a southpaw, he is average,” Nelson stated.
“I thought Tony was ahead on points, and I back up my comments that he is a more talented fighter.”

Bellew, who was stopped by the formidable Ukrainian during their 2018 clash, admitted that he was ultimately undone by relentless footwork and extreme exhaustion.

“Never in my career have I got tired, but I was so exhausted that night,” Bellew replied.

One final dance for the champion

Unfazed by outside criticism, the highly decorated athlete is already plotting a spectacular farewell bout.

In a recent social media address, he explained his decision to step aside and allow rising contenders to challenge for the vacant crowns.

“I’m leaving the belts but I’m not leaving the sport because I still have my last dance,” he announced.

Speculation is currently mounting over who will face the legendary fighter in his ultimate career test.

Team director Sergey Lapin has indicated that American heavyweight Deontay Wilder or former UFC champion Jon Jones are the primary targets.

Wilder appears to be the leading candidate for a blockbuster American showdown before the end of the year.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has defied expectations to become the top scorer at the 2026 World Cup in North America as the expanded 48-team tournament pauses ahead of the quarter-finals.

Veterans and superstars dominate proceedings

The 39-year-old South American icon was widely expected to have finished his fairytale international career in Qatar four years ago.

Instead, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has delivered a string of headline-grabbing performances to lead the scoring charts across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Other established elite forwards have also lived up to their pre-tournament billing in front of goal.

French phenom Kylian Mbappe, Norwegian talisman Erling Haaland and England captain Harry Kane have all found the net regularly during the group and early knockout stages.

Expanded format delivers both thrashings and upsets

This summer marks the first edition of Fifa’s expanded 48-team format.

Pundits predicted a lack of competitive balance, and early hammerings suffered by nations including New Zealand, Iraq and Saudi Arabia initially validated those concerns.

However, several shock results have provided a robust endorsement for the bloated group-stage structure.

Cape Verde emerged as the tournament’s biggest surprise package after the tiny island nation secured a goalless draw against European champions Spain.

Underdogs shine on the global stage

The Blue Sharks, featuring 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, subsequently pushed reigning world champions Argentina to the limit during a tense last-32 encounter.

Elsewhere, DR Congo secured a historic point against Portugal to reach the knockout phases for the very first time.

While the established A-listers have monopolised the spotlight, a handful of rising talents have successfully forged their reputations on the global stage.

Twenty-year-old Swiss prospect Johan Manzambi announced his arrival in style, while American striker Folarin Balogun enjoyed a blistering start before his campaign took an unexpected twist.

Logistical challenges and marathon schedules

Off the pitch, extreme summer temperatures have necessitated frequent hydration breaks, disrupting the rhythm of numerous high-profile matches.

The convoluted qualification equations required for third-placed teams to progress also frustrated supporters navigating the marathon opening phase.

Yet as the competition pauses for breath, the governing body’s vision of a truly globalised football spectacle has undoubtedly provided relentless drama.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has granted his players an offsite family day to recharge following their euphoric World Cup victory over Mexico.

The squad were permitted to leave their Prairie Village hotel near Kansas City to spend Tuesday with loved ones away from the tournament camp.

This temporary release extended into the evening, allowing the athletes to enjoy dinner with their partners before refocusing on the competition.

Conserving energy after high-altitude exertions

The Three Lions will resume formal training on Wednesday as preparations intensify for Saturday’s crucial quarter-final clash against Norway.

Tuchel has now afforded his roster two complete rest days since Sunday’s breathless 3-2 knockout triumph in Mexico City.

That dramatic victory has been widely lauded as the nation’s finest performance on the global stage since lifting the trophy in 1966.

Managing physical strain before Miami quarter-final

Coaching staff had grown concerned about the immense physical and mental toll inflicted by competing in the thin air of the Azteca Stadium.

The demanding high-altitude environment in the Mexican capital compounded the fatigue accumulated over four previous gruelling fixtures.

Sources suggest the final tactical session before the last-16 tie was reduced to a low-intensity walkthrough to deliberately protect heavy legs.

The former Chelsea boss remains optimistic that this crucial mental break will adequately refresh his team before they travel to Miami.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has officially confirmed the departure of head coach Roberto Martinez following the national team’s last-16 World Cup elimination by Spain.

The 52-year-old had already publicly announced his intention to step down from the role he originally assumed in January 2023.

A formal statement released by the FPF on Wednesday verified the immediate end of their contractual relationship with the manager and his entire backroom staff.

Mixed tournament record

The Iberian nation secured a second-place finish in their World Cup group after drawing with Colombia and DR Congo, alongside a resounding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.

They subsequently defeated Croatia in the last-32 before suffering a decisive tournament exit at the hands of their fierce geographical rivals on Monday.

While the Spaniard successfully guided the squad to the Uefa Nations League title in 2025, his tenure was also marked by a disappointing quarter-final penalty shootout defeat to France at Euro 2024.

Ronaldo reliance heavily scrutinised

The former Belgium manager faced intense and consistent scrutiny over his unwavering decision to start 41-year-old forward Cristiano Ronaldo across back-to-back global tournaments.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton recently criticised this tactical approach, suggesting the outgoing coach was actively pandering to the legendary attacker.

“I came to Portugal with the objective of winning the World Cup and because I haven’t won it wouldn’t make sense to continue. My contract ends today.”

The departing tactician offered this blunt explanation regarding his resignation immediately after the narrow 1-0 loss to Spain.

Search for a successor begins

The governing body has immediately commenced the search for a new permanent head coach.

According to the federation, the primary objective is to find a candidate capable of continuing to promote the ambition and established winning culture within the national team setup.

Ruben Amorim has apologised to Manchester United supporters for his abrupt departure in January after being officially unveiled as the new head coach of AC Milan.

The Portuguese tactician left Old Trafford earlier this year following a disappointing 18-month tenure at the helm.

Amorim had been out of work since his dismissal but has now taken charge of the Italian giants.

‘I did some mistakes’

Speaking at his official presentation on Wednesday, the 41-year-old reflected on his time in the Premier League.

The former Sporting boss admitted he felt compelled to express his regrets over how his exit was handled.

“The only thing I can say is that I learn a lot and I did some mistakes.”
“I didn’t have opportunity – and I am sorry for that – to say something to the Manchester United fans at the moment. I am really proud to have been their coach for a year.”

A greater challenge in Italy

Despite his recent struggles in England, the highly rated coach remains confident in his abilities to succeed in Serie A.

Amorim described his new role at San Siro as an even bigger test than the one he faced with the Red Devils.

In a recent interview with Italian media, the newly appointed manager explained his decision to accept the demanding position.

“It’s a very big challenge that I accepted even if after the last one I told myself to accept a smaller one.”
“Perhaps it is a greater challenge than the last. I’m proud to be here, we all are, me and my staff.”

Hunger for success

The former midfielder also highlighted his deep admiration for his new employers and their storied history.

He revealed a lifelong affinity for the Rossoneri and expressed his satisfaction with the tranquil environment at Milanello.

“I follow Milan since I’m young, so it’s personal.”
“The belief that I had at Sporting, is the same belief I have now, with a little bit more hunger.”

Acknowledging the tactical demands of Italian football, Amorim insisted he is a fast learner eager to bring long-term success back to the club.

Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas has completed a landmark free transfer to Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses following her departure from Barcelona.

The 32-year-old midfielder left the Catalan giants in May after an illustrious 14-year spell that yielded multiple Champions League and domestic titles.

Regarded globally as one of the finest players in women’s football history, the Spanish World Cup champion is currently the favourite to claim a third Ballon d’Or this October.

Her arrival signifies a massive statement of intent from the fast-emerging English club, who completed their debut Women’s Super League campaign in sixth place last season.

A ‘Galacticos’ project taking shape

The capture of the former Barcelona captain adds to an increasingly star-studded squad assembled under the ownership of Michele Kang.

The ambitious independent outfit has aggressively targeted high-profile international talent this summer, assembling a roster that features:

Speaking on her decision to move to the English capital, the midfield maestro highlighted the unique vision of her new employers.

“The club’s ambition and its steadfast commitment to growing as a women-only independent club resonate deeply with me,” Putellas stated.

The legendary playmaker added that she is equally excited to work alongside Kang to elevate the women’s game globally while driving youth development.

Restoring power and driving growth

London City are expected to experience rapid commercial and sporting growth following the arrival of such a high-profile European icon.

Club owner Kang described the acquisition as a powerful endorsement of the independent organisation’s ongoing project.

“Alexia embodies the pinnacle of talent, dedication, and vision in women’s football,” Kang remarked.

The veteran midfielder recently returned to the peak of her powers in Spain, stepping up crucially during the injury absence of former team-mate Aitana Bonmati.

Before leaving Catalonia, she successfully captained Barcelona to their fourth Champions League crown earlier this year and was named the competition’s player of the season.

Operating under the guidance of Spanish head coach Eder Maestre, the top-flight newcomers now look poised to mount a serious title challenge.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has contacted the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over a potential breach of anti-corruption rules following the broadcast of Ben Stokes’ retirement announcement.

The 35-year-old informed his team-mates of his decision to step down from international cricket in a filmed address inside the Trent Bridge dressing room.

Footage of the emotional speech was subsequently shared on social media and with broadcasters during the fourth day of the third Test against New Zealand.

Dressing room recording breaches protocol

Global cricket’s governing body alleges that publishing the footage before the match concluded contravenes strict standards for players’ and match officials’ areas (PMOA).

According to Article 2.2.11 of the PMOA minimum standards, national federations must ensure no recording equipment is set up within team dressing rooms for broadcasting purposes.

These regulations are rigorously enforced to support the sport’s anti-corruption code and protect the integrity of international fixtures.

A formal letter dispatched by the global governing body states the English board violated this provision by broadcasting both video and audio of the address before the Test had officially finished.

Planned announcement during play

The former skipper explained at the close of the fourth day that the mid-match announcement was carefully orchestrated between his representatives and the national board.

“I just said, ‘You guys work with Michael Lumb and Neil Fairbrother, who work with me, and you guys just come up with a plan’,” said the all-rounder.

Remarkably, the veteran was in the middle of a bowling spell when the news broke to the wider public.

With his very first delivery after the announcement spread, he claimed the wicket of Black Caps batter Zak Foulkes.

Search for a new Test captain

Neither the English board nor the global governing body have publicly commented on the ongoing situation.

The letter was reportedly sent just one day prior to ECB chair Richard Thompson meeting with world cricket chairman Jay Shah at the Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s.

Meanwhile, the national side must now find a new permanent leader ahead of a crucial three-match series against Pakistan in August.

Vice-captain Harry Brook has publicly stated it would be an honour to succeed the outgoing star, though management is taking its time following a recent string of poor Test results.

Chelsea teenager Jesse Derry has agreed a new long-term contract until 2032 ahead of an expected season-long loan move to Sporting.

The highly rated 19-year-old is set to head to Portugal for the remainder of the campaign to gain valuable senior experience.

A final agreement with the Liga Portugal outfit has not yet been officially completed, but negotiations are at an advanced stage.

Rapid rise through the Stamford Bridge academy

The dynamic winger arrived in west London from Crystal Palace last summer and immediately established himself as a prolific attacking threat.

He scored 19 goals in just 23 appearances for the Under-18s during his debut campaign, prompting a swift promotion to the Under-21 squad.

His impressive developmental form eventually caught the eye of the senior coaching staff, leading to three first-team appearances last season including a Premier League debut.

Overcoming a recent injury setback

The young attacker recently featured in a youth fixture against Nottingham Forest but suffered a concerning head injury.

He was forced off on a stretcher just before half-time following a severe clash of heads with Zach Abbott.

Despite this brief setback, the former Eagles prospect is now preparing to test himself on the continent and could even feature in the Champions League.

Strengthening ties in Lisbon

This impending temporary transfer further highlights the growing relationship between the Blues and their Portuguese counterparts.

The Premier League side have already negotiated extensively with the Lisbon outfit, recently agreeing a £40m deal to sign Sporting teenager Geovany Quenda.