Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn has fiercely denied claims from UFC president Dana White that he will be the lead promoter for the blockbuster heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
The American MMA mogul recently stated his intention to spearhead the all-British clash as part of his new Zuffa Boxing venture.
However, Hearn dismissed the suggestion as contractually impossible and branded the combat sports executive a clout chaser.
White had previously outlined his ambitious promotional plans for the year, including a newly signed broadcast partnership with Sky Sports in the UK.
Promotional dispute erupts over mega-fight
The dispute adds another layer of intrigue to a long-awaited showdown that will be bankrolled by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.
Fans worldwide are expected to watch the commercial spectacle unfold live on streaming platform Netflix.
White had confidently claimed he was taking charge of the heavyweight event during a recent media appearance.
“I’m doing the Tyson Fury – AJ fight, too. I’m gonna be promoting that,” White declared.
Those comments prompted a scathing social media response from the long-time boxing promoter representing the Olympic gold medallist.
“Such a clout chaser. Not a chance and contractually impossible. Let me know when you find your balls,” Hearn fired back.
Heavyweight stars continue comeback trails
Before any colossal domestic clash can materialise, both fighters must successfully navigate their respective warm-up bouts.
The former two-time world champion is scheduled to return to the ring against Kristian Prenga on July 25.
He has been rebuilding his career behind closed doors following a serious car accident just days after his brutal knockout victory over Jake Paul in December.
The 34-year-old has spent recent months training alongside former rival Oleksandr Usyk to prepare for his summer comeback.
Meanwhile, the Gypsy King wasted no time calling out his British rival after recently cruising past Arslanbek Makhmudov in a one-sided affair at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Several high-profile stars including Brazil forward Rodrygo and Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons have been officially ruled out of the 2026 World Cup through injury.
Rodrygo and Militão compound Brazilian woes
Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo will miss the remainder of the calendar year after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus during a shock defeat to Getafe in March.
The 23-year-old was his nation’s second-highest scorer during a turbulent South American qualifying campaign.
With Chelsea-bound teenager Estêvão also carrying a knock, the Seleção find themselves desperately short of wide options ahead of the finals.
Veteran forward Neymar, now 34, could be handed a shock recall by the five-time world champions to fill the attacking void.
Their defensive ranks have also been depleted following a severe hamstring tear sustained by Éder Militão which required surgery.
However, Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhães has already established a solid partnership alongside Paris St-Germain captain Marquinhos in the defender’s absence.
Gnabry and Simons suffer domestic heartbreak
A torn adductor suffered in mid-April has abruptly ended Serge Gnabry’s domestic season with Bayern Munich and his hopes of representing Germany.
The prolific winger had been a staple for the national team, featuring in a squad-high eight matches across recent qualifiers and international friendlies.
His unfortunate absence paves the way for fit-again team-mate Jamal Musiala to reclaim a starting berth for Die Mannschaft.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands must navigate the tournament without Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Xavi Simons following an ACL tear against Wolves in late April.
Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is now expected to shoulder the primary creative burden for the Dutch.
Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert could also make a late bolt for the squad as he returns from a four-month knee injury of his own.
Ekitiké’s international breakthrough halted
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitiké saw his dreams of a major tournament debut shattered after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon against former club PSG.
The promising attacker had forced his way into Didier Deschamps’ plans following a stellar debut campaign at Anfield.
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is widely tipped to take the vacant attacking spot in the French squad.
Experienced Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso is also generating momentum for a late call-up by Les Bleus.
Manchester United have opened discussions with the representatives of RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba over a potential summer transfer to Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old has emerged as the primary defensive target for the Premier League club as they finalise plans for the upcoming window.
The Bundesliga outfit are reportedly willing to accept a fee below the French centre-back’s £69m release clause.
Defensive reshuffle at Old Trafford
United are keen to act swiftly and secure the highly-rated prospect to avoid a prolonged bidding war.
The Red Devils are pressing ahead with recruitment plans despite ongoing uncertainty over their next permanent manager, with Michael Carrick currently leading the race for the dugout.
Adding a premium talent to the backline has become a necessity due to shifting circumstances within the current squad.
Lisandro Martinez is entering the final year of his deal, while Matthijs de Ligt has been sidelined with a back injury since December.
Building for a Champions League campaign
Although Harry Maguire recently signed a new contract, the club are looking to proactively secure their long-term defensive future.
The Manchester club recently guaranteed their place in next season’s Champions League following a thrilling 3-2 victory over rivals Liverpool.
They now require positive results from their final three league fixtures to cement a third-place finish.
Emerging prospects Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven have provided squad cover, but the addition of the Leipzig standout would inject crucial top-level experience.
Any lucrative defensive signing will need to be carefully balanced against other priorities, with the club also targeting reinforcements in midfield and on the left flank.
Aston Villa and Arsenal have kicked off their highly anticipated Women’s Super League fixture at Villa Park as both sides search for crucial domestic points.
The match officially got under way following the announcement of the starting lineups and the completion of pre-match warm-ups.
This encounter presents a significant test for the Midlands club as they face one of the traditional heavyweights of the English women’s game.
Crucial points on the line
The Gunners will be eager to assert their dominance early and push for a victory to maintain pressure at the top end of the table.
Meanwhile, the hosts are looking to leverage their home advantage in front of a passionate crowd at the historic Birmingham venue.
Every point is vital in this season’s fiercely competitive domestic campaign.
Following the action
Supporters are keeping a close eye on the developing action as the first half progresses.
Live updates will continue to track the key moments, goals, and incidents from this thrilling encounter.
Both managers will be hoping their tactical preparations during the week pay immediate dividends on the pitch.
Real Madrid have included Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni in their squad to face Barcelona in Saturday’s crucial La Liga clash at the Spotify Camp Nou.
The highly anticipated fixture arrives amid rising tensions, with Alvaro Arbeloa recently forced to defend his camp following a highly publicised bust-up.
Inclusion of the French World Cup winner will serve as a massive boost for the visitors ahead of the pivotal late-season encounter.
Late-season tensions boil over
Joining his explosive compatriot on the team sheet is the commanding midfielder, ensuring the away side travels to Catalonia at formidable strength.
Clashes between Spain’s two most decorated clubs frequently carry significant title implications, particularly during the decisive month of May.
The Catalan giants will look to leverage their home advantage and dictate play in front of a fiercely partisan crowd.
Focus returns to the pitch
The former Real Madrid full-back’s staunch backing of his personnel highlights a unified squad determined to silence recent external criticism.
Supporters across the globe will now turn their attention to the pitch as football’s most famous rivalry writes its latest chapter.
Liverpool are targeting a summer transfer for Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as they seek to replace the departing Mohamed Salah.
The Reds are prioritising attacking reinforcements following a challenging domestic campaign.
Sky Sports reports that the Merseyside club have identified the France youth international as a primary candidate to bolster their forward line.
Salah is expected to leave Anfield at the end of the season, concluding a highly successful nine-year tenure in England.
Competition for forward places
The 21-year-old has registered 14 goals and five assists across all competitions for the French champions this term.
The forward has already been described by analysts as “one of the best wingers in the world” despite his relative lack of top-flight experience.
However, the lightning-fast attacker has occasionally struggled to secure regular starting minutes under head coach Luis Enrique.
His current contract at the Parc des Princes runs until 2028, ensuring the Parisian outfit hold significant negotiating power.
Alternative Premier League targets
Several top European sides are monitoring the player’s situation closely ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Arne Slot’s recruitment team are also evaluating other wide options, including Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon.
RB Leipzig prospect Yan Diomande remains another potential alternative if an agreement with the Ligue 1 leaders cannot be reached.
The Anfield hierarchy are simultaneously looking to generate transfer funds through anticipated squad departures.
The club have also reportedly initiated contact regarding an elite defensive signing to provide competition for full-back Andy Robertson.
Four leading pundits have unanimously backed Liverpool to defeat a struggling Chelsea side at Anfield as Arne Slot’s men close in on Champions League qualification.
Despite a recent setback against Manchester United, the hosts remain strong favourites to secure a top-four finish.
They currently hold a six-point cushion over sixth-placed Bournemouth with just three Premier League fixtures remaining.
The Merseyside outfit now prepare to welcome a beleaguered west London side enduring a dismal run of form.
Chelsea struggles continue under McFarlane
Blues interim manager Calum McFarlane is attempting to navigate the remainder of a highly turbulent campaign.
While the inexperienced boss guided his squad to an FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds United, league success has proved elusive.
The visitors arrive at Anfield having failed to register a victory in their previous six top-flight outings.
A recent home defeat to Nottingham Forest has left the capital club languishing in ninth place in the table.
Shearer criticises ‘abysmal’ visitors
Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has strongly criticised the current state of affairs at Stamford Bridge.
It’s a big opportunity for Liverpool here.
Chelsea look a mess, don’t they? I don’t know how many times I’ve said it, but whatever happens at the top of the club always filters down onto the pitch.
The pundit suggested the opposition players appear entirely focused on their upcoming FA Cup Final appearance.
Having watched Chelsea v Forest the other night, Chelsea were shocking, they were abysmal and there has to be a massive improvement from that.
Sutton predicts routine home victory
Fellow analyst Chris Sutton echoed these sentiments regarding the likely outcome of the Anfield encounter.
Liverpool still look like they will finish in the Champions League places even after their defeat by Manchester United last time out.
The former Blackburn Rovers forward concluded that the travelling side will not pose a significant threat to their high-flying hosts.
Mitch Marner scored his first career postseason hat-trick to lead the Vegas Golden Knights to a dominant 6-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks in game three of their playoff series.
The dynamic forward also registered an assist in a four-point masterclass that gave his side a 2-1 series advantage on Friday night.
It marked only the fourth multi-goal playoff game in 79 career postseason appearances for the former Toronto Maple Leafs star.
Shedding the playoff curse
During nine seasons in Canada, the winger became a frequent target for fan and media frustration following repeated postseason failures.
Critics frequently highlighted his declining offensive output in crunch time, noting his points-per-game average dropped significantly in the playoffs compared to the regular season.
However, the $96m off-season acquisition is now silencing those doubts in spectacular fashion.
He currently leads the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs in scoring, boasting 13 points in just nine games.
“I think he’s a hell of a hockey player,” said Vegas coach John Tortorella.
“People give him [criticism] all the time about playoffs and this and that. I don’t think it bothers him a lick. He just plays.”
A complete performance
The 29-year-old demonstrated his impressive two-way game early in the first period to help establish an early 2-0 advantage.
Intercepting the puck in his own zone during an Anaheim power play, the lightning-fast attacker set up Brayden McNabb for a crucial shorthanded goal.
He then took over the goalscoring duties himself.
A late first-period power-play strike was followed by two composed second-period finishes against replacement goaltender Ville Husso to complete the natural hat-trick.
“I feel like I just want to go out there and play my game,” said the hat-trick hero.
“I know probably people think the results weren’t coming in the past. Sometimes that’s what happens. I just try to go out there and do the thing I do.”