Tyson Fury has challenged Anthony Joshua to agree to a blockbuster all-British heavyweight clash before the end of the year, following his upcoming bout against Arslanbek Makhmudov.
The 37-year-old takes on the Russian at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, marking his first ring appearance since December 2024.
Securing a long-awaited bout with his domestic rival remains the primary focus for the returning former world champion.
Previous attempts to finalise the highly anticipated match-up have repeatedly collapsed over the past decade.
Tragedy and a return to training
The prospect of a 2026 meeting faded following a fatal car accident in Nigeria last December that tragically killed two of Joshua’s close friends and team members.
However, the Olympic gold medallist has since resumed training and attended Deontay Wilder’s recent victory over Dereck Chisora in London.
With the American now heavily linked as an opponent for the Watford-born fighter, Fury believes a domestic showdown must happen immediately.
“This fight was supposed to happen so many times over the last 10 years, but then someone has had one more fight in between and someone has got knocked out or injured,” Fury said.
“I think we should get this fight on as soon as possible in case something happens in between.”
“Forget Wilder, the man is a shell of himself. Let me get through Saturday and then we will do the fight before the end of the year.”
Family rift overshadows comeback
It remains uncertain whether John Fury will be present in north London this weekend, as father and son are currently not on speaking terms.
Last month, the family patriarch publicly urged the heavyweight star to retire, claiming the gruelling trilogy with Wilder has left him severely diminished.
The returning veteran dismissed those comments, insisting his sole focus remains on his impending ring walk.
“I don’t care if he’s there, I’ve got business to take care of and who’s in the crowd is not an important thing to me at all,” he added.
“I haven’t really paid any attention to it because I take it with a pinch of salt.”
The San Antonio Spurs have ruled out star centre Victor Wembanyama and rookie Stephon Castle for Wednesday’s NBA fixture against the Portland Trail Blazers due to injury.
Wembanyama sustained a left rib contusion during the first half of Monday’s 115-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Meanwhile, Castle is sidelined with right knee soreness following a spectacular performance in the same match.
Award eligibility implications
The French sensation played exactly 15 minutes and 40 seconds against Philadelphia before his premature exit.
Under NBA guidelines, this abbreviated appearance counts as one of two permitted exceptions allowing between 15 and 20 minutes on court.
The towering 21-year-old must feature in a league-mandated minimum of 65 regular-season games to qualify for prestigious end-of-season honours.
He now requires just one more appearance of at least 20 minutes to officially lock in his eligibility for the Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Castle sidelined after breakout performance
The loss of Castle deals a significant blow to the Texas franchise as they prepare to face Portland.
The dynamic young guard recorded a phenomenal triple-double against the Sixers, registering 17 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds.
San Antonio will now have to navigate this Western Conference encounter without two of their foundational young talents.
Newcastle United are preparing a summer move for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia as they look to rebuild their attack following a disappointing Premier League campaign.
The Magpies are keen to find a long-term replacement for Alexander Isak after the Swedish forward joined Liverpool in a British-record £125m deal last year.
Attempts to fill the goalscoring void with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have proved largely unsuccessful during their debut seasons on Tyneside.
Manager Eddie Howe is now pushing to oversee a significant squad overhaul, with his side currently languishing in 12th place in the top flight.
Out of favour at the Bernabeu
Garcia initially broke into the Real Madrid first team following a stellar showing at the Club World Cup.
However, the 22-year-old has since fallen down the pecking order under manager Alvaro Arbeloa and is understood to be available for a transfer.
Previously compared to club legend Raul by Xabi Alonso, the Spanish forward remains highly regarded in his homeland.
Newcastle’s recruitment team believe the youngster possesses the physical and technical attributes required to thrive in English football.
Alternative targets considered
While Garcia has emerged as a serious option to lead the line at St James’ Park, the club’s scouting network has also evaluated other domestic targets.
Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap are reportedly among the alternative forward options being monitored by the recruitment department.
A potential deal for the Madrid academy graduate would represent a significant statement of intent as the North East club attempts to climb back up the table.
The Spanish prospect offers elite box presence and sharp movement that perfectly suits Newcastle’s transition-heavy tactical approach.
Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks to sign Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi on a free transfer this summer as they prepare for the potential departure of club captain Cristian Romero.
The Argentine centre-back is out of contract at the end of the season and has attracted interest from heavyweight clubs including Barcelona and Liverpool.
However, the highly-rated international is understood to prioritise regular first-team football, which Roberto De Zerbi can guarantee in north London.
Romero’s uncertain future
Spurs are actively planning for a defensive restructure due to ongoing concerns surrounding their current skipper.
The World Cup-winning defender has endured a turbulent campaign marred by multiple suspensions and public disagreements with the club’s hierarchy.
Despite signing a new long-term contract last year, the fiery South American is now widely expected to leave the capital.
Seeking stability after chaotic campaign
Tottenham are desperate to establish consistency following an incredibly chaotic period that saw them flirt with relegation.
The Lilywhites finished 17th in the Premier League last season, yet remarkably secured Champions League qualification by lifting the Europa League trophy.
A revolving door of managers has seen Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank, and Igor Tudor all dismissed in quick succession before De Zerbi assumed control.
A reliable replacement
Senesi has been described as a ‘gladiator’ for his commanding performances on the south coast this term.
While he may not currently boast the same global pedigree as his compatriot Romero, the impending free agent brings proven top-flight experience and vital reliability.
Capturing the dependable stopper represents a logical investment for a squad urgently requiring disciplined dressing room leaders.
American golfer Andrew Novak is preparing to make his highly anticipated Masters debut at Augusta National this April among an unusually experienced class of first-time players.
The PGA Tour professional has spent years obsessively studying tournament footage from the iconic Georgia course.
He likens his intense preparation to analysing American football tape, building a mental encyclopaedia of specific putts and memorable shots.
Despite missing the cut at the Players Championship in March, the 30-year-old remains sharply focused on his upcoming appearance at the season’s first major.
Transitioning from spectator to competitor
Every April, the self-confessed golf fanatic creates a multi-screen setup at home to monitor every available angle of the action.
However, he acknowledges that digital preparation can only simulate so much of the unique Augusta environment.
“I just feel like I do know the course better than what an average first-timer does,” Novak said.
“That being said, I’m sure come Thursday on the first tee I’m going to be completely numb.”
Historical hurdles for tournament debutants
History is notoriously unkind to newcomers attempting to conquer the pristine fairways of the legendary layout.
American Fuzzy Zoeller was the last player to win the green jacket on his first attempt, achieving the remarkable feat 47 years ago.
Two-time champion Bubba Watson believes that patience and observation are crucial for those making their inaugural appearance.
“If I’m being honest, if you get lucky enough to win at this place, more than likely it’s going to be later,” Watson advised.
“Just enjoy it, take it all in, try to learn some things and get ready for the next time you come around here.”
A uniquely qualified rookie class
This year’s crop of 16 non-amateur debutants possesses an unusual level of professional pedigree.
The group collectively boasts 12 PGA Tour victories and 12 DP World Tour titles.
While claiming victory on Sunday remains a monumental challenge, this seasoned rookie contingent threatens to upset the established hierarchy.
Paris St-Germain manager Luis Enrique vetoed a transfer for Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah in 2023 to avoid bringing major stars into his developing squad.
The 33-year-old Egyptian international is currently preparing to face the French champions at the Parc des Princes in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
He is scheduled to leave Anfield at the end of the current season following a highly successful nine-year tenure on Merseyside.
Shift away from superstar signings
The Ligue 1 title holders initially considered the prolific winger as a direct replacement for departing Argentine icon Lionel Messi.
However, Enrique rejected the proposal upon taking charge, maintaining a strict stance against signing established global superstars.
Paris St-Germain ultimately pivoted their recruitment strategy to focus entirely on nurturing emerging talent.
Denials over transfer negotiations
Previous reports in France suggested club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi had held direct discussions with the attacker.
These claims were swiftly dismissed by Ramy Abbas Issa, the player’s representative.
He did not meet him. That’s the short story.
Al-Khelaifi subsequently refuted the speculation, publicly declaring that the club had never formally considered the transfer.
He’s a fantastic and amazing player, but we’ve never considered him, to be honest. We know every club would love to have him, but this rumour about us is simply not true.
The president emphasised their commitment to a youthful project, noting they possess one of the youngest teams in European football.
A legacy of success at Anfield
During his remarkable spell in England, the Egyptian captain has cemented his status as a modern great.
He has secured two Premier League titles, the Champions League, two League Cups, the FA Cup, and the Club World Cup.
With Enrique expected to sign a contract extension in Paris, a future move to the French capital now appears highly unlikely.
Harlequins have signed England full-back George Furbank from Premiership rivals Northampton Saints ahead of next season.
The 29-year-old departs Franklin’s Gardens after spending nearly a decade in the first team, having originally joined the club’s youth setup as a teenager.
His arrival in southwest London is viewed as a major acquisition for a side aiming to rebuild under recently appointed permanent head coach Jason Gilmore.
Quins have endured a difficult domestic campaign and were eliminated from the Investec Champions Cup by Sale Sharks in the last 16 on Saturday.
‘Time to step out of my comfort zone’
Furbank believes the move will reinvigorate his career as he looks forward to forging a playmaking partnership with fly-half Marcus Smith.
I am incredibly excited to be joining Harlequins next season. The Stoop is a brilliant place to play – it always has a great atmosphere.
I have been at Saints since I was 14-15 years old so it will be a different challenge, but I am keen to step out of my comfort zone.
The former Saints captain added that he shares a very similar philosophy with Gilmore on how rugby should be played.
England ambitions and Northampton’s future
Despite being included in Steve Borthwick’s recent Six Nations squad, the versatile back did not feature in the tournament amid concerns over his match sharpness following recent injury struggles.
However, his club form has been impressive of late, culminating in a try-scoring performance as Northampton defeated Castres to secure a Champions Cup quarter-final against Bath.
Saints have prepared for his eventual departure by securing long-term contracts for key players including Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith and Alex Coles.
The East Midlands outfit remain confident in their existing backline options, with George Hendy, Edoardo Todaro and highly-rated academy prospect James Pater ready to step up.
Former Ecuador international Christian Lara has been arrested and attacked by bystanders following his alleged involvement in an attempted armed robbery in Quito.
Dramatic scenes in Ecuadorian capital
Footage has emerged showing the 45-year-old being kicked and punched by angry onlookers outside an electronics shop.
Heavily armed police were forced to shield the retired midfielder from the public before bundling him into a patrol car.
The incident took place in the La Magdalena neighbourhood following a reported gunfight between suspects and responding officers.
Authorities allege the former World Cup participant was intercepted while sitting in a suspected getaway vehicle outside the store.
Police seize firearms after foiling raid
Ecuadorian authorities confirmed that the former Liga Pro champion was one of several suspects detained after the failed hold-up at the Tecnomega premises.
Local police subsequently released images of the detained individuals alongside photographs of confiscated weapons.
Police chief Pablo Lastra issued an official statement detailing the swift response to the emergency call.
“I can confirm we have apprehended four individuals who allegedly participated in an attempted robbery of a technology store in a neighbourhood in the Ecuadorian capital Quito called La Magdalena.”
“Officers responded to an emergency call and thanks to the quick response, managed to foil the crime at the store called Tecnomega.”
“Approximately six individuals with firearms entered the premises with the alleged aim of committing a robbery.”
“As well as the four suspects, we have seized three guns, including a home-made mini-rifle. We have also recovered several firearm cartridges and a number of electronic items.”
A decorated domestic career
Known affectionately as ‘Diablito’ during his playing days, the diminutive attacker earned 28 caps for his country between 2002 and 2009.
He is best remembered globally for being the shortest player at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
The veteran playmaker made a brief substitute appearance against England during a narrow 1-0 defeat in the round of 16 of that tournament.
Despite brief stints in Qatar, Colombia and Mexico, he spent the majority of his career in his homeland.
He won three domestic league titles during successful spells with C.D. El Nacional and LDU Quito before his eventual retirement.