Roma arrive in Udine with the table tightening in the way it always does at this point of the season: everyone in the hunt, nobody comfortable. On Monday night at Bluenergy Stadium, the job against Udinese is simple to describe and harder to deliver: show up, impose order, and leave with the points that keep Roma where they want to be. Coming off a draining 1–1 away draw at Panathinaikos in the UEFA Europa League that was played almost entirely with ten men, there’s no appetite for romance here. This is about bankable football, the kind you can stack without needing your best version of yourself every week.
The problem is that Roma’s “best version” is currently scattered across the treatment room. Gian Piero Gasperini is again asked to build a coherent attacking plan without Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson, Stephan El Shaarawy, and Manu Koné. Gasperini will almost certainly use a 3-4-2-1 formation built for control, with Bryan Cristante anchoring the middle, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matías Soulé tasked with supplying ideas, and Donyell Malen asked to turn half-chances into goals like he did against Torino.
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Even given Roma’s status as a definitively superior side to Udinese, the club from Friuli won’t just hand the Giallorossi the win. Udinese is mid-table, and they’re comfortable living in the messy middle of games. That’s exactly why this fixture matters. Roma will need to keep their nerve when the match tries to become something smaller and uglier than their ambitions. They don’t need fireworks. They need a clean tempo, a serious first hour, and the maturity to treat a single goal as a perfectly acceptable way to leave Udine with three.
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What to Watch For
El Aynaoui’s Serie A Return
Neil El Aynaoui is back in the league picture, and Roma need him now more than ever. After returning from the Africa Cup of Nations (with a star certainly on the rise for the Moroccan National Team) and being eased back into training, he’s now in AS Roma’s matchday squad for Serie A for the first time in months. Thankfully, this is exactly the kind of fixture where a midfield body can raise the technical floor.
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In Gian Piero Gasperini’s likely 3-4-2-1, El Aynaoui is penciled in alongside Bryan Cristante as the second midfielder who can turn a reset touch into forward momentum and keep Roma from playing the whole match in front of a settled block. If the front line is thin, and it certainly is, the midfield has to create advantages by playing through pressure rather than around it, and by arriving late into the spaces the forward vacate.
The third layer is psychological, and it’s where Roma might quietly benefit. El Aynaoui didn’t just come back from AFCON; he came back with a new status as a hero of his national team and a target for some of the biggest clubs in the world. AFCON-watchers have framed him as one of the true revelations of the tournament, and the broader European noise inevitably followed, with Spanish-market chatter linking his name to Real Madrid and Barcelona on the back of his AFCON performances.
Players who return from an international run in the spotlight often re-enter league play with sharper decision-making and a calmer sense of authority. Players who prove themselves at the international level often make fewer panic touches, have more insistence on receiving under pressure, and show more willingness to dictate where the game is played. If Roma are going to win ugly in Udine, El Aynaoui’s composure might be the most valuable new tool in the squad.
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Will Vaz Make a Difference?
Roma’s new-look attacking hierarchy is coming into focus, and it starts with Donyell Malen. Then it gets interesting. With Roma short on bodies and long on minutes, Robinio Vaz is being asked to live in the most thankless role in football (behind backup goalie, at least): the bench-forward who has to enter cold, read the temperature instantly, and make the game feel different in ten touches or fewer in the dying minutes of the match. That’s just the reality of arriving midseason at 18, when you need to get a new league’s rhythm still in your legs and you’re working with a manager who demands tacticaly know-how from every position, and especially the striker.
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What Vaz can change in his cameo minutes is the texture of Roma’s final third. The scouting pitch for Vaz when Frederic Massara decided to take a swing on him was energy. Vaz is a forward who presses like he’s offended you, one who runs channels to drag center-backs into uncomfortable decisions, and who turns a stale possession into something that resembles momentum. That profile matters behind a starter like Malen because it gives Roma a different lever late in matches. It affords them more verticality, more chaos, more “defend facing your own goal” stress for tired legs.
The honest wrinkle is the one every young forward eventually meets: he can provide strong performances in every single match this season as a sub, but that strength will not always be rewarded with a goal (or at least a meaningful one). As of right now, Vaz is still looking for his first goal in a Roma shirt, and the early story is almost comically familiar from the Ongoing Evan Ferguson Experiment. He’s providing promising movement, good intent, and one debut moment against Torino where he nearly opened his account, only for the goalkeeper to deny him from close range. Still, nearly is good for such a young striker; it shows that he’s already getting himself into the right positions to score and win. Given what Roma emphasized when they announced the signing (his age, his rapid rise, and a track record of contributing at Olympique de Marseille), the club is betting on Vaz as a player who can grow and lift the Giallorossi alongside him.
If Vaz gets another appearance against Udinese, don’t be counting his goals and treat “zero” as a referendum. Instead, watch whether Vaz can compress the match in Roma’s favor. Does his first sprint go forward instead of sideways? Does he make Udinese’s center-backs turn and run? Does he gives Roma that one extra sequence where a tired defense starts clearing with its eyes closed. The best late subs add direction to everyone else’s effort. For a team that can sometimes get a little too polite around the box, Vaz’s value is that he’s not especially interested in being polite.
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If that first goal comes tomorrow for Vaz, it will almost certainly come through persistence. It’ll be off an ugly rebound, a deflection, a near-post touch that looks obvious only after it’s happened. Roma doesn’t need Vaz to be a finished product just yet. They need him to be a problem in the right areas: inside the width of the posts, on the last line, arriving like he believes the ball is going to fall for him. If he does that in Udine, then he’s making a difference, even if it takes a bit for the scoreboard to catch up.
8AM Golf — the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based holding company with more than a dozen golf-related brands in its portfolio, including GOLF.com, Miura and True Spec — announced Wednesday that it has taken a significant equity stake in ascendant performance-footwear brand PAYNTR Golf.
PAYNTR launched its first pair of shoes in 2021 and is among the game’s fastest-growing footwear brands. On the PGA Tour, PAYNTR shoes are worn by Jason Day (who is an equity parter), Min Woo Lee, Sam Burns and Isaiah Salinda. Justin Rose claimed his 13th PGA Tour win at the Farmers Insurance Open last week wearing PAYNTRs, and is among a contingent of PGA Tour, LPGA and PGA Tour Champions players who wear PAYNTRs by choice.
“PAYNTR Golf represents everything we look for in a modern golf brand, with its authentic innovation, clear performance benefit and an experienced leadership team deeply rooted in the science of the game,” 8AM Golf CEO and president Hoyt McGarity said in a release. “Their commitment to building products around the biomechanics of the golf swing, combined with their impressive traction at retail and on Tour, makes PAYNTR Golf a natural fit within the 8AM portfolio.
Each PAYNTR shoe features a cutting-edge propulsion plate to help golfers harness ground reaction forces to bring more speed and power to the ball during the downswing. The company was co-founded by Mike Forsey and Michael Glancy, who combined have more than 50 years of experience in the golf-shoe business, working at footwear powerhouses Nike, Reebok, Under Armour and FootJoy.
“At its core, PAYNTR Golf was founded to challenge convention by creating footwear that truly enhances how golfers move, generate force and perform on the course,” Forsey said in the release. “Partnering with 8AM Golf is a powerful validation of that mission. Their deep understanding of the golf ecosystem, from media and entertainment to equipment and fitting, makes them an ideal strategic partner as we continue to expand our footprint globally and invest in innovation.”
You can shop the PAYNTR Golf shoe collection at Fairway Jockey by clicking here.
Jason Day is among the PGA Tour pros who wear PAYNTR shoes.
Courtesy
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Golf.com Editor
As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural class of female varsity golfers, Jessica can out-birdie everyone on the masthead. She can out-hustle them in the office, too, where she’s primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s inaugural Style Issue, which debuted in February 2018. Her original interview series, “A Round With,” debuted in November of 2015, and appeared in both in the magazine and in video form on GOLF.com.
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.
If, in the end, the new leadership group wants to go for it all, then landing an elite QB via trade could be the path forward (as difficult as that is to pull off). The Vikings’ most compelling offer may not get the job done, but it’s nevertheless something that’s worth exploring.
During the most recent regular season, Joe Burrow was in the headlines due to his public reflections on not enjoying football (who would over in Cincinnati?). Past iterations of quarterback speculation have involved Justin Herbert, Kyler Murray, and Lamar Jackson. Of that trio, only Jackson is elite and only Murray appears to be available. If, however, Burrow did become available, how formidable would the Vikings’ offer be?
The Vikings’ Most Compelling Trade Offer for Joe Burrow
Journeying into speculative rumors becomes easier when at least a portion of the discussion remains rooted in reality. As a result, consider an actual NFL trade for a franchise quarterback. Matthew Stafford is a nice comparable.
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Check it out:
The LA Rams Receive
The Detroit Lions Receive
QB Matthew Stafford
QB Jared Goff
3rd-Round Pick in 2021
1st-Round Pick in 2022
1st-Round Pick in 2023
Okay, some details to pry away from the chart. Landing Mr. Stafford — a high-end passer who was 32 at the time of the trade — cost a starting level passer, a pair of 1st-Round selections, and a 3rd. Not cheap, but a deal the Rams would do again without any hesitance. Worth noting, too, that the Lions didn’t do too poorly, either.
Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Looking at the Stafford deals clarifies that the Vikings would need to begin any conversation with the Bengals with a pair of 1st-Round selections. The No. 18 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft alongside the top pick for 2027 (wherever it happens to land). Beginning to talk without that being the starting point means the phone line goes dead very quickly.
There would then need to be considerably more added into the mix.
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Presumably, J.J. McCarthy would be part of the offer. The Bengals could therefore look to build around a young passer alongside whatever draft picks get added to the haul. So, the tally would be sitting at Mr. McCarthy — the No. 10 selection from 2024 who does have a ton of ability — alongside a pair of 1sts.
There would then need to be more added. Think something within the range of some Day 2 selections — 2nd and/or 3rd Round — or possibly even another 1st. Star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is soon to leave Cincinnati behind. Would the Bengals desire Dallas Turner to build around at edge rusher?
If Cincinnati demanded two 1st-Round selections, a 2nd, J.J. McCarthy, and Dallas Turner, the Vikings should agree to the trade to bring Joe Burrow to the Twin Cities.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow goes through his pregame routine, loosening up and throwing on the field as teammates filter out for warmups. The image was taken Dec 14, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, where anticipation built ahead of a divisional matchup with Baltimore under late-season stakes. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images.
Why would the Bengals make the move? Consider some reasons:
Joe Burrow has publicly opened the door to that possibility with his comments.
The past trio of seasons have involved finishing 9-8, 9-8, and 6-11. All three years involved missing the playoffs, suggesting the current plan isn’t working particularly well.
On a personal level, Burrow may welcome the move due to playing with Justin Jefferson and for ownership that isn’t stingy.
Building up a deep collection of young players and draft assets could actually be wise.
Offloading Burrow’s contract would save money and cap space long term.
Oh, and another thing. A pair of high-profile quarterbacks who have been traded recently — Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson — involved the acquiring team — Cleveland and Denver — almost instantly regretting the swap.
Admittedly, Joe Burrow is better than both of those players, but the idea can nevertheless be made that sending over a ton for a quarterback isn’t guaranteed to succeed. The Texans and Seahawks are pleased to have moved on from their former top passers. Goodness, Seattle is back in the Super Bowl and Houston is a great team.
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In December, Joe Burrow will turn 30. He has suffered some bad injuries since turning pro in 2020. He has also established himself as being among the game’s top-five passers. Working under the tutelage of Kevin O’Connell would mean shredding the NFL.
Back in 2023, Burrow put pen to paper on a five-year extension that tips the scales at $275 million. Any trade would likely need to involve massaging the money no matter the acquiring team. As a result, Burrow’s desire to get traded to a specific location — such as Minnesota — would be vital since he would need to agree to a new deal, lowering his cap charge in the immediate.
Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) calls signals during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
In 2025, Joe Burrow had to work through an injury that kept him out for a good portion of the season. He went 5-3 in his starts, completing 66.8% of his passes for 1,809 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
Burrow and Jefferson won a National Championship while playing college ball at LSU.
Gamboa will now attempt to find success in a new discipline altogether, after it was announced that the 44-year-old from Cuba will make the switch to BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, much to his delight.
“Bare knuckle boxing is the oldest form of boxing. After winning an Olympic gold medal, world championships in boxing, now I’m focused and excited to become BKB Bare Knuckle World Champion. I’m going to showcase my skills and show why I belong at the very top of this sport.”
BKB Bare Knuckle founder Mike Vasquez also commented on the signing of Gamboa.
“It’s an honour to welcome Yurorkis to bare knuckle, and I can’t wait to see his skills and pedigree on display in the trigon. We’ve got some incredible Cuban fighters on our roster, including our heavyweight world champion. This year we’re going to see more and more elite fighters join our global roster of over 200 fighters from over 30 countries.”
Gamboa’s debut in the promotion is expected to be announced soon.
Former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has explained why Arsenal attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze did not end up playing for the Super Eagles.
Eze, who came through the Queens Park Rangers academy, is now fully tied to England and was part of the Three Lions squad at the 2024 European Championship.
Nigeria first made a move for the talented midfielder in March 2017, when he was invited to train with the Super Eagles ahead of a friendly match against Burkina Faso. However, the game was later cancelled, denying Nigeria the chance to hand him a competitive appearance.
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During his time as NFF president, Pinnick actively pushed for the recruitment of players with dual nationality. His efforts helped convince players such as Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Joe Aribo, Semi Ajayi and Josh Maja to choose Nigeria over England.
Pinnick said his interest in Eze grew stronger ahead of Nigeria’s 2022 World Cup play-off against Ghana. He revealed that he held a private meeting with the Crystal Palace star at his home in London to discuss a possible switch.
According to Pinnick, Eze was close to committing his international future to Nigeria before changes within the football federation disrupted the process. He said talks had progressed well and involved detailed discussions with the player and his family.
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Pinnick explained that Eze, alongside his father and sister who manages his career, had agreed in principle, but asked for time as administrative changes and elections at the NFF took place. Soon after, Pinnick left office and the move did not progress further.
He added that Eze has a strong affection for Nigeria and was positive about representing the country.
Since making his senior debut for England in a European Championship qualifier against Malta, Eze has scored three goals in 16 appearances for the national team.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed the veteran middle linebacker on Wednesday, a day after he was released by the Toronto Argonauts. McManis joining the Ticats wasn’t much of a surprise, though, as he lives in Toronto year-round and has a daughter and son.
His arrival also fills a need for Hamilton after Canadian middle linebacker Devin Veresuk signed this off-season with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.
McManis had 62 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 15 regular-season games last season.
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The Memphis, Tenn., native spent four CFL campaigns with the Argos (2022-25), helping them win Grey Cups in 2022 and 2024.
The six-foot, 220-pound McManis began his CFL career with Calgary (2017-19), winning his first Grey Cup with the Stampeders in 2018.
“Wynton is one of the premier defenders in our league,” Hamilton head coach Scott Milanovich said in a statement. “He plays the game the right way — with physicality, intelligence, and a relentless motor.
“Beyond what he brings on the field, his experience as a Grey Cup champion and his leadership in the locker room are invaluable, and we’re excited to welcome him to our organization.”
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McManis has 390 tackles, 52 special-teams tackles, 16 sacks, nine interceptions and four forced fumbles while scoring three defensive touchdowns in 100 career regular-season CFL games.
The New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks will face off in the 2026 Super on Feb. 8
Fans can still purchase tickets to the Super Bowl via various resale sites, though they should prepare to pay thousands of dollars to attend the big event
Some of the cheapest tickets currently available cost nearly $5,000
The stakes for Super Bowl LX may be high, but ticket prices are even higher.
There’s less than a week to go until the main event, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
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However, Super Bowl tickets are not released to the general public, which means that unless you’re in the NFL, a season ticket holder or an NFL partner, sponsor, or committee host, you’ll likely be shelling out top dollar for resale tickets to see the New England Patriots play the Seattle Seahawks, with prices skyrocketing in recent years.
He added, “It seemed like the average person could attend back in those first 20 years.”
Keep reading to find out how much a ticket to the 2026 Super Bowl will cost you, and how it compares to recent years.
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Where can I buy Super Bowl tickets?
Ty Okada #39 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts after a play during the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026.
Kevin Sabitus/Getty
Super Bowl tickets cannot be purchased directly by the general public.
However, resale tickets are available on Ticketmaster, which is the NFL’s official ticketing partner.
On Location Experiences, a.k.a. the Super Bowl’s “official hospitality provider,” is also offering NFL Super Bowl packages starting at $6,000 per person, which include an official ticket to the game, an open bar and takeout menu, “NFL Legend” appearances and live music.
What’s the cheapest Super Bowl ticket?
Garrett Bradbury #65 of the New England Patriots runs out of the tunnel prior to the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026.
Cooper Neill/Getty
As of Feb. 3, one of the cheapest single Super Bowl tickets available is in section 420 for $4,836 on Vivid Seats.
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What’s the most expensive Super Bowl ticket?
Fireworks explode over Raymond James Stadium at half time during Super Bowl LV between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs on February 07, 2021.
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As of Feb. 3, one of the most expensive single Super Bowl tickets currently up for grabs is a VIP seat in section 139, which has an eyeline view of the field, priced at $59,290 on Ticketmaster.
Do Super Bowl tickets get cheaper closer to the game?
Julian Love #20 of the Seattle Seahawks tackles Antonio Gibson #4 of the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 15, 2024.
Adam Glanzman/Getty
According to data from more than 900,000 aftermarket NFL ticket compiled by SeatData.io and analyzed by Finance Buzz in September 2025, NFL tickets are less expensive closer to kickoff time during the regular season, though not by much, with an average of $20 in savings when purchased during game week. By contrast, fans who purchased their tickets three weeks or more in advance paid 3% more than the average ticket price.
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Prices for the 2026 Super Bowl have already begun to drop, per TickPick, with the average price per ticket at nearly $10,000 10 days before the game, compared to about $6,400 six days before.
According to the NFL, tickets will be available for resale on the NFL Ticket Exchange up to 60 minutes after kickoff.
Are Super Bowl tickets more expensive this year than normal?
Jabrill Peppers #5 of the New England Patriots tackles Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Gillette Stadium on September 15, 2024.
CBS reported that the cost of Super Bowl 2025 tickets ranged from roughly $3,000 to roughly $5,000.
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They aren’t the highest Super Bowl prices in history, however: 2024 set the record, with an average ticket price of $9,800, per CNN.
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How much were Super Bowl tickets in the recent years?
Zach Charbonnet #26 of the Seattle Seahawks runs with the ball as Marcus Jones #25 of the New England Patriots looks for the tackle during a game at Gillette Stadium on September 15, 2024.
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Super Bowl ticket prices have fluctuated in recent years, though average ticket costs have typically trended upward, peaking in 2024.
Below are the average Super Bowl ticket prices seven days before the game from 2022 and 2025, according to TickPick.
Karim Benzema has likened his new team, Al-Hilal, to his former employers, Real Madrid, saying the Saudi Pro League side reminds him of Los Blancos in terms of rich history.
The Frenchman on Monday completed a shock deadline day move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal on a free transfer. Benzema’s contract with Al-Ittihad was due to run out in June, but negotiations over renewal collapsed, and Al-Hilal took full advantage of the situation, signing the 38-year-old on a one-and-a-half-year deal.
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Speaking to Al-Hilal media after his first training session in the blue jersey, Benzema was asked what he knows about the club.
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“It’s a great team with a great history,” he said. “They won a lot of trophies. It’s like similar, like Real Madrid here in Asia, you know. Everything is good, the fans are good, they play well, they have good players, and they have a good mentality, they have a good process. So I liked this team before, I used to play against them with Madrid, it was not an easy game, it was a good game, so I have good memories, and today I’m happy because now I’m playing for Al-Hilal.”
Al-Hilal and Real Madrid share the same history as the most successful team in their respective division. The Blue Waves are Saudi Arabia’s most successful team, with 21 league titles and four Asian Championships. Similarly, Los Blancos have won the most league titles in the Spanish division, winning it a record 36 times.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner guided Al-Ittihad to the league and King’s Cup glory last season. With Al-Hilal sitting atop the league table, they will be keen to leverage the forward’s experience to guide them to their 22nd league title.
Karim Benzema hungry for more silverware after Al-Hilal switch
Amid the controversy surrounding his move to Al-Hilal, Karim Benzema expressed his desire to win more trophies with the Riyadh-based club. Joining Al-Ittihad in 2023, Benzema went trophyless in his debut season but responded with a domestic double in his second campaign.
Regarding his ambitions at Al-Hilal, the 38-year-old stated:
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“Clear message, you know, my mentality. I have a lot of ambition. I will work, I will give everything in the pitch, I will help this team, and Inshallah bring trophies, because for me it’s more important to bring trophies, and we have, what I said before, good team, good fans, so together, Inshallah, we will do it.”
The striker has scored eight goals in 14 league appearances this season and is expected to make his Al-Hilal debut on Thursday against Al Okhdood.
Fill-in quarterback Jarrett Stidham had two crucial turnovers that essentially decided the AFC title game, and there seems to be a feeling in Broncos Country that the game would have gone differently had Nix been healthy.
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It seems that Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has endorsed that notion.
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“I have gotten over the situation,” Sutton said during an interview with Guerilla Sports at the Pro Bowl earlier this week. “I told my boy, I said, ‘Maybe after the game, I’ll get over it.’ Once the Super Bowl ends, I’ll get over it — but best of luck to both of those teams going out there performing, doing their thing. You know, everyone knows the Broncos should have been in there, but it’s all right.”
After squeaking by the Broncos, the Patriots are now set to face the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Sunday. Denver’s schedule of 2026 opponents includes a trip to New England, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see that game given a prime-time spotlight.
Caerphilly County Borough Council is allowing 14-year-olds to lift weights / Adobe
Caerphilly County Borough Council has lowered the age limit for strength training
Fourteen-year-olds are now able to use weights and resistance kit
This is part of the council’s strategy to remove barriers to exercise
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The counicl offers a junior membership for 11 to 16-year-olds, costing £12.05
Caerphilly County Borough Council has lowered the age limit for resistance training to 14 in its gyms.
Young people are allowed to access the fitness suites from 11-years-old to use cardiovascular equipment and to be taught body weight exercises and now they will be able to weight train, using resistance kit and free weights from the age of 14. Qualified staff will be on hand to provide guidance and ensure appropriate use of equipment.
The change forms part of the council’s Sport and Active Recreation Strategy, which focuses on removing barriers to participation, developing lifelong healthy habits and creating more opportunities for young people to be active in ways that suit them.
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The council offers the Junior Active Plus membership, for 11- to 16-year-olds which costs £12.05 per month. It gives access to gyms, swimming, classes and racquet sports.
Councillor Chris Morgan, cabinet member for leisure, says: “Lowering the age for fitness suite access gives young people more opportunities to be active in ways that interest them. It supports the development of confidence and healthy habits at an earlier age, while ensuring access remains safe, supported and welcoming across our leisure centres.”
Whilst Jake Paul’s career as a boxer has stalled due to injuries sustained in his fight with Anthony Joshua, his promotional firm is marching on strongly, as Most Valuable Promotions have announced their U.K. debut with a quadruple header set for London this April.
Paul lost by knockout for the first time when he bravely accepted a challenge with ‘AJ’, who did what was expected of him in a sixth-round stoppage win, during which he broke the jaw of ‘The Problem Child’.
However, his position in boxing remains a strong one from outside of the ring, with Most Valuable Promotions sat as a solid player in the women’s version of the sport, home to a vast number of female world champions.
Paul’s outfit now look to flex their muscles with a show that broadcasts their dominance in the world of women’s boxing, as they stage four world title contests in London, headlined by a lightweight title unification involving British rivals Caroline Dubois (WBC champion) and Terri Harper (WBO champion).
MVP would not exist without the 🇬🇧. My boxing journey started there.
Following the announcement, 25-year-old Dubois described the contest as a ‘legacy fight’, in an interview with Sky Sports.
“I’m excited to make this fight. This is a massive fight in my career and for British boxing, both a legacy fight and unification. The goal is to become undisputed world champion and this is the first step.”
The remainder of the world title bout quartet sees three further Britons compete in separate title contests, with unified super-bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney (WBC, WBO & IBF) set to challenge for the undisputed throne against WBA titlist Mayelli Flores.
Meanwhile, former undisputed super-lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron takes part in her first world title clash since losing the throne in a rematch with Katie Taylor. ‘Il Capo’ faces off with Czech Republic’s Michaela Kotaskova in a showdown for the vacant WBO super-welterweight strap.
Last but not least comes British champion Emma Dolan, who attempts to become a world champion in just her 9th professional fight, tasked with Mexico’s 44-year-old IBF super-flyweight ruler, Irma Garcia.
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The event will take place at The Olympia in Kensington, London on Sunday, April 5, as the first fight of Sky Sports’ newly announced broadcast deal with Most Valuable Promotions. Paul, alongside co-founder Nakisa Bidarian, said:
“This event represents a major milestone for MVP as we bring our brand to the UK for the first time, and do so with Sky Sports, with a card that reflects the scale, depth and ambition of women’s boxing today.
“In our double main event, Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper marks the long-anticipated unification between two of MVP’s elite British champions, while Ellie Scotney has the opportunity to make history and become the youngest undisputed champion the UK has ever seen.
“Alongside them, Chantelle Cameron fights to become a two-division champion and Emma Dolan gets her first world title shot.
“MVP is the global home of women’s boxing, and partnering with Sky Sports for the UK, to deliver this event will give these athletes the platform and market exposure they deserve, live from Olympia in London on Sunday April 5.”
;)
