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From Klein Forest to the NBA: Childhood friends host camp to encourage Houston kids to dream big

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Childhood friends and Klein Forest teammates Chris Hines and Toure’ Murry took the floor together in Conroe like they did so many times as youth basketball players.

“I’ve known Toure’ Murry since I was ten years old, and you know we’re 36 right now,” Hines said. “It’s one of those things where the relation was a bond with basketball and it became a friendship with men.”

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Hines and Murry were team leaders for the Golden Eagles’ run to a state championship in 2008.

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“Passion, commitment, dedication, hard work I mean, they were gym rats, always in the gym,” former Klein Forest assistant coach Aundre Branch said.

The two teamed up again for a basketball camp to give back through their joint foundation Vivid Dreams.

“Chris and I have reached unimaginable heights,” Murry said. “Anytime you can give back to the community in this type of way, this is what it’s about right here.”

“Not only give back to our hometown and the people that have helped us throughout our journey, but give back to the grassroots of Houston, Texas,” Hines said.

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Murry and Hines had NBA dreams as kids, just like the campers they are instructing.

“I had the opportunity to play in the NBA, and now I’m using all that knowledge to come back and bring it to the kids and let them know that they can dream big,” Murray said.

Murry went to Wichita State after graduating from Klein Forest and played with several NBA organizations. Hines played at Utah and Drake in college and spent time playing in the ABA and overseas. Now they live out their dreams in the NBA, not as players, but as assistant coaches.

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“I work with some of the best athletes: LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, BJ Edgecombe,” Murry said about his work as an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers. “It’s my job to get these guys better.”

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Hines is an assistant coach in Minnesota with the Timberwolves and works with superstar Anthony Edwards.

“If you love the game, you dedicate yourself to the craft, and you do it with a great heart, you know, you find your kind of way in terms of coaching,” Hines said.

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Campers are the real winners here. NBA-level coaching from two who weren’t afraid to dream big and work hard to get where they wanted to go in life.

“One of my mottos is, ‘Reach for the stars; if you fall, you land on a cloud,’” Hines said. “I ended up laying on a cloud coaching, but I also had the ability to watch my best friend actually get to the NBA,” Hines said.

When asked what it feels like to live his dream, Murry simply said: “I’m dreaming every day. It doesn’t stop … Don’t wake me up. Vivid Dreams, always.”

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Jose Mourinho refuses to allow Arsenal move for La Liga star

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Arsenal Transfer News: Mourinho Blocks Clear Route to Vinicius Junior

Arsenal’s interest in Vinicius Junior has obvious appeal, but the situation at Real Madrid already looks awkward for anyone hoping this turns into a straightforward summer deal. According to The Telegraph, José Mourinho has returned to Madrid with a simple message for the club hierarchy, he wants his major players kept in place.

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That matters because Arsenal’s interest is described as genuine. It also matters because there have been no talks between the clubs, which tells you plenty about where this stands today. Admiration is one thing, making a deal happen is another. Right now, this feels more like a high-end possibility than an active transfer negotiation.

Vinicius Junior Contract Adds Pressure

Where Arsenal may see an opening is in the contract. Vinicius is due to be out of contract at the end of June next year, and progress on a renewal has been limited. For any elite club, that creates noise. For Real Madrid, it creates risk. For Arsenal, it creates temptation.

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Still, contract uncertainty does not automatically equal availability. Real may have a problem to solve, but Mourinho appears determined that it will be solved without sacrificing one of the club’s biggest attacking names. That closes off the easiest route for Arsenal before it has even opened.

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Real Madrid Transfer Plans Look Firm

The other detail in play is the reported tension around Vinicius and Mourinho following the Gianluca Prestianni episode last season. That may encourage speculation, but it would be a mistake to overstate it. Dressing room friction and contract delays can unsettle a player’s future, but they do not by themselves force a sale, especially when a returning manager has already drawn a line.

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For Arsenal, this leaves a familiar picture. The player is elite, the interest is real, the circumstances are complicated and the selling club are resisting. Unless something shifts dramatically at Real Madrid, this looks like one to watch rather than one to expect.

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From an Arsenal perspective, this is the sort of report that is exciting for five minutes and then reality kicks in. Vinicius Junior is exactly the calibre of attacker supporters want to hear linked with the club, explosive, proven, decisive in big matches. If Arsenal are serious about winning the biggest prizes, these are the names that should be discussed.

That said, there is no point pretending this sounds advanced. No talks, a resistant Real Madrid manager, and a club that still see the player as core, those are not minor obstacles. They are the deal. Arsenal fans have seen enough windows to know the difference between genuine ambition and a move that is structurally difficult from day one.

The contract angle is the only part that makes this worth monitoring closely. If renewal talks continue to drift, pressure builds on Madrid. That can change the tone quickly. Arsenal should absolutely be alert to that, because elite players rarely become even slightly attainable without some contractual leverage in the background.

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Supporters will also read this through the lens of a quiet or underwhelming window. That creates impatience, and understandably so. A link like this raises expectations. In truth, it may be more useful as a sign of Arsenal’s market ambition than as a likely transfer. If the club can turn that ambition into a more realistic top-level attacking signing, fans will take that very seriously indeed.

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Alejandro Garnacho comments speak volumes now as Man United icons proved right

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Alejandro Garnacho was subjected to scathing criticism from several Manchester United icons

Alejandro Garnacho has completed his second move in as many years after a dismal debut campaign at Chelsea. The Argentina international joined the Blues in a £40million move last year but scored just eight goals in 43 games across all competitions.

Just one of his goals came in the Premier League and the west London club have now ended the experiment with the ex-Man United star after agreeing a season-long loan deal with Aston Villa. The 22-year-old has long been brushed with accusations that he’s arrogant and lacks discipline.

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His off-field behaviour has been commented on at numerous occasions by United icons who’ll certainly feel vindicated by their remarks as Garnacho’s career hits another bump.

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Paul Parker

Manchester United icon Paul Parker was initially against Garnacho’s move to Stamford Bridge. Parker – who spent five years at Old Trafford – had told the Argentine that a move abroad was best for his career.

He said in June 2025: “I also think it would be a bad decision for both him and Chelsea if he went there. He needs a bit of fresh air. He needs a change of environment, and I think he could benefit from a move to another country.”

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A common criticism of the 22-year-old has been his attitude. Parker claimed that not only does Garnacho lack discipline, but he also doesn’t believe he’ll ever improve that aspect of his game. He added: “He doesn’t have the right attitude and he doesn’t want to put in enough work. I don’t think that ever will change.”

Nicky Butt

Nicky Butt previously worked with Garnacho in United’s youth setup and has since slammed the forward for his behaviour upon his exit from the club. Butt, 50, said he thought Garnacho had gotten too big for his boots at Old Trafford and his departure was the “best thing” his former club had done.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football, he said: “I thought he had an edge about him. And when he got into the first team – I will just say what I think because I was there – he got above his station way too quick. He got superstar status way too quick.

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“And that’s not a former player saying they get paid too much, I hope young players get paid millions, but he got superstar status too quick and he obviously scored the bicycle kick which was phenomenal. Someone in that club or team at the time should have been swatting him down, and they might have been, and he ignored them.

“But the best thing United did was sell him because, forget his ability, and I don’t think he is that great anyway, but I thought his attitude was a disgrace when he was at United. More importantly when he left, and if you completely disrespect your teammates and the football club when you leave, then that’s it.”

Paul Scholes

Butt’s former team-mate and podcast partner Paul Scholes was equally critical of Garnacho’s attitude, especially during his time at Chelsea. The United icon claimed Garnacho was not a team player and only cared about his individual achievements.

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Scholes said on the same show: “Looking in from the outside, and I don’t know him as well as Nicky, but the impression you got was that the only person Garnacho cared about was himself. He’s only 21, someone might take a chance on him.

“Hope that he finally grows up. He was United’s biggest threat for a long time. But it’s my biggest hate in football, only interested in himself. Only cares about himself. If you lost 8-1 and he scored, he’d be happy.

“I don’t think the manager has got the stature in the game to control Garnacho, either. I don’t think the characters are there at Chelsea. He should go to Atletico Madrid. That will be the only place that sorts him out.

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“I think he’s that type of signing for them. They are a £30m, £40m club and they’ll think Diego Simeone can control him. If Diego Simeone can’t, no one can.”

Teddy Sheringham

Another denouncer of Garnacho’s decision to join Chelsea was Teddy Sheringham. The former United and England striker said Garnacho made sure a possible return to Old Trafford was impossible by moving to one of their top rivals.

He told Poker Strategy: “I think Alejandro Garnacho is a very talented player, but only time will tell whether he’s able to be a success at Chelsea. “He will have been disappointed not to get off the bench in the game at Old Trafford.

“He made a big move in leaving Manchester United for Chelsea, and it’s not one I would have advised him to make if I were a part of his team. When you’re at United you have to try your utmost to make it work.

“It is the biggest club in the world, so you won’t be leaving for a better club, and the opportunity to come back won’t be there, especially with the manner in which he left and the way the fans have reacted to it.”

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Jonquel Jones leads Team Spoon past Team Coop in WNBA All-Star Game

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The WNBA continued its 30th-season celebration Saturday night, bringing the All-Star Game back to Chicago for the first time since 2022.

The game itself had plenty of scoring, but Jonquel Jones supplied the all-around performance that helped Caitlin Clark and Team Spoon outlast Marina Mabrey and Team Coop.

Jones finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in a 129-122 win and was named the most valuable player of the game.

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Team Spoon and Team Coop compete during the WNBA All-Star Game

A general view of Team Spoon playing Team Coop during the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center on July 25, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. (Sage Zipeto/Getty Images)

Eight Team Spoon players scored in double figures in a defense-light All-Star Game that featured 127 3-point attempts, with Allisha Gray adding 19 points and Clark finishing with 17.

The annual summer showcase was played before a record crowd of 19,783 at the United Center, the longtime home of the Chicago Bulls. Friday night’s 3-point contest and Shooting Stars competition were held at the smaller Wintrust Arena a few miles away.

Caitlin Clark dribbles the ball during the WNBA All-Star Game

Caitlin Clark (22) of Team Spoon dribbles the ball during the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game against Team Coop on July 25, 2026, at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

In the second quarter on Saturday night, Dominique Malonga caught a pass from Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese and threw down the milestone dunk.

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Dominique Malonga dunks the ball during the WNBA All-Star Game

Dominique Malonga (14) of Team Coop dunks the ball against Team Spoon during the first half of the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on July 25, 2026. (Sage Zipeto/Getty Images)

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The 6-foot-6 Seattle Storm center became the seventh player in league history to record a dunk in an All-Star Game, according to the Storm. The WNBA said the 20-year-old is the youngest player to accomplish the feat during the marquee event.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Man United have been given green light to sign Premier League star ‘who can do everything’

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Manchester United’s summer transfer business is far from over

Manchester United have been given the thumbs-up by Bryan Mbeumo to sign Fulham’s Antonee Robinson. The striker is a massive fan of the defender and claims he “can do everything” in the Premier League.

Michael Carrick is said to be monitoring Robinson closely this summer as he aims to strengthen his options at left-back. Currently, Luke Shaw is the only recognised senior star in the position, after Tyrell Malacia departed at the end of his contract.

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Harry Amass is considered as back-up to Shaw but with just seven first-team appearances, it is clear that United are in need of more experienced options. Robinson could be the answer.

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The 28-year-old has 215 appearances for Fulham, making 26 goal contributions across six seasons. He has also earned 58 caps for the United States national team, scoring five goals.

Robinson’s age could be a sticking point for United, according to The Guardian, as he is older than the club’s preferred profile. But one person who is not interested in these negatives is Mbeumo.

The United attacker spoke in 2025 before he joined from Brentford, selecting Robinson as the one defender he didn’t enjoy playing against. During an appearance on the Obi One podcast, the 26-year-old recalled his early battles with the left-back and how much he has progressed in his career.

Mbeumo explained: “I used to play against him when he was at Wigan and (he) changed completely. When he arrived he was really athletic, quick, but with his feet he was like, not so good, you know?

“But throughout the years he improved a lot, and I think now he can do everything. He can attack, he can defend, he’s strong, he’s good with his feet now, and yeah, I think really, really hard to play against him.”

Mbeumo has terrorised the Premier League for years before he joined United so the praise towards Robinson is not something to be sniffed at. He is estimated to be available for around £25million, making him a potential bargain for Carrick as he fleshes out his options in the squad.

With Shaw a dependable defender and Robinson bringing the proven experience, this could be the perfect formula in allowing Amass to progress at a reasonable pace while still having the options to succeed in the short-term.

Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.

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Emmanuel King Unveiled as El-Kanemi Warriors Technical Adviser Ahead of 2026/27 Season

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El-Kanemi Warriors FC have officially unveiled Emmanuel King as the club’s new Technical Adviser ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria National League (NNL) season and the CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

The unveiling ceremony was held on Friday at the Colonel Abdulmumin Aminu Camp in Maiduguri, with members of the club’s management board, technical crew and backroom staff in attendance.

Club Chairman, Alhaji Waziri Isa Mai Qatar, formally presented Emmanuel King to the media and welcomed him to the club.

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“I warmly welcome you as our new Technical Adviser. I am pleased by your statement that Maiduguri is a safe place to work. I also urge you to work closely with the existing coaching staff. We will provide you with maximum support to ensure we achieve our objectives,” the chairman said.

Vice Chairman Baba Maliki also assured the former Akwa United coach of the club’s full support during his time in charge.

Emmanuel King is a highly qualified coach with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physical and Health Education, a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Public Order and Information Management, a Higher Diploma in Football Training, and CAF A and CAF B coaching licences.

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The experienced tactician has previously managed Akwa United and Dakkada International FC and also enjoyed a playing career with several clubs in Nigeria and abroad.

Speaking after his unveiling, Emmanuel King thanked the Borno State Government for giving him the opportunity to lead the club.

“I sincerely thank the Government of Borno State under the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Comrade Saina Buba, for entrusting me with this responsibility,” he said.

The new Technical Adviser promised to do everything possible to help El-Kanemi Warriors achieve their targets.

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“I want to assure the supporters of El-Kanemi Warriors across the world that we will work tirelessly to return the club to the Nigeria Premier Football League next season. We will also give our very best in the CAF Confederation Cup despite the challenges of the competition. With the support and prayers of the good people of Borno State and our fans worldwide, I am confident we will achieve our goals,” Emmanuel King said.

The unveiling was attended by Chairman Alhaji Waziri Isa Mai Qatar, Vice Chairman Baba Maliki, Team Manager IBB, Welfare Officer Usman Zumami, Chief Security Officer DSP Umar Musa, Chief Coach Bakaka Kalli, Coach Ishaq Hussain, Coach Hussain Usman, Coach Ibrahim Imam and other members of the club’s backroom staff.

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Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga: Briton suffers two knockdowns in first round but wins in second

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Anthony Joshua suffered two knockdowns – the first happening after just 20 seconds – before recovering to dramatically stop Kristian Prenga in the second round of his comeback fight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The British heavyweight was fighting for the first time since surviving the December car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his close friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

He was sensationally rocked by a huge uppercut from underdog Prenga in the opening round, and then hit the canvas again later in the round.

At that point he looked on the verge of one of the biggest shock defeats in heavyweight history, with the long-awaited Tyson Fury fight hanging by a thread.

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But Joshua produced one of the greatest escapes of his career, and now that fight is on.

He unleashed his right hand in the second round, with the final shot sending Albanian Prenga crashing down and forcing the referee to halt the contest.

“It’s more than punch power. That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina, that was the families. It hurts to even talk about it. It has been tough,” Joshua, 36, said.

He choked up and stepped away from the microphone, before adding: “It’s my brothers. I don’t want to talk about it.”

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There had been speculation fellow Briton Fury might make a appearance despite insisting he would not attend.

But the master of mind games stayed true to his word, with Fury nowhere to be seen barely 24 hours on from his own warm-up win over Mariusz Wach in Thailand.

“I respect everything he has done and everything that he has achieved, but as a fighting person, we’re here now. I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat,” Joshua said about the prospect of fighting Fury.

Contracts have been signed, but the venue and date for a fight more than a decade in the making are still unknown.

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This chaotic night, however, belonged to Joshua in a victory forged through adversity during the most difficult months of his life.

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How emotional Anthony Joshua survived the chaos to set up Tyson Fury showdown

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Anthony Joshua survived a huge scare on a night of carnage on his boxing comeback, rising from the canvas twice before knocking out unknown Albanian Kristian Prenga to pave the way for a Tyson Fury showdown.

Joshua was shockingly sent crashing to the canvas by a thunderous right uppercut within the first 20 seconds in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as Prenga threatened to ruin the prospect of a long-awaited heavyweight showdown with Fury later this year.

The former two-time world heavyweight champion also took a knee later in the first round in his first fight since being involved in a car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, in December, just days after his win over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

Anthony Joshua was knocked down within 30 seconds against Kritian Prenga
Anthony Joshua was knocked down within 30 seconds against Kritian Prenga (Getty)
But the Brit recovered to knock out Prenga in the second round
But the Brit recovered to knock out Prenga in the second round (Getty)

However, Joshua showed all his heart to dig deep and hit back in the second round with a barrage of heavy blows that sent Prenga tumbling through the ropes and the Albanian’s inability to beat the count ensured a 27th knockout victory of the Brit’s career.

Fury’s seventh-round TKO win over 46-year-old Mariusz Wach around 4,000 miles away in Thailand on Friday in an untelevised laid down the gauntlet for Joshua, who paid tribute to Ghami and Ayodele, wearing camouflage gear with the names of his friends on his chest.

An emotional Joshua said in the ring afterwards: “It’s what champions do. We rise, we get knocked down and we stand up and we keep going, that’s life’s motto.

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“It’s more than punch power, that was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina, that was the families. It hurts even talking about it. It’s been tough. They’re my brothers, but I don’t want to talk about it.”

Joshua was clearly emotional in the ring after the fight
Joshua was clearly emotional in the ring after the fight (Getty)

He was then forced to take a pause from the post-fight interview due to being overcome with emotion and allowed promoter Eddie Hearn to come to the microphone.

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Asked about the Fury fight later this year, Hearn said: “We’ve signed the contract, everything’s done, but to be ‌honest with you, tonight is all about the strength ​that he showed to even be here tonight, and ‌the strength that he had ⁠to show in that fight.”

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“When you go down a couple of times in the first round and ‌you’re looking like your ​career might be over, he ‌had to go to the ​depths one more time to get up and fight on.”

Joshua came out all guns blazing to finish off Prenga in the second round, handing the underdog a first loss of his career, but was full of praise for his Albanian foe.

Joshua paid tribute to Prenga after the fight
Joshua paid tribute to Prenga after the fight (Reuters)

“I also want to give a massive thank you to Kristian Prenga and his team for putting on a good fight. It means a lot to them, and it means a lot to me,” added Joshua.

“I think Eddie Hearn wants to sign him now. He’s going to do well, he’s got a bright future. I’m a serious fighter, I know what I’m doing. I know my way around the ring.

“Maybe with a little bit more experience he will be up there with the rest of us. But he’s a serious fighter, strong, durable, and he come and gave me a good test.”

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Joshua also had a bit of fun at Fury’s expense, initially asking if he was in the room for a face-to-face confrontation and then jokingly quoting Mike Tyson’s famous “Imma rip his heart out speech” before his fight with Lennox Lewis.

Joshua can now prepare for an all-British showdown against Tyson Fury
Joshua can now prepare for an all-British showdown against Tyson Fury (Reuters)

However, the 36-year-old then became more sincere when talking about his respect for “the Gypsy King”.

“Wait a minute – have we got Tyson Fury in the room?” asked Joshua. “Wait, wait, wait, to more important matters – is he here or not? [When told Fury wasn’t present]. Fair do’s. Imma rip his heart out. I’m the meanest and most vicious champion there’s ever been.

“Listen, all jokes aside, there’s two sides of this thing. One is fire. You have to have that vim, that grrr. But also respect. I respect everything he has done. And everything that he has achieved. As someone who who has been calling for the fight for a long time, we’re here now.

“Shout to Eddie Hearn for making these opportunities possible, and I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat.”

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The long-awaited ‘Battle of Britain’ will finally happen later this year [it seems] although the chaos of the evening in Jeddah almost consigned that fight to the bin before a great escape.

Additional reporting by PA

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Braves News: Grant Holmes, Eli White injury, Ronald Acuna return, more

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ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 06: <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10646/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Ronald Acuña Jr.;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0" data-yga="{"yLinkElement":"context_link","yModuleName":"content-canvas","yLinkText":"Ronald Acuña Jr.","ySubModuleName":"anchor_text","yHasCommerce":false}">Ronald Acuña Jr.</a> #13 of the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/atlanta/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Atlanta Braves;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0" data-yga="{"yLinkElement":"context_link","yModuleName":"content-canvas","yLinkText":"Atlanta Braves","ySubModuleName":"anchor_text","yHasCommerce":false}">Atlanta Braves</a> looks on during the game between the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/pittsburgh/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Pittsburgh Pirates;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0" data-yga="{"yLinkElement":"context_link","yModuleName":"content-canvas","yLinkText":"Pittsburgh Pirates","ySubModuleName":"anchor_text","yHasCommerce":false}">Pittsburgh Pirates</a> and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 06: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

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‘We rise’ – Anthony Joshua musters comeback win over Kristian Prenga

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Anthony Joshua paid tribute to his late friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele after rising from the canvas twice to beat Kristian Prenga and stay on course for a Tyson Fury showdown.

The British heavyweight was fighting for the first time since being involved in a car crash in Nigeria that killed Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele, his personal trainer, in December.

Having worn a camouflage top and trunks to the ring with the names of the pair across his chest, Joshua dedicated a fraught second-round knockout win in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Ghami and Ayodele.

“It’s what champions do,” the 36-year-old said in the ring afterwards. “We rise, we get knocked down and we stand up and we keep going, that’s life, that’s life’s motto.

“It’s more than punch power, that was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina, that was the families. It hurts even talking about it. It’s been tough. It’s my brothers but I don’t want to talk about it.”

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Joshua was a prohibitive 1/33 favourite with bookmakers immediately before the fight against the Albanian, whose 20 wins from 21 contests had all been via knockout although against limited opposition.

However, Joshua was sent tumbling to the canvas within the first 20 seconds of the bout and again later on in the first round, leaving not just the Fury fight but his entire boxing career in the balance.

But Joshua hit back in a chaotic fight as Prenga failed to capitalise on his explosive fight, allowing his more experienced opponent to close the show in devastating fashion.

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Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said: “No one can imagine what he’s been through in these last seven months. In fact, during that first round I was thinking ‘we came back too soon’.

“I said in the build-up to this fight that boxing once saved him and he needed boxing to help him get through this and his camp allowed him to focus his mind while he was facing so much grief and pain.

“You don’t know what he was going through in that camp because he’s a strong man and he likes to deal with his problems on his own. I’m not saying that’s the right way to do it but that’s his way to do it.

“To even be in the ring was astonishing and when you go down a couple of times in the first round, and you’re looking like your career might be over, he had to go to the depths to get up and fight on.”

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Hearn confirmed contracts for a long-awaited and much-hyped all-British blockbuster between Joshua and Fury have been signed although a date and location are still unknown.

Tyson Fury won on Friday (Bradley Collyer/PA)
Tyson Fury won on Friday (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

Fury had a more serene warm-up on Friday in Thailand, stopping 46-year-old Mariusz Wach after seven rounds, but declined the opportunity to watch Joshua from ringside in order to fly home to the Isle of Man.

Joshua added: “Wait a minute, have we got Tyson Fury in the room? To more important matters, is he here or not?

“All jokes aside, there are two sides to this thing. One is the fighter, you have to have that vim, and the other is respect.

“I respect everything he has done and everything that he has achieved, but as a fighting person and someone who has been calling for this fight for a long time, we’re here now.

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“I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat.

“Do you know what I learned? I can’t be stopped, I’m not going to be stopped, I’m not going to be denied. We’re coming, trust me.”

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Managing Man United: Marcus Rashford decision made, marquee midfielder arrives, £50m raised

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Manchester United have started their summer recruitment early but there is still work to do ahead of Michael Carrick’s first full season in charge

After dropping more than £80m on a pair of new midfielders, Manchester United have given themselves a platform ahead of what could be a pivotal season. However, they are unlikely to be done just yet.

Pre-season friendlies have shown Michael Carrick what he can expect from some of his players. Others will return a little later after their World Cup exertions.

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The new Premier League season is less than a month away. First up for Carrick’s side is a trip to newly promoted Hull City, who have made signings of their own including former United keeper Jack Butland.

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Before then, United are expected to make some more signings but may also cash in on a few of their stars. Here, we’ve taken a look at how things might pan out.

Final piece of midfield puzzle

United have been putting together a list of midfielders who could fill that final slot, joining Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans as a new recruit in the position. Much will depend on whether the price is right, though, and they won’t be held to ransom.

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Aurelien Tchouameni would be the dream signing but it depends on Real Madrid’s openness to a sale. Things have quietened down since exploratory checks early in the window but it could be one to keep an eye on.

Manu Kone and Alex Scott are among the other names being considered. Scott will have a high asking price, though, with Bournemouth still reluctant to sell if they don’t have to.

Rashford decision reached

The big question concerns what is in store for Marcus Rashford. The England international is still a United player after Barcelona let a buy option expire but he could still move.

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A number of wide forwards have been linked already. Crysencio Summerville now looks set to move overseas, though, while there’s not been a ton of concrete noise of late when it comes to other targets.

This is largely down to the Rashford situation. If the 28-year-old ends up staying put, there’s almost certain to be no new senior addition in his position.

£50m raised for reinforcements

While there are question marks over what comes next for Rashford, we’ve got a better idea of some other potential exits. Among them is Joshua Zirkzee, who could fetch a decent sum if a suitable buyer steps up – though perhaps not quite as much as the £35m United paid Bologna.

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Two of United’s backup goalkeepers also look set to leave. Altay Bayindir is expected to return to Turkey while Radek Vitek has already expressed a desire for regular first-team football and that means playing away from Old Trafford.

There are some others, including Toby Collyer, where a decision has not yet been made. However, a series of sales could potentially raise as much as £50million even without a departure for Rashford.

Those funds could allow Carrick to add another striker to the squad. This would ideally be someone comfortable not being a starter, with Benjamin Sesko continuing to lead the line this term.

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