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How 1 star musician met Tiger Woods: ‘I’ll be there tomorrow’

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Few people get a chance to meet Tiger Woods; even fewer get him for one-on-one lessons. Although being a famous musician certainly helps.

Train frontman Pat Monahan was the guest on this week’s Subpar podcast, where he discussed meeting Tiger Woods, playing Augusta National, his band’s upcoming tour and more. He’s met Woods a few times over the years, although the first came several years ago when Woods needed a last-minute fill-in to headline his annual Tiger Jam fundraiser.

Woods’ management team called Monahan to see if Train would be interested in playing after one act was a late cancellation.

“I was like, ‘I’m good, I have been working too hard,’” Monahan said on the podcast. “And they were like, ‘Tiger will give you an hour-long lesson.’ I was like, ‘I’ll be there tomorrow.’”

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During their lesson, Monahan learned why Woods grew tired of pro-ams (six-hour rounds), and Tiger even shared an odd story that led him to conclude, “I think this is the last one.” Most of all, Monahan just appreciated that Woods seemed like a normal person.

“He is one of my favorite guys,” Monahan said. “He’s like one of us. He handles himself so professionally but when you can get him in a small group he’s just a dude. I just wanted to hit a couple good shots and I did and he was like, ‘Whoa, Pat can get through a shot.’ He made it fun more than stressful. It wasn’t a round of golf, it was just me at the range with him. There was no pressure to make par or anything.”

Although if there’s one thing the world knows about Woods, it’s that he doesn’t let people into his inner circle easily.

“I was like, ‘Man, I want to be best friends,’” Monahan said. “And he’s like, ‘I’m good.’” [Laughs]

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You can listen to the complete interview with Monahan here or watch it on YouTube below.

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Roulette King lands 2026 Alister Clark Stakes for delighted trainer Trevor Rogers

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Trevor Rogers notched his career’s standout result with Roulette King saluting in the Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) on Caulfield’s track.

Roulette King represented Rogers’ eighth foray into Stakes racing, with the three-year-old delivering the trainer’s inaugural ‘Black Type’ placing.

Post the Saturday Group 2 2000m conquest, stakeholders ponder if Roulette King spells up or chases a trio of upcoming Derbies: Australian Derby, South Australian Derby or Queensland Derby.

The $5.50 elect Roulette King, piloted by Jamie Mott, stormed home late to pip $81 hope Savisanta by a head, leaving Kaye Jay ($21) to fill third a further three-quarters of a length adrift.

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“This was his Grand Final. This was the race we set him for,” Rogers said.

“We’ll get him home and see what happens, but he’s a horse for the future so we won’t go knocking him around.

“A Derby, they are things we will talk about with Jamie and the owners and how the horse pulls up, but I’ve got no doubt the horse will pull up well.

“He’s just one of those horses. He gets home and just wants to eat, which is a big plus.”

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Having tracked Roulette King from foalhood, Rogers held his nerve as Mott held the gelding in the latter stages of the field.

“I was never worried because Jamie has had a lot to do with the horse,” Rogers said.

“When he went out, I said to ride him how you see fit, because you know what you’ve got.

“I could see him over the back that he had a handful of horse, and he was waiting for a bit of clear air down the running and with the turn of foot he’s got, he was always going to be a chance.”

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Sports betting enthusiasts enjoyed the action in the Alister Clark Stakes, with top racing odds available through online bookmakers.

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High Point’s March Madness run comes to a close at hands of Arkansas

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No. 12 High Point put everyone on notice for the second time in as many games this March Madness, but could not find the same success.

After advancing to the Round of 32 following an upset victory over No. 5 Wisconsin, the Panthers’ season ended after No. 4 Arkansas ran away from them late Saturday night.

High Point led by as many as five early in the game, and they were up 56-52 with 14:17 to go after going on a 12-2 run. 

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Both teams exchanged buckets for several minutes, with no one expanding their respective leads by more than three points for a little while.

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High Point player crying

High Point Panthers head coach Flynn Clayman and guard Rob Martin (3) react in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)

With 7:04 to play, the Panthers took a 72-71 lead, to which the Razorbacks responded with a 10-2 run, putting them up by seven and giving them their largest lead of the night.

The game was then quickly tied at 83 after a wild run by High Point, but over the final 3:19, Arkansas outscored High Point, 11-5, to snatch the victory, despite a valiant effort from the Panthers.

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High Point against Arkansas

High Point Panthers forward Terry Anderson (5) drives against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) and forward Billy Richmond III (24) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)

VANDERBILT’S HAIL MARY SHOT MISSES BY NARROWEST OF MARGINS AS NEBRASKA ADVANCES TO SWEET 16 IN EPIC FASHION

Arkansas was favored by 11.5, and while they couldn’t cover, it was another Sweet 16 appearance for legendary head coach John Calipari.

Two Panthers, Rob Martin (30) and Cam’Ron Fletcher (25), combined for 55 points, but Darius Acuff Jr. of Arkansas trumped everyone by dropping 36.

Arkansas will face the winner of No. 1 Arizona and No. 9 Utah State in the Sweet 16.

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Flynn Clayman with player

High Point Panthers head coach Flynn Clayman and forward Braden Hausen (15) react in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)

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High Point’s victory over Wisconsin on Thursday marked their first ever in March Madness after making the tournament last year for the first time.

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Jacob Devaney: Man United loanee puts in midfield masterclass

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Manchester United had six players in loan action on Saturday afternoon.

To find out where all of Manchester United’s loanees are plying their trade this season, click here

Ethan Ennis

Ennis played the full 90 minutes of Fleetwood Town’s 1-0 win over Crawley Town.

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He made one key pass and connected with three of his crossing attempts in an impressive display of traditional wing play. Ennis also completed 81% of his passes during the match.

The young winger also completed one successful dribble and came out on top in three duels.

Radek Vitek

The Czech goalkeeper made five stops in Bristol City’s 0-1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion.

He made one high claim and one clearance for his side. Vitek also won his only aerial duel in a strong performance despite the loss.

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Jacob Devaney

The young Irish midfielder played 80 minutes of St Mirren’s 2-1 win away to Falkirk.

He made two key passes and completed an impressive 85% of his passing attempts. Devaney was also a menace in the middle of the park, winning three of his four tackles and five of his six ground duels in a tenacious effort.

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Jacob Devaney stats vs Falkirk

Dan Gore

Gore played the final 25 minutes of Rotherham United’s 0-3 defeat to Lincoln City.

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He made one key pass and completed 79% of his other passes. He also won his only aerial and ground duel of the match.

Gabriele Biancheri came off the bench for The Millers for the second half. He had zero shots on goal and could not provide any key passes in a disappointing display.

The young striker did win his only tackle and also two out of four ground contests.

Ethan Wheatley played the final 45 minutes of Bradford City’s 1-2 defeat to Burton Albion.

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He failed to have any shots on goal or provide any key passes during his time on the pitch.

Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images

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Are Arsenal looking stronger? Football Focus previews Carabao Cup final

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Football Focus pundits Nedum Onuoha and Dion Dublin preview Sunday’s Carabao Cup final as Arsenal take on Manchester City.

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Why Marc Guehi is banned from Man City team to face Arsenal

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Manchester City will not be able to call on Marc Guehi in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal despite fellow January signing Antoine Semenyo being available

Pep Guardiola doesn’t like it and many can’t understand it but Manchester City will not be able to call on Marc Guehi for their Carabao Cup final against Arsenal. Nearly two months after joining the club, the former Palace defender will have to sit out the match despite the fact fellow January signing Antoine Semenyo can play.

Semenyo’s involvement caused confusion and controversy when he lined up for Guardiola’s side in their semi-final against Newcastle United. Eddie Howe was not happy that Semenyo was able to play even though he had already featured in an earlier round for Bournemouth before his £62.5m winter transfer.

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Not only did he play but the Ghana international was instrumental in City’s 2-0 win at St James’ Park in the first leg of their semi-final, helping the Blues back into their first League Cup final since 2021 when they beat Aston Villa to win the trophy for the fourth consecutive time. Guardiola will be able to call on Semenyo for Sunday’s game with Arsenal thanks to that tweak to the rules to allow players to feature in the same competition for two different teams.

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Guehi will not have that chance though – not because of his prior involvement with Crystal Palace but because he was not a City player before the first leg of their semi-final with Newcastle. The new rules of the competition as of this season mean that a new signing has to have joined before that date if they want to play in either the semi-final or the final.

That effectively makes Guehi the only cup-tied player in the competition this season, an unusual quirk that left Guardiola baffled after their place in the final was confirmed. “Hopefully we can convince the Carabao Cup (EFL) that Marc can play the final,” he said.

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“I don’t understand why he cannot play the final. Hopefully we make a letter. You buy a player for a lot of money and he is not able to play for a rule I don’t understand. Hopefully they can change it. It is difficult to understand.”

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Manchester City close to their ‘extraordinary’ best – Pep Guardiola

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Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City are “close” to getting back to their best despite their comprehensive Champions League defeat by Real Madrid.

City’s hopes of repeating their 2023 European success were ended this week as the Spanish giants completed a 5-1 aggregate success in the last 16.

The setback has not discouraged City manager Guardiola, who has seen enough in recent months to be optimistic even if he accepts there remains a gap to bridge at the very highest level.

City have a chance to win the first major trophy of the season on Sunday as they face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final and they have not given up hope of catching the Gunners in the title race.

“I have the feeling that in many things it is just underneath, it will flourish,” said Guardiola, whose side are also through to the FA Cup quarter-finals. “I have the feeling that it is close.

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“In other things we need a little bit more time to realise, and for the players to realise what we need to be a strong team in many departments, but in most of the things we are close.”

Guardiola feels City’s progress this season has already surpassed that of their underwhelming 2024-25 campaign, regardless of how it now ends.

He said: “Last season we arrived in the final of the FA Cup against Crystal Palace. We played really well but there were many things behind the scenes we could not control and the season was not good.

“Even if we had won against Crystal Palace, the season had not been good. Many things happened that were not what a team should be.

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“I don’t know what’s going to happen but this season has been more than decent. Most of the time we have been a team that is not perfect but is good.”

The next step, he believes, is to find consistency throughout a full season.

Guardiola said: “The other things to be aware of, maybe for the type of players that we have, is to do what we need to be consistent for 11 months in important games.

“The gap is a little but in many aspects we are an extraordinary team.”

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Pressed on what was still missing, Guardiola said at a press conference: “I won’t tell you but I know it and the players know it.”

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Oilers lose again but maintain spot in weak Pacific Division

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EDMONTON — Welcome to the Pathetic Division.

Out here, losses grow on trees, and playoff berths fall from the sky.

Out here, it’s Oprah country: You get a first-round series! And you get a first-round series!

“It’s a bit of a pillow fight right now,” admitted Oilers captain Connor McDavid, on a night where six Pacific teams played and six Pacific teams lost in regulation.

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“We’re fortunate to play in this division. A lot of teams are fortunate to play in this division,” McDavid said. “We’re thankful not to have lost any ground. That being said we have to find a way to win some games here on the road. We have to make up some ground.”

As the Oilers fell to a Florida team for the second straight game on home ice, this time a 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, they looked at the standings to see that they hadn’t lost any ground to anybody on another Softball Saturday night in the Pacific.

The same thing happened two nights before, if you can believe it.

“We’re very fortunate. The teams that we’re battling with are losing,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch. “These last two nights in a row that we’ve lost, everyone else we’re battling with are not gaining any ground on us.

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“We’ve got a lot of games against those teams, so we’re going to need to win those games. But, it’s nice that we lost a game on our schedule and we didn’t lose any ground. Certainly, it was a good opportunity for us to win and really move ahead.”

Every Pacific team that played Saturday lost in regulation: Vegas lost 4-1 in Nashville, L.A. lost 4-1 at home to Buffalo, San Jose lost by the same score at home to Philadelphia, Seattle dropped a 5-2 decision in Columbus and Vancouver lost 3-1 at home to St. Louis.

Then Edmonton got bested by the Lightning, yet held tight to second place in the Division despite a two-game losing streak.

Six Pacific teams played games on Thursday. Three of them were shut out that night, while the six teams combined for six goals — three by the Kings and two by the NHL’s last place team, the Vancouver Canucks. Together, they earned one measly loser point out of a possible 12.

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It is a cyclical phenomenon, and while the Pacific is rightly targeted for being “a pillow fight” this year, other Divisions take their turn.

The Atlantic Division has been home to four separate rebuilds among its eight teams over the past decade, though their top teams — Florida, Tampa and Boston — have all helped to prop up the division.

The Metropolitan’s Carolina Hurricanes have been a great regular-season team, but they play in a division that houses a wholly average group in recent years. Neither very good nor very bad, the best teams in the Atlantic have held sway in the East for some time.

Few, however, have been as bad a collection as the Pacific in 2025-26, where the first-place Anaheim Ducks’ 80 points would have them four points and three teams removed from a wild-card spot out East.

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Edmonton, it seems, just doesn’t beat many of the NHL’s top teams anymore. On Saturday against Tampa, their top unit got caved in by the Lightning’s top group in a mismatch that decided the game.

Edmonton’s top unit of McDavid, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm combined to go minus-14. Edmonton’s top line had a 26 per cent shot share on a night where Nikita Kucherov danced his way to another four points.

“They have a great system, they’re perfectly coached. They all know what they’re doing all over the ice. They’re a great team,” complimented McDavid, whose team hung in there but just couldn’t handle the Lightning.

McDavid’s praise for his Olympic coach Jon Cooper was effusive.

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“They’re extremely well coached, they’re extremely well organized,” he said. “They’re very rehearsed in everything they do. It’s very impressive. And when you do break them down they have a heck of a goalie to backstop them.”

With 11 games to play, Edmonton is fine as far as a playoff berth goes.

Their game, however, is still a work in progress.

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Final chance for 22 teams to grab remaining 6 spots | Football News

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The race to complete the lineup for the historic 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 is reaching its climax. Six remaining spots will be decided through the FIFA Play-Off Tournament and the UEFA play-offs. Alongside confirming the final participants, this decisive window will also lock in the tournament schedule for the competition in North America.

 


With high stakes and intense matchups ahead, 22 teams across continents are preparing for defining moments that could secure their place on football’s biggest stage.

 

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FIFA Play-Off Tournament 

Path 1 Showdown 

FIFA World Cup playoffs Path 1 schedule

Stage

Date

Match

Stakes

Semi-final

26/03/26

New Caledonia vs Jamaica

Winner advances to final

Final

31/03/26

Winner of Semi-final vs DR Congo

Winner qualifies for FIFA World Cup 2026

 
 


New Caledonia will take on Jamaica in the semi-final on 26 March. The winner advances to face DR Congo in the final on 31 March. New Caledonia are chasing a historic first-ever World Cup qualification. Jamaica last featured in the tournament in 1998. DR Congo, formerly known as Zaire, made their only appearance back in 1974. 

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Path 2 Battle 

FIFA World Cup playoffs Path 2 schedule

Stage

Date

Match

Stakes

Semi-final

26/03/26

Bolivia vs Suriname

Bolivia chasing 4th WC; Suriname aiming for debut

Final

31/03/26

Winner of Semi-final vs Iraq

Winner qualifies for FIFA World Cup 2026 (Iraq last appeared in 1986)

 


Bolivia, aiming to return to the World Cup for the fourth time (after 1930, 1950, and 1994), must first get past Suriname, a team hoping to qualify for the very first time. 


The winner of this encounter will then face Iraq in the final. Iraq’s only World Cup appearance came in 1986.

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UEFA Play-Offs 

Path A: Italy’s Redemption Quest 

FIFA World Cup playoffs (UEFA) Path A schedule

Stage

Date

Match

Stakes

Semi-final 1

26/03/26

Italy vs Northern Ireland

Italy aiming to avoid third straight WC absence

Semi-final 2

26/03/26

Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Winner advances to final

Final

31/03/26

Italy/Northern Ireland winner vs Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina winner

Winner qualifies for FIFA World Cup 2026

 

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Italy, looking to avoid missing out on a third consecutive World Cup, begin with a clash against Northern Ireland on 26 March. If they progress, they will face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the decisive match.  

 

Path B: Fierce European Rivalries 

FIFA World Cup playoffs (UEFA) Path B schedule

Stage

Date

Match

Stakes

Semi-final 1

26/03/26

Sweden vs Ukraine

Winner advances to final

Semi-final 2

26/03/26

Poland vs Albania

Albania chasing first-ever World Cup spot

Final

31/03/26

Sweden/Ukraine winner vs Poland/Albania winner

Winner qualifies for FIFA World Cup 2026

 

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Sweden will battle Ukraine in one semi-final, while Poland, led by star striker Robert Lewandowski, take on Albania. Notably, Albania are the only team in this group yet to qualify for a World Cup.

 

Path C: Long-Awaited Returns 

FIFA World Cup playoffs (UEFA) Path C schedule

Stage

Date

Match

Notes

Semi-final 1

26/03/26

Norway / Austria / Scotland vs Türkiye

Teams aiming to return after long absences (Norway, Austria, Scotland since 1998; Türkiye since 2002)

Semi-final 2

26/03/26

Slovakia vs Kosovo

Kosovo aiming for historic World Cup debut

Final

31/03/26

Winner Semi-final 1 vs Winner Semi-final 2

Winner qualifies for FIFA World Cup 2026

 

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Several teams are eyeing a return after long absences. While Norway, Austria, and Scotland have not featured since 1998, Romania must also first overcome Türkiye, who last appeared in 2002.

 


In the other tie, Slovakia face Kosovo, with the latter hoping to secure a historic debut qualification.

 

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Path D: One Last Chance 

FIFA World Cup playoffs (UEFA) Path D schedule

Stage

Date

Match

Stakes

Semi-final 1

26/03/26

Denmark vs North Macedonia

Denmark seeking another chance after missing direct qualification

Semi-final 2

26/03/26

Czechia vs Republic of Ireland

Ireland aiming to return to World Cup for first time since 2002

Final

31/03/26

Winner Semi-final 1 vs Winner Semi-final 2

Winner qualifies for FIFA World Cup 2026

 


Denmark, who narrowly missed direct qualification after a defeat to Scotland, get another opportunity as they face North Macedonia. Meanwhile, Czechia will go up against the Republic of Ireland, who are aiming to end their World Cup drought dating back to 2002. 
Teams already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026


  • United States

  • Canada

  • Mexico

  • Morocco

  • Senegal

  • Egypt

  • Nigeria

  • Cameroon

  • Algeria

  • Tunisia

  • Ghana

  • Ivory Coast

  • Japan

  • South Korea

  • Iran

  • Australia

  • Saudi Arabia

  • Qatar

  • Uzbekistan

  • United Arab Emirates

  • France

  • Germany

  • Spain

  • England

  • Portugal

  • Netherlands

  • Belgium

  • Croatia

  • Switzerland

  • Serbia

  • Denmark

  • Hungary

  • Brazil

  • Argentina

  • Uruguay

  • Colombia

  • Ecuador

  • Chile

  • Costa Rica

  • Panama

  • Jamaica

  • Honduras

 

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Carl Froch sees only one winner if Moses Itauma fought Anthony Joshua now: “Bad fight for him”

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Carl Froch has proposed Anthony Joshua vs Moses Itauma as a possible heavyweight clash, believing that one man has a psychological advantage over the other.

The two Brits shared a gym while ‘AJ’ was still working with head coach Ben Davison, ahead of his fifth-round stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

The two-time world heavyweight champion then joined forces with Team Usyk, training alongside Oleksandr, before orchestrating a sixth-round finish over Jake Paul last December.

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Shortly after that, though, it came to light that Joshua had been involved in a tragic car crash, where two of his closest friends ultimately lost their lives.

It then became increasingly unclear whether the 36-year-old would resume his career, but he has since returned to the gym ahead of what many suspect will be a tick-over fight this summer.

As for Itauma, it must be said the 21-year-old is gearing up for his toughest assignment thus far, against Jermaine Franklin, who he will face at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on March 28.

After that, Froch has suggested a potential showdown between Itauma and Joshua, with the Hall of Famer telling NewBettingSites.uk that he would favour the younger man to do the business.

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“Out of any of the heavyweight ex-champs, I think ‘AJ’ would be Itauma’s best pick to look good against, because I think ‘AJ’’s not the force he was.

“Psychologically and mentally, he is not there anymore. He’s been banjoed a few times. I don’t think his heart’s in the fight game anymore. So, it’s a bad fight for ‘AJ’, yeah, and I think that Itauma probably beats him.”

While many are predicting Itauma to become the next dominant force in heavyweight boxing, he is ultimately yet to face any fighter of Joshua’s calibre.

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Luke Riley and the risky UFC London attempt to recreate a Paddy Pimblett moment

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This was a risky move. In just his second fight in the UFC, Liverpool’s Luke Riley was deployed in a co-main-event slot in London – a spot he admitted he had likely not earned.

The UFC’s intent was clear: with a certain friend, teammate and fellow Scouser in his corner, Riley would have extra eyes on him on Saturday. Of course, the man in question was Paddy Pimblett.

See, “Paddy The Baddy” was used in a very similar slot at the same stage of his UFC career. After a successful debut in 2021, Pimblett was third-from-top of the bill at UFC London in 2022, as the O2 Arena’s dome threatened to fall in on itself – such was the explosion of noise from fans. Now here was Riley, having scored a KO on his UFC debut in 2025, co-headlining UFC London in 2026.

It could, and probably should, have been Michael “Venom” Page instead, as 26-year-old Riley admitted on Wednesday. But it was Riley in the end, handed the ball and asked to sprint like his life depended on it.

Luke Riley (left) during his points win over Michael Aswell Jr
Luke Riley (left) during his points win over Michael Aswell Jr (Getty Images)

First came the walk, though. Did Riley’s walkout have shades of Pimblett’s from four years ago? Soft shades, yes, and Riley did need to actively stir up some excitement in the O2’s onlookers while stepping in the cage. But they met Bruce Buffer’s in-ring announcement with support, if not the hysteria they showed Pimblett in 2022, and it only grew as the fight progressed.

They chanted Riley’s name in the early going, seemingly led by a contingent from Liverpool, and as he began to find the timing on his right cross, one distinctly Scouse voice urged: “SMASH HIS HEAD IN.”

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Admittedly, Riley’s very success with that punch was a sign of Aswell’s own limitations, given he was caught out by the same strike on repeat. But Aswell, to his credit, eventually began to create angles in a bid to evade, which worked for a while until Riley increased his own inventiveness in response. And as Riley grew more inventive, the crowd grew more invested.

Still, it’s worth noting that Riley ate one clean shot for every two he landed as he sought a stoppage. Earlier in the night, after handily finishing Liverpool’s Kurtis Campbell, American Danny Silva referenced Pimblett’s most-famous quote by jibing: “They always say, ‘Scousers get knocked out.’ That’s all I have to say!” Pimblett’s words have not yet haunted him, and fortunately for Riley, they did not haunt him tonight either.

Ultimately, though, as the fans longed for a finish from Riley, they were left frustrated. Yet perhaps not as much as the UFC. They had contrived this card to enable a golden moment for Riley, but he could not produce the kind of polished performance they craved; he could not shine as they hoped.

Admittedly, Riley’s mission was made more difficult given – for the second fight in a row – he had to follow a defeat by his teammate Shem Rock.

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Riley and Paddy Pimblett’s teammate, Shem Rock (right), taunted his opponent after losing their fight
Riley and Paddy Pimblett’s teammate, Shem Rock (right), taunted his opponent after losing their fight (Getty Images)

In just the second fight of the night, Rock fell to a decision loss, one day after taunting opponent Abdul-Kareem Al-Sewady by faking a handshake only to shove him at the weigh-in.

After the final buzzer on Saturday, Rock was finally ready to shake hands but it was naive; Al-Sewady understandably refused, and Rock tried to slap him. Security held them apart, and in fairness, the fighters seemed to put their differences aside before Al-Sewady was declared the winner.

“It was a desperate attempt to try to get under my skin,” Al-Sewady later told media of Rock’s general behaviour. “[He’s] been in my DMs for the last month, him and his crew of guys. He came to me at the end and said: ‘It’s all business.’ I said: ‘It’s not all business. What you just did is very disrespectful to the sport.’ You don’t extend your hand for a handshake and then push someone.”

Speaking of pushing someone, the UFC is intent on doing just that to Riley. He is young and unbeaten, but he will grow as a fighter, just as Pimblett has since his watershed moment at the O2.

Riley is now 2-0 in the UFC after winning at the O2 Arena
Riley is now 2-0 in the UFC after winning at the O2 Arena (Action Images via Reuters)

Even so, maybe it’s unfair to expect of Riley what Pimblett has gone on to achieve, just as the hopeful comparisons to Conor McGregor were unfair on Paddy four years ago.

Still, Pimblett exploded out of the UFC’s blocks in scintillating fashion. Riley? He was left to lament Aswell’s “cinder-block” skull.

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