On that occasion, he was outpointed by Oleksandr Usyk for the second time in eight months, and he will bid to bounce back against Russia’s Makhmudov – 15 months after announcing his fifth retirement.
Ahead of his clash with Makhmudov, Fury spoke to The Independent and other publications in Tottenham, going into heavy detail about his upcoming opponent.
“I wouldn’t like to get in a wrestling match with the f***er,” said Fury, 37, referring to an occasion when Makhmudov, 36, wrestled a bear.
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“I met him in 2017 at the Billy Joe Saunders fight with David Lemieux. I met him there, he was just a whipper-snapper then – just a kid coming up, dreaming of fighting the heavyweight champion of the world. Now he has the opportunity of making dreams come true, making him very rich. Now he can go and do all the things he wants to do in his life.
“One hundred per cent, it’s destiny. Listen, everything has a plan in life, and he was always destined to get this shot and change his life and become very wealthy and be in a good position with himself.
Tyson Fury (left) take on Arslanbek Makhmudov in April (PA Wire)
“I thought he’s a good opponent, he’s a dangerous opponent. If they’d have said I was going to fight some random person no one’s heard of, then that wouldn’t have turned me on, so I wouldn’t have even been interested. But considering I’ve got a No 5-ranked WBA heavyweight, who’s known to the British public because he just had a good fight with Dave Allen… and he wrestles bears for fun, and he’s as big as me, and as ugly as me, and the fact that he’s got 21 knockouts out of 22 fights, [it] makes him a very worthy adversary.
“It makes me want to train good and want to have a good camp, because if I don’t, then I could be one of those 16 first-round knockouts that he’s got, and a highlight-reel meme on his career. And I don’t want that, so I have to respect the fact that he’s a top boxer, he’s had over 100 amateur fights for Russia, and he’s a very experienced fighter.”
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Still, Fury said: “What do I do? Do what I always do. Box his head right off him.”
Makhmudov will enter the contest on the back of a points win over Allen in October. The Russian, 36, has a pro record of 21-2 (19 KOs), having lost to Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello since 2023. Meanwhile, Fury’s record stands at 34-2-1 (24 KOs). He is a former two-time world heavyweight champion.
The LoLdle answers for February 17, 2026, are now unveiled. As in earlier iterations, deciphering the champions’ names in the title’s 1321st one can be a hassle. Nonetheless, if players have in-depth knowledge of several aspects of these LoL characters, solving the enigmas becomes more efficient.
Here is the Quote puzzle in the 1321st edition of LoLdle:
“Feel the thunder.”
Darius, Jayce, and other League of Legends LoLdle answers for the 1321st edition (February 17, 2026)
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The League of Legends LoLdle answers for February 17 are shown below:
Classic: Darius
Quote: Jayce
Ability: Cho’Gath; Bonus: R (Feast)
Emoji: Millo
SplashArt: Yone; Bonus: High Noon Yone
The Classic answer of February 17 LoLdle is Darius. The clue for Quote points to Jayce, a champion who falls amongst some of the best choices in the top lane role meta in League of Legends.
The Ability puzzle has Cho’Gath’s R ability, “Feast.” The Emojis show Millo, and it is Yone’s High Noon skin in the Splash Art enigma.
Over the past few months, Wilder has been linked to a showdown with Usyk, who along with the WBC title, also holds the WBA and IBF belts.
Wilder was once the long-term WBC champion, making 10 defences of the strap between 2015 and 2020, and had regularly stated his desire to reclaim his crown again.
Usyk is expected to return over the next few months, and has been linked to make that voluntary defence against the likes of Andy Ruiz or Rico Verhoeven, but may have to turn his attention after that to Kabayel rather than Wilder.
Usyk could choose to vacate his WBC belt if he decides a fight against Wilder is more lucrative than a clash against Kabayel, but ‘The Bronze Bomber’ must first beat Chisora, then potentially face the Ukrainian for the WBA and IBF belts, with the chance to become WBC champion again now seemingly gone.
Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard led a commanding display in men’s alpine skiing at the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics on Monday, securing a fourth Swiss victory in five events. China’s freestyle skiing star Eileen Gu claimed silver in the big air, and Japan celebrated a historic pairs figure skating triumph.
Oct 20, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) signs autographs before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images.
The Miami Dolphins began a roster and salary cap purge on Monday, preparing for free agency in three weeks. Accordingly, one man could hit the Minnesota Vikings’ free-agent radar: wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Hill isn’t a clean fit, but Vikings chatter grows when Miami’s cap cut and Hill’s availability start intersecting for a WR3-needy team.
The eight-time Pro Bowler is still recovering from a gruesome leg injury, with an unclear timetable to return. But if the Vikings don’t re-sign Jalen Nailor next month, they’ll need a WR3, and Hill isn’t the worst idea.
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If the Vikings Need a WR3, Why Not Hill?
The Dolphins kicked the offseason into overdrive.
Tyreek Hill works through pregame drills on September 29, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, accelerating through routes and catching passes before the Dolphins face the Jets, sharpening timing and footwork as teammates stretch across the field ahead of kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images.
Hill Dropped by MIA
The Hill era in Miami ends after four seasons.
NFL.com’s Bobby Kownack wrote Monday, “The Dolphins celebrated Presidents’ Day with a flurry of moves. Miami is releasing wide receiver Tyreek Hill, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported, per sources. Hill, an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, is currently rehabbing from a major leg injury suffered during the 2025 season and it is unclear when or if he’ll play in 2026, per Pelissero, who added Hill would’ve had $11 million of his contract become fully guaranteed this month.”
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“Prior to the Hill news, Pelissero reported the Dolphins were releasing pass rusher Bradley Chubb, guard James Daniels and wideout Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. The four cuts together clear over $56 million in 2026 cap space as head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan begin to completely remake the roster.”
Hill can actually sign anywhere in the NFL right now. He doesn’t have to wait until the free-agency window formally opens. A team can scoop him after dinner if it’s in the mood.
The Career Resume
Hill played four games in 2025 before dislocating his left knee and suffering multiple torn ligaments, including his ACL. The injury was horrendous; there’s no sugarcoating it.
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In those four games, Hil tabulated 66.3 yards per game, translating to 1,127 yards in a 17-game season. He may not be the utterly electric speedster from eight years ago, but the guy can still fly, and he was on pace for a fancy season in Miami by most WR standards.
The rest of his resume speaks for itself. He’s totaled 11,363 in 10 seasons, along with 83 yards, and was known as the fastest player in the NFL for years. Hill is a playmaker personified — aptly nicknamed Cheetah — and will have something to prove next season in 2027.
His contract, too, should be semi-affordable, as he hopes to prove he still has the juice. A slightly diminished Hill next to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison could be the thing of dreams.
Vikings Fandom as a Kid
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Hill has been clear about this for years. He didn’t just casually mention Minnesota once — he’s openly said he grew up a Vikings fan.
Back in the summer of 2023, he said, “Growing up a kid, I was a Minnesota Vikings fan. I love the Vikes, man.”
That comment lit up Vikings circles immediately, even though he wasn’t remotely available at the time. He’s also publicly called Adrian Peterson the greatest running back ever, which tracks with a kid raised on purple and gold highlights.
Tyreek Hill stands along the sideline on August 23, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, observing first-quarter action against the Jaguars with helmet in hand as the Dolphins offense settles into rhythm during preseason play. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.
Bottom line: if Hill ever had the option to land in Minnesota late in his career, there wouldn’t be resistance. The connection is pretty real.
Other Landing Spots
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The Kansas City Chiefs, somewhat obviously, dominated “where will Tyreek Hill land?” chatter on Monday. He worked for the Chiefs from 2016 to 2021.
CBS Sports‘Garrett Podell opined, “This is the obvious one. The Chiefs have salary cap work to do to become compliant before the new league year begins March 11, but a reunion makes sense. Since trading Hill in 2022, Kansas City hasn’t had a true No. 1 wide receiver alongside future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce.”
“Hill accounted for just over 25% of Kansas City’s receiving yards in his final two seasons there (2020–21). Since his departure, Kelce leads the team at 22.7%, with wide receiver Rashee Rice second at just 10.2%. Hill and quarterback Patrick Mahomes would also be returning from ACL injuries suffered in 2025, potentially putting their timelines in sync. Hill tweeted about his intrigue regarding offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s return to Kansas City.”
Tyreek Hill carries the football on December 22, 2024, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens during pregame warmups before the Dolphins take on the 49ers, sprinting across the turf as he prepares for another high-profile matchup. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.
SI.com‘sMike Kadlick mentioned the Buffalo Bills as a fit: “Josh Allen has been longing for a No. 1 wide receiver since the Bills decided to trade Stefon Diggs to the Texans several years ago, and unfortunately, the likes of Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir aren’t cutting it.”
“It would make sense for Buffalo to more into their offensive weaponry this offseason after transitioning from Sean McDermott to Joe Brady as head coach, and while Hill may no longer be the dynamic playmaker he once was, his speed is undeniable—and could help Allen and his rocket arm fully unlock a dynamic offense for the Bills.”
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It’s also worth noting that Hill has had some disturbing off-field legal baggage over the years, and those concerns prevented Vikings fans from endorsing the would-be signing with a collective voice. Many said “no thanks” on Facebook and X.
Whether Hill is ready for Week 1 of 2026 also remains a mystery.
Feb 3, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) battles for position on a foul shot with Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (17) in the third quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The NBA season has reached its most boring part of the season, the All-Star break. With the falling popularity of the Dunk Contest, All-Star weekend has become more of an opportunity for players to rest than anything else.
However, the actual basketball being played this season has been wildly exciting. Many hate CJ McCollum for changing the CBA, making it harder for teams to retain their full rosters, but it has done its job in making the NBA as competitively balanced as it’s ever been.
Unlike years past when we were just waiting for the Cavs and Warriors to rematch in the Finals, this season has us asking a few questions before we finish the second half. Here are my two biggest questions that still need to be answered.
Are the Pistons the Real Deal?
After losing a tightly contested first-round series with the Knicks last year, many were hoping for a small jump out of the Pistons. Well, they’ve skipped that step entirely and have the best winning percentage in the NBA, and have the third-best odds to win the Eastern Conference.
At the start of the year, I highly doubted that the Pistons were real, but I’m done doubting them. When JB Bickerstaff took over as head coach, I looked at him as more of a floor raiser than a ceiling raiser, but he’s instilled a culture in Detroit that is one of the best in the league.
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Cade Cunningham is playing at a first-team All-NBA level, and everyone around them has upped their game. Outside of that, it’s been the smaller moves that have been huge for Detroit. Daniss Jenkins has gone from an unused two-way player to a sharp-shooting rotation piece.
Duncan Robinson looked like he might be a bit of an overpay for Detroit, but he has become the exact floor spacer Cade needed. Then, of course, Jalen Duren turning into a walking double-double, and a perfect rim-running partner for Cade, can’t go unnoticed.
The Pistons didn’t look afraid of the moment last year, so I’m interested to see how they will look as heavy first-round favorites as we make it to April.
Could the Thunder be Vulnerable this Year?
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Jan 21, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
If Shai Gilgeous Alexander’s injury has any long-term impacts, who’s going to lead the Thunder? Chet Holmgren is having a career year in points, rebounds, and field goal percentage. He’s doing this while also having the second-best odds to win the defensive player of the year.
He’s been great, but he’s not a guy I trust as a number one option, and hopefully he doesn’t have to be. On the other hand, Jalen Williams has had a bit of a down year. Besides Williams having the worst shooting splits of his career, OKC has simply been better when he’s been off the court.
There’s no doubt he’s still incredibly valuable, but I’m not sold on him being used properly. I think he would be better suited in a lower usage role, as he’s been a bit of a ball stopper for the Thunder.
Because of these concerns, I think there are some real threats to the Thunder’s crown—specifically, two threats in the Spurs and Nuggets. I also want to believe in the Rockets, but their lack of a true point guard and spacing concerns feel like too much of an uphill battle.
Victor Wembanyama is obviously great, but more than just that, he’s done a miraculous job at giving the Thunder fits. The Thunder rely on getting downhill, and that’s just not going to happen against Wemby. But they’re more than Wemby at this point.
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De’Aron Fox has returned from injury and is back to playing like an All-Star. Not only that, but getting top three picks in back-to-back drafts and nailing those selections with Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, most certainly helps.
Then with the Nuggets, they have Nikola Jokic, but more than having the best player on the planet, this might be the best team they’ve ever put around him. Jamal Murray is playing the best basketball of his career, and they’ve paired that with role players who work perfectly with Jokic.
Also, the firing of long-term coach Mike Malone was heavily scrutinized, but Adelman might have found the perfect offensive fit for Jokic. They slowed the game down significantly, going from 9th in possessions per game last year to 23rd this season. This change of pace has allowed them to work the ball through Jokic more and have him kick it back out to their perimeter shooters.
Both of these teams are much better suited to compete with the Thunder this year, but if OKC is at full strength, they’re still easily the team to beat this season.
Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi and teammate Usman Tariq leave the field after Pakistan lost their T20 World Cup game against India (AP Photo)
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi launched a scathing attack on the senior core of the Pakistan national cricket team after their crushing 61-run defeat to India national cricket team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at R Premadasa Stadium.Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India dominated the Group A clash on Sunday, handing Pakistan a heavy blow and leaving them in a must-win situation against Namibia to have any chance of reaching the Super 8s.
T20 World Cup: India humiliate Pakistan again
Afridi, speaking on Samaa TV, did not hold back and urged the team management to make bold calls ahead of the crucial fixture. He called for the exclusion of senior players including Babar Azam, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, stating that they had been given ample opportunities over the years without delivering consistent results. Notably, Shaheen is married to Afridi’s daughter Ansha.“Drop Shaheen, drop Shadab, and drop Babar. Try fresh faces against Namibia and give the new players a chance to build confidence. They’ve been playing for a long time. Whenever we expect them to perform, they don’t. If these senior players aren’t giving us the performances we desire, then play the juniors who are sitting on the bench. What is the difference?”, Afridi said during a Live show.Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha admitted after the match that the spinners failed to deliver on a surface that offered assistance.“We were believing in our spinners, and they had an off day today. Execution was missing in some parts of the game. We were obviously going to always believe our spinners, because they’ve done really well in last six month. And with the batting I think we didn’t start well and in T20 games if we lose 3 or 4 wickets in powerplay, you are always chasing the game,” he said in the post-match presentation ceremony.Salman also criticised the batting unit for not adapting to the conditions.“I think, to be very honest, like in first inning it was a bit tacky. The ball was gripping as well. So, the execution was, I think, missing when it comes to bowling, but I think the pitch better played better in the second inning than first inning. But our bowlers like, we didn’t bowl according to the situation. And when it comes to batting, we didn’t apply ourselves and gave us a chance to go deep in the game,” he said.
From the moment of her debut win, trainer John McArdle has envisioned Group 1 glory for capable filly My Gladiola.
Twice those visions were disrupted, initially by a bad draw in the Blue Diamond Stakes and then an inside post in the Coolmore Stud Stakes on Flemington’s straight last spring.
My Gladiola takes the wide gate in the eight-horse field while McArdle seeks a third Group 1 success, his first after more than 20 years.
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“The outside draw suits her better than being inside,” McArdle said.
“In the Coolmore she was drawn down on the inside and had to follow Tentyris, this time she should be in clean air all the way and he will need to chase her down.”
She has three prior runs up the straight, triumphing in the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) and runner-up on the other occasions.
My Gladiola debuted successfully at Sandown but was defeated first-up at Caulfield last campaign, her trainer emphasising her preference for the Flemington straight over Caulfield’s turns.
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This played into the decision for Saturday’s race rather than the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield next Saturday, plus Jamie Mott riding My Gladiola 0.5kg over her limit at 54kg.
A further trial was ideal for McArdle’s liking for My Gladiola, yet a Tuesday gallop at Mornington indicated preparedness.
“Jamie galloped her on Tuesday morning and was happy with the way she went,” McArdle said.
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“We put a mate out in front of her to give her something to chase and all the data was good.
“She’s probably a touch above her racing weight, but I think that’s because she’s matured and strengthen up a bit more.
“She’s a powerful girl, but we can’t be unhappy with the way she’s got to the races, so we’ll see if she’s good enough and if she is, and runs well, then we’ll head to the Newmarket.
“Jamie’s happy with her and he’s getting down to 54 kilos to ride her.
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“That gives us some confidence.”
Fans looking to back My Gladiola can find competitive prices via online bookmakers for the Black Caviar Lightning.
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Three people, including the suspect, were fatally shot during a Rhode Island youth hockey game Monday, authorities said.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves told reporters that three other victims are hospitalized in critical condition.
“It appears that this was a targeted event, that it may be a family dispute,” she said. Goncalves did not provide details about the suspect or the ages of those who were killed, though she said it appeared that both victims were adults.
Authorities were continuing to try to piece together what happened and speak with witnesses, she said.
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The shooting happened at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, a few miles outside Providence.
Outside the arena, tearful families and high school hockey players still in uniform could be seen hugging before they boarded a bus to leave the area. Roads surrounding the arena were shut down as a heavy police presence remained and helicopters flew overhead.
Pawtucket is nestled just north of Providence and right under the Massachusetts state border. A town of just under 80,000, Pawtucket had up until recently been known as the home to Hasbro’s headquarters.
