A division riddled with talent, spearheaded by one of the most dominant champions in the promotion. Yet, the UFC welterweight division lacks any sense of clarity.
Kamaru Usman is in quite the tough spot as the champion of the UFC’s 170 pound division. He recently and dominantly dispatched friend turned foe Gilbert Burns, leaving many wondering who’s next for the ‘Nigerian Nightmare?’
When you look at the rankings, one would assume that you would be totally spoiled for choice when it comes to contenders. The top six within the rankings consists of Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, Stephen Thompson, Leon Edwards, Gilbert Burns and Michael Chiesa.
Each name on that list, have either been mainstays within the division or have seen strong run of form in recent months. With such a stacked top 6, one would imagine there would be easy pickings for contenders – that is until you remember, Usman has already beaten all but two of them already.
With Usman having picked up wins over majority of the main contenders, the rest of the pack are looking to stake their claim to be next in line for a title shot. That is where the problem lies, amongst the top five in the division, none of them holds a win over the other. The nearest one you can consider? Stephen Thompson’s win over Jorge Masvidal. However, even with that, the fight occurred four years ago before Masvidal became the superstar that he is today.
Even with fighters such as Leon Edwards, the Birmingham native has had prolonged bout of inactivity and his return bout? A no-contest against a short notice opponent in Belal Muhammed. Edwards’ impressive streak aside, how does the UFC market him as a title contender on the back of that?
Colby Covington hasn’t fought since his TKO loss to Usman, neither has Jorge Masvidal – who was touted to be next in-line. However, even with Jorge, he may have stepped in on short notice against Usman, but the lack of action since makes it hard to push for his spot.
Should the matchmakers throw a curveball into the mix, there is questions of legitimacy there too. Whilst Stephen Thompson has been a consistent mainstay in the division, challenging for the title twice before – his two recent wins were against Vicente Luque and Geoff Neal, both of whom are ranked 10th and 11th.
Even Michael Chiesa, who is on a run of four wins, three of those opponents are now not even within the top ten except for Neil Magny, which was his most recent victory. Is that enough substance to call for a title shot?
As the champion of the division, it must be alarming for Usman, that his main challengers have a lack of leverage to call for the title. Both Masvidal and Covington are rematches – with the latter having been stopped by the champion. With both men inactive since their respective losses to Usman, fans have openly vocalised their desire to see the two battle for the top spot, however, even that bout seemingly fell apart after reportedly being done.
With a division stacked with talent, it is quite startling that there seems to be very little clarity or movement at the top. As the days pass and the call-outs continue, the direction of the division becomes more unclear, when will there be a breakthrough on the next clear challenger?
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UFC 259 saw Israel Adesanya handed his very first loss in MMA. With many expecting this to be another addition to his budding legacy, where does his defeat place him going forward?
When the fight between Israel Adesanya and Jan Blachowicz was confirmed, many saw this as something of a ‘give-me’ for the New Zealander. His star power was booming on the back of his demolition of Paulo Costa on ‘Fight Island’. The fight world seemingly his oyster, he had a growing super-fight bubbling with UFC star, Jon Jones and was quickly becoming the company’s go-to star behind Conor McGregor.
Leading up to the bout, one would be forgiven for overlooking Jan Blachowicz – simply for the fact the was not the protagonist of story, but rather an obstacle feeding into the arc of Adesanya’s growing stardom. He was the big, heavy monster to be slain, but to his credit, he didn’t let the moment phase him.
The Pole just a couple of years ago was fighting for his Octagon future, yet, he rose and fought back – obliterating Dominick Reyes to capture the gold, a man who many had believed to beat Light Heavyweight legend Jon Jones. For all the attention that was being placed on the narrative of Adesanya, Blachowicz was quietly building quite the comeback story too.
Whilst the fight didn’t provide the fireworks many had expected, the seeming million dollar question is what does this loss do for the Middleweight champion? Prior to his clash with Blachowicz, he had thrashed every foe that stood before him. A similar display was seemingly expected here, with Adesanya widely expected to be too quick and too technical for Jan. Even with the rumblings about the size and weight difference, few truly had an expectation for the Pole.
Throughout the opening exchanges, Israel proved to be quite the puzzle for Blachowicz. He would bite at every feint, as his foe would manoeuvre around the Octagon like a matador attempting to bait the bull. Although, as time began to press toward the championship rounds, neither man had done much of note until Blachowicz initiated the grappling.
With many wondering how Adesanya would deal with the size discrepancy, those questions were answered immediately – Blachowicz’s larger and heavier frame gave him a huge advantage in the grappling, with Israel unable to explode out of exchanges or force a scramble.
The fight would hit the mat again in the final round, with Jan keeping it there for majority of the round. An anti-climatic end to quite the anti-climatic fight. And just like that, Israel Adesanya had been defeated. The man who had stormed to the UFC Middleweight title had fallen in unspectacular fashion.
As the 0 on his record would fade, as would the potential super-fight with Jon Jones – but what about his star power? Would his value take a hit? The answer is not really. While he may no longer be unbeaten, he wasn’t outclassed or spectacularly knocked out, he wasn’t hurt or battered.
‘The Last Stylebender’ may be disappointed, it’s worth remembering that he did indeed take a risk here. He may not have left the Apex with another gold belt but he did leave with his reputation and star-power very much intact.
He said in his post-fight interview: ‘dare to be great,’ and whilst he did indeed take the dare, the truth is he simply stumbled against a larger challenge. Similarly to former UFC star, BJ Penn, who attempted to defeat Georges St-Pierre for a second title only to be defeated.
Much like Israel, Penn was a superstar in MMA at the time. However, unlike Adesanya, B.J saw the towel thrown in after being beat down by St-Pierre. Although, following the loss, the Hawaiian would go onto have some of the best bouts in his career, maintaining much of his star power.
Adesanya is seemingly on a similar pathway at this point in time. He was unsuccessful in his bid to make even further history in his career, but all is not lost. The reigning champion still remains very much atop the game and atop of the 185 division with options still available to him.
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Andy Ruiz Jr shocked the world when he toppled Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden in the summer of this year. In what seemed like a real-life Rocky Balboa story, few saw it coming but the world watched it unfold. How could the Adonis who seemed poised to takeover the world fall like that?
If anything the first fight seemed to have more answers than questions – this time? It seems there are far more questions than answers.
Did Ruiz simply get lucky? Is AJ not as good as we thought? Did something happen behind the scenes? Can Ruiz do it again? Was AJ exposed? So many questions yet only two people can truly answer them, Andy Ruiz and Anthony Joshua.
In gladiatorial fashion, these two men will go to war and settle a score. Will it be a repeat or will it be redemption? Anthony Joshua has been somewhat of a ghost throughout the preparation for this fight. It seems none of the typical AJ-mania has been present in the buildup, he comes into this fight lighter, looking a little more rough around the edges. His foe, meanwhile, comes into this fight heavier and seemingly full of confidence.
Throughout the build-up, questions have been posed to Joshua. Does he have a chin? Does he have the same mentality that he had when unbeaten? These are perfectly valid questions. Although, on the flip side, there are points to consider such as whether or not Joshua overlooked Ruiz, whether he truly ever recovered from the shot Ruiz landed – similarly, there are new questions being posed to the Mexican.
Has all the new found fame, money and attention come at a price for Andy? The Mexican has been seen everywhere in the media. Whilst his coach refutes that he is just as dedicated as ever, doubts linger. Could he be seen as too comfortable in this scenario? Will he get complacent in assuming people still have more expectation of his opponent than him? Has his hunger to win been fed by that success?
Ahead of the bout, fans and pundits alike criticised the Joshua camp and suggested he change head-trainer, away from Robert McCraken. However, the Brit has stayed loyal to the cause. Although, he has taken note of many making the ‘muscles don’t win fights’ argument – appearing ten pounds lighter for this fight. He has also repeatedly heeded the advice of former foe, Wladimir Klitchsko, in completing more drills and doing more sparring.
It also shows that Joshua has considered a return to basics, and is focusing on something that was his undoing in the first fight – speed. Ruiz’s fast hands completed flustered the slow and robotic Joshua. Coming into this fight, can the newly gained weight of Ruiz have an effect? The champion has come into this fight over 20 pounds heavier than he did in the first encounter, despite some reports that he had in fact lost weight.
Ruiz is the second heaviest defending heavyweight champion of all time, although, his coach has claimed it has had zero impact in camp. Whilst his appearance clearly made no difference in the first, could he have weighed himself down and lost some of that formidable speed?
Joshua has shown that he is capable of putting fighters down. He did so to Ruiz in the first fight before getting reckless and caught. In this fight, Joshua needs to show far more patience and reserved. He must not get into a dog fight with Ruiz, who relishes in the phone-box, toe-to-toe fights. AJ has shown previously he is capable of keeping fighters like that away. Joesph Parker, who likes to fight inside, was kept at bay with AJ’s range, this is what the Brit must do with Ruiz.
For Ruiz, getting inside is his best option. He’s shown his fast hands and ability to string together combos can bring about the undoing of his opponent. Should this fight come to be a slug-fest, it’s hard to look past ‘the destroyer’ repeating his performance in New York.
Prost round-table predictions
Has Karim: Anthony Joshua via decision
Jacob Tanswell: Anthony Joshua via 5th round KO
Abdi Rashid:Andy Ruiz via 7th round KO
Chris Stonadge: Anthony Joshua via decision
Tom Hardy: Anthony Joshua via 8th round KO
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The Irish superstar had been teasing a comeback in recent months. However, UFC president Dana White has confirmed he will return on January 18 against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246.
With the Notorious one back, what could that mean for the UFC?
Forever a fixture in the spotlight – Conor McGregor is undoubtedly the biggest star in the UFC. For all the controversy that has surrounded his name in recent years, he is an unmatchable draw for the company.
The announcement of his return will give them a monumental kick-start to the new year with his fight being confirmed by Dana White on ESPN.
The Irishman is without a win since his historic fight against Eddie Alvarez in 2016, having only fought once since. His last bout was a defeat last October to lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Despite much back and forth since then and a plethora of bouts discussed, McGregor vs Cerrone may be the fight that opens the door to a world of chaos in 2020.
With the clash between McGregor and Cerrone set to be at welterweight (170lbs), the fight promises plenty of fireworks. Conor has shown in the past that he is one of the most revered strikers in MMA, finishing 18 of his 21 foes by way of knockout.
From the 13 second knockout of Jose Aldo to the blitz of Eddie Alvarez, McGregor is capable of finishing a fight at a moments notice. However, the former two-weight champion will more than have his hands full with Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone.
The Colorado native is the UFC record holder for the most finishes, blending punches and kicks to form his highlight reel. Although Cerrone, like McGregor, is coming into this bout on the back of a defeat – losing out to Justin Gaethje in September by knockout.
145. 155. 170. pic.twitter.com/th9s9WVUNK
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 21, 2019
Should McGregor pick up a win against Cerrone, the door opens to plenty of potential fights for him. The main two being the trilogy bout against Nate Diaz and a mega-fight against Jorge Masvidal. Whilst the fight against Diaz had long been the one fans expected the most, that may not be the case.
The current future of Diaz is unknown, following his recent loss to Jorge Masvidal. The loss to Masvidal in itself also poses an issue, should McGregor make a triumphant return, does calling out Nate Diaz on a losing streak have the same draw? While the fight is huge – one would imagine that the current state of both fighters recent form doesn’t make it as appealing.
Another factor that is so interesting about the return of McGregor is the fact this fight is taking place at welterweight. Cerrone has previously fought at McGregor’s preferred weight of lightweight, even challenging for the title there. Is the Irishman adapting to the weight in order to set-up a future bout with Jorge Masvidal?
Conor has fought twice at 2elterweight previously, both coming against Nate Diaz. However, Masvidal poses a significantly bigger challenge to Conor than both Diaz and Cerrone at 170 pounds.
Cerrone has fought ten times at 170, his other 26 fights have all been at 155. The story is the same with Nate Diaz, the California native has a total of six fights out of 32 at welterweight. The two may have fought there but by and large, they have spent the vast majority of their careers at 155. Masvidal on the other-hand has spent the majority of his career at 170 – he is a natural welterweight.
Even though the fight has plenty of potential to be an absolute blockbuster, it is hard to ignore the fact that Masvidal is simply too big for Conor. Beyond the size, Masvidal’s recent striking displays would make for a compelling argument that McGregor may not actually be the better striker of the two.
However, Gamebred, like Conor, is supremely clever in figuring his opponents out and then exploiting that weakness. You would only have to view his knockouts of Ben Askren and Darren Till to see this.
Beyond the size and ability – it’s also worth noting the forever questionable gas tank of Conor McGregor. The Irishman is known to fade and against a pressure fighter like Jorge Masvidal who does not wilt. Even against cardio king, Nate Diaz, Masvidal kept on throwing at Diaz with the same intensity up until the doctor stopped the bout with no sign of slowing.
McGregor lost out to Diaz through fatigue in their first fight and had to ride the storm to get a decision over Diaz. However, Nate isn’t famous for finishing people, Masvidal has made it a staple of his game lately. Should the Irishman win on his return in January, he may have options but Jorge Masvidal shouldn’t be one of them.
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Birmingham City looked to bounce back from their defeat against Cardiff as they took on Fulham this weekend. The Blues made no changes to the XI that faced Cardiff other than Chelsea loanee Jean-Clarke Slater replacing suspended captain, Harlee Dean.
Fulham changed up their XI considerably from the side that lost to Hull City. Rodak came in for Betinelli, Reid came in for Cairney and a single change in defence with Le Merchand coming in for Bryan.
Both sides locked horns in a closely fought encounter at St Andrews. The hosts played clean possession based play, although, it wasn’t enough for them to create clear cut chances.
They attempted to pressure Fulham early on, attacking them in a 4-2-3-1 formation, using triangles to work their way up the pitch. The Cottagers faced their first challenge in the opening five minutes as a shot from Pederson was batted away by Rodik in goal.
The game continued in a back and forth fashion as they both tried to feel each other out. Fulham thought they’d found the break through come the 15th minute, Knockaert found Mitrovic who latched onto the ball after Lee Camp initially denied the first attempt but the goal was chalked off for offside.
Birmingham looked to immediately pounce on the counter with Crowley finding himself in space, but the former Coventry man fired his shot far and above the goal. The hosts found themselves in for two chances that were unanswered but were unable to make it count.
Fulham finally regained control and almost immediately created a chance. Winning the ball in the Blues half, Knockaert played it in towards Reid who was merely studs away from converting.
Following the near miss, controversy struck. Bellingham was involved in a clash with Knockaert, who fell on Bellingham and split his lip. Mitrovic then got into a heated discussion and put his hand across Bellingham’s face which enraged the home support – both Bellingham and Mitrovic were booked for the incident as the half came to a close.
Both teams came out in the second-half unchanged as they continually traded possession, as they looked for the go-ahead strike. Fulham wouldn’t have to wait long to strike the first blow – a cross from substitute Cyrus Christie was fumbled by Lee Camp, who saw Mitrovic pounce on the mistake and slot it home.
The goal gave Fulham momentum as they went onto look for a second. They created two chances with Knockaert and Odoi both firing off shots.
Birmingham introduced recent signing Jeremie Bela to the action, who was greeted with a warm reception by his new supporters. The Frenchman had some bright moments, including a low-cross into the area after he showed clever feet to create the space for himself.
Despite pushing, Birmingham were struggling to create a clear-cut chance to get back into it. Pep Clotet decided to go on the offensive with the addition of Alvaro Gimenez and Jefferson Montero. The latter in particular caused considerable threat to the Fulham defence. His tricky feet and direct approach put them on the back foot, the Ecuadorian played in a teasing ball that was met by Jutzkiewicz but it was tipped over by Rodik.
As the second-half hit the home stretch, Birmingham looked to be running out of time. Despite their best efforts, they struggled to find the killer blow. Fulham almost put the result completely out of the question when substitute Kamara raced through to go one-on-one, only to fire his shot off the post.
That would prove to be the final moment of drama in the match as Fulham retained possession to see out the remainder of the action.
The result sees Birmingham in 13th place, four points off the play-off spots. Meanwhile, the win sees Fulham up into the play-off spots. Birmingham next travel away to Huddersfield whilst Fulham will host QPR – albeit without Mitrovic, whose yellow card sees him suspended.
Birmingham XI: L. Camp, M. Colin, J Clarke-Slater, M. Roberts, K. Pederson, F. Villalba, J. Bellingham, I. Sunjic, D. Crowley, L. Jutkiewicz, K. Mrabti
Fulham XI: M. Rodak, M. Le Marchand, T. Ream, A. Mawson, D. Odoi, S. Johansen, H. Reed, B. Reid, I. Cavaleiro, A. Mitrovic, A. Knockaert
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]]>When people think of KSI and Logan Paul, they think of the guy who rose to stardom from his Fifa gameplay and the ex-Disney star turned Vlogger. The two crossed paths last year in a white-collar fight at a sold-out Manchester Arena and since then the beef has continued. Now, they headline a card that features Championship level boxers inside one of America’s biggest indoor arenas, the question many are fielding is: where did all this start?
The very first YouTube fight did not include KSI or Logan Paul, instead it was between Joe Weller and Malfoy – two friends who had allegedly fallen out and decided to settle it in a ring. The two met at ‘The Underground Gym’ in Brighton, where they fought in a six minute video.
Prior to the bout, KSI commented on a social media post by Joe Weller. The YouTube star declared his interest in fighting the winner between the two, although this initially seemed to be in jest. Following back and forth exchanges on social media, the two confirmed that they would meet at the 7,400 seater Copper Box arena. The two would engage in press conferences and social media exchanges which would get very personal and heated.
Whilst there was controversy – particularly KSI’s comments about Weller’s mental health, the event captured the eyes of almost the entire YouTube scene. The viewership figures proved to be absolutely massive too, the event drew 1.6 million viewers live, amassed 21 million in the following 24 hours and has since topped over 25 million. It officially became the most viewed white-collar event of all time.
Following his dispatching of Weller, KSI called out both Logan and Jake Paul in his post fight press-conference. Both the Paul’s initially didn’t take the call-out seriously, however, after much back and forth, a fight was confirmed between Logan and KSI.
The event was confirmed to take place at the Manchester Arena on Pay-Per-View. Much like the previous event, there was plenty of pre-fight promotion including press conferences in both America and England. The press conference in London in particular drew attention with the Paul’s being attacked by members of the public.
Objects were thrown at their entourage, including paint-tins as well as their father being attacked in public. The animosity between the American and the Brit was clear for everyone to see as they traded personal barbs continuously.
However, despite the controversy, the pre-fight promotional material proved to be a resounding success. All of the videos produced in the lead-up bought in over 60 million views, in the month prior to the fight, pre-fight material was viewed just under 30 million times on YouTube.
The fight itself drew in a huge audience, the 21,000 seater arena was billed as a sell-out. The success continued with the viewership figures, 2.2 million watched live, this includes 1 million on pay-per-view. Following the event, the fight video had been viewed over 75 million times little under a month later.
With the bout officially ending in a draw, a rematch was reported to have been a part of the contract. Per the agreement, the second bout would have to take place in the USA. But there was much dispute between the two parties for some time following the event to try and get the rematch confirmed.
Just over a year on from the previous event, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing confirmed that he would be promoting the rematch between the two stars. However, the difference being this time that the event would take place as a professional event and not a white-collar event.
Per his announcement, the two would meet with a Cruiserweight limit (200lbs) in a six-round bout with 10 ounce gloves. The decision to allow for this saw Hearn and Co. questioned and criticised by many across the sport, as sections of fans and pundits alike feel that this makes a mockery of the sport with Paul and KSI not being real fighters.
?“This is not a novelty act, you want to do this, do it properly.”@EddieHearn explains why he's decided to promote @KSIOlajidebt – @LoganPaul 2
What are your thoughts on these two YouTubers turning pro? ? pic.twitter.com/mBcalBJZfw
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) September 5, 2019
Eddie Hearn has argued that his decision to do this is based on the amount of eyes it brings to the sport. He stated he feels that by ditching the original format of an all YouTube card and bringing in professional Championship boxers, he is opening the sport to a new market.
Although, Hearn baulked at the idea of it initially. Both parties approached the Matchroom Boxing director about their first fight, he laughed the idea off:
“They asked me to get involved for the first fight at the Manchester Arena and I said ‘no chance’. Two YouTubers, don’t be ridiculous. Where is it? Manchester Arena. Don’t be ridiculous, 20,000. Who’s broadcasting it? Pay-per-view, no one will watch.”
But he was swayed after, seeing how successful the event was, especially after discovering it generated just under £3 million.
With both men undergoing fight-camps, they have both recruited professionals from the sport to help lead them to victory. KSI has worked alongside Jeff Mayweather, Badou Jack and Team GB professional boxer, Viddal Riley. Meanwhile, Logan Paul has teamed up with former Heavyweight champion, Shannon Briggs.
With their respective camps complete and media obligations over, the two will square off on Saturday on ‘DAZN’ and ‘Sky Sports Box Office’. Whilst many question the legitimacy of their fighting credentials, the feat itself is impressive.
To some it is a cringe battle of two over-inflated egos and to others it is a battle for the number one status on YouTube. Nevertheless, few could have ever envisioned that a small video idea in a gym in Brighton could have morphed into something so transcendent.
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Team news
The home side will welcome back David Stockdale and Jefferson Montero, with both recovering from recent injuries. However, they will be without Gary Gardner and Maikel Kieftenbeld, who are both missing due to injury. Team captain Harlee Dean is also out after he was given a red card against Cardiff.
Fulham are expected to be missing Joe Bryan and Harry Arter as both continue their recoveries from recent injuries.
Pep Clotet’s pre-game thoughts:
“I am expecting the Fulham game will be a fight for possession, Fulham like to keep the ball and create chances, we need to make sure we get on the ball as much as possible, the game will probably be decided by percentages in possession.”
Scott Parker’s pre-game thoughts:
“They’re a good side with some good players, at home they’re a very good team. We all understand that. Every time I’ve played there it’s always been a tough game, a very hostile place to go. They’ve got players who can cause teams one or two problems, which we’ve seen this year.”
Head-to-head
Birmingham and Fulham have met a total of 17 times. Both sides are even at 6 wins, 5 draws and 1 loss to each-other, although, the Blues are currently unbeaten in the last 3 home games against the Cottagers. They haven’t been beaten at St. Andrews by the London side since 2014.
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]]>The Switzerland international was at the centre of controversy against Crystal Palace when he was substituted last weekend. As he was leaving the pitch, the 27-year-old was met with apparent jeers and abuse from the home fans, to which he retaliated by taunting them and shouting profanity.
When discussing the matter on Tuesday, Emery said:
I had a meeting with him and told him he is no longer in the captain’s group, he accepted my decision. I needed to take a decision and now it’s closed.”
The Spaniard confirmed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will take his place as captain.
The player, however, has openly disagreed with the idea of apologising to the fans. This is something that was suggested by the manager but Xhaka feels that whilst his reaction was wrong, the treatment he received was unjustifiable.
“The scenes that took place around my substitution have moved me deeply, I love this club and always give 100% on and off the pitch,” he said in a statement.
“My feeling of not being understood by fans, and repeated abusive comments at matches and in social media over the last weeks and months, have hurt me deeply. People have said things like, ‘We will break your legs’, ‘Kill your wife’ and ‘Wish that your daughter gets cancer’. That has stirred me up and I reached boiling point when I felt the rejection in the stadium on Sunday.”
The player has not taken part in a game since the incident, having also been left out of Unai Emery’s selected squad for the Europa League clash against Vitoria Guimaraes on Wednesday night.
After joining from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016, there are now questions surrounding his future at the club. Fans are still frustrated with the players actions alongside the current run of form that the club is currently enduring. With growing pressure on the manager and the players, what will come of the Switzerland native’s future?
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The Croatian had only been at the helm in Bavaria for a year and a half, however, recent struggles for form alongside a string of poor results has seen Kovac come under heavy fire this season. Despite defeating Tottenham Hotspur 7-2 in the UEFA Champions League recently, results and performances have hit something of a low since. Losing to Hoffenheim at home, drawing away to Ausburg and struggling against Olympiakos, fans were growing increasingly frustrated with the situation at the club.
Following a humiliating 5-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt this weekend, the pressure intensified on the coach and the club. Little over 24 hours passed before an official statement from the club confirmed that Bayern had severed ties with Kovac.
FC Bayern parts ways with Niko Kovac. pic.twitter.com/xl0sjaZAqC
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) November 3, 2019
However, not long after the club announced his departure, a statement from the former Bayern player confirmed that he had chosen to step down. In his statement, he said:
“I think that this is the right decision for the club at the moment. The results, and also the way we played lately, made me come to that decision.” He continued “My brother Robert and I thank Bayern for the last one and a half years. During this time, our team has won the league, the DFB Pokal and the Super-cup. It was a good time. I wish the club and the team all the best.”
Despite a strong record of 45 wins from his 65 games in charge and a league and cup double in his debut campaign, the defeat against Frankfurt was the heaviest that Bayern have suffered in the Bundesliga in a decade. In fact, the 5 goals scored by Eintracht in the game is more than the total they’ve scored against Bayern in their previous 10 encounters.
Bayern are in action twice next week, facing Olympiakos in the UEFA Champions League before playing Der Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund. The club have appointed assistant coach Hans Flick as caretaker manager for the time being.
Whilst it is not known how long Bayern will wait until they make a decision on their new head coach, reports are circulating that Massimiliano Allegri and Jose Mourinho are both the main front-runners for the job.
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Alongside the main-event, Dereck Chisora looks to continue his strong form against a resurgent David Price.
Prograis vs Taylor:
Credit: Mark Robinson (MDR Photography)
New Orleans native Prograis comes into this fight with an impressive 24-0 record, knocking out 20 of his fallen foes. The American went on a rampant run, winning all of his early bouts before stepping into the World Boxing Super Series tournament.
Winning a decision over Terry Flanagan before capturing WBA gold in his following fight against Kiryl Relikh in the semi finals, Prograis now sees Taylor as his final obstacle to solidify his meteoric rise.
Standing across the ring will be Josh Taylor – the 28-year-old Scottish fighter has shown immense promise since turning pro. A winner of the Commonwealth games in both 2010 and 2012, he also fought in the Olympics but came up short against Italian fighter, Domenico Valentino.
Since his decision to turn professional, he won the junior Commonwealth title in 2016 and retained it in 2017. He followed that up with a highly anticipated prospect vs prospect match against Ohara Davies, which he dominated. Like the opponent he faces on Saturday night, Taylor competed in the WBSS tournament, also winning a world title in the semi-final.
The fight between the two promises to be nothing short of entertaining. Both are undefeated and both are entering their athletic primes. Prograis is a fighter who enjoys the action most when he is able to flow freely with his offensive skill, although, Taylor will be his toughest opponent yet. The Scott is a very complete fighter and is being touted as the biggest threat that Prograis can fight at the moment.
The American has openly said he feels that Taylor is defensively flawed whilst the Scottish fighter feels his offensive game could cause a chink in Prograis’ armour.
There is little doubt about what each fighter brings to the table but more-so, who can truly impose their will on the other?
Chisora vs Price:
Credit: Mark Robinson (MDR Photography)
This fight is one that few expect to see the judges scorecards. Both are heavy handed, both can turn the lights off. Dereck Chisora is massively popular amongst the British fans, a somewhat surprising change considering his controversial past. ‘WAR’ Chisora is a man that doesn’t need much introduction, the 35-year-old has been around and has fought some of the best from Vitali Klitschko to Tyson Fury to David Haye to Dillian Whyte.
Now training under his former rival, David Haye, Chisora has bounced back from his defeat to Dillian Whyte with back-to-back wins over Senad Gashi and Artur Szpilka, with his last win coming via devastating knockout, the 22nd of his career.
Stepping in for Joesph Parker, Liverpool’s David Price like his opponent, has been around for some time. The 36-year-old was a much hyped prospect when he first broke out following his bronze medal win at the 2008 olympics, however, he never quite hit the heights expected of him.
Back-to-back KO losses against Tony Thompson derailed him for some time, although, in recent fights the heavyweight has bounced back. Winning his last three fights, Price is now looking at a run to bigger and better things, if he can pull off what many would consider an upset against Chisora.
Given that Price has long had doubts about his chin and about his stamina, Chisora comes into this fight as the heavy favourite. However, in the land of the heavyweights, one punch is all it takes. Price has just as much a chance to end this as Chisora does. A win here propels either man into a top-tier fight, an intriguing incentive for both corners.
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