Former boxing champion Besar Nimani has died aged 38 after being shot while leaving a restaurant in Germany, according to reports.

According to national media outlet Bild, Nimani was leaving a cafe on Saturday evening when 10 shots were heard being fired. He died at the scene.

Police have launched an investigation after the former champion was killed, with the perpetrators still on the run.

 

A statement from Bielefeld police read: ‘According to the current findings, the man from Bielefeld was in the area near ‘Obernstrasse’ near ‘Klasingstrasse’ around 18:00.

‘One or more perpetrators approached and shot the victim. The man from Bielefeld, who was a Kosovar citizen, died at the scene due to the great wounds he received.

Former boxing champion Besar Nimani has died aged 38 after being shot in Germany

Nimani won 26 of his 27 professional bouts in the ring from 2011 to 2019 and once held the IBF European Super Welterweight title

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‘A major police operation is currently underway in the Bielefeld city area. The search for the perpetrator follows’.

Nimani’s brother, Berat, also announced the boxer’s death via a post on social media.

His message read: ‘My brother Besar Nimani was killed today in an ambush in Bielefeld, Germany.

‘May God join us in heaven with him. I will forever be proud of you, I love you.’

Nimani was an Albanian fighter from Kosovo but moved to Germany as a refugee escaping the Kosovan war in 1997.

He made his name in his country after winning 26 out of 27 professional fights before retiring from the sport in 2019 and once held the IBF European Super Welterweight title.

The German outlet also report how Nimani had previously gotten into an altercation that left five people injured after a shooting.

The tragic incident came 11 years after he was involved in a heated confrontation in Bielefeld

In August 2013, Nimani – along with his brother Berat and a friend – got into a disagreement in a Turkish restaurant near Bielefeld station.

The outlet claim that Berat hit someone on the head with a cola bottle but a pistol was drawn and fired.

Five people were injured following the incident, including Nimani.

On that occasion, the perpetrator was handed an 18-month prison sentence for violating weapon laws.

Victoria added to her long list of cover-shoots on Wednesday by featuring in a new fashion spread for the Financial Times HTSI magazine.

The former Spice Girl was chosen as cover star for the weekly lifestyle supplement while discussing the future of her VB fashion and beauty empire, which registered a profit last year after a series of financial shortfalls.

Dressed in an oversized sweater and polished brogue shoes, Victoria, 49, sits cross-legged as she gazes off-camera in a shot taken by photographer Nathaniel Goldberg.

Referencing her brand’s resurgence in an accompanying caption, she wrote: ‘Such a pleasure speaking on all things Victoria Beckham fashion and beauty! I’m so proud of where we are today… On newsstands and online this Saturday!’

In October the designer told Vogue France her self-titled brand has finally made a profit, some 15-years after launching her own fashion label.

Victoria added to her long list of cover-shoots on Wednesday by featuring in a new fashion spread for the Financial Times HTSI magazine

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‘This is just the beginning. I have lots of ambitions, and I work hard to achieve my goals. I never wait for things to just fall into my lap,’ she said.

‘It’s such an exciting time. This year, we made a profit! This takes time, especially for an independent brand. My perfume isn’t a license – I own it.

‘Now that I have laid down the groundwork for the house, the real work can begin.’

In an interview with industry bible Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) in March to celebrate the news, her brand’s investor, David Belhassen, shone a rare spotlight on the inner workings of Victoria’s empire.

He said revenues were up by a huge 42 per cent to £58 million — and predicted that when the business filed accounts for the 2022 financial year in December, the former Spice Girl would make her many critics eat their words.

In January 2023, accounts for Victoria Beckham Holdings Ltd revealed losses of £5,887,036 in 2021, down from £8,581,944 in 2020.

The figure meant overall losses for the firm stood at £66.3m since its launch in 2008 and directors of the firm – including Victoria and her husband David – were not paid a dividend.

The luxury fashion business has expanded to Europe and the Middle East, with the annual accounts saying the brand was also expanding into new products, with the launch of leather goods and the VB Body range.

In October the designer told Vogue France her self-titled brand has finally made a profit, some 15-years after launching her own fashion label

‘This is just the beginning. I have lots of ambitions, and I work hard to achieve my goals. I never wait for things to just fall into my lap,’ said Victoria (pictured at Paris Fashion Week in 2023)

Despite big losses, the Beckham’s global empire has reportedly doubled its profits.

Annual accounts filed with Companies House in London showed the pair made £11.6m in the year ending December 2020 despite the pandemic – compared to £4.5m in 2019.

In accounts submitted in 2021, auditors warned of ‘significant doubt’ about Victoria’s fashion company’s ability to continue operating when it was reported the company had racked up debts of more than £46million since it launched.

Friends of the star said at the time Victoria was determined to continue with her company even though her detractors have dismissed it as a vanity project.

One said: ‘This is what gives Victoria her identity, she loves it and despite its obvious obstacles, she is a grafter and hugely passionate about it.’

Victoria Beckham debuts soft pink gown previously worn by Kim K

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The fashion label, which has a flagship store in Mayfair (pictured), filed a loss of £12.2million in 2018, £4.6million in 2017 and a £8.4million loss in 2016

In February 2021, it emerged that Posh’s beauty range she set up in 2019 had suffered a loss of £4.7 million.

A spokeswoman for Victoria said: ‘Whilst 2019 was a challenging year, the business halved its losses – a significant step in the road to profitability. The launch of the hugely successful beauty line in the same year helped drive overall revenues up 7% on 2018 and both businesses are focussed on profitable growth.

‘The showcase of the recent AW21 fashion collection has been well-received by fashion critics and the beauty business has seen multiple sell-out products in recent months.’

The fashion label, which has a flagship store in Mayfair, London and sells items such as coats for up to £2,900 each, filed a loss of £12.2million in 2018, £4.6million in 2017 and a £8.4million loss in 2016.

So, what next for Anthony Joshua?

That’s the question on everybody’s lips – and firmly in his mind – after his ferocious second-round knockout of Francis Ngannou on Saturday morning in Riyadh.

Three knockdowns in a matter of minutes revealed a relentless, untamed fighter, but he was in no mood for celebrating this demolition job.

‘I’m not even buzzing about the win. On to the next, go,’ he said in the wake of his victory.

In an ideal world, that ‘next’ would entail a bout with the winner of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, who bash gloves on May 18.

But the world isn’t ideal. Fury and Usyk are bound for a rematch, meaning Joshua will have to fill the gap.

Mail Sport takes a look at his options.

Who could Anthony Joshua’s next opponent be after his stunning win over Francis Ngannou?

Joshua obliterated Ngannou on Saturday morning in Riyadh, knocking him down three times. The third time, in the second round, was the last

His next fight won’t be against Tyson Fury, because he will fight Oleksandr Usyk and then have a rematch with him

Deontay Wilder

Wilder is a name that Joshua has long been linked with but a bout has never materialised. Yet.

Instead of Ngannou, AJ was supposed to be fighting the Bronze Bomber as his March assignment.

But Wilder’s shock defeat to Joseph Parker on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ in December stopped that idea in its tracks, at least temporarily.

The likelihood of AJ and Wilder meeting next looks slim, but not impossible. Had AJ lost to Ngannou, it would have looked more likely.

Ultimately, Joshua wants to be the undisupted heavyweight champion of the world, and a 38-year-old Wilder – who is himself some distance from holding a title – probably isn’t the quickest route there.

A bout with Deontay Wilder would appeal to British fans and has been long desired, but is he the right opponent for AJ’s goal of being an undisputed champion?

 Dillian Whyte

Joshua was supposed to face Whyte last August at the O2 Arena in London.

However, the punch-fest was cancelled when Whyte returned an ‘adverse finding’ to a random doping test.

At short notice, Robert Helenius stepped up and was duly beaten by AJ. Joshua has since won two more fights, while Whyte, 35, hasn’t fought since November 2022.

Whyte has reportedly been cleared to return to the ring after a contaminated supplement was found to have been the cause of his positive drugs test, and he will be eager to prove a point.

With a record of 29-3, the Body Snatcher is a fearsome and worthy opponent but whether it would happen is unclear. The two previously fought in 2015, with Joshua winning.

Dillian Whyte would be a worthy, high-profile opponent but hasn’t fought since November 2022

Filip Hrgovic

Hrgovic is a serious contender, with 17 wins – 14 by knockout – and no defeats in his career to date.

After Joshua beat Otto Wallin in December, Eddie Hearn suggested that Joshua will likely take on Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title next.

Vacant, you say? Well, that’s not set in stone, but it is a likelihood.

Usyk currently holds the IBF title, as well as the WBO and IBO belts. Fury is the WBC champion.

After their contest in May and their pencilled-in rematch, if Usyk ultimately wins, he will likely retire and vacate the belt. If Fury wins, he will likely vacate the belt so that he isn’t forced to fight its mandatory challenger – Hrgovic – and so he can seek a more lucrative fight elsewhere.

The likelihood is that Hrgovic will have to scrap with somebody for the vacant IBF title, and that somebody could well be Joshua.

Filip Hrgovic looks among the more likely options. Joshua will likely have to beat him at some point to claim the IBF title if Usyk or Fury desert it after their fight in May

Joseph Parker

Parker did so well to recover from two knockdowns to beat Zhilei Zhang on Friday night, beating Big Bang by majority decision.

That makes the New Zealand puncher the interim WBO heavyweight champion – and therefore the mandatory challenger for the winner of Fury and Usyk.

Obviously, if they vacate the belt, that could bring him into contention with Joshua for it instead.

It has been dubbed a ‘high risk’ fight for Joshua – by Parker’s promoter, no less – and he may well steer clear of the 32-year-old, who is on a five-fight winning streak.

Would Parker be up for it? Absolutely. ‘I’ll 100 percent fight Tyson Fury,’ he said after his dominant points win over Wilder in December.

Joseph Parker has bolstered his reputation after wins over Wilder and Zhilei Zhang

The outsiders

Joe Joyce

Joe Joyce, 38, is probably only on this list because he is British. The Juggernaut has not been doing what juggernauts do recently, taking two defeats to Zhang in 2023.

That gives him a record of 15-2, and realistically he probably isn’t in the position to propel Joshua onto greater things. Beating Joyce would not be a statement in the same way it would be of Wilder, even if he has declined.

Two defeats to Zhilei Zhang in 2023 have seen Joyce’s status drop but British fans might like the idea of him fighting AJ

Daniel Dubois is on the up at the age of 26 and beat Jarrell Miller in December last year

Daniel Dubois 

Dubois was considered good enough to fight Usyk as of last August, though he lost. He has since beaten Jarrell Miller with a dramatic late stoppage in December.

Frank Warren previously suggested that AJ vs Dubois would be more appealing to British fans than a clash with Wilder. At 26, Dubois’ trajectory is on the up and it would be a stern test of his credentials.

The promoters behind Jake Paul and Mike Tyson‘s controversial boxing showdown are pushing for it to be staged as a professional contest, according to reports.

Paul, 27, sparked outrage last week after announcing that he is set to face Tyson, 57, in a live Netflix bout on July 20.

Despite appearing to be an exhibition, many were quick to express outrage over the concept of ‘Iron Mike’ stepping back into the ring with a fighter 30 years his junior – especially following recent footage which shows him using a walking stick.

In Paul, he will be taking on a YouTube star carving out a career for himself in professional boxing after picking up nine wins in 10 contests, which has included brutal knockouts against former UFC stars Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren.

A number of high-profile figures in the sport are therefore concerned about Tyson – who is turning 58 in June – taking on a fighter as young and heavy-handed as Paul.

Mike Tyson could reportedly be set to face Jake Paul in a professional contest this summer

Tyson will be 58 by the time he steps into the ring to face Paul, who is 30 years his junior

And according to combat-sports journalist Ariel Helwani, Paul and Tyson’s bout may not even be classed as an exhibition, with promoters understood to be pushing for a pro contest.

‘They’re still working on a few important details based on the conversations that I’ve had,’ Helwani said on his latest MMA Hour show. ‘Is it pro or is it exhibition? They want pro, obviously that’s up to the Texas Commission. We’ll wait and see.

‘Weight, I’m told heavyweight. Rounds working on that as well.’

Former British heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora recently claimed that Paul and Tyson will be wearing headguards and using 18oz gloves in a sparring-style fight, a rumor which was shut down by Helwani.

Instead, organizers are reportedly keen for the bout to resemble a standard pro encounter – something Tyson hasn’t taken part in since 2005.

The former world heavyweight champion quit in his final contest 19 years ago, with journeyman Kevin McBride forcing him to throw in the towel on both the fight and his career before the start of the seventh round.

‘Iron Mike’ has not competed professionally since his 2005 stoppage defeat to Kevin McBride

Eddie Hearn is ‘really sad’ Mike Tyson will be making a comeback

Since then, he has merely competed in exhibitions over the last two decades, the most recent coming against fellow fight legend Roy Jones Jr back in 2020.

Eddie Hearn believes it will be ‘really sad’ to see Tyson return to the ring against Paul.

‘For me it’s really sad because Mike Tyson was one of my idols growing up, and to see him fighting at 57, 58… but I also understand that a lot of people are going to tune in and watch,’ Hearn told Mail Sport last week.

‘It’s an entertainment event, Netflix, great to see them involved in boxing. I think it will do really well. But it’s just not really one for me.’

David and Victoria Beckham have been praised by Super Bowl viewers for their hilarious commercial for Uber Eats.

The former footballer, 48, and his fashion designer wife, 49, were called the ‘best part’ of the night, with several fans saying they were ‘still laughing’ over the hysterical advert.

The star-studded commercial plays on the premise that to remember what Uber Eats delivers you have to forget something else and ‘make a little room in your brain.’

It also features appearances from Friends stars Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer, rapper Jelly Roll and singer Usher.

The ad sees people forgetting important details, like Jennifer not remembering who David is or Jelly Roll forgetting he has face tattoos.

David and Victoria Beckham have been praised by Super Bowl viewers for their hilarious commercial for Uber Eats

The former footballer, 48, and his fashion designer wife, 49, were called the ‘best part’ of the night, with several fans saying they were ‘still laughing’ over the hysterical advert

One scene shows the Beckhams in their kitchen, with David saying to former Spice Girl Victoria: ‘Remember when you used to be a Pepper Lady?’

Victoria, who is hilariously wearing a T-shirt that reads ‘David’s wife’ responds: ‘Wasn’t it the Cinnamon Sisters?’

David then suggests: ‘Basil Babes?’ while Victoria guesses: ‘Paprika Girls’ leading David to scoff: ‘No that’s absurd.’

The funny clip was praised on social media, with one person gushing: ‘My favorite couple Victoria and David Beckham on the #SuperBowl ads. Truly keeps giving!’

Another excitedly tweeted: ‘VICTORIA BECKHAM SUPERBOWL COMMERCIAL IS ON’ while a third admitted: ‘Avoiding Victoria Beckham’s Instagram so her Uber eats superbowl ad isn’t spoiled for me.’

A fourth person wrote: ‘I hope everyone else is also still laughing about David Beckham asking if Victoria used to be pepper girl lol.’

Someone else added: ‘The David & Victoria Beckham bit was the best part for me’ while a sixth echoed: ‘A fun ad – for once. Love it’.

One dedicated person admitted that they had stayed up to watch the ad, saying: ‘Staying up to watch the Super Bowl is the straightest thing I’ve ever done. Staying up to watch the Super Bowl in case they drop the Wicked trailer, to see Victoria Beckham in an ad and in case Usher takes his top off is the gayest thing I’ve ever done.’

The star-studded commercial also features appearances from Friends stars Jennifer Aniston (pictured) and David Schwimmer, rapper Jelly Roll and singer Usher

The star-studded commercial plays on the premise that to remember what Uber Eats delivers you have to forget something else and ‘make a little room in your brain’ (David pictured)

The ad sees people forgetting important details, like Jennifer not remembering who David is or Jelly Roll (pictured) forgetting he has face tattoos

But another complained that the couple didn’t take the opportunity to reference the biggest power couple at the moment, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

They wrote: ‘so you’re telling me that david and victoria beckham are in a super bowl ad and they didn’t do the obvious joke of being a famous sports star and famous popstar together?’

It comes after David and Victoria made another funny video to tease the Super Bowl advert, which saw them recreate the viral moment from their Beckham documentary, where David tells his wife to be ‘honest’ about her middle class upbringing.

The hilarious gaffe-filled ad shows the famous duo forgetting the name of the game and the huge star they have recruited to appear in the commercial.

The clip begins with Victoria, who is sat in a My Dad Had a Rolls-Royce T-shirt, who says: ‘So David and I are gonna be in a little commercial..’

David then poked his head into frame – just like in Beckham – reminding her to ‘Be honest, be honest!’, about the size of the advert they are featuring in.

Correcting herself, she says: ‘Okay. It’s a big commercial.’

He then says: ‘Tell them what it is during’ and Victoria replies: ‘It’s during the big baseball game.’

One scene shows the Beckhams in their kitchen, with David saying to former Spice Girl Victoria: ‘Remember when you used to be a Pepper Lady?’ and was praised on social media

While David chimes in: ‘Super, big, baseball game’ and Victoria asks: ‘Oh was it the Hockey Bowl?’, before David agrees that it was.

Finally, they reveal that the big guest star in their advert in none other than ‘Jessica’ Aniston, as David confirms that they both ‘love Jessica’.

Victoria created one of the most memorable moments of her husband’s documentary when she claimed to have had a ‘working class’ upbringing, despite her dad owning a Rolls Royce.

The documentary clip saw Victoria claiming her family were ‘very working, working class’.

David interrupted, incredulous, and asked Victoria to be honest to which she replied: ‘I am!’ He then repeatedly asked Victoria to reveal what car her dad used to drive her to school in.

The singer eventually gave in and said: ‘OK. In the Eighties, my dad had a Rolls-Royce.’

‘Thank you,’ David replied, and immediately left and closed the door behind him, his job done.

Super Bowl ads have become cultural phenomenon of their own alongside the championship final itself, with high-profile stars often recruited for the commercials.

It comes after David and Victoria made another funny video to tease the Super Bowl advert, which saw them recreate the viral moment from their Beckham documentary, where David tells his wife to be ‘honest’ about her middle class upbringing

The hilarious gaffe-filled ad shows the famous duo forgetting the name of the game and the huge star they have recruited to appear in the commercial

The clip begins with Victoria, who is sat in a My Dad Had a Rolls-Royce T-shirt, who says: ‘So David and I are gonna be in a little commercial..’

David then poked his head into frame – just like in Beckham – reminding her to ‘Be honest, be honest!’, about the size of the advert they are featuring in

David Beckham and Victoria Beckham star in first Superbowl advert

Victoria created one of the most memorable moments of her husband’s documentary when she claimed to have had a ‘working class’ upbringing, despite her dad owning a Rolls Royce

David points out Victoria’s father used to drive her in Rolls-Royce

Companies have forked out close to $7 million a piece for a 30-second spot in the hope of capitalizing on the buzz.

Other notable commercials included a Dunkin’s ad that starred another power couple, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez.

The clip followed Ben trying to make it on J.Lo’s album with his group, ‘The DunKings,’ that includes Matt Damon and Tom Brady.

Another huge star making an appearance was Beyoncé, who blasted off to outer space in a Verizon ad.

While Arnold Schwarzenegger struggles to pronounce State Farm’s tagline before Danny DeVito jumps in to save the day in another hilarious commercial.

Sir Anthony Hopkins transformed into Wrexham A.F.C.’s mascot, Wrex the Dragon, to promote STōK Cold Brew Coffee.

Elsewhere, Jenna Ortega cameoed in a Doritos ad, Kris Jenner poked fun at herself for Oreos, Scarlett Johannsson promoted M&Ms and Aubrey Plaza reunited with her Parks and Recreation co-star Nick Offerman for Mountain Dew.

Other notable commercials included a Dunkin’s ad that starred another power couple, Ben Affleck (pictured) and Jennifer Lopez

Beyonce stars in the Super Bowl commercial for Verizon

Sir Anthony Hopkins (pictured) transformed into Wrexham A.F.C.’s mascot, Wrex the Dragon, to promote STōK Cold Brew Coffee

Doritos teases Super Bowl commercial featuring Jenna Ortega

Elsewhere, Jenna Ortega cameoed in a Doritos ad, Kris Jenner (pictured) poked fun at herself for Oreos, Scarlett Johannsson promoted M&Ms and Aubrey Plaza reunited with her Parks and Recreation co-star Nick Offerman for Mountain Dew

Dan Marino and Scarlett Johansson star in Super Bowl ad

Credits: IMAGO / Laci Perenyi, IMAGO / NurPhoto

Max Verstappen is arguably the greatest driver on the current Formula 1 grid. His relentless consistency has helped him clinch three straight F1 world titles. Although he is still four championships away from equaling the legendary Michael Schumacher, experts yet regularly compare the two. The latest to do so is former F1 driver Christian Danner.

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Danner said to Servus TV as per F1 Maximmal, “If you look at Hamilton and at Mercedes, or at Schumacher at Ferrari, you see that the drivers there got exactly what they needed. I don’t just mean a fast car, but also a car that does exactly what they need. The absolute top drivers then have the talent to maximize that package. If you compare them, I don’t actually see any differences between Schumacher and Verstappen.”

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Verstappen’s recent dominance in Formula 1 has been nothing short of spectacular. He has ripped apart his opponents in the last couple of campaigns by registering 34 wins out of 44 races.

During this stellar run, he also registered a record ten consecutive wins in 2023 from the Miami Grand Prix to the race in Monza. Thanks to this run, he broke Sebastian Vettel’s decade-long record of nine straight wins from 2013 that he set during his time at Red Bull.

Apart from this, Verstappen‘s current race-winning tally stands at 55, which is the third highest in terms of race wins, only after Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. Moreover, Verstappen’s also on level terms with Schumacher and one step away from matching Hamilton in terms of Grand Slams.

Therefore, there is no surprise about why the 26-year-old is often compared with the two seven-time world champions even though he has less than half of their tally. After comparing Verstappen with Schumacher, Danner also pointed out why the Dutchman has an upper hand over the German.

What makes Max Verstappen better than Michael Schumacher?

Christian Danner believes that Max Verstappen is better than Michael Schumacher because the Dutchman has better composure than the German. Danner is of the opinion that the three-time world champion is a bit more thoughtful, whereas the seven-time world champion used to “explode” at times.

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The German former driver’s clash with David Coulthard during the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix is a testament to that. The former Ferrari star turned furious after the clash jeopardized his race. He stormed into the pit lane to confront the former British driver about the incident.

On the other hand, when it comes to Verstappen, it is pertinent to note that the 26-year-old has had his own share of feisty moments. Verstappen once had a heated clash with Esteban Ocon during the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix.

After the two drivers collided on track, an angry Verstappen stormed into the garage of the Frenchman and shoved him. As a result of the incident, the FIA took disciplinary action against the Red Bull driver. However, ever since the 2021 season, Verstappen has been much more composed despite battling with Lewis Hamilton for the title that year.

Credits: IMAGO / Motorsport Images

Ferrari have suffered a major blow ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix qualifying session as they have confirmed that Carlos Sainz will take no further part in the weekend. The Spaniard will be on the sidelines after having been diagnosed with appendicitis. Alex Albon, who has suffered this same condition himself previously, has now lent a helping hand to Sainz.

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Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Williams driver wrote, “Get well soon Carlos Sainz. I know a good surgeon if you need”. The Thai driver suffered from appendicitis during the 2022 Italian Grand Prix weekend. Consequently, he is likely to have information relating to how one can get the best treatment for this condition.

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As for Sainz, it’s pertinent to note that he had been feeling unwell even before he was diagnosed with appendicitis. As a result, he decided to skip his media duties on Wednesday. However, he did take part in both the practice sessions on Thursday.

He registered the sixth-fastest time in FP1 and the seventh-quickest time in FP2. In both sessions, he was slower than Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. However, with Ferrari now having confirmed that Sainz will no longer take part for the rest of the Saudi Arabian GP weekend, F2 driver Oliver Bearman will replace him from FP3 onwards.

Although fans are disappointed to hear that Sainz will no longer compete for the remainder of the weekend, several of them expressed their surprise at Albon’s reaction to the news.

Alex Albon called “insane” after offering Carlos Sainz help

On reading Alex Albon’s reply, some fans such as Leo commented that he was “insane”.

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Meanwhile, fans such as Dani referred to him as the “funniest” driver in the F1 paddock.

Although Albon hoped to issue a lighthearted reply, fans such as Zoey reminded him of the frightening troubles he faced himself back in 2022. The Williams driver suffered post-surgery anesthetic-related respiratory failure, which is a life-threatening condition.

Despite the same, he made a miraculous recovery in just three weeks and returned to action in Singapore. F1 fans will hope that Carlos Sainz too makes a quick recovery and returns to action as soon as possible.

Tyson was well known for his ferocious and intimidating boxing style as well as his controversial behavior inside and outside the ring. Nicknamed “Iron” and “Kid Dynamite” in his early career, and later known as “The Baddest Man on the Planet,” Tyson is considered one of the best heavyweights of all time.Tyson holds the 3rd longest unified championship reign in heavyweight history at 8 consecutive defenses. He currently ranks #15 in BoxRec’s ranking of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history. He was ranked No. 16 on The Ring’s list of 100 greatest punchers of all time, and No. 1 in the ESPN.com list of “The Hardest Hitters in Heavyweight History.”Sky Sports described him as “perhaps the most ferocious fighter to step into a professional ring. He has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

 

 

What Sets 80s Mike Tyson’s Fights Apart from Jorge Masvidal’s UFC Performances?

In the high-octane world of combat sports, few names shine as brightly as Mike Tyson. Yet, even ‘Iron Mike’ had moments that left him astonished. Picture this: A fight concluding quicker than the time it takes for you to pull out a beer from the fridge. Seems outlandish? That’s precisely the shock wave Jorge Masvidal sent through the UFC universe.

Tyson dominated his era with brute force and swift KOs, while Masvidal established himself as a force in his own era. On a recent podcast episode of ‘Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson’, these two knockout kings sat down with DJ Whoo Kid, and the result was nothing short of electric. While their banter was friendly, the undercurrent of respect was undeniable. And as you can imagine, fans had a lot to say about it.

 

Fans weigh in on Mike Tyson vs. Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal’s bout at UFC 239 in Las Vegas wasn’t just another fight. It was a statement that echoed across the MMA community. Launching with a flying knee, Masvidal caught Ben Askren off guard, rendering him unconscious in a mere five seconds. This isn’t just rapid; it’s historically unparalleled in UFC. Such an impressive feat naturally sparked a myriad of reactions, especially when juxtaposed with Tyson’s legendary bouts.

One fan nostalgically commented, “80s Tyson fights would be over before you cracked a beer.” This quip harks back to Tyson’s prime, when his fights were renowned for their brevity, evoking a comparison between two eras of fighting legends.

Transitioning from reverence to humor, another fan joked, “Yea but do you know how many times Mike made us feel ripped off for getting pay per view”. Their jest underscores the paradox of Tyson’s dominance; his bouts, while exciting, were often so short-lived that pay-per-view buyers sometimes felt cheated.

However, even amidst the fun and banter, respect was evident. As one person observed, “Even with that knockout record he still said ‘Yes SIR’ to Tyson. Respect.” This points to Tyson’s undying aura in the fighting world, where even record holders bow to his legacy.

 

Another user, adding a playful twist, remarked, “He said ‘huh’ it like he’s gonna fight and test him.” The banter-filled comment touches upon Masvidal’s competitive spirit and the intriguing possibility of a face-off, albeit metaphorical, between the two.

Delving into the technicalities of the fight, another user shared an intriguing tidbit: “I heard somewhere that it was actually 3 seconds but by the time the ref actually called the fight it was 5 seconds and they made it the official time.” This insight not only highlights the sport’s nuances but also feeds the ever-present debate of records and their legitimacy.

In stitching together these reactions, one thing becomes clear. Numbers etch records, but memories carve legends. Transitioning from the roaring 80s to today’s UFC octagon, each era has its legends, tales, and, of course, controversies. Yet, the resonance of such records and legacies remains a testament to the ever-evolving nature of combat sports.

Anthony Joshua has told Francis Ngannou to continue his career in heavyweight boxing, despite being brutally knocked out by the Englishman on Friday evening.

Joshua reigned victorious against Ngannou by delivering a huge knockout strike in the second-round of their Saudi Arabia showdown that the Cameroonian needed to receive medical attention for in the ring before getting to his feet.

Ngannou could now leave boxing after only his second professional having previously marked his crossover from UFC to fight Tyson Fury.

Joshua sent Ngannou to the canvas three times during Friday’s short-lived bout, with his final sickening blow causing his opponent’s knees to buckle underneath him after being KO’d.

The former heavyweight world champion continues on his mission to becoming a three-time belt holder after the statement win but was full of praise for his opponent after the encounter.

Anthony Joshua has told Francis Ngannou to continue his career in heavyweight boxing

Joshua brutally knocked Ngannou out in the second round during Friday’s heavyweight clash

Speaking to a packed press room in Riyadh, Joshua said: ‘Half of these people thought he was going to beat me, I know I can see all you lot, you all thought he was going to beat me.

‘I just do what I do, do my best, get the job done, I don’t do it to prove anything I just do it for myself.

‘He’s very strong, I think he should continue in boxing as heavyweight boxing is in a league of its own, you get the big punchers, people that are quick, lightning strike kind of power, he’s up there with the power,’ he added.

Joshua said after his fight that Ngannou shouldn’t quit after his second professional loss

‘I’m not done here yet’: Francis Ngannou responds after AJ defeat

Joshua walked back to his corner after beating Ngannou by delivering a huge knockout

Much had been made pre-fight of Ngannou’s frightful punching power that previously floored reigning world champion Fury, but he wasn’t able to connect with Joshua who demonstrated his superior ring experience.

The Watford-born winner continued to explain that Ngannou’s strength was something to be wary of but shrugged off any suggestions that he struggled against it.

‘In the clinch I felt fine though and I thought hang on a minute I could probably take him in UFC with a bit of pushing and pulling I thought “I’m alright” I thought I would be getting flung everywhere.

‘I’m joking, he is strong but I stand my ground it’s a fight, it was in my favour tonight and we move onto the next,’ he added.

Christian Horner’s public show of defiance with wife Geri in Bahrain has been labelled as: “Just a farce”.

The couple have been in the spotlight recently as the Red Bull team principal faces allegations of inappropriate behaviour. He was cleared by an internal investigation but questions continue to be asked following leaked texts and photos, allegedly between Horner and a female employee.

Horner has dismissed the material and remains committed to his role, insisting he has no intention of leaving his position. His marriage with the former Spice Girl has been in the spotlight, but at the weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Geri showed up in the paddock and was pictured holding hands with her husband as the pair gave off a unified look.

Former F1 driver Christijan Albers was less than impressed and said on De Telegraaf’s F1 podcast: “What kind of farce is that?

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“It’s always very easy to say something about that, it is for me too. It’s easy to undercut someone. Only, let’s be honest, that PR guy, or what he himself came up with to walk onto the paddock with Geri, is of course just absolute nonsense.

“That’s just a farce, and I would never have done that myself.”

There continue to be rumours of internal issues at Red Bull as a result of the noise surrounding Horner. The team managed to continue their dominance on the track as world champion Max Verstappen eased to victory in the season opener, leading home a 1-2 for the team with Sergio Perez second.

The Dutchman has been asked by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to publicly back his boss, after failing to do so in a pre-race press conference. Verstappen though declined, as per BBC, and told the man at the top of the sport to instead begin his own investigation.

Max’s father, Jos, has been particularly outspoken on the issue, declaring: “There is tension here while [Horner] remains in position. The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”

Max Verstappen is yet to publicly back Christian Horner (
Image:
Bob McCaffrey)

Horner maintains that, despite the outside noise, Red Bull are a united outfit: “Yes absolutely. We are a very strong team. We have got tremendous support, tremendous partners and great shareholders behind us as well. You don’t achieve this kind of result by not being united.”

The team principal also added: “Obviously it’s not been pleasant, the unwanted attention. But the focus is now very much on the cars. My focus has very much been on what’s going on on-track and the result today I think demonstrates where the whole team’s focus is and we move onwards.”

Horner is understood to have met Verstappen’s manager in Dubai in a bid to ease any tensions that could be rising within the team, which the driver’s father has alluded to.