Anthony Joshua has weighed in 20lbs lighter than Francis Ngannou ahead of Friday’s ‘Knockout Chaos’ showpiece in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua, who weighed in at 251lbs ahead of his victory over Otto Wallin in December, will take to the canvas as the favourite over Ngannou, despite the world’s hardest puncher impressing during his controversial split decision defeat by Tyson Fury.
AJ has put on just over a pound since defeating Wallin, registering 252.4lbs on the scales on Thursday. Ngannou, meanwhile, has practically maintained weight at 272.6lbs, having been 272.2lbs for his showdown with the Gypsy King in October.
The former UFC champion was beaten via split decision when he came up against Fury last year but will be hoping for different fortunes on Friday night.
Meanwhile, Zhilei Zhang (291.6lbs) weighed in over three stone heavier than Joseph Parker (247.6lbs), with the undercard pair taking to the scales moments before the main event weigh-in.
Anthony Joshua has weighed in 20lbs lighter than Francis Ngannou ahead of Friday’s fight
Joshua (L) weighed in 252.4lbs meanwhile the former UFC champion weighed in 272.6lbs
Undercard Zhilei Zhang (left) weighed in over three stone heavier than Joseph Parker (right)
Manny Pacquiao (left) and Conor Benn (right) pictured at the weigh-in in Riyadh on Thursday
Britain’s Nick Ball and his opponent Rey Vargas also made the 126lb limit for their WBC featherweight title fight.
Ahead of the bout, Joshua has insisted that he will be bringing ‘relentlessness’ in his Friday fight with Ngannou.
When asked about his preparation, Joshua said: ‘All will be revealed, straight up war, relentlessness and a good fight. That’s what everyone’s here for – a good fight.’
With the ever-present prospect of a clash with compatriot Fury never seeming to leave Joshua’s career trajectory, there has of course been speculation that a win over Ngannou could bring that titanic collision a step closer to reality.
However, Joshua insisted that his attention was firmly fixed on Friday night, and he was not looking past the task at hand.
‘We’re not looking past this fight,’ he said. ‘The incentives and stuff, it’s just to win, to focus on my game plan and focus on what I’ve got to do.
Joshua appeared laid back on Wednesday night but promised he would deliver on Friday
Ngannou talks learning his craft and Joshua runs through his music
‘It was always his [Francis] dream to be a boxer, he was part of the Cameroonian team and only started MMA when he was 26. He’s been doing it from a young age, I know what I’m up against.
‘I spar, I do my film studying and keep it professional. But on the night, that textbook goes out the window, you’ve got to be relentless.
‘This [entertaining] is what I’ve devoted my life to so bring every challenge, every competition and I’ll step up to the plate. One day I’ll share the ring with Tyson – I’m serious about the game.
‘The best man will always win, it’s not rocket science. One of the main things I’m looking forward to is showing how good I am. People find out when they’re in the ring, but we’ll see. Friday will soon come, I’m looking forward to it and the occasion.’
The question is: who are the top 25 heavyweight boxers of all time?
The hardest part of the answer is choosing between legends with the most powerful claims to be No 1.
Muhammad Ali was known as ‘The Greatest’, but where does he stack up compared to other iconic fighters like Joe Frazier, George Forman and Lennox Lewis? And is Tyson Fury worthy of being included?
Below are my picks in descending order.
25. Earnie Shavers
The biggest puncher never to win a world title. His two championship challenges were against Ali, who he hurt badly in the second round, and Holmes, who he knocked down in the seventh. Both recovered to win hard-fought decisions but that these two took on a man who scored 70 KOs in his 76 victories is a reminder of how the greats were willing to fight each other during the Golden Age of heavyweight boxing.
So there you have them. My top 25 heavyweight in ring history. Let the bar-room debates commence.
Ernie Shavers celebrates after his fight with Ali, despite the fact that Ali won by decision
24. Riddick Bowe
The former undisputed world champion disputed an epic trilogy with Holyfield in which he won the first and third fights and lost the one in between on the wild night when a para-glider crash-landed into the open ring constructed in the car park at Caesars Palace on the Vegas Strip. That was Big Daddy’s only defeat but the record disguises how he ducked Lewis by chucking his belt into a London dustbin and threw away what might have been a great career by putting huge eating above heavy training.
Riddick Bowe had enormous power and could have achieved more with better dedication
23. Ken Norton
Was elevated to world champion after he beat Jimmy Young in a final eliminator and then Leon Spinks preferred to relinquish the belt rather than fight the man who put up three immense performances against Ali. Winning their first fight, losing the second on a controversial decision and being beaten by The Greatest on a split decision in the third.
Ken Norton had a brilliant series of three fights against Ali, dropping the second and third
22. Ezzard Charles
Described by Muhammad Ali as ‘the only boxer with the skills to have given me trouble in my prime,’ Charles is widely remembered as one of the most technically gifted prize-fighters in ring history and came probably the closest to beating Marciano in the second of their two huge fights in New York’s Yankee Stadium. Won his world heavyweight title against the formidable Jersey Joe Walcott and lost it to Joe Louis as he fought every other top-rated boxer across three divisions.
Ezzard Charles clashes with Rocky Marciano in the fifth round of their 1954 encounter
21. James J Braddock
Another three-division world champion who came out of retirement and from virtually nowhere as a heavyweight to take that title from the highly regarded Max Baer. For that upset he was dubbed by fabled writer Damon Runyan as the Cinderella Man, which was the title of a major movie about his feat. It took Joe Louis to relieve him of the title two years later.
James Braddock is seen exercising his stomach at Stillman’s Gym in 1941 in New York
20. Wladimir Klitschko
As brother Vitali waited in vain for Lennox to come out of retirement for a rematch Wladimir went on to establish the record for the most cumulative days as world champion – 4,382 – over his two lengthy reigns. Between them the siblings whose mother forbade them to fight each other presided over the Klitschko era of heavyweight boxing.
Wladimir Klitschko, here in his defeat by Anthony Joshua reigned supreme in his era
19. Vitali Klitschko
Tougher, harder-punching and better elder brother of Wladimir who looked to be on his way to beating Lewis in Los Angeles when his eye was cut to the bone and doctors refused to let him bleed to death. Now engaged in the biggest fight of his life as Mayor of Kyiv.
Vitali Klitschko is Mayor of Kyiv and at the heart of the fight against the Russian invasion
Who is YOUR greatest heavyweight of all-time?
18. Bob Fitzsimmons
Cornish-born Bob became an Australian and then American hero as the first boxer ever to win world titles at three weights. A huge achievement in the early 1900s when there were fewer extra categories between the classic weight divisions and as he was the lightest of all heavyweight champions at 167 pounds. Renowned for knocking out Corbett and the only man to defeat Sullivan.
17. Gene Tunney
This thinking man’s boxer brought a clever defensive method to his winning of the light-heavy and then heavyweight titles. He gained his fame by defeating the great Jack Dempsey not once but twice, the second time with the help of one of the most infamous Long Counts in ring history.
16. James J Jeffries
An all round athlete who came within a fraction of running the 100 yards in ten seconds and high jumped over six feet, Jeffries invented the style of fighting behind a sold left jab and counter-punching with immense power. A dominant champion, he was nicknamed The Great White Hope when he came out of six-year retirement in an attempt to answer the clamour from America’s so-called ‘moral majority’ for one of their own to dethrone African America’s first African-American heavyweight champion. Jack Johnson knocked him out in the 15th of a scheduled 45 rounds.
Gene Tunny poses while training for his title defense against Tom Heeney, 1928
James J Jeffries is pictured before his title fight against Jack Johnson in Nevada
15. Tyson Fury
Clinched this place by following up his dramatic conquest of the long-reigning, if aging, Wladimir Klitschko with his off-the-canvas trilogy against massive puncher Deontay Wilder which made him a two-time world champion. He will climb sharply higher in the ranking if he defeats Usyk to become the undisputed Gypsy King of the ring, although Usyk would storm into the top 25 should he win. As would Anthony Joshua if he were to beat the winner of those two later this year to become a three-time world champion.
Tyson Fury (right) could still elevate himself higher in this list before he retires
14. Evander Holyfield
The undisputed world cruiserweight champion who then became the only four-time world heavyweight champion. Had an ear bitten off while demolishing a fading Tyson, twice. Proved himself to be very much The Real Deal, as he was dubbed, by maximising his complete boxer-fighter talents in his epic trilogy with Riddick Bowe.
Evander Holyfield (left) had his ear bitten by Mike Tyson (right) in an infamous incident
13. Sonny Liston
A monstrous force who intimidated all opponents – including the much-loved Floyd Patterson twice in winning and retaining the world title – until the impudent Ali bewildered and destroyed him. First mentally, then physically.
Sonny Liston was one of the most intimidating heavyweights in history, seen here against Ali
12. James J Corbett
Renowned as the only man to beat John L Sullivan. Albeit when the Boston Strong Boy came out of long retirement to face the new champion on the block. Enjoyed a professional career of just 36 fights but nearly all against the rest of the best in big-money fights before becoming a film star.
James J Corbett started out as a boxer before going on to star in Hollywood movies
11. Lennox Lewis
Our very own three-time world title holder and as such most definitely a distinguished citizen of Britain, to which he pledged his allegiance after winning Olympic gold under the Canadian flag. And STILL the last undisputed world heavyweight champion. Has been for two decades. Will remain so until Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk resolve which of them is the first undisputed champ of the four-belt era – hopefully in May.
Lennox Lewis (right) defeated Mike Tyson and is the last undisputed champion
10. Mike Tyson
The biggest punch ever made Iron Mike the youngest world heavyweight champion and intimidated all-comers during his prime. But it has tended to distract from his exceptional speed of hand and foot and his high ring intelligence. As did the escapades which put one of the sport’s most controversial characters behind bars.
Mike Tyson (left), pictured against Frank Bruno, struck fear into many of his foes
The legendary American boxer, with promoter Don King (left) celebrates in 1987
9. Jack Dempsey
The Manassa Mauler was a matinee idol. While his punching power allied to progressive new technical skills brought world title fame in the ring his mass popularity broke box office records, including the first million dollar gate.
Jack Dempsey takes on Gene Tunney in a heavyweight encounter in Philadelphia
8. George Foreman
Destroyed all-comers except Ali but including Frazier. While making his final comeback Big George became the oldest ever world heavyweight champion at 46 years and 169 days.
Foreman was incredibly powerful and his fight in Zaire with Ali went down in history
7. Jack Johnson
White America’s nightmare changed the face of boxing and sparked race riots across the length and breadth of the US when he became the first black world heavyweight champion by defeating James J Jeffries in the Fight of the 20th Century. He compounded that perceived affront to the prejudiced majority by marrying a white woman and keeping his title for eight years despite trumped up criminal convictions against him.
Jack Johnson was an incredibly important figure in the history of boxing
6. Joe Frazier
The warrior’s warrior inflicted Ali’s first defeat when knocking him down late in that Fight of the Century at a Madison Square Garden packed with Hollywood and political celebrities. Only George Foreman at his zenith was too much for Smokin’ Joe to handle.
Joe Frazier is seen moments after flooring Muhammad Ali at Madison Square Garden
5. Rocky Marciano
The only world heavyweight champion to retire unbeaten stood but 5ft 10in tall and weighed a mere 188lbs but possessed extraordinary punching power – not least when rupturing the arms of bigger opponents to bring down their guard so he could them knock-out. A method adopted now by Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez.
Rocky Marciano packed a punch despite being under six foot tall at heavyweight
4. John L Sullivan
The last bare-knuckle and the first gloved world champion, the Boston Strong Boy won more than 400 fights (almost all by knock-out) across the two regimes. This huge cult figure and sport’s first millionaire would have hung up the gloves undefeated had he not come out of three-year retirement to satisfy public demand for him to fight rising younger star James J Corbett.
John L Sullivan was a legendary figure and could have retired undefeated but came back
3. Larry Holmes
Too often dismissed as just Ali’s chief sparring partner, the Easton Assassin possessed probably the best-ever jab and was such a comprehensive boxer that he held the world title from 1978 to 1985 and (reluctantly) inflicted the only KO of The Greatest’s career.
Larry Holmes had a brilliant jab and is deserving of his place at No 3 on the list
2. Joe Louis.
The easy get-out is to plump for Muhammad Ali in top spot, commonly known as The Greatest and not without with good reason. Yet to reach that determination without examining the case for Joe Louis would be a dereliction of duty.
The Brown Bomber was a cult figure in his own right. One who narrowed the racial divisions in American society. With his comprehensive amalgam of ring intelligence and knock-out power he racked up an unequalled 25 consecutive defences of the world heavyweight title and reigned as undisputed world heavyweight champion for 11-and-a-half years.
Joe Louis racked up an unequalled 25 consecutive defences at heavyweight
Louis looms over Jack Sharkey having floored in in their 1936 bout that summer
1. Muhammad Ali
Ali, nee Cassius Clay, was a three-time champion and involved in several of the most fabled fights in the history of prize-fighting.
More than one distinguished ring historian hedges the bet and declares him and Louis tied in first place. That is a cop out.
Pushed to shove, that neglects Ali’s impact on so much of American culture and upon world opinion about everything from the Vietnam war to the emergence of the Black Muslims. Also ignores recognition of him not only as a supreme boxer but as the outstanding athlete in the annals of world sport. More instantly recognisable than Pele.
The even bigger picture – beyond the slaying of the Liston monster, the Fight of the Century and the Thrilla in Manilla both against Joe Fraizer and the astounding Rumble in the Jungle with George Foreman – portrays a phenomenal personality and a champion not only in gloves but of civil rights.
Muhammad Ali, pictured between rounds during his fight against Sonny Liston, was involved in extraordinary battles and he was a global superstar
Ali is pictured here against George Foreman in their famous Rumble in the Jungle
So there you have them. My top 25 heavyweight in ring history. Let the bar-room debates commence.
Reba Mcentire Went through Months of ‘Painful Ritual’ to Have a Healthy Baby – Meet Her Only Son Shelby
Although Reba McEntire loved being pregnant, she went through a painful ritual of needles and medicine to make sure her only son, Shelby, was born healthy.
Reba McEntire might be a country music legend, but she loves being a mom. She and her second husband, Narvel Blackstock, tied the knot in 1989 and stayed together for 26 years.
The singer adopted Blackstock’s three children from his previous relationship and welcomed her only biological son, Shelby, in 1990. Shelby was “devastated” when his parents divorced in 2015, but he keeps a healthy relationship with them.
Reba McEntire on April 07, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
Learning about Her Pregnancy
McEntire learned that she was pregnant at age 34 in 1989. She had just returned to her home in Nashville, and while Blackstock groomed his beard, she saw the result of her home pregnancy test; it was positive.
They were both excited about it but wanted to keep the news a secret (only their mothers knew) until making sure everything was fine. She got an appointment with Dr. John Van Hooydonk, and she liked that he had integrity.
Due to her age, the doctor asked McEntire whether abortion was an option if she had an amniocentesis procedure and discovered something was wrong with the baby. She said no, and he revealed he wouldn’t be her doctor had she said yes.
Later that night, the news of her pregnancy was everywhere. McEntire was sure Dr. Van Hooydonk didn’t do it because of his integrity. She hated the invasion of privacy, but she and Blackstock considered it was just a tiny cloud on their joy.
McEntire continued her World Tour ’89 until December 3. The next day, she returned to Nashville and had a prenatal exam with Dr. Van Hooydonk, who discovered her cervix had “thinned considerably.”
They were distraught because her due date was March 8, and she was already having minor contractions. McEntire’s doctor asked her to “take it easy,” or more drastic measures were to come.
“I’m so glad I wanted until I was mature enough.”
Reba McEntire with husband Narville Blackstock and son Shelby on January 13, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
Going through a Painful Ritual
She went to Oklahoma to spend Christmas with her family, but once in Nashville, she was hospitalized twice because of her contractions. After her second admission, the “painful ritual” started.
McEntire explained they sent her home with a syringe and a pump attached to a tube that ran to her stomach. Whenever she felt contractions, she had to pump medicine to stop them.
Reba McEntire and her son Shelby in New York circa 2000 | Source: Getty Images
If that wasn’t enough, she had to return to the doctor’s office to change the needle in her stomach every three days. However, McEntire was willing to do everything, including hanging by her toes from the ceiling, to have a healthy baby.
She spent almost two months flat on her back and resting to make sure her baby stayed in her womb until her due date. In February 1990, Dr. Van Hooydonk told her it was okay to return to a regular routine because the baby’s lungs were developed.
Reba McEntire and her son Shelby on August 15, 2005 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Welcoming Shelby in Shock
On February 22, she went out shopping but felt very tired. Later that night, she was admitted to the hospital 40 minutes after her water broke. She was shaking, and nurses said she was in shock.
For security purposes, she checked in as Mrs. Narvel Blackstock. Once in her private birthing room, Dr. Van Hooydonk began the examination and told McEntire to hold off on the epidural for as long as possible.
On February 23, 1990, Shelby Steven was born. They chose Shelby after Blackstock’s paternal grandfather and Steven after her paternal great-grandfather.
Reba McEntire with her son Shelby in Beverly Hills, California on November 30, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
Embracing Her Maternal Instincts
Shortly after McEntire gave birth, rested, and woke up, she asked nurses to bring Shelby back. She confirmed the maternal instincts existed because she could differentiate her son’s crying from the other babies.
[McEntire’s] son fell in love with racing driving a golf cart.
Shelby Blackstock, Ryan Booth and Neil Alberico in Houston, Texas, on June 29, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
When Shelby was a boy, McEntire wanted to be with him all the time. She would take him along on tours and after shows, and he even got on stage a few months after his third birthday. The singer added:
“I enjoy motherhood. It was something brand new for me, and I’m so glad I waited until I was mature enough to cope with the huge responsibility.”
McEntire knew that her son’s childhood would be different from hers because of her wealth and success. Still, she wanted Shelby to respect people who work for a living and to understand that working hard is crucial to getting nice things.
Shelby Blackstock’s Adult Life
Nowadays, Shelby is a 32-year-old professional race car driver. He began his career in 2010 by competing in the Skip Barber Summer Series and Southern Regional Series.
In 2012, he placed eighth in the U.S. F2000 National Championship. The following year, he finished third in the Pro Mazda Championship. He has also participated in the Indy Lights, the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, and the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Having a successful racing career is challenging, but Shelby didn’t stop there. In June 2021, he launched his outdoor apparel brand called Hartland.
He explained that racing was just one of his passions because he has always been interested in hunting, fishing, and wildlife conservation. His brand’s mission is to “connect and grow a community” rooted in the love of the outdoors.
McEntire revealed her son fell in love with racing on a golf cart. Even though he could barely touch the gas pedal, he would jump on the golf carts, chase geese, and drive her around the place, saying, “hang on, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!”
The singer was surprised when Shelby decided to drop out of college as a freshman to focus on his racing career full-time. Luckily, she noticed it was his true calling because he felt like a kid in a candy store.
On December 31, 2020, Shelby proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Marissa Branch. Branch calls herself a “Disney Princess” on social media, so he cleverly took her to Walt Disney World to get down on one knee.
The now married couple met in January 2014, and even though they have no kids, they are raising two dogs, Watson and Belle. McEntire must be proud!
Eddie Hearn has shared what really happened between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury after the Gypsy King gatecrashed a reception held by Chairman of General Authority for Entertainment Turki Alakshikh ahead of Friday’s ‘Knockout Chaos’ clash.
The Cameroonian heavyweight is preparing to fight Hearn’s fighter Anthony Joshua in the showpiece bout in Riyadh, but his old foe Fury stole the spotlight when he confronted him at Alalshikh’s house on Tuesday evening.
Mail Sport reported on Wednesday that Fury had accused Ngannou of calling him a ‘coward’, which the latter denied, but warned the Briton: ‘If we ever fight in the street or anywhere else outside the boxing ring, you will be in serious trouble’.
The explosive war of words between the two fighters took place in front of a glittering crowd including Saudi-based footballing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Hearn was also there to witness the fracas, telling Mail Sport that the brouhaha had been ‘scary for a while’.
Eddie Hearn opened up about the stand-off between Francis Ngannou (right) and Tyson Fury (centre-right) at Turki Alalshikh’s house (centre)
The Gypsy King cut a fractious figure when he accused Ngannou of calling him a coward
Also in attendance at the glittering reception was Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo
‘He was on great form this week, Tyson Fury, obviously not fighting this week,’ Hearn said.
‘I feel like I didn’t know if what happened in the room stayed in a room, but there’s already been some reports about Fury letting his feelings be known to Ngannou, which is true. He did stick it on him.
‘And it was a little bit scary for a little bit scary for a while, a lot of big men in that room last night.’
But Hearn’s fighter, true to form, stayed out of the fray, with the promoter noting that he was ‘sitting in the corner, just observing’ the scene he described as ‘very surreal’.
‘It’s become almost tradition here in Saudi Arabia that a couple of nights before the fight, we go to His Excellency’s house,’ Hearn said of Tuesday night’s reception. ‘And all the fighters from the card are in one room.
Eddie Hearn reveals what really happened between Fury and Ngannou
The Matchroom promoter seemed relived that Anthony Joshua had stayed above the fray
AJ kept himself to himself, chatting briefly to fellow fighters Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker
Fury is not fighting during his stint in Saudi Arabia and instead preparing for his blockbuster clash with Oleksandr Usyk
‘So yeah, definitely unique. And it’s almost like a last show of respect before it’s war time on Friday.’
Also taking part on Friday’s card are Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, on the heels of the New Zealand heavyweight’s victory against Deontay Parker in the city last December, both of whom AJ chatted to – but the 34-year-old swerved a confrontation with one much-discussed future opponent.
‘AJ kept himself to himself, Fury didn’t talk to him,’ Hearn confirmed. ‘He had a chat with Zhang, obviously he’s friendly with Parker.
‘But yeah, (Fury) was causing a little bit of mischief but he was on good form. He was on very good form, and looked well, looked very fit considering now there’s quite a bit of time to the fight, but he seemed very motivated to meet (Oleksandr) Usyk on May 18.’
Also in the room was Hearn’s great rival – and Fury’s promoter – Frank Warren, head of Queensberry Promotions.
But relations have cooled somewhat between the two rivals with the rise of big-money, efficiently organised fights in Saudi Arabia forcing the pair together.
Hearn noted ‘worryingly’ that the pair might now have something close to a friendship.
The 34-year-old and his Cameroonian opponent will meet in ‘Knockout Chaos’ on Friday night
Hearn also shared details on his increasingly warm relationship with rival Frank Warren (left)
‘I better not tell my old man (founder of Matchroom Sport Barry Hearn), they really didn’t get on either, but my dad always said to me, “you’ll really enjoy Frank’s company” and I do.
‘The first thing he said to me when I saw him this week was, “what a win for your boy in New York”. We share a passion for boxing, we love the sport, we love the game, we love the business, we love to win.
‘Although we’re friendly and coming together, the five-v-five (Queensberry vs Matchroom five-fight card) will be vicious out of the ring because we’re desperate to win.
‘I can’t lose to Queensbury and vice versa, so it’s gonna be it’s going to be really competitive and fun, and we’ve got a lot planned for the launch of that massive event.’
Victoria Beckham looked in great spirits as she enjoyed a night out with her girlfriends in Miami on Monday.
The former Spice Girls singer, 49, took to her Instagram Story as she shared a snap with a group of pals enjoying dinner and drinks as they let their hair down on a girls’ night out in the Florida city.
The mother-of-four and her friends were also joined by Harper, 12, with the youngest of the Beckham brood attending the fun evening.
Victoria looked stylish in a black denim jacket as she sat beside her daughter and model Isabel Grutman.
She was also joined by pals Sarah Blundell, Jasmine Hollowday and Mariel.
Victoria Beckham, 49, enjoyed a girls’ night out with daughter Harper, 12, and her pals Mariel, Sarah Blundell, Jasmine Hollowday and Isabel Grutman (L-R) in Miami on Monday
Victoria captioned the post: ‘Girls night out! Kisses from Miami!!!’ (sic)
It seems the fashionista is including Harper in her social occasions more frequently after the 12-year-old also attended a Vogue event with her mother.
The pair enjoyed some quality time together as they joined the women at Vogue magazine for a lunch and talk last week.
Victoria looked sensational for the event as she donned a chic white suit from her upcoming Spring/Summer collection.
Pairing the suit with a simple black leather belt, she and Harper perfectly complemented each other, as her daughter donned an all black floor-length dress.
The youngest of the Beckham brood smiled in the snap with her mum, while Victoria also shared it on her story with the caption: ‘Love u so much #Harper Seven!!!’
She captioned her main post: ‘Special day with #HarperSeven and the #Vogue100 ladies @TheWebster!! Thank you @VogueMagazine, my friends and @lhd!! Kisses from Miami xx
‘I’m wearing my #VBSS24 white suit, coming soon to VictoriaBeckham.com and 36 Dover Street!!’
It seems the fashionista is including Harper in her social occasions more frequently after the 12-year-old also attended a Vogue event together last week (pictured)
The former Spice Girls singer looked sensational as she donned a chic white suit for the event from her Spring Summer collection launching next year
Victoria and husband David have been busy lately after four sixths of the Beckham clan joined former President Barack Obama at a charity event last week.
The couple took their youngest children Cruz, 18, and Harper to meet Obama while throwing their support behind his charity, The Obama Foundation, where they shared sweet snaps from the meeting.
The couple posed for the images alongside the former POTUS alongside gushing captions lauding him for his work with the charity.
David took to Instagram to pen: ‘I was Honoured to spend time with @BarackObama in support of the incredible work the @ObamaFoundation is doing to empower the next generation of leaders around the world…
‘A towering example of grace and humility, it was so inspiring to hear about the innovative projects that are changing young lives and improving communities…
‘Thank you Mr President it was a privilege to hear you speak with such passion and conviction.’
Victoria added: ‘Such an honour to welcome and host @barackobama in support of the incredible work the @obamafoundation is doing to empower the next generation of leaders around the world…
‘Thank you for all that you do to change young lives and improve communities. Thank you Mr President.@Davidbeckham’.
Showbiz royalty met with political royalty on Thursday, when four sixths of the Beckham clan joined former President Barack Obama at a charity event
Red Bull’s majority owner has reportedly sent a family member – dubbed the ‘Thai spy’ – to keep tabs on the Christian Horner scandal and the wider company.
The ‘spy’ has been taking a detailed look at each department after flying in to the company headquarters in Salzburg, as per BILD.
There are fears the Thai ownership could be poised to make sweeping changes as the ruling family have typically been hands-off until now.
Horner and the direct F1 team work from a base in Milton Keynes.
He has been mired in a scandal following accusations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by a female employee ahead of the 2024 season, though an internal investigation cleared him.
Red Bull’s majority owner Chalerm Yoovidhya (right) has ‘sent a spy to Red Bull’s HQ in Austria’
Yoovidhya’s family member ‘spy’ is reportedly taking a detailed look at each department
Hundreds of messages allegedly from Horner – some sexual – were spilled to the media and F1 powerhouses, but Red Bull affirmed he would not be sacked and his accuser has been suspended.
Chalerm Yoovidhya owns 51 per cent of Red Bull and has a staggering personal fortune in the region of £26.3billion, as reported by Forbes last year.
His family are reckoned to be the second-richest in Thailand.
According to BILD, they are ready to assert more dominance over how Red Bull’s F1 operation is run.
Company founder Dietrich Mateschitz, an Austrian billionaire who died in 2022, previously held enormous sway over the team.
Upon his passing, Horner said: ‘He was an incredible man and he loved Formula One. We owe him a great deal as a team.’
With Mateschitz no longer around, the Yoovidhya are reportedly interested in stepping up their involvement, hence the flying visit.
Previously they would just make the occasional visit to races.
The scandal surrounding Horner has been a PR disaster for F1 and many high-up figures have spoken of the need for the situation to be resolved quickly.
Horner, husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, is under enormous pressure at Red Bull amid the ‘sex text’ scandal after a female employee accused him of ‘inappropriate behaviour’
The 50-year-old team principal was exonerated of wrongdoing after a Red Bull investigation and his accuser was suspended, but she has since launched an appeal
The woman at the centre of the Red Bull texting scandal launched an appeal against the company’s findings exonerating Horner last week.
An internal inquiry involving a KC cleared him of wrongdoing last month and he remained in charge for the opening two races of the season.
Horner, husband to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, is also due to be in post for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday.
But he is facing further pressure with news of the appeal, which has been lodged with parent company, Red Bull GmbH, in Salzburg, rather than with the Milton Keynes-based racing team.
The woman, who has been suspended on full pay, has recently changed lawyers – a precursor to her latest legal move.
Reba McEntire Is against Calling Her Kids ‘Stepchildren’ — She Would Fly Home after Concerts to Take Son to School
Apart from her career successes, Reba McEntire is a loving mother who saw her five stepkids as her own. The singer disliked whenever they were called her stepchildren. Simultaneously, she bonded with her only son and would fly from her concert venue to another city to take him to school in the morning.
Reba McEntire, often referred to by her first name, Reba, is a talented powerhouse who has contributed immensely to the country music genre. No wonder she is described as “the Queen of Country.”
Over the years, this amazon has built a successful career thanks to her consistency and passion for music. She has topped billboard charts and sold about seventy million tracks worldwide.
Reba McEntire in Nashville circa 1976. | Source: Getty Images
Interestingly, she is also an actress and owns different businesses, including a clothing line. Reba may be called the “The Queen Of Country,” but she is also the Queen of her life and knows how to control her affairs, particularly motherhood.
The country crooner is a doting mom to her only son and shows nothing but genuine love to her stepkids. Despite her two failed marriages, she maintained a non-toxic relationship with her exes and their kids.
Her motherhood duty is one she holds dearly. Consequently, Reba influenced her son, Shelby Blackstock, who also lives an incredible life, career-wise and personally.
Shelby was the product of her long-term marriage to Narvel Blackstock. Although he did not walk on the same path as his mother in terms of career, he made history in his desired profession.
This shows that the apple did not fall far from the tree. But apart from inheriting his mother’s exceptional work ethic to make a mark, he is also blessed with a mother who values family.
Reba McEntire Meeting Her Stepkids
Reba had always fancied having a close relationship with her family. During her teenage years, she looked out for her sister, Alice. She wanted to matchmake Alice with Charlie Battles, but he later became her first husband.
Amid her busy career, Reba remained humble and loving to her family, including her ex-husband’s kids, Coty and Lance, from Battles’ and Brandon, Chassidy, and Shawna, from Narvel. In 2010, she admitted, “I claim them all.”
Shelby Blackstock and singer Reba McEntire at the 50th annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on November 2, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images
Reba and Battles met in 1971, and according to her autobiographical “Reba: My Story,” it was in the rodeo scene. When she saw him, she quickly mentioned him to her sister.
Following their meeting, Reba began to crush on him. Although he was ten years her senior, a married man with two kids, her feelings remained intact, and when he finally divorced, they proceeded to a courtship.
At the time, Reba was still in college and had barely launched her music career. Still, she carried on with the romance.
Reba McEntire, Narvel Blackstock, and son Shelby Blackstock at the 28th Annual People’s Choice Awards. | Source: Getty Images
In her book, she noted that their relationship should have ended as soon as it began, but it was impossible at the time as she found him impressive.
Battles was reliable in times of need. For example, when she lost her grandfather, he provided a shoulder to lean on. Also, he displayed his protective nature during a confrontation with her ex-boyfriend.
Five years after their first meeting, the duo tied the knot. However, their marriage faced increased tension as time passed, and the once attractive characters became shortcomings.
Reba was formerly excited about her husband’s protective attitude, but it transformed into verbal abuse, and he became controlling, especially as her fame heightened.
Eleven years after their marriage, the singer decided to end it. Instead, she considered following her passion and doing what she felt was best.
At the same time, Reba had become close to Narvel, her newest recruit, after firing her manager. It took some time for the singer to get noticed, so she restructured her band, employing Narvel.
Reba McEntire and husband Narvel Blackstock and their son Shelby at the premiere of “A Walk To Remember” at the Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, Ca. Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2002. | Source: Getty Images
The duo became close but worked professionally for some years before becoming romantically involved. A few months after Reba’s divorce, he also ended his marriage with Elisa Gayle Ritter, the mother of his three kids.
In 1989, Narvel married the singer in a blissful wedding ceremony in Lake Tahoe. The following year, the duo welcomed their only child, Shelby.
Unlike her first marriage, her second was peaceful. They were like minds in the music business and supported each other, making it easier for her career to reach its peak.
With Narvel navigating her career through his management, Reba produced chart-topping songs and her “My Kind of Country” album under MCA Nashville Records that catapulted her to the world stage.
This was barely the beginning; Narvel stirred her towards Hollywood. She complied by featuring in Kevin Bacon’s “Tremors” and later a sitcom bearing her name “Reba.”
The pair continued to record success stories with her studio records, thanks to her supportive manager-husband and open-mindedness.
Producer Narvel Blackstock and Reba McEntire at the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards at AT&T Stadium on April 19, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. | Source: Getty Images
This power couple remained solid until 2015 when they shocked the world with news of their divorce. First, they separated for several months before proceeding with a divorce.
A close friend of the couple mentioned that during the years, they grew apart owing to Reba’s busy schedule.
Sources later confirmed that Narvel pulled the plugs on their marriage. However, despite falling out of love, the former couple maintained their professional relationship.
Reba McEntire Is an Admirable Mom
Amid her busy career, Reba remained humble and loving to her family, including her ex-husband’s kids, Coty and Lance, from Battles’ and Brandon, Chassidy, and Shawna, from Narvel. In 2010, she admitted, “I claim them all.”
Indeed, she has remained supportive and even refers to their kids as her grandkids. However, the country star revealed that she was heartbroken following Brandon’s divorce from pop star Kelly Clarkson.
A source claimed she was “torn” by their separation because she “adores” their kids and Clarkson. The insider added:
“She loved Brandon and Kelly like her own, she refuses to pick sides, but she’s afraid of how contentious it’s getting.”
Although there might have been a few glitches, like Brandon’s nasty divorce battle, all five of her stepkids ultimately have successful careers and personal lives.
Country singer Reba McEntire and her son Shelby in the Broadway musical “Annie Get Your Gun.”| Source: Getty Images
Coty, her first stepchild, was a former wrestler who now resides in his ranch home in Waco, Texas. According to his Facebook page, he is also in a relationship with Amy Huffman.
His younger brother, Lance, has managed to stay away from the spotlight, and nearly nothing is known about his personal life or profession.
Reba’s third stepchild, Shawna, also lives a very private life. Unlike her siblings, Brandon, she refuses to follow in their father’s footsteps and only shares her details with friends and family.
Brandon, a well-known talent manager, is the most famous of the brood. He shares four kids with his ex-wives.
First, he was married to Melissa Ashworth, with whom he shares Seth and Savannah, and later, Clarkson, mother to River Rose and Remington.
The singer’s last stepdaughter, Chassidy, is one of the closest to her. Although she maintains a low-key lifestyle, in the past, she has been spotted next to Reba at different events.
Like his stepbrother, Reba’s only son has a remarkable career. He is a successful race car driver who has competed in top races. Shelby is also a family man who married Marissa Branch in 2022.
During an interview, the couple publicly pledged their commitment to their marriage, noting that they intend to create a legacy despite life’s challenges.
Through his life’s decisions, Shelby honors his mother, who is exceptionally proud of the man her son became. But it was only possible due to his upbringing.
Fame and fortune never got in the way of teaching her son values and preventing him from being spoiled. While recounting her motherhood journey, she shared:
“I’m very proud of him. He’s always trying to improve and do better. His daddy did a great job too…Shelby is a gift from God to me. We’re very close. I was a very self-centered person to a degree before Shelby…there’s a little character who you are given the job to protect and nurture and teach.”
Reba invested time in teaching her son. However, she never allowed him to win when they played a game, except he genuinely earned the victory.
Although she employed nannies, the singer often flew whenever she was away from home to get him to school and pick him up.
Today, mother and son are inseparable. Their story continues to inspire young female celebrities that having a career should not interfere with parenting because time lost can never be regained.
Trevor Bauer will be making his second appearance against an MLB team in this Spring training period
Trevor Bauer (Image via Imago)
With the regular MLB season now less than 10 days away, the pace in the free agency market has picked up. On Monday night Blake Snell became the latest free agent to find a new home. One player who is yet to find a team though is Trevor Bauer.
The former Los Angeles Dodgers star is currently a free agent and is still looking for a team. Despite this, he has pitched this month, something the other free agents have not. Now Bauer is gearing up to face the New York Yankees in an exhibition game this upcoming Sunday.
The 2020 NL Cy Young award winner recently joined the Asian Breeze organization and played a game against his former team. This marked his first pitching appearance on U.S Soil in over three years. Now he will be playing for a Mexican team, Diablos Rojos.
Unlike Asian Breeze, this won’t be his only appearance for the Mexican side. In a statement released on social media, Trevor Bauer informed that he will be playing in five games between April 11 and May 8. These games though will likely not be against MLB teams as the season will be up and running by them.
Related: 2x Cy Young winner Blake Snell agrees MASSIVE two-year, $62 million deal with SF Giants
Will any MLB team sign Trevor Bauer?
Since the sexual assault allegations came to light against him, Trevor Bauer has found himself away from MLB action. Having served his suspension, he is now eligible to play in the league again. The only problem for him now is, no team has shown any genuine interest in him.
Despite the calls from his former teammate Mookie Betts earlier, teams have not come forward and tried to get him on a free. This has led to a question: will any team sign him? Trevor Bauer (Image via IMAGO)
The answer to this huge question lies in the hands of team owners. There could be some team who might want to get him onboard. However, given the allegations against him, teams have been a little hesitant to do so.
Recently, Bauer opened on this and offered himself to teams for free. The 33-year-old is still optimistic that he can be a part of a pitching rotation.
I’ve also agreed to pitch 5 games for the Diablos between April 11 and May 8 in lieu of a traditional spring training period...This will help me stay in game shape and I’ll be able to join a rotation immediately if or when an MLB offer comes.
Trevor Bauer on X.
A strong outing against the Yankees could ignite interest from teams which could attract them to him. It will be interesting to see how he does in this exhibition game on Sunday, March 24th.
With Blake Snell no longer an option, speculations are rising on whether the New York Yankees will sign Jordan Montgomery and bring him back to the Bronx
Jordan Montgomery (L) and Blake Snell (R) [Image via Imago]
Thе Nеw Yоrk Yankееs, a tеam knоwn fоr gоіng aftеr thе bеst рlaуеrs, arе іn a bіt оf a dіffіcult роsіtіоn. Thеe team recently lost out on Blakе Snеll, a player they were looking out in the offseason. This has led to many wondering whether the Bronx Bombers will now purse their former star Jordan Montgomery after this.
Since leaving the team, Montgomery has made a name for himself. He also played a vital part in the Texas Rangers’ Wоrld Sеrіеs winning run last season and is currently thе numbеr оnе startіng ріtchеr that’s avaіlablе fоr tеams tо sіgn. Thе Yankееs wantеd tо sіgn Snеll, but hе dеcіdеd tо jоіn thе San Francіscо Gіants іnstеad.
However, accоrdіng tо Jоn Hеуman of the New York Post, thе Yankееs arеn’t surе іf Mоntgоmеrу wants tо jоіn thеm.
The Yankees will continue to pursue starting pitching but their options are limited, particularly since they are even less confident Jordan Montgomery, the top remaining free agent, is interested in returning to The Bronx.
Jon Heyman on Jordan Montgomery coming back to the Yankees via NY Post.
This leaves the Yankееs in a dire situation and the injury to ace pitcher Gerrit Cole, further increases the pressure on the New York outfit. The other options the team could look out for are Michael Lorenzen and Mike Clevenger, who just like Montgomery are still unsigned.
Thеrе arе sеvеral tеams that arе іntеrеstеd іn sіgnіng Jоrdan Mоntgоmеrу. Thе Tехas Rangеrs, whеrе Mоntgоmеrу рlaуеd last уеar, mіght want hіm back іf thе рrіcе іs rіght. But Chrіs Yоung, thе gеnеral managеr оf thе Rangеrs, has saіd that thеу’rе nоt рlannіng оn sіgnіng anу bіg рlaуеrs bеfоrе thе start оf thе sеasоn. Jordan Montgomery (Image via Imago)
Thе Lоs Angеlеs Angеls arе anоthеr tеam that mіght want tо sіgn Mоntgоmеrу. Thеу didn’t managе tо kеер Shоhеі Ohtanі, thіs оffsеasоn and are still looking for a suitable replacement. However, Artе Mоrеnо, thе оwnеr оf thе Angеls, has saіd that hе’s рlannіng оn sреndіng lеss mоnеу оn рlaуеrs fоr thе uрcоmіng sеasоn. Thіs would also makе іt hard fоr Montgomery to sign with them.
Other teams that are reportedly interested in him are Bоstоn Rеd Sох, thе San Francіscо Gіants, and thе Chіcagо Cubs. However, with the Giants landing Snell, they will likely pull out of this.
Sоmе experts believe thе Rеd Sох arе thе mоst lіkеlу tеam tо sіgn Mоntgоmеrу. Meeting the demands of him could be the only obstacle the Boston side may face. As thе 2024 MLB sеasоn gеts clоsеr, іt wіll bе іntеrеstіng tо sее whіch tеam Mоntgоmеrу dеcіdеs tо jоіn in the end.
Guenther Steiner hopes Red Bull ‘put an end’ to the row engulfing Christian Horner, with the team principal’s ‘sex texts’ scandal overshadowing the start of the Formula One season.
Red Bull team boss Horner was accused of ‘coercive behaviour’ by an unnamed female employee before he was cleared by a lawyer hired by the motorsports team to investigate.
However, the woman has since launched an appeal against the outcome after she was suspended by the team for giving ‘dishonest’ evidence.
The Formula One circus is rolling into Melbourne this weekend for the third race of the season but Horner’s off-track drama remains the topic of conversation, and former Haas boss Steiner hopes that the saga will end soon.
Guenther Steiner hopes there is an ‘end’ to the Christian Horner scandal soon
Horner (right) has been under the spotlight amid a ‘sex texts’ scandal
Reflecting on the mood inside Red Bull, he told ABC Sport: ‘In the higher ranks of the company, there will be… some people rethinking what they want to do,’ he said.
‘I hope that for the sake of Formula One … they put an end to it … and we move on.’
Steiner has picked up work as a television commentator since being relieved of his duties by Haas over the off-season, and will be in the paddock for the Albert Park race this weekend.
He is taking his time away from the cut and thrust of the sport to consider his next move.
‘I don’t know if I want to be back as a team principal,’ he admitted.
‘Maybe setting up a new team, for the new era of Formula One … that could be an opportunity.’
Trevor Bauer (Image via IMAGO)
Jordan Montgomery (Image via Imago)
