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Slow motion footage of Anthony Joshua‘s knockout against Francis Ngannou has emerged, showing the impressive power of the Brit in his victory on Friday night.

Joshua knocked down the former UFC champion three times in the first two rounds.

Ngannou was knocked down for the first time in his career with less than a minute to go in round one before AJ capitalised to put him onto the canvas twice in the second round.

The third time, Ngannou couldn’t get up as Joshua secured his fourth consecutive win following back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua’s brilliant knockout looks even more special in slow motion, with new footage emerging showing just how brutal the punch was that finished Ngannou on Friday night.

Joshua knocked down the former UFC champion three times in the first two rounds

Fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to discuss AJ’s knockout, and some sent a warning to Tyson Fury ahead of a potential all-British bout.

‘Tyson Fury ain’t beating this Anthony Joshua,’ wrote Nathan Armstrong.

CFC Mod shared the sentiment, saying: ‘Anthony Joshua > Tyson Fury.

‘No one can convince me otherwise, the best heavyweight boxer in the world.’

Fans took to X to react to Joshua’s brutal knockout

Speaking after the fight, AJ spoke on his previous losses before looking to the future as he said: ‘You realise how much your life changes when you lose.

‘When you win, it’s on to the next, innit? I’m not even buzzing about the win. On to the next, go.

‘If I was the old AJ, it would have been just strength vs strength. It would have taken years out of my career.

‘Fury, Usky, if they want me they can come knocking at my door.’

It is expected that the winner of Fury’s bout with Usyk will take on Joshua.

Tyson Fury‘s immediate reaction to Anthony Joshua‘s knockout on Francis Ngannou in the second round has gone viral after Friday night’s fight.

Fury was sat ringside alongside his wife Paris and promoter Frank Warren as AJ took to the ring to face Fury’s former foe Ngannou.

While Ngannou looked impressive against Fury, Joshua made light work of the former UFC champion, knocking him down three times inside two rounds.

The thid knockdown finished Ngannou, who couldn’t get up, as AJ claimed the victory.

Fury, sat ringside, couldn’t help but applaud Joshua after his right hook sent Ngannou to the ground with no response.

Anthony Joshua knocked out Francis Ngannou in the second round in Saudi Arabia

Tyson Fury (left) watched on ringside and his reaction to the knockout has gone viral

Fans have taken to social media to discuss Fury’s immediate reaction to the knockout, with some suggesting that he was shocked by the punch.

‘Tyson fury shocked after that knockout punch by AJ,’ one user wrote. ‘He was stunned and had to applaud Antony Joshua.’

Speaking after the brutal knockout, Fury gave credit to Joshua as he said: ‘I had a s*** performance against Ngannou. AJ did absolutely fantastic and lit him up with a right hand.’

However, the Gypsy King predicts that he will still beat his fellow Brit if they are to fight.

‘If he fights me after I beat Usyk twice then it will be a different game,’ he finalised.

While Fury showed his class by applauding the knockout, Joshua wasted no time in calling out his him out.

‘When you win, it’s on to the next, innit? I’m not even buzzing about the win. On to the next, go,’ said Joshua after the fight.

‘If I was the old AJ, it would have been just strength vs strength. It would have taken years out of my career.

‘Fury, Usky, if they want me they can come knocking at my door.’

It is expected that the winner of Fury’s bout with Oleksandr Usyk will take on Joshua in the future.

Carl Frampton has lauded Anthony Joshua for the devastating right-handed hook that knocked Francis Ngannou out on Friday night and believes it may have scared heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

It was only the second time the former UFC heavyweight champion had stepped into the ring for a professional boxing bout, after startling Tyson Fury back in October.

But he was outclassed by the British fighter, who knocked him to the canvas three times in the first two rounds before claiming the win with a brutal punch.

Joshua will now look to set up a bout against Fury, who is due to take on the Ukrainian in a battle to become undisupted champion, but former boxer Frampton believes the British fighter’s display on Friday will have shocked the some in the heavyweight division.

‘Even Usyk who beat AJ twice is looking at that and saying, “f*** me,”‘ Frampton, who held world championships across two weight classes, wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Anthony Joshua produced a stunning knockout victory against Francis Ngannou within two rounds

Carl Frampton took to social media to laud Joshua for his brutal knockout punch on Ngannou

He claimed heavyweight champion, Usyk, who beat Joshua twice, would be shaken watching that punch back

He wasn’t the only one lauding the 34-year-old’s power, though, with fans on social media noticing Joshua had been practicing the same punch that knocked Ngannou out during his warm up.

‘I didn’t see that coming. Exactly what he showed in the dressing room. Congrats AJ! Too easy!’

‘AJ was practicing that exact shot time and time again in the dressing room. Game plan played to perfection’ another wrote.

Fury, meanwhile, looked shell-shocked after Joshua delivered his knockout blow.

The WBC heavyweight champion has been embroiled in a war of words with Ngannou this week, following a heated press conference that saw the former UFC heavyweight champion tell Fury that ‘boxing was protecting him’.

‘Respect the fact that boxings protecting you us and the rules of Boston is protecting us, because without that, we are nothing front of me,’ he said, evoking a heated response from Fury.

But Fury cut a solemn figure after Joshua devastatingly knocked Ngannou to the canvas, before the British fighter claimed he should be WBC Champion instead of the Gypsy King.

Frampton wrote: ”Even Usyk who beat AJ twice is looking at that and saying, “f*** me,”‘

The Gypsy King looked deep in thought as he watched what just happened inside the ring

Joshua said: ‘Francis Ngannou beat the WBC heavyweight champion of the world. I should be WBC heavyweight champion of the world right now! He’s a great fighter’.

READ MORE: Anthony Joshua claims he ‘should be WBC heavyweight champion of the world’ after his stunning victory over Francis Ngannou… as ‘AJ’ claims ex-UFC star BEAT title holder Tyson Fury when they fought back in October

Fury, meanwhile, lauded his compatriot for the sensational victory, with Ngannou seeming to stay on the floor for a short while with doctors arriving in the ring to offer treatment.

Speaking after the knockout, Fury gave credited Joshua, saying: ‘I had a s*** performance against Ngannou. AJ did absolutely fantastic and lit him up with a right hand.’

Could Joshua now have a shot to win his belts back? Much speculation has revolved around who he could fight next – with Fury now being heavily touted to take on Joshua in the ring.

That could depend on whether he can beat Usyk in May, with the Gypsy King set to challenge to become undisputed champion, who took AJ’s belts after beating the former IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO champion in 2021 and again in 2022.

Despite that, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn hinted that Fury was next on his list.

Anthony Joshua has claimed that he ‘should be the WBC heavyweight champion of the world’

Joshua said: ‘Francis Ngannou beat the WBC heavyweight champion of the world. I should be WBC heavyweight champion’

‘I’m so proud of him because there was a huge amount of pressure.’ Hearn said on DAZN.

‘If we won this fight then he would fight the winner of Fury v Usyk. You’re looking at the number one heavyweight in the world.

‘Tyson Fury please beat Usyk because you will get the biggest fight in the history of the sport. As a fighter, he’s an inspiration to young people.

‘What I said would happen, happened. He destroyed Francis Ngannou. He’s a beast and I cannot wait for him to beat Tyson Fury.’

Anthony Joshua mocked Francis Ngannou on social media following his brutal knockout victory on Saturday night.

The Brit dominated the ‘Knockout Chaos’ main event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, flooring his opponent twice before delivering a savage KO that left the MMA star requiring oxygen.

Many had thought the fight was going to be too close to call on the back of Ngannou’s debut in the sport, when he came close to defeating world champion Tyson Fury, but he didn’t get a sniff as Joshua looked back to his best.

AJ has now surely set up a world title bout against the winner of Tyson Fury’s undisputed fight against Oleksandr Usyk this spring, which would see him get the chance to become a three-time world champion.

Joshua was humble in his victory, praising Ngannou and telling him to remain in the sport, but took a dig on social media as he celebrated his victory.

Anthony Joshua mocked Francis Ngannou on social media following his statement victory

Joshua (right) produced a stunning KO victory over Ngannou (left) in their highly-anticipated bout on Friday

The British star sent Ngannou crashing to the canvas on three occasions, inside two rounds, during the heavyweight clash

He shared a video of his knockout punch on his accounts, boasting his victory to his 16.3million Instagram followers, 3.2m X followers and his 7.4m Facebook followers.

The post was captioned: ‘Predator to prey,’ with ‘predator’ crossed out, in reference to Ngannou’s nickname.

He did, however, also pay tribute to his opponent, sharing a selfie of the two captioned: ‘Respect my guy (handshake emoji). African giants (world emoji).’

Joshua had maintained a focused approach throughout fight week, looking laid back and convinced he was on his way to victory in the bout.

He delivered on his promise, and praised his opponent post-fight, but delivered another bizarre post-event monologue on the microphone following victory.

He did pay tribute to the MMA star in the ring after the bout, telling him to stay in boxing

He also shared a snap of the pair online, branding both men ‘African giants’ and paying ‘respect’

Inside the ring, Joshua said: ‘It is what it is. What I was saying, en route to the championship, you should stay focused. I stepped aside from the mission, I thought it was for the broadcasters for entertainment.

‘But I saw him against Fury and thought, “damn, he can fight”. We welcomed him, he’s a great champion. It doesn’t take away from his capability. He can come again, I told him he can stay in boxing. It’s up to him.

‘The Ben Davison performance centre [is the reason for my improvement]. I’m hungry, stay hungry and all that good stuff. I don’t know [if I’m coming into my peak], it only takes one shot, if that was me, you’d be saying, ‘”Joshua should retire”.’

Tyson Fury has claimed his fight with Oleksandr Usyk is ‘real boxing’ in a put down to Anthony Joshua despite struggling to beat Francis Ngannou last October.

Fury was ringside in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday night to watch Joshua knockout the former UFC champion within two rounds.

Joshua’s impressive showing came just months after Fury had previously beaten Ngannou but only after being pushed the distance by the Cameroonian and floored in the process against the boxing newbie.

 

However, the Gypsy King was quick to brush off Joshua’s win to claim ‘real boxing’ will take in May when he goes head-to-head with Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship.

He said via talkSPORT’s Michael Benson: ‘Me and Oleksandr Usyk have got an undisputed heavyweight world title fight coming up, and he’s just had a show fight – which is fantastic for the show, but for the actual real boxing it’s me and Usyk who fight for the #1 position and undisputed.’

Tyson Fury has claimed his fight with Usyk is ‘real boxing’ in a put down to Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua saw off Francis Ngannou in just two rounds with an explosive knockout

In Friday’s fight, Joshua looked comfortable from the opening bell, with the pair cautiously exchanging jabs in the early going.

Ngannou had enjoyed success in both stances against Fury in October but was promptly punished for switching southpaw as Joshua floored him with a straight right.

The 37-year-old recovered to reach the second round but any attempt to ease his way back into the action would swiftly be stifled as AJ again send him crashing to the canvas.

This time it was clear Ngannou was dazed and immediately after rising to his feet Joshua landed an inch-perfect right hand that left him crashing back down.

Commenting on Joshua’s victory, Fury told DAZN: ‘I’m sure Oleksandr Usyk will have something to say something about that.

Joshua’s win came just months after Fury had struggled against the same opponent

‘I had a s*** performance against Ngannou. AJ did absolutely fantastic and lit him up with a right hand.

Fury continued to explain that he needs to beat Usyk twice before fighting Joshua, adding: ‘If he fights me after I beat Usyk twice then it will be a different game.’

Meanwhile, promoter Eddie Hearn Eddie Hearn begged Fury to beat Usyk to make the ‘biggest fight in the history of the sport’

In the superhero domain, few names echo as strongly as Superman.

Behind the iconic cape, Henry Cavill commands attention. Renowned for his portrayal of the Man of Steel, the 40-year-old grasps that, for Superman, public scrutiny rivals Kryptonite’s potency.

In an industry blending fame and fandom, Cavill strikes a delicate balance as a cinematic superhero. He adeptly acknowledged both the immense perks and potential pitfalls.

Henry Cavill Acknowledged A Peril More Lethal To Superman Than Kryptonite

Man of Steel star, Henry Cavill

In embodying the iconic Superman, Henry Cavill wisely recognized a danger surpassing the notorious Kryptonite. He delved into a world where threats extended beyond mere physical vulnerabilities.

The narrative unfolded in Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, suggesting that all Batman needed to defeat Superman was a mirror.

The on-screen Superman sheds light on the Man of Steel’s internal struggles. According to him, Superman’s morality and inner conflicts positioned him as his formidable adversary. Cavill shared with The Guardian,

“People think Kryptonite can beat him. No. The only thing that can really beat Superman is Superman. His own noggin messing with him. His own moral choices. When you have that to start with, the storytelling can delve into something rich.”

Expressing gratitude for the role, Cavill’s enthusiasm echoed in his remarks,

“Come on, it’s Superman! You can’t be pissed off at the idea of playing Superman for the rest of your life.”
With a touch of humor, he quipped, “Oh sorry, I’m just the grandaddy of all superheroes. It’s such a pain.”

Unlike the fictional substance-threatening Superman, the peril here was real and nuanced, the unrelenting gaze of public expectation. Cavill’s recognition of this subtler threat added complexity to the challenges faced by those portraying superheroes.

However, the actor also unveiled the dual nature of being Superman: a blessing and a curse.

Henry Cavill Discussed The Dual Nature Of Being Superman: Both Blessing And Curse

Henry Cavill as Superman

In a candid discussion, the Justice League performer explored the intricate balance of portraying Superman. A superhero who is both a blessing and a curse.

The dichotomy surfaced as he shared the upsides and downsides of donning the iconic cape. Cavill acknowledged the blessing, of more attention, yet accompanied by the curse of maintaining a superhero physique at all times, even off-camera.

He revealed in the same interview, “There’s a blessing in being Superman. You get more attention.”

However, he humorously highlighted the curse, stating,
“You get more attention. But there’s also a curse, which is that you’d better fucking look like Superman any time you need to get your kit off.”
Cavill’s reflections uncovered the nuanced reality of embodying a cinematic superhero. Where the thrill of the role intertwines with the weight of public expectations.

By embracing both dimensions, Cavill offered a revealing glimpse into the intricate dynamics of portraying one of pop culture’s most revered characters.

Thanks for your feedback!

Words by: Catherine Lewis

Since Disney’s acquisition of Fox in 2019, which gave Marvel their access back to the X-Men characters after selling the rights back in the 90s, fans have all been eagerly anticipating the announcement of Marvel’s “first” X-Men project, which will likely see new iterations of fan favourite characters gracing our screens.

While we’re still yet to hear anything official, you can always rely on the fanbase to produce the stuff of dreams, simultaneously scratching that itch but also leaving us all craving more of that juicy content. Well, this incredible fan creation is no exception.

Over on Instagram, a fan artist who goes by the username britedit has mocked up an amazing image of what it’d look like if we had the Man of Steel, Henry Cavill, take on the role of Cyclops.

It’s been a hot topic of discussion lately amongst fans, who’ve been debating over which character the actor would be most suited for, with favourites being Wolverine or the beam-shooting mutant himself, but this artwork surely has the potential to bring more people over to Team Cyclops.

While we’re all here thinking about Henry, let’s take a look at some behind the scenes of his other project, Netflix’s The Witcher.

The artist has produced two equally stellar versions of the hero – one kitted out in Cyclops’ iconic full body suit, and another with his hair out, as a throwback to his 90s costume, while also being more recognisable as the mutant we know from the movies. Both edits are super realistic, and you could be forgiven for thinking that they were actually leaked photos of the actor from an upcoming film.

Of course, other Instagram users are blown away with the work. “Wow… Never thought about him as Cyclops but that would be incredible! Because he’ll have part of his face always covered, so you wouldn’t just see Superman! That’s great,” wrote griemreaper. “Perfect casting choice! Great stuff!” added johnlv1127.

For now, there’s still nothing confirmed about who we might see cast as Cyclops going forward. Based on Tye Sheridan’s comments on his potential recasting last year, it seems quite unlikely that he’ll be staying in the role, as he’s happy to see a new actor take on the character.

It’s even been rumoured lately that Henry Cavill has met with Marvel over a new role, so perhaps this mockup is closer to reality than we might know. Regardless, I think we can all agree that no matter the casting choices, none of us can wait for some new X-Men content in our lives.

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.

The New York Yankees’ spring of good vibes is quickly turning into a bad dream.

Star slugger Aaron Judge told reporters in Tampa that he had an MRI on his abs Monday — a day after manager Aaron Boone said ace Gerrit Cole would have the same test on his pitching elbow.

Judge said that while he still hopes to play on Opening Day, “there’s no real need to push it,” and he won’t swing a bat until later in the week, according to MLB.com.

On Monday, Boone said that Judge would likely be in Wednesday’s lineup. That clearly doesn’t seem to be the case now.

Judge was pulled after just two at-bats in Sunday’s game. He appeared to wince after taking a swing in his second at-bat. After that game, Boone said that it had been planned that Judge would only take two at-bats. On Monday, Boone described Judge as simply “mid-spring beat up.”

Judge has only had 14 at-bats this spring, hitting .143.

Judge missed two months last season after tearing a ligament in his right big toe crashing into a wall at Dodger Stadium, an injury that virtually tanked the Yankees’ playoff hopes. He has had issues with his midsection in the past, suffering a Grade 2 right oblique strain in Sepember 2016, ending his season. In 2019, he dealt with a left oblique strain that held him out two months.

As for Cole, the Yankees haven’t revealed the results of his MRI and Boone said the Yankees may not reveal them until Wednesday. Boone said that the right-hander and 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner was having difficulty recovering between throwing sessions this spring. He’s started just one spring training game and the rest of his work has come in live batting practices.

How concerned should New York be?

The Yankees can’t afford to lose Judge or Cole for any significant amount of time. While it appears Judge’s MRI turned out OK — considering he says he’ll begin swinging again soon — the fact that his status for the start of the season is in question has to worry the Yankees.

Opening Day is in Houston on March 28.

The addition of star Juan Soto would soften the blow of losing Judge. But the Yankees had been envisioning putting Judge behind Soto in the lineup for at least 150 games this year. Plus, the rest of the Yankees’ lineup if dotted with question marks. Can DJ LeMahieu and Giancarlo Stanton stay healthy and return to the MVP-caliber versions of themselves? Can Anthony Rizzo shake off the concussion that marred his 2023 campaign? Can Anthony Volpe improve at the plate in his second year in the majors? Will Alex Verdugo be able to handle the spacious left field at Yankee Stadium while performing in his walk year?

If Judge must miss time, the Yankees would likely slide Trent Grisham into center field full-time until Judge can return. The lefty-hitting Grisham is considered one of the best defensive center fielders in the game but his offensive production has tailed off with a combined 84 OPS+ over his previous two seasons, both with the San Diego Padres.