British boxing star Anthony Joshua has vowed to get his passion back after losing the WBA, IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles to Andy Ruiz Jr on 1 June.
Joshua told Sky Sports: “I feel strong enough and I feel I can correct my wrongs. I need to be around as many boxing people as possible because right now I need to soak in the experience and knowledge - and get that passion back.”
The duo are expected to have a rematch later this year. Joshua would love the fight to be held in Cardiff but is willing to go to a neutral location.
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“I’m going to battle for it to be in the UK, because it’s my stomping ground,” said Joshua. “I done one out there, so let’s do the rematch here. I think it will be amazing before the year is out and I’ll definitely be having a lovely new years with my family.”
2. Rooney: I will be a player first
It was confirmed yesterday that former England captain Wayne Rooney will join Championship club Derby County as a player-coach in January. The 33-year-old, who currently plays for Major League Soccer side DC United, said: “I feel I have a lot of quality I can bring to the squad so, first and foremost, I want to play and help the team.”
3. Archer in the wickets
Fast bowler Jofra Archer has handed England an Ashes boost after proving his fitness. He took 6-27 for the Sussex second XI against Gloucestershire and also scored a century with the bat. With Jimmy Anderson ruled out of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, Archer is expected to make his Test debut. England will be aiming to level the series after losing to Australia at Edgbaston.
4. Te’o and Brown left out of England squad
England rugby head coach Eddie Jones has named a 33-man squad for Sunday’s clash against Wales at Twickenham - but there’s no place for centre Ben Te’o or full-back Mike Brown. On Monday Jones will confirm his 31-man squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
5. Gooners slam Koscielny video
Laurent Koscielny has tarnished his Arsenal legacy after announcing his arrival at Bordeaux with a crass and classless video posted on Twitter. Gunners legend Ian Wright said: “This hurts. The level of disrespect... You should be ashamed for the way you’ve left the club after 9 years! Got what you wanted and still trying to have a dig... Hope it’s worth it in the long run.”
Pakistan will not renew the contract of head coach Mickey Arthur. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani said: “It was time for new leadership. The PCB remains committed to its fans and followers and we will do our utmost to ensure we make decisions that continue to move Pakistan cricket forward in all formats.” South African Arthur, 51, has been touted to take over from Trevor Bayliss as England head coach.
7. Chelsea apologise for ‘unchallenged’ sex abuse
Chelsea have apologised “unreservedly” after a report found that young players were targeted for years by a “prolific and manipulative sexual abuser” who was able to operate “unchallenged”. Drawing on the testimony of 23 witnesses, the report details how former chief scout Eddie Heath groomed and abused young boys aged between ten and 17 in the 1970s. Heath died in 1983. The report found that some adults at Chelsea must have been aware of Heath’s abuse but “turned a blind eye”.
8. WSL games to be shown for free
The English Football Association (FA) has announced that all matches in the 2019-20 Barclays FA Women’s Super League (WSL) season will be shown live and for free. Coverage of 132 WSL games will be broadcast on The FA Player, which will be launched on 2 September.
9. Ozil to move Stateside?
Arsenal star Mesut Ozil could be set for a New Year move to the United States as DC United’s replacement for Wayne Rooney. Former England striker Rooney is joining Derby County in January as player-coach and Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit DC United are now looking for a big name to fill his shoes in time for the start of the new season in March. It’s reported that Ozil’s representatives are to have “exploratory talks” with DC United next week over a move, which has the blessing of Arsenal.
The Sun reports that Tottenham are planning a last-gasp “hot splurge” ahead of tomorrow’s transfer deadline with moves for Paulo Dybala and Philippe Coutinho. Spurs have gone deadline-day crazy as they target a £65m-£70m deal for Juventus forward Dybala and a loan move for Barcelona playmaker Coutinho.
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