Sports
Boxing: AJ Takes On Wallin
Anthony Joshua, the British-Nigerian boxer, is set to confront Otto Wallin in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday (today).
A victory could serve as the crucial element in Joshua’s comeback journey, paving the way for a high-stakes match against his long-standing rival Deontay Wilder or a chance to contend for a vacant world title.
However, a loss to Wallin would derail these aspirations.
Although a rematch option exists, it wouldn’t signal the end of Joshua’s career, but even his staunchest supporters might find it challenging to defend his position.
Recent victories, such as a points win against durable American Franklin and a less impressive one-punch knockout against Helenius, though credible, might not appear overly impressive on the surface.
Context is vital, and there are positive aspects to glean from both victories, especially regarding the time spent competing in the ring.
Joshua’s commitment to his pledge of participating in three fights in 2023 is noteworthy.
Maintaining such an active schedule, particularly for a heavyweight of his caliber, is uncommon.
The last time he achieved this frequency in a single calendar year was back in 2016.
He said “the reason I’m staying active is because everything else in my life has to come second and fighting has to come first.”
Given the stakes after consecutive defeats, Joshua’s cautious approach against Franklin might be understandable.
However, facing the 6ft 6in Helenius presented a different challenge, with Joshua initially facing boos at London’s O2 Arena.
Eventually, he shed the weight of expectations and secured his first stoppage win in nearly three years.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter, adds, “By the end of 2023, he’ll have accumulated three wins in 12 months against respectable opponents. He can sit down for Christmas dinner content with his year.”
Ahead of their Euro 2024 quarter-final match against Switzerland, England faces a significant disciplinary dilemma.
Five players—Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo, Kieran Trippier, and Conor Gallagher—are on the verge of suspension, each having received one yellow card during the tournament.
If any of these players should be booked again during the match, they would be suspended from the semi-final, should England advance.
Adding to England’s challenges, manager Gareth Southgate will be without Marc Guehi, who is suspended after receiving his second yellow card in the match against Slovakia.
Despite these setbacks, England secured their place in the quarter-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Slovakia on Sunday, highlighted by Jude Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick and Harry Kane’s late header.
Gareth Southgate’s team, pre-tournament favorites, has had a mixed campaign so far. They began with a nervy victory over Serbia and then drew with Denmark and Slovenia, yet managed to top Group C and move into the easier side of the draw.
Now, they face Switzerland, who eliminated European champions Italy, in what will be their toughest test yet.
The quarter-final match against Switzerland will take place in Düsseldorf on Saturday. If England succeeds, they will face either the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals.
However, the potential suspensions of Bellingham, Foden, Mainoo, Trippier, and Gallagher loom large over the match.
Euro 2024 is set to enter its gripping quarter-final phase, featuring a clash of football titans from across the continent.
Following the conclusion of the round of 16, the stage is now set for an exhilarating lineup of matches.
See fixtures below:
Friday
Spain vs Germany at Stuttgart (1600)
Portugal vs France at Hamburg (1900)
Saturday
England vs Switzerland at Duesseldorf (1600)
Netherlands vs Turkey at Berlin (1900)
Football aficionados can anticipate thrilling encounters as these powerhouse teams vie for supremacy and a chance to advance to the prestigious semi-finals of Euro 2024.
The Netherlands clinched their first Euro quarter-final since 2008 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Romania in the last-16 match on Tuesday.
Donyell Malen starred with a brace, supported by Cody Gakpo’s opener in the first half.
Despite squandering numerous chances, the Dutch sealed their win as Gakpo set up Malen for the second goal before Malen dazzled with a spectacular solo effort in stoppage time.
Their next challenge awaits against either Turkey or Austria in the quarter-finals.
More to follow………….
Nationwide Protest Looms As Nigerians Call For Tinubu’s Resignation
Uproar As Angry Nigerians Ignite ‘#TinubuMustGo’ Campaign On Social Media
Judiciary Under Fire After Reinstating Pro-Wike Lawmakers
LP Drops, Regrets Naming Mike Igini In Electoral Reform Committee
Nigeria Secures Bid To Host African Energy Bank Headquarters
Shuaibu Applauds Downfall Of Edo PDP
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Adeosun: We are investing in infrastructure to grow the private sector
Shell launches Nigeria campaign on energy efficiency
