Dillon Danis hits Logan Paul in the head with microphone as face-off descends into chaos
Dillon Danis struck Logan Paul in the head with a microphone during their pre-fight face-off on Thursday, as their press conference descended into chaos. Danis and Paul are due to box one another at Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday (14 October), on the undercard of KSI’s fight with Tommy Fury. For weeks there has been speculation that Danis vs Paul will not take place, however, with many fans believing that the Americans’ bitter feud will eventually see one of them derail the fight. Those fears were only heightened on Thursday, as the KSI vs Fury and Paul vs Danis press conference ended with Danis attacking Paul, after the YouTube star threw a small item at the jiu-jitsu champion’s leg. Security then held back both men. The build to their fight has been unsavoury, with Danis, 30, repeatedly taking aim at Paul’s fiancee, Nina Agdal. On social media, Danis has posted numerous photos and clips of the Danish model with various men, leading Agdal to be granted a temporary restraining order in September. Paul, 28, rose to fame on YouTube before crossing into boxing, WWE and business, launching the Prime energy drink company with KSI last year – having previously boxed the British YouTuber. Meanwhile, Danis is best known as a former teammate of UFC icon Conor McGregor, though he has his own in-ring experience in mixed martial arts and won gold at the 2016 Pan Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi championship. However, Danis has not fought in MMA in four years, and he only has two professional bouts to his name. He was famously on the receiving end of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s post-fight attack in 2018, when the Russian jumped out of the Octagon and leapt into the crowd, moments after submitting McGregor to retain the UFC lightweight belt. Danis has never competed in the boxing ring before, having withdrawn from a scheduled bout against KSI in January, citing a lack of training. Despite his black-belt prowess, Danis was filmed getting caught in a choke by a bouncer in 2021, though the fighter did have a significant injury at the time. Earlier on Thursday, KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji) was filmed seemingly spitting at John Fury, father of his opponent Tommy – who is the half-brother of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson. Later, while KSI and Tommy Fury were facing off with one another, John began to punch and headbutt the glass divider between the opponents. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Tommy Fury posts nine-week body transformation as he goads fight rival KSI Who is the back-up fighter for Logan Paul vs Dillon Danis? KSI vs Tommy Fury card featuring Logan Paul vs Dillon Danis Who is Dillon Danis? What time does Logan Paul vs Dillon Danis start this weekend? How to watch Logan Paul vs Dillon Danis online and on TV this weekend
2023-10-13 03:47
WSL and Women’s Championship poised to break away from FA
The Women’s Super League and Championship are preparing to break free from the Football Association after the top two tiers unanimously agreed to be governed by a new, independent body from next season. Former Nike and Citigroup executive Nikki Doucet has been appointed to lead the organisation, NewCo, effective immediately, and will oversee plans for all 24 clubs to move into the new governance structure ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. Each club who participates in the WSL and Championship will act as shareholders under the NewCo model, which has long been in the works and is seen as an important step in growing what an independent review concluded this summer has potential to become a billion-pound domestic women’s football industry within 10 years. Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, said: “The women’s professional game is in the strongest place that it has ever been thanks to the hard work of everybody involved in its development so far, but we firmly believe that the NewCo will take it to another level entirely. “Each of our 24 clubs and the league itself wants the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship to be setting the standards for women’s football around the world, and this venture into a new governing body is the next step in us achieving that ambition. “This is a historical moment for the women’s professional game in this country, and it is a move that will see our clubs and players make even bigger strides both on and off the pitch.” Former England international Karen Carney led the independent review into the women’s game, commissioned by the government in 2022, concluding in July that “women’s football is a start-up business.” “If you’re starting something you have to have an influx of money. In 10 years’ time I really do believe this sport could be a billion-pound industry,” she said. This is a historical moment for the women’s professional game in this country, and it is a move that will see our clubs and players make even bigger strides both on and off the pitch Baroness Sue Campbell NewCo, a restructure of power similar to the Premier League’s 20-club governance model, is viewed by many as a critical next phase in the commercial growth of the English women’s game. A working group chaired by Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham, with Doucet serving as an independent consultant, led on developing the proposal for NewCo and involved 10 representatives from WSL and Championship clubs including Crystal Palace chair Steve Parish and Patrick Stewart, who earlier this month was appointed interim chief at Manchester United. Venkatesham added: “This is a pivotal moment in the history of the women’s professional game, as we look to work together to build the most distinctive, competitive and entertaining women’s football club competition in the world. “Setting up NewCo provides the opportunity to accelerate the sustainable growth of the women’s game and will not only support the development of the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, but the entirety of the women’s football pyramid. “It has been a constructive and collective effort to get to this stage, and Nikki’s appointment encapsulates the ambition we have for NewCo. With her vision for women’s football, the future is incredibly bright.” Asked for her thoughts on the news, England forward Beth Mead told a press conference: “We want the game to move to a new level and keep pushing it forward and I think although the FA has done an amazing job over so many years, it was time to let go of those stabilisers and let somebody else take over. “Hopefully in the long run that can help us push the game and the leagues to the next level and ultimately that’s what we want to keep doing. I think the sky’s the limit and we have to keep pushing it there.” Read More Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink wants aspiring black managers to get ‘a fair chance’ ECB boss admits challenges remain for cricket after positive impact report England’s Zach Mercer installs oxygen chamber at home to combat ankle injury Tom Daley targets Paris 2024 in return to British Swimming’s World Class Programme Former Sheffield United and Everton defender Phil Jagielka announces retirement Bruno Fernandes excited for ‘amazing’ atmosphere at Galatasaray
2023-11-29 02:49
Messi's 2022 World Cup jerseys to go up for auction
A set of six jerseys that Lionel Messi wore during Argentina's victorious 2022 World Cup run will be auctioned in December, Sotheby's announced Monday, estimating...
2023-11-20 21:29
Barcelona Atletic coach names player who could step up to first-team
Barcelona Atletic coach Rafael Marquez has named teenage centre-back Mikayil Faye as a B team player who is ready to help the first-team amid the growing number of injuries.
2023-10-16 17:48
Roberto Firmino explains why he is leaving Liverpool
Roberto Firmino has revealed the reason why he will leave Liverpool on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer.
2023-05-20 16:20
Steelers coach puts even more pressure on George Pickens second season
The Pittsburgh Steelers have found another quality wide receiver. However, someone feels that George Pickens can up his game after a solid rookie season.Pickens finished third on the team in receptions behind fellow wide receiver Diontae Johnson (86) and second-year tight end Pat Freiermuth (63)...
2023-06-16 04:24
Erik ten Hag backs under-fire Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has insisted he has full confidence in Andre Onana and said there would be nothing to be gained from taking his under-fire goalkeeper out of the spotlight. Onana’s form is once again under scrutiny after the Cameroon goalkeeper was culpable for two of Galatasaray’s goals in Wednesday’s costly 3-3 draw in Istanbul, as United surrendered a two-goal advantage to leave their Champions League fate out of their hands. But Ten Hag has strongly defended his £47million summer signing, a player he previously worked with at Ajax, and pointed to statistics showing that Onana is second in saves made, save percentage and goals prevented in the Premier League. “Players always need trust,” Ten Hag said. “After Alisson he is the best stopper in the league from preventing expected goals. You deserve to play.” Onana has played in every game for United this season, with Ten Hag opting not to rest him even in the League Cup. That means Turkish stopper Altay Biyindir, a summer signing from Fenerbahce, is still awaiting his debut. Asked if Onana might benefit from a break, Ten Hag said: “It won’t help him. I have trust in Tom (Heaton) and Altay, clear. But Andre, you see after Alisson, he prevented the most expected goals in the whole league. “In the Champions League, he has so much experience with Ajax and last year with Inter Milan. Last year he was with (Manuel) Neuer and (Thibaut) Courtois the best goalkeeper, so he is a great keeper. “He has the potential, so we have to work on him so that he does it consistently and we will work with him and we will support him. The manager, coaches and players all support him.” That support was not obvious in Istanbul, when United players did not go over to Onana at the final whistle as he threw his gloves to the floor in disgust at his own performance. But Ten Hag insisted that was not a sign that his players might be losing confidence in their goalkeeper. “That will not happen,” he said. “This dressing room is together. Football is a game of mistakes and everyone can make mistakes. But this team has to cover that so we will operate. “Nobody is undroppable, that is also clear. We have a strong belief that he will help us win trophies.” Onana is expected to be called into Cameroon’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in January, having resolved a dispute with head coach Rigobert Song that saw him quit international football following last year’s World Cup. Onana could miss four Premier League matches if he is called in, with some reports suggesting the 27-year-old is now concerned he could lose his place in the United side during that time. Asked if any decision had yet been taken over his participation, Ten Hag said: “When they call him, he has to go. But we are in talks.” Marcus Rashford will be available again for United’s trip to Newcastle on Saturday after missing the midweek drama through suspension. Alejandro Garnacho, who has been in electric form with two goals in two including last weekend’s outstanding bicycle kick against Everton, prefers playing off the left side in the same position as Rashford, but Ten Hag said it was no problem to accommodate players in his side. “Against Copenhagen they were both in the team, against Everton they were both in the team and now ‘Rashy’ was suspended,” he said. “‘Rashy’ can play from the right and he likes to play from the right, but he can also play through the middle and he can play from the left, so he is really multi-functional.” Read More Mauricio Pochettino understands reason behind early struggles for Moises Caicedo Ange Postecoglou knows he can succeed at Tottenham by sticking to plan Vincent Kompany feels increasing diversity at boardroom level the key to change Burnley belief still burning bright for Vincent Kompany Tiger Woods says fatigue to blame for dropped shots in closing holes Phil Vickery and Gavin Henson among ex-players named in rugby concussion lawsuit
2023-12-02 06:56
Five contenders to replace Hansi Flick as Germany coach
Germany needs to act fast in its search for a new coach for its troubled men’s national football eam. The new coach is expected to be in charge by 14 October when Germany will face the United States in a friendly in Connecticut. And after that there is only eight months to put his stamp on the team before Germany opens the European Championship as host in front of 70,000 spectators in Munich on 14 June next year. Germany’s awful recent form — no wins in five games and a group-stage exit at the World Cup — forced out Hansi Flick following Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Japan. Rudi Voller oversaw a 2-1 win over France on Tuesday but is due to return to his post as sporting director. Without an obvious successor to Flick, the post of Germany coach appears wide open. That could result in Germany’s youngest coach in nearly a century. Or its oldest ever. Or the first foreign coach. Here is a look at some possible candidates: Julian Nagelsmann At 36 years old, the former Bayern Munich coach would be the youngest man to coach Germany since 34-year-old Otto Nerz was appointed back in 1926. Since Bayern replaced him with Thomas Tuchel in March, Nagelsmann has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs. He knows the Germany team’s big Bayern contingent, and worked with other players at Leipzig too. However, Nagelsmann reportedly remains under contract with Bayern and the club could demand compensation from the German soccer federation, the DFB. Nagelsmann’s attack-first tactical style could win back fans who have soured on the team, but much like Flick, his teams aren’t known for their robust defending. Louis van Gaal The 72-year-old Dutch coach is a specialist in international tournaments and his lengthy resume — Ajax, Barcelona, Manchester United — includes two years at Bayern Munich, where he reached the Champions League final in 2010. His last job featured an impressive unbeaten run with the Dutch national team before losing on penalties in the World Cup quarterfinals in Qatar to eventual winner Argentina. Van Gaal has notably not ruled himself out of taking the Germany job, telling broadcaster Sky Germany that he was “honored” to see his name mentioned. The oldest man appointed Germany coach until now was 61-year-old Erich Ribbeck in 1998. Oliver Glasner Glasner is another possibility if the team decides to appoint its first non-German coach, and the Austrian already speaks the language. Glasner is best known for winning the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt and qualifying the club for the Champions League for the first time. However, Frankfurt removed him as coach last season after a drop in form and Glasner hasn’t coached since. Matthias Sammer Well-connected from advisory roles at the DFB and Borussia Dortmund, Sammer has the backing of 1990 World Cup-winning player and prolific TV pundit Lothar Matthaus. He’d be the first Germany coach to have played for the former East Germany during the Cold War. One problem is that Sammer last coached a team in 2005 before taking on successful sporting director and advisory roles, including at Bayern. Health issues in 2016 caused Sammer to cut back on his workload. Stefan Kuntz Flick was fired after his team conceded four goals to Japan. Could his replacement be a coach whose current team just did the same thing? As a player, Kuntz won the European Championship in 1996 as a teammate of Sammer. His best-known coaching achievement is winning the European Under-21 Championship with Germany in 2017 and 2021. Kuntz is coaching Turkey but is under pressure following a 4-2 friendly loss Tuesday to Japan. Other candidates The former Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath put himself forward Monday, pointing to his record turning around “unsettled teams” in comments to local broadcaster NDR. The DFB has a history of promoting from within — Flick and Low each worked as assistants to their respective predecessors — but the three-man interim coaching team for the win over France doesn’t offer an obvious solution. Voller seems happy with his DFB director job, Hannes Wolf is a youth specialist with a mixed club record, and Sandro Wagner has only coached in the fourth division. AP Read More Germany beat France in first game since sacking Hansi Flick as Italy reignite Euro 2024 hopes Steve Clarke insists Scotland remain in positive mood despite England defeat Aaron Ramsey rolls back the years to keep Wales’s Euro 2024 hopes alive Germany beat France as Italy reignite Euro 2024 hopes Football rumours: Jadon Sancho looking to leave Manchester United Germany boss Hansi Flick under pressure following home defeat to Japan
2023-09-13 21:48
MLS rumors: Davies to Chelsea, Klaassen to Vancouver, Nocerino joins Miami
Today's MLS rumors include Alphonso Davies being linked with Chelsea. The Vancouver Whitecaps are interested in Davy Klaassen and Antonio Nocerino has joined Miami FC.
2023-11-16 22:50
Lions fans travel well: Dan Campbell doesn't believe in road games
The Detroit Lions fanbase is traveling well and attending road games en masse, and head coach Dan Campbell hasn't seen anything like it.
2023-10-18 05:20
Boks inspire Soweto surge in South African rugby
When Siya Kolisi lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in Tokyo in 2019, he inspired...
2023-08-15 10:47
Brazil's Neymar fined in $3.3 million for illegal artificial lake at mansion outside Rio
Brazilian soccer star Neymar was fined in more than $3.3 million for violating local environmental rules during renovations at his mansion in the city of Mangaratiba outside Rio de Janeiro
2023-07-04 22:22
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