John Fury was caught in the middle of an extremely heated exchange between his son’s entourage and Oleksandr Usyk’s ahead of Tyson’s unification title fight this weekend, during which he was spotted headbutting a member of the opposing team.
The clip and images of John Fury‘s bleeding forehead quickly began circulating all over the internet, and now the boxing patriarch has come out to explain what led to the incident and why he headbutted Usyk faithful, Stanislav Stepchuk.
As can be seen in the original footage, it appears as though the only cause for the altercation was Stepchuk and co. chanting ‘Usyk!’ in support of the Ukrainian boxer as the Fury family and their followers were doing the same.
Cut to a few moments later and that’s exactly what you’ll find on John Fury’s face – a small gash after he decided to headbutt the considerably younger and smaller man from Usyk’s corner.
Fury was insistent that it was the opponents that started the confrontation, despite admitting he was already chanting Tyson‘s name, and that was seemingly what sparked not only an intense face-off between another member of Usyk’s team but was, apparently, enough to justify headbutting him too.
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As he explains to Sky Sports, “he disrespected my son, the greatest heavyweight to ever wear a pair of boxing gloves, coming out with all that rubbish. You know, he’s in my face, trying to be clever.
“[They were] coming into my space chanting… nobody was bothering with them. They stepped closer and closer, so at the end of the day I’m a warrior – that’s what we do, we’re fighting people”.
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He goes on to argue that the clash wasn’t even about the fight and that tensions weren’t necessarily that high prior to this flashpoint but that is simply normal behaviour in his world, quipping that’s “seven nights a week for me, we’re not interested.”
Speaking to iFL TV, Fury Sr. did admit that “emotions are running high” and that he was always going “stand up for my son”, labelling Stepchuk a “little idiot”.
As for his opposite number, who also appeared on camera with a cut on his forehead, he argued that Usyk’s team “didn’t offend him” and were simply chanting in support. As for the WBO, WBA (Super) and IBF title-holder himself, he labelled John Fury’s behaviour as “bipolar” and simply “bad behaviour”.
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John Fury has ultimately gone on to say sorry, telling Seconds Out: “Sincere apologies to everybody involved. It’s just the way we are. Emotions and tensions are running high. He was a very disrespectful fella,” adding, “If you come close in a fighting man’s space, you’re gonna cop for something.
Tyson Fury takes on Oleksandr Usyk in Riyad this Saturday, 18 May, with the latter looking to add the WBC belt to his collection and the Manc boxer looking to declare himself the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. Who do you reckon is going to take it?
Featured Images — Sky Sports/Serge Lapin (via Michael Benson on X)
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Startling statistic raises eyebrows around Manchester United’s defensive capabilities under Erik ten Hag
Danny Jones
Things continue to go from bad to worse for Manchester United this season and yet more unfortunate statistics following another chaotic showing have once again put their capabilities under Erik ten Hag, especially in defence, under scrutiny.
Man United got off to a dream start at the Estádio do Dragão against Porto, starting on the front foot and scoring two goals inside 20 minutes and from two sources who needed them most: Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund returning from injury.
However, it didn’t take long for the home team to pull one back – just a few minutes in fact – and then by the 50th minute the visitors suddenly found themselves losing 3-2 and chasing an equaliser into stoppage time.
Thankfully, Harry Maguire got them out of jail right at the death but it is that now apparent trend of conceding multiple goals in a short space of time that has raised even more serious questions around the team’s mentality, resilience after letting one in and ability to defend in general.
Just in Europe since the start of last season, Man United have conceded two goals in four minutes at Bayern, two in 10 mins vs Galatasaray (h), two in four minutes vs Copenhagen (a), two in nine minutes vs Galatasaray (a) and now two in seven minutes vs Porto (a).
As you can see, it’s not just that this was the 31st time since the beginning of last season that United have conceded two more goals in a match, the most any current Premier League club in that time, but it seems to be the short bursts in which these goals come.
As broken down by ESPN’s Rob Dawson, it seems to be a case of when it rains it pours as the above stat is in Europe alone, where they seem to be picking up even more bad habits on top of that immediate vulnerability after letting one in.
Despite it scoring 12 in their last four matches in Champions and Europa League competitions and even managing to go 2-0 up in three of them, they haven’t managed to win a single one, as the draw against the unconvincing Portuguese side also marked the fifth European game in which they’ve conceded a trio of goals at the other end.
Worse still, according to even more damning stats thrown up by Opta, this ultimately became the 24th time Erik ten Hag’s side has conceded three goals or more in a game – again, the most of any Premier League side and with several of those goals coming in short bursts.
Alarming stuff, but the Dutchman is keeping calm at least on the surface, telling media that he and the players are “mad and motivated” by the current situation but that fans have to remain patient and hopeful that the results will start to improve.
“Don’t judge us in this moment, wait until the end of the season. We’re in a process.”
Erik ten Hag has full belief in his squad moving forward 💪
Match hero Maguire also came to the manager’s defence in his post-match press conference but did once again hit at a problem with motivation and belief: something that both Christian Eriksen rather concerningly touched on last month, admitting that the dressing “didn’t want it enough.”
The Red Devils must now play an in-form Aston Villa who recently won late on their long-awaited Champions League away at Villa Park this weekend and, as if he didn’t need one already, a win is essential for Erik ten Hag.
What about you, United fans – how long do you think he realistically has left to turn things around?
You can watch all the highlights from Man United vs Porto down below.
Featured Images — TNT Sports/Sky Sports (via Screenshot)
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Luke Littler is holding a meet-and-greet this weekend – but not exactly where you’d expect
Danny Jones
Young darts sensation Luke Littler has about as big a 12 months as a professional could hope for and many of those who don’t even watch ‘The Arrows’ now know his name, so much so that he’s already holding a meet-and-greet that is selling quicker than you say ‘180!’
Warrington locals are set to welcome Luke ‘The Nuke’ back to his hometown but it’s fair to say the event is taking place exactly where you would have expected.
The 2024 World Series, Premier League of Darts and Players Championship winner’s fame and reputation have continued to skyrocket ever since his debut, so he’d easily have fans lining up pretty much anywhere, especially in the WA postcode.
Nevertheless, hordes of kids looking to follow in his footsteps and bolster a new generation of youth darts players can attend Luke Littler’s meet and greet at none other than… a Smyths Toys Superstore.
As you do.
Located on the JunctionNINE Retail Park, Warrington Symths Toys will see the 17-year-old taking photos with fans, chatting to budding darts hopefuls and, as it turns out, show off his new personal collection.
Yes, while there will be plenty of wholesome selfies and wide-eyed little kids looking to meet their local hero, Littler and his team chose this particular location as Smyths Toys will be stocking his new range of Target Darts.
Once again, his meteoric rise has seen a huge uptake in young people wanting to try their hands at the sport, with the official Luke Littler Cabinet Set even being named as the Judge’s Pick for ‘Best Gift for Teens’ at the 2024 Christmas Wishlist Awards.
Beyond that, the shop also has the highly sought-after Luke Littler Magnetic Dartboard set for the little one, as well as the Luke Littler Steel-Tip Brass Darts, designed in celebration of the 17-year-old’s tremendous performance at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship.
Speaking ahead of the event, Littler said: “I’m really excited to meet everyone at Smyths Toys in Warrington this Saturday! It’s been an incredible year for me, and I can’t wait to connect with fans in my hometown and inspire the next generation.”
Adam Thompson, Head of Marketing at Target Darts added: “We’re thrilled to host this fantastic meet-and-greet event with Luke Littler. Luke has had an extraordinary year and we’re proud to celebrate his success with this special opportunity for fans to engage with him…
“It’s a great way to inspire young players and bring the darts community together and we can’t wait to see everyone in Warrington!”
The meet and greet will kick off from 1pm on Saturday, 5 October but you’ll have to be quick if you want to secure a spot. However, the store will still be open between the regular hours (9am-8pm), so you can still try your luck to try and catch a glimpse of ‘The Nuke’ and pick up a darts set or two.