More fighting action is heading Manchester’s way as a night of bare-knuckle boxingis coming to the AO Arena.
The city’s iconic arena has seen plenty of entertainment and combat sports over the decades, including plenty of famous boxing bouts in those years, and now the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is bringing its latest event to its doors.
It’s not the first time the BKFC has landed at the AO Arena, but with a extra tasty fight card booked for the upcoming night in Manchester, it’s tipped to be one of the best yet.
Wrists wrapped, guards up and fists at the ready, this is sure to be one of the feistiest nights on the Manc sporting calendar, hands-down.
Set to be headlined by two-time world boxing champion James DeGale vs Matt Floyd in a light heavyweight showdown, not to mention a co-main event crossover clash between Aaron Chalmers and former Love Island star turned fighter Jack Fincham, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
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There’s also a UK Lightweight Title is on the line, with Jonny Graham facing off against Navid Mansouri, as well as fan favourite and Bolton‘s very own Jack Cullen returning to take on the experienced Moldovan mauler, Stanislav Grosu.
It’s fair to say even prior the closers, this is a stacked undercard of British and international contenders, so its no wonder there’s already plenty of eyes on this particular edition of BKFC.
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Speaking ahead of the fight night, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship President, David Feldman, said: “BKFC 81 is a statement night for our UK expansion, Manchester is a fight city and this is one of our most explosive UK cards yet.
“James DeGale is a proven champion and a massive attraction. Pairing him with a live threat like Matt Floyd at the AO Arena is everything fans love about BKFC, elite talent, high stakes, and action from first bell to last, this is an unmissable event.”
Turning to the two headliners themselves, DeGale says “fans can expect skill, spite, and a KO”, while Floyd added that while he respects what his opponent has achieved in his career thus far, “[he’s] coming to shock the world in Manchester.”
As you can see, the promotion has a number of dates to play out before BKFC 81 gets underway at the AO Arena next month, but you won’t get many with the same kind of energy Northern crowds guarantee.
Kicking off on Saturday, 27 September, the venues pre-sale window is already open and general admission tickets go live at 10am this Sunday (24 Aug).
The Rest Is Football to host new Netflix show during the 2026 World Cup
Danny Jones
If you’re wondering what the 2026 FIFA World Cup coverage is going to look like, one particular group of punditry regulars will be broadcasting remotely, as The Rest Is Football has signed a huge deal with Netflix.
Led by Gary Lineker and co-hosted by Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, the smash-hit sports podcast is taking its already visualised format into a new corner of streaming, signing on as Netflix’s official programming partner throughout the tournament.
Co-founded by Lineker himself, the show is owned and produced by Goalhanger Podcasts (who also oversee the equally popular The Rest Is History and Rest Is Politics series), and will be the brand’s first foray into TV.
Announcing the seasonal Rest Is Football spin-off this week, the trio of former footballers turned presenters shared a short trailer on social media, giving an overview of what fans can expect come World Cup 2026.
Obviously, as seasoned pros both on the pitch and on the box through their work on Match of the Day (MotD), BT/TNT Sports, CBS Sports and more, this will be familiar ground for all three of them.
Lineker was expected to anchor the BBC’s World Cup coverage as usual, but after leaving the company earlier this year, he has decided to go it alone – or rather with his close friends and long-time collaborators, with The Rest Is Football starting back in 2023.
As explained in the clip, this format will also mirror their coverage of the Euros last year, only this time, the former MotD poster boy will be doing his hosting duties over in the States, where the bulk of the now 48-team competition tournament is taking place.
Circling back, the 65-year-old has confirmed that he’ll be working from a studio in New York and will be accompanied not only by his co-hosts virtually but with several special guests scheduled to join in, too.
Multiple reporters are expected to remote in from the England camp and various fan zones, with the fixtures set to take place across North America and Mexico.
Will you be tuning into The Rest Is Football on Netflix next summer?
Salford Red Devils have officially gone bust after more than 152 years
Danny Jones
After more than a century and a half as one of the biggest and most well-supported rugby league teams in the country, Salford Red Devils have unfortunately been liquidated.
It’s a very, very sad day for the Super League and UK rugby at large.
Salford Red Devils had been flirting with insolvency and complete collapse for far too long, and even with the promise of investment following what has now proved to be a fruitless takeover back in February, the local sporting institution has now been folded.
Issuing an update to the fans on Wednesday, 3 December, what remains of the organisation shared an official statement online confirming the news, along with a picture of the crest blacked out.
They wrote the following: “We regret to inform stakeholders, supporters and partners that Salford Red Devils and its operating company, Salford City Reds (2013) Limited, have been subject to a winding-up petition filed by HMRC, and liquidation proceedings have now commenced.
“We understand the gravity of this situation and the uncertainty this creates for everyone connected with the club. For the original club staff who remained up until this point, this is an incredibly emotional moment.
“Whilst there is sadness in seeing things come to this point, there is also a sense of relief that an extremely challenging period for the club has finally come to an end. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all the fans who have stood by us through everything.
“Your passion and loyalty have meant the world to us. More than anything, we hope that the club’s proud name and history can live on and continue to represent the people of Salford.”
Reacting to the dreaded but not unexpected news on social media, vocal fan group The 1873 – who have been both outspoken, militant and dedicated in their protesting of the ownership group – added: “You tried to destroy something that was not yours to destroy – but today you have been defeated.
“Salford Rugby League will rise again, and the rebirth will be beautiful. The 1873.” While they chose to lean towards optimism where possible and belief in a fresh start, many more are undoubtedly still busy mourning the 152-year-old family as they know it.
Salford Red Devils were liquidated today after 152 years. The original Red Devils. Beyond heartbroken. If the club is reborn I'll throw my heart and soul into it. pic.twitter.com/6IvUNklNWJ
The local outfit where given a reprieve regarding their winding-up petition over unpaid debt, not once but four different times, over the past few months.
Financial worries had been lingering plenty before this, of course, with concerns being raised well over a year ago, with bridging loans and players ultimately having to be borrowed from other teams in the division, before various members of staff eventually were let go and/or walked out.
Having been officially relegated from the premier British rugby league competition in October (which also accompanied their IMG grading being dropped), to some, it felt like only a matter of time before this outcome would eventually arrive.
Nevertheless, some are still holding out hope that phoenix – or devil, rather – can rise from the embers and that Salford Red Devils will return in some form under a new regime. One can only hope.
Salfordians – what do you think needs to change if the club comes back?
Danny Jones -
22nd August 2025 
