Hosting scrap for big fight
UFC Vegas 22, Sunday, 2am. This column’s 2020 fighter of the year Kevin Holland looks to continue his rise to the top against fellow middleweight Derek Brunson. Tai Tuivasa takes on Don’tale Mayes in a heavyweight clash neither man can afford to lose. Should be fun while it lasts. “I love being a fan favorite. I’ve always been the underdog my entire career. I’ve always been that dark horse that people want to see succeed.” Strawweight Angela Hill, who defeated Ashley Yoder via unanimous decision last weekend.
ANTHONY JOSHUA and Tyson Fury have finally signed a two-fight deal – but now the race is on to secure a big-money venue.
The pair have agreed terms for the undisputed heavyweight clash but either could walk away from the deal if they are unhappy with the financial aspects of the site fee.
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed contracts are signed and reiterated he wants to secure a venue within a month.
Saudi Arabia remains favourite but has yet to come up with the huge offers previously promised, which could see both fighters pocket £100m each.
Macau – the Chinese gambling mecca – has entered the race along with Las Vegas and Singapore.
Wembley is highly unlikely as there’s no guarantee there could be a full house this summer.
Matchroom MD Hearn said: “The hard part is always getting everybody to put pen to paper.
“This took a major effort from all parties to get this over the line. You had rival promoters, rival networks and rival fighters.
“Now it’s our job, with the two teams, to go out and present the options and the sites to the two fighters for them to agree which one to take.
“We want to make the fight in June or early July because we want to do two this year.”
BIRMINGHAM are set to name Lee Bowyer as Aitor Karanka’s successor in a bid to beat the Championship drop.
Karanka’s axing will be confirmed with Blues just three points above the relegation zone.
The Far East-owned club are moving to bring back former favourite Bowyer, who quit as boss of League One Charlton yesterday.
Birmingham hope Bowyer, 44, will be in charge for tomorrow’s home clash with Reading.
He resigned from the eighth-placed Addicks with more than two years left on his contract.
“It was a difficult decision to leave,” said Bowyer, who won the League Cup with Birmingham in 2011.
“The club is now in a place with a good owner that cares and wants to improve the place.
“I hope the club can continue to grow.
“It will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Bowyer faces a big job at St Andrew’s, where Blues have won just three games all season.
JOE WILLOCK wants to stay at Newcastle beyond the end of the season.
Despite the relegationhaunted Magpies being in crisis mode, Willock, on loan from Arsenal, claims he’s having a ball at St James’ Park.
The midfielder, 21, said: “I love playing for Newcastle.
“When I first came here, I was a bit apprehensive of how I would take to it because I’d never left Arsenal.
“I’d been at Arsenal since I was four and a half, so coming to a new club, coming up north to Newcastle was a bit scary.
“But as I settled in and saw the love from the fans that I’m receiving, of course I’d love to continue playing here.”
Willock made a dream debut, scoring in the Toon’s 3-2 win at home to Southampton last month, but has not tasted victory since, with Newcastle precariously perched just above the drop zone ahead of their six-pointer at Brighton on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Newcastle insist injured Allan Saint-maximin’s recent trip back to France was with the club’s approval.