Amir Khan is in contention to fight unbeaten welterweight star Floyd Mayweather on May 3 according to the head of the American's promoters Showtime Sports, but a dream bout between 'Money' and Manny Pacquaio is looking less likely to happen.
Speaking in an interview with the Telegraph, Showtime vice president Stephen Espinoza admitted Khan is in the frame for a money-spinning fight with Mayweather Jr, but also stated the world champion is yet to make up his mind on his next opponent.
David Haye pulled out of his scheduled bout with Tyson Fury twice © Getty ImagesWill Tyson Fury get a title shot next year? Will Amir Khan take on Kell Brook? Will Audley Harrison come out of retirement (again)?Watch and vote as Steve Bunce and Barry Jones share their boxing predictions for 2014
"Khan is definitely one of the leading contenders for the fight," Espinoza told The Telegraph. "I know Amir wants the fight. Floyd hasn't made a decision. I expect an announcement by mid-January or the end of January.
"It is still wide open. Floyd has not made a decision yet about who he is going to fight on May 3. Obviously, Marcos Maidana is making a late case and a strong argument for the fight, but Amir is definitely there in the conversation."
On his last outing in September, Mayweather Jr, defeated Saul Alvarez in a record-breaking pay-per-view fight in Las Vegas. Khan last fought in April when he saw off Julio Diaz by unanimous decision in Sheffield.
Mayweather Jr recently stated a fight with the Filipino would "never happen" while his rival remained with promoter Bob Arum - something which Espinoza believes will continue to hinder the chances of a superfight.
The 36-year-old has long been touted to step into the ring with former pound-for-pound king Pacquaio, but Espinoza is sceptical over whether the desired clash will ever be made.
"I'd like to say I'm optimistic but there is a lot of politics involved," Espinoza said. "[There is] A lot of history to resolve. Unfortunately, until Manny Pacquiao changes his promotional representation, I'm not optimistic that it can happen.
"I know Floyd is not the issue. Floyd wants the fight. Floyd will fight Manny Pacquiao anywhere, any time. Unfortunately, there is a promotional conflict which are the
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Murray enjoys double bagel in Doha3
Andy Murray didn't drop a single game as he waltzed into the second round of the Qatar Open.
Andy Murray finally won Wimbledon © APAt the end of a season packed with thrills, spills, upsets and historic achievements, picks out his stand-out moments from a year that will live long in the memory for tennis fans - especially those of us in the UK.Read more from Chris Wilkinson here
The Wimbledon champion, returning to competitive action after several months out following back surgery, recorded a 6-0 6-0 victory over local wildcard Mousa Shanan Zayed - ranked 2129 in the world.
Murray never really got out of first gear and needed just 37 minutes to see off the 19-year-old, who won just 17 points in the whole match - none of which were on his opponent's serve.
Murray, who had an operation on his back in September, returned to action on Boxing Day at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, where he lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga before beating Stan Wawrinka to finish fifth.
The first grand slam of the season, the Australian Open, begins on January 13.
Andy Murray finally won Wimbledon © APAt the end of a season packed with thrills, spills, upsets and historic achievements, picks out his stand-out moments from a year that will live long in the memory for tennis fans - especially those of us in the UK.Read more from Chris Wilkinson here
The Wimbledon champion, returning to competitive action after several months out following back surgery, recorded a 6-0 6-0 victory over local wildcard Mousa Shanan Zayed - ranked 2129 in the world.
Murray never really got out of first gear and needed just 37 minutes to see off the 19-year-old, who won just 17 points in the whole match - none of which were on his opponent's serve.
Murray, who had an operation on his back in September, returned to action on Boxing Day at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, where he lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga before beating Stan Wawrinka to finish fifth.
The first grand slam of the season, the Australian Open, begins on January 13.
Man City set to miss out on Nigerian wonderkid Read more at http://talksport.com/football/man-city-set-miss-out-nigerian-wonderkid-13123173775#w56qdgk3oyOK10Qw.99
Sporting Lisbon look set to beat Manchester City and a host of top European clubs to the signing of Nigerian wonderkid Kelechi Iheanacho.
City were thought to be frontrunners to sign the 17-year-old after Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi last month claimed the forward was finalising a switch to England.
However, he is now on the verge of signing for Sporting Lisbon, according to reports in his homeland.
Sporting are willing to fork out £250,000 and add-ons - an offer which exceeds domestic rivals Porto's £210,000 bid.
Iheanacho, who is on the books at Taye Academy, was the star of last month's Under-17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates where he scored six goals and was named the player of the tournament as Nigeria claimed the title.
City were not the only English side to express an interest in him - both Chelsea and Arsenal have monitored him, while PAOK Salonika, Udinese and Monaco were also in the running to sign
City were thought to be frontrunners to sign the 17-year-old after Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi last month claimed the forward was finalising a switch to England.
However, he is now on the verge of signing for Sporting Lisbon, according to reports in his homeland.
Sporting are willing to fork out £250,000 and add-ons - an offer which exceeds domestic rivals Porto's £210,000 bid.
Iheanacho, who is on the books at Taye Academy, was the star of last month's Under-17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates where he scored six goals and was named the player of the tournament as Nigeria claimed the title.
City were not the only English side to express an interest in him - both Chelsea and Arsenal have monitored him, while PAOK Salonika, Udinese and Monaco were also in the running to sign
Monday, 30 December 2013
Nigerians Abroad: Emenike and Ezekiel end 2013 with goals
Emmanuel Emenike ended 2013 on a scoring note as he bagged one of the goals for Fenerbahce on Sunday as the league leaders dismantled Kayserispor 5-1. Emenike scored the fourth goal for his side in the 70th minute to make it eight goals in 16 league appearances.
Michael Eneramo was not named in the Besiktas team that lost 1-0 away to Gençlerbirliği on Friday. The Nigerian striker has played just four league games this season after his transfer from Sivasspor with one goal.
Godfrey Oboabona played all 90 minutes in Rizespor’s 1-0 loss away to Elazigspor. The newly promoted team started the season well but has fallen down the table in recent weeks. They finished 2013 in 15th place.
Taye Taiwo completed another 90 minutes for Bursaspor as they earned a point away to Gaziantepspor on Saturday. Bursaspor are 10th on the league table with 24 points from 17 matches. Joseph Akpala played 73 minutes for Karabükspor when they lost 3-1 away to Sivasspor on Sunday. Akpala has scored four goals in 11 league appearances.
Michael Eneramo was not named in the Besiktas team that lost 1-0 away to Gençlerbirliği on Friday. The Nigerian striker has played just four league games this season after his transfer from Sivasspor with one goal.
Godfrey Oboabona played all 90 minutes in Rizespor’s 1-0 loss away to Elazigspor. The newly promoted team started the season well but has fallen down the table in recent weeks. They finished 2013 in 15th place.
Taye Taiwo completed another 90 minutes for Bursaspor as they earned a point away to Gaziantepspor on Saturday. Bursaspor are 10th on the league table with 24 points from 17 matches. Joseph Akpala played 73 minutes for Karabükspor when they lost 3-1 away to Sivasspor on Sunday. Akpala has scored four goals in 11 league appearances.
Sunday, 29 December 2013
SPORTS MAIL: see your birthday mate
SPORTS MAIL: see your birthday mate: Emmanuel Amunike was part of the Nigerian team that qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 1994. At the tournament proper in the...
see your birthday mate
Emmanuel Amunike was part of the Nigerian team that qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 1994. At the tournament proper in the United States, the explosive winger scored two goals in four matches. He was no stranger to international success, having struck twice against Zambia in the final of the 1994 CAF Africa Cup of Nations and notched the winner in the final of the 1996 Olympic Football Tournament versus Argentina. Amunike enjoyed domestic success as well, clinching the Nigerian league title with Julius Berger, and two Egyptian Championships, a CAF Champions League crown and an African Cup Winners’ Cup with Zamalek. After putting pen to paper with Sporting Lisbon, the Nigerian international – named African Footballer of the Year during his stint in Portugal – lifted the Portuguese Cup and Super Cup, attracting the interest of Barcelona in the process. Despite capturing the Copa del Rey, his time with the Catalan giants was disrupted by a serious injury, a setback which saw him leave Camp Nou in favour of Albacete and then Jordanian outfit Al Wahdat. Post-retirement, he fulfilled the role of assistant coach at Saudi Arabian side Al Hazm and took charge in his own right at Nigerian clubs Julius Berger and Ocean Boys.
Friday, 27 December 2013
Ronaldo deserves Ballon d’Or, says Asamoah
The Real Madrid forward has been named on a three-man shortlist to lift the prize, alongside Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery on the back of his efforts over the past 12 months.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a staggering year of personal success after scoring a record 69 times for los Blancos, making him the most prolific hitman in European club football in 2013, and Asamoah believes the Portuguese simply has to be awarded the trophy.
“In my opinion it will be Ronaldo,” the ex-Udinese midfielder said upon receiving the Goal Ghana Player of the Year 2013 Award.
“He did so well last season and this season he is continuing from where he left off and has been consistent, so he deserves it.”
Asamoah, 25, came up against Ronaldo and Gareth Bale during the Bianconeri's clash with Madrid in the group stages of the Champions League and he discussed the difficulties in trying to keep the former Manchester United man under wraps.
He added: “It wasn’t easy. That game was my first even playing at full-back. It wasn’t easy because these are players who have got speed and are very skilfull and know how to shoot.
"The smallest chance you give them they’ll punish you. With them I have learnt something out of it because with these players the more you play with them the more you learn something out of it too.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a staggering year of personal success after scoring a record 69 times for los Blancos, making him the most prolific hitman in European club football in 2013, and Asamoah believes the Portuguese simply has to be awarded the trophy.
“In my opinion it will be Ronaldo,” the ex-Udinese midfielder said upon receiving the Goal Ghana Player of the Year 2013 Award.
“He did so well last season and this season he is continuing from where he left off and has been consistent, so he deserves it.”
Asamoah, 25, came up against Ronaldo and Gareth Bale during the Bianconeri's clash with Madrid in the group stages of the Champions League and he discussed the difficulties in trying to keep the former Manchester United man under wraps.
He added: “It wasn’t easy. That game was my first even playing at full-back. It wasn’t easy because these are players who have got speed and are very skilfull and know how to shoot.
"The smallest chance you give them they’ll punish you. With them I have learnt something out of it because with these players the more you play with them the more you learn something out of it too.
Ronaldo deserves Ballon d’Or, says Asamoah
The Real Madrid forward has been named on a three-man shortlist to lift the prize, alongside Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery on the back of his efforts over the past 12 months.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a staggering year of personal success after scoring a record 69 times for los Blancos, making him the most prolific hitman in European club football in 2013, and Asamoah believes the Portuguese simply has to be awarded the trophy.
“In my opinion it will be Ronaldo,” the ex-Udinese midfielder said upon receiving the Goal Ghana Player of the Year 2013 Award.
“He did so well last season and this season he is continuing from where he left off and has been consistent, so he deserves it.”
Asamoah, 25, came up against Ronaldo and Gareth Bale during the Bianconeri's clash with Madrid in the group stages of the Champions League and he discussed the difficulties in trying to keep the former Manchester United man under wraps.
He added: “It wasn’t easy. That game was my first even playing at full-back. It wasn’t easy because these are players who have got speed and are very skilfull and know how to shoot.
"The smallest chance you give them they’ll punish you. With them I have learnt something out of it because with these players the more you play with them the more you learn something out of it too.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a staggering year of personal success after scoring a record 69 times for los Blancos, making him the most prolific hitman in European club football in 2013, and Asamoah believes the Portuguese simply has to be awarded the trophy.
“In my opinion it will be Ronaldo,” the ex-Udinese midfielder said upon receiving the Goal Ghana Player of the Year 2013 Award.
“He did so well last season and this season he is continuing from where he left off and has been consistent, so he deserves it.”
Asamoah, 25, came up against Ronaldo and Gareth Bale during the Bianconeri's clash with Madrid in the group stages of the Champions League and he discussed the difficulties in trying to keep the former Manchester United man under wraps.
He added: “It wasn’t easy. That game was my first even playing at full-back. It wasn’t easy because these are players who have got speed and are very skilfull and know how to shoot.
"The smallest chance you give them they’ll punish you. With them I have learnt something out of it because with these players the more you play with them the more you learn something out of it too.
The Real Madrid forward has been named on a three-man shortlist to lift the prize, alongside Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery on the back of his efforts over the past 12 months.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a staggering year of personal success after scoring a record 69 times for los Blancos, making him the most prolific hitman in European club football in 2013, and Asamoah believes the Portuguese simply has to be awarded the trophy.
“In my opinion it will be Ronaldo,” the ex-Udinese midfielder said upon receiving the Goal Ghana Player of the Year 2013 Award.
“He did so well last season and this season he is continuing from where he left off and has been consistent, so he deserves it.”
Asamoah, 25, came up against Ronaldo and Gareth Bale during the Bianconeri's clash with Madrid in the group stages of the Champions League and he discussed the difficulties in trying to keep the former Manchester United man under wraps.
He added: “It wasn’t easy. That game was my first even playing at full-back. It wasn’t easy because these are players who have got speed and are very skilfull and know how to shoot.
"The smallest chance you give them they’ll punish you. With them I have learnt something out of it because with these players the more you play with them the more you learn something out of it too.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a staggering year of personal success after scoring a record 69 times for los Blancos, making him the most prolific hitman in European club football in 2013, and Asamoah believes the Portuguese simply has to be awarded the trophy.
“In my opinion it will be Ronaldo,” the ex-Udinese midfielder said upon receiving the Goal Ghana Player of the Year 2013 Award.
“He did so well last season and this season he is continuing from where he left off and has been consistent, so he deserves it.”
Asamoah, 25, came up against Ronaldo and Gareth Bale during the Bianconeri's clash with Madrid in the group stages of the Champions League and he discussed the difficulties in trying to keep the former Manchester United man under wraps.
He added: “It wasn’t easy. That game was my first even playing at full-back. It wasn’t easy because these are players who have got speed and are very skilfull and know how to shoot.
"The smallest chance you give them they’ll punish you. With them I have learnt something out of it because with these players the more you play with them the more you learn something out of it too.
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