SPORTING

‎British boxing has lost one of its brightest young stars. Georgia O’Connor, the undefeated professional boxer and 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games gold medalist, has died at the age of 25. Her promoter, Boxxer, confirmed the news on Thursday. ‎ ‎ Georgia O'Connor (right) was undefeated in three professional matches. ‎James Chance/Getty Images ‎ ‎O’Connor’s ascent in the sport was swift. After winning gold in 2017, she turned professional in 2021, building a spotless 3-0 record. Her final fight, held in October 2022, was a commanding victory over Joyce Van Ee. At the time, it seemed just another step in a promising career. In truth, it marked the end of her time in the ring—and the beginning of a much harder fight. ‎ ‎Shortly after that bout, O’Connor began experiencing severe health issues. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in February 2023, a painful chronic illness that disrupted her boxing aspirations. She didn’t share her condition publicly until 2024, choosin...

‎The boxing world is mourning the devastating loss of Georgia O’Connor, a rising British boxing talent who tragically passed away at the age of 25 after a courageous battle with cancer. ‎ Georgia O'Connor celebrating her 2nd professional victory. ‎georgiaoconnor_1/IG ‎ ‎O’Connor, originally from Durham, was diagnosed with cancer in October 2024. Despite the illness, she remained an emblem of strength and determination, continuing to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike. ‎ ‎A decorated amateur, O’Connor won gold for England at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and proudly represented Team GB on multiple international stages. She turned professional with BOXXER and held a perfect 3-0 record, showcasing tremendous potential. One of her most high-profile appearances came when she fought on the undercard of the Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall bout at the O2 Arena in London in 2022. ‎ ‎Just two weeks before her untimely passing, O’Connor posted on Instagram revealing...

Tyson Fury, former world heavyweight champion, has announced his retirement from boxing. Fury last fought in December, losing a rematch with WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk. The 36-year-old Fury had previously proclaimed his retirement after beating Dillian Whyte in April 2022, but returned six months later. Tyson Fury press conference after second Oleksandr Usyk defeat. Getty Images The Briton has been heavyweight champion twice and has a record of 34 wins, two losses, and one draw. "Hi everybody, I'm going to make this short and sweet," Fury said. "I'd like to announce my retirement from boxing, it has been a blast, I've loved every single minute of it and I'm going to end with this; Dick Turpin wore a mask." In 2015, the Briton stunned long-time world champion Wladimir Klitschko by winning the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles. After more than two and a half years out from the ring to deal w...

Pep Guardiola remained cautious ahead of Manchester City's Boxing Day match against Everton, as the club look to stop its current downturn. City boss ' Pep Guardiola. ' Getty Images City are having their worst season under Guardiola, winning only one of their past 12 games in all competitions. Their abrupt drop in form began with a Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham Hotspur on October 30, and they have since slipped down the Premier League standings, now sitting seventh, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool. The reigning champions will now try to put a stop to their losing streak and return to form. Their next match is against Everton, who have held Arsenal and Chelsea to goalless draws in their last two league games. Guardiola acknowledged to his nervousness of playing the Toffees before of the Boxing Day match and detailed how they will overcome it. During his pre-match news conference, the City manager said: "They are not the ideal opponent. It is up to us to g...