Usyk defeats Fury by unanimous decision in heavyweight championship rematch.
Ukrainian boxer, Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision victory over Tyson Fury in their rematch on Saturday in Riyadh. The Ukrainian champion, who entered the bout with the WBA, WBO, and IBF belts after a May victory, once again prevailed with identical scores of 116-112 from all three judges. The fight was highly competitive, with Fury finding success from the southpaw stance, but Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) delivered the fight’s defining moments, frequently landing overhand lefts. Fighting for his war-torn homeland, Usyk praised Fury as a “great opponent” and credited him with making him stronger. Despite celebrating at the final bell, Fury left the ring without an interview after the decision. Though fast-paced and entertaining, the rematch didn’t match the drama of their first clash, which is considered a strong contender for Fight of the Year.
USYK DOES IT AGAIN! 👑 🥊
Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury by unanimous decision to stay undefeated 💥#UsykFury2 x #RiyadhSeason | Live on Sky Sports Box Office pic.twitter.com/MKGkHkx3L1
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) December 21, 2024
Anderson Talisca on the verge of moving to Fenerbahçe from Al Nassr.
Fenerbahçe is reportedly close to signing Brazilian star Anderson Talisca from Al Nassr, with negotiations between the clubs in advanced stages. Talisca, a standout alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, is eager to return to Turkey, where he previously thrived with Beşiktaş. Sources suggest the midfielder is excited for a new challenge and to play in front of Fenerbahçe’s passionate fans. Fenerbahçe views Talisca as a key addition to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season, valuing his creativity and proven Süper Lig track record. Meanwhile, Al Nassr is preparing for life without him, actively seeking replacements for the January transfer window. Fenerbahçe supporters are thrilled at the prospect of Talisca’s return, believing his skill and experience could boost their domestic and European campaigns. An official announcement is eagerly anticipated.
🚨🟡🔵 Fenerbahçe are closing in on deal to sign Anderson Talisca from Al Nassr.
Details being fixed with all parties involved as Talisca’s ready to return to Turkey once again.
If all goes to plan, Al Nassr will replace Talisca in January transfer window. 👀 pic.twitter.com/sEDlQUKyBK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 20, 2024
Atlético Madrid defeats Barcelona, thanks to Sørloth’s injury-time winner.
Alexander Sørloth’s dramatic stoppage-time goal secured Atlético Madrid a 2-1 comeback victory over Barcelona, ensuring Diego Simeone’s side leads the La Liga table at Christmas. Despite dominating possession and chances, Barcelona were undone by Atletico’s resilience and clinical finishing. Pedri gave Barcelona an early lead, combining with Gavi before finishing confidently. The hosts pushed for a second, with Fermín López denied by Jan Oblak and Raphinha striking the crossbar. However, Atletico equalized on the hour through Rodrigo de Paul, who capitalized on a poor clearance to fire home. Oblak kept Atletico in the match with crucial saves, thwarting Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. In the dying moments, Nahuel Molina’s brilliant run and cross found substitute Sørloth, who calmly slotted the winner. The loss marks Barcelona’s third consecutive home defeat in La Liga, while Atletico extended their winning streak to 12 matches across all competitions.
FT: Barcelona 1-2 Atlético Madrid.
BARCELONA HAVE NOW FAILED TO WIN 6 OUT OF THEIR LAST 7 GAMES IN LA LIGA AND MIGHT HAVE BOTTLED THEIR CHANCES OF WINNING LA LIGA TO BOTH CLUBS FROM MADRID TONIGHT! ❌🤯 pic.twitter.com/bqSSuuQTzO
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 21, 2024
Gabriel Jesus scores a brace as Arsenal secures a huge win against Crystal Palace.
Arsenal bolstered their Premier League title ambitions with a commanding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday night. Gabriel Jesus, fresh from a midweek hat-trick against the same opponents in the Carabao Cup, opened the scoring in the sixth minute after Palace failed to clear a corner. Ismaïla Sarr briefly lifted the home crowd with a brilliant solo goal, but Jesus restored Arsenal’s lead with a stunning curling strike. The Brazilian nearly completed another hat-trick, hitting the post, but Kai Havertz capitalized to score in the 38th minute. Despite losing Bukayo Saka to injury, Arsenal relied on David Raya’s crucial saves early in the second half. Gabriel Martinelli extended the lead, turning in Declan Rice’s shot before Rice himself sealed the win with a thunderous finish. The Gunners are now three points behind leaders Liverpool, who have two games in hand.
Who’s been your Man of the Match? 🔴⚪️📈 pic.twitter.com/wm7IbkJgao
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 21, 2024
Durán and Rogers help Aston Villa secure an important win against Man City.
Manchester City’s struggles deepened with a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, marking their third straight defeat in all competitions and their ninth in the last 12 matches. Villa dominated from the outset, with Jhon Durán nearly scoring in the first minute, only for Stefan Ortega to make a vital save. Ortega also denied Pau Torres, clawing his header off the line. The breakthrough came when Durán capitalized on a pass from former City academy player Morgan Rogers, who had been set up brilliantly by Youri Tielemans. City, despite dominating possession, lacked creativity, producing just two first-half chances. Durán appeared to double Villa’s lead early in the second half, but it was ruled offside. Villa eventually struck again, with Rogers weaving through City’s midfield to score. Phil Foden’s 93rd-minute goal was mere consolation as City slipped to sixth, nine points behind leaders Liverpool.
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester City.
ANOTHER DEFEAT FOR MANCHESTER CITY, THAT'S 11 OUT OF THEIR LAST 12 GAMES NOT WON, THEY GO 6TH IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE! ❌🤯 pic.twitter.com/F8SCFiUzNx
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 21, 2024