Mike Tyson, the legendary boxer, recently captivated fans in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, as he honored his Congolese heritage during commemorations of one of boxing’s most historic events—the Rumble in the Jungle. The iconic fight, held in October 1974, saw Muhammad Ali triumph over George Foreman to reclaim the world heavyweight championship, marking the first time a heavyweight title bout was contested on African soil. Tyson’s visit to Kinshasa was a heartfelt tribute to the legends of the sport and a celebration of the fight’s enduring legacy. His embrace of his African roots resonated deeply with local fans, who welcomed him with enthusiasm. The event underscored the cultural and historical significance of the Rumble in the Jungle, which remains a pivotal moment in both boxing history and African sports heritage.
分类： sports
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Thunder begin title defence with overtime win
In a nail-biting season opener, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his MVP prowess, securing a dramatic 125-124 victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Houston Rockets in double overtime. The reigning NBA champions began their title defense in spectacular fashion, with Gilgeous-Alexander delivering the decisive free throws with just 2.3 seconds left on the clock, capping off a 35-point performance. Houston’s Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points, including a career-high five three-pointers, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s resilience. Chet Holmgren also played a pivotal role, contributing 28 points to the Thunder’s hard-fought win. Reflecting on the game, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the team’s grit and defensive effort, stating, ‘We know that when we do it (on defense), we give ourselves a chance no matter what’s going on.’ The victory was celebrated with the raising of Oklahoma City’s championship banner and the presentation of championship rings, marking their first title since relocating from Seattle in 2008. The Thunder will face the Indiana Pacers next, while the Rockets take on the Detroit Pistons. In other NBA action, Luka Doncic’s impressive 43-point, 12-rebound, and 9-assist performance couldn’t save the Los Angeles Lakers from a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors, who were led by Jimmy Butler’s 31 points and Stephen Curry’s 23. The Lakers were notably without LeBron James, who is recovering from sciatica.
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Champions League: Liverpool’s Ekitike returns to face floundering Frankfurt
Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike is set to face his former club Eintracht Frankfurt in a crucial Champions League encounter on Wednesday, as both teams grapple with inconsistent form this season. Frankfurt, once a Bundesliga powerhouse, has seen a dramatic decline since their historic third-place finish last year, which secured their Champions League berth. This season, the Eagles have managed just one win in their last five matches across all competitions, conceding a staggering 18 goals in the process. Their defensive vulnerabilities could prove a golden opportunity for Liverpool’s misfiring attack, which has struggled to find its rhythm in recent games. Ekitike, who joined Liverpool in a £69 million ($92 million) deal this summer, was Frankfurt’s standout player last season, netting 22 goals and providing 12 assists in 48 appearances. His departure, alongside other key players like Omar Marmoush and Randal Kolo Muani, has left Frankfurt in a rebuilding phase, marked by flashes of brilliance and moments of chaos. Despite their struggles, Frankfurt’s youthful squad showed promise with a 5-1 victory over Galatasaray in their Champions League opener, only to suffer a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their next outing. Liverpool, currently on a four-game losing streak, will be looking to capitalize on Frankfurt’s defensive frailties to reignite their season. Sporting director Timmo Hardung believes the match could be a turning point for Frankfurt, stating, ‘It will be a completely different game. Liverpool. Champions League. There’s nothing better in football.’
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Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium to host UAE vs Iraq World Cup qualifier
The UAE Football Association has confirmed that the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi will host the first leg of the UAE national team’s crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff against Iraq. The match is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, at 8 pm local time. The second leg will take place on November 18 in Iraq, with the aggregate winner advancing to the intercontinental playoff. Despite a recent defeat to Qatar in the qualifiers, the UAE retains a chance to secure a spot in the World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The winner of the UAE-Iraq playoff will join five other teams from Africa, North and Central America, South America, and Oceania in the final intercontinental playoff, where six teams will compete for the last two World Cup slots. Qatar and Saudi Arabia have already secured their places in the tournament after topping their respective groups in the fourth round of Asian qualifying.
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‘Like a battlefield’: The real story behind the Tel Aviv derby violence
The cancellation of the highly anticipated derby match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv on Sunday has sparked widespread outrage, with eyewitnesses attributing the violence to politically motivated actions by the Israeli police. Sources, including sports analysts, local residents, and fans, have pointed to a significant escalation in police brutality since the appointment of ultranationalist Itamar Ben Gvir as National Security Minister in 2022. This incident has drawn attention to the broader political climate in Israel, where the government’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank have intensified scrutiny on domestic football. Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, already under fire for their controversial behavior during European matches, were initially blamed for the violence. However, witnesses and journalists have countered that the police instigated the clashes, leading to injuries among civilians and officers. Videos and photographs depict shocking scenes of police brutality, including the use of force against children and fans. The incident has highlighted the deep political divisions within Israeli society, with Hapoel Tel Aviv, historically associated with the left, bearing the brunt of the violence. Critics argue that the police, emboldened by Ben Gvir’s leadership, are increasingly targeting dissent. The cancellation of the match has reignited debates about the role of politics in sports and the growing tensions within Israeli football.
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Briton Okolie to headline ‘historic’ card in Nigeria
British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie is poised to make history as he headlines a major boxing event in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 19, 2025. The former cruiserweight world champion, whose parents were born in Nigeria, will compete in his first professional bout on African soil, marking a significant milestone in his career and for the sport in the region. The event, co-promoted by Queensberry’s Frank Warren and Amir Khan, aims to showcase the growing potential of boxing in Africa, one of the sport’s emerging markets. While Okolie’s opponent remains unconfirmed, the undercard features fellow Londoner David Adeleye and undefeated German heavyweight Emanuel Odiase, promising an action-packed night of boxing. This event coincides with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, which is reportedly planning a show in Ghana on December 20, with rumors of Anthony Joshua potentially fighting in either Ghana or Nigeria early next year. Okolie, with a record of 22 wins, 16 stoppages, and one loss, expressed his excitement, calling it a ‘historic moment for Africa, my family, and my career.’ Amir Khan, head of AK Promotions, emphasized the event’s significance in inspiring the next generation of African fighters, stating, ‘Lagos is about to witness something special.’ The event underscores the increasing collaboration between British promoters and African boxing talent, further solidifying Africa’s place on the global boxing stage.
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Pakistan out after rain-hit defeat by South Africa
In a rain-affected match at the ICC Women’s World Cup in Colombo, South Africa delivered a commanding performance to eliminate Pakistan from the tournament. The Proteas posted a formidable total of 312-9 in their 40 overs, thanks to stellar contributions from Laura Wolvaardt (90), Sune Luus (61), and Nadine de Klerk (41 off 16 balls). Pakistan, faced with a revised target of 234 in 20 overs due to multiple rain interruptions, struggled to 83-7, handing South Africa a 150-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. The win propelled South Africa to the top of the table, while Pakistan joined Bangladesh in being eliminated with a game to spare. Despite weather disruptions, South Africa showcased their batting depth and resilience, with Wolvaardt and Luus laying a solid foundation and Marizanne Kapp (3-20) leading the bowling attack. Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals were dashed as they failed to overcome the Proteas’ dominance. South Africa now look ahead to their final group match against Australia with confidence, having already secured a semi-final berth.
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PGA Tour heads to Utah as South Korea hosts tournaments for LPGA and European Tour
The global golf scene is buzzing with excitement as major tournaments across the PGA, LPGA, and European Tours unfold. The PGA Tour’s Bank of Utah Championship, held at the Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah, boasts a $6 million purse, with the winner taking home $1.08 million. The event features top players like Alex Noren and Maverick McNealy, both ranked within the world’s top 20. This marks the tournament’s second year, now with a title sponsor, and showcases a challenging 7,421-yard course designed by the late Tom Weiskopf. Defending champion Matt McCarty, who triumphed in 2024, returns to defend his title. Meanwhile, the LPGA Tour’s Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown in Goyang, South Korea, brings together seven countries and a ‘rest of the world’ team for a thrilling fourball competition. With a $2 million prize pool, the winning team will earn $500,000. Notable players like Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson add to the event’s prestige, though Nelly Korda’s withdrawal due to injuries is a setback. On the European Tour, the Genesis Championship in Cheonan, South Korea, offers a $4 million purse, with the winner claiming $666,667. This event is crucial for players vying to qualify for the Race to Dubai’s final tournaments. Stars like Hideki Matsuyama and Adam Scott are in the field, adding to the competition’s intensity. Across the globe, other tours, including the PGA Tour Champions, Asian Tour, and Ladies European Tour, are also in full swing, showcasing golf’s universal appeal and the sport’s top talent.
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Broken jaws and smashed records – Mooney eyes more glory
Beth Mooney, a cornerstone of Australia’s dominant women’s cricket team, has faced adversity with unwavering determination. In January 2022, she suffered severe facial injuries during a net session when a delivery from coach Matthew Mott fractured her jaw. Despite the setback, Mooney returned to the field just ten days later, playing a pivotal role in Australia’s Ashes victory. Her resilience is emblematic of her career, which boasts four World Cups, a Commonwealth Games gold medal, and three Ashes series triumphs. Earlier this year, she became the first Australian woman to score a century in all three formats of the game. Mooney’s humility shines through in a team brimming with stars like Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy. She prefers to stay out of the limelight, focusing on her contributions to the team’s success. Her ability to thrive under pressure was evident in the recent World Cup match against Pakistan, where she rescued Australia from a precarious position of 76-7. Mooney’s work ethic is unparalleled, as demonstrated in the 2025 Women’s Ashes, where she scored 94 runs, including 54 non-boundary runs, a record for an Australian in T20 cricket. She attributes her success to relentless hard work and a commitment to continuous improvement. Mooney’s journey is a testament to the values of perseverance and teamwork that define Australian cricket.
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Blue Jays set up World Series meeting with Dodgers
The Toronto Blue Jays have clinched their first World Series appearance since 1993 after a thrilling victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Trailing 3-1, outfielder George Springer delivered a game-changing three-run home run in the seventh inning, propelling the Blue Jays to a 4-3 series win. The only Canadian franchise in Major League Baseball (MLB) will now face the defending champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the highly anticipated ‘Fall Classic.’
Springer, a key player in the Houston Astros’ 2017 World Series triumph, expressed his elation, stating, ‘I’m just so happy for our team, our city, our country. This is such an unbelievable moment.’ With 23 post-season home runs, Springer now ranks third in MLB history, trailing only Manny Ramirez (29) and Jose Altuve (27). Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised Springer’s clutch performance, calling it ‘October magic.’
The Mariners, who led the series 2-0 and 3-2, remain the only MLB franchise never to reach the World Series. Manager Dan Wilson acknowledged the disappointment but commended his team’s efforts, saying, ‘It’s a special team. It’s a shame that we had to come out on the wrong side of this one.’
The Blue Jays, who previously won the World Series in 1992 and 1993, will host the Dodgers in Game 1 on Friday, marking a historic return to the championship stage.