Sports
Again, Iran denies women entry to football stadium
Iran has once again denied women entry to a football stadium to watch an international match, leaving hundreds of ticketed fans locked out, Iranian media said yesterday.
The World Cup qualifier against Lebanon on Tuesday night, won 2-0 by Iran, was played at the Imam Reza stadium in the northeastern city of Mashhad.
“About 2,000 Iranian women, who had bought tickets for the Iran-Lebanon match, were present in the perimeter of Imam Reza stadium, but could not enter the stadium,” ISNA news agency said.
Iran’s team captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh joined in criticism of the lockout.
“I don’t think anything would have happened if women had come to the stadium, and this could promote our culture,” he said, quoted on IRIB state television.
Mohsen Davari, governor of Mashhad, told IRIB: “I apologise that many people couldn’t enter the stadium…”
“Unfortunately, a large number of people outside the stadium were deprived of watching the game.”
In the face of the controversy, President Ebrahim Raisi yesterday instructed the interior ministry to look into the incident.
For his part, Iran’s attorney general Mohammad Jafar Montazeri said on radio that “if conditions allowed the sale of tickets to women, a suitable place had to be found for them”.
The case was “not acceptable… and shows poor management”, he said.
In January, women were allowed to attend an international for the first time in almost three years, for a World Cup qualifier against Iraq.
Sports
Tyson beaten by Jake Paul in heavyweight return
Mike Tyson’s controversial return to boxing ended in a one-sided defeat on Friday, with Youtuber-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul cruising to victory by unanimous decision against the heavyweight icon in Texas.
Tyson, 58, barely landed a punch during the eight-round bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with Paul winning by big margins on all three cards — 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73.
Paul, 27, used his superior speed and movement to dominate the ageing Tyson with ease, and had the former undisputed heavyweight champion in trouble after landing a flurry of punches in the third round.
Yet the younger fighter was unable to land the knockout blow he had promised to deliver during Thursday’s ill-tempered weigh-in, where Tyson slapped him across the face.
Tyson, however, looked every bit of his 58 years, managing to land only a handful of meaningful punches during the fight.
Final statistics showed Tyson connected with just 18 of 97 punches thrown while Paul threw some 278 punches and landed 78 of them.
As the final seconds of the eighth round counted down, Paul could even afford to bow in respect to Tyson before the bell sounded.
Sports
Watch the moment Mike Tyson slapped Jake Paul ahead of heavyweight fight
The tension reached a boiling point at the weigh-in for Friday’s highly anticipated heavyweight showdown in Texas, as boxing legend Mike Tyson slapped social media star and novice boxer Jake Paul during a heated face-off.
The incident unfolded at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where the 58-year-old Mike Tyson and the 27-year-old Jake Paul are set to clash in a bout that has stirred debate across the boxing world.
Following the weigh-in, which saw Tyson tip the scales at 16st 4lb and Paul just a pound lighter, the two fighters came face-to-face.
Jake Paul crawled theatrically across the stage before rising to Tyson’s eye level, engaging in a tense staredown.
Tyson, who had largely dismissed Paul’s provocations throughout the week, finally snapped, delivering a slap to Paul’s face.
The sudden act prompted security personnel and team members to intervene and separate the fighters.
“Talking’s over,” Tyson declared before storming off the stage.
Paul, unfazed, responded with a grin and proceeded to sit down, appearing to meditate. “I didn’t even feel it. He’s angry. He’s an angry little elf,” Paul quipped.
He went on to taunt the former two-time world champion: “Mike Tyson, I thought that was a cute slap, buddy, but tomorrow you’re getting knocked out.”
Watch video here
Sports
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali loses father
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has announced the passing of his father.
Nwabali shared the sad news on his Instagram page on Friday posting a heartfelt message along with a tearful emoji.
He expressed his grief in a brief tribute, writing, “R.I.P Dad,” while keeping the details surrounding his father’s death private.
Since the announcement, messages of condolence and support have been pouring in for Nigeria’s goalkeeper, with fans and friends alike offering their sympathy.
The news comes shortly after Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where Nwabali played a crucial role in the team’s success.
-
Celebrities1 week ago
AY Makun, Basketmouth discuss their 17-year feud
-
Education1 week ago
Keystone Bank Renovates Schools In Zamfara, Says Governor Lawal’s Feats In 17 Months Surpass Over 20 Years Of Previous Administrations
-
Politics3 days ago
Okpebholo fires permanent secretaries, dissolves boards
-
Business6 days ago
No November salary for workers without valid residents registration number, says Kwara state government
-
Special Features1 week ago
Bodex Media Announces Frank Edoho as Host for Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH) 5th Edition
-
Celebrities1 week ago
Why would you post pictures in your underwear? – Portable out calls Tiwa Savage
-
Celebrities1 week ago
Paul Okoye accuses Peter of song theft, vows to release ‘original version’
-
World6 days ago
Trump speaks to Putin, warns against escalating war in Ukraine