RTE Sport report a mutual decision between the Northern Ireland FA and O’Neill was agreed on to leave the position due to the proposed revision of the international matches by UEFA in regards to the Covid 19 situation.
In a statement he said, “After careful consideration and following discussions with the Irish FA I feel it is only fair that now is the right time for me to step aside,”. He continued, I would have loved the opportunity to manage Northern Ireland in the UEFA 2020 play-off game versus Bosnia and Herzegovina and the chance to qualify for another major tournament, but the current situation means that this is no longer possible.”
O’Neill was announced as Stoke City boss in November 2019. He has juggled both positions and said he would see out the 2020 qualifying campaign. However, as Euro 2021 has now been pushed to Euro 2021 he has felt right it was to leave the role. It is looking likely that the play-off games will be played in October or November this year.
O’Neill said he worked with many great medical, coaching and support staff during his time as Northern Ireland boss. He said, “Throughout my time here, I have been fortunate to have worked with many great coaching, medical and support staff who have all contributed to our successes and shared in some great moments”. He also thanked all players that he has managed, stating , “I would like to thank them all for an overwhelming level of commitment and professionalism”.
Irish FA Ceo Pat Nelson commenting on O’Neill’s departure said, “It is within a unique set of circumstances that we bring our unforgettable chapter with Michael O’Neill to a close”. He continued, “We were all looking forward to having Michael back to lead the team in March for the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but, for obvious reasons, it simply wasn’t to be”.
O’Neill guided Northern Ireland to Euro 2016 in France. It was Northern Ireland’s first time qualifying for a major tournament in 30 years. His side would progress through the group stages only to lose to Wales in the last 16.
European Football League are set to lose 4.1 billion euro according to Learnbonds. The coronavirus pandemic has been hitting countries hard and businesses also. In terms of sport it has led to numerous cancellations of sporting events at home and aboard. European Football has been hit hard and is no different.
The Champions League was suspended this month as was the Europa League. There were still around 40 games to be played in the competitions. Euro 2020 which was meant to be played out this summer will now be played in 2021. According to Learnbonds data suggest that suspension of matches will cost European clubs a massive 4.1 billion euros.
Looking at cross channel in the UK. The Premier League clubs will lose around 1.28 billion euro. The report states that more than 800 million of that total comes from lost broadcasting revenue. These are likely to from BT Sport and Sky Sports which shows most games. 300 million is expected to be lost in commercial sales, with 180 million drop in match day profit.
The Spanish La Liga will also have a massive loss. Spain which has been hit by pandemic are still in the midst of a lockdown. They are expected to lose around 970 million euros. The Bundesliga in Germany is projected to lose around 790 million, the Serie A in Italy where the virus has hit hardest in Europe is projected to lose up to 700 million in revenue. France Ligue 1 is also going to be a big loss with over 400 million euros.
The threat of players losing their value in terms of transfer money is also under threat. The report outlines that Manchester City would lose 412 million in player value. Barcelona are next on the list with a potential loss of 366 million. Liverpool, Real Madrid and PSG follow with 353 million, 350 million and 302 million in loses.
Have you ever wondered what happens when someone completely underqualified whips out google for a couple of hours and tries to decide what teams should do in the NFL draft? No? Ah fair enough then! But you’re here now, you might as well stay and have a look.
There will be no overanalysing exactly how a guy fits each scheme or what players have for breakfast every Tuesday, Bucky Brooks and D.J. will handle all your queries on that type of stuff, this is surface-level thinking and gut reactions with presumably terrible choices and even worse jokes because, why not!
Pick #1: Cincinnati Bengals Surely the Bungles can’t mess this up. I don’t buy any talk of them wanting to trade back or of Burrow not wanting to play for the Bungles. This is why they held A.J. Green out for the end of last season, now isn’t the time to go rogue. If I’m deciding, we just call it in and let the big cheese announce that Cincinnati is now JoeBurgh. With the 1st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select: Joe Burrow, Quarterback, LSU
Pick #2 Washington Redskins Hopefully, Goodell didn’t wander too far because we have another no brainer here unless someone offers Washington an insane amount to move up, I don’t think there is any other decision. I can’t see a new GM passing up the chance to start his tenure by making Chase Young his first draft pick. Rodge, do your thing! With the 2nd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins select: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
Pick #3: Detroit Lions Now the real fun begins. The Lions have a huge decision. I see the ideal scenario here being a trade with either Miami or Los Angeles Chargers. That would still more than likely allow them to get either Okudah or Simmons and haul a few extra picks in. The problem is I don’t see either of those teams being desperate enough to give up that much capital for someone with the injury concerns Tua has, especially with Herbert and Love also options. And I don’t think trading back out of the top 10 works for them either. So, the Lions have to decide whose talent Matt Patricia gets to waste. With the 3rd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select, Jeffrey Okudah, Cornerback, Ohio State
Pick #4: New York Giants The Giants are in an excellent spot here and could take a number of different routes. I think this is where we get our first splash move. So, we get on the phone and do a deal with Mike Mayock for the #12 and #19 picks. Derek Carr will be a lame-duck but at 29 can put himself in the shop window for next year. Tua brings a marquee name to build the hype in Las Vegas and John Gruden gets a shiny new toy to teach not to throw the venus on the backside of Spider 2 Y Banana. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByKfO8Ngb10 The New York Giants have traded the 4th Pick in the 2020 NFL Draft to the Las Vegas Raiders, and with that pick, the Las Vegas Raiders select: Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback, Alabama
Pick #5: Miami Dolphins Ryan Fitzmagic is a maniac. You want him to win, he loses. You want him to lose, he wins. You want him as a starter he gets himself benched. You want him as a back-up, he ends up starting. And you can’t hate him whether he’s playing for you or against you. He ruined the Dolphins’ ‘Tank for Tua’ and Miami stills loves him. Only Fitzy! Justin Herbert and Jordan Love are both available here. And the Offensive Line still smells of neglect. You would think the versatility of Isaiah Simmons would also appeal to B-Flo. In the end I have gone for Andrew Thomas to anchor the offensive line. Day 1 starter and book end Left Tackle. With the 5th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Pick #6: Los Angeles Chargers Another team in need of a long-term answer behind center, don’t @ me with this “we’re comfortable with T-Mobile” nonsense, you’re fooling nobody. They waste no time in grabbing Oregon Duck, Justin Herbert. Bit of work needed here but the sky is the limit if they can get it right with this kid. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LYdrN7nM7Y With the 6th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers select: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Pick #7: Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly’s retirement has all the feels of the worst kind of break up. I hear that Adele and Taylor Swift are already writing songs about it. How do you replace a warrior like Kuechly? You can’t. He’s a one off. But you still have to try and while Isaiah Simmons won’t bring the borderline psychic abilities Kuechly brought, he will still be a huge asset to step into a Linebacker corp in need of reinforcement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxrvbHOFTz8 With the 7th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
Pick #8: Arizona Cardinals Fresh off robbing Bill O’Brien of his lunch money, his dignity and possibly the best receiver in the NFL (though not his GM privileges for some reason), the Cardinals still somehow have a first round pick. No doubt Steve Keim is mad to draft another little fast guy but it’s time to put some investment into protecting his Quarterback. And Jedrick Wills can do exactly that. https://youtu.be/Vo2NIokUAYI With the 8th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Pick #9: Jacksonville Jaguars After trading Biggus Dickus to the Bears, Jordan Love is a legit possibility here. But they already have a young raw QB and even though Love is better this pick is too high a price for what the upgrade is. The days of Sacksonville are now long gone too with the departure of Yannick Ngakoue seemingly imminent. Don’t rule out the Jags packaging him with their 2 1st round picks to try to make a move for Tua either. But I have them going for a big run-stuffer to replace Marcel Dareus in Derrick Brown. Welease Wodger and let him announce the pick! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvGDHClCue4 With the 9th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Pick #10: Cleveland Browns With all the madness going on in the World right now, nothing might be as crazy as the thoughts of the ‘Factory of Sadness’ possibly becoming a well run franchise. But they may actually know what they’re doing these days. I have them taking Mekhi Becton, who looks like he could make millions getting bodyslammed by Hulk Hogan, he’s a legit monster. Baker Mayfield gets another upgrade in protection that his big mouth ensures he needs. With the 9th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Pick #11 New York Jets Unfortunately for Sam Darnold, none of the Ghostbusters have declared for this draft (wait for it, it gets worse) but they have the next best thing, a wide range of top quality Wide Receivers to choose from. They added Breshad Perriman in Free Agency but it’s impossible for Adam Gase have too many receivers to get into fights with. Nobody seems to want AB but the Jets won’t mind taking CeeDee! (Told you it gets worse). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1571Ihhk65Q With the 11th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Pick #12: New York Giants (From Las Vegas Raiders) Freak athleticism has Wirfs as the no.1 Offensive Tackle in a lot of mock drafts and the Giants will be delighted they can land him even after trading out of the top 10. Saquon Barkley will be hoping Wirfs can create gaps that his thighs can fit through. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4OR1P0eFs8 With the 12th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select, Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Pick #13 San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis Colts) This is the pick the 9ers got in return for DeForest Buckner and it just so happens that the guy who falls into their lap is a direct replacement for him on that terrifying defensive front. How have they not made a horror movie about them yet? I have Javon Kinlaw as the logical pick here but don’t rule out the 49ers trading this away, especially if Jordan Love is still about. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HYvzb9khP0 With the 13th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Pick #14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers After winning the TB12 lottery in Free Agency, the Buccaneers are gearing themselves for a run at bringing Vince Lombardi back to Tompa Bay, or Tampa Brady, or whatever we’re calling it now. Another good pass rusher will help, and it just so happens K’Lavon Chaisson happens to be one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bflj4w2I9O4 With the 14th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU
Pick #15 Denver Broncos The team once owned by Homer Simpson is looking to build around their 2nd-year quarterback Drew Lock and have a choice of excellent receivers here. I’ve gone with Henry Ruggs’ ability to stretch the field to compliment Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant. . With the 15th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select: Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
Pick #16 Atlanta Falcons Picking at 16 here, because the Falcons don’t show up for the 2nd half of anything. I don’t think any team in the NFL baffles me more than the Atlanta Falcons. Maybe the time has come to hit reset and start again. But right now, the secondary needs help. Enter CJ Henderson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC6CGLh5f3k With the 16th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
Pick #17 Dallas Cowboys Whether you think he should or not, we all know Jerry Jones is going to fire way too much money at Dak Prescott, I hope his aim is better than Dak’s! Which means they have to continue to supply him with enough talent around him to paper over the cracks. Luckily, they manage to land maybe the best receiver in this years’ draft. But don’t be surprised if come draft night the NY Jets occupy this pick as part of a deal for Jamal Adams. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63s4E-KsPd8&t=117s With the 17th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Pick #18 Miami Dolphins The pick the Dolphins got from Pittsburgh for Minkah Fitzpatrick, a versatile Safety out of Alabama goes on Xavier McKinney, a versatile Safety out of Alabama. It wouldn’t be like the dolphins to try the same thing again! With the 18th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Pick #19 New York Giants The Giants need to add firepowerto the passing offense.Sure-handed Justin Jefferson will give Danny Dimes a dependable target and Jefferson will find a good mentor in Golden Tate in the Giants receiver room. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F3w1Ust-OI With the 19th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Pick #20 Jacksonville Jaguars DeAndre Hopkins might not be in the division anymore, but Deshaun Watson has Brandin Cooks, Philip Rivers has TY Hilton and Ryan Tannehill has AJ Brown. The Jags have lost Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye so they need to bring in help on the outside. The Bama secondary sees their 2nd player taken in 3 picks Digg up stupid! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F3w1Ust-OI With the 20th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Pick #21 Philadelphia Eagles Can you catch a football? Yes? Then the Philadelphia would like to talk to you! Nelson Agholor got shown the exit, rumour has it he’s still trying to catch a plane out. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Eagles already have every receiver in the draft measured for pads, a helmet and one of those stupid dog masks! Higgins gets the nod here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TZqnA-48ik With the 21st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Pick #22 Minnesota Vikings The run on receivers is bad news for the Vikings who would probably love to make up for sending Stephon Diggs to Buffalo. Drafting AJ Epenesa would at least soften the blow of also losing Everson Griffen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV2J35OtxJc With the 22nd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select: AJ Epenesa, Edge, Iowa
Pick #23 New England Patriots Zach Baun’s versatility, intelligence and willingness to do whatever is asked of him as an outside linebacker has New England Patriot written all over him. It’s easy to get caught up on the needs to improve the offense after the poor showing last year and the offseason loss of Tom Brady. But we shouldn’t forget that defense lost valuable pieces like Kyle Van Noy. Baun is an ideal candidate to step in for him. With the 23rd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select: Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
Pick #24 New Orleans Saints Sean Peyton can talk all he wants about how much he loves Taysom Hill as the guy to take the reigns when Drew Brees retires. But the lack of action on a long-term contract says differently. Hill stays rooted as Peyton’s Joker card to play when he wants mad stuff to happen but nothing more. This is an ideal spot for a landing spot for Jordan Love. A year or 2 to sit and develop under one of the best to ever do it and a creative offense to step into. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgOP1QC5iaA With the 24th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Pick #25 Minnesota Vikings The Viking’s double-dip on defense in an attempt to dethrone the Packers from the top of the ultra-competitive NFC North. Going into the season depending on Mike Hughes to be the team’s main cornerback would leave me nervous. Having LSU product Kristian Fulton battle with him for the top spot would hopefully see them push each other to create a formidable secondary with Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwSYHzJFn84 With the 25th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Pick #26 Miami Dolphins I know what you’re going to say, this has to be a Quarterback. Well…..no it doesn’t. Patience is a virtue, especially when trying to find a franchise QB. You can’t force it. The Dolphins missed out on Burrow and Tua who were legit Franchise QB prospects. No need to compound that by over drafting someone here. Cesar Ruiz is very talented but also has that dog in him. Add him here and the Dolphins can look at alternative solutions for QB. With the 26th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select: Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan
Pick #27 Seattle Seahawks Is it too early to give up on LJ Collier? Yes, but I don’t think the Seahawks can rely on him to step up this season and Yetur Gross-Matos can provide the safety net. Much like the Vikings Corner scenario, the idea is to create competition so that this two push each other. Bruce Irvin isn’t getting any younger and the Seahawks need one of this young ’ uns to make their claim to take over. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz4RSqjW1OQ With the 27th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
Pick #28 Baltimore Ravens I had to check where Kenneth Murray was born to make sure he wasn’t created in a lab somewhere in M&T Bank Stadium. He’s instinctive, aggressive and plays sideline to sideline making him a prototype Ravens linebacker. Is he Ray Lewis level, highly unlikely. He may not even be up with CJ Mosely. But he fits the Ravens idea of a Mike linebacker and I have them taking him here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lvt8i70VBg With the 28th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Pick #29 Tennessee Titans Tennessee pride themselves on their tough physical approach. Jerrell Casey was a key figure in establishing that, especially on defense. Ross Blacklock works hard from start to finish and has the motor that Mike Vrabel can count on. Work is needed here but shows no lack of effort. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGNgIG_wfRg With the 29th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select: Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
Pick #30 Green Bay Packers Sorting out that run defense begins with adding Patrick Queen beside newly acquired Christian Kirksey (the DawgPound guy from the Browns Hard Knocks) in the heart of the Packers defense. Queen Bay Packers? Anyone? No? Alright I’ll see myself out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Erg5_5wUNsM With the 30th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Pick #31 San Francisco 49ers I like the idea of putting AJ Terrell, a long rangy corner who was a psychology major in college, under the wing of Richard Sherman, a long rangy corner, who excelled in the art of getting in receivers’ heads. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThRth8H0VoU With the 31st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select: AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson
Pick #32 Kansas City Chiefs What do you give the team that has everything? The one thing any team can’t have enough of. The fat lads. For all the excitement their explosive offense delivers, the improvement their defense made throughout last season was a vital component in making that final step to winning the big one. And the scary thing is they can get even better. Chris Jones may not be around past 2020 and Neville Gallimore can develop into a good replacement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcISLaf2NhI With the 32nd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select: Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
It was his fine work with the Under-21 side that ultimately saw Stephen Kenny being handed the reigns of the Republic of Ireland senior side.
Kenny led the young Boys in Green to seven wins in his twelve games at the helm, and there was a distinct swagger about the way they went about their business.
That was a continuation of the 48-year-old’s fine work with Dundalk, where again he oversaw an attacking, aggressive style.
26 November 2018; Newly appointed Republic of Ireland U21 manager Stephen Kenny during a press conference at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
It’s a philosophy that will be music to the ears of Irish football fans, and especially those who were left rather disillusioned by the lack of dynamism and confidence shown during Mick McCarthy’s tenure.
The Green Army looked hapless in front of goal at times during their Euro 2021 qualification campaign, and in a group containing Gibraltar – regarded as the worst team in Europe by UEFA – Ireland managed just 1-0 and 2-0 victories against an outfit that conceded 31 goals in their eight outings.
While not blessed with attacking talent, Kenny will still have the likes of Scott Hogan – who found some real goalscoring form for Birmingham City prior to the disruption – and the exciting Callum Robinson to call upon.
And it’s not just about the players, either. It’s about intent, and a willingness to take risks tactically, while giving players the confidence to express themselves in the final third of the pitch.
What an opportunity Kenny now has. The Euro 2021 play-off semi-final against Slovakia is a wholly winnable tie for a side given a jolt of life by their new manager, and, indeed, the Irish are favourites for the fixture in the online football betting odds.
Win that, and there would follow a final against either Northern Ireland or Bosnia-Herzegovina – that would be all that separates the Greens from another major tournament appearance.
It’s a baptism of fire for Kenny, make no mistake, but in his managerial career so far, he has shown a willingness to meet such challenges head-on.
Attack the Best Form of Defence
“Traditionally, we limit ourselves in how we think we can play. We don’t think we’re good enough as a nation. To me that’s unacceptable. We have to demand more from ourselves.”
That typically frank outlook from Kenny offers an insight into how he will approach life as Ireland’s head coach. In his stints as the under-21s boss and at Dundalk, he impressed upon his defenders a desire to play out from the back, while instructing his attacking players to try things – be it expansive through balls or taking on an opponent with the ball.
After a 1-0 win over Armenia with the junior side, Kenny praised his side for being ‘relentless’ as far as their high press was concerned, putting their opponents under pressure throughout the 90 minutes. You suspect he will be looking to adopt a similar approach with the national side, and so expect those with huge engines – Jeff Hendrick, for example – to thrive.
Ireland will be looking to retain the ball at all times, which was a hallmark of Dundalk’s forays into the Champions League. From a position of despair, the Irish really can now dream of taking their place at Euro 2021 in a group that would contain Spain, Sweden and Poland – with the matches against the latter pair played at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
If he can pull it off, Stephen Kenny’s career as Ireland head coach would get off to the best possible start.
Professional sport has returned to South Korea with news that baseball began on Tuesday. Although, the game which involved a preseason local derby, no supporters were present in the stands.
RTE Sport that Doosan Bears and LG Twins of Seoul played in the biggest sport in the country. The stadium would normally be packed for a derby of this magnitude but owing to the coronavirus no spectators were present. Media were present for the game but it was limited to around 50 people. The shouts from the dug outs were also heard loud and clearly. Reporters and the media were not allowed to approach players before or after the game.
The news comes as good news considering the South Koreans outbreak of Covid 19 was catastrophic at the beginning. The majority of sport was banned in the country from baseball to soccer. However, it now appears that South Korea have brought the virus under control. This is mainly down to the testing regime and tracing of the virus. The Korea baseball organisation have also said the season will will begin on May 5th. However, this will be played behind closed doors.
RTE report that strict guideline have to be adhered to. For instance, players have to have temperature checks twice during the game, facemasks are also required to be worn in all parts of the stadium. Furthermore, players have been asked not to interact, this means no high fives or the shaking of hands. Spitting is also prohibited.
Meanwhile, the K League is set to begin shortly, after the South Korean football association said they will allow practice matches from Tuesday. The country’s women golfers are also expect to make a return to the fairways. The Korea Ladies Golf Association Championship which is a four day event will commence on May 14th near Seoul.
Whether we will see other countries follow suit and begin to do what the South Koreans are doing is another question. Only time will tell I would imagine.
Looking ahead and over the next couple of years, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will have some serious thinking to do. Especially when considering which opponents Conor McGregor should face.
Of course, the Irishman himself will undoubtedly have a large say in dictating which fights he fancies and which he doesn’t, although the UFC itself would also be wise to ensure that McGregor takes top billing at future events. Likewise, giving “The Notorious” chances to fight for titles will also be important, which means these two opponents must surely be top of their list.
Score to settle with Khabib
As an event that reached 2.4 million pay per view purchases, which is by far the biggest TV audience ever, Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor was certainly a huge commercial success for the UFC. However, after a neck crank by Khabib forced McGregor into submission, it was also an event which ended in the controversy of a mass brawl. As reported by the Irish Times, the Russian fighter later issued a public apology for his part in the ugly post-fight scenes.
Many past events featuring “The Notorious” have usually seen the outspoken Irishman considered a firm favourite, although if McGregor were to get a rematch against Nurmagomedov at some point, UFC betting odds for the still unbeaten Russian would likely be in his favour. That said, both would inevitably be winners when it comes to the purse on offer, given that the UFC would almost certainly generate record revenues from a rematch.
Nevertheless, getting a rematch organized is complicated. It’s hard to imagine McGregor having any hesitations, although fighting for the lightweight championship title would be preferable. Khabib might be a little more hesitant, with other fighters like Tony Ferguson higher on his list of potential rivals. This could mean we don’t see a second duel between McGregor and Khabib until late in 2021 or even 2022.
First chance to fight Ferguson
Since 2015 one fight in particular has been regarded as a priority for the UFC. Efforts to get Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov together in the octagon have repeatedly failed. ESPN recently highlighted that the pair have been scheduled to fight on five separate occasions, although for a variety of different reasons, those planned bouts were cancelled all five times.
When the UFC attempt to plan this fight for a sixth time, much will depend upon the circumstances and the willingness of both Khabib and Ferguson. While current expectations and UFC betting tips from Paddy Power are leaning towards this fight eventually going ahead, Khabib may still reject the chance to fight Ferguson any time soon.
That could present an opportunity for McGregor, and although there wouldn’t be any title at stake, the chance to beat Ferguson would prove the Irishman is back to his best. As the two highest-ranked lightweight contenders, Ferguson against McGregor would potentially be a great fight, one that would deserve top billing, and earn either the right to challenge Khabib for his title at a later date.
Best possible outcome?
Fighting against either Ferguson or Khabib are the most appealing options for McGregor at present, favoured by his legion of fans around the world and even the UFC itself. Having a title to fight for would be even better for everyone concerned.
This would indicate that the most practical outcome at present, practically speaking, would be the long-awaited fight between Khabib and Ferguson to come first, with McGregor waiting to challenge the winner of that bout and the opportunity to regain the lightweight title.
The 2020 Dublin Horse Show is the latest major sporting event to fall victim to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Monday evening’s statement from the RDS confirming cancellation of Ireland’s premier horse show, which was scheduled to take place from 15th to 19th July, stated:
“The health and safety of all of those who come together for the Dublin Horse Show has been a priority for the RDS in making this decision. This includes visitors from Ireland and from around the world, competitors, volunteers, trade exhibitors, RDS Members, staff, partners, contractors and suppliers”
The RDS Chief Executive Michael Duffy said he understood the obvious disappointment of people within the breeding industry to the Society’s decision, admitting:
“We understand that this will disappoint many members of the public and that it will have implications for many horse breeders and producers around the country. However, we trust that everyone will understand and support a decision made in the national interest.”
It has been announced that all tickets purchased by phone or online will be automatically refunded to accounts within 7-10 working days, while patrons who purchased through an outlet are requested to return to the point of sale.
It is looking ever so likely now that many major events will not go ahead this year. The government have stated that mass gatherings are “unlikely” to go ahead in Ireland in 2020. This will almost certainly rule out the GAA championships. However, some events will potentially take place worldwide and I will take a look at live sport set for July below.
John Deere Classic: PGA Tour – The John Deere Classic on the PGA Tour is set to go ahead in July at present. Dylan Frittelli won the event last season. The South African scooped over 1 million dollars in prize money.
Newmarket July Festival: Horse Racing – If horse racing is to go ahead in the UK it will likely be behind closed doors. No announcement has been made as of yet but this festival attracts all the big horses from the big stables. If it goes ahead or not as of yet I am not so sure. It is due to take place from 9-11th of July.
Summer X Games – Extreme Sports – As of now the Summer X Games are going ahead. They will take place from the 16th to the 19th of July in Minneapolis. Events include skateboarding, bmx biking and moto x.
Austrian Grand Prix – Formula One – It is likely that the Austrian Grand Prix will go ahead after after Austria have eased their restrictions in recent days. This will likely be a race where no spectators are present. It is due to take place from July 3rd to July 5th.
British Grand Prix – Formula One- The British GP organisers have said they can host two races if required over the summer. These will likely be without spectators also. It is pencilled in for July 19th at the moment.
Major League Baseball All-Star Game – Baseball – At the moment this is likely to go ahead. The USA have yet to lift restrictions. But Trump is eager to get everything back to work and return to some sort of normality. The Major League Baseball All-Star is meant to take place on July 14th.
Anthony Joshua v Kubrat Pulev: Boxing – The fight between the pair was originally set for June but due to the virus it was postponed. Pulev has posted on his social media stating the fight will go ahead at the end of July.
Ireland is among the 22 nations invited to compete at the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final at Barcelona Polo Club in October.
Under changes approved by the FEI Board, the 22 teams are 10 from Europe, three from North America, two from South America, two from the Middle East, two from Asia/Australasia, one apiece from Africa and Eurasia, plus the host nation Spain.
The rules revision means that all 10 teams in Europe Division 1, including champions Ireland, are guaranteed a place in the 2020 FEI Nations Cup Final, where usually only the top seven teams from Europe Division 1 would qualify.
The qualification system for some divisions (listed below) will be based on the Longines Rankings, using the combined points of each National Federations’ four best Athletes on the Longines Ranking published one month prior to the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final:
South America: 2 teams via Longines Ranking.
Asia/Australasia: 2 teams via Longines Ranking.
Africa: 1 team via Longines Ranking.
Eurasia: 1 team via Longines Ranking.
The October final in Barcelona is totally dependent on what happens with the Covid-19 pandemic, with the FEI optimistic about hosting the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final.
It has also been confirmed that there will be no promotion and relegation this year in Europe’s top division, meaning Division 1 will start with the same 10 teams for the 2021 season.
Horse Racing Ireland has announced a record high 563 entries for the Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes, the inaugural running of which is scheduled for Naas Racecourse on Bank Holiday Monday August 3, 2020.
The new race, aimed at the progeny of sires with a median of no more than €75,000 at last year’s yearling sales, has attracted 345 Irish-based entries, 217 from Britain and one from America, a colt owned by Stonestreet Stables, now in the care of Wesley Ward.
There are 289 colts and geldings, including Poetic Flare, winner of the opening two-year-old race of the season for Jim Bolger at Naas, and 274 fillies among those nominated.
In consultation with the race sponsors, Irish EBF and Ballyhane Stud, HRI has committed to examine increasing the €200,000 prize fund and to investigate the staging of a consolation race on the same day for those horses not making the final field in the feature race. This would give owners and trainers with entries an additional opportunity to avail of valuable prize money.
In the light of the ongoing Covid-19 situation the first forfeit stage will be deferred from April 22 to an unconfirmed later date that will be announced when there is a clearer indication of the resumption of racing and dates for the breeze-up sales.
Joe Foley, owner of Ballyhane Stud, which sponsors the race, was delighted with the level of entries, stating:
“I was delighted with the response to the race and a big thank you goes to all the owners and trainers who have entered two-year-olds, especially to the 81 Ballyhane Stud sired entries, who are in with a chance to win the €50,000 bonus if they win the race. It’s going to be a very exciting race at Naas and the huge prize money will be something to look forward to in these uncertain times.”
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