The Greek champions are third in the Super League after three wins in their past eight games.

Shipping magnate Evangelos Marinakis, who also owns Nottingham Forest, was quoted in the Greek media as telling the players: “I and the rest of the fans have tolerated you enough. You will leave today and go on holiday.”

Olympiakos have been crowned champions of Greece 44 times, including the past seven seasons.

However, they are three points behind leaders AEK Athens with four matches remaining.

Olympiakos drew 1-1 at 10th-placed Levadiakos on Saturday.

Marinakis said half the fine was for a 1-1 draw against arch rivals Panathinaikos on 4 March.

He said very few players in the current squad will be retained for the remainder of the season, with replacements to be called up from the under-20 team.

Three years ago Marinakis fined his team 500,000 euros for their performances.

He completed his takeover of Forest in May 2017, bringing to an end Fawaz Al Hasawi’s five-year reign in charge of the Championship club.

Source: BBC

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The Gunners were booed off at half-time at Emirates Stadium after seeing Aaron Ramsey clip the crossbar with their only clear chance of the first 45 minutes.

But Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s penalty broke the deadlock after a disputed foul by Bruno Martins Indi on Mesut Ozil, before the Gabon striker fired home from an Ozil corner.

Aubameyang then passed up the chance to claim a hat-trick after Badou Ndiaye’s push on substitute Alexandre Lacazette, who converted the penalty for a scoreline that flattered the Gunners.

Arsenal, who host CSKA Moscow in the Europa League next, remain 13 points outside the Premier League’s top four after Tottenham later won at Chelsea so Wenger understands why there were scores of empty seats.

“It’s just down to the fact that we’re not fighting for the championship,” he said. “People know that will not change now. They will be back on Thursday, don’t worry.

“It’s explainable by the fact that it’s Easter. It’s a family happening where people go away and it’s a fact that we don’t think about a lot in the Premier League. There’s also the fact that we had a break.”

Despite having 17 days between matches – a result of the international break and being out of the FA Cup – Arsenal looked laboured in possession before showing greater urgency after the break.

Stoke did hit the woodwork through Xherdan Shaqiri’s second-half corner but the hosts were in the ascendancy when the first penalty was awarded. However, replays showed that Martins Indi appeared to get his left foot to the ball before catching Ozil from behind.

Ndiaye then fired narrowly wide for Stoke before Arsenal condemned the Potters to their eighth game without a win, keeping them second from bottom and three points from safety.

–

Source: BBC

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A win would have moved the Blues to within two points of fourth-placed Tottenham and, after soaking up some Spurs pressure, they took the lead when Alvaro Morata headed in Victor Moses’ cross.

But Tottenham levelled just before the break, as Christian Eriksen hit a fierce, dipping effort from 25 yards that dropped just under the bar and over a stranded Willy Caballero.

Alli then took centre stage in the second half, putting Tottenham ahead just after the hour mark when he produced a sublime first touch to bring Eric Dier’s ball under control before slotting beyond Caballero.

The England midfielder was then well-placed to stab in following a goalmouth scramble after a good run by Son Heung-min.

Victory for Tottenham means they moved eight points clear of Chelsea in fifth with seven games remaining.

Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso described this London derby as a ‘must-win game’ beforehand and it was hard to disagree, given the consequences for Champions League qualification.

Antonio Conte’s side had won just three of their nine league games in 2018 prior to Tottenham’s visit but they did have history in their favour.

Spurs had a torrid record at Stamford Bridge in the league, losing 18 of their 27 games since a late Gary Lineker header secured a 2-1 win in February 1990.

It looked as if their miserable run would continue as, despite dominating possession, they fell behind after an excellent ball by Antonio Rudiger found Moses wide right and the wing-back delivered a perfect cross for Morata to score his seventh headed goal of the season.

From then, the balance of play swung in Chelsea’s favour as they went on the hunt for a second and Hugo Lloris did well to push away a strong Alonso strike.

But Tottenham are a team with momentum. They had not lost in the Premier League since 16 December, winning all four of their previous fixtures, and Eriksen, so often capable of creating something from nothing, delivered a sucker-punch on the stroke of half time with his excellent dipping strike.

From then on the visitors were in control and Alli’s quick-fire not only put paid to Chelsea’s chances of getting a result but possibly their top-four hopes as well.

They will now need to take at least nine points from the 21 available just to overhaul Tottenham’s current total. Given that they have taken just six points from their previous seven games, it would seem a tall task.

The sight of Harry Kane grimacing in pain while clutching his ankle at Bournemouth on 11 March will have been a devastating one for both Tottenham and England fans.

The striker has been in scintillating form this season with an incredible 39 goals in just 43 games in all competitions, so the prospect of him being out for a lengthy spell had threatened to upset Tottenham’s top-four hopes and England’s World Cup preparations.

However, having avoided any significant damage to his ankle, he has made a recovery quicker than anticipated and was fit enough to be on the Tottenham bench at Chelsea. He was introduced with 16 minutes remaining, as Alli’s two goals allowed him to be eased back into action.

With Tottenham just four points behind second-placed Manchester United and an FA Cup semi-final against Jose Mourinho’s men on the horizon, Spurs would appear to have their form – and their key players back – at just the right time.

–

Source: BBC

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“We would be having a very different press conference if we had lost,” said the Scot after Saturday’s precious 3-0 win over Premier League relegation rivals Southampton.

The joyous scenes at London Stadium as the Hammers outplayed the Saints came three weeks after the toxic scenes during the home defeat against Burnley.

The fallout from the protests and pitch invasions back then led to five Hammers fans being banned for life.

Defeat against Southampton would have made life very uncomfortable, not just for Moyes, but co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold, plus their managing director Karren Brady.

But even so, to say that all is suddenly rosy in the West Ham camp would be wide of the mark.

I spent four hours with various groups of supporters before the match to assess the mood around the troubled London club.

‘No confidence in the board’
Just after noon, at the end of a two-hour meeting in a cafe-bar close to London Stadium, the West Ham United Independent Supporters Association decided upon a course of action.

“We were promised a world-class team in a world-class stadium,” said a statement. “Today the members of the WHUISA that were present voted unanimously in a vote of no confidence in the current board of West Ham United to deliver this.

“We will therefore launch a concerted ‘UNITED Campaign for Change’ and will announce further details shortly.

“We will be in touch with our members and other West Ham fan groups for consultation.”

Various ideas had been discussed, including a protest march, ambush protests and isolating Brady to push for her removal.

The meeting involved discussion not argument. There was no sense of militancy. There was simmering resentment but it is not boiling over.

A desire to exert pressure on the board was obvious. However, the point was made by a number of members that a coherent strategy is required.

That, as it turns out, may turn out to be the tricky bit.

For, while WHUISA’s membership is rising, over 3,000 at the last count, and the organisation says it is democratic, only a small percentage were at the meeting. And, more importantly, they are not the only show in town.

Walk this way
Not long after the WHUISA meeting finished I headed towards the Westfield centre, past Stratford station, through the Stratford Centre and on to Stratford Park.

I was in a hurry. I wanted to attend an event organised by a group that calls themselves the West Ham United ramblers association, which was scheduled to start at 12:30 BST.

They were fewer in number than had been at the WHUISA meeting.

Islington, who explained that the idea had come about because a protest march that was supposed to be held prior to the Burnley game had been cancelled by the organisers at short notice and some fans wanted to do something pro-active anyway.

Mick, from Dover, was rather more forthright in his view of Sullivan, Gold and Brady than anyone at the earlier meeting had been.

“They have sold our soul,” he said. “We have given up our home for this shambles.”

I didn’t actually stay for the ramble itself because a third protest was about to start and I had to get back through the Stratford Centre.

Where’s the money gone?
By far the most noisy and numerous protest was the one endorsed by the Real West Ham Fans group.

It started back at Stratford station, where supporters had been asked to gather from 13:00 BST.

The chants were aggressive in nature but I didn’t sense any outright hostility from those who made their way up Gibbins Road, past the Carpenters Arms, up Hutchins Close and towards the stadium, picking up greater numbers as they went along.

Police followed the march to the stadium and although it seemed they were wary at the outset, by the end they were posing for pictures.

They chanted about wanting to ‘sack the board’, which was especially loud as the march snaked through an underpass.

They proclaimed they were ‘West Ham till I die’, ‘Stratford’s not very nice (these weren’t the actual words), I want to go home’ and another song about Gold and Sullivan, demanding to know what happened to the money it was envisaged would be generated by the stadium move.

The whole thing took about an hour and involved a 10-minute stop outside the hospitality entrance at the stadium, near which was a solid police and security presence.

The only person isolated for special treatment was a fan who bore a passing resemblance to Harry Potter.

Together, these fans groups would make a very loud voice. Apart, it is difficult to establish exactly what it is they want – still less whether it is achievable.

The fear from upstairs
The game against Southampton was West Ham’s 34th in the Premier League at London Stadium.

It was their 13th win, only four of which have been by more than a single goal. The 3-0 scoreline equals their biggest victory at the ground.

A concern expressed in private by a senior figure at West Ham before the match was that unless the atmosphere at the stadium improves, it will continue to have a negative impact on results and the Hammers might end up “doing a Sunderland”.

Marko Arnautovic
Arnautovic scored twice and there was plenty of passion and determination on display at London Stadium
Despite Friday’s 4-1 win at Derby, the Black Cats are still facing a second successive relegation.

Sunderland have collected a total of 26 points at the Stadium of Light over the past two seasons, putting them bottom of the home form league table last season and second from bottom in the Championship this time around.

But at the end of Saturday’s match in London, the tannoy announcer thanked West Ham’s ’12th man’ for their part in the victory.

In stark contrast to the pitch invasions and venomous abuse being directed at Sullivan and Gold three weeks ago, the home fans in a 56,882 crowd were a wholly positive influence on their team, something acknowledged afterwards by Moyes.

He said: “The fans were with the club and the team. These things can change clubs.

“They have had their say but today they were terrific. I hope we can give the supporters more of what we did today. If the stadium stays the way it was today we will have a great chance.”

Quite where the planned protests will go from here remains unclear. But one thing seems certain – when West Ham win, the team at least still has the backing of the fans.

–

Source: BBC

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The Gunners were booed off at half-time by another sparse and subdued home crowd after seeing Aaron Ramsey clip the crossbar with their only clear chance of the first 45 minutes.

Arsenal showed greater urgency after the break, although Stoke struck the woodwork through a Xherdan Shaqiri corner before the hosts were awarded a disputed penalty for a foul by Bruno Martins Indi on Mesut Ozil.

Aubameyang converted the spot-kick before firing home from an Ozil corner. And the Gabon striker passed up the chance to claim a hat-trick when Arsenal were awarded another penalty late on.

Badou Ndiaye pushed Alexandre Lacazette in the box and the Arsenal substitute converted to round off a scoreline which flattered the Gunners.

Despite having 17 days between matches – a result of the international break and being out of the FA Cup – Arsenal looked laboured in possession and had only just got into the ascendancy when the first penalty was awarded.

Replays showed that Arsene Wenger’s men were perhaps fortunate as Martins Indi appeared to get his left foot to the ball before catching Ozil from behind.

Ndiaye then fired narrowly wide for Stoke before Arsenal clinched a fourth straight victory with the two late goals.

They remain sixth in the Premier League table, five points adrift of Chelsea, in fifth, and 10 behind fourth-placed Tottenham before the London rivals faced each other (16:00 BST).

Despite starting on the front foot, Stoke stay second from bottom, three points from safety, after their eighth game without a win.

Could the Europa League save Arsenal’s season?
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dedicated his goals to his late grandmother, Marina, whose name he had dyed in his hair
Petr Cech and Granit Xhaka had been ever-presents in the Premier League but they lost their record as Wenger left them out of the starting line-up. Laurent Koscielny was also left on the bench as he is nursing an Achilles problem.

The Arsenal manager was perhaps trying to keep them fresh for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first-leg meeting with CSKA Moscow.

Their European campaign has taken on huge significance for Wenger and the club, at a time when many supporters have been calling for change. There were again scores of empty seats at Emirates Stadium as disillusioned fans continue to stay away.

Arsenal look certain to miss out on a top-four finish, so it seems their only way of qualifying for next season’s Champions League is to win the Europa League. Wenger may also need to win it to convince the Arsenal board to keep him in charge.

The team he fielded against Stoke played like a side with their eyes on a bigger prize. They were sloppy and sluggish early on, and it was not until the 23rd minute that they got behind the Stoke defence for the first time.

Hector Bellerin’s low cross was deflected into the path of Ramsey, whose deft volley went behind off the bar. Ramsey and Mohamed Elneny then saw shots deflected wide.

Danny Welbeck fired wide as Arsenal improved in the second half. Elneny’s shot was then blocked, with Nacho Monreal’s follow-up saved by Jack Butland, but the Gunners breathed a sigh of relief as Shaqiri’s inswinging corner came back off the far post with David Ospina beaten.

The ruthless nature in which the home side finished the game will encourage Wenger before the European clash, though. Butland had to deny Aubameyang and Calum Chambers before their late goal burst.

Jack Wilshere’s presence, after being forced to withdraw from international duty, was a positive for both Wenger and England manager Gareth Southgate ahead of the World Cup.

‘The ref needs to watch it again’ – Stoke’s penalty rage

Stoke had frustrated Arsenal for long periods before the penalty was given and the visitors had complaints about the decision.

Manager Paul Lambert said: “I thought we were excellent and looked really good but Arsenal got the penalty. It was a game changer.

“I saw Craig Pawson after the game. I respect the referee but he has not got the benefit of television. He explained they only have one major angle to have a look at it.

“Do I have sympathy with the referee? I don’t know. It was harsh on us because I thought we were great. I’ve been here a few times and won, but we haven’t played as well as that.

Defender Bruno Martins Indi said: “It was not a challenge. I touched the ball and it was not a penalty. The referee had a different view or something and gave it.

“I could not believe it. It cost us because we played very well. It killed the moment. I’ve seen it back; I think the referee’s angle was not good enough.

“He said that I stretched my leg and I made a foul. He needs to watch it again.

“Mesut Ozil is of course going to say it’s a penalty – if I was in his position I would say the same. It was no penalty and the cameras don’t lie.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: “I will have to look at it again. I don’t know. From outside it looked like it was a penalty.”

Xherdan Shaqiri delivered nine crosses for Stoke, more than the rest of the team combined
The Potters have won just one of their 10 games under Paul Lambert, who has been trying to stamp his authority on the squad he inherited from Mark Hughes.

Erik Pieters returned after being left out of the defeat by Everton for breaking a curfew while this week Ibrahim Afellay was told to stay away from the club.

Lambert said Stoke would try to win at Arsenal and they certainly started with that intent. Rather than leaving Mame Biram Diouf as a lone striker, Shaqiri and Ramadan Sobhi were up in support.

Shaqiri curled an early effort just wide of the top corner and, partly due to Stoke’s urgency, Arsenal frequently gave the ball away in dangerous positions.

But they failed to create any more clear-cut chances in the first half and, before Shaqiri’s corner almost caught out Ospina, the best they mustered in the second was a tame curling effort by the Switzerland forward which was straight at the home keeper.

Lambert’s no-nonsense stance looks as if it will have long-term benefits, and he had no complaints about the effort of his players. But Stoke need immediate results and, in the short term, they seem to be over-reliant upon Shaqiri.

The suspended Charlie Adam said before the game that three wins from their final seven games would be enough to clinch survival.

They now have just six left but, as Adam said, they still have to play West Ham, Crystal Palace and Swansea. This result makes those games even more important.

–

Source: BBC

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The Egyptian took a touch before firing past keeper Wayne Hennessey after Andy Robertson had crossed in from the left.

Luka Milivojevic had converted from the spot early in the first half to give Palace the lead after Liverpool keeper Loris Karius took out Wilfried Zaha.

And Sadio Mane turned in James Milner’s cross shortly after the break to level.

Liverpool had plenty of chances to score in the first half at Selhurst Park as Salah’s curling effort tested Hennessey and Mane came close with two headed efforts.

Karius’ early error looked costly as Palace clung on until half-time but Liverpool responded within four minutes of the restart when Milner and Robertson combined down the left to set up Mane.

Christian Benteke then missed two clear goalscoring chances in as many minutes before Patrick van Aanholt’s fizzing free-kick was palmed away by Karius.

There were appeals for Mane to be shown a second yellow card – he was booked for diving in the first half – after he picked up the ball on the edge of the area but referee Neil Swarbrick settled for a free-kick.

The Reds then completed the comeback when Salah scored his 29th Premier League goal of the season – equalling the league record of scoring in 21 matches in a 38-game season.

Liverpool headed to Selhurst Park knowing they have an important week ahead.

The Reds host Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday before making the short trip to Merseyside rivals Everton in next Saturday’s Premier League derby.

But Jurgen Klopp named a strong starting line-up in his 100th Premier League game in charge despite expectations he would rest several key players.

But Liverpool’s first-half performance did not match the boldness of Klopp’s selection as they lacked intensity and imagination against a stubborn Palace defence.

Mane’s equaliser early in the second half was a good response but Benteke missed two great chances moments later to regain Palace’s lead.

Liverpool had further chances and so did Palace but it was Salah who once again came to the rescue – saving the visitors’ blushes.

Victory takes Liverpool up to second place in the Premier League table – at least for a few hours as Manchester United host Swansea at 15:00 BST.

More missed opportunities for Palace
Roy Hodgson’s side suffered yet another defeat against a team in the top six and, having taken an early lead, this was a missed opportunity.

Palace were the better side in the first half and deserved to be in front after Zaha had won a penalty when he was clattered by Karius.

They then defended well – keeping Salah out of action and frustrating Mane.

Even after Liverpool had responded and equalised, Palace grew in confidence and started to create more in attack.

But Benteke missed two golden opportunities to regain the lead and it ultimately proved costly as Salah showed the required prolificacy at the other end.

Former Liverpool striker Benteke has missed 20 of the 22 big chances he has had in the Premier League this season, more than any other player.

Palace have now suffered five defeats in their last six games and are two points above the relegation zone – with their rivals all yet to play.

After throwing away leads against both Manchester United and Liverpool in the space of a month, Salah’s late winner will come as yet another blow to the south London side.

Major blow for Adam Lallana
Adam Lallana has started just one game for Liverpool this season after struggling with injury.

He came on as a second-half substitute at Selhurst Park in the hope of gaining more match fitness following a 30-minute cameo for England on Tuesday.

But it was not what he or Klopp had hoped for when he hobbled off within three minutes of his introduction.

The 29-year-old midfielder has played just 215 minutes of Premier League football this season and now looks set to spend more time on the sidelines.

“It is not good, he is really down in the dressing room,” Klopp said. “It is really difficult, whatever injury it looks like a muscle one.”

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson, speaking to Sky Sports: “It’s very disappointing for them to get the winning goal so close to the end of the game. It’s tough to take.

“It feels like a groundhog day when we play against the top teams. In the second half we played well and controlled the ball and created better chances but we also conceded both goals.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, speaking to BBC Sport: “It is usual for us that we need to fight here, especially after a difficult start, but it makes it more special at the end. The win was deserved.

On Mane’s booking for diving: “For me, it’s a penalty, it’s clear. He is 0.1 seconds too late going down, but it’s a penalty. With contact, how can that be a dive? I spoke to the referee at half-time.

“There were a few strange situations today and Mane had to go through 80 minutes of being whistled. It was not a Sadio Mane day today. I thought he would be sent off for handling the ball. I did not understand it but am happy he didn’t.”

–

Source: BBC

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The 14-time major champion had spinal fusion surgery last April – his fourth back operation in three years – and feared he might never play again.

Not only has he recovered but a recent run of good form means he is one of the favourites to win at Augusta next week.

“I’m starting to put the pieces together,” said the American, 42.

“I got a second chance on life [with the spinal fusion surgery]. I am a walking miracle.”

‘I’m just there to win’
Woods, a four-time Masters winner, has finished 12th, second and fifth in his past three starts on the PGA Tour.

His last Green Jacket came in 2005, but he is setting his sights high for his return to the tournament.

“I’m just there to win,” he said on his official website. “I’ve been better with each week I’ve competed. A little more crisp.

“I’m just really looking forward to playing at the Masters. It’s the best run tournament in the world. The golf course, the patrons, the entire atmosphere. It’s a golfer’s heaven.”

–

Source: BBC

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Stefan Johansen opened the scoring for the Cottagers with a tap-in after Norwich keeper Angus Gunn could only parry Aleksandar Mitrovic’s header.

Tom Cairney doubled the advantage minutes later, sidefooting the ball into the bottom corner.

Fulham remain seven points off second-placed Cardiff after extending their unbeaten run to 17 league games.

Cairney’s tame effort was the only shot on target in a largely uneventful first-half which saw Fulham dominate possession but create little going forwards.

City’s closest chance came after 59 minutes when Josh Murphy’s volley went narrowly wide.

Moments later Fulham substitute Ryan Sessegnon saw his powerful shot cleared off the line by Norwich defender Christoph Zimmermann.

This latest defeat means the Canaries have now won just one of their past nine games.

Norwich boss Daniel Farke:

“Fulham were able to score the first goal. From there, it was difficult.

“They are the best team in the league at the moment. We had situations to score but weren’t effective.

“I’m happy with our commitment, fighting spirit and performance. Sadly, we didn’t get the result which is the credit.”

–

Source: BBC

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Joshua’s IBF and WBA world titles will be on the line, as will Parker’s WBO belt, in the first heavyweight unification bout held on British soil.

Some 78,000 fans are expected at the Principality Stadium on fight night – a new level of scrutiny for Parker.

“If he loses composure in the ring, I will be able to tell,” said Joshua, 28.

“Even though it’s a phenomenal atmosphere there is one ring, one referee. If I’m in any arena, you just have to simplify the madness and the chaos,” Joshua told BBC Radio 5 live Breakfast.

‘The envy of the boxing world’

Promoter Eddie Hearn this week told the BBC about a letter he received asking for a character reference when Joshua was in legal trouble in 2011 after being charged for the intent to supply cannabis.

Hearn said he did not know Joshua at the time and refused the request. But he recalled that months later he was at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport and heard a noise “like something being taken off its hinges” – it was Joshua hitting a heavy bag.

Hearn went on to promote the London 2012 gold medallist.

On Saturday, Joshua will earn an estimated £15m and sell out a third stadium event in 11 months, taking the total of sold seats to a quarter of a million.

“This has never happened in British boxing before,” Hearn told BBC Sport. “We should appreciate it, embrace it and have a great time.

“Isn’t it great that everyone from around the world is tuning in and people will be saying ‘that’s in Britain’. We are the envy of the boxing world.”

Parker, by comparison, has not competed in front of more than 10,000 fans on any one night as a pro and this payday, rumoured to be close to £7m, will dwarf anything he has earned before.

The New Zealander, who started boxing from around the age of five, enjoyed a solid amateur career – including silver at the World Youth Championships in 2010.

Unlike Joshua, he has never been knocked down as an amateur or a professional, a fact his team have repeatedly pointed to since they began chasing this fight around a year ago.

Since then, Parker has defeated Hughie Fury on British soil and undergone surgery on both elbows to correct pain he felt while punching.

His team say the operation has helped him punch 20% harder and there is no doubt Parker will need improvements on recent displays if he is to defy bookmakers, who make Joshua a heavy favourite.

“There are no excuses from my side,” Parker, 26, told BBC Sport. “I am 100% ready. No injury, no niggles, I back myself to be the best in the world, there’s no need to be flinching.

“So many scenarios can play out in the first round. If it’s down to me, I’m going to chase him.”

Where are you, Deontay?

Victory for Joshua on Saturday will see the already intense talk of a bout for all four belts against WBC champion Deontay Wilder reach new highs.

But Wilder – unbeaten in 40 fights – has refused an invitation to be ringside, a move which Hearn feels was a “major PR blunder” on the American’s part.

Hearn labelled Wilder a “cry baby” as talks for him to attend appear to have broken down when the Alabama fighter was told he could not get into the ring to lay down a challenge to Joshua should he win.

Others in the media feel Wilder did not want to be here and face questions about why he does not take on Dillian Whyte – another Hearn fighter – after the Briton’s impressive win over Lucas Browne last week.

And there are even some who believe Wilder will yet show up to stir a frenzied heavyweight scene a little more.

‘AJ in six explosive rounds’ – Predictions

Shenkin the goat from the Royal Welsh regiment predicts the winner between Joshua & Parker
Joshua will boast a two-inch height advantage and around a six-inch reach advantage, meaning Parker will need to work to get close.

Perhaps that’s why Welsh rugby mascot Shenkin the goat predicted Joshua would win in round 11.

But what do boxing aficionados think?

BBC boxing correspondent Mike Costello: “It could evolve into one of Joshua’s toughest tests. In the end, I think Joshua will simply be too big. I think he is such a sponge in terms of absorbing information in his career, I think we will see an improved Joshua, and a winning one.”

Former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton: “Parker has quick hands for a heavyweight and he could give Joshua problems for a few rounds. But can he do it for 12 rounds? I don’t think he can. I can see Joshua getting to him in the middle rounds and stopping him in the second half of the fight.”

Ex-world lightweight champion Anthony Crolla, who fights on the undercard: “I think AJ will take it inside six explosive rounds. I think Parker may have a little success but I just see AJ having the heavier artillery.”

Former world cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson: “Parker is fit. I would be surprised if AJ knocks him out clean but I think there will be a stoppage or the towel comes in. AJ needs to hurt him and establish who he is from the off.”

A truly stellar undercard

Ryan Burnett says he will ‘relish’ defending WBA bantamweight title on Joshua-Parker bill
Saturday’s event, under a closed roof, will be televised around the world, with huge numbers expected to watch in New Zealand and Samoa, where Parker’s parents hail from.

And the undercard is stacked with eye-catching fights, none more so than WBA bantamweight world champion Ryan Burnett’s title defence against Yonfrez Parejo.

Northern Ireland’s Burnett , 25, told BBC Sport he expects a “career-best display”, while his gym partner Josh Kelly, 24, says he will show how the “young talent of Britain can step up” when he takes on Mexico’s former world champion Carlos Molina at welterweight.

Former world champion Crolla told media on Thursday he is eyeing “big summer fights” but vowed to respect Mexico’s Edson Ramirez and Cardiff’s Joe Cordina will fight at his country’s national stadium for the second time.

Cordina, 26, has recently been sparring Jorge Linares in Los Angeles and is currently living with training partner Ricky Burns.

“Ricky Burns, a three-weight world champion, I learn everything off him,” said Cordina, who faces Belgium’s Hakim Ben Ali. “His work ethic, I take note of everything. I believe I can get to that level.”

And British heavyweight David Price is a massive underdog against the highly-ranked Alexander Povetkin but says a win would “change his life” and eradicate low points in his career in recent years.

The first bell on what looks set to be a frenetic evening will sound around 18:00 BST, with Joshua expected in the ring around 22:30 BST.

–

Source: BBC

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Coach Mercy Tagoe Quarcoo largely has kept faith with the team that won the WAFU tournament in Abidjan last month, with just two changes in the 18-player squad as she continues with the team building exercise towards this year’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.

The team is expected to return on April 3.

List of Players:
1.      Patricia Mantey
2.      Nana Ama Asantewaa
3.      Janet Egyir
4.      Rita Okyere
5.      Philicity Asuako
6.      Gladys Amfobea
7.      Ellen Coleman
8.      Justice Tweneboaa
9.      Juliet Acheampong
10.     Priscilla Okyere
11.     Portia Boakye
12.     Leticia Zikpi
13.     Grace Asantewaa
14.     Alice Kusi
15.     Jane Ayieyam
16.     Ernestina Tetteh
17.     Mavis Owusu
18.    Grace Asare

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