Photo: The Russian Canadian Boxer Artur Beterbiev extended his reign as the unified light-heavyweight world champion, (Credit: Sefa Karacan/AA)
BOXING
The Russian Canadian Boxer Artur Beterbiev extended his reign as the unified light-heavyweight world champion, knocking down Britain’s Callum Smith twice and forcing a stoppage two minutes into the seventh round. Smith was seeking to become a two-weight world champion when he faced Beterbiev for the WBC, IBF, and WBO 175-pound belts on January 14 at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City.
With crushing punch power and underrated boxing ability, Beterbiev had won all of his professional contests by knockout and stoppage. Smith proved to be no exception.
FOOTBALL
January Transfer
Blackburn Rovers have signed Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari on loan. Ayari, 20, a Sweden international, played 13 Championship games on loan for Coventry this season. Ayari is 12 months into his four-and-a-half-year contract with Brighton.
Bournemouth midfielder Hamed Traore has joined Italian club Napoli on loan for the remainder of the season. Traore joined the Cherries on loan from Sassuolo, before signing a permanent five-year contract worth almost £20 million last summer.
The 23-year-old Ivory Coast international is not competing in the Africa Cup of Nations after missing several weeks due to malaria. He has played 13 games for the Cherries, including six this season. However, he has not played in the Premier League since September.
Watford midfielder Imran Louza has joined French club Lorient on loan. The 24-year-old Morrocan joined the Hornets from Nantes in 2021 and has made 17 appearances this season, with the most recent coming in the FA Cup this month.
Sevilla has signed Hannibal Mejbri, a Manchester United midfielder, on loan. Hannibal was supposed to be in Tunisia’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations but pulled out to protect his club future. Several clubs, including Everton, shown interest in the 20-year-old. However, he has chosen to join Spanish top-flight club Sevilla in a deal with a buyout clause for £17.2 million.
HOCKEY
Pakistan have secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Paris Olympics Qualifiers after their last group match against Malaysia concluded in a 3-3 draw in Muscat, Oman.
The men in green are now just one victory away from securing qualification for the Paris Olympics, as the top three teams from the qualifiers will secure a spot. Pakistan cruised in the final four based on a better goal average than China.
In an earlier group match, Great Britain emerged victorious with a 6-0 score against China, creating an opportunity for Pakistan to reach the final four even if their upcoming game against Malaysia concludes in a draw.
Khan Sufyan, Ammad Butt, and Rana Waheed scored goals for Pakistan. Meanwhile, Sasri Fitri, Abu Kamal, and Ashari Farhan netted goals for Malaysia.
Pakistan will now play against Germany in the semi-final on January 20. Meanwhile, Great Britain will face New Zealand in the other semi-final.
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
Magomed Ankalaev moved closer to another crack at the Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight title.
The stoic 31-year-old Russian threw punches at Johnny Walker in the second round of their UFC Fight Night 234 headliner on January 13 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, presumably bringing an end to their brief but memorable rivalry.
At 2:42 into round 2, referee Marc Goddard saved Walker (21-8, 7-5 UFC) from further injury.
TENNIS
Australian Open 2024: Melbourne Park
(January 14-28)
Mirra Andreeva pulled off a major 6-0, 6-2 upset of sixth seed Ons Jabeur in the second round of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
16-year-old Russian Andreeva converted five of seven break points while recording 13 winner to pick up the stunning victory, which even came as a surprise to her.
“In the first set, I showed amazing tennis,’ Andreeva said. ‘I honestly didn’t expect that from myself.”
