‘Wonderboy’ vs Woodley 2 slated for UFC 209
Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite On the other hand, Thompson—who almost got finished in two separate occasions during the bout—acknowledged his previous shortcomings and vowed to finally achieve his dream of becoming UFC champion.“I know for a fact I wasn’t at my best. He was at his best. He hit me with two big shots that put dudes to sleep and he couldn’t do it with me,” he was quoted as saying in a Fox Sports report.“He tried to finish me with the guillotine and couldn’t do it. In the fifth round, I felt great. I felt like I could have gone another three rounds but I wasn’t at my best. I didn’t let my hands go the way I should have,” the former kickboxing star added.After the UFC confirmed the rematch, the lively pair did not waste any time taking jabs at each other on Twitter.Screen Grab from TwitterUFC 209 is scheduled on March 4, 2017 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Other bouts for the main card include a rematch between heavyweights Alistair Overeem and Mark Hunt and a featherweight clash between Darren Elkins and Mirsad Bektic. Khristian IbarrolaADVERTISEMENT Senators think TWG’s move to axe motorcycle taxi pilot run an act of ‘revenge’ MOST READ Brighter future as Maroons acquire services of Akhuetie Palace: Crisis over ABS-CBN franchise unlikely Rodgers again falls short of another Super Bowl stint Super Bowl a tossup at legal sports books Senators think TWG’s move to axe motorcycle taxi pilot run an act of ‘revenge’ Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town Motorcycle taxis ‘illegal’ starting next week — LTFRB board member LATEST STORIES The two highly touted combatants fought tooth-and-nail for 25 minutes, but two judges could not determine the winner and scored it a draw, while the other one gave the nod to the champion.Both fighters received ‘Fight of the Night’ bonuses and sparked debates between MMA pundits as to who really won the bout. Even UFC president Dana White said that a rematch is in order after the match was done.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnWoodley, meanwhile, spoke on his podcast ’The Morning Wood’ on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) and immediately went off on the challenger.“He got under my skin so much that I’m just going to go ahead and fight this dude,” the Roufusport fighter said. “Like straight up. He got under my skin that bad where I don’t even care about the ration and the money and what fight makes the most sense. You need to be careful what you ask for. ‘Wonderboy’ you want it — come get it. You want a fight, you want to get done worse than you did the first time?” UFC welterweight champion Tyron ‘The Chose One’ Woodley would once again look to defend his title against Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson at UGC 209 in May. Image: UFC.comLooks like ‘Wonderboy’ will have a second crack against the ‘Chosen One’ after all.After their gruelling five-round war ended in a majority draw at UFC 205 in November last year, UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley (16-3-1) would once again face off against the division’s number one contender Stephen Thompson (13-1-1), in the main event of UFC 209 in Las Vegas.ADVERTISEMENT ‘Old school work ethic’ pays off for immaculate Federer Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next 15-year-old Gauff stuns Venus anew in first round View comments
Hass had a decent debut season in F1, scoring 29 points to finish eighth in the constructors’ standings.Romain Grosjean is back in the driver’s seat for Haas in 2017, while Kevin Magnussen will replace Esteban Gutierrez.Teams will test until Thursday. Another four-day session takes place from March 7-10 in Barcelona.The season-opening Australian Grand Prix is on March 26.ADVERTISEMENT It will take to the track for the first time on Monday in the season’s first test session in Barcelona.The new Haas car has maintained the original colors from last year but dark gray dominates. The new livery still has tones of red, white, black and light gray.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnNew aerodynamic and tire regulations were introduced for 2017 to try to bring more excitement to the series, and cars will be wider and significantly faster than last season.“Aesthetically, the car has a more aggressive look. It’s lighter and more aerodynamically efficient,” team principal Guenther Steiner said. “Everything we learned from our first car has been applied to our new car.” Taal Volcano continues to emit steam, ash from weak explosions Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Tough as nails Filipinos wanted China counts sharp rise in coronavirus cases, 2 in Beijing MOST READ In this picture, taken on Feb. 25 2017, the new Haas VF-17 is being test driven at the Montmelo racetrack in Barcelona, Spain. American team Haas has introduced its new car for its second season in Formula One. The VF-17 car was unveiled on the team’s website and social media platforms on Sunday Feb 26. 2017 (Photo by ZAK MAUGER/Haas via AP)BARCELONA, Spain — American team Haas has introduced its new car for its second season in Formula One.The VF-17 car was unveiled on the team’s website and social media platforms on Sunday.ADVERTISEMENT Motorcycle taxis ‘illegal’ starting next week — LTFRB board member Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos 2 ‘bookies’ bet collectors held in Quezon Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Prince Harry: ‘No other option’ but to cut royal ties Beggar dead in Quezon hit-and-run incident Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town LATEST STORIES Palace: Crisis over ABS-CBN franchise unlikely View comments
Yanson buses to keep operating despite legal battle “Yesterday he did like 32, 31 rounds so today he’s a little tired and we have to spar again tomorrow,” Fortune told INQUIRER.net Friday at Elorde Gym in the Mall of Asia Complex.READ: Roach unbothered by Pacquiao’s sluggish starts in sparring FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnSPORTSBreak new groundMembers of Team Pacquiao including head trainer Freddie Roach were present at the gym.Pacquiao (59-6-2) is set to defend his WBO World welterweight championship against the undefeated Horn (16-0-1) in what would be the Filipino icon’s first defense of the belt since his victory against then champion Jessie Vargas in November. View comments For Ina, portraying a zombie is like an ‘out-of-body experience’ LATEST STORIES Boxing’s only eight-division World champion has been ramping up the ante in his training sessions with the fight just a month away.READ: Roach says it’s on Pacquiao when Horn goes down“Yesterday he did a lot of rounds, nine rounds of sparring, and around 32 altogether,” said Fortune.Fortune, though, downplayed any concerns, saying Pacquiao just needs to cool off in preparation for his training session on Saturday. He is expected to move his training to General Santos before wrapping it up in Australia.“He just needs to fall back a little bit, but he’s all good.”ADVERTISEMENT Paras begins ‘humbling’ journey with Cal State Northridge Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next China reports 17 new cases in viral pneumonia outbreak MOST READ Manny Pacquiao during training at Elorde Gym in Pasay City. He is preparing for a title defense against Jeff Horn on July 2 in Australia. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netManny Pacquiao’s training session for Friday was called off as the boxer skipped his afternoon routine to cool down after an intense workout on Thursday.Conditioning coach Justin Fortune said Pacquiao, who is preparing for his July 2 fight against Jeff Horn in Australia, wanted to rest after doing more than 30 rounds of drills the previous day.ADVERTISEMENT Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ Gerald: Just because I’ve been bashed doesn’t mean I’d stop working Ex-Bulacan town vice mayor, village chief shot dead Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Trump’s impeachment defense, prosecutors dig in Swing Out Sister back to PH this April Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. More Taal volcanic quakes recorded despite weaker eruptions
“I think in the last few games we’ve been playing well and today also, and I think this win can give us a push for the next games and I think we deserve it,” Hemed told British broadcaster Sky Sports. “First of all, we need to win at home, of course. Away from home is difficult to get points. So first of all, we need to get as much as we can from the Amex. Also, we’re playing well and we will get enough points (to stay up) this season, I think.” Newcastle manager Benitez said Hemed’s goal should not have stood. “The goal, for me, was a foul; it’s a blocking in movement,” Benitez said. “He’s pushing and blocking in movement. And it’s so clear, but you cannot change the decision. I feel like we did enough to get a point at least. They had some chances. We had some chances. We had a lot of control and chances at the end. I think we deserved more.” WELL-PLAYED GAMES BRIGHTON, England (AP): Newcastle still cannot draw in the English Premier League (EPL). The Magpies lost 1-0 at Brighton yesterday to take their record to three wins and three defeats so far this season. Israel forward Tomer Hemed denied Newcastle the chance to move fourth, scoring his second EPL goal in manager Chris Hughton’s first win over former club Newcastle at the seventh attempt. Hemed finished smartly from Dale Stephens’ tee-up. Brighton moved 13th with its second win of the season after the clash between the league newcomers. Rafael Benitez’s men arrived boasting three straight league wins, but paid the price for Joselu’s glaring first-half miss in drawing a blank in front of goal. Hamed struck in the 51st minute, hooking the ball into the net after Pascal Gross’ free kick was headed down into the six-yard (metre) box by Stephens.
President livid Foster’s Fairplay is witnessing a new dynamic in Jamaica’s football. With the passing of Captain Horace Burrell, midway through his four year stint, the constitution of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) demanded that the newly elected, Michael Ricketts serve for two years before another poll would be due. This could not have been what the doctor ordered for the Clarendon Football Association man. The nation’s football, despite the Gold Cup runner-up finish, is on a knife’s edge. There is much to be done to steady the ship, and so little time available for the boss and his team to make a meaningful contribution. If that is not challenging enough to the programme, and the way forward, there surfaces the Craig Butler imbroglio. Butler, who played in defence for Jamaica College in his youth, has spoken in stentorian terms. He is seeking a more pivotal role in the nation’s football. Many will argue that he already has that, as he is doing an excellent job in managing the lives and steering the careers of some extremely talented young footballers. Leon Bailey, whom he describes as “my son” is just one. The 20-year-old now parades his skills for Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga, having been bought from KRC Genk in the Belgium top league for a reported €18 million. Eighteen million Euros is a huge amount of money and a record transfer fee to boot, for a Jamaican national. He scored his first goal a real stunner – at that prestigious level a little over a week ago. It was predictable that Jamaica would require Bailey’s participation to enhance the quality of the Reggae Boyz squad, but Butler is attaching strings in response to the invitation from coach Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore. Before the request for the young player received prominence, Butler was in the media rolling out some requests of his own. They were a hint of things to come. He wanted the role of a technical leader for the country’s football. This was followed by his “throwing his hat into the ring,” from which would come the interim President. Having not received a single nomination, it was felt in some circles, that he would have softened his position, and stuck to his original role of nurturing and enhancing some more of the awesome talent with which the nation is blessed. But giving up would not be akin to the combative Butler whom we had come to know. Later, came the real bombshell. Bailey would be made available only if his younger brother, the admittedly promising Kyle Butler was also invited to join the squad, which was in preparation for the then upcoming practice match against Saudi Arabia. There was more. Butler, according to reports, claimed that there were at least two more of his charges who play their football in the lowly Malta League, and who could “walk into” the Jamaican team. In a press interview, President Ricketts was said to be livid with what was thought to be a stick-up. He had responded to Butler’s demand for Kyle, suggesting that he too would be considered, using the word ”boys” as he sought to accommodate the younger player. Now was the time to confirm his boast that he was no weak fence, as was being suggested. He was bold-faced and exhibited an admirable bravado while confronting the Butler slew of demands. He made it clear that he ”called the shots”. Foster’s Fairplay has no difficulty with the Butler agenda, as it constitutes that which is commonplace in any business negotiations. However, it should not have been allowed into the public space. Also, it is reassuring to know that Ricketts has responded in the way he is reported to have done. How could he have faced the public if he had taken a meek stance and caved in to the stridency that Butler was displaying. As Ricketts pointed out, there is a process to allow Butler to survive and it should be implemented, if his stated interests are sustained. Threats from any supporting level, aimed at the sport’s hierarchy, should not be tolerated. Otherwise, the image of football locally, could take a nosedive from which there might be no recovery. Send feedback to lauriefoster2012@gmail.com
BRAGA, Portugal (AP): Portugal was held to a 2-2 draw by Tunisia yesterday in the teams’ first warm-up match for the World Cup. Portugal was without Cristiano Ronaldo, who still hasn’t reported to the squad because he played in the Champions League final with Real Madrid on Saturday. Andre Silva opened the scoring with a header in the 23rd minute and Joao Mario added to the lead with a powerful shot from outside the area in the 34th. But Tunisia rallied with a goal by Anice Badri before half-time and another by Fakhreddine Ben Youssef midway through the second half. “We are just beginning our World Cup preparations,” Joao Mario said. “We will keep working to fix our mistakes and arrive at the World Cup in the best possible form.” In addition to Ronaldo, Portugal also was without three Sporting Lisbon players, who played in the Portuguese Cup final – Rui Patricio, Bruno Fernandes and Gelson Martins. Portugal heads to the World Cup trying to add to its European title from two years ago in France. Coach Fernando Santos is taking 13 players to Russia, who helped the team win its first major title at Euro 2016. Portugal has two other warm-up matches scheduled: against Belgium on Saturday and Algeria on June 7. Santos’ men will start their World Cup campaign against Spain on June 15 in Sochi. Their other Group B matches will be against Morocco and Iran. Tunisia is in Group G and will debut against England on June 18. It then plays against Belgium and Panama. Tunisia’s other warm-up matches will be against Turkey and Spain.
HENDERSON, Kentucky (CMC): Jamaican Shaun Bridgmohan dominated the nine-race card at Ellis Park here Sunday, winning the feature US$50,000 ($6.5 million) Good Lord Stakes aboard favourite Majestic Affair in a handsome triple at the southern United States oval. The 39-year-old produced a stalking ride aboard the six-year-old gelding before getting the better of the six-horse field in the stretch, and storming to the finish 1-1/4 lengths clear in a time of one minute, 15.41 seconds. Six-to-one chance Shut the Box, who led briefly in the stretch, finished second, while 11-2 bet Control Stake crossed the wire third after also stalking early on. Up against the three-year-olds in the 6-1/2 furlong event in race eight, Bridgmohan broke Majestic Affair nicely from the outside post and settled in behind the leaders, as 5-4 choice Smart Spree posted the early fractions. In the stretch, Majestic Affair formed part of a quartet, which fanned out across the lane as Shut the Box, Control Stake and Smart Spree all bid. However, Bridgmohan pulled away, while Shut the Box chased, but Majestic Affair had the better of the running and reached the wire strongly. “He ran hard, he tried every step of the way. Down the lane, I just had to try to find him somewhere to go,” Bridgmohan said afterwards. “He got a little intimidated when the horse on the outside came up next to him, but as soon as I was able to get him to the outside he was more comfortable and finished really well. He ran really good.” The victory for the Brad Cox-trained Majestic Affair was his fourth added-money success and ninth win in 21 starts. Bridgmohan had earlier won race four over a mile and sixteenth with favourite Katie’s Reward, combining with the three-year-old bay filly to edge the three-year-old and upward fillies and mares by a head in a gate-to-wire effort. The experienced reinsman’s other win came aboard another favourite, Maybe Wicked, in race five when he again made all the running with another three-year-old bay filly, to dismiss the three-year-old and upward fillies and mares by three lengths.
After a long time, D’Urban Park will come alive once again on Saturday evening, as 10 energetic soca performers take to the stage for what can be described as a “battle of the best” as the final of the Carib Soca Monarch is held.The show was originally held at the National Park but will for the first time be hosted at D’Urban Park. The reason for the move was not made public. Nevertheless, those who intend to attend the finals are in for a treat since it will be a clash of the powerhouses.After a saucy semi-final in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), 10 artistes have been selected to vie for the title of Carib Soca Monarch 2018. These are Brandon Harding with “Alive”; Colwin “Lil Colwin” Blair with “Leave me alone”; Jonathan “Lil Red” King with “Water, Paint and Powder”; Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts with “We Run Things”; Shellon “Fluffy” Gallay with “Bam Bam”; Roshauna Fraser with “Show Me”; Samantha Grant with “Ah Playing Mas”; Alisha “Sasha Melody” Hamid with “Love off”; Diana Chapman with “Get Ready”; and Roger “Young Bill Rogers” Hinds with “De Money Power Dance”.It is without a doubt that the artistes will bring their ‘A Game’ at the finals since organisers are contending that the music presented and performances seen thus far have raised the bar for upcoming soca competitions.This year, the winner will not only walk away with $1.5 million in cash prizes but will have a chance to represent Guyana in Trinidad and Tobago. Meanwhile, in addition to the 10 artistes performing live with the aim of getting the judges’ nod, there will be the Heatwave Band spicing things up.All the artistes will be accompanied by the Heatwave Band during competition night. Admission to the event is $1000.
…in riceIrfaan Ali’s one of the rising profiles in the PPP and showed his creativity by introducing a motion calling on the Government to re-open negotiations with Venezuela on the Petro-Caribe “oil for rice” deal. Some might say, why must there even be a motion? As the lawyers say, “res ipsa loquitur” – the thing speaks for itself.When we were exporting rice and paddy to Venezuela – 200,000+ tonnes annually – we were smiling all the way to the bank. Coming and going. Here it was, we were getting oil on a long-term repayment plan – once the price was over US$50/barrel. But the sweetness didn’t stop there. We then shipped rice to them at US$780/ tonne – almost twice the world market price for the oil. Our farmers also grinned all the way to the bank.But the good times didn’t stop there. We could then pay our farmers in Guyana dollars – which we can print at will – and not worry whether our money is plunging or anything. Can’t beat that, can you? Well, the APNU/AFC must’ve thought they could. Why else would they not even make an attempt to save that market for 30% of our exports of rice? Surely, it wasn’t because most rice farmers didn’t vote for them, was it? Naaaah!They probably thought they could bag replacement markets with a snap of their fingers. Not long after, Moses Nagamootoo, in charge of Information, jetted out to Mexico to attend the “Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit”. Pushing “transparency”, “no State control of Government media” and other such things Nagamootoo’s expert on. When he returned and announced he’d clinched mega contracts for our paddy in Mexico, farmers were ecstatic. It was like Nagamootoo put in his thumb and pulled out a plum!!Well, farmers are presumably still waiting for the deal to be sealed – after all, since then, rice prices have continued to wallow in the doldrums. Those in the know (meaning those who know the “Bluff Master”) weren’t holding their breath. So Ali’s intervention comes like a breath of fresh air. Surely we can match Suriname’s prices – and then our shipping costs ought to be less, nuh?The lone sticking point might be the Venezuelans raising the temperature on their border controversy in the wake of EXXON’s discovery of oil off Essequibo. But the old hands in the PNC would know Maduro has to play to the gallery so as not to be outflanked on that issue by his Opposition.What’d we have to lose? If the Americans can resume trading with Cuba, without compensation for nationalisations why can’t we ship rice and save our farmers?…in securityIt’s clear the Government doesn’t realise how much damage has been inflicted by its insistence on fighting crime through statistics. They can massage the numbers all they want, but the experience of citizens up to now has been “there’s lies, damned lies…and statistics!”The bottom line is, it’s true there was crime in the country. But it’s also true that one of the major reasons the coalition pipped the PPP at the elections was they convinced folks they’d do better than what prevailed. Ramjattan went on and on and on about what a maven he was on security. So for him, who went out of his way to hound Rohee about “crime rates” – even moving a “no confidence motion” against him – to now harp and carp about “statistics” to excuse his ineptitude is just too much.If Prezzie won’t listen to the PPP, can’t he at least take notice of his squaddie Col Gomes’ plea to dump Ramjattan?…with vendorsWith 500 vendors to shoehorn into 136 “spots” at the new, temporary location, why don’t the mandarins at City Hall take a stroll through Stabroek Market?There’re at least 50 empty stalls that can be rented to those who had to vacate their pavement spots.
Satiricus was ecstatic. For the second week in a row, he and his buddies were enjoying a “long weekend” like the Americans. They arranged their holidays to make sure this happened but this time with both Christmas and New Year falling on Sundays that took care of that. He and the fellas were doing their “Year-in-Review” at the Back Street Bar. “Suh wha’ yuh t’ink guh happen to de Jubilee Stadium?” Bungi wanted to know. “Me na see nuttin a guh-laang deh.”“You mean the BILLION DOLLAR Jubilee Stadium?” grinned Suresh. “The businessmen who the Government owe $238 million can put in a claim for it!”“If the Park cost $1.37 billion, I don’t think it’s fair to give it to the businessmen for $238 million,” ventured Satiricus.“Sato me fren’, at de speed dem wood-ants a wuk pan de young wood dem contractah pass pan de guvment,” said Bungi, “Me na t’ink de Stadium gon stand up fuh des Independence spo’t!”“Talking about ‘sport’,” interjected Georgie, who was visiting from New York and was “standing” the beers, “how come everybody sporting so much when alyuh tellin’ me t’ings hard?”“Georgie, you fellas in New York follow world news, right?” asked Hari, who had been concentrating in downing as many beers as he could, since it was free.“Sure!” exclaimed Georgie, pleased that his cosmopolitan exposure was recognised.“Well, you hear about “demonetisation” in India?” continued Hari, as the other fellas took up the slack in free beer consumption.“Sure!” said Georgie repeated effusively. “The government want to remove cash from circulation.”“Well, Georgie,” said Hari. “Poor people sporting here because our government has a demonetisation policy also.”“Really?” said Georgie in a puzzled tone as he signalled for another round of beers. “I don’t get it.”“It works like this, Georgie,” explained Hari in a patient tone. “If we keep money in the bank, the government taxes it. And if we keep money in the house, the bandits steal it.”“Suh abee just spend wha’ money abee gat!” said Bungi who couldn’t hold back any longer.“Demonetisation!” grinned Hari, as he lifted his bottle. “Let’s drink to the success of Sato’s Government!”