Leeds are reportedly keen on Torino’s Lyanco, a 23-year-old defender. Since missing out on Ben White, Leeds United transfer news has featured a lot of links to defenders.
Gazzetta dello Sport listed Leeds alongside PSV Eindhoven and Bologna as potential landing spots for Lyanco. Sporting were also suggested as a suitor for Lyanco, but their first bid was turned down according to Tuttosport.
Sporting’s initial offer was €6 million plus 50% of the next transfer fee. That was deemed insufficient by Torino, who want around €12 million and bonuses on top of that.
Lyanco started 15 Serie A matches last season, all at centre-back. Leeds are going to busy over the next few weeks, and a centre-back is clearly near the top of their priorities.
Both John Stones and Robin Koch have been mentioned as potential alternatives to White – Lyanco joins that list.
Valencia Hoping To Convince Rodrigo To Move
The Rodrigo to Leeds transfer story is picking up pace. Cope Valencia reports Rodrigo’s current club are looking to convince him to accept the move to Elland Road.
Anil Murthy, Valencia’s lead director, is keen on Rodrigo leaving the club. Predicted transfer fees have varied from anywhere between the mid-twenty million range up towards £40 million. Cope believes it will be ‘more than €30 million’.
Las Provincias claims Rodrigo was left out of training on Tuesday. That makes it sound like the deal is close, but it is worth noting that similar happened when Rodrigo was supposedly close to a move to Atletico Madrid last season.
Leeds have the option to spread the cost if they desire. Valencia are not fussy about how the deal is structured, so long as they get the fee they want. A loan deal with a mandatory fee at the end of the season is possible according to Provincias.
Atletico Madrid could yet come back in for the Spanish international – Rodrigo to Leeds is far from a foregone conclusion.
Leeds Want Arsenal Starlet On Loan
Per the Daily Mail, Leeds are one of several clubs looking to acquire Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe this offseason. Monaco had a bid rejected for Smith Rowe, while Crystal Palace are interested in signing him on a permanent basis.
Leeds and fellow newly promoted side Fulham could make a move for the 20-year-old on loan, allowing him to get experience in the Premier League.
Smith Rowe impressed during a loan with Huddersfield Town in the second half of last season, but he has made just two Premier League appearances in his career to date and could be ready to make the step up.
Arsenal are seemingly not keen on selling Smith Rowe as Mikel Arteta would like to work with him. That could give Leeds or Fulham an opportunity to take him on loan – Leeds are looking to add creativity to their squad and Smith Rowe fits the bill.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
The role of the running back has evolved over time. The passing game has superseded the running game in recent years, making it harder for modern players to join the list of the greatest ever NFL running backs.
A truly elite back will still change games and be an important player to monitor for NFL tips.
Of course, success as a running back is not an individual achievement, it is a team effort. Blocking and the quarterback’s ability to challenge the defence are massively important.
It’s rare that a running back features in NFL betting for MVP, but even in this era, having a functioning run game is key.
It keeps defences honest, it sets up the pass and is crucial for play-action, which is increasingly popular with offence-minded coaches.
These are the 10 greatest running backs in NFL history…
O.J. Simpson
The infamous O.J. Simpson is among the most talented running backs in NFL history.
He won MVP back in 1973, and spent several more seasons with the Buffalo Bills after before joining the San Francisco 49ers to finish his career.
Along with four rushing titles and a haul of Pro Bowl selections, Simpson also became the first ever player to rush 2,000 yards in a regular season.
Frank Gore
Playing through different eras, Frank Gore’s role has changed throughout his lengthy NFL career.
He’s onto his fifth team and remains an effective player. Only two players in league history have rushed for more yards than Gore.
#49ers legend Frank Gore is a HOF player without a doubt. He’s rushed for 15,347, 3rd all time.
I could care less how many years he’s played he’s an absolute stud. To be able to consistently churn out the yards at a high level is 2nd to none.
The league’s all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith was a Super Bowl champion on three occasions and a lock for this list.
Smith was a key component of successful Dallas Cowboys teams, and the Cowboys – one of the Super Bowl dark horses – will hope Ezekiel Elliott can follow in his footsteps in 2020.
Marshall Faulk
Marshall Faulk was one of four players considered to be ahead of the rest of the pack in the 1994 draft. He lived up to that potential, playing a 13-season Hall of Fame career with the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams.
A versatile back, Faulk is one of only three players in league history rack up 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards.
Most career games with 200+ yards from scrimmage
Marshall Faulk - 14
LaDainian Tomlinson - 12
Walter Payton - 11
OJ Simpson - 10
Tiki Barber - 8
Adrian Peterson - 8
Jim Brown - 7
Terrell Davis - 7
Eric Dickerson - 7
Barry Sanders - 7
The last non-quarterback to win MVP, Adrian Peterson’s career has that magical mix of peak dominance and longevity.
He took to the NFL quickly, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and registering 296 yards in a single game. Peterson has racked up the counting stats, and deep into his thirties, he’s still going strong.
Earl Campbell
The first overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft, Earl Campbell enjoyed a Hall of Fame career with the Houston Oilers before spending a brief period with the New Orleans Saints.
Campbell starred in the Luv Ya Blue era, when the Oilers enjoyed sustained success, making the playoffs in three consecutive seasons.
He was a five-time Pro Bowler and won league MVP in 1979, one of three campaigns in which he led the NFL in rushing.
Today in 1986, Hall of Famer Earl Campbell retired from the NFL...ending his career with 9,407 rushing yards. pic.twitter.com/Dz9w15rYmq
Unstoppable is the first word that comes to mind with Marshawn Lynch.
Beast Mode is an appropriate nickname for a player who flattened would-be tacklers, a player who was so integral to some of those great Seattle Seahawks teams.
The Seahawks are primed to be a prominent team in NFL betting tips this season – will Lynch make yet another comeback?
Jim Brown
Jim Brown is one of the greatest players of all-time, regardless of position. He was invited to the Pro Bowl every season he was in the league and won MVP three times, a tally only bettered by Peyton Manning.
His list of career achievements makes for phenomenal reading. An eight-time rushing leader, a five-time rushing touchdown leader, and NFL champion in 1964, Brown would make an all-time NFL team.
There are few who can even be compared to him.
40 Greatest Running Backs of All-time -
Number 1 - the incomparable Jim Brown
8x All-Pro. 8x Rushing Leader. 3x NFL MVP. 1964 NFL Champion. Member of NFL 50th, 75th and 100th Year-Anniversary Teams. pic.twitter.com/MmjaLZ7ivk
Drafted third overall in 1989, Barry Sanders spent his entire NFL career with the Detroit Lions.
Despite never reaching the Super Bowl with Detroit, Sanders established himself as an elusive and electric runner, evading defenders with his agility rather than battering his way through.
He was invited to the Pro Bowl in every season of his career, and was one of the first names put on this list.
Walter Payton
Walter Payton could do it all. He mixed tireless rushing with catching ability and all-round versatility. When he retired, he held countless records and in 1993 he was selected to the Hall of Fame.
The solitary MVP award doesn’t reflect Payton’s effectiveness, his stutter-step left countless defenders baffled and many more where rejected by his trademark stiff-arm.
The Chicago Bears are far from sports betting favourites in 2020. How desperately they need an offensive talent like Payton.
"When you're good at something, you'll tell everyone. When you're great at something, they'll tell you." - Walter Payton #GOAT ??? pic.twitter.com/dabZ1aozOf
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
Former Leeds man Noel Whelan would love to see Leeds sign Rob Holding from Arsenal. Holding has appeared in Leeds United transfer news after the their pursuit of Ben White came to an end.
Football Insider reported Holding as a potential Leeds target recently. Still only 24 years old, Holding would bring Premier League experience to this Leeds squad, but he only managed eight appearances in the top flight last season after a major knee injury.
Whelan is confident Holding will improve if he moves to Leeds. Speaking to Football Insider, he said, “He has a lot of Premier League experience and it feels like he has been around forever for a player that is only 24.
"He has not hit the best stages of his football yet and given a good run in the side you will see a better player, a more consistent player.”
Whelan continued, emphasising the importance of recruiting players with Premier League experience like Holding.
“The more Premier League experience the better as far as I am concerned. He would add undoubted quality to the side while also giving guidance to the younger players.”
Rodrigo Breakthrough For Leeds
Super Deporte reports Leeds are moving closer to completing a deal for Valencia striker Rodrigo. Crucially, they claim Valencia met with the agents of Borja Mayoral, a Real Madrid forward, on Monday to try and land Rodrigo’s replacement.
It was added that Leeds have moved closer in their negotiations with Valencia and are discussing a contract with Rodrigo’s father. The player is almost convinced by the move.
As covered here at 888sport yesterday, Leeds were preparing a bid for Rodrigo, but reports from Spain suggest a deal is much closer than initially thought.
After it was believed Valencia were looking for around £25 million for the Spaniard, the latest news claims that figure is north of £30 million.
Leeds have been linked with an array of strikers. Rodrigo is perhaps the best-known, but Ollie Watkins, Arthur Cabral and Michy Batshuayi are all good options, too.
Marcelo Bielsa is very keen to have a new striker in his squad for the season-opener next month.
Leeds Close In On Greenwood
Leeds might not have made many major first team signings so far, but they have been very active in adding to their collection of young talent.
The Athletic reported Sam Greenwood will be the next young star to move to Elland Road, joining Dani van den Heuvel, Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Allen.
Greenwood will move into the under-23s on his arrival from Arsenal, though Leeds will be keeping a keen eye on his progress. Able to play anywhere across the front line, the 18-year-old could be in the first team before long.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
Brighton will not be selling Ben White in the summer transfer window. White has been a feature in Leeds United transfer news over the last few days, but the centre-back will be staying on the south coast.
Reported by Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports, Leeds had a third bid of £25 million turned down for White last week which effectively ended their pursuit of the defender.
Brighton see Leeds as a direct rival in the Premier League in 2020-21 and will not be making a move that could strengthen Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Leeds had other bids of £18.5 and £22 million rejected, and have clearly moved on from White. Their alternative could turn out to be Freiburg centre-back Robin Koch, who has been linked with the club recently.
When it comes to defensive improvements, John Stones has also cropped up as a potential target. The England international is believed to be available this summer after falling out of favour at Manchester City.
Leeds will clearly be disappointed to miss out on a permanent deal for White, but there are plenty of other options in central defence that would be an upgrade on what they have at the moment.
Basel Striker On His Way
The agents of FC Basel striker Arthur Cabral are trying to complete a deal with Leeds United according to reports from UOL.
It is reported that Leeds made an offer of up to £16.1 million for Cabral with the majority of the fee being paid up front. Basel are believed to want a sum closer to £18 million.
Cabral’s agents are thought to be meeting with Leeds in Portugal this week with the player desperate to play Premier League football next season.
It is a complicated negotiation, however, with his former club Palmeiras entitled to a percentage of the sale.
The Basel man is primarily a poacher and has the physical profile to deal with the Premier League game. He would give Bielsa a very different option from Patrick Bamford.
Leeds United are expected to submit their first offer to Valencia for Rodrigo, with the offer in the region of €25m [AS] #LUFCpic.twitter.com/mRsayXpkOi
Despite scepticism at times of a transfer being completed, Sport now believes there is a ‘serious chance’ of Leeds landing the Spanish international. Rodrigo is interested in a move and Valencia are desperate to raise funds.
There is an asking price of around £25 million for Rodrigo, which would break Leeds’ current transfer record.
This is clearly a way to go before Rodrigo is pulling on the famous Leeds shirt, but this is a significant step in the right direction for Bielsa.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
Leeds United have been linked with a couple of former players in recent Leeds United transfer news. The most recent to pop up on the rumour mill is Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook, who left the Elland Road giants back in 2016.
Football Insider reported Bournemouth have slapped a £15 million asking price on the 23-year-old midfielder.
The Cherries, who have already lost Nathan Ake this window, could see several more key players leave as the club looks to bring in transfer revenue after their relegation.
Former England international Danny Mills thinks Cook would be a great signing, but he has tried to calm expectations with his comments to Football Insider.
Mills said, “I would like to see him back at Leeds because he is a quality player.
"But I am not convinced that Leeds are going to do an awful lot in the transfer market because Bielsa likes a small tight squad. He will not want anybody to leave, that will be very important.”
A squad overhaul seems unlikely from Marcelo Bielsa, though recent reports suggest Leeds will be slightly more active than Mills expects.
The BBC pundit continued, “I think they will add two or three players maximum. I do not think there will be an influx like everybody thought there would be despite all of the money that is now available.”
There’s no question Cook would be a great signing for the Whites, though they have other options if they wish to add to their midfield including a fellow former player.
Whites Preparing Rodrigo Bid
Leeds are going to make their first bid for Valencia striker Rodrigo according to Spanish outlet AS.
This is a transfer story that has rumbled on over the last few days, but it appears there’s something in it with Leeds set to make an offer to Valencia.
The Spanish club are looking to sell this summer to raise funds – Rodrigo is one of several first team players who could be the out the door.
Per AS’ reports, Bielsa has asked Leeds to sign Rodrigo and their first offer will be around the £22 million mark.
Spanish sources confirm Leeds interest in £30 million rated Valencia striker Rodrigo #lufchttps://t.co/q4YbMKRjzV
Valencia supposedly do not have a fixed price in mind for the Spanish forward, though Leeds could face competition from Atletico Madrid who had a bid rejected earlier this year.
A move for Rodrigo is still considered a long shot by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, and Rodrigo’s lingering knee injury is clearly a concern.
Leeds need any signings to be able to help them straight away – spending big on a player with injury issues doesn’t make much sense.
This won’t be the last we hear of this transfer story. The Rodrigo saga could rumble on for weeks to come.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
One of the biggest pieces of Leeds United transfer news so far sees Manchester City defender and England international John Stones linked with a move to the club.
Stones has fallen out of favour at Manchester City, and it seems likely Pep Guardiola would let him leave in this transfer window. The signing of Nathan Ake from Bournemouth has pushed Stones further down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium.
Leeds aren’t the only club to be linked with Stones, however.
Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham have all been rumoured to have an interest in Stones, a player who has failed to live up to his potential at Manchester City after his big-money move from Everton.
Ex-Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Marcelo Bielsa could bring the best out of Stones, as reported by Leeds Live.
Robinson said, “He’s clearly not in favour at Manchester City at the moment and with the way Bielsa likes to play – with centre-halves having to be comfortable with the ball at their feet – and he certainly fits that criteria.”
It wasn’t all positive from the former Tottenham shot stopper.
He had some concern about Stones’ defensive ability saying, “But in the Championship Leeds conceded too many goals through defenders taking risks – John Stones is a player who takes too many chances and gets caught too often.”
Improving the defence is important for Leeds as they prepare for their return to the Premier League. They have also been linked with a permanent move for Ben White, but are yet to meet Brighton’s asking price.
Leeds Aim To Re-Sign Former Star
Leeds are keen to re-sign Ronaldo Vieira according to Il Secolo XIX.
It was reported Leeds were one of several Premier League clubs who sent scouts to watch the Sampdoria man last month with an eye on signing him before the start of the 2020-21 season.
Burnley, Southampton, Leicester, Everton and West Ham are also interested in Vieira, who Leeds sold for just under £8 million in 2018.
Andrea Radrizzani described Vieira as a ‘great player’ when Leeds sold him and admitted it was a ‘sacrifice’ to help balance the books, per BBC Sport.
After breaking onto the scene for Leeds United, Ronaldo Vieira was sold to Sampdoria in the summer of 2018 for €7.1 million, replacing the outgoing Lucas Torreira.@VitoCDoria takes a look at Vieira’s development in Italy so far.https://t.co/JBYJlo39Ggpic.twitter.com/8CfMRcAmrG
The Italian press reports Vieira could be available for somewhere in the region of £9 million, a reasonable fee for a Premier League club and markedly less than the cost of several others they have been linked with.
Although the Elland Road hierarchy clearly rate Vieira highly, they may prioritise central defence and attack before adding a midfielder like Vieira.
Still only 22 years old, Vieira has developed during his time in Italy and has made 44 Serie A appearances across the last two seasons.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
Securing promotion to the Premier League is the dream for every Championship club at the start of each season but only three clubs can reach the promised land each year.
However, records show that only 50% of promoted clubs manage to avoid relegation in their first season in England’s top flight. That in itself shows the gulf in class between the Premier League and the Championship.
As the Big 6 have strengthened their grip on the Premier League in recent times, promoted clubs have failed to compete at the top of the table.
Without further ado, it is time to look at the best performing promoted clubs. Could one of the 2020/21 Premier League promoted sides challenge to break into these rankings?
5) Sunderland
Having secured one of the best ever Championship seasons, Sunderland were expected to do reasonably well under manager Peter Reid in the Premier League.
But the Black Cats exceeded all expectations as they finished seventh – four places clear of arch rivals Newcastle United. The likes of Kevin Kilbane and Steve Bould played key roles for Sunderland having joined the club ahead of 1999/00.
Kevin Phillips was outstanding, notching an incredible 30 Premier League goals to finish as the league’s top scorer. In addition, his tally was enough to ensure that he became the first Englishman to win the European Golden Boot award.
4) Ipswich Town
One year after Sunderland’s exploits, Ipswich went even better. The Tractor Boys were the surprise package in their debut campaign, finishing fifth despite making a limited number of changes to the squad.
Richard Wright and Titus Bramble went on to enjoy solid Premier League careers but it was Marcus Stewart’s 19 goals that really helped Ipswich to climb the table.
Incredibly, Ipswich finished the campaign just four points behind second-placed Arsenal. It was an astonishing achievement given the club’s stature but the Tractor Boys failed to cope with qualifying for the UEFA Cup as they were relegated in 2001/02.
3) Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn earned promotion despite finishing as low as sixth in the second tier. However, Rovers saved their best form for the postseason and it was enough to go up to the Premier League.
Club owner Jack Walker moved to invest heavily in the club, bringing in the likes of Graeme Le Saux and Stuart Ripley. However, Alan Shearer was the biggest draw of all.
Shearer missed half the season but notched 16 goals in 21 matches to help Blackburn to fourth in the table. While Rovers missed out on Europe, they more than made up for it by winning the Premier League title two years later.
2) Nottingham Forest
Forest defied the odds to finish third in 1994/95 – which still ranks as the joint-best finish for a newly promoted side from the Championship. Having been relegated two years earlier, most fans expected Forest to struggle.
The City Ground faithful saw Forest hit the ground running straight away, avoiding defeat in 11 consecutive matches. Stan Collymore scored 22 goals as Forest qualified for Europe, an impressive haul that earned him a move to Liverpool.
With Collymore gone, Forest failed to hit those lofty heights again. The two-time European champions will be a popular pick in 2020/21 Championship betting odds.
1) Newcastle United
Newcastle earned respect from Premier League fans for their efforts in 1993/94, with Kevin Keegan’s men given the nickname ‘The Entertainers’.
Having finished clear as second tier champions, the Magpies were optimistic of avoiding relegation in the Premier League but nobody expected Newcastle to finish third in the table after a fantastic campaign – particularly in the final third.
Peter Beardsley and Andy Cole formed one of the Premier League’s most dangerous striker partnerships, scoring a combined 55 goals that season. Keegan’s men broke a number of club records and will be remembered for their entertaining style.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Charles Dharapak / AP Photo*
Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.
He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.
As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible.
Boxing is one of the toughest sports on the planet. Not for the faint hearted, you have to be made of pretty stern stuff to engage in physical combat in the boxing ring.
Only the best fighters will go on to achieve greatness in the sport, though some fighters are determined to put on a show while going about their business.
You can be a great champion without putting on a show. The likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr and Wladimir Klitschko were ruthless but neither fighter stood out for entertainment value.
Here, we have a go at ranking the 10 most exciting fighters in boxing. If you want to be on the edge of your seat while boxing betting, these are the fighters to follow.
10 - Artur Beterbiev
Now 34 years old, Beterbiev has dominated the light heavyweight division for some time. Since claiming the IBF world title in 2017, Beterbiev has dealt with each challenge thrown his way.
Although not the most technical boxer in the world Beterbiev is incredibly powerful and his 100% win by knockout rate puts him in an elite group of fighters.
Beterbiev showed his class when beating the undefeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk last year – a victory that confirmed his status as the best light heavyweight in boxing.
9 - Dillian Whyte
With 18 of his 29 wins coming by way of knockout, Whyte is certainly capable of producing a highlight reel moment for heavyweight boxing fans.
In play betting odds had Whyte as the clear favourite against Alexander Povetkin before the Russian landed a stunning uppercut to claim victory. At heavyweight level, that is always the risk.
However, Whyte can avenge that defeat with success in the rematch. The wait for a world title fight goes on but Whyte remains one of the biggest power punches in boxing.
8 - Terence Crawford
For the boxing purist, Crawford is arguably the most technical boxer in the world. With fast hands, intelligent thinking and reliable defence, Crawford is an exceptional fighter.
Crawford has been there and done it all in three different weight classes. While you could claim that Crawford has yet to fight a superstar, he is still very exciting in the ring.
Should Crawford, unbeaten in 36 professional fights, beat Manny Pacquiao or Errol Spence Jr in the near future, he may rank even higher on boxing lists in the future.
7 - Manny Pacquiao
A true legend of the game, Pacquiao has been around for longer than any of his rivals on this list. If you want to learn more about boxing, watch Pacquiao’s fights.
Pacquiao has won a world title in eight different weight classes over the years and he is still one of the most consistent fighters around, even at 41 years old.
According to reports, Pacquiao could be set to take on four-weight champion Mikey Garcia next year and that would be a mouth-watering bout for boxing fans around the world.
6 - Oleksandr Usyk
Having turned professional in 2013, Usyk has gone from strength to strength in recent years and dominated the cruiserweight division – winning his first world title in his 10th bout.
Usyk decided to make the step up to heavyweight after unifying the division in 2018 though he has made just one appearance in the ring since then.
The Ukrainian oozes confidence and cruises through his fights before landing a devastating combination quick as a flash. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Usyk competing for the world heavyweight title in the near future.
5 - Katie Taylor
Taylor has helped to put women’s boxing on the map and the Irish fighter is a destructive figure in the sport. At the time of writing, she has a 16-0 record with six knockouts.
Already the undisputed world lightweight champion, Taylor has achieved greatness during her professional career. However, she is targeting more success in the coming years.
Keep an eye out for Taylor in sports betting odds ahead of her next bout. She is regarded as the best female boxer on the planet and the sky is the limit.
4 - Naoya Inoue
Inoue has been involved in some fantastic fights throughout his career, none more so than the 2019 Fight of the Year contender with Nonito Donaire.
Some way clear as the best bantamweight boxer on the planet, Inoue has fans on the edge of his seat whenever he steps foot in the ring. He is an absolute joy to watch.
Now promoted by Top Rank, Inoue will be fighting in the United States of America in the near future. A move up to the next weight class could be on the cards…
3 - Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez
Canelo has fought some of the greatest fighters in modern times, defeating the likes of Miguel Cotto and Daniel Jacobs. Oh, and he also claimed victory against Gennady Golovkin in one of the best fights in boxing history.
The only loss on his record came against the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr though many believe that bout came too soon for Canelo. The Mexican was just 23 years old.
Alvarez defies logic with his performances in the ring – he is the super middleweight master but could arguably defeat anyone at middleweight and light heavyweight.
2 - Vasyl Lomachenko
Widely regarded as the top pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, Lomachenko has taken his game to new heights since turning professional in 2013.
Hailed for being one of the greatest ever amateurs, Lomachenko won gold at the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012 – and he is now the king of the lightweight division.
In terms of athleticism, Lomachenko is up there with the best in the business and he rarely makes a mistake. A real expert of his trade, Lomachenko always puts on a show.
1 - Tyson Fury
Lomachenko comes close to top spot but Fury’s comedy value puts him clear as the most entertaining fighter in boxing. From press conferences to in-ring antics, Fury is an iconic figure in the sport.
Responsible for some of the greatest boxing quotes, Fury has defied the odds throughout his career but he is now back to being at the top of the heavyweight division.
While some would argue that there is no room for showboating in boxing, Fury has the tactical nous and physical strength to pull it off.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Adam Hunger, Archivo / AP Photo*
Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.
He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.
As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible.
QPR star Eberechi Eze has been linked with Leeds in the past and the latest Leeds United transfer news features a major update on his future.
Eze was left out of QPR’s matchday squad for their Saturday friendly with AFC Wimbledon, following the match, QPR boss Mark Warburton suggested Eze could be on the move in the not too distant future.
Warburton said, “He’s a QPR player but there are a few bits and pieces going on.”
Back in July it was reported by The Sun that Leeds were interested in Eze. According to reports, Leeds told QPR in January they would make a bid of around £20 million in the summer if they got promoted.
With their Premier League status secure, Leeds are one of several clubs keen on Eze.
Tottenham and fellow newly promoted side Fulham have both been featured in Eze transfer news this summer. Fulham, per Sky Sports, are the most likely team to meet QPR’s valuation.
Warburton did not mention which teams have been in touch, but he implied there could be movement in the next few days.
The QPR manager said: “We look after all of our players. It was the right decision [not to play him] today and we’ll see what happens in the coming days.”
Gerrard Gives Leeds Hope Of Signing Kent
With a £10 million bid rejected in the week, Leeds’ hopes of signing Rangers winger Ryan Kent took a major blow. Rangers manager Steven Gerrard was clear about his plans to retain the former Liverpool speedster.
This saga took another twist with Gerrard giving the impression that Kent has a release clause.
The former England international said, as reported by Leeds Live, said, “Every player has different things in their contracts, that's just the way it is.
"Negotiations take place between each individual and the club and it's not my place to divulge what is in an individual's contract."
Gerrard continued, mentioning that Kent’s future will ‘probably be taken out of his hands’.
Marcelo Bielsa has been desperately looking to add more wing options to his squad, and it appears Leeds have a clear path to signing Kent if they choose to.
Highly regarded football journalist Guillem Balague reported on his YouTube channel that Rodrigo is open to the possibility of a move to Elland Road according to HITC.
Balague became the latest person to praise Leeds’ work in transfer market saying, “I’m sure the wages Leeds could offer would match and improve the ones from Valencia.
"For Leeds it makes complete sense – intelligent, hard worker, desiring the success of the collective. We will have to keep an eye on it. We are still in the early stages in terms of club conversations.”
He added that ‘Rodrigo likes the idea of Leeds’. The Spaniard would certainly be an exciting addition to the Leeds squad and bring crucial versatility in the final third.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
One of Leeds’ main transfer targets has been compared to two of the greatest players of the modern era. Rafael Leao, who featured in yesterday’s Leeds United transfer news, is one of several strikers linked with Leeds.
Both Milan’s head coach Stefano Pioli and director Paolo Maldini have heaped praise on the Portuguese starlet with the pair clearly desperate to keep him at the club.
Pioli has claimed Leao has ‘incredible potential’ and he’s clearly a key player as Milan look to return to the top of Italian football. If Leeds do pursue a move for 21-year-old, he won’t be cheap.
Leao has drawn comparisons with both Ronaldos from his former Sporting coach who deemed him better as a youngster than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of all the players linked with Leeds, few are as exciting as Leao, but it will take something special for Milan to let him go.
Merson Urges Leeds To Replace Bamford
Paul Merson is worried about Leeds’ ability to avoid relegation if they don’t sign a striker. Writing in his column for the Daily Star, Merson had greater faith in Fulham staying up than he does in Leeds.
Merson said, “It’s Leeds I worry about if they don’t sign a striker. I don’t see how they survive. I don’t see Patrick Bamford scoring the goals Mitrovic will.”
Luckily for Leeds fans, the latest transfer news suggests Marcelo Bielsa is doing all he can to bolster his goal scoring options for the upcoming campaign.
Merson clearly thinks a new centre forward should be of the utmost priority of the Yorkshire-based club, adding: “If Leeds can get a top quality forward, they might be okay. But that’s where Fulham have such an advantage.”
Patrick Bamford was Leeds’ top scorer in the Championship with 16 goals, but he missed a lot of good opportunities. No other player in the Leeds squad reached double figures.
Former England Star Excited By Leeds Plans
Former England striker Darren Bent has been very impressed with Leeds’ transfer plans.
Bent believes Leeds are short creativity at the moment, and could do with bolstering that area of the squad. He sees Ryan Kent as an ideal signing after Leeds had a £10 million bid rejected on Friday.
Bent said, “He’s certainly got that Ryan Kent and I understand what Bielsa’s doing. I really like what Bielsa’s doing – he’s identifying his squad, he knows his squad’s very good but they need more and I really like what he’s doing there.”
Kent has already found the net twice for Rangers in the first four matches of the Scottish Premiership season and has been a crucial player for the Glaswegian club.
Steven Gerrard doesn’t want to sell, but there’s likely plenty more to come in this transfer saga.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
