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How safe is my data after a hack or leak?

Published24 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesFollowing news stories in the past few days, it’s understandable you might be concerned about your data.The UK’s elections watchdog revealed on Tuesday it had been the victim of a “complex cyber-attack” potentially affecting millions of voters.It also emerged personal details of police officers in Northern Ireland were published accidentally.But what can you do if you are concerned your data may have been leaked, and how can you prevent issues?How safe is my data?Generally, when public organisations such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) respond to Freedom of Information requests they should remove any identifying data. But in this case the force published confidential details by accident, leaving some officers and their families with concerns about their safety.However, an average person affected by a data leak or hack should not panic.Regarding the cyber-attack affecting UK voters, the Electoral Commission has apologised to those affected but says on its website the data it holds is “limited, and much of it is already in the public domain”. “According to the risk assessment used by the Information Commissioner’s Office [the data regulator] to assess the harm of data breaches, the personal data held on electoral registers, typically name and address, does not in itself present a high risk to individuals,” it says.This information could be combined with other bits of data about you, such as what you share on social media, to identify you – but this takes a lot of time and cyber criminals will generally only target prominent individuals like this.And unless you have opted out of being named on the open electoral register, much of this information will already be publicly available online.If you are concerned about a different data breach, and are worried your information may have been lost, there are also websites which will tell you if your email was part of a known data breach.The Electoral Commission specifically recommends people use the free online service Have I Been Pwned (sic) to check this.What can I do to keep my data safe?If you believe your password to an account may have been compromised, it makes sense to change it.But you should be mindful not to respond to any emails recommending this, as they could be attempting to scam you – instead you should visit the website as normal, and change your password there.This is also why it is important to have different passwords for different accounts.By always keeping different log-in credentials, a future hack is less likely to affect you seriously as the hackers will not be able to use your data beyond accessing a single service you used.Another thing people can do is to remain vigilant online to avoid any data loss.Recent research from Barclays released on Wednesday shows that 87% of all scams take place on tech platforms, such as dating apps, social media and online marketplaces.It says these scams are on the rise, and it wants tech platforms to shoulder some of the liability.”Without the joint help of tech organisations, the Government, and regulators, we risk enabling the unchecked growth of what is now the most common crime in the UK, hurting countless individuals, and costing our economy billions each year,” says Barclays CEO Matt Hammerstein.”Our data shows that tech platforms – particularly social media – are now the source of almost all scams. However, there is no current legislative or regulatory framework obliging the tech sector to support the prevention of these crimes, as there rightly is for banks.”But there are a few simple steps you can take to stay safe online, which can help protect your data – and your wallet. These include using a strong password for each site you visit, avoiding emails from people you do not know, and being careful when visiting unfamiliar websites.A further list is available from Action Fraud,the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime.More on this story’Family fears for my safety as a police officer’Published3 hours agoCyber-attack on electoral registers revealedPublished1 day agoWhat action can those caught up in mass hacks take?Published6 June

Jamie Reid: Punk artist behind Sex Pistols record covers dies at 76

Published2 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Steven McIntoshEntertainment reporterJamie Reid, the artist best known for creating the Sex Pistols’ famous record covers, has died at the age of 76.Reid designed the artwork for the punk band’s releases like God Save the Queen and Anarchy in the UK in the 1970s.The God Save the Queen cover became one of the defining images of the era, with lettering pasted on top of a photo of the monarch and the union jack flag.His gallerist confirmed to BBC News that Reid died on Tuesday, adding that he leaves behind an “enormous legacy”.The John Marchant Gallery described him as an “artist, iconoclast, anarchist, punk, hippie, rebel and romantic”, adding: “Jamie leaves behind a beloved daughter Rowan, a granddaughter Rose, and an enormous legacy”. Image source, Jack O’BrienOn Instagram, Rowan Reid wrote: “I lost the most important man in my life yesterday, to say I’m heartbroken is an understatement!”Thank you so much Dad for everything you’ve taught me over the years, when ever I see a wild flower or a robin red breast I’ll think of you and all the wonders you taught me about nature and our beautiful earth.”I’ll miss you so much, always and forever! Until we meet again.”Paying tribute, author Jon Savage, who previously worked with Reid, posted: “His ability to render complex ideas in eye catching visuals was their perfect accompaniment.”Image source, Getty ImagesBorn in London in 1947, Reid studied at Wimbledon Art School and later Croydon Art School, where he met the Sex Pistols’ future manager Malcolm McLaren.In the early 1970s, Reid started using his distinctive ransom note style – with individual letters appearing as if they had been cut out separately from newspaper headlines – while working for radical paper The Suburban Press.”We couldn’t really afford things like Letraset, so it seemed natural to cut things out and do collage, to save money,” he said.After moving to the Outer Hebrides, Reid moved back to London after receiving a telegram from McLaren asking his old friend to come to work on designs for his new band.Printers’ protestHe put his lettering on top of a tattered union jack for the cover of the Sex Pistols’ 1976 debut single Anarchy in the UK.Its follow-up, God Save the Queen, featured a defaced Cecil Beaton photo portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, and captured a mood of anti-establishment dissent when punk coincided with the monarch’s Silver Jubilee.The sleeve’s platemakers were so offended by the image that they initially refused to print it, according to the V&A Museum, which bought Reid’s archive in 1981.The song was controversially kept off the number one spot, and its cover proved so inflammatory that Reid had his leg broken by a gang while walking down a street wearing a T-shirt bearing the design.However, in 2001 it was named the greatest record cover of all time by Q magazine.Image source, ShutterstockReid’s Décollage-style work also featured on the lurid yellow and pink cover of the band’s debut album Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols; as well as singles like Pretty Vacant and Holiday in the Sun.He did not want to just be associated for his work with the punk band, though.Brought up by parents who took him on anti-nuclear and anti-apartheid marches, his other work combined activism and spirituality.”My grandfather and Scottish father were Druids, and that was instilled in me alongside a socialist and anarchic background,” he said.’More relevant than ever’He created posters and designs to support causes ranging from the Occupy movement, Extinction Rebellion, Pussy Riot, poll tax demonstrations and Iraq war protests.”I believe that you can actually change things,” Reid said in one of his final interviews this May.”People might go in for the nostalgia but they will also see how my work can be overly political and slightly spiritual. It’s more relevant now that it’s ever been.”He also produced a range of colourful abstract works inspired by his Druidic heritage.Reid’s pieces are held in major institutions such as Tate Britain, New York’s Museum of Modern Art and Houston’s Museum of Fine Art.More on this storyJohn Lydon loses Sex Pistols High Court battlePublished23 August 2021How Danny Boyle brought the Sex Pistols to lifePublished28 May 2022Rare Sex Pistols poster goes under hammerPublished7 March

Boxing world champion Shields signs MMA deal with PFL

Boxing world champion Claressa Shields has signed a new multi-year deal with MMA promotion, the Professional Fighters League (PFL).American Shields, who is the undisputed middleweight world champion in boxing, last fought in MMA in 2021, losing to Abigail Montes.”I can’t wait to return to The PFL Smart Cage,” said Shields.The 28-year-old’s most recent bout was against Maricela Cornejo in June where she defended her boxing titles.”My goal remains unchanged – I will be the first athlete to hold championships in both boxing and MMA simultaneously,” added Shields.”I have grown so much since my first MMA fight and cannot wait to put my skills on display.”Shields, who is widely regarded as the best women’s boxer of all time, made her MMA debut in 2021, knocking out Brittney Elkin, before losing to Montes four months later.She is set to return to action in the PFL in 2024.”It is a privilege to announce the PFL has re-signed the most dominant women’s boxer in the world, Claressa Shields, to a new multi-year agreement,” said PFL chief Peter Murray. “We are proud to welcome ‘The GWOAT’ (greatest woman of all time) back to the PFL.”

Wolves appoint O’Neil on three-year deal

Last updated on 1 hour ago1 hour ago.From the section WolvesFormer Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil has been announced as the new manager of Wolves, replacing Julen Lopetegui on a three-year deal. Lopetegui’s exit from Molineux was confirmed on Tuesday – just three days before the 2023-24 Premier League season begins.O’Neil led Bournemouth to 15th last season but was sacked on 19 June.”Gary’s a highly motivated young coach with strong principles,” said Wolves’ sporting director Matt Hobbs.”It’s an opportunity to do something different with an up-and-coming British coach and from the people we met, Gary was clearly the right person.”The 40-year-old is Wolves’ fourth manager in just over two years.His first assignment will come on Monday when Wolves travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.Several candidates were considered as Lopetegui’s replacement but O’Neil was the preferred option after his presentation during the interview with the Wolves hierarchy left a strong impression.Hobbs added: “His attention to detail, thoroughness and history of developing players impressed us – he’s worked with both young and experienced players.”The detail he showed with his tactical work, including against us last year, gives you confidence about the work he and his staff put into every game.”He’s very forward thinking, very driven, like he has a point to prove because he did a great job at Bournemouth.”As a player, O’Neil made more than 450 appearances for clubs including Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, West Ham, QPR and Norwich.He took up his first coaching role in August 2020, when he became assistant manager with Liverpool’s Under-23s. He joined the coaching set-up at Bournemouth under former manager Jonathan Woodgate in February 2021.The Cherries named O’Neil as interim boss following the sacking of Scott Parker after a 9-0 defeat against Liverpool in August 2022. He was made the permanent manager in November, signing a one-and-a-half-year contract with the option to extend by a further 12 months, after picking up 13 points from 11 Premier League games to guide the south coast club from 17th to 14th.During his time at Vitality Stadium, O’Neil managed the team for a total of 27 matches in all competitions, winning 11, drawing 6 and losing 10 – departing with a win ratio of 40.74%.Lopetegui took charge of 27 games at Wolves during the same period, winning 10, drawing 6 and losing 11.Oops you can’t see this activity!To enjoy Newsround at its best you will need to have JavaScript turned on.Lack of financial backing an issue for LopeteguiFormer Real Madrid manager Lopetegui lasted just nine months in the dugout at Molineux.Wolves were bottom of the standings when he replaced Bruno Lage in November but he successfully turned things around as they finished 13th to secure a sixth-successive campaign in the top flight.Spanish journalist Guillem Balague said Lopetegui was told when he arrived that if he managed to save Wolves from relegation, he would be given funds to strengthen the squad over the summer.However, Lopetegui felt the club did not follow through with that promise and chairman Jeff Shi released an open letter to fans earlier this week saying the club’s Chinese owners, Fosun, were committed to the club but had to be cautious in their summer spending to meet the Premier League financial fair play rules.According to FFP rules, the club must make a profit on player trading this summer to avoid exceeding the accumulated £105m loss over a three-year period, the maximum permitted.They sold captain Ruben Neves to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal for a club record £47m in June and also allowed Mexican striker Raul Jimenez join Fulham for £5m last month, with the only notable incoming signing being Republic of Ireland full-back Matt Doherty’s return as a free agent in July.Lopetegui was thanked by Hobbs for the amicable nature of his departure from Molineux and his willingness to get the players ready for the new season even though the Spaniard knew his future lay elsewhere.Hobbs said: “He was happy for us to take our time and interview other candidates and he was willing to wait until we found the right person, continuing to work and prepare the team properly.”The way he and his staff worked during that period tells you everything you need to know about them. It’s allowed us time to go through a thorough process”It’s okay to feel sad and disappointed about Julen’s departure, but at the same time it’s okay to be optimistic because I genuinely feel this is an exciting and progressive appointment for the club.”We asked on our Wolves page for people’s thoughts on O’Neil’s appointment. Here is a selection of the replies:Adam: It just seems like a huge backwards step, or perhaps a reality check that we were spoiled with great finishing positions and a European adventure. With Lopetegui, it looked like we had a manager to steer us to more of that. With O’Neil, it looks like we’re settling for a fight for survival again.Gaz: The appointment of O’Neil stinks of desperation. He has no track record and I don’t think he will be respected because of the way the board handled the Lopetegui situation. I think the powers-that-be at Wolves are going to get a very rough ride when the season starts.Phil: Not the most exciting appointment but if he can do what he did at Bournemouth last season we’ll stay up and I’ll take that right now. Whatever our opinion on O’Neil, all supporters need to get behind him and back the team.Chris: What an absolute disregard for loyal supporters. Best wishes to Gary – but he will be gone by Christmas.Ian: I believe that we are doomed before we kick a ball. The owners know nothing about the club. We are already bottom on alphabetical order – that is where we will stay.Dave: At least O’Neil has Premier League experience and has the stomach for a fight if needed. He needs the players to show the same attitude and the board not to panic.Keith: O’Neil is a phenomenal young coach and I really hope he gets a chance at a team not in crisis. If he keeps Wolves up it’ll be an incredible achievement given how the team has been gutted.

Premier League investigating potential Chelsea financial breaches

The Premier League is investigating potential financial rule breaches by Chelsea.Chelsea were fined £8.6m by Uefa in July for breaking Financial Fair Play rules as a result of “submitting incomplete financial information” between 2012 and 2019.Those breaches were reported by the new Stamford Bridge ownership following the club’s sale in May.It is understood they also notified the Premier League of similar issues.The league are now looking at whether concrete charges, such as those facing Manchester City and Everton, are appropriate.The initial fine related to a seven-year period when Roman Abramovich had control of the club.Abramovich sold Chelsea to a consortium led by American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital.Chelsea said they “fully co-operated and assisted Uefa” in their investigations and “entered into a settlement agreement” with the governing body.Clubs can be fined and given a points deduction if they are found guilty of breaching financial rules.Premier League champions Manchester City were charged with more than 100 breaches of financial rules in February. The club have denied financial wrongdoing.In May, Everton were referred to an independent commission by the Premier League over an alleged breach of financial fair play rules. They have also denied wrongdoing.

Barkley joins Premier League new boys Luton

Former Chelsea and England midfielder Ross Barkley has joined Premier League new boys Luton Town on a free transfer.The 29-year-old, capped 33 times by his country, was a free agent after leaving Ligue 1 club Nice this summer.”Ross brings loads of experience at the top level, has international experience and brings an X-factor,” Hatters boss Rob Edwards told the club website.external-linkTop-flight newcomers Luton begin their first-ever season in the Premier League on Saturday with a visit to Brighton.Barkley has made 232 top-flight appearances for boyhood club Everton, Chelsea and Aston Villa and played for England at the 2014 World Cup.At that time, Luton were just emerging from the National League after five seasons outside the EFL but four promotions in 10 campaigns have rocketed them back up to the top tier.”Why Luton? Going from the Conference to the Premier League is a great story and for me personally to be back in the Premier League, it’s great motivation,” Barkley said.Barkley played just six times for Chelsea in his most recent Premier League campaign in 2021-22 before featuring in 27 French top-flight matches for Nice last term.”I’m still relatively young and over the last couple of years I’ve not played as much as I’d have liked,” added Barkley, for whom Chelsea paid Everton £15m in 2018.”But I’ve reserved a lot of energy and looked after myself, so it’s great to be here now as I’ve got a lot to show but I’m ready and feeling motivated.”The Hatters have brought in several players after sealing promotion from the Championship, including Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, but Barkley rates as very much their marquee summer signing.Luton have not disclosed the length of Barkley’s contract at Kenilworth Road but confirmed he has been registered in time to feature in their season-opener at Brighton.”He gives us something different, he has that ability to make something out of nothing and we need that in the Premier League,” head coach Edwards added.”He’s got all the tools required to make a difference for us. It’s really exciting for the football club. We want the fans to be excited and they should be about Ross’ arrival.”Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Sixto Rodriguez: Searching for Sugar Man singer dies aged 81

Published1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Steven McIntoshEntertainment reporterSixto Rodriguez, the musician and subject of the documentary Searching for Sugar Man, has died aged 81.The Detroit-born singer’s official website confirmed he died on Tuesday.Rodriguez launched his career in 1967 but initially struggled to find success in his native US and was ultimately dropped by his record label.However, his music gradually developed a cult following overseas, and his records enjoyed significant sales and airplay in South Africa and Australia.Little was known about Rodriguez in the country despite his music being so popular, and false rumours had circulated that the singer had killed himself on stage in the 1970s.But Rodriguez was in fact still alive and well and living in Detroit, having returned to a life of relative obscurity and construction work. He was unaware of his popularity abroad, which partly stemmed from bootlegged copies of his album Cold Fact circulating in South Africa, where it been adopted as an unofficial soundtrack to youth protests against apartheid.Image source, Getty ImagesDespite his success in the country, Rodriguez only found out about his success in South Africa when his eldest daughter, Eva, came across a website dedicated to him in 1997 – when the internet was still in its relative infancy.After contacting the website, Rodriguez went on his first South African tour in the late 1990s. The Mexican-American singer and guitarist was playing sold-out shows in the country’s biggest arenas to thousands of fans and went on to perform a string of shows in Australia.In 2012, the Oscar-winning Searching for Sugar Man saw two South African fans track Rodriguez down to see what had become of him.The release of the documentary, which depicted the story of Rodriguez discovering his own fame overseas, saw his career enjoy another resurgence, and he began touring and recording once again.The film prompted the two albums Rodriguez recorded in the early 1970s – Cold Fact and Coming From Reality – to become successful around the world four decades after their original release, and Rodriguez played festivals including Coachella and Glastonbury.Image source, Getty ImagesA statement posted on his official website read: “It is with great sadness that we at Sugarman.org announce that Sixto Diaz Rodriguez has passed away earlier today.”We extend our most heartfelt condolences to his daughters – Sandra, Eva and Regan – and to all his family. Rodriguez was 81 years old. May His Dear Soul Rest In Peace.”The musician’s cause of death was not announced.Simon Chinn, who produced Searching For Sugar Man, described Rodriguez’s death as “such sad news”. “He was a true legend, and it was an honour to know him,” he said. “What a privilege to be able to share his amazing story with the world. RIP Rodriguez – your music will live forever.”South African musician David Scott, known as The Kiffness, said Rodriguez was a “legend with the most amazing life story”.”In the US he lived in relative obscurity, but was hugely popular in here South Africa without him ever knowing until much later on,” he said.”We will never witness a story like his in our lifetime again.”More on this storyDiscovering ‘Sugar Man’ RodriguezPublished26 July 2012

Comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli charged with sex offences

Published2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, PA MediaScottish comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli has been arrested and charged in connection with “non-recent” sexual offences.The 54-year-old has been released and is due to appear in court at a later date, police confirmed.Mr Kohli has presented several programmes for the BBC and other broadcasters, and was runner up in the 2006 edition of Celebrity MasterChef.He was also a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.A spokesperson for the force said a report of the circumstances had been submitted to the procurator fiscal.Mr Kohli’s arrest follows an investigation by the Times which described how several people had raised concerns about him.Police Scotland confirmed last month it was investigating the allegations.

McIlroy and Rahm secure places on Ryder Cup team

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm of Spain have had their places on the European team for this year’s Ryder Cup confirmed. The pair secured their spots on captain Luke Donald’s panel through the European Points List. Four-time major winner McIlroy will be playing in his seventh consecutive Ryder Cup while it will be a third in a row for Rahm.This year’s competition will be played in Italy, starting on 29 September.McIlroy, 34, currently leads the European Points List having not finished worse than a tie for ninth in his last seven competitions worldwide.With four Ryder Cup wins from six appearances, McIlroy will be looking to do his part to help Europe win back the cup after it was regained by the United States in Whistling Straits two years ago.Since his debut in 2010, the Northern Irishman has played in 24 matches, winning 12, halving four and losing 12, with a total points tally of 14.World-number-three Rahm had a winning Ryder Cup debut in Paris in 2018 and, in his eight matches, he has he has won four, lost three and halved one, meaning he has a total points tally of 4.5. He too has had an impressive 2023, with the highlight being winning his second major title at The Masters in April, carding a final round 69 on Sunday to win by four strokes.

India’s Shaw hits 244 for Northants in One-Day Cup

Northamptonshire opener Prithvi Shaw smashed 244 off 153 balls as they piled up 415-8 against Somerset in the One-Day Cup at Wantage Road.It was the second highest individual score in a county List A game as Northants came within 10 runs of equalling their best 50-over total.Surrey’s Ali Brown still holds the record one-day score in English cricket with his 268 against Glamorgan in 2002.Shaw struck 11 sixes and 28 fours and put on 194 with Sam Whiteman (54).India batter Shaw, who once scored 546 in a single innings as a 14-year-old and made a debut Test century when he was only 18, was signed by Northants to provide – as head coach John Sadler put it – a “bit of superstardom”.Having made 34 and 26 in his first two innings for the club, the 23-year-old brought up his 50 off 44 balls against Somerset with a square cut for four off Danny Lamb.The right-hander, who shared a stand of 108 for the second wicket with Ricardo Vasconcelos (47), went to his century from 81 balls.When he reached 162 he passed the previous 50-over best for Northamptonshire by former captain David Sales in 2006 and cruised past the county’s limited-overs record score of 172 not out by Wayne Larkins, made in a 40-over match in 1983.Whiteman played on to Lamb with the score on 369 and Shaw eventually departed three balls from the end of the innings, caught at deep mid-wicket off the same bowler, as five more wickets went down for eight runs.It was Shaw’s second double century in 50-over cricket having made 227 not out for Mumbai in February 2021.Derbyshire are at home to Sussex and Lancashire are playing holders Kent at Blackpool in Wednesday’s other games. Highest individual scores in List A games277 Narayan Jagadeesan, Tamil Nadu v Arunachal, 2022268 Alistair Brown, Surrey v Glamorgan, 2002264 Rohit Sharma, India v Sri Lanka, 2014257 D’Arcy Short, W Australia v Queensland, 2018248 Shikhar Dhawan, India A v South Africa A, 2013244 Prithvi Shaw, Northampshire v Somerset, 2023 Thursday fixtures (11:00 BST start)Neath: Glamorgan v WarwickshireWorcester: Worcestershire v GloucestershireFriday fixtures (11:00 unless stated)Nettleworth: Nottinghamshire v HampshireThe Oval: Surrey v KentChester LS: Durham v DerbyshireTaunton: Somerset v SussexChelmsfored: Essex v Middlesex (14:00)Old Trafford: Lancashire v leicestershire (14:00)

I didn’t want to let anyone down – Joshua

Anthony Joshua “didn’t want to let anyone down” when he agreed to fight late replacement Robert Helenius at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday. Finland’s Helenius, 39, took the fight at less than a week’s notice.”I also looked at the undercard [for a potential opponent before selecting Helenius], I know how much it means to them to compete,” said Joshua.Speaking at Wednesday’s news conference, the two-time world champion added: “I didn’t want to let anybody down, my coach, [broadcaster] Dazn. “It’s kind of like a responsibility, I know late replacements aren’t ideal.”Another rock in my shoe – Joshua Joshua shook hands with Helenius as the two boxers took their seats at the Pan Pacific London hotel in the heart of the City – meeting for the first time since the fight was announced on Monday morning. “A long career will present these type of obstacles but I’ve got to get used to them,” Joshua said of the late change in opponent. “It’s just another rock in my shoe as I get to the top of the mountain.”He returns to the O2 Arena after an underwhelming points victory over Jermaine Franklin at the venue in April, his first win since December 2020 having lost consecutive bouts to Oleksandr Usyk.After Whyte was withdrawn from the contest, several heavyweights – domestically and from across the globe – threw their names into the mix. “The principal story remains the same, worry about myself,” he said, adding: “It’ll be silly to underestimate Helenius. “I’ve got to take him deadly serious. Credit to him he’s coming to roll the dice, he wants to win.”Helenius’ vacation put on holdHelenius got the nod ahead of Agit Kabayel, with the German’s demands too high according to promoter Eddie Hearn. He has won 32 fights with four losses, including a points defeat by Whyte in 2017 and a first-round knockout loss to American Deontay Wilder – a potential next opponent for Joshua – in October. “I’ve been chasing the world championship for 15 years,” Helenius said. “When you get this big of an opportunity you can’t let it slip. I’ll give everything in my power to win this fight.”The 6ft 6in heavyweight will compete for the second time within a week when he faces Joshua, after beating Mika Mielonen in the third round in Finland last Saturday.He was told about an approach from Matchroom Boxing as he returned to the dressing room. “This offer came five minutes after my fight. I was going on vacation with family but not anymore, here we are,” he said. Analysis – not the fight we wanted, but more pressure on AJ?News of another failed drugs test – not for the first time – hit the credibility of the sport this past week. Whyte insists he is innocent and more details will emerge in the coming weeks and months, but for now the focus is on two-time champion Joshua. The past few days have been frantic for all those involved, not just the fighters. New artwork, banners and promotional material were printed overnight and plastered across the plush events room at Pan Pacific London.It may not be the fight most wanted, but the interest is there – it has added a different level of intrigue. Joshua looked relaxed, but the pressure on him is huge – arguably bigger than if he were facing Whyte. A lucrative fight against Wilder is in the pipeline, mooted for Saudi Arabia early next year. For him to convince the boxing world he is still an elite contender in the division, and can contend with hard-hitting Wilder, he needs to not only beat Helenius, but beat him in emphatic style. Wilder produced a demolition job on the Finn 10 months ago, stopping him within three minutes. Bettering that will be difficult, but a stoppage win is a must for Joshua.

Wales announce Barbarians game to celebrate Jones

Wales will face Barbarians in a match to celebrate the career of Alun Wyn Jones on 4 November, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has announced.The world’s most-capped player retired from international rugby in May 2023.Lock Jones, 37, will play for a Barbarians side who will be coached by Australia’s Eddie Jones and New Zealand’s next boss Scott Robertson.The match at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium takes place a week after the World Cup final.”The Principality Stadium is one of the best places in the world to play rugby,” said former England coach Jones.”When you add the passion and fervour of a Welsh crowd and the unique and exciting brand of rugby the Barbarians are famous for, we have a match in prospect that will be the envy of fans around the globe.”The game will clash with a Welsh league derby in the United Rugby Championship (URC) between Scarlets and Cardiff.The WRU has not stated whether it will be a capped game as Wales faced the Barbarians after the 2019 World Cup in an uncapped fixture that was Wayne Pivac’s first fixture in charge.The Baa-Baas were coached by Warren Gatland four years ago in what was supposed to be his farewell after 12 years in charge, but he has since returned after replacing Pivac in December 2022.’Final dance’ for Wyn JonesJones announced his international retirement before a potential fifth World Cup and has since signed a short-term deal with Toulon as playing cover during the tournament.His presence at the game on 4 November will depend on him coming through his Toulon stint in the Top 14 unscathed.Jones won 158 caps for Wales and a further 12 Tests for the British & Irish Lions on four tours between 2009-2021.He captained Wales 48 times and led the Lions in the third Test in Australia in 2013, as well as in the three Tests in South Africa in 2021.Nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2015 and 2019, Jones was named 2019 Six Nations Player of the Tournament after leading Wales to Grand Slam glory. He made his Barbarians debut in the game against a World XV at Twickenham in May 2023 after retiring from international rugby and also turned out for the invitational side against his first senior club Swansea. “Alun Wyn will have been the first name on many team sheets for many years,” said Robertson, who will replace Ian Foster as All Blacks coach following the World Cup in France.”I’m not only looking forward to meeting him and coaching him, but also watching him in his final dance with a passionate crowd.”It’s an honour and a privilege to be asked to coach the Barbarians and I can’t think of a better place to do it than in Cardiff, against Wales.” Fixture clashThe Wales v Barbarians fixture, which will kick off at 14:30, will be held on a weekend of URC league fixtures. Scarlets are due to host Cardiff at 17:15 in Llanelli in a Welsh derby on the same day, while Ospreys are planning on playing their ‘home’ match against Sharks in London on Friday, 3 November.Wales will have the homegrown players from the four regions available to them, but players based in England or France will not be eligible because of World Rugby regulations.The Principality Stadium traditionally hosts four autumn international matches in November, but that does not happen in a World Cup year.The WRU says the November game will help the annual turnover and create more money for the game in Wales. Two home matches were scheduled in August as World Cup warm-ups, the 20-9 win against England last weekend and a meeting with South Africa on 19 August.The four Welsh professional sides have had their domestic fixtures disrupted with criticism about the fixture being organised for the particular date from regional supporters.”The fixture will be a chance to see the Wales squad back on home soil after what we all know will be an exciting campaign in France,” said Rhodri Lewis, WRU commercial and legal director.”It will also be an opportunity to welcome some familiar faces back to Principality Stadium, with Alun Wyn already signed up as the first name on the team sheet for the Baa-Baas and an exciting coaching team of Eddie Jones and Scott Robertson taking charge of the visitors.”The game will have a celebratory feel to it because of the personnel involved. It will be a chance to say thank you to some of Welsh rugby’s most loyal servants. “This will be a game to relish.”

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