Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield could be about to take us back in time, while the Wallabies made a statement of intent and Steven Gerrard’s Rangers took another big step in Scotland. Here are five stories you might have missed over the weekend…
TYSON-HOLYFIELD 3 COULD BECOME A REALITY
The first meeting ended with Evander Holyfield reclaiming the WBA Heavyweight title in the 11th round. The second… well, that one went down in history after Mike Tyson infamously bit a chunk out of his opponent’s ear. But 23 years on from their last encounter, they could be set to get in the ring together once more.
Tyson admitted this weekend that he would be open to facing ‘Real Deal’ Holyfield for a trilogy fight once he has fought Roy Jones Jr in his eagerly-awaited comeback fight on 28 November. Asked about Evander’s desire to return to the ring for a third fight with him, Tyson told Monday Night Football’s Jim Gray, “That’s always something we can do if the people want it, if it’s pragmatic enough, I’d love to do it.”
Are we set for a ‘throwback’ third fight? Who’d say no to that?
AUSTRALIA CLAIM A STATEMENT WIN IN BLEDISLOE CUP
The Bledisloe Cup looked set to fizzle out to a damp-squib ending after New Zealand’s back-to-back wins in Games 2 and 3 had clinched the trophy for an 18th consecutive year, but Australia’s 24-22 win in Game 4 on Saturday ensured that some real intrigue remains in the old rivalry following on from their 16-16 draw in the opening encounter of the series.
Despite the dead-rubber nature of the game, it contained plenty of fire as Lachie Swinton and Ofa Tu’ungafasi both saw red in the first half, reducing both teams to 14. And while the All Blacks still took the series, a first win under Dave Rennie could prove significant as the new-look Wallabies aim to climb to the top of world rugby once more. There is increasing belief down under that this Australia side could seriously challenge the likes of South Africa, England and the All Blacks in the current World Cup cycle, and Saturday’s performance certainly adds weight to the growing argument.
KLOPP’S READY-MADE SUCCESSOR TURNING THE TIDE IN SCOTLAND?
As if the recent 2-0 away win in the Old Firm game wasn’t enough of a sign, Rangers’ 8-0 thrashing of Hamilton on Sunday further reiterated the belief that Steven Gerrard’s side are ready to end Celtic’s nine-year dominance of the Scottish Premiership this term.
The hammering of a bottom-of-the-table side would not normally be made such a big deal of, but the relentless manner of the Gers’ display immediately after Celtic had recorded a key 4-1 win at Motherwell said much about the new determination that there appears to be in the Rangers ranks this year.
In his third season in charge at Ibrox, Gerrard has now built a squad which could be ready to finally outdo their city rivals. And as he looks to build up his coaching reputation ahead of potentially assuming the reins from Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the years to come, there would be nothing better to add to his managerial CV than ending Celtic’s dreams of a record 10-in-a-row.
STEELERS KEEP ON ROLLING
It wasn’t the most convincing of victories, but the Pittsburgh Steelers made club history on Sunday as they extended their unbeaten start to the season to eight games with a narrow 24-19 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Their previous best mark of 7-0 was set back in 1978, while no other team in the NFL this season has managed to remain unbeaten to this point. They remain underdogs to reach the Super Bowl in February due to the need to get through the 8-1 Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC, but for now the Steelers are revelling in becoming club legends.
“I’m really proud of our football team, 8-0 for the first time in franchise history, we’re humbled and honoured to be that group,” coach Mike Tomlin told reporters after the game.
Ben Roethlisberger again came through big for the Steelers, throwing three touchdown passes and completing 29 of 42 attempts for 306 yards as he outduelled the Cowboys’ stand-in quarterback Garrett Gilbert.
FA CUP
It's now Torquay United 5-6 Crawley! Torquay went 5-3 up in extra-time but Crawley KEEP coming back.
And all this after goals at 90+14', 90+18' and 90+21'...
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There is an increasing gap between the best and the rest these days, and this year there aren’t even any replays to give teams a second chance at a big upset, but the FA Cup continues to serve up some unparalleled magic.
Marine’s sensational penalty win at Colchester United highlighted the old competition’s never-ending ability to surprise as the eighth-tier minnows beat a League Two outfit away from home, while 10-man Barnet took out League One Burton Albion and Solihull Moors bested Scunthorpe United as a host of non-league clubs reached the second round.
But the biggest thrills and spills happened at Plainmoor, as Crawley Town came from two goals down, then netted another equaliser in the 21st minute of injury time - yes, 21st minute, due to a lengthy injury stoppage - only to fall 5-3 behind in extra time and then score three times in 10 minutes to eventually overcome Torquay United 6-5.
Pure, unadulterated FA Cup madness!
