News & updates

Work is well underway on a £14 million five-lane swimming pool, sauna and gym in Thornaby. It is set to open next summer.

FORMER senator and boxing hero Manny Pacquiao is not joining the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP). Pacquiao, who was recently appointed as lead convenor and secretary of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), clarified that he has already declined his election as vice president for Mindanao of the NCFP last month. While expressing gratitude to the trust and confidence given him by NCFP members after being elected in absentia, Pacquiao said he fully disagreed with the direction being taken by the local chess federation. "Mahal natin ang sports, mahal natin ang kapwa ko mga atleta kaya naman laging nakahanda ako na gawin ang aking makakaya para makatulong (We love sports and we love our fellow athletes, which is why I am always ready to do my best to help)," said Pacquaio. The 47-year-old boxing icon from Saranggani, who counts chess as among his favorite sports, cited several complaints he received from numerous individuals and chess clubs nationwide about mismanagement by certain officials. These actions have greatly affected the sport, he said. Pacquiao also mentioned the recent 2026 Manny Pacquiao International Chess Championships in General Santos City, which attracted dozens of strong foreign players from Asia and Europe. The event was not sanctioned by the NCFP despite him paying the required sanctioning fee which was deposited directly to the NCFP bank account. That would have allowed local players like Gian Carlo Arca to gain norms and tournament ratings by the world chess organization known by its French acronym FIDE. Copies of the receipt deposited to the bank of the NCFP were distributed to media. The NCFP, through its president and chairman Prospero Pichay Jr, had a disagreement with Pacquiao's Philippine Chess Association (PCA) after its executive Orly Ortega didn't accept conditions set by the long-standing NCFP head. The NCFP pocketed the sanctioning fee and never gave the PCA a reimbursement. The well-loved sports patron admitted meeting a lot of chess officials and players all over the country and has heard their gripes. He promised to help find a win-win solution to the long-standing problems in local chess and take the initiative in bringing positive changes in the leadership of the chess body.

George Chuvalo died over the weekend on his 89th birthday after a lengthy fight with dementia, Bad Left Hook reports. The Canadian heavyweight compiled a 93-fight record across 22 years without ever being knocked down, facing Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Floyd Patterson.

England No 8 Henry Pollock says he will consider playing abroad or changing sports altogether as negotiations over a new contract with Northampton drag on.

Dana White believes Terence Crawford needs the right fight to return to action more than money.

The lineup builds on more than a decade of global hits like "Club de Cuervos" and "Oscuro Deseo," which have helped make Mexico one of the streamer's most productive markets outside the U.S.

Garcia may very well be the face of U.S. boxing moving forward — and he's already angling for a fight with the most recent face of the sport stateside.

Kingston Lopa was also the only ACC player named to PFF's national team of the week

Conor Benn is taking some time off. On Saturday, Benn challenged Ryan Garcia for the WBC welterweight title to disastrous results. Garcia stopped Benn in just the second round, ending their rivalry and leaving the British boxing star in a tricky position. So, what comes next for Benn? Some time off. On Monday, Benn released [...]

Henry Pollock continues to play hardball in his negotiations over a Northampton Saints contract extension, insisting he is still open to offers from elsewhere.

Premier Boxing Champions heads to San Diego this week, hosting a fight card live from the Pechanga Arena on TNT Sports in the U.S. and on DAZN worldwide.

Eumir Marcial can compete at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya if he emerges unscathed from his pro fight against Ulises Huerta in California.