Sports
Brighton 2026-27 season preview: Back in Europe but injuries mount and a striker is needed
Will a European campaign get in the way again of Brighton & Hove Albion’s progress as an established Premier League club, capable of competing for trophies?
They dropped from sixth to 11th in the table after reaching the last 16 of the Europa League under former head coach Roberto De Zerbi in 2023-24.
Fabian Hurzeler faces a similar balancing act following a second successive eighth-placed finish last season, which secured a spot in the Conference League this season.
What are the expectations inside the club?
Quietly optimistic. They are acutely aware, even approaching a 10th season in succession in the Premier League, that the margins between top-10 challengers for Europe and dropping below 11th for the first time since 2020-21 are wafer thin.
Major silverware for the first time is a goal. They have three cracks at that: Conference League, FA Cup (they have been semi-finalists twice in the past eight seasons) and the Carabao Cup, with the bonus of not entering the latter competition until the third round due to reaching Europe.
Who have they signed?
Six players so far, with a chance of more before the window shuts on September 1.
The centre-back options have been rebuilt, with Jan Paul van Hecke moving to Tottenham for £52million and Diego Coppola to Paris FC permanently (after a loan last season) for around £15m.
Croatian teenager Luka Vuskovic cost a club record £46m from Tottenham. Dutchman Pascal Struijk has arrived from Leeds for approximately £18m and Austrian international Michael Svoboda from Venezia for £7m.
Luka Vuskovic joined from Tottenham for a club record fee of £46m (Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Portuguese defender Costinha (£8m from Greek side Olympiacos) adds depth at right-back, competing for the position with converted midfielder Mats Wieffer.
Two young wingers have been added to the squad: Zadok Yohanna from AIK in Sweden for £21.8m and Rodrigo Rego from Benfica for an undisclosed fee. Rego has been loaned to Castellon in La Liga 2 in Spain for the season.
What is their transfer priority before the window closes?
Carlos Espi was a target, but they (not surprisingly) could not compete with the lure of Real Madrid for the Levante striker. Madrid signed the 21-year-old at the end of July after activating his €25million release clause (£21.4m).
The No 9 options are limited following Danny Welbeck’s move to Chelsea. Georginio Rutter’s form dipped last season and he has performed more effectively as the No 10. That leaves a trio of youngsters, two of whom are still recovering from long-term injuries.
Stefanos Tzimas suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACL) on his full league debut against Aston Villa in December, while ankle surgery cut short Evan Ferguson’s loan to Roma last season.
Charalampos Kostoulas, Greek compatriot of Tzimas, could kick on after limited opportunities in his debut campaign. Welbeck led the way last season with 13 league goals, eight more than any other player in the squad. He turns 36 in November and would probably have struggled to replicate that career-best impact.
Charalampos Kostoulas could be given a run in the No 9 role (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
His departure leaves a big gap to fill, but it opens the door for one or more of the youngsters to seize the chance to shine.
What else is new?
The 1901 Pub — named after the year of the club’s formation — opens behind the north stand at the Amex for the start of the season.
The pub-style hospitality area at the home end, with an upper tier of seating, increases the capacity of the stadium to around 32,200.
What’s the biggest lesson they learnt last season?
Making it count in periods of matches when they are on top and managing games better. A run of one win in 13 league games from December dropped them to 14th in the table by mid-February. That sequence started with a 4-3 home defeat by Aston Villa when they were 2-0 up inside half an hour.
Although victories dried up, six draws in that downturn included conceding an equaliser deep into stoppage time at home to Everton (1-1). And only one of the six defeats was by more than one goal. Small details matter. They can make a big difference to the finishing position.
Who’s been the best player in pre-season?
Left-sided Olivier Boscagli has pressed his claims to get more minutes in the centre of defence than last season. The 28-year-old Frenchman, an experienced campaigner, was used sparingly after joining from PSV last summer.
What are they worried about?
Their cruel luck with injuries, a persistent theme in recent seasons. The most recent, a right leg injury which has ruled Yankuba Minteh out for up to three months, is a good example. It was unavoidable, competing for the ball during a 3-0 friendly win at home to Roma earlier this month.
That has compounded the continuing absence for an unspecified period of Kaoru Mitoma after hamstring surgery ruled the Japan international out of this summer’s World Cup.
Hurzeler still has wide options to fill the gaps, headed by Diego Gomez and Maxim De Cuyper. They represented Paraguay and Belgium respectively at this summer’s World Cup.
Both players are versatile, without possessing the penetration of natural wingers. Gomez, fresh from agreeing a new five-year deal, was on the right for Minteh and De Cuyper took Mitoma’s regular position on the left in Saturday’s 1-0 home win against Bologna in the final warm-up fixture.
How’s the manager feeling?
Hurzeler’s glass is always half-full. His positive outlook means he will regard potential problems — such as the extra strain of competing in the Europa Conference League, the injuries, plus losing last season’s top goalscorer Welbeck — as challenges that can be overcome.
What’s the percentage chance of Hurzeler seeing out the season?
As close as you can get to 100 per cent in such an insecure industry. The hierarchy ignores external noise and sticks to their guns. Hurzeler’s job was never under threat when some fans called for his head after a 1-0 home defeat by rivals Crystal Palace in February continued a winter slump in form.
The storm clouds evaporated, and Hurzeler signed a new three-year contract in May, delivering an eighth-placed finish for the second season in succession and a return to Europe qualification for the second time in club history.
Fabian Hurzeler appears very secure in his job (Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Only a catastrophic decline towards a real danger of relegation deep into the season would potentially put him at risk.
Even in those circumstances, he would probably be safe.
I wouldn’t be surprised if…
Struijk proves to be the shrewdest buy of the summer as the right-sided central defender after Van Hecke’s move to Tottenham. Struijk missed the Bologna game with a minor pre-season injury, but he is back in training.
Struijk’s arrival has been overshadowed by the club-record capture of Vuskovic, but he looks a snip, with four years of solid Premier League experience at Leeds. At 27-years-old, he is at peak age to show his qualities in and out of possession and the calm leadership traits that made him a popular figure inside the dressing room at Elland Road.
What is their strongest XI?
The line-up (below) is when everybody is fit and new signings have bedded into Hurzeler’s way of playing — it won’t look that way at the start of the season with Mitoma, Minteh and Baleba injured.
Verbruggen; Wieffer, Struijk, Vuskovic, Kadioglu; Baleba, Gross; Minteh, Hinshelwood, Mitoma; Rutter.
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Sports
Harry Brook on missing out on England captaincy and the Wellington incident: ‘The decision to make Root captain was the right one’ | Cricket News
Harry Brook says he does not know if the incident in Wellington ahead of the Ashes cost him the England captaincy but believes the decision to appoint Joe Root was the “right one”.
The 26-year-old was made white-ball captain last April and promoted to vice-captain of the Test team in September.
However, it emerged in January that Brook had been struck by a bouncer the night before the third ODI in Wellington on November 1, after he was refused entry to a club.
Brook was issued with a final warning and fined approximately £30,000.
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Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast Nasser Hussain, believes Harry Brook is a ‘very good captain’ but need the ‘mature Harry to come out’ after his England Test captaincy snub.
“I want to apologise for my actions. I fully accept that my behaviour was wrong and brought embarrassment to both myself and the England team,” he said in a statement.
Brook has since continued as vice-captain, but following Ben Stokes’ departure, England opted to turn to Root to lead the Test side once again rather than promote their second-in-command.
While many have attributed the decision to Brook’s misdemeanour, he does not see it that way.
“I honestly don’t know,” he told BBC Sport. “I don’t really look at it like that.
“The decision to make Rooty captain is the right one. I’m actually really excited to see what he can do. He’s definitely the right man to take over that job. I’m really looking forward to working alongside him.”
“It was a tough period, especially when I was at home, getting ready to face the media,” he continued.
“I feel like the character that I showed throughout that period to go out there and still perform and lead the white-ball side fairly well – I was proud of myself and the team.
“I don’t want to say it has helped me, but it has made me realise how big it is to be England captain. It’s not just the leadership on the field. It makes a massive difference if you can lead with responsibility off the field.”
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Joe Root gives his first interview since being reappointed England Test captain.
While captaining the red-ball team is on hold, at least for now, Brook says he has relished the responsibility of leading England’s white-ball side and believes the experience will only stand him in good stead should the Test captaincy come his way in the future.
For now, though, he is right behind his leader.
“There are little things you learn throughout your career,” Brook said.
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England Test captain Joe Root explains why he has removed the curfew that was previously imposed on his team.
“Obviously, the past few months have been on quite a high scale.
“Having that responsibility now has made a massive difference for me. There is the potential I could be captain, but at this moment in time all I’m focusing on is trying to win a few games of cricket.
“I will be 1,000 per cent behind Rooty and I’m really looking forward to what this Test side can do.”
‘Imagine how frustrated I get’
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Watch bits of Harry Brook’s skittish innings in the second ODI, in which he was caught on the scoop having earlier flicked on to his helmet playing a similar shot
Brook has long been regarded by team-mates and pundits alike as one of the most talented cricketers of his generation, but he has developed a frustrating habit of playing a shot that brings his innings to an end far too soon.
How does Brook feel about some of his more speculative shots? He understands the exasperation they can cause and is working to “assess” situations more quickly.
“If supporters get frustrated, imagine how frustrated I get,” Brook added.
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Brook smashes fastest century in Hundred history!
“It’s something I’ve been really trying to work on, trying to assess conditions quicker, and read the surface better. To go out there knowing what shots are going to be hard and what is going to be easier.
“I practise every single shot and have done since the age of eight. In the nets, I would do a 360 challenge with my dad. He would throw balls and I’d have to try to hit it to a certain place: that corner, then that corner.
“I have the ability to hit it everywhere, I just have to figure it out quicker in games.”
Nasser: Root ‘correct’ to remove curfew
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Watch back to the 2016 second Test against Pakistan, where Joe Root smashed a monumental 254 at Old Trafford.
Nasser Hussain hailed new England Test captain Root’s decision to scrap the team curfew.
“It’s just a grown up decision, isn’t it?” Hussain said on the latest Sky Sports Cricket Podcast of Root’s decision to axe said curfew ahead of the three-Test series against Pakistan – live on Sky Sports – starting Wednesday.
“You’ve lost the team if you’ve got a curfew. You’ve got no control over your team.
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Speaking after the New Zealand Test win in 2022, Joe Root explained why he’d taken the decision to step-away from Test captaincy.
“There’s nothing good that happens with curfews because someone will end up breaking it.
“Just treat people like grown ups, and if they don’t behave like grown ups, then the first thing you do is fine them, and then the second thing you do is leave them out.
“A professional sporting outfit shouldn’t need a curfew, and it just shows how bad a place they were in that a curfew was put in.
“I’m really pleased that Joe has said ‘no, enough of that nonsense’.”
England vs Pakistan Test series fixtures
- First Test (Headingley) – Wednesday August 19 – Sunday August 23 (first ball 11am)
- Second Test (Lord’s) – Thursday August 27 – Monday August 31 (first ball 11am)
- Third Test (Edgbaston) – Wednesday September 9 – Sunday September 13 (first ball 11am)
Watch the three-Test series between England and Pakistan live on Sky Sports Cricket from August 19. Stream cricket and more sport contract-free with NOW.
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Sports
All you need to know about the US Open Tennis – live on Sky Sports – including dates, schedule, winners and TV times | Tennis News
When is the US Open? Does Jack Draper need to qualify for the US Open? Is Emma Raducanu playing? Who will win at Flushing Meadows? Key questions ahead of the last Grand Slam of 2026 – watch live from August 30 – September 13 on Sky Sports Tennis.
The final tennis Grand Slam of the year is nearly here, and you can watch all the action exclusively live on Sky Sports.
From Sunday August 30 to Sunday September 13, Sky Sports is your home for all the action from Flushing Meadows, when the stars come out to play.
Watch the US Open from Flushing Meadows in Queen’s New York
However, this year, qualifying week will welcome the return of the Mixed Doubles event which is set to see doubles specialists and top singles players compete for the title – including Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic.
There will also be a host of British talent across the women’s singles, men’s singles, doubles and wheelchair tennis draws.
How and where to watch US Open 2026 on Sky Sports
The final Grand Slam of the year will once again be broadcast exclusively live on Sky Sports Tennis, with any match available via Sky Sports+.
Sky Sports Tennis can be found on the linear channel number 407, while Sky Sports+ is number 410 for Sky Glass customers, 412 for Sky Q customers and 416 for customers in the Republic of Ireland.
You can also head to the ‘Watch’ section on the Sky Sports app to access all Sky Sports+ live streams via the event centres.
Don’t have a subscription? No problem. You can also stream the US Open on Sky Sports Tennis and more live sport with a NOW Sports Day or Month Membership. No contract options are available.
Across Sky Sports’ channels, as well as our digital and social channels, tennis fans can enjoy extensive coverage of the final Grand Slam of 2025, including both the men’s and women’s singles, alongside the respective doubles tournaments, mixed doubles, juniors, and wheelchair competitions.
There will be a daily live text commentary on the Sky Sports app and website, as well as live scores, reports, analysis, features and videos.
US Open schedule – live on Sky Sports
Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, holds up the championship trophy after defeating Jannik Sinner, of Italy, in the men’s singles final of the U.S. O
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Monday, August 24 – Mixed doubles qualifying
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Tuesday, August 25 – Mixed doubles – first & second rounds
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Wednesday, August 26 – Mixed doubles – semi-finals & final
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Thursday, August 27 – Qualifying
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Sunday, August 30 – Men’s & Women’s singles 1st round
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Monday, August 31 – Men’s & Women’s singles 1st round
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Tuesday, September 1 – Men’s & Women’s singles 1st round
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Wednesday, September 2 – Men’s & Women’s singles 2nd round
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Thursday, September 3 – Men’s & Women’s singles 2nd round, Women’s doubles 1st round
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Friday, September 4 – Men’s & Women’s singles 3rd round, Men’s & Women’s doubles 1st round
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Saturday, September 5 – Men’s & Women’s singles 3rd round, Women’s doubles 2nd round, Men’s doubles 1st round
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Sunday, September 6 – Men’s & Women’s singles 4th round, Men’s & Women’s doubles 2nd round
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Monday, September 7 – Men’s & Women’s singles 4th round, Women’s doubles 3rd round, Men’s doubles 2nd round
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Tuesday, September 8 – Men’s & Women’s singles quarter-finals, Women’s doubles quarter-finals, Men’s doubles 3rd round, Wheelchair & Quad doubles quarter-finals
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Wednesday, September 9 – Men’s & Women’s singles quarter-finals, Women’s doubles semi-finals, Men’s doubles quarter-finals, Wheelchair & Quad singles 1st round
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Thursday, September 10 – Women’s singles semi-finals, Men’s doubles semi-finals, Wheelchair & Quad singles quarter-finals, Wheelchair & Quad doubles semi-finals
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Friday, September 11 – Women’s doubles final, Men’s singles semi-finals, Men’s doubles semi-finals, Wheelchair & Quad singles semi-finals, Wheelchair & Quad doubles final
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Saturday, September 12 – Women’s singles final, Men’s doubles final, Wheelchair singles
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Sunday, September 13 – Men’s singles final
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The day sessions begin at 4pm BST, while the evening sessions kick off at midnight.
Who’s playing in the mixed doubles extravaganza?
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka will team up for the mixed doubles
- Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic
- Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz
- Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev
- Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud
- Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli
- Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik
- Diana Shnaider and Daniil Medvedev
- Amanda Anisimova and Learner Tien
- Anna Kalinskaya and Lorenzo Musetti
- Emma Navarro and Tommy Paul
- Alexandra Eala and Felix Auger-Aliassime
- Leylah Fernandez and Frances Tiafoe
- Maria Sakkari and Karen Khachanov
- Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur
- Tatjana Maria and Valentin Vacherot
- Taylor Townsend and Alexander Zverev
- Elena-Gabriela Ruse and Nuno Borges
- Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper
- Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils
- Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori
- Reese Brantmeier and Michael Zheng
- Venus Williams and Alexander Bublik
- Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori
- Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten
- Jelena Ostapenko and Marcelo Arevalo
- Gabriela Dabrowski and Harri Heliovaara
- Demi Schuurs and Julian Cash
- Caty McNally and Robert Cash
- Peyton Stearns and Preston Stearns
Previous winners of the US Open
Novak Djokovic continues to chase tennis immortality
In the Open era, Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors are tied with the most men’s singles titles, with five.
Novak Djokovic will be hoping to get to that number this year; he is tied on four with Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe as he continues to chase a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
Serena Williams and Chris Evert share the record for women’s titles with six, ahead of Steffi Graf (five) and Martina Navratilova (four).
World No 1 Jannik Sinner won Wimbledon but has not played in Canada or Cincinnati
Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka are the respective reigning champions, though Emma Raducanu, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff are also recent winners.
Sinner and Alcaraz will both show up to the US Open without having played in Canada or Cincinnati.
Since the beginning of the Masters format in 1990, no man has ever won the US Open without playing at least one of these two events.
Is Emma Raducanu playing?
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Take a look back at Emma Raducanu’s incredible win at the 2021 US Open
No! The British No 1 will miss the Grand Slam because of the stress fracture in her right leg that she sustained during the grass-court season and forced her to pull out of Wimbledon.
It has been a frustrating 12 months for Raducanu with more persistent physical issues.
Will Jack Draper be forced to qualify for this year’s tournament?
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A drenched Jack Draper saw his 2024 US Open final dream disappear with the contents of his stomach as he lost in hot and humid conditions against Jannik Sinner
It looks that way! The 2024 semi-finalist missed out on a spot in the main draw after dropping outside of the top 128 in the world due to a recurrence of bone bruising in his left arm.
The injury has been a blow for the 24-year-old, who has managed only a handful of tournaments since first stepping away from the tour a year ago with the same issue.
Cameron Norrie and Britain’s newest star Arthur Fery will feature at Flushing Meadows for the first time in his career after his remarkable run to the Wimbledon semi-finals as a wild card which has seen his ranking soar.
A hat-trick for Sabalenka?
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Highlights of the US Open final between Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova
World No 1 Sabalenka will look to become the first woman to win three straight US Open titles since Serena Williams from 2012-14, while Sinner will be trying to regain the title that Alcaraz took from the 2024 champion when they met in last year’s final.
The top-ranked Italian is coming off his fifth Grand Slam, after beating French Open winner Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final.
What about Serena Williams’ return?
Serena Williams could be the story of the US Open providing she is fit and healthy
Williams, 44, made her shock return to competition at Wimbledon, where she lost in three sets to Maya Joint before knee trouble forced her to pull out of doubles with her sister, Venus.
A wild card appearance at the Cincinnati Open alongside Venus could allow her to evaluate her knee before committing to the US Open where she would become arguably the biggest story of the tournament.
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours and US Open from August 30, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
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Claressa Shield vs Lauren Price talks are ‘ongoing’ after American star reclaimed world middleweight titles in Atlanta | Boxing News
Negotiations for a Claressa Shields vs Lauren Price fight are ongoing after the American star reclaimed two world middleweight titles on Saturday.
Shields took back WBC and WBA belts with a ruthless sixth-round stoppage of Kaye Scott as the unbeaten Michigan fighter became a middleweight world champion for a third time.
Price, the unified welterweight champion, could be the next opponent for Shields and the American’s promoter Dmitriy Salita is keen to finalise terms for a battle between two Olympic gold medallists.
![Claressa Shields celebrated her victory with promoter Dmitriy Salita [Pic courtesy of Stephanie Trapp/Salita Promotions]](https://e0.365dm.com/26/08/768x432/skysports-claressa-shields_7323645.jpg?20260816215629)
Claressa Shields celebrated her victory with promoter Dmitriy Salita [Pic courtesy of Stephanie Trapp/Salita Promotions]
“We’re working on it as we speak,” Salita told Sky Sports.
“Our intention is to make the fight. Based on my understanding, we have agreed to all the requests from [Price’s promotional team] BOXXER and Lauren’s side.
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Lauren Price admits she would ‘love to share the ring’ with Claressa Shields following her unanimous decision victory over Stephanie Pineiro Aquino
“I invited Lauren and her team to the fight because my relationship with the fighters we promote, and certainly with Claressa, is that they know all the moving parts and are business partners in making these decisions.
“I wanted Lauren and Claressa to have an opportunity to sit down together and see if there was anything outstanding. Claressa is extremely intelligent and very experienced in making big fights, and I’m sure Lauren is sharp as well.
“Unfortunately, they weren’t able to make it, but the conversations are ongoing and we want to make the fight.”
Shields has also been linked with a fight against WBO and IBF world middleweight champion Tamm Thibeault and fellow American Mikaela Mayer, who faces Chantelle Cameron in a unified world super-welterweight title fight in Birmingham on August 29, live on Sky Sports.
“Claressa wants to fight the best and be part of the biggest, most impactful events – that’s always been clear,” said Salita.
“There are a few other conversations taking place in case the Lauren Price fight doesn’t come together.
“We’ll make a decision soon, but whatever is next, the goal is for it to be another legacy-making moment for Claressa and for boxing.”
![Terence Crawford was one of the boxing stars who attended the Shields fight [Pic courtesy of Stephanie Trapp/Salita Promotions]](https://e0.365dm.com/26/08/768x432/skysports-claressa-shields_7323647.jpg?20260816215824)
Terence Crawford was one of the boxing stars who attended the Shields fight [Pic courtesy of Stephanie Trapp/Salita Promotions]
Shields attracted a huge crowd to State Farm Arena in Atlanta, including some of the biggest names in boxing and music, and Salita believes his fighter’s reputation has transcended sport.
“It was incredible. We were getting calls and requests from some of the biggest stars in hip-hop, music, boxing and culture right up until the final bell,” he said.
“Usher, Floyd Mayweather, Kevin Gates, Terence Crawford – and the list goes on. The atmosphere was electric.
“It was a special night in a packed arena and a real reflection of Claressa’s star power and how far her reach has grown beyond boxing.”
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Harry Brook on missing out on England captaincy and the Wellington incident: ‘The decision to make Root captain was the right one’ | Cricket News
All you need to know about the US Open Tennis – live on Sky Sports – including dates, schedule, winners and TV times | Tennis News
Claressa Shield vs Lauren Price talks are ‘ongoing’ after American star reclaimed world middleweight titles in Atlanta | Boxing News
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