Birmingham set to host inaugural ‘Legal Blows’ Muslim Boxing Awards

Birmingham set to host inaugural ‘Legal Blows’ Muslim Boxing Awards
Above, current WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Hamzah Sheeraz. (Instagram: hamzahsheeraz)
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Updated 30 March 2024
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Birmingham set to host inaugural ‘Legal Blows’ Muslim Boxing Awards

Birmingham set to host inaugural ‘Legal Blows’ Muslim Boxing Awards
  • UAE-based lawyer Adil Hussain established Legal Blows to help boxers navigate business side of the sport and foster community of Muslim fighters

The inaugural Legal Blows Muslim Boxing Awards are set to take place on April 20 in Birmingham, England.

This first-of-its-kind occasion promises to be a ground-breaking event, where not only the skill of boxers will be honored, but also the values of fairness and justice within the sport will be championed.

Former Olympian and two-time world champion, Amir Khan, will be presenting the awards to the new wave of Muslim boxers from across the UK.

Top British Muslim boxing talent will be attending, including current WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Hamzah Sheeraz, youngest-ever European Super-Lightweight Champion Adam Azim, European Light-Heavyweight Champion Dan Azeez, and British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Champion Zak Chelli.

Numerous boxers from the top promoters will also be there, as well as influencer Abdu Rozik who will also lend his support.

The award ceremony is organized by Adil Hussain, the founder of Legal Blows, together with Platinum Promotions and the charity Global Ehsan Relief.

Hussain, who is based in Dubai and is a senior equity partner at a renowned global law firm, sees this event as being a significant step toward fostering a community of boxers who can serve as role models for the next generation.

Hussain combined his twin passions for both boxing and law, which led him to establish Legal Blows — a pro-bono legal organization dedicated to assisting boxers in navigating the complexities of business and legal agreements.

Through Legal Blows, he endeavors to educate boxers about their rights and provide them with the necessary legal support to safeguard their interests.

“The Legal Blows motto is, ‘We are here to give, not take’,” Hussain said.

“Fighters risk their lives every time they enter the boxing ring and it just seems unfair that after all expenses and costs have been paid, they are left with next to nothing,” he said. “This is why I strongly urge fighters to seek legal advice before they enter into any contractual agreements. However, the problem is that many fighters don’t have the finances to pay for legal fees so they end up signing whatever has been put in front of them.

“What I have tried to do via the Legal Blows instagram page (@LegalBlows) is to educate and guide boxers on legal and business matters and let them know that they have the ability to negotiate contracts in order to get more favorable terms.”

The inception of the Legal Blows Muslim Boxing Awards represents a milestone in the boxing community, signaling a departure from typical awards and further steps toward inclusivity and recognition.

Hussain emphasized that while the awards focus on Muslim fighters, they are open to all, reflecting the organization’s ethos of diversity, inclusivity and unity.

“It’s open to all, Muslims and non-Muslims,” he said. “We have many non-Muslim fighters who are part of the Legal Blows community and will be attending to support the event.”

Beyond celebrating athletic achievements, Hussein sees the awards as a platform to address pressing social issues, particularly among the youth in the Muslim community in the UK.

With a rise in knife crime plaguing many neighborhoods, Hussain views boxing as a constructive outlet for channelling energy and aspirations positively.

“In the UK, there’s a big knife crime issue,” he said.

“Unfortunately, a lot of the Muslim community, the youth from there, are falling into this,” Hussain said. “I want to say the to the youth, look at all of these individuals, they come from the same background, same communities, and they’re doing something with their life, using their energy in a positive way.

“There’s an alternative to knife crime, gang crime. Get away from that, get in the gym and aspire to be like these boxers,” he said, highlighting the transformative power of sport in steering young people away from destructive paths.


Injured Pakistan pacer Rauf to ‘fully recover’ ahead of Champions Trophy— PCB 

Injured Pakistan pacer Rauf to ‘fully recover’ ahead of Champions Trophy— PCB 
Updated 10 February 2025
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Injured Pakistan pacer Rauf to ‘fully recover’ ahead of Champions Trophy— PCB 

Injured Pakistan pacer Rauf to ‘fully recover’ ahead of Champions Trophy— PCB 
  • Haris Rauf sustained muscular sprain in lower chest wall during Saturday’s match against New Zealand 
  • PCB says injured pacer will not be available for selection as precaution against South Africa for Feb. 12 clash 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s injured right-arm fast bowler Haris Rauf is expected to be “fully recovered” ahead of this month’s ICC Champions Trophy tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said recently, brushing aside concerns he would be ruled out of the tournament. 

Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during Pakistan’s match against New Zealand on Saturday, triggering fears the bowler would be ruled out of the tournament. Along with pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, Rauf is an essential part of the South Asian country’s pace attack.

“The injury is not serious and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which commences in Karachi on 19 February,” the PCB said on Sunday. “However, as a precautionary measure and part of his ongoing rehabilitation, he will not be available for selection against South Africa on 12 February.”

Pakistan are already reeling from in-form left-handed batter Saim Ayub’s absence, who was ruled out of the tournament after suffering an ankle injury while fielding against South Africa last month. Ayub’s injury has made room for left-arm batter Fakhar Zaman, who scored an impressive 84 runs from 69 balls against New Zealand on Saturday. 

Pakistan are currently playing a tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand in Karachi and Lahore cities respectively. The series, seen as a warm-up ahead of the 50-over Champions Trophy tournament, will conclude on Feb. 14. 

Pakistan lost the opening match of the tournament against New Zealand in Lahore by 78 runs. The tourists amassed 330/6 at the end of their 50 overs, which was too much for Pakistan who were bundled out for 252 runs in 47.5 overs. 


New Zealand wins toss, elects to field against South Africa in tri-series

New Zealand wins toss, elects to field against South Africa in tri-series
Updated 10 February 2025
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New Zealand wins toss, elects to field against South Africa in tri-series

New Zealand wins toss, elects to field against South Africa in tri-series
  • New Zealand beat Pakistan last week in tri-nation series clash between both sides 
  • South Africa have entered series without seven of their Champions Trophy players

LAHORE, Pakistan: New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won his second successive toss and elected to field against an understrength South Africa lineup Monday in the cricket tri-nation series.
New Zealand had to make one forced change with opening batter Rachin Ravindra replaced by Devon Conway.
Ravindra sustained a blow on the forehead while fielding during New Zealand’s thumping 78-run win in the first match on Saturday against Pakistan and was rested for the second game.
Ravindra was struck on the head when he lost sight of the ball in what seemingly should have been a routine catch of Khushdil Shah at deep mid-wicket.
South Africa has entered the tournament without seven of its Champions Trophy players, who will arrive at Karachi over the weekend.
Matthew Breetzke, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy and Eathan Bosch were awarded ODI debuts on a wicket which Santner says “looks like another 300” pitch.
Glenn Phillips smashed his maiden ODI century as New Zealand rattled 330-6 in the first match.
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Lineups:
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Ben Sears, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Matthew Breetzke, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Eathan Bosch, Junior Dala, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.
 


England’s Bethell ruled out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy— captain

England’s Bethell ruled out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy— captain
Updated 10 February 2025
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England’s Bethell ruled out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy— captain

England’s Bethell ruled out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy— captain
  • Left-handed Jacob Bethell sat out second ODI against India with hamstring injury
  • England call up Somerset batsman Tom Banton on Sunday as cover for injured Bethell

NEW DELHI: Jacob Bethell is set to miss next week’s Champions Trophy after the left-handed batsman sat out the second one-day international against India with a hamstring injury.

The 21-year-old Bethell made 51 in the opening defeat last week, but was missing on Sunday as India took an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series in Cuttack.

The 50-over Champions Trophy begins on Feb. 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.

“I’m pretty sure (Bethell) has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy, to be honest,” captain Jos Buttler admitted after England’s four-wicket defeat.

“That’s really disappointing for him. Obviously, he played nicely the other day and has been one of the really exciting players,” he added.

“It’s a shame that injury is going to rule him out.”

England have not made an official statement on Bethell’s status, but they called up Somerset batsman Tom Banton on Sunday as cover.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Banton, 26, was due to arrive in India on Monday and join the England squad for the final match of the series in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

Banton has played in six ODIs, with a top score of 58 and averages 26.80 with the bat.

England’s first match in the Champions Trophy is against World Cup winners Australia on Feb. 22.

Final squads must be submitted by Feb. 12.


Eagles deny Chiefs historic three-peat in thumping Super Bowl win

Eagles deny Chiefs historic three-peat in thumping Super Bowl win
Updated 10 February 2025
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Eagles deny Chiefs historic three-peat in thumping Super Bowl win

Eagles deny Chiefs historic three-peat in thumping Super Bowl win
  • Thumping NFL victory delivers a second Super Bowl win for the Eagles franchise whose other title win was in 2018
  • It was a commanding performance throughout by the Eagles who totally dominated the championship match

NEW ORLEANS: The Philadelphia Eagles obliterated the Kansas City Chiefs’ bid to become the first NFL team to win three consecutive Super Bowls with a blowout 40-22 win in New Orleans on Sunday.
The Eagles defense was simply immense, smothering the Chief’s creative maestro Patrick Mahomes, and on offense their own quarterback Jalen Hurts led the way, throwing for two touchdowns and running for another as Philadelphia brutally avenged their 2023 loss to the Chiefs at Super Bowl 57.
Eagles dazzling running back Saquon Barkley grabbed 31 first-half rushing yards to break the all-time NFL record for most rushing yards in a regular season plus playoffs, to add icing to the Eagles’ championship cake.
Sunday’s thumping victory delivered a second Super Bowl win for the Eagles franchise whose other title win was in 2018.
It was a commanding performance throughout by the Eagles who totally dominated the championship match in front of a crowd that included US President Donald Trump and pop superstar Taylor Swift.
It marked the first time a sitting president had attended a Super Bowl and Trump watched the first half before leaving.
The Eagles set the tone for the contest by opening the scoring in the first quarter with their signature play – a goal line move they call the “brotherly shove” – with Hurts plowing into the end zone behind his powerful offensive line as his teammates forced him forward.
Eagles’ rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean picked off a poor pass from Mahomes in the second quarter to score Philadelphia’s second touchdown and Hurts then found A.J. Brown with a 12-yard pass to go into halftime 24-0 ahead.
Mahomes struggled mightily in the first half, throwing two interceptions while being sacked three times and completing just 6-of-14 passing attempts.
Things went from bad to worse in the second half for the Chiefs when Hurts found DeVonta Smith with a 46-yard pass for a fourth touchdown and take a 34-0 lead.
The Chiefs finally got on the scoreboard late in the third quarter through Xavier Worthy, but the game was sliding away at breakneck pace.
A DeAndre Hopkins touchdown, and a second for Worthy added some respectability to the score, but it was cosmetic, and would have come as little consolation to the battered Chiefs whose tilt at history was devastatingly denied.
Nobody had predicted the one-sided nature of the game – not Trump, not Swift, not Argentine World Cup winner Lionel Messi, hip-hop mogul Jay-Z or Beatle Paul McCartney who were all in the crowd – but the Eagles defense was awesome throughout, never giving the Chiefs a chance.
It was nothing short of a blowout to end a week when football took on a Mardi Gras flavor with New Orleans hosting the game for a record-tying 11th time.


Barca rout Sevilla to mantain title charge

Barca rout Sevilla to mantain title charge
Updated 10 February 2025
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Barca rout Sevilla to mantain title charge

Barca rout Sevilla to mantain title charge
  • Hansi Flick’s Barca climbed within two points of Los Blancos and moved one behind Atletico to crank up the tension in the title race

SEVILLE, Spain: Barcelona cut the gap on La Liga’s top two with an entertaining 4-1 win over Sevilla on Sunday, despite playing out the final half-hour with 10 men after Fermin Lopez’s red card.
Robert Lewandowski, Lopez, Raphinha and Eric Garcia struck for the Catalans, who were able to capitalize on leaders Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with second-placed Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Hansi Flick’s Barca climbed within two points of Los Blancos and moved one behind Atletico to crank up the tension in the title race.
Lewandowski’s early strike was canceled out by Sevilla’s Ruben Vargas, with Lopez and Raphinha pouncing early in the second half.
Lopez was sent off for a high tackle but Barcelona held out and extended their lead when Garcia nodded home late on.
“Today we had to win to stay in the title race and now we’re putting the pressure on,” Barca defender Inigo Martinez told DAZN.
“I think the team played a brilliant match and this is the way forward...
“If we stay secure and solid at the back, up front we all know what our forward are capable of.”
The match at Sevilla’s Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium got off to an explosive start with teenage winger Lamine Yamal forcing Sevilla goalkeeper Orjan Nyland into a superb save with a curling effort.
Barcelona took the lead moments later from the resulting corner, played short, with Raphinha eventually crossing for Martinez to nod the ball across goal.
Veteran Polish striker Lewandowski prodded home from close range after seven minutes to reach 19 league goals and extend his lead as the division’s top goalscorer.
Sevilla were level almost instantly, with Ronald Araujo playing Saul Niguez onside and the Spaniard crossed for Vargas to turn home in the eighth minute.
Araujo’s unfortunate evening was compounded by an injury sustained when fouled by Saul, with Pau Cubarsi replacing him in the 22nd minute.
Barca stopper Wojciech Szczesny made a good save from an acrobatic Dodi Lukebakio effort as the hosts, 13th, gave as good as they got in the first half.
Flick sent on Lopez at half-time for Gavi and the midfielder scored and got sent off within the space of 15 minutes.
Lopez netted at the start of the second half, heading home from playmaker Pedri’s inviting cross.
Vargas netted from an offside position at the other end before Raphinha extended Barcelona’s lead with a vicious effort from distance in the 55th minute.
Lopez was dismissed for a rash high challenge on Djibril Sow on the hour mark, leaving the Catalans the job of protecting their lead with a man fewer.
Szczesny saved low from Suso’s drive but Sevilla created little else of note as Barcelona largely kept the Andalucians at arm’s length.
Garcia nodded home at the far post in the final stages as Raphinha’s deflected cross fell kindly to him to wrap up Barcelona’s emphatic victory.