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Daniel Dubois Reacts with Fury as Oleksandr Usyk Claims Controversial Stoppage Win

Daniel Dubois Reacts with Fury as Oleksandr Usyk Claims Controversial Stoppage Win

Usyk Retains Heavyweight Titles in Ninth Round Following Low-Blow Dispute

Oleksandr Usyk successfully defended his heavyweight world titles with a controversial stoppage win over Daniel Dubois in Poland, sparking fierce debate over a low blow in the fifth round.

The drama unfolded at Stadion Wroclaw on Saturday night after Dubois, in his first world title bout, struck Usyk with a body shot that sent the Ukrainian to the canvas. The punch was ruled a low blow by the referee, and Usyk was given time to recover instead of being counted out. After several minutes of recovery, Usyk regained his composure and went on to win the fight via technical knockout (TKO) in the ninth round.

Usyk, known for his exceptional speed, dominated the early rounds, with Dubois struggling to impose his power on the smaller champion. Although Dubois showed improvement in the fourth round, it was his body shot in the fifth that floored Usyk. The replay showed the punch landing on Usyk’s waistband, leading to confusion and frustration, with many arguing the blow was not low. Despite the apparent infringement, Dubois was not penalised with a point deduction, a decision that further fuelled the controversy.

The Wroclaw crowd voiced their displeasure as Usyk slowly recovered from the knockdown, but he showed resilience, returning to the fight and taking control. Even as body shots continued to trouble him, Usyk’s pace and skill allowed him to regain the upper hand. By the eighth round, Usyk had Dubois on his knees, and in the ninth, a powerful right hand sealed the victory.

“I love boxing, and I respect my opponent,” Usyk said after the fight. “But it’s boxing, not ballet.”

Dubois and his camp were furious at the decision, with trainer Don Charles loudly questioning the ruling and Dubois himself insisting, “I didn’t think that was a low blow. I thought it landed, and I’ve been cheated out of a victory.” Promoter Frank Warren echoed those sentiments, vowing to appeal the controversial decision and seeking a rematch, calling the call a “hometown decision.”

The dispute has cast a shadow over Usyk’s potential unification bout with WBC champion Tyson Fury, although Usyk, undeterred, declared that he was “ready” to face Fury next. The fallout from the fight looks set to continue as the controversy rages on.

Keely Hodgkinson Glides Through 800m Heat at World Athletics Championships

Keely Hodgkinson Glides Through 800m Heat at World Athletics Championships

Despite Early Start and Challenging Conditions, Hodgkinson Powers Into Semi-Finals

Keely Hodgkinson, one of Great Britain’s brightest hopes for a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships, cruised through her 800m heat on Wednesday, despite two early wake-up calls. Known for her fast front-running and explosive finish, the 21-year-old made her way comfortably into the semi-finals, overcoming early starts and sweltering heat conditions.

The day began with an early 6am visit from anti-doping officers, who arrived at Hodgkinson’s door for a sample. She reflected on the timing, saying, “I thought of all the days, but it’s part of the job.” The second wake-up call came from her alarm, waking her up for the opening heat, with event organisers issuing an excessive heat warning for the day.

Despite the challenges, Hodgkinson, a silver medallist in her last three major championships, was undeterred. Known for her ability to set a fast pace, she allowed other competitors to lead during the race before using her powerful kick in the final 200 metres to glide past them and secure the victory with ease.

Teammate Jemma Reekie also progressed to the semi-finals, finishing second in her heat, while Issy Boffey unfortunately finished sixth in her heat, missing out on a spot in the next round.

The 800m event is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the championships, with strong competitors such as Athing Mu and Mary Moraa set to challenge Hodgkinson. After her qualifying run, Hodgkinson, who was cooling off with a battery-powered fan, commented on the tough conditions, saying, “The conditions are awful. Mixed in with the 6am does not bode well for me. But I’ve got it done, I’m glad it’s the only morning round.”

Hodgkinson’s focus now shifts to the semi-finals, where she will aim to maintain her momentum and move one step closer to securing her first World Championship gold.

Jennifer Aniston’s Latest Interview: Crystals, Facials, and Her Honest Take on Life

Jennifer Aniston’s Latest Interview: Crystals, Facials, and Her Honest Take on Life

The Friends Star Opens Up About Personal Struggles, Fascinating Beliefs, and Shocking Revelations

Jennifer Aniston, one of the most talked-about stars of Hollywood, has opened up about various aspects of her life in a candid new interview with Wall Street Journal magazine. Known for her role as Rachel Green in Friends, the actress shared insights on everything from her personal relationships to her unconventional wellness practices. Here are some of the most surprising and personal moments from the interview that have the internet buzzing:

The Secret Behind the Friends Cast’s Pay Negotiations
In a conversation about her time on Friends, Aniston revealed that the cast worked together to ensure they all received equal pay. By the end of the show, the stars were earning $1 million per episode, thanks to their collective bargaining efforts. “It would’ve destroyed us if someone was soaring financially,” she said, reflecting on how important teamwork was.

Divorce Recovery Took Two Years for Aniston
After her high-profile divorce from Brad Pitt, Aniston admits that she took time to heal before jumping into work again. “There was a real shift in my life… coming out from under the rubble of that,” she shared. Her career only flourished after she changed managers in 2007 and found new purpose in her professional life.

Adam Sandler’s Sweet Tradition
Aniston revealed that every Mother’s Day, her good friend and co-star Adam Sandler, along with his wife Jackie, sends her flowers. This thoughtful gesture comes amid Aniston’s past struggles with fertility, which she has discussed openly in previous interviews.

Aniston Talks About Her Stance on Cancel Culture
“I’m so over cancel culture,” Aniston boldly declared, questioning whether redemption is still possible. This comment has sparked some controversy, particularly in light of her previous criticism of Jamie Foxx’s social media posts.

Harvey Weinstein: A Relationship Marked by Wary Respect
While Aniston never had any negative personal experiences with Harvey Weinstein, she admitted to feeling uncomfortable around him. “He’s not a guy you’re like, ‘I can’t wait to hang out with him,’” she said, recalling how she once made sure someone stayed with her when he visited her on set.

Psychic Predictions and Brad Pitt
Aniston spoke about a psychic who once predicted she would meet a man who would fit Brad Pitt’s description. She noted how she embraces her “crunchy side,” making space for a more spiritual part of her life.

Relationships Remain a Challenge
Despite her success in her career, Aniston acknowledged that navigating relationships can be difficult. “It’s just about not being afraid to say what you need and what you want,” she said, revealing that this continues to be a challenge for her.

The Salmon-Sperm Facial Fad
When asked about her beauty regime, Aniston disclosed that she once tried salmon-sperm facials. While she was unsure of their effectiveness, she firmly believes in the benefits of weekly peptide injections, which she describes as the “future” of skincare.

Olives and European Quirks
A particularly funny revelation was Aniston’s insistence on having pimento-stuffed olives in her martinis. After a mishap with an unwanted kalamata olive, she now carries her own pimentos with her when traveling in Europe.

Crystals and Connection to Her Late Father
In a deeply personal moment, Aniston shared how she uses crystals to feel close to her late father, who passed away in 2022. She placed a crystal in his pocket during his funeral and now plans to use a piece of it as an amulet, demonstrating her belief in the power of these objects.

This interview showcases a more authentic side of Jennifer Aniston, revealing the personal and sometimes spiritual practices that have helped her navigate her life and career.

Osteoarthritis to Affect Nearly One Billion People by 2050, Study Finds

Osteoarthritis to Affect Nearly One Billion People by 2050, Study Finds

Obesity, Ageing, and Population Growth Drive Significant Increase in Cases

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, currently impacts 15% of the global population over the age of 30, and researchers estimate that by 2050, nearly one billion people will be affected by the condition. A study published in The Lancet Rheumatology projects that osteoarthritis cases will continue to rise rapidly, driven by ageing, population growth, and obesity.

The research, part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, analysed data spanning three decades (1990–2020) from over 200 countries. In 1990, 256 million people had osteoarthritis, a number that grew to 595 million by 2020—a staggering 132% increase. The condition is particularly prevalent among older adults, with people aged 70 and above ranking it as the seventh leading cause of years lived with disability.

Obesity is a key factor in the rise of osteoarthritis, contributing to approximately 20% of its disability burden in 2020. The knees and hips are the most commonly affected joints, with projections suggesting that by 2050, osteoarthritis will increase by 74.9% in the knees, 78.6% in the hips, and 48.6% in the hands. Other joints, including the elbows and shoulders, could see a rise of 95.1%.

Dr. Jaimie Steinmetz, lead research scientist at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), stressed the need for preventive strategies, early interventions, and affordable joint replacements, especially in low- and middle-income countries. “With the growing global population and people living longer, health systems will face significant strain,” said Dr. Steinmetz.

Women are disproportionately affected by osteoarthritis, accounting for 61% of cases in 2020. While the reasons for this gender difference are still under investigation, factors such as genetics, hormonal influences, and anatomical differences are believed to play a role.

As osteoarthritis becomes an increasing global health issue, the focus must shift towards managing the condition through prevention and more accessible treatments, especially as the global population continues to age.

Kim Kardashian Stars in Eerie New American Horror Story Trailer

Kim Kardashian Stars in Eerie New American Horror Story Trailer

Reality Star’s Role in Delicate Unveiled with Haunting Visuals

Kim Kardashian Stars in Eerie New American Horror Story Trailer
Reality Star’s Role in Delicate Unveiled with Haunting Visuals
Entertainment

Kim Kardashian has taken a bold step into the world of horror in a chilling new trailer for American Horror Story: Delicate. The reality star, 42, is seen cradling a large black spider, setting the tone for the eerie visuals that follow. In another scene, she dons a dramatic spiderweb dress while holding a child, surrounded by mysterious figures with blonde wigs.

The upcoming season of American Horror Story, titled Delicate, also stars Emma Roberts and Cara Delevingne. The brief yet unsettling trailer showcases a series of creepy images, including an abundance of spiders, webs, and tense moments with Roberts screaming on a medical bed while Delevingne holds a syringe filled with a mysterious liquid. The trailer is set to a haunting cover of Rock-A-Bye Baby, further amplifying the unsettling atmosphere.

Delicate will follow the format of previous American Horror Story seasons, each presenting a unique story within a self-contained mini-series, often inspired by true events. The anthology series, created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, has previously featured high-profile stars such as Billie Lourd, Macaulay Culkin, Angela Bassett, and Lady Gaga.

Ryan Murphy has described the upcoming season as “ambitious and unlike anything we have ever done,” adding to the anticipation surrounding its release.

Beyond her reality television fame, Kardashian has previously dabbled in acting, hosting Saturday Night Live and voicing a character in Paw Patrol: The Movie. Fans are eager to see how her role in American Horror Story unfolds, marking another intriguing chapter in her multifaceted career.

World’s Fastest Accountant Eugene Amo-Dadzie Shines at World Championships 100m

World’s Fastest Accountant Eugene Amo-Dadzie Shines at World Championships 100m

Latecomer to Athletics, Amo-Dadzie Proves Accountants Can Be Fast Too

Eugene Amo-Dadzie, dubbed the world’s fastest accountant, has made history by booking his spot in the semi-finals of the 100m at the World Athletics Championships. The accountant-turned-sprinter, who has had to take annual leave from his job to pursue his athletic dreams, finished second in his heat, securing his place in the next round alongside fellow Brit Zharnel Hughes, who won his heat, and Reece Prescod, who also advanced.

Amo-Dadzie’s performance has not only caught the attention of athletics fans but also his fellow accountants, who have flooded him with messages of support, although no job offers have come through yet. He commented: “I’ve had a lot of support from all the different accountant bodies. They’re like ‘yo, you’re putting accountants on the map.’ We’re not just these boring stiff squares sat at the office typing away. We’ve got a bit of something about us, you know.”

The Rainham-born sprinter has had an impressive season, clocking a sub-10-second 100m time, and looked effortless as he eased through his heat with a time of 10.10s. Despite his success, Amo-Dadzie remains humble, reflecting on how far he has come: “Me being here is already a victory for me, so anything that happens is kind of a bonus.”

Amo-Dadzie’s rise from accountant to world-class sprinter has surprised many, and he embraces the “world’s fastest accountant” label with pride. He added: “It was a nice touch for the world’s fastest accountant. You didn’t have to do that. But I’m on the world stage. I say to people who don’t really know track and field, I’m at the World Cup of athletics and they’re like ‘ok’. For me, that’s incredible because this is beyond a dream. I didn’t grow up dreaming to do this, but by the grace of God, I found myself doing this.”

Chloe Davies Talks UK Black Pride: A Safe Space for the Black LGBTQIA Community

Chloe Davies Talks UK Black Pride: A Safe Space for the Black LGBTQIA Community

UK Black Pride Provides Year-Round Support for Black and Brown LGBTQIA Individuals

Chloe Davies, head of finance at UK Black Pride, shared her passion for the event’s ever-growing significance while maintaining its strong community spirit. Despite expanding in size, she emphasized that UK Black Pride continues to offer a welcoming space for all, where even strangers are treated with warmth and respect.

She told PA: “What I really love is despite it getting bigger and bigger, it still retains that community feel. That idea that everyone here belongs, that even if you don’t know anyone, people are still friendly.”

Davies described the profound meaning of Black Pride for the Black LGBTQIA community, describing it as a “brave and safe space” that fosters solidarity, joy, fun, and friendship. For many, it’s not only about celebration but also about providing a platform to combat daily discrimination faced by Black and brown LGBTQIA members.

“There are wider issues affecting the black community in general,” she explained. “When we look to our Black LGBTQIA siblings, we know that in the LGBTQ+ community there is still so much discrimination… UK Black Pride is a place to help address some of those issues.”

Importantly, Davies highlighted that UK Black Pride is more than just the annual event. It’s an organization offering support year-round to Black and brown LGBTQ+ individuals, wherever they may be.

“UK Black Pride is not just today. It is 365 days of the year, all year round. We are here for our community wherever you are at. Please come and find us, we are waiting for you.”

Ireland vs England LIVE: Rugby World Cup Warm-Up Result and Latest Updates

Ireland vs England LIVE: Rugby World Cup Warm-Up Result and Latest Updates

Ireland Secure 29-10 Victory as Vunipola Faces Suspension Woes

Ireland maintained their strong form ahead of the Rugby World Cup with a commanding 29-10 win over England in Saturday’s warm-up match. The victory, however, was marred by a red card for England’s Billy Vunipola, casting a shadow over their preparations for the tournament.

Despite leading 12-3 at half-time with excellent tries from Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose, Ireland dominated the second half after Vunipola’s 52nd-minute red card for a high tackle on Andrew Porter. The Saracens forward’s dismissal only compounded England’s struggles, and Ireland added three more tries through James Lowe, Mack Hansen, and Keith Earls, celebrating his 100th cap. England’s sole response came from a consolation try by Kyle Sinckler.

England to Support Vunipola Despite Red Card Setback
England head coach Steve Borthwick has vowed to stand by Billy Vunipola after his red card put his participation in the Rugby World Cup in jeopardy. Vunipola’s red card for a high tackle on Porter added to England’s woes after the ongoing Owen Farrell disciplinary saga. The 30-year-old No 8 had recently earned his place back in the squad after being overlooked for the Six Nations but now faces potential suspension, threatening to rule him out of England’s opening matches in France.

England’s World Cup Hopes Hit by Defeat and Vunipola’s Red Card
England’s Rugby World Cup preparations are now in turmoil, with just three weeks until their first match in France. The team, already missing Farrell due to his own disciplinary issues, could now be without Vunipola for their opening match against Argentina on September 9. The loss to Ireland exposed significant flaws in Borthwick’s side, and Vunipola’s forthcoming suspension adds to the uncertainty surrounding England’s chances in the tournament.

As the dust settles on this damaging defeat, the focus will now shift to how England’s coaching staff address the ongoing disciplinary issues and whether they can regroup in time for their World Cup opener.

Mortgage Rates Continue to Fall Despite City Predictions of Further Bank of England Hikes

Mortgage Rates Continue to Fall Despite City Predictions of Further Bank of England Hikes

Halifax leads the way with price cuts as markets expect interest rates to peak higher than previously anticipated.

Mortgage rates are continuing to decrease, even as City traders anticipate more interest rate hikes from the Bank of England. Halifax, the UK’s largest mortgage lender, has just announced another reduction in its prices, with these cuts set to take effect from 21 August.

According to Moneyfacts, the average two-year fixed-rate mortgage is now 6.77%, a slight drop from 6.79% the previous day. The five-year fixed-rate mortgage has also fallen to an average of 6.26%, down from 6.28%. These reductions are part of a broader trend, with Halifax’s latest move following a price cut just over a week ago.

Clive Read, owner of mortgage brokerage Goldmanread, noted that other large lenders might follow suit with further reductions. He explained, “Halifax has the capacity to lower rates while still maintaining a profitable mortgage portfolio. Being part of the largest banking group in the UK, they also have an obligation to support homeowners, which could prompt further cuts from other major lenders, though smaller players may not be as quick to follow.”

Jamie Lennox, director at Dimora Mortgages, speculated that the cuts might be a response to lenders’ failure to meet targets after rapidly raising prices earlier in the year. “It’s a positive sign for the mortgage and property market,” he said. “With core inflation remaining stubborn, markets now expect further rate hikes. Lenders could be trying to catch up after an initial slowdown in new mortgage applications caused by those sharp price increases.”

Despite the falling mortgage rates, traders now expect the Bank of England’s interest rates to peak at 6% or 6.25%, significantly higher than the anticipated 5.75% just a week ago. This shift is driven by persistent wage growth and stubborn core inflation. Since mortgage rates are closely linked to the Bank of England’s base rate, the anticipation of further hikes is influencing lender pricing strategies.

New Luxury Housing Can Benefit Low-Income Households, Finds City Hall Research

New Luxury Housing Can Benefit Low-Income Households, Finds City Hall Research

Study reveals how high-cost housing can indirectly increase affordability for those on lower incomes.

New Luxury Housing Can Benefit Low-Income Households, Finds City Hall Research

Study reveals how high-cost housing can indirectly increase affordability for those on lower incomes.

Category: National

A recent report from the Greater London Authority has uncovered how the construction of new luxury homes can help make housing more affordable, even for lower-income families. The research, based on several economic studies, highlights that building high-cost properties—despite their price—can create a ripple effect that improves the availability of affordable housing in broader areas.

According to the findings, market-rate homes are able to indirectly lower costs in other segments of the housing market. When expensive new homes are built, they often trigger a chain of moves that result in vacancies in cheaper properties. This creates more affordable options for those seeking lower-priced housing. “Even though new market-rate housing is not directly aimed at low-income households, it helps to ease housing shortages across the entire spectrum of prices,” the report notes.

The research points out that although new social housing directly addresses the needs of low-income residents, building luxury homes can also help alleviate pressures on the affordable housing market. In contrast, when demand for high-priced properties exceeds supply, it is usually lower-income families who suffer the most, as they are the ones who typically benefit from the construction of new homes in the higher-cost segment of the market.

Location is also a key factor. In areas already facing high property prices, the addition of luxury housing can reduce gentrification, potentially slowing down displacement. However, when these homes are built in lower-income areas, they can contribute to gentrification, further pushing up property costs in those neighbourhoods.

While building new market-rate homes may not provide immediate solutions for low-income housing, it undeniably plays a role in improving the overall availability of affordable housing, thus benefiting all income groups in the long term.