Anthony Joshua Vs. Kubrat Pulev to take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, will battle Kubrat Pulev – on Saturday 20th June at the home of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

The fight will be Joshua's first since he regained his belts, in a unanimous points victory over Andy Ruiz Jr last December, in Saudi Arabia.

Pulev, who is the mandatory challenger for the IBF belt, has won 14 of his 29 fights by knockout – his only loss was at the hands of Wladimir Klitschko six years ago.

The 38-year-old last fought in November 2019, a unanimous points victory over Rydell Booker.

Joshua and Pulev were set to face each other in October 2017 but the latter pulled out of the contest, after injuring his shoulder while sparring.

Joshua, who is eight years younger than the challenger, kept his words short and sweet – after the fight was confirmed.

He said, "The belts will go back up in the air and nothing will stop me from being victorious."

The Bulgarian responded, "I am happy to have the opportunity to show the world how strong I really am.

"Becoming a heavyweight world champion has always been my mission in life and on 20 June I will fulfil my destiny."

Unsurprisingly, both promoters had differing views on who will win the heavyweight showdown.

Eddie Hearn, who represents Josuha, claimed this is a "must win" situation for his client.

"As we go into what I believe will be the biggest year of AJ's career so far, all our attention turn to Pulev.

"I think you are going to see something special from AJ – a destructive performance on the road to undisputed," he added.

His counterpart, Bob Arum, argued, "To get knocked out by the likes of Andy Ruiz means that Joshua is not elite, Pulev will knock Joshua out quicker than Ruiz did."

This will be the Hertfordshire's born bruiser's first fight in the United Kingdom since defeating Alexander Povekin at Wembley Stadium in September 2018.

RB Leipzig “sorry” for removing Japanese guests over coronavirus concerns.

RB Leipzig have apologised to a set of Japanese supporters, who were asked to leave their home match against Bayer Leverkusen, due to fears they may have the coronavirus.

Security at the match were told to make “increased checks on a group of persons from potential risk areas”, according to Germany's DPA news agency.

The number of cases of the virus, in Japan, has hit 980 and some airports have stop flying to the country.

A fan, who attended Sunday's 1-1 draw at the Red Bull Arena, said he was asked to leave the match.

“I was visiting the game against Bayer Leverkusen. I entered the stadium with no problems, however after the game had started, a security guard said to me that I was infected with COVID-19 because I'm Japanese,” Taiach Hayashikawa posed on Twitter.

In response, RB Leipzig released the following statement on their official website.

“The security service was required to check groups of people from potential risk areas in accordance with Robert Koch Institute's recommendations for action (General principles of risk assessment and recommendations for major events).

“Unfortunately, in the specific case, in the course of the great uncertainty that currently also exists with us on this subject, a mistake in the interpretation towards our Japanese guests has been made. We would like to apologise for this mistake.”

The 20 guest removed, have been invited back by the club for a game of their choosing.

As a writing, there has been 188 confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany.

Serie A has suspended all games until 8th March, due to the virus, however the Premier League have continued to fulfil all fixtures.

Premier League to introduce Hall of Fame.

The Premier League have announced plans to start its official Hall of Fame, which will honour players that have graced the competition since it began in August 1992.

The first two inductees will be revealed, during a special ceremony on 19th March.

Players who displayed “exceptional skill and talent”, during their Premier League careers, will be considered and they must be retired.

Once the first two names are disclosed, supporters will be given a shortlist of players who they will be able to vote in as the next members of the prestigious group.

The select few, will receive a personalised medallion, engraved with the year of their induction.

The Premier League's chief executive, Richard Masters, said only the “very best” players would have a place in the Hall of Fame.

He added: “The Premier League has been the home to world class players who have defined generations and provided us with compelling football, season after season.

“It will be an occasion for our fans around the world to look back over the years and help us celebrate some truly exceptional playing careers.”

While this will be the inaugural Premier League Hall of Fame, a separate English Football version has existed since 2002, located at the National Football Museum.

Alex Scott, Justin Fashanu and Bob Wilson were the latest names added to that particular Hall of Fame.

Ryan Giggs, who has the most Premier League titles (13), and Alan Shearer, the league's all time top scorer (260 goals) are some of the favorites to be the first Premier League inductee's.

5 incidents where VAR could have helped officials this season.

Last month the Premier League confirmed clubs have agreed for VAR to be used from next season however that won't help teams that have been denied points that could cost them relegation or a place in the Champions League this campaign.

Following Newcastle United's 2-1 loss, at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, Rafael Benítez called for VAR to be "fast-tracked" after his side were denied a penalty and had DeAndre Yedlin sent off.

"If you see the incidents today, it's so obvious, the red card and the elbow in the face of Ayoze Perez. We need VAR right now," he added.

Benítez is not the only manager who has suffered from the lack of VAR, below are five more that have voiced their displeasure.

5. Everton Vs. Watford (December 2018)

Richarlison gave Everton the lead against his former club but during the build up to the goal, Theo Walcott was blatantly offside as he passed to Andre Gomes who cut the ball back to the Brazilian.

The game finished 2-2, Everton equalised in stoppage time, but Watford can feel hard done by as the Toffee's first goal should have been ruled out.

After the game, Watford manager, Javi Gracia said, "I prefer not to say anything about the referees. If VAR was ready the result would have been different."

The win would have sent the Hornets 8th in the league, on the same points as their opponents, but they are 12th.

4. Liverpool Vs. Fulham (November 2018)

Fulham were bottom of the Premier League heading into this match and would need good fortune if they were going to take any points from Anfield - a ground where they had only won once at since 2012.

They thought they had taken the lead, through Aleksander Mitrovic, but his header was incorrectly disallowed for offside.

To make things worse, Mohamed Salah scored from the quickly taken free-kick, just 13 seconds after the away side had the ball in the Reds net.

Xherden Shaqiri added a second as Fulham struggled to get back into the game.

On Mitrovic's 'goal', Fulham's manager Slavisa Jokanovic said,"When I check the clip now it's Robinson who hasn't done a good enough job to squeeze up and my player is onside.

"In one moment, a crucial moment, instead of 1-0 up we're 1-0 down."

Jurgen Klopp admitted his side were “lucky” to have Mitrovic's 'goal' chalked off but that didn't help Jokanovic who was sacked three day later.

3. Crystal Palace Vs. Arsenal (October 2018)

The Eagles were flying after a penalty from skipper Luka Milivojevic, on the stroke off half-time had give them the lead, but Arsenal fought back with a great free-kick from Granit Xhaka.

With the games finely poised, Alexandre Lacazette did his best Diego Maradona impression to glance the ball into the path of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who gave the visitors the lead.

The game ended 2-2, Milivojevic scored another penalty, but Palace saw this a two points dropped thanks to a refereeing error.

When asked if Arsenal's second goal should have been ruled out, Palace manager Roy Hodgson replied, "I think so, absolutely. 

"Especially when, from my position on the bench, our players were complaining about the handball involved."

2. Liverpool Vs. Manchester City (October 2018)

Both teams were unbeaten going into this game, level on 19 points, and they cancelled each other out in a tight contest.

These games are usually defined on fine margins and when Dejan Lovren bundled over Sergio Aguero in the penalty area, City should have been awarded a penalty however referee Martin Atkinson waved play on.

The Citizens did get a penalty later on, Riyad Mahrez skied it but it was the spot-kick that wasn't given that irritated Pep Guardiola.

"I would not like to speak about the referees, about the decisions," he said.

If Manchester City lose out on the league by two points, Guardiola may not be as diplomatic.

1. Southampton Vs. Watford (November 2018)

Perhaps the most controversial reaction to a decision this season occurred at St. Mary's when Southampton were denied a perfectly good goal by referee's assistant Harry Lennard.

The Saints were winless in seven games but were ahead, thanks to Manolo Gabbiadini, when Charlie Austin thought he double their lead.

However Jose Holebas equalised with nine minutes remaining and the game ended all square.

The fireworks went off after the match when Mark Hughes blamed his teams draw on a “bad mistake” from the match officials.

A furious Austin added, "It's ridiculous, they shouldn't be in the game. We scored a perfectly good goal make it 2-0, the game's done and dusted, we win the game."

5 memorable manager reactions to seeing their team win.

Divock Origi's 96th minute winner against Everton, that secured Liverpool a 1-0 win against their bitter rivals, prompted wild scenes at Anfield - mainly from his manager Jurgen Klopp.

The German, who ran onto the pitch to celebrate with his goalkeeper Alisson, later apologised to his Everton counterpart for his actions.

However he was charged with misconduct by the Football Association, which he accepted along with a £8,000 fine.

From pitch invasions to running down the touchline, here are five times managers gave us unforgettable celebrations.

5. Antonio Conte (Italy Vs. Spain – June 2016)

Italy were 1-0 up thanks to a goal from Giorgio Chiellini but were under pressure as Spain pushed for an equaliser, in the Euro 2016 Round of 16 tie.

Antonio Conte's team were holding on and managed to double their lead, through Graziano Pelle, in second-half stoppage time.

That goal prompted an outpour of emotions from Conte, who embraced his back room staff and climbed the dugout like he was about to do pull-ups in the gym.

Italy went out to Germany in the next round however Conte left a lasting impression on the tournament due to his touchline antics.



4. Luis Enrique (Barcelona Vs. Paris Saint-Germain – March 2017)

Barcelona were on the brink of elimination from the Champions League, after losing 4-0 Parc des Princes, but staged a remarkable comeback to level the tie with Neymer scoring in the 88th and 90th minute.

However the Catalan's were still going out thanks to Edinson Cavani's away goal but Sergi Roberto scored in the 95th minute to send them through to the quarter-finals.

Luis Enrique could not contain himself and ran onto the pitch to embrace his players.  

Sliding on his bum, Enrique somehow managed to injure himself during the emotional celebrations.

“I left some ligaments on the pitch but it was worth it,” he admitted.

 

3. Alex Ferguson (Manchester United Vs. Sheffield Wednesday – April 1993) 

The game where 'Fergie Time' began and helped Manchester United towards their first league title in 26 years. 

Before the match, United were a point behind Aston Villa and things were looking bleak after a John Sheridan penalty put the away side 1-0 up.  

With four minutes left, United captain Steve Bruce equalised from a Denis Irwin corner to bring United level.

As the game drew towards a frustrating conclusion for the Red Devils, Bruce popped up again in the 96th minute, heading in a cross from his centre-back partner Gary Pallister.

Alex Ferguson leaped with joy on the touchline, while his assistant, Brian Kidd sunk to his knees on the Old Trafford turf.

2. Graeme Souness (Fenerbahce Vs. Galatasaray – April 1996)

The Istanbul derby is infamous for being one of the most passionate matches in European football.

Graeme Souness, who was know as a hard man during his playing career, hadn't changed much as a manager as he almost caused a riot at the end of the Turkish Cup final between the Istanbul giant's.

After guiding Galatasaray to victory, on Feberbache's home ground, Souness sprinted towards the centre circle and planted a Galatasary flag into the pitch.

The fact Souness had the audacity to do this showed what type of man he is and when asked to explain his outrageous actions, he said, "When I went there one of their vice-presidents had asked 'what are Galatasaray doing by signing a cripple?'

"I saw this guy's face, I thought 'I'll show you who's a cripple' and it wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done."

He added, "When I planted it and turned around, I realised there were a number of fans trying to get onto to the pitch, I managed to get out relatively scot-free."

1. Jose Mourinho (Manchester United Vs. Porto – March 2004)

He wasn't know as the 'Special One' yet but Jose Mourinho's celebrations at Old Trafford here where certainly in that category. 

Porto were heading out of the Champions League after Paul Scholes had put the host in front on the night.

With United head through on away goals, they lost 2-1 in Porto, Tim Howard parried a simple free-kick into the path of Costinha, who made no mistake from six yards. 

United were eliminated and Mourinho jumped from the dugout and ran down the touchline like as man possessed, joining his players as they celebrated in the corner of Old Trafford. 

Porto won the Champions League and Mourinho took over at Chelsea two months later, the rest is history.