Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Tyson Fury to return to the boxing ring during Riyadh Season in 2026.
Confirmation comes from Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.
Fury has been retired since his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.
Opponent not yet confirmed, though speculation hints at a third bout with Usyk.
Fury to fight again in 2026
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is set to make his return to boxing in 2026, according to Saudi boxing figurehead Turki Alalshikh. The announcement comes despite Fury repeatedly stating that he had no intention of stepping back into the ring after his consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
Alalshikh confirmed that Fury had given his word to participate in a future event during the Riyadh Season in 2026. “I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in 2026. We have a rabbit to hunt,” he said, referring cryptically to Fury’s prospective opponent.
Opponent yet to be named
Although Alalshikh declined to name the opponent, speculation has grown that the third fight could be against Usyk, whom Fury famously nicknamed an “ugly rabbit”. The pair faced off twice, with the Ukrainian emerging victorious on both occasions. However, with declining fan interest in a trilogy, it remains unclear whether Fury’s comeback will be against Usyk or a new challenger.
Fury’s long-teased British super fight against Anthony Joshua also appears unlikely at present, particularly after Joshua’s knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last year. That defeat ended hopes of a major domestic clash between Joshua and Fury.
Recent public comments and activities
Fury had recently dismissed any return to boxing, stating in May during a trip to Lake Como, Italy, that he was content with his retirement. “I hear a lot of talk of ‘The Gypsy King’ returning to boxing and I ask the question: for what? More boxing belts? I’ve won 22 of them,” he said at the time.
In the same message, he added: “I’m happy, contented with what I’ve done. I’ve got nothing to prove to anybody and nothing to return for.” He described retirement as enjoyable and saw no reason to return to a punishing sport he had already conquered.
Despite these comments, the confirmation from Alalshikh suggests Fury has reconsidered his stance and will make at least one more appearance in the ring.
Fury’s return in 2026 now raises questions about who he will faceGetty Images
Usyk and Dubois set for July clash
In the meantime, Oleksandr Usyk is preparing to face Daniel Dubois in a rematch scheduled for 19 July at Wembley Stadium. The fight could unify titles once again if Usyk claims Dubois’s IBF belt. Dubois, who shocked fans by knocking out Anthony Joshua in September 2024, has emerged as one of the division’s major threats.
Fury was present ringside for that upset, and the result threw a potential Joshua-Fury fight into disarray. Since then, Fury has stayed largely out of the boxing spotlight, making public appearances including managing the England side during the Soccer Aid charity football match at Old Trafford, which ended in a 5-4 loss.
Fury’s return in 2026 now raises questions about who he will face — and whether he will chase one final shot at glory in a shifting heavyweight landscape.
CHETESHWAR PUJARA on Sunday (August 24) announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, bringing to a close an international career that lasted more than a decade.
Pujara played 103 Test matches and five One Day Internationals for India. His last appearance came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023.
He made his Test debut in 2010 and went on to score 7,195 runs in the format at an average of 43.60.
The 37-year-old said it was time to end his playing career. "Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field -- it's impossible to put into words what it truly meant," Pujara said in a post on social media.
"But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket."
Pujara recalled his early journey in the game. "As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars; and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team," he wrote.
"Little did I know then that this game would give me so much -- invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and above all a chance to represent my state and this great nation."
Known for his Test match focus in an era dominated by T20 cricket, Pujara had often spoken about the routines that helped him sustain his career.
"I have certain routines, fitness, little bit of meditation, yoga and pranayama (a breathing technique) because it is necessary to shut the outside noise, even if it is positive," he told reporters in 2023.
"We play nine Tests on an average, and when you go back home, unless you have domestic cricket, you are not in touch with the game. Keep challenging yourself, keep training, looking forward."
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The tournament begins on September 30 and the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host up to five fixtures - including the tournament opener, a semifinal and potentially the final on November 2. (Photo: Getty Images)
MUMBAI will host next month’s Women's ODI World Cup, instead of Bengaluru, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Friday (22), citing "unforeseen circumstances".
Eleven people died on June 4 at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory celebrations in the Indian Premier League.
"While unforeseen circumstances required us to adjust the schedule and replace a venue, we are pleased to now have a line-up of five world-class venues that will showcase the very best of the women's game," ICC chairman Jay Shah said in a statement.
"The stage is set, and I am confident this tournament will capture imaginations and inspire a new generation of fans," he added.
The tournament begins on September 30 and the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host up to five fixtures - including the tournament opener, a semifinal and potentially the final on November 2.
Though no reason was cited, the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru failed to secure the required administrative and security clearances.
The ICC Women's ODI World Cup returns to India after a 12-year hiatus.
Shah noted Navi Mumbai's reputation as a hub for women's cricket.
"Navi Mumbai has emerged as a genuine home for women's cricket in recent years. The support it has received during international fixtures and the Women's Premier League has been remarkable, creating an atmosphere that elevates the players and inspires fans.
"I am certain that the same energy will define the big matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup as it returns to India after 12 years," Shah said.
The other confirmed venues for the eight-team tournament include Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, and Colombo.
Colombo is a neutral venue to host the India-Pakistan clash.
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Harry Brook leads his team off the field during the 2nd ODI between England and the West Indies at Sophia Gardens on June 01, 2025 in Cardiff. (Photo: Getty Images)
ENGLAND on Wednesday confirmed the dates for their white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in January and February next year, which will form part of their build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Harry Brook’s side will begin the tour with the first of three one-day internationals on January 22, two weeks after the scheduled fifth day of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. Brook, who is now England’s white-ball captain, is expected to feature in that match.
The ODI series will conclude on January 27, followed by three T20 internationals starting on January 30 and finishing on February 3.
Sri Lanka Cricket is yet to confirm the venues for the fixtures.
The T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February and March.
ASHVIR SINGH JOHAL has been named manager of Morecambe, becoming the first Sikh to take charge of a professional football club in Britain.
At 30, Johal is also now the youngest manager in England’s top five divisions. He takes over following the club’s recent takeover by the Panjab Warriors consortium and the departure of former boss Derek Adams.
Johal experience from roles at Leicester City’s academy, Wigan Athletic, and Italian side Como. He worked under Kolo Touré at Wigan and assisted Cesc Fàbregas with Como’s youth team.
He recently completed his UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification, and has spent over a decade in player development.
In a previous interview with the BBC, Johal said: "I have been fortunate to work with and learn from some incredible people, and I'm especially grateful to Kolo and Cesc. I know what world-class standards look like, how to lead with clarity, and how to develop a team with a real identity.
"We will create an environment that brings the best out of people, that people want to be part of, and that drives people to improve every day."
His appointment follows a difficult period for Morecambe. The National League suspended the club over non-compliance with league rules, leading to postponed fixtures. The team is due to play Altrincham on Saturday (23), but as of Tuesday (19), they had only five contracted players and were not insured to train, making another delay likely.
Johal said his first focus will be to “identify the players as we need to perform well in the National League.”
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MotoGP championship leader Marc Marquez completed a clean sweep
Marc Marquez fastest in both Friday practice sessions at the Austrian Grand Prix.
FP2 was red-flagged after crashes for Fabio Quartararo and Miguel Oliveira.
Quartararo suffered hip and groin pain but walked away; Oliveira escaped unhurt.
Pedro Acosta and Pecco Bagnaia joined Marquez in the top three.
Maverick Viñales’ participation in the rest of the weekend remains uncertain.
Marquez maintains dominance
MotoGP championship leader Marc Marquez completed a clean sweep of Friday practice sessions at the Austrian Grand Prix, finishing fastest in both outings. The eight-time world champion topped the times in FP2, which was disrupted by a red flag.
Crashes trigger red flag
The second practice was halted with 27 minutes remaining after consecutive crashes at Turn 6. Fabio Quartararo came off his Yamaha M1, injuring his hip and groin, although he was able to walk away unaided. Moments later, Miguel Oliveira also fell at the same corner.
Track checks were carried out after concerns that Pramac rider Jack Miller’s smoking Ducati engine may have dropped fluid, though his team later denied oil was involved. The stoppage lasted just under 20 minutes before running resumed.
Final minutes decide order
Once the session restarted, Pedro Acosta briefly broke Ducati’s dominance by following Marquez to set a quick lap. However, Marquez responded in the closing stages to reclaim top spot. Pecco Bagnaia ended the day third, 0.268s behind, with Alex Marquez taking fourth for Gresini Ducati.
Raul Fernandez impressed in fifth, finishing as the highest-placed Aprilia rider, while Marco Bezzecchi struggled to put together a clean lap and Jorge Martin suffered his first crash since returning, sliding off at Turn 9.
Q2 and Q1 line-up
The riders advancing directly to Q2 are:
M. Marquez, Acosta, Bagnaia, A. Marquez, Fernandez, Joan Mir, Franco Morbidelli, Johann Zarco, Fermín Aldeguer, Brad Binder.
Those contesting Q1 include:
Enea Bastianini, Ai Ogura, Luca Marini, Quartararo, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Martin, Alex Rins, Bezzecchi, Oliveira, Miller and Maverick Viñales*.
*Viñales could withdraw depending on his fitness.
Struggles for Yamaha and Ducati
Yamaha endured a difficult day, with Quartararo their best performer despite his earlier crash, though he was well outside the top 10. Ducati fared better, but only Fabio Di Giannantonio will contest Q1, while several of the marque’s riders secured Q2 slots.
Viñales injury update
Viñales completed just six laps in FP2 due to ongoing weakness in his injured left shoulder. A decision on whether he will continue in the Austrian Grand Prix weekend will be made on Saturday.