Sport

The Morning Sports Briefing

McGregor and Mayweather come face to face, Brian Cody the lawless leader every team needs, Wimbledon and Tour de France latest

The first Mayweather vs McGregor press conference, at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photograph: Inpho
The first Mayweather vs McGregor press conference, at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photograph: Inpho
Wed Jul 12 2017 - 08:30

Boxing

Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor met face to face for the first time, publicly, last night in the first press conference of their four-day international tour.

The undefeated boxer and two-weight UFC champion traded barbs during a lively press conference in Los Angeles, delighting a rowdy crowd ahead of their August 26th fight in Las Vegas.

Dublin native, McGregor, gave his usual pre-fight prediction in which he said he would knock the American out within four rounds. “His little legs, his little core, his little head. I’m going to knock him out inside of four rounds, mark my words.”

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GAA

Meanwhile Darragh Ó Sé's column this morning is about why Brian Cody is just the sort of 'lawless' leader every team needs.

“Ruthless, reckless, lawless. Totally one-eyed. Totally consumed by it. What wouldn’t you do for a man like that?”

While Seán Moran explains how the provision of free televised games is not a priority for the GAA; "promotion of the games and revenue generation. Striking a balance between these two aspects is not easy. Commercial arrangements with subscription broadcasters obviously shrink the available audience but they generate more income, through the deals themselves and in maintaining the integrity of the market."

Tennis

In Wimbledon on Tuesday, Novak Djokovic shrugged off a shoulder complaint to beat Adrian Mannarino in straight sets. While Johanna Konta became the first British female semi-finalist in 39 years, setting up a last four tie against Venus Williams. A 37-year-old against a 20-year-old.

Cycling

In the Tour de France, Dan Martin remains in sixth overall in the general classification, one minute and 44 seconds behind leader Chris Froome, after the 10th stage yesterday.

Soccer

Dundalk face a stern test against Rosenborg in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier tonight, the visitors have made the group stages of one European competition or other in 15 of the last 22 seasons.

“We’ve only been in it once,” explains manager Stephen Kenny, “and people are expecting us to get back in.”