Anthony Joshua must beat Daniel Dubois to set up a showdown with Tyson Fury, says former heavyweight champion Roy Jones Jr. 

All eyes will be on Wembley this Saturday as Joshua aims to climb back to the top of the division against IBF world heavyweight champion Dubois. 

The Briton returns to the ring six months after his second-round triumph over Francis Ngannou, extending his unbeaten run to four fights after consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk. 

Joshua has once held the title he will fight for this weekend, beating Charles Martin in two rounds back in 2016, going on to retain it for five fights while also claiming the WBO, WBA (Super) and IBO titles in the process. 

The 34-year-old's return to the top faces its sternest test under the Wembley arch, with Dubois winning the IBF title against Filip Hrgovic in June. 

While the pressure of fighting in front of a post-war record 96,000 spectators in London is weighing on the Briton's mind, there are also expectations for Joshua to deliver a victory to set up a long-awaited clash with Fury.

The pair have exchanged in a war of words over the years but have yet to settle it in the ring, with the Gypsy King set for a rematch with Usyk in December after his split-decision loss to the Ukrainian in May. 

And Jones Jr, who won 66 of his 76 professional fights, believes Joshua has to win against Dubois to give British boxing fans the fight they have been craving. 

"Well, he's hungry. He's still searching for direction. And, I think he found a good direction with the training he has now," Jones Jr told Stats Perform. 

"So, hopefully, he can come back and get back to the form of what people want to see.

"Because even though he lost to Usyk twice and Fury may lose to Usyk twice, the people in the U.K. still want to see Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury."

When asked to pick a winner, Jones Jr placed more pressure on Joshua to prevail, adding: "He has to win that fight.

"And the only way I think he'll lose it is if he gets knocked out, which I don't think will happen.

"So for the sport of boxing and for the love of his fans, he has to win that fight. Because people still want to see who's better out of him and Tyson Fury."

Thiago Motta said Juventus' main focus was on improving players' form, rather than the return of Napoli head coach Antonio Conte.

Conte will be back at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday for the first time as Napoli boss, having enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Juve as both a player and a manager.

As a player, he made 419 appearances, winning 12 titles, while as their head coach, he led Juventus to three consecutive Serie A titles. 

Juventus started the campaign with two wins but were then held by Roma and Empoli, while Conte's side are on a three-game winning streak, sitting in second.

Motta's side did, however, return to winning ways in the Champions League in midweek, beating PSV 3-1.

Conte said he was relishing his return to Turin, but Motta did not dwell on the nostalgia of the occasion as he aims to get back to winning ways.

"You are too focused on Conte and me," Motta told reporters on Friday. "Tomorrow it's Juventus-Napoli. Players are the protagonists, and we hope that our footballers will show their worth as always, bringing the game where we want."

Motta played under Conte at Euro 2016 and said he has a great relationship with his former coach. They have met as managers only once, back in 2019 when Conte was in charge at Inter and Motta managed Genoa.

Napoli won the title in 2023 but finished mid-table last season, 41 points behind champions Inter, while also failing to qualify for Europe.

But Motta said Conte's comparatively well-rested side are built to win the Scudetto this term.

“They are a strong team, and they’ve made changes this season built to aim for the highest and to win [the league]," Motta added.

"I don't know if it’s an advantage not to be playing in European competitions. The calendar is this one for us. We have to go and face teams game after game."

The 42-year-old added that striker Dusan Vlahovic, who was visibly upset after missing chances against PSV, is improving.

"[He] must always have the ambition to improve, just like everyone else, starting with me. His play alongside the team is improving," he said.

Motta confirmed that centre-back Federico Gatti, who sustained a minor injury against PSV, will be available on Saturday, while forward Francisco Conceicao remains sidelined.

Carlo Ancelotti brushed aside criticism of Real Madrid's unattractive style, saying winning was more important than playing well.

Madrid are unbeaten with five victories across seven games in all competitions this season (two draws), and they got off to a winning start in their Champions League defence on Tuesday, beating Stuttgart 3-1.

In LaLiga, they have won their last two games 2-0 against Real Betis and Real Sociedad, but have still come under fire for their performances.

Ancelotti, however, defended his team's style ahead of their clash at home to mid-table Espanyol.

"Real Madrid fans prefer winning over playing well," he said.

"Ideally you want both, winning while playing an attractive style of football, but our main objective is pleasing our fans who are very demanding, so we will keep our focus on winning as we know that our squad is still far away from ideal form.

"We are not at our best and that is normal in the beginning of a demanding calendar. We will improve as the season starts to get into the important things to play for.

"For the moment we are in, we are doing well." 

The Italian added he was not worried about the poor form of forwards Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, who are still a work in progress despite playing better each week.

Mbappe has scored five goals already this campaign, while Vinicius also netted in their last league game, and Ancelotti is confident they will be back to their best soon.

"[The criticism] doesn't bother me because I see that the fans are delighted," Ancelotti said.

"You can play better, but the fans are used to our 'rock and roll' football. Not a lot of touches. We try to make the Madrid fans happy. And our game is about intensity, pace... Without wasting too much time in reaching the opponent's goal.

"These are our characteristics. We have players with a lot of strength and speed, especially on the ball, and we have to take advantage of that.

"For me, I believe that beautiful football depends on the characteristics of the players I have. Attacking well, defending well ... playing well on the counter. There are many facets and everyone has their own opinion..."

Barcelona top the LaLiga standings with 15 points, four ahead of Atletico Madrid, Madrid and Villarreal.

Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne forged a 147-run partnership to propel hosts Sri Lanka to a lead of 202 on day three of the first Test against New Zealand. 

Chandimal (61) and Karunaratne (83) notched 12 fours between them, having seen Pathum Nissanka (two) fall inside the first two overs to Will O'Rourke (3-37).

New Zealand resumed on 255-4 but were restricted to adding just 95 runs to their overnight total, with Prabath Jayasuriya (4-136) starring for the hosts. 

Nissanka's early dismissal handed the tourists a lifeline, only for Chandimal and Karunaratne to take centre stage and increase Sri Lanka's advantage. 

Karunaratne's innings came to an end after being bowled out by Ajaz Patel (1-68), with Chandimal following his partner in the following over. 

However, steadying knocks from both Angelo Mathews (34 not out) and Dhananjaya de Silva (34 not out) saw the Lions inch toward their hard-earned lead at stumps.

Data Debrief: Double trouble for Sri Lanka

Chandimal and Karunaratne took the fight to New Zealand, with their respective innings coming to a close with impressive numbers to show for it. 

Karunaratne ended with a strike rate of 65.35 from the 127 deliveries he faced, while Chandimal finished on 40.67 having batted against 23 more balls than his team-mate.

Jasprit Bumrah reached 400 international wickets for India as the hosts concluded day two of their Test match with a 308-run lead against Bangladesh. 

Bumrah ended the contest with 4-50 as India ripped through the tourists' batting order before ending their second innings at 81-3 at stumps. 

Bangladesh started the day positively, restricting their opponents to adding just 37 runs to their overnight score, with Hasan Mahmud (5-83) doing most of the damage. 

However, the tourists' first innings started poorly as Shadman Islam (two), Zakir Hasan (three) and Monimul Haque (zero) fell inside the first eight overs. 

Bangladesh found themselves 92-7 within 30 overs with Ravindra Jadeja (2-19) and Bumrah ripping through their middle order. 

Mohammed Siraj concluded a dominant bowling display with the wicket of Nahid Rana (11), as India returned to the crease to hammer home their advantage. 

Shubman Gill (33 not out) and Rishabh Pant (12 not out) will resume play on day three, with the hosts now in a commanding position to claim the triumph. 

Data Debrief: Bumrah joins elite club

Bumrah was the pick of the bunch for the hosts with his four-wicket haul putting him among the elite bowlers in Indian cricket. 

He became only the 10th Indian bowler to reach 400 international wickets, while his bowling average of 21 is the second-best among all bowlers to have hit this milestone in men's cricket (Joel Garner - 20.2).

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany hailed Michael Olise's start to life with the 33-time Bundesliga champions despite his delayed start in Germany. 

Olise, who arrived at the Allianz Arena for a reported £50.7million transfer fee, has four goal involvements (three goals and one assist) in all competitions so far. 

The latest of which came on his Champions League debut in midweek, scoring twice in Bayern's 9-2 thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday. 

Olise's brace saw him become the third Frenchman to score two goals on his debut in the competition, after Thomas Deniaud in 1996 and Thierry Henry in 1997.

The 22-year-old's flying start comes after spending much of pre-season playing for France at the Paris Olympics, winning a silver medal at the Games.

"Well, for me, it wasn't that bad that he went to the Olympic tournament, because he arrived in really good shape at Bayern Munich," Kompany said.

"It's exactly what we were expecting. I think he's really playing a big role, which isn't easy when you've arrived in the Bundesliga and at a club like Bayern.

"He will take further steps.

"From my point of view, it's very positive, but I stay calm as well, because I know it's important to continue the way he does in order to experience good times."

Bayern return to Bundesliga action this weekend when they travel to the Weserstadion to face Weder Bremen, hoping to maintain their perfect start. 

A win would see Kompany become the third Bayern head coach since 2000 to win their first four league games in charge (after Niko Kovac and Carlo Ancelotti). 

This weekend's match will be the 115th Bundesliga meeting between Werder Bremen and FC Bayern, making it the most-played fixture in the division’s history.

Only Borussia Monchengladbach (28 times) have beaten Bayern more often than Werder have in the Bundesliga (27), and Kompany is expecting a tough test.

"Bayern against Bremen is a traditional fixture," Kompany added.

"When I played in the Bundesliga, it was a top-of-the-table clash. Bremen have produced a lot of great players.

"It's a special game tomorrow and that's how we'll prepare it."

Kompany was also able to provide an update on the fitness of Manuel Neuer after the veteran goalkeeper was substituted at half-time during Bayern's midweek win over Zagreb. 

"Neuer should join training today and we'll decide after that. We'll discuss it together," Kompany said.

"We didn't want to take any risks against Zagreb but it looks good. There's no other news."

Aaron Rodgers believes his budding chemistry with Garrett Wilson can transpire into something "special" after he led the New York Jets to victory on Thursday.

After suffering a ruptured Achilles at the start of last season, Rodgers orchestrated a commanding 24-3 triumph over the New England Patriots in his first home start since the injury.

The 40-year-old ended the contest at MetLife Stadium with an impressive stat line of 27 completions on 35 attempts, yielding 281 yards and two touchdowns, one of which went to Wilson in the third quarter.

Rodgers' back-shoulder throw was perfectly delivered into the hands of Wilson, whose game had been subdued until then.

And speaking after the game, Rodgers was excited about what the future may bring for his improving relationship with the 24-year-old wide receiver, who has already racked up 15 catches this season.

"Once five (Wilson) and I get on that same page, it's going to be special," Rodgers said. 

Rodgers didn't miss the chance to address the loyal Jets fanbase either, acknowledging their long-suffering endurance after last season's disappointment. 

A 2023 campaign they entered with Super Bowl aspirations finished at 7-10 for the second consecutive season, and failed to improve on their record during 2022.

It was also the Jets' fourth consecutive season with at least 10 losses, but Rodgers spoke about his eagerness to transform their fortunes in New York after they improved to 2-1 this time around.

"It felt great to be able to play an entire game in front of our amazing fans. I feel like we started faster than we have and we were way more efficient," Rodgers said. 

"Had a lot of guys involved. A lot of guys made a lot of plays. Feel like the line did a nice job up front. We had to finish drives, and we did a good job of that.

"We're trying to change this whole attitude around here. We're trying to build something special around here, get these fans to believe in us.

"They've been tortured for a long time. Last year was obviously a tough year, but it's good to be back, good to be healthy.

"It's great to be a Jet, great to have nights like this, and even better to have a weekend off!"

Bayer Leverkusen cruised to a 4-0 win over Feyenoord upon their return to the Champions League, but head coach Xabi Alonso said the result did not come easy.

Florian Wirtz's brace along with Alex Grimaldo's strike and Timon Wellenreuther's own-goal handed Leverkusen a comfortable advantage at the break. 

The Bundesliga champions netted four goals in the first half of a game in a major European competition for just the third time after doing so twice in 1994 against PSV Eindhoven (4-2 HT) and GKS Katowice (4-0 HT). 

Alonso's side also became the first away team to lead by four goals at half-time of a Champions League game since Bayern Munich led 4-0 at Viktoria Plzen in 2022.

Despite the scoreline suggesting a comfortable outing for Leverkusen, Alonso credited his side's disciplined performance in a goalless second period. 

"We were not lucky, but efficient in the first minutes. We needed a bit more control on the build-up to find the free spaces," Alonso said. 

"We have good players who understand what the game requires. They are flexible.

"We need to have those registers... be flexible during the game."

Leverkusen's triumph saw them record their joint-biggest win in the Champions League (4-0 vs. Shakhtar Donetsk in October 2013). 

It was also their biggest victory away from home in any European competition since beating Celtic 4-0 in the 2021-22 Europa League.

Alonso's side return to Bundesliga action this weekend when they welcome Wolfsburg to the BayArena on Sunday. 

"I witnessed two of the best saves I've ever seen in my career," were the words of Mikel Arteta following David Raya's heroics in Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Atalanta.

The Gunners kickstarted their Champions League campaign with a point, but the result could have been much different if not for Raya's stunning intervention.

Atalanta had the opportunity to take the lead six minutes into the second half when Ederson was brought down by Thomas Partey inside the area. 

Mateo Retegui assumed responsibility from 12 yards, only to see Raya dive to his right to save before springing back to his feet to deny the Italian's header on the follow-up. 

"I witnessed two of the best saves I've ever seen in my career from David in that moment," Arteta said.

"If you can't win, you have to take the point. We started well, then we lost control and were very inconsistent. We didn't suffer defensively, apart from the penalty."

Raya's heroics even drew praise from Arteta's opposite number, Gian Piero Gasperini, who described the double save as "unbelievable".

"He's a cat. The first save is good but the rebound is unbelievable. The goalkeeper has been crucial," Gasperini said. 

The Spaniard became just the fourth Arsenal goalkeeper to save a spot-kick in the Champions League, after Richard Wright, Jens Lehmann and Lukasz Fabianski (all two).

Raya has now also saved four of the last eight penalties he has faced in all competitions, including shoot-outs, having conceded 19 in a row beforehand. 

But the Arsenal goalkeeper remained modest in light of his involvement on what proved to be a difficult night for the Gunners.  

"It was just a penalty, and I was lucky to go the right way," Raya started.

"I was unlucky that the rebound went straight to him, but I was quick enough to get up and save it.

"It is fantastic to be able to keep the clean sheet and to help the team to get at least a point.

"We know this is a tough place to come, they are a magnificent team and put a lot of pressure on us.

"We made it very difficult for them as well, they did not create many chances, the penalty and that's it.

"It's a point away from home in the first game of the Champions League. We could have played better, but I thought we managed the game well.

"We weren't at our best so if we cannot win the game, let's not lose it."

Despite the point at the Gewiss Stadium, Arteta was left wanting more from his players, who struggled in the attacking third against last season's Europa League winners.

The Gunners attempted just six shots against Atalanta, their fewest in a Champions League away game in 10 years, since having just five shots against Borussia Dortmund in 2014.

Arsenal have also now failed to score in three consecutive Champions League away games for the first time since February 2007, while they’re winless in four-straight games (D2 L2) on the road in the competition for the first time since September 2011 (D1 L3).

With a trip to Premier League champions Manchester City this weekend, Arteta is looking for a response from his squad. 

"We had moments with the ball but we never got it into dominance or threat," he said.

"The first 25 minutes we read their approach really good. After that we lost control of the game."

Shohei Ohtani became the first major league player to exceed 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season during the most spectacular game of a history-making career for the Los Angeles Dodgers star, going deep three times and swiping two bags in a 20-4 rout of the Miami Marlins on Thursday.

Ohtani hit his 49th homer in the sixth inning, his 50th in the seventh and his 51st in the ninth. He finished 6 for 6 with a franchise-record 10 RBIs while becoming the first big league player to hit three homers and steal two bases in a game.

The Japanese superstar reached the second deck in right-center on two of his three homers at LoanDepot Park. In the sixth inning, he launched a 1-1 slider from George Soriano 438 feet for his 49th.

Ohtani hit his 50th homer in the seventh inning, an opposite-field, two-run shot to left against Marlins reliever Mike Baumann. Then, in the ninth, his 51st travelled 440 feet to right-center, a three-run shot against Marlins second baseman Vidal Brujan, who came in to pitch with the game out of hand.

Ohtani took care of the stolen bases earlier in the game, swiping his 50th in the first and his 51st in the second. He has been successful on his last 28 stolen base attempts.

He led off the game with a double against Edward Cabrera and swiped third on the front end of a double steal with Freddie Freeman, who reached on a walk.

Ohtani finished 6 for 6 with two doubles and four runs scored, falling a triple shy of the cycle.

He reached the milestone in his 150th game. Ohtani was already the sixth player in major league history and the fastest ever to reach 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season, needing just 126 games.

Oakland's José Canseco became the first 40-40 player in 1988 and has been joined by San Francisco's Barry Bonds in 1996, Seattle's Alex Rodriguez in 1998, Washington's Alfonso Soriano in 1996, Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023.

Lost in Ohtani’s historic game was the Dodgers clinching a playoff spot for the 12th straight season and extending their NL West lead over idle San Diego to four games.

Jake Burger, Griffin Conine and Nick Fortes homered for the Marlins, who dropped to 56-96.

Guardians secure postseason berth

Andrés Giménez singled home José Ramírez from second base in the 10th inning and the Cleveland Guardians clinched a playoff berth in dramatic fashion, beating the Minnesota Twins 3-2 on Thursday.

With Ramírez on second as the automatic runner, Minnesota reliever Caleb Thielbar struck out Josh Naylor and the Twins walked Lane Thomas intentionally to face Giménez.

Cleveland's second baseman then hit a 3-2 pitch into right to easily score Ramírez.

As the All-Star third baseman rounded third, Cleveland's dugout emptied onto the field in celebration as the Guardians posted their MLB-leading 42nd comeback win and second straight in extra innings.

The Guardians are the second AL team to qualify for the postseason, following the New York Yankees, who locked up a spot Wednesday night.

The Twins threatened in the 10th, loading the bases with one out against Eli Morgan. But the right-hander got out of the jam by retiring Carlos Correa on a foul pop and Byron Buxton on a liner to right.

Cleveland's bullpen, which has carried the team all season, combined for 5 2/3 hitless innings.

Rookie Kyle Manzardo homered for the Guardians, who lowered the magic number to clinch the AL Central title to three.

The Twins fell into a tie with Detroit for the final AL wild card. The Twins own the tiebreaker.

Sale wins MLB-best 18th as Braves roll

Matt Olson hit two of Atlanta's six home runs, Chris Sale cruised to his major league-leading 18th win and the Braves cruised to a 15-3 rout of the Cincinnati Reds.

The Braves became the first team in major league history to hit four three-run homers in a game.

Along with his career-best win total, Sale (18-3) also leads the majors in ERA (2.38) and strikeouts (225).

The left-hander pitched five innings, allowing two runs and five hits with two walks and six strikeouts. It was the 18th consecutive game in which he allowed two runs or fewer.

Olson hit his 27th home run and second of the series leading off the second inning. Ramon Laureano hit a three-run homer in the third off rookie Julian Aguiar.

Marcell Ozuna doubled in a run in the fifth after Aguiar hit Michael Harris II and Jorge Soler to lead off the inning. Olson greeted Yosver Zuleta with his second homer of the game. It was his fourth multi-homer game of the season and 25th of his career.

Harris hit the Braves' sixth home run with two on in the ninth off Brandon Leibrandt.