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David Haye & Deontay Wilder sparring session footage shows massive skill difference

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Sparring footage of a prime David Haye coming up against a young Deontay Wilder over 10 years ago now can be found on YouTube, and it shows a massive gulf in class between the two heavyweights.

Disclaimer, however, before we continue, that is to be expected considering it was Haye in his prime and a very youthful and inexperienced Wilder.

The video was uploaded back in 2013 by Ross Woolgrove, a boxing coach who, at the time, was based in Cyprus, training several top-level fighters.

It has since accumulated over four million views, and it shows just how lethal a prime Haye was, even in sparring. It also now goes on to show just how far Deontay Wilder has come in his own career, from a youthful sparring partner for David Haye, to a legitimate top heavyweight, who held the WBC title for many, many years.

The video reminds everyone of the level that Haye was at back in his prime. During his illustrious career, the Brit won titles in the cruiserweight division as well as the heavyweight division, famously and iconically defeating Russian Nikolai Valuev back in 2009, despite being nine inches shorter than him and 45kg lighter than him!

Video: David Haye Sparring Deontay Wilder

However, he does also have blemishes on his record, losing to Wladimir Klitschko in arguably the biggest fight of his career, blaming the result on a little toe injury as well, and then losing twice back-to-back to Tony Bellew before eventually retiring from the sport.

It was those defeats to fellow countryman Bellew that ended his professional career on a sour note, but we must remember just how good he was in his prime.

The footage shows a much younger Wilder, who seemingly hadn’t reached the abilities he carries now, being schooled by Haye, who showed precise movement and accurate shots that continued to land. There were three shots in particular that looked absolutely massive, with Wilder recklessly swinging and missing at one point as well… something you could argue he still does to this day.

Deontay Wilder’s Journey Since Sparring With David Haye

Deontay Wilder

Though, despite being younger, he was still a heavyweight contender who then became the heavyweight champion and was America’s first for many years, with him defending the title from 2015 to 2020 10 times before colliding with rival Tyson Fury.

Wilder, nicknamed The Bronze Bomber, would become an iconic name in the heavyweight division due to his unmatched power, with only the legendary Mike Tyson believed to be carrying the same sort of power behind a punch in their prime. It may have ended badly for Wilder when he fought The Gypsy King, but he still posed a serious threat to the Brit.

In more recent times, it’s also been a bit of a mixed bag for Wilder, who has won his last two fights, but had lost his previous two. As of writing this artice, his professional boxing record reads 45 wins, four defeats, and one draw.

No doubt a young Wilder would’ve learned a lot from those sparring sessions with David Haye, but it’s clear to see the difference in class during that stage of their careers.

Haye was already at the top of the mountain, whereas the American was learning his craft. Who knows how a fight would’ve gone between a prime Haye and a prime Wilder, but boy it would’ve made for great viewing.

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Newcastle About to Agree Transfer for Matthias Jaissle

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Newcastle United are eyeing four more signings before the end of this transfer window, while they’re close to a ‘breakthrough’ on one specific deal, according to the i Paper.

The Magpies have endured a turbulent off-season, losing manager Eddie Howe alongside a host of important players. Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham Hotspur for £100m, Bruno Guimaraes has left for Arsenal, and Anthony Gordon has signed for Barcelona.

Matthias Jaissle has arrived from Al-Ahli as Howe’s replacement, inheriting a broken squad in need of a rebuild.

Signing young players with potential has been the focus so far this summer for the Tynesiders, but it’s now understood that a handful more experienced options are expected to join the north-east club in the remaining weeks of the window.

Amar Dedic Could Be Newcastle’s ‘Breakthrough’ Transfer

Amar Dedić

The i Paper report that Newcastle want to sign two full-backs, a Guimaraes replacement and a forward to compete with Yoane Wissa and Will Osula before the window closes at the beginning of September.

The expectation is said to be that at least three will join, with their fourth potential addition deemed a bonus that they might be able to get over the line.

The publication also suggests that the word on the ground is that a breakthrough on at least one of these prospective deals is close, and that news could emerge on this front over the weekend when Newcastle face Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg in two separate friendlies.

It’s believed that the ‘breakthrough’ transfer in question could be Benfica’s Amar Dedic.

Newcastle are understood to be advancing in a deal to sign Dedic, who is open to a move to St. James’ Park.

The right-back made 43 appearances for the Portuguese giants last season, scoring once and providing four assists across all competitions.

Amar Dedic’s Primeira Liga Statistics 2025/26

Appearances

24

Goals

1

Assists

4

Pass Accuracy

84.6%

Key Passes per 90

1.14

Successful Dribbles per 90

1.61

Tackles per 90

1.66

Interceptions per 90

0.76

Defensive Contributions per 90

4.26

The Bosnian worked with Jaissle at RB Salzburg back in the 2022/23 season, and the German coach is said to be keen on reuniting with the full-back, who would provide Tino Livramento with cover and competition.

Newcastle clearly have money to spend after sanctioning so many lucrative departures this summer. The i Paper indicate that there is up to £150 million of headroom, even with UEFA’s strict financial rules.

If a deal for Dedic is secured by the beginning of next week, expect more concrete movements on a replacement for Guimaraes, and perhaps a move for a left-back as cover for Lewis Hall, who is wanted by Manchester United.

Newcastle kick off their Premier League campaign when they host Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool at St. James Park a week on Sunday.

All Statistics via FotMob – correct as of 14/08/2026

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‘Deal is on’ – Romano Confirms New Liverpool Talks to Sign Bradley Barcola

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A Liverpool ‘deal is on’ to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola after Fabrizio Romano today revealed new talks between the two clubs.

Despite losing Mohamed Salah this summer, and with Hugo Ekitike currently absent with a long-term injury, Liverpool have only made one attacking signing so far this summer in Victor Munoz.

The Reds are looking to make at least two more additions on the wing, with Barcola their number one target after they missed out on a deal to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.

The France international is keen to make the switch to Anfield, but any potential move is currently being held up by the demands of the Champions League holders.

PSG are demanding around £145m for the 23-year-old, while Liverpool are said to be willing to pay around £100m for the attacker.

The Reds are hopeful, according to GMS sources, that the Ligue 1 champions’ demands will soften once they finalise a deal to sign Ferran Torres from Barcelona, while they are also targeting Ajax winger Mika Godts.

Bradley Barcola warms up before Paris Saint-Germain match REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

Speaking on his YouTube channel on Friday morning, Romano revealed new talks between Liverpool and PSG about Barcola on Thursday, as the clubs remain in daily contact over a transfer.

The Italian journalist said: “Speaking about wingers, I also want to tell you: don’t forget that Liverpool remain in daily conversation with Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola.

“Liverpool have an agreement with Bradley Barcola on personal terms, verbal agreement. Barcola wants to go to Liverpool. Barcola has never been untouchable. Liverpool are ready to go strong for Bradley Barcola.

So the conversation is daily, and Liverpool are on it. I can guarantee that. Now it depends on the financial agreement, but even on Thursday contacts took place between PSG and Liverpool. So the deal is on.

Liverpool Closing in on Ideal Salah Replacement

Mohamed Salah Image via via Reuters/Nathan Ray Seebeck

While Michael Olise is probably the dream Salah replacement out there right now, there is no chance of the Frenchman leaving Bayern Munich this summer.

His international teammate Barcola is one of the best who is actually available on the market this summer, and he would bring great quality to Anfield.

The 23-year-old is direct and loves to run at defences, but he also backs it up with his goal contribution numbers, as Salah did throughout his spell at Anfield.

Barcola at PSG (Ligue 1 – 2025-26)

Games

29

Starts

21

Goals

11

xG

10.83

Assists

1

xA

4.5

Chances created

38

Big chances created

11

He showed for France at the 2026 World Cup the level of his finishing after netting three times for Les Bleus, while Liverpool’s Athletic correspondent James Pearce has been full of praise for the winger.

He told GMS’ Market Madness podcast: “Of course, if he is going to leave PSG, Liverpool won’t be the only suitor. I know there’s been talk of strong interest from Arsenal, and there are others in the hunt as well. I think Liverpool would know that it’s an expensive and difficult deal to do, but it would also be a massively exciting one.

“Victor Munoz, earlier on in the window, was kind of with one eye on the future. He’s still kind of potential rather than the finished article.

Barcola is elite, isn’t he? He’s been part of such a successful PSG team, and when you’re replacing someone of Salah’s status, it has to be someone who is ready.

If Liverpool can land Barcola for nearer their own valuation, it really is a no-brainer, and they will hope to make a breakthrough in negotiations sooner rather than later.

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Tottenham Expect to Finalise Savinho Transfer in Next 7 Days

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Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the signing of Manchester City winger Savinho, with the deal expected to be worth in the region of £70 million, according to a Spurs insider.

Savinho scored just one Premier League goal for the Citizens last season, as he was kept on the periphery of Pep Guardiola’s squad. Enzo Maresca’s arrival doesn’t appear to have changed the Brazilian’s status at the Etihad, and this has subsequently prompted the wide man to push for an exit.

Spurs have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to land Savinho, and this protracted saga may now finally be approaching its end.

An agreement is said to be close, with a consensus between all the relevant parties likely to be reached by the end of next week.

Roberto De Zerbi Wants Savinho Available for Premier League Opener

Savinho celebrates a goal for Man City via Reuters

Spurs’ rampant summer is set to continue with another significant acquisition. Sandro Tonali has already joined from Newcastle United for £100 million, while Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke’s arrivals bring their spending up to £237 million for the summer so far.

This figure is set to eclipse the £300 million mark, with the transfer fee for Savinho expected to reach around £70 million.

The saga around the Etihad’s forgotten man has dragged on for some time now, but he’s finally on the cusp of securing a move to his new home.

A top Spurs source on X has now revealed that the agreement is ‘close’, with Roberto De Zerbi pushing for the deal to be completed so that the player is available for selection for the start of the Premier League season.

Spurs kick their new season off next Saturday when they travel to West London to take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Assuming Savinho completes his medical and signs the relevant paperwork near the start of next week, there’s no reason why he couldn’t make the squad for this opening fixture.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Savinho’s Statistics Should Excite Tottenham Fans

Savinho in action for Manchester City

On the surface, the signing of a winger who scored one Premier League goal last season and who was ousted to a squad role at City might not excite Spurs supporters.

However, Savinho’s encouraging underlying numbers suggest that he might actually be undervalued, and that he could be primed to explode if he’s put in the right environment.

Savinho’s Premier League Statistics 2024/25

Appearances

29

Goals

1

Assists

8

Expected Goals per 90

0.25

Shots per 90

2.8

Key Passes per 90

2.34

Expected Assists per 90

0.31

Successful Dribbles per 90

2.64

As shown by the data above, Savinho’s debut campaign at City was promising, and led to him being labelled ‘extraordinary’ by Pep Guradiola. He was a genuine goal threat but endured a rough finishing streak, while he was creative and a prolific dribbler.

With De Zerbi excellent at platforming wide men with talent, Savinho might just be able to recreate this positive form and go up another level as the main man in Spurs’ attack.

All Statistics via FotMob – correct as of 14/08/2026

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