Yafai, lengthy touted as a future world champion after accumulating gold on the 2020 Olympics, didn’t take the chance to absorb the cheers from the vast majority of the 5,000 in attendance in his dwelling metropolis of Birmingham as he raced down the ramp and into the ring.

Some have questioned the standard of his earlier opponents and there was little doubt that dealing with Edwards was an enormous step up, however he exuded confidence from the primary bell and overwhelmed his rival for each second of each spherical.

Each fighters promised fireworks within the build-up however just one managed to ship on that promise, with Yafai exploding out of the blocks.

Yafai, combating in Birmingham for the primary time since August 2023, displayed the total catalogue of pictures, working head and physique seamlessly and denying Edwards any respiratory area within the ring.

Edwards could possibly be heard telling his coach “I do not need to be right here” in between rounds.

He struggled to seek out his rhythm and when he did handle to land heavy with a proper, Yafai stopped, shook his head and smiled.

The pair each come from combating households with Edwards’ brother Charlie a earlier holder of the WBC flyweight belt, whereas Yafai’s brothers Kal and Gamal have been WBA super-flyweight and European super-bantamweight champions respectively.

There was pressure between their siblings, with Charlie, Kal and Gamal concerned in a number of public disputes, together with all through struggle week and within the locker room within the hours earlier than the principle occasion.

However the relationship between Sunny and Galal has all the time been respectful and that was evident on the finish of fifth after they touched gloves and nodded at one another.

The motion was lastly halted within the sixth when Edwards was backed up on the ropes and unable to reply again with a flurry of punches touchdown on his head.

“I had the most effective camp I may – I used to be frightened about what Sunny may do to me,” Yafai advised BBC Radio 5 Dwell.

“No matter Sunny decides to do, he has been the person for a few years now. I’ve appeared as much as him.

“Sunny is somebody I’ve all the time wished to beat. I knew I used to be higher. He has been an important advocate.”

By HARRIET KEAN FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

Printed: 19:31 EST, 30 November 2024 | Up to date: 19:34 EST, 30 November 2024

Josh Allen’s newest kneel-down had nothing to do with soccer.

The Buffalo Payments quarterback and actor Hailee Steinfeld posted a photograph to their Instagram followers on Friday — 20.3 million for Steinfeld and a mere 1.3 million for Allen — of Allen on one knee proposing marriage. The image was taken on a grassy ridge overlooking water, with the couple surrounded by candles and framed by a big arch lined in flowers.

The NFL reposted the image on X to congratulate the pair on their engagement, with a message ending with a hoop and coronary heart emoji.

The setting was probably someplace on the California shoreline, the place Allen lives within the offseason. And the proposal probably occurred someday final week, when the Payments had a bye.

Allen did not reveal the engagement throughout his weekly information convention on Wednesday because the AFC East-leading Payments (9-2) put together to host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night time. However he did smile extensively when requested how he loved his bye week.

“Incredible. It was nice. Received some solar. Frolicked with household. It was incredible,” he mentioned.

Allen and Steinfeld had been first linked within the spring of 2023 after they had been photographed eating collectively in New York Metropolis. Months later, Allen acknowledged the 2 had been relationship, however requested The Related Press to not point out Steinfeld by title in a bid to keep up a semblance of privateness.

Steinfeld has since begun attending Payments house video games, and the couple hosted a Halloween social gathering this fall.

The 27-year-old Steinfeld is from Los Angeles and commenced her appearing profession at age 10. She earned an Oscar nomination for greatest supporting actress for her function as Mattie Ross within the Coen brothers’ 2010 remake of “True Grit.” She additionally acquired a Golden Globe nomination for her efficiency within the 2016 highschool dramedy “The Fringe of Seventeen.” Her different credit embody “Bumblebee,” “Dickinson” and Marvel’s “Hawkeye,” together with voice roles in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and its sequel.

Steinfeld branched out into pop music after performing in 2015’s “Pitch Excellent 2.” She has launched quite a few singles and two EPs, together with “Half Written Story” in 2020.

The 28-year-old Allen has develop into one of many NFL’s greatest quarterbacks and set a lot of Buffalo’s single-season and profession passing and scoring information since being chosen within the first spherical of the 2018 draft out of Wyoming.

Celtic blew Ross County away with 5 first-half targets to strengthen their maintain on the prime of the Scottish Premiership.

Brendan Rodgers made six modifications from their Champions League attract midweek and the incoming gamers made their case for normal begins.

Liam Scales kick-started the scoring spree after 10 minutes when he headed in from Luke McCowan’s nook earlier than setting the midfielder to double the lead quickly after.

Paulo Bernardo smashed the third into the far nook earlier than one other beautiful strike from captain Callum McGregor made it 4. Adam Idah rifled in for 5-0 earlier than half-time.

The Hoops, who transfer 5 factors away from Aberdeen forward of their recreation on Sunday, had possibilities to increase their lead whereas the Staggies failed to bother Kasper Schmeichel on the different finish and sit eighth within the desk.

Celtic unstoppable

Celtic might bolster their title bid additional once they journey to Aberdeen on Wednesday evening, stay on Sky Sports activities, and on this kind they’ll take some stopping.

Given the Hoops’ exhausting fixture listing, there was no shock Rodgers rotated his squad.

Scales and Alex Valle got here into defence, McCowan and Bernardo returned to midfield with striker Idah and winger James Forrest additionally beginning.

It was all the time going to be a tricky afternoon for Don Cowie’s aspect, who confirmed two modifications to the workforce that started final Saturday’s win over Motherwell.

The virtually inevitable opener arrived within the tenth minute when Republic of Eire worldwide Scales leapt excessive contained in the County penalty space to bullet a header in off the bar from a McCowan nook for his third objective of the season.

County’s response was restricted though within the twenty fifth minute some informal Celtic defending, the place McGregor finally misplaced possession, allowed the guests an opportunity simply contained in the field however Telfer blazed his shot excessive over the bar.

Moments later, the Dingwall aspect discovered themselves two behind.

McCowan managed a protracted cross from Scales contained in the County field and his drive on the spin deflected off Staggies defender Campbell and over Laidlaw.

Bernardo’s Thirty fifth-minute objective got here from good work by winger Daizen Maeda in attending to the byline once more, chopping the ball again for Portuguese playmaker to curve the ball into the online on the second try after his first had been blocked.

McGregor then thrashed in a shot from 25 yards a minute later to make it 4-0 earlier than Idah took a cross from McCowan, evaded a poor try at a sort out by Josh Nisbet and fired in a fifth from the sting of the field.

Solely a superb save from Laidlaw prevented Valle from getting on the scoresheet together with his long-distance effort however the under-fire County keeper needed to go off simply earlier than the break after selecting up an harm, changed by Hamilton.

Celtic started pounding the County penalty space once more after the break and within the fifty fifth minute, Idah hit the woodwork with a header from a McCowan nook earlier than Hamilton made block from Valle after he had slipped unnoticed into the field earlier than thwarting Idah with save.

Within the latter phases, Hoops substitute Greg Taylor, on for Valle, hit the put up from shut vary with Hamilton then parrying an excellent volley from Idah to stop additional ache.

‘So good to look at’

Celtic supervisor Brendan Rodgers talking to Sky Sports activities Information:

“It was an entire efficiency. I believed that the standard of our soccer was at a extremely excessive stage, nevertheless it all got here as a consequence of the starvation of the workforce.

“Our urgent, our counter-pressing was so good. You can see how we might smother the sport, however then from that then, that allowed us the combos to play. It was so good to look at.

“Within the second half, we clearly did not rating, however that is extra a credit score to Ross County and their defender, the goalkeeper and the crossbar.

“We might have had extra targets, however I used to be so happy watching that as a result of nearly a couple of yr in the past, we bought booted off right here in opposition to Ross County. We received the sport 1-0 so to come back out and play to that stage 12 months later, I believe it actually tells you the place the workforce and the mentalities are transferring to.

“All of us perceive that it is going to be a squad recreation since you can’t play the identical gamers on a regular basis, therefore the rationale for making the modifications in the present day.

“The power, the freshness, the mentality, the standard, all the things was there.”

‘We could not stay with them’

Ross County supervisor Don Cowie on Sky Sports activities Information:

“We felt the complete pressure of a extremely good Champions League workforce, who’re holding their very own within the Champions League and performing excellently domestically.

“There was a 15-minute spell within the first half the place we could not stay with them. We have to do higher. We have to get via that spell, popping out when it comes to not conceding as many as we did.

“However on the similar time, it simply exhibits you the standard that we’re up in opposition to.

“The great factor for us when it comes to the optimistic is that at 5-0 at half-time, it might have was something.

“We rode our luck at instances within the second half, which you might want to do, however we managed to come back away with a 5-0 defeat. So, credit score to the gamers for that.

“As a lot as you do not wish to lose soccer video games and also you wish to give the very best model of your self each time you play, we’re enjoying in opposition to a top-quality workforce, a workforce who’s bringing on an £11m midfielder within the second half and that is the place you have to have a little bit of context to it.

“However it does not imply that we get pleasure from shedding.”

What’s developing within the Scottish Premiership?

A much-changed Celtic tore a ragged Ross County aspect aside to maneuver 5 factors away from Aberdeen on the high of the Premiership desk, as their fringe males grasped their alternative to impress.

A primary half blitz noticed the champions 5 objectives to the nice by the interval, with Liam Scales, Luke McCowan, Paulo Bernardo, Callum McGregor and Adam Idah all on the scoresheet to place Celtic Park into celebration mode.

Their heroes quite had the cigars out within the second half, however the job was lengthy completed.

Listed here are the speaking factors from a Saturday afternoon stroll for Celtic…

Celtic flex their muscle with illustration of squad power

Beforehand, this appeared to have the potential to be a sticky afternoon for Celtic, with Brendan Rodgers making six adjustments to the line-up on the again of their Champions League exertions towards Membership Brugge on Wednesday evening, and a visiting aspect that might be coming with a gameplan to frustrate the hosts.

These fears would show to be spectacularly unfounded.

An early aim was clearly the intention to blow away the cobwebs, and Celtic didn’t half come flying out of the traps. Any fears that the disruption to the beginning XI would upset their rhythm have been rapidly dispelled, with the perimeter males who have been handed an opportunity clearly in a temper to take advantage of it.

There was an actual verve and power about them, they usually obtained the early aim they craved to grab away any hope from a visiting aspect who appeared completely shellshocked by what they have been going through.

And sure, the feeble resistance put up by the opposition and the usual of the County defending must be factored in, however this was basically a Celtic reserve aspect, they usually completely wiped the ground with the beleaguered Staggies to the extent that it hardly appeared sporting.

It’s stating the apparent to say that the hole between Celtic and the relaxation is a yawning one, however on this proof, it’s solely getting larger.

Bernardo strengthens declare to oust Arne Engels, and McCowan shines too

Okay, it’s a must to place this within the context of who Bernardo was up towards, as a result of Membership Brugge, County definitely ain’t. However all of the Portuguese midfielder can do is shine when he’s known as upon, and he definitely did that when extra right here.

Past his well-taken aim, he appeared sharp in his urgent and his passing and there was high quality oozing from nearly his each contribution.

Engels however has struggled to indicate the undoubted high quality he too possesses over latest weeks, and whereas he might really feel that he might have completed simply that up towards such restricted opposition, Rodgers concurred with the bulk view that the Belgian was in want of a relaxation.

The dilemma for the Celtic supervisor could also be whether or not he goes again to his £11m signing although after this for the go to to Pittodrie on Wednesday evening, whereas the excellent McCowan – with a aim and three assists – would additionally doubtless really feel arduous completed by have been he to be relegated to the bench as soon as extra after one other spectacular show.

Reo Hatate coming again in for the previous Dundee captain is likely to be a extra simple name although than the one between Bernardo and Engels.

Might Alex Valle oust Greg Taylor?

In an identical vein, one other place on this Celtic aspect that could be a level of debate is at left again, the place on-loan Barcelona teen Alex Valle once more impressed along with his power and optimistic strategy.

The 20-year-old changed a jaded-looking Taylor within the draw with Brugge in midweek, making an instantaneous impression as his ahead move teed up Daizen Maeda to equalise, and he drew heat applause from the gang for his efforts each in an attacking sense, and for his need to defend his aspect’s clear sheet even deep into the second half.

Taylor has been a improbable servant for Celtic, and has surpassed all expectations since his transfer from Kilmarnock. It will be a courageous man who would guess towards him seeing off this newest problem to his place from Valle, however this might be the stiffest one he has confronted.

County a shambles towards large two as soon as extra

Having shipped six objectives to Rangers throughout their Hampden residency earlier within the season, the dimensions of the defeat right here shouldn’t maybe have been too stunning. However my phrase, what a shellacking Don Cowie’s males took right here within the first half.

The Staggies supervisor will little doubt stress that the destiny of his staff this season received’t relaxation on video games like these, and he could be proper, besides, they did not muster even a token resistance to Celtic.

To rub salt into their wounds, they misplaced keeper Ross Laidlaw to a knee damage simply earlier than half time, although, as 5 objectives had already flown previous him by that stage, he may have wished to be faraway from the firing line. Poor Jack Hamilton (who truly did effectively, in equity) should have been delighted to be approaching in his stead.

The one comfort that Cowie and County can actually take is that they didn’t appear to be overly affected by their drubbing by the hands of Rangers, and he’ll hope that they pull themselves collectively for his or her bread-and-butter matches.

Idah again to his finest?

The massive striker gave a candid evaluation of his performances up to now this season within the lead as much as this match, admitting he might have gotten just a little carried away with himself after his profitable mortgage final time period.

He’s unlikely to be getting too carried away about his single aim in a 5-0 win – as spectacular a strike because it was – however there was a lot to love about his normal play too.

He might need added one or two extra objectives, with a second half header coming again off the bar, however he’s beginning to look sharper.

Framingham junior Kolven McBrayer makes an interceptoin on a go supposed for Natick senior Simon Pedrelli through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Natick junior James Mortarelli celebrates a landing with teammates unior Jonathan Chase and senior Jordi Carias through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Framingham senior captain Matheus Silva runs the ball through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Natick senior Sam Hubbard celebrates a landing with teammates senior James Perrier and sophomore Griffin Martell through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Framingham sophomore Nick Duarte carries the ball whereas pressured by Natick senior Nolan Cloutier through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Natick senior Sam Hubbard (heart) celebrates a landing with teammates senior James Perrier, senior Simon Pedrelli and junior Mike Whelan through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Natick senior Jack Showstead celebrates a landing through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation in opposition to Natick at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Framingham senior captain Matheus Silva tosses the ball earlier than getting tackled by Natick senior Jack Showstead through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Folks huddle underneath umbrellas to maintain dry through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Framingham senior Michael Pusateri tackles Natick senior Sam Hubbard as he carries the ball through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Natick junior Jesse Gagliardi runs the ball as Framingham sophomore William Owens Jr. grabs maintain of the towel used to maintain the ball dry through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Framingham senior captain Matheus Silva passes the ball through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation in opposition to Natick at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Members of the Natick marching band carry out a track whereas within the stands through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation between Natick and Framingham at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Framingham sophomore Eli Rosen runs the ball whereas pressured by Natick senior Owen Denver through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Members of the Framingham Flyers marching band carry out their halftime present through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation between Natick and Framingham at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Framingham senior captain Matheus Silva slaps palms with Natick senior James Perrier on the conclusion of the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Natick senior Erick Ferro holds up the Elks trophy after defeating Framingham, 42-15, through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Natick head coach Mark Mortarelli palms the Elks trophy to senior James Perrier after defeating Framingham, 42-15, through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Natick senior Jordi Carias celebrates with the Elks trophy after defeating Framingham, 42-15, through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 42-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Natick varsity footballs pose for a photograph with the Elks trophy after defeating Framingham, 42-15, through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Natick varsity soccer seniors pose for a photograph with the Elks trophy after defeating Framingham, 42-15, through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Natick head coach Mark Mortarelli palms the Elks trophy to senior Simon Pedrelli after defeating Framingham, 42-15, through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Left to proper, members of the Natick Excessive Faculty 1974 Tremendous Bowl staff Jim Dale, Bob Naranjo, Tim Whelan (Natick Class of 1972 and former Natick coach Bob Whelan’s son) and Julia Pennock (Bob Whelan’s nice granddaughter) are acknowledged on the finish of the primary half through the annual Thanksgiving Day soccer recreation in opposition to Natick at Memorial Discipline in Natick, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Natick Excessive Faculty defeated Framingham Excessive Faculty 43-15.

Depraved Native Employees Picture/David Sokol

Eire fought again from a halftime deficit to mark a a hundred and fiftieth anniversary with a scruffy 22-19 victory over Australia on Saturday, sealing the victory within the final eight minutes and denying their former coach Joe Schmidt a profitable return.

The house aspect, celebrating Irish rugby’s birthday, had been 13-5 down on the break however rallied again from an error-filled first half to put up a slim success.

Eire’s factors got here from tries by Josh van der Flier, captain Caelan Doris and substitute Gus McCarthy, with new flyhalf Sam Prendergast contributing a penalty and conversion and his substitute Jack Crowley a conversion.

Max Jorgensen scored Australia’s lone attempt, with Noah Lolesio kicking over 4 penalties and a conversion, as they misplaced for a second straight week after Scotland beat them final Sunday.

Prendergast ‘was on his recreation’ – Schmidtprinted at 17:57 Greenwich Imply Time 30 November

17:57 GMT 30 November

FT: Eire 22-19 Australia

Here is Joe Schmidt on Sam Prendergast: “I might nonetheless be good associates with Richie Murphy and younger Sam, he was speaking about him two years in the past as an actual expertise. It was no shock to me. He has an excellent quick kicking recreation and his lengthy kicking recreation was distinctive tonight. I’ve seen him kick targets rather well.

“He missed that first one which he’d normally knock over. When that occurs to a younger man it could put him off his recreation however I did not discover that, sadly. He regarded on his recreation. Taking part in within the Eire system you at all times have choices.

“We did isolate him just a few instances tonight and he did look slightly bit flustered, which is uncommon for a younger man. He has loads of potential, however I am a giant fan of Jack Crowley too.”