The Fin who started Wales' revolution to Euro 2025

He's the man many credit with starting the revolution towards qualification for a first ever major tournament.Wales' long journey to Euro 2025 was achieved via various pivotal moments over the last 30 years, but was the unheralded arrival of a Finnish former history teacher one of the biggest?"The Wales women's senior team still holds a special place in my heart" says Jarmo Matikainen as he speaks to a smiling Jess Fishlock for the BBC documentary series, Iconic: The Rise of the Women in Red, telling the story of the national team ahead of this summer's finals in Switzerland.11 years have passed since his involvement in the team but the stars of today still remember how telling his contribution was.
The first full time manager
Prior to his arrival in 2010, eight different people had been manager of the 'official' Wales women's senior team, but Matikainen was the first to take the role on a full-time basis."I was interested because there was a possibility to build something," he said."The situation when I arrived was that there was very little in place."First of all, I felt that we needed to make sure that the structure is as professional as possible."There were quite a lot of actually good players, a lot of work to do but also a lot of potential.He may have been full-time, but the international set up was anything but.There was no permanent training base, and he had to manage not just the senior side but also take charge of the age grade teams as well."During the time I was there, I was putting forward proposals for the whole structure."We tried to increase the number of games we played in general."We managed to get to the Algarve Cup and you remember how important that was to us to be able to play against the best teams."That was an important part of that team building."
"We got caught doing a chocolate run to Tesco's"
Matikainen didn't just challenge the FAW for more, he also demanded ultimate professionalism from his players as he sought to transform the team."It's black or white with Jarmo, I think it's because he used to be a teacher," said former international Gwennan Harries who recalls his strict regime for episode two of the series on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Sounds."The expectations that he had, at first it took us all by shock, but when you were in camp you realised, he was just pushing us."He brought in a lot of rules that we weren't used to."We all laugh about it now but at meals we couldn't have any ketchup because it had too much sugar in it, and we needed to lose weight."But we'd never spoken to a nutritionist and none of us really realised those added things help towards your professionalism to get the best out of your body."We were so clueless in that aspect."He just made us realise that it's how it should be."You are elite level players, you are playing for your country, so you need to be treating every situation in a professional manner."We were sometimes a little bit desperate for some chocolate."Jess Fishlock and I did a team run once to Tesco's and got caught."He wasn't too impressed!"
His new rules brought results though and for the first time Wales seriously competed for a play-off place in their qualifying groups.They lost the decisive winner takes all final match against Scotland in 2012 to miss out on Euro 2013 in Sweden.The same thing happened two years later when they were edged out in Lviv against Ukraine, finishing three points behind their rivals in World Cup qualifying.That result brought an end to his four-year spell in charge but the foundations he put in place would allow the team to flourish in the years to come and ultimately secure their historic qualification for Euro 2025.
"He was the start of the change for us"
Matikainen would be followed by former captain Jayne Ludlow, then Gemma Grainger before Canadian Rhian Wilkinson finally got them over the line in last December.But as the team prepare to finally take their place on the major tournament stage, today's star players who he helped nurture are quick to point to the significance of his influence."When he came in, that was my first experience of senior football," captain Angharad James said."His background was military, so it was if you were on time, you were actually considered to be late."So you were ten minutes early for everything just in case"But I do think he did change women's football in Wales forever."He had the under-17's, the under-19's and the seniors and that doesn't happen anymore."I think he did all he could, and I think he did a great job with what he had in front of him at the time."The changes he could make, he was fighting for us for better"He created a foundation and when you look back, he was the start of the change for us."Former skipper Sophie Ingle made her Wales debut 12 months before Matikainen's appointment and agrees that he played in pivotal role."I feel like then people had more of a voice because then he was doing it for us as well."So then us as players felt empowered by him to be like, this isn't good enough, these facilities aren't good enough, the kit is not good enough, the food is not good enough."Obviously he was very strict and he would shout at you if you didn't do something right but I think that helped."Matikainen is now back home in Finland, coaching the women's under-23 team and working for European football governing body UEFA.And he admits at his excitement at seeing his former players finally getting their chance to shine on the big stage this summer."We did get important things when I was there, but the big steps waited for the future," he added."Knowing the progression and the improvement that has been there, it is really good to see that."The women's senior team holds a special place in my heart."Episode 2 of Iconic: The Rise of the Women in Red will be broadcast on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Sounds at 18:30 on Monday 23 June.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Guardian

13 minutes ago

• The Guardian

Brazilian clubs are upending the global order at the Club World Cup

'The graveyard of football is full of 'favourites',' warned Botafogo manager Renato Paiva in what has proven to be this summer's coldest line in sweltering United States heat. Gritty draws achieved by Palmeiras against Porto and Fluminense against Borussia Dortmund at the Club World Cup were enough to start a conversation. But the underdog heroics of Brazil's other two clubs have shaken up how we see club football across the world. For the first time since Corinthians shocked Chelsea in Yokohama in 2012, when some Brazilian fans sold their homes and vehicles to make the trip, the reigning Copa Libertadores champions have beaten the Champions League winners. Igor Jesus, who has been strongly linked to Nottingham Forest, scored the only goal of the game as Botafogo beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, a special setting for Brazilians given it is where they won the World Cup in 1994 and honoured the recently deceased Ayrton Senna. Not to be outdone by their Rio rivals, Flamengo erased some of the hurt of losing to Liverpool in 2019 – when the Brazil forward Roberto Firmino scored the winner – by beating Chelsea 3-1 to guarantee a place in the knockouts. It was also the first time a Brazilian club has beaten a European side by two goals since Vasco da Gama embarrassed Manchester United in 2000. 'It was a remarkable victory, against a team that needs no introduction,' said Flamengo No 7 Luiz Araújo after the win against Chelsea. 'It has a special flavour not only because of the size of the opponent, but also because of all our preparation and dedication up until now. We deserved the result and we want more. Old heads will be quick to remind us that this is the usual order being restored. Throughout the 20th century, Brazilian sides regularly got the better of those from the Old Continent. Pelé scored five goals as Santos beat Benfica 8-4 over two legs in the 1962 Intercontinental Cup final; he scored four in the final the following year as Santos saw off the mighty Milan. In 1981, Flamengo thrashed Liverpool in the final; and in the 1990s São Paulo beat Barcelona's 'Dream Team' in 1992 and then dispatched the great Milan team of the era the following year. There were valid arguments for the Brasileirão being the strongest domestic league in the world. At the Club World Championship in 2000 – a similar tournament to the one in the United States this year – the best European sides visited Brazil and were soundly beaten. Manchester United, fresh off winning the treble, did not qualify from their group and Real Madrid were knocked out in the semi-finals. Two Brazilian clubs – Corinthians Brazil and Vasco da Gama – contested the final. Despite the odd recent victory for Brazilian clubs – such as São Paulo beating Liverpool in 2005, Internacional overcoming Barcelona in 2006, and Corinthians winning against Chelsea in 2012 – the tide has turned against them in this century. A generation ago, when Brazilian clubs were under less pressure to sell their stars, players such as Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos did not move across the Atlantic until they were well into their 20s, keeping the league strong. Now, however, the clubs are financially mismanaged and have to sell their best talents for a relative pittance when they are teenagers. On top of that, TV rights money in Europe and the financial doping of state-run clubs provided further disparity. At the Club World Cup, however, matters are being decided between the white lines and away from the boardroom. 'Football is played on the pitch, 11 against 11,' says Araújo. 'We have great teams in Brazil who are all capable of facing any team in the world. Flamengo always goes on the pitch to win, regardless of who is on the other side.' The facts don't lie. The four Brazilian teams are unbeaten in the tournament and top of their groups, having scored 14 goals and conceding just four. 'The victories show the strength of Brazilian football,' says Fluminense manager Renato Gaúcho, who dismisses the argument that European sides are tired after a long season. 'If a Brazilian club loses, they say: 'Ah, Brazilian football can't measure up to European football'. If they win, they say: 'Ah, European football is coming back from holiday'. That doesn't exist in football!' He points out that the teams usually meet at the end of the calendar year, when Brazilian clubs are coming off an even more exhausting season. 'When European football catches Brazilian clubs having played between 70 and 80 games a year, nobody makes that excuse. Nobody says: 'Ah, the Brazilian team is tired'. When the European team crushes them, then they say: 'Ah, we really can't measure up to them.' Brazilian football has been having a great Mundial, overcoming powerful opponents and achieving results. This shows that money alone does not always win matches. 'Yes, there is no way to compete with the Europeans in terms of finances; they can sign great players and form very strong teams, but football is decided on the field. And, on the field, today, Brazilian football and the Brazilian people have to be very proud of what Brazilian clubs have been doing. When many people didn't believe this would happen, it is happening.' Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira has also balked at the idea that European clubs are tired, saying the number of games 'excuse' is 'a lie' – and something that Brazilian clubs have had to cope with in the past. 'When we go to the Mundial, we're also at the end of the season. Porto has 50 games; Palmeiras has 36 already. And when we go to play in a Mundial, we'll have more than 70 games. These are excuses.' To their credit, Luis Enrique and Enzo Maresca did not make excuses and were very gracious in defeat. But not everyone has been as generous. Marc Cucurella said Chelsea struggled in the heat and the Borussia Dortmund substitutes ridiculously sat inside the dressing room for the first half against Mamelodi Sundowns when the temperature was just 30.5C. Mauro Cezar, a hugely popular pundit in Brazil, says the European teams showed 'a certain arrogance' in not giving the tournament due respect. 'European teams entered this tournament without taking it as seriously as those from other continents. Of course, the heat is a hindrance for them, as is the fact that it's the end of the season. But if they have more money, better players and better coaches, they should compensate for these negative points by playing the minimum to overcome opponents who did not cause much concern, at least until the competition began. 'These arguments are valid, but they do not justify Paris Saint-Germain being unable to score a goal against Botafogo and barely threatening; Monterey drawing with Inter; Borussia Dortmund almost losing to Fluminense and conceding three goals to a South African team; Porto being dominated by Palmeiras; and Flamengo crushing Chelsea for practically the entire time. Claiming that the competition is not important does not justify this sequence of results against teams with much lower investment. Not facing this reality is yet another sign of arrogance.' Araújo, who saw the Chelsea players close up on the field, pushes back on the idea that they do not care about the tournament. 'No one goes on the field to lose; everyone wants to win,' says the Botofogo forward. 'The game against Chelsea was very competitive. Everyone defends their family, their shirt and the fans who are in the stands cheering them on.' The Flamengo manager Filipe Luís, who spent most of his playing career in Europe at Atlético Madrid, Chelsea and Deportivo, believes that Brazilian clubs have rebalanced the scales at the tournament but cannot compete with the very best 'eight or 10 clubs' from Europe. 'Apart from this elite, Brazilians are at the same level as the second European tier because of how we compete, how we understand the game, how we adapt to the climatic and field conditions. This elite is superior to us, but on the field anyone can win.' As Cezar points out, the 'big difference between Europe and South America is money', with Chelsea alone investing €1.5bn in their squad. 'This amount is equivalent to the combined debts of several Brazilian clubs; the disproportion is enormous. Since the European leagues have more global visibility and money, they naturally attract the best coaches and players. Consequently, they are more tactically, technically and even physically developed in some cases. However, when a Brazilian club, like Flamengo, which defeated Chelsea with authority, organises itself financially, with good players within the South American reality, and has a coach with a modern mentality, although very young and without much experience, the result is what we saw in Philadelphia.' We are only at the group stage of the Club World Cup but, whether it's merely a Fifa cash grab or a holiday camp for the European teams, the tournament has served an unexpected purpose for Brazil. It has united a society that is often polarised along the lines of politics, class and religion. And it has allowed Brazilians to take pride in the idea that not everything is always better over the water. This is an article by Tom Sanderson and Josué Seixas

The Sun

17 minutes ago

• The Sun

Best boxing betting sites in the UK – Top 10 bookies (2025)

Boxing has long been a favourite for UK punters, but finding the very best boxing betting sites in an ever-growing market can be a challenge. In this guide, we'll break down the top platforms in the UK, whether they have the most betting markets, the best odds, the fastest payouts, or simply the most generous promotions or a sublime user experience that makes it worth sticking around. We've rated each bookie using our exclusive " Sun Factor" ranking system — a clear and comprehensive set of guidelines for choosing only the best online casinos and sports betting platforms. This article will provide a brief comparison and review of each platform, explain how we picked our favourites, and give you advice on maximising your betting experience. Aside from the reviews, you'll learn everything from how to bet on boxing to an overview of the most popular betting markets and tips for getting the most out of your bets. 🏆 Our top 10 sites for boxing betting 🥊 Review of the best boxing betting sites in the UK bet365 bet365 is a proud British company with nearly 25 years of industry experience and some of the biggest sports betting market selections you'll find anywhere. Combine that with industry-leading real-time betting features and incredible in-play streaming coverage, plus fast and secure transactions, and it's easy to see why this bookie became so popular. Boxing fans will be spoiled with over 30 betting markets to choose from, split by categories such as Main (To Win Fight, Method of Victory, Fight to go the Distance etc.), Round (Round Betting, Total Round etc.), Punch (Fighter/Combined Punches Thrown/Landed, etc.) and Knockdown (To Score a Knockdown, Total Knockdowns, etc.) Coral Coral is a household name for every British punter. Among the many great features of its online sportsbook, our favourite is #YourCall - the ability to combine several unrelated betting markets into a unified bet with unique odds. Simply log into your account, tweet @Coral with your requested bet using #YourCall, and you'll get given odds + be featured on Coral's #YourCall – Featured page, where others can see and try out your bet. While not featuring as many boxing markets as, say, bet365, you can still bet on all the classics, such as To Win Fight, Method of Victory, Round Betting, and Fight to go the Distance. BetMGM BetMGM already had legendary status across the pond when it launched its casino & sportsbook offer to UK players in August of 2023. In the short time since, both have made waves on the UK market, chiefly thanks to a mix of generous promotions for both new and existing players and some unique features you won't find at other bookies, such as Lion's Boosts enhanced odds and Edit My Bet, the ability to add, swap, or remove selections or increase stakes mid-bet on select sporting events. Boxing markets will depend on the match, but you'll typically find To Win Fight and various Round Betting options on every fight. Betfred Betfred is famous for its unmatched football betting offer, but there's a lot to like when betting on sports like boxing, too. Betfred loves acca bets, and while Acca Flex insurance only works for football, you can still combine several boxing betting markets on one slip to create some pretty interesting selections. Betfred also features over 20 markets, letting you bet on all sorts of outcomes from Bout and Match Winner to Method of Victory and Fight to go the Distance. There are even Price Boosts on specific conditions each match, such as one fighter getting knocked down two or more times or throwing 350 or more punches. talkSPORT BET While it's only been around since 2022, talkSPORT BET has done a lot to stand out in a crowded UK sports betting market. Our favourite feature is the BetBuilder, which lets you combine several markets for one match on one betting slip. You can bet not only on who the match winner will be, but also how many punches they will throw, and whether they'll achieve a knockout, and if all of the selections go through, walk away with a much bigger paycheck. Boxing fans have access to a variety of popular markets, such as To Win Fight, Method of Victory, and Total Rounds. Betano Although only in the UK since 2024, Betano has already made waves in the market. This bookie not only offers a solid selection of boxing markets (including all the classics such as To Win the Fight, Method of Victory, and various forms of Round Betting) but also some of the best boxing odds you'll find on the market. In addition, Betano has a truly innovative user interface, allowing you to make quick bets with just a few clicks while never leaving your stream, by just pulling up a sliding menu, and swiping up to confirm your bet. You can even combine bets, request custom selections, or use Lucky Dip to get randomised selections. SBK SBK is one of the more unique bookies on the UK market, and a great place to check out whether you're a new or seasoned punter. Our two favourite features are Price+ and Best Price. The former are special bets with industry-leading odds, on which SBK claims to forfeit the bookie margins, while the latter lets you compare event odds against some of the most popular bookies in the UK, such as bet365, William Hill, and Ladbrokes. There are 15+ boxing markets to bet on, including standard options like Match Winner and Over/Under bets, but also less common ones like Winner & Round Range. Tote Tote is a legendary pool betting website dating back to 1928. Rather than fixed odds, Tote uses the pool betting model, where payouts depend on the total pot and number of winners, which normally leads to both higher and lower payouts. Thankfully, the Tote Guarantee feature ensures the win price on bets is at least as high as the starting price, helping shield punters from lower payouts. Another great feature is Tote Multiples, which are accas where you get the best of SP or the Tote dividend, whichever is bigger. There are over 15 popular boxing markets available, including Match Winner, Total Rounds and 1x2 bets. Spreadex As you'd guess from the name, Spreadex is all about Spread Betting, offering a wide range of unique spread bets across all sports, including boxing. While you won't find as many standard fixed odds bets, every match will still have standard options like To Win the Fight and Total Rounds. In addition, you'll have access to a large variety of unique spread markets like Fight Minutes (guess how long the match will last on a given spread) and 50-25-10 Index on both boxers, with 50 being awarded for a (T)KO win, 25 for a points win, and 10 in case of a draw. CopyBet Another bookie with a name that gives away its key gimmick, CopyBet has made a reputation on the market for its unique copy betting feature. If you're new to betting or just want to try out some expert tipster predictions, the site allows you to automatically place bets copied from expert Tipsters by subscribing to them and selecting their bet selections. It's a win-win situation, with tipsters getting some profit for each subscriber, and inexperienced players getting access to winning selections. Boxing fans have access to numerous markets, including Money Line (match winner), Bout Betting, Total Rounds, and Will Fight Go The Distance. 🔍 How we picked the best bookmakers for boxing betting To determine the best boxing betting sites in the UK for 2025, we relied on the Sun Factor, our trusted editorial framework for evaluating all online bookmakers. This system helps us grade each boxing betting site based on numerous categories such as boxing coverage, quality of the odds offered, available payment methods and betting offers (including potential for free bets and live betting), and how easy it is to register and start placing bets on the site. ✅ Boxing coverage - A great boxing betting site needs diverse event coverage. This means offering markets not just for headline fights featuring the likes of Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury, but also for lesser-known bouts, regional championships, and undercard events. We look for bookies that provide extensive fight coverage, including a variety of markets such as winner, round betting, and method of victory, and give extra points to those also offering streaming or detailed fight stats. ✅ Good odds - We carefully examined the odds offered across various boxing betting markets, from winner bets to more complex wagers like total rounds or KO victory. A few points difference in odds can dramatically impact your payouts, especially when placing large stakes or building accumulators. Some sportsbooks consistently offer more competitive boxing odds than others, including low margins or odds boosts, particularly on major fights, which gives players a decisive advantage worth highlighting. ✅ Free bets and betting offers - Strong promotions and free bets are a major draw for new and seasoned boxing bettors alike. We looked for betting sites that offer generous sign-up deals and recurring bonuses for punters, ideally tied to boxing events or at least markets. These can include a variety of perks, including matched deposits, risk-free bets, or even enhanced odds, to name a few. We favoured bookies with fair wagering requirements, no sneaky restrictions, and clearly stated terms and conditions. ✅ Easy registration - Top UK bookmakers make it easy to sign up and start betting, with minimal deposit requirements and a user-friendly interface. We tested each platform's registration process, evaluating the time to verify ID, connect a payment method, and place your first wager. Whether you're using a mobile app or desktop platform, you should be able to get up and running in just a few minutes. ✅ Live betting - The thrill of live betting on boxing can't be overstated. Fights shift dramatically round by round, so being able to wager in real-time on things like method of victory, knockouts, or points decisions adds major excitement and profit potential. Not all betting sites offer live boxing betting features, but the best ones do. We also chose betting platforms that provide in-play markets, and regularly updated boxing odds, and gave bonus points to those with live stats or match streaming options. ✅ Secure and accessible payments - Fast, secure, and flexible payment options are essential for a smooth betting experience. The best boxing betting sites support a wide range of deposit methods, including debit cards, bank transfers and trusted e-wallets like PayPal. We only selected bookmakers that provide clear and fair policies for both deposits and withdrawals, with minimal transfer delays and no hidden fees. 🥊 How to bet on a boxing fight Betting on a boxing match or bout is simple and modern boxing betting sites make the experience fast and user-friendly, whether you're betting on desktop or via a mobile app. Here's a step-by-step guide to placing bets on boxing matches: 1. Choose a reputable betting site Start by choosing a reputable UK bookmaker from a curated list of top-rated boxing betting sites like the one in our article. Look for bookies with strong boxing odds, a wide range of markets, and ongoing promotions. Any of the platforms reviewed by us or other bookies with established industry reputations such as Parimatch, Betfair, Ladbrokes, or Paddy Power are an excellent starting point. 2. Register and verify your account Begin the registration process by creating your account. It only takes a few minutes to sign up on most apps or online platforms. Make sure your details are correct so you can deposit and withdraw funds without delays. Some bookmakers will also ask you to set responsible gambling limits during this step. 3. Make your first deposit Fund your new betting account using a secure payment method such as PayPal, debit card, or bank transfer. Check the T&Cs for any deposit requirements needed to unlock free bets, bonuses, or welcome offers. Always make sure that your preferred payment method isn't excluded from the site's promotions, which is often the case with e-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill. 4. Claim your free bet or welcome bonus (optional) Most boxing betting sites have special customer offers or free bets related to their first deposit or wager. You might receive bonus bet credits, enhanced odds, or even a cashback deal, but make sure it applies to the boxing betting markets and not another sport on the site. Also, always read the wagering rules carefully and be aware of the time limits so you don't miss out on the potential rewards. 5. Browse boxing fights and betting markets Head to the boxing section of the sportsbook. Browse upcoming fights and look at various markets such as fight winner, method of victory, round betting, or even number of knockouts, and pick whatever seems most appealing or has the best odds. 6. Place your bet After reviewing the odds and picking your market, enter your stake and confirm the bet. Many platforms offer a bet slip preview showing your potential payout. You can also build accas such as betting on results of all of the daily matches or explore specific specials like 'Fighter A to win by KO in round X.' 7. Track the fight and enjoy the action Once your wager is placed, some betting sites offer streaming, live updates, or in-play markets. You can follow the fight in real time and even cash out if the platform supports early settlement options. 8. Collect your winnings If your bet wins, your account will be credited automatically. Depending on the site, payouts can be instant or take a few hours. Use fast withdrawal methods like PayPal for quicker cash access. Always review your bet history for full settlement details and make separate notes for each site, so you can keep track of your betting easier. 🎉 How to make the most of your free bets for boxing Free bets are one of the most valuable tools for boxing bettors, especially when used strategically. Most boxing betting sites in the UK offer free bet promotions for new customers, often triggered by a small qualifying deposit or minimum stake. However, it's important to read the T&Cs —many free bet offers are split across different sports, with only a portion eligible for use on boxing markets, as the majority is often allocated to football or horse racing. To get the most value, apply your free bet to high-odds selections like method of victory, round betting, or fight to go the distance markets, where the potential returns are greater. Look for bookmakers that let you combine boxing bets into accumulators or that offer bet builders specifically for major fights or events. Always check for payment method exclusions, and make sure you're using a reliable sportsbook with clear rules, strong coverage, and fair settlement terms. With the right strategy, free bets can boost your bankroll and increase your chances of landing a big payout, but remember not to base your entire strategy on them as they may be more restrictive than other bet types offered on the site. 📊 Popular boxing betting markets When betting on boxing, understanding the most popular markets can give you a major advantage. Whether you're placing your first wager or refining a seasoned strategy, the right betting markets help you get more value from each bet. Top UK bookmakers offer a wide selection of options across major bouts, allowing you to tailor your bet to each fighter or fight. Below are the most common and profitable boxing betting markets you'll encounter on the leading betting platforms in the UK. Winner/draw (Outright bets) The simplest and most popular type of boxing bet. You're betting on who will win the fight, or if it will end in a draw. It's the foundation for most sportsbook boxing lines and is available for nearly all events, whether it's high-profile matchups and undercard fights. Round betting A riskier but more rewarding market where you pick the exact round in which a fighter will win. Some betting sites offer grouped rounds (e.g. Rounds 4–6) or round range combinations, increasing flexibility but often lowering the potential returns. Over/Under (Total rounds) This market allows you to bet on whether a bout will end before or after a certain number of rounds. It's a favourite for punters who rely on fight predictions about the endurance of each boxer, but are also the source of many frustrations when an unexpected knockout happens early on, or a boxer manages to survive the first few rounds against an opponent famous for early knockouts. To go the distance This bet is about whether or not the fight will last the full number of rounds planned, regardless of who wins. Ideal for boxing bettors looking for steadier odds and lower volatility. It's a smart option for matchups where both fighters are technically sound, known for going the distance, and less prone to scoring or recieving early knockouts. Method of victory Predict how the winner will secure the victory: by knockout, technical knockout, decision, or disqualification. A great market for experienced bettors who study fighters' forms, styles, and know all about the historical outcomes of the matches both players have been in. That said, bookies also follow these carefully, so don't expect big payouts on the most likely outcomes, such as early knockouts by boxers famous for finishing matches within a couple of rounds. Knockdowns Speaking of knockouts, some bookies offer specials like ' Will either fighter be knocked down? ' or ' First knockdown ' or ' Total number of knockdowns. ' These markets can offer strong value, especially in fights involving aggressive punchers or mismatched fighters, but are very tricky to predict accurately. Punches As you'd expect, there are also a lot of possible bets regarding punches. Whether it's the total amount thrown or landed, or you're betting on the numbers by just one of the two fighters, this category can sometimes include incredibly specific bets, such as the total jabs thrown or body punches landed. Fight to end in a specific time frame Similar to round betting, but broader. For example: ' Fight to end in the first 3 rounds. ' These types of betting lines offer a mix of increased odds and some safety net, and are ideal when betting on big-punching fighters with high KO rates. Live/In-Play betting markets Available only during the fight, these dynamic markets adjust in real time based on the action in the ring. Examples include betting on the next round's winner or the next person to be knocked down in a match. These are excellent if you're watching the action live from online apps with real-time updates or live streaming options. Tote and spread bets Tote bets are simply a communal (pool) betting model, with payouts dependent on the total pot size and number of winners, so they can be both larger and smaller than expected. Spread betting, on the other hand, offers unique markets like Fight Minutes where there's a spread (say 18-22 minutes) on which you can try to guess the game length, with payouts depending on how close to your prediction you were. 💡 Boxing betting tips Successful boxing betting isn't just about picking the biggest matches, most tempting odds, or the hardest puncher to win. There's something to be said about spotting value, reading market trends, and understanding how different fighting styles, round dynamics, and event circumstances can shape the fight outcomes. Whether you're using a free bet to experiment, building an acca on the daily boxing matches at the Olympics, or doing something simpler such as placing a single high-stakes wager on a title fight, applying some thought and tactics to your bets can dramatically improve your long-term returns. The following five tips are designed to help UK bettors maximise their betting experience and odds of making a profit. 1. Analyse fighters' form and styles Always consider a boxer's form, recent matches, and how their fighting style matches up against their opponent. A slick defensive fighter may outlast a brawler, but a heavy hitter might only need one clean shot. Understanding styles and matchups also helps you pick the right market, whether it's round betting, method of victory, go the distance or something else entirely. 2. Watch weight class shifts and late replacements Fighters moving between weight classes, or stepping in as a short-notice replacement, can drastically affect the odds. These shifts often create valuable opportunities in the boxing markets, particularly in over/under rounds or outright winner bets. 3. Compare odds across multiple sites As with any sports betting out there, not all bookmakers price boxing bouts the same. A fighter priced at 6/4 on one platform might be listed at 7/4 elsewhere. Use this difference to your advantage by signing up with multiple boxing betting sites and locking in the best price for your bet selection. 4. Use promotions and free bets smartly Always check the T&Cs of your free bet and use it where you'll get the highest potential payout. This is usually with markets like KO/TKO, grouped rounds, or fight outcome combos. Many online sportsbooks' bonuses are fund or time-limited or at least partially allocated to football or horse racing markets, so use your boxing-eligible portion wisely if it's available. 5. Follow tipster advice and expert predictions Stay updated with expert tips, pre-fight predictions, and market shifts by following trusted tipsters. Their insight often reveals value markets or overlooked bets. Keep an eye on our regularly updated content for betting tips, fight analyses, and more ahead of major boxing events. ❓FAQ about boxing betting sites Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by boxing bettors online looking to get started or improve their results on the best UK boxing betting sites. From understanding boxing markets to choosing the right betting platform and more, we hope the answers to these questions will help you make better betting decisions. 1. Can you bet on professional and amateur boxing? Yes, most top betting sites offer markets for both professional and amateur bouts. While professional fights (especially those featuring big British names like Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua) dominate the sportsbook listings, some platforms also feature Olympic qualifiers, local UK events, and international amateur competitions. Odds for amateur matches may not be as competitive, and market coverage is typically more limited, but there's still solid value if you do your research, and these may hide some hidden gems as bookies also tend to pay less attention to them. 2. Should I bet on the undercard? Yes, absolutely. Betting on the undercard can be a great way to find overlooked markets and better odds. These fights often receive less public attention, meaning bookies have less time to research them in detail, giving informed punters an edge. With the right tips and fighter predictions, undercard bouts can provide strong returns, especially in method of victory or round betting markets. Just be sure to read the T&Cs if you decide to hazard a free bet on one of these, as some promotions may only apply to main events. 3. What payment methods are accepted on boxing betting sites? Most UK betting sites accept a wide range of payment options, including PayPal, debit cards, bank transfers and adjacent methods like Trustly, and popular e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill. Always check for deposit requirements, limits, or payment method exclusions that could affect your eligibility for bonuses or free bets. For the smoothest and safest betting experience, use widely accepted options like debit cards, or e-wallets such as Apple Pay/Google Pay, especially when betting via mobile apps. 4. Is boxing betting available on mobile apps? Yes, all leading boxing betting sites in the UK offer fully optimised mobile apps for iOS and Android. These apps let you browse markets, view odds, claim offers, and place bets quickly, regardless of whether you're betting live during the fight or locking in your selection beforehand. Features like live streaming, mid-match cashouts, and bet builders are increasingly available on mobile devices, delivering a complete sportsbook experience from your phone. To make the most of your mobile betting, choose a platform from our list of the best betting apps, featuring top-rated options with strong app reviews, fast loading times, and simple registration processes. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

The Sun

17 minutes ago

• The Sun

Liam Delap ready to bring even MORE aggression to Chelsea frontline after wild Nicolas Jackson red card

LIAM DELAP chose Rocky's hometown as the place to declare himself ready to rumble at Chelsea. Their new £30million striker is a world away from the famous 'Italian Stallion' given he was born in Winchester. 3 3 And he's sitting down on a comfy chair in the luxurious Jean-Groges restaurant on the 60th floor of downtown Philly's sumptuous Four Seasons hotel, looking immaculate in a box-fresh club tracksuit. But Delap is proud of the fact he loves a scrap on the pitch, within reason of course. No player was booked more times than him last season with Ipswich Town. A dozen yellow cards as he walked the line for a team fighting for survival in the Premier League relegation zone. As many cautions as goals. He is bringing that to his new club and has already shown glimpses of the aggression which is in his DNA. Refusing to cower to defenders, claiming a classy assist on his debut, throwing a football at the bowed head of Flamengo midfielder Jorginho, formerly of Chelsea, then apologising seconds later. It's not boxing. It's not beanie-hatted Sly Stallone throwing right hooks into hanging slabs of cow in the meatpacking district, but it is the kind of centre forward fans love. And Delap is ready to deliver. He said: 'Yeah, I love those battles. I always have since I was a kid. I really love the aggressive side of it and the competitive nature of the squad. It's got to be controlled at times but it's my game ultimately and I enjoy it. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 'I've always had that same edge as a kid and I'm not going to change the way my mindset is. You've just got to make sure you're on the right side of the edge. 'I played every sport in school. Anything that could get me out of a lesson. I just enjoyed the competitive nature of it, whether it was rugby or rounders. BBC pundit names England's long-term successor to Harry Kane after Premier League star's 'bullying' performance 3 'Last season was my first playing in the Premier League, playing with VAR, so it's something that I'm going to have to get used to and work my way around to try and get less yellow cards. 'But it's not something I'm worried about. I think I can control my emotions when I need to. Maybe I'm a little bit old school but it is the way I play and I don't want to change it.' Juggling the actions of leading the line and getting into trouble is a difficult balancing act. Delap has been signed to put pressure on current Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson - currently suspended in both the Club World Cup and Premier League for getting a little too physical. You could argue that they are two of a kind. Delap played a large part of last season with broken ribs to valiantly battle away for Ipswich when they were on the ropes. Centre forwards win people over by getting stuck in. Jackson was sent off four minutes after coming on in Friday's disastrous 3-1 defeat by Flamengo for putting his studs into an opposing defender's shin. Delap said: 'Everyone playing football plays close to the edge a little bit. You have to be aggressive, on the front foot all the time. 'I was right in front of it when it happened. It was so unlucky. He has obviously not meant to do it. These things happen in football and I am sure he will get over it. 'With the size of the club there's always going to be competition and I think players thrive off that competition. You're going to work that little bit harder and try to compete. 'It's Chelsea, it's going to be tough and it's going to be competitive. And that's what you relish.' Delap, 22, harbours ambitions to win big with his new club. He fits the club model of promising young player with plenty of potential. He has signed a six-year contract and opted for the Club World Cup rather than Euro 2025 with England Under-21s as he looks to bed in. There's history with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca from their days together at Manchester City. And a reunion with former City academy players Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia. Delap said: 'I've got a good relationship with the manager. I know how he plays. I've played in his system before. 'I know a lot of the players here and the project of the club, how they see the future. That's what excited me. 'We've got a good core of English boys here. I've spent a lot of time with them. I obviously know a few people here already so I've been spending time with them. 'I've known Cole since I was 15, playing at City with him. I've got a good relationship with him so it was nice to see a familiar face. 'I had my sights set on the Euros all season and I was really looking forward to that. But I signed here and they wanted me to be here. I want to be here as well. I need to get to know everyone so that's why I'm here.' Ipswich turned to famous superfan Ed Sheeran to persuade Delap to sign for them last summer and leave behind Manchester City. Delap said: 'Yeah I had a little FaceTime with him. 'I think he was heavily involved with Ipswich so it was nice to speak to him. 'It was just a token that Ed was really involved in Ipswich and a lot of people were close to him.' Chelsea had the simple magnetism of Champions League football - which means a bigger spotlight on him now. Delap said: 'I am just here to play football. I don't look at everything from the outside. I am at a big club now but my mind is strong enough to not let it affect me. 'It is hard to ignore at times but it is just how you take it and you can brush it aside and stay confident. 'I'm really excited. One of the reasons I started playing football was to play in the Champions League.'