Former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker tests positive for cocaine

New Zealand’s former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker failed an anti-doping test on the day he fought Britain’s Fabio Wardley last month, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions confirmed on Friday. “The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) last night informed all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th October in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley,” Queensberry said in a statement.

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Parrott powers Ireland to vital win over Portugal as Ronaldo sees red

A first half brace from Troy Parrott powered Ireland to a vital victory over Portugal to keep their dreams of World Cup qualification alive. Cristiano Ronaldo received his first red card at international level for a petulant elbow on Dara O’Shea in the second half as Ireland defended heroically to secure the three points. Portugal knew a win would secure their place at the finals but they must now seal their place on Sunday against Armenia.

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Rob Edwards confirmed as new Wolves head coach

Wolves have appointed Rob Edwards as their new head coach after he left Middlesbrough to join the Premier League’s bottom side. Edwards has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Molineux. The 42-year-old had been in talks with Wolves since Saturday after he was stood down from Boro’s Championship game against Birmingham and was given permission to speak to Wolves.

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Toto Wolff in talks to sell part of Mercedes F1 stake

Mercedes Formula 1 chief executive Toto Wolff is in advanced talks to sell part of his stake to CrowdStrike’s George Kurtz, in a deal that would give the F1 team a record $6bn valuation and underscore the sport’s commercial success under US ownership. Kurtz is in talks over taking a stake of about 5 per cent in the Mercedes F1 team,CrowdStrike and Mercedes F1 are long-standing commercial partners, with the former’s logo featuring prominently on the team’s cars and driver race suits.

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Ferrari chairman Elkann criticises Hamilton and Leclerc

Ferrari chairman John Elkann says Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc need to “talk less and focus on driving” after a disappointing Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Hamilton and Leclerc both failed to finish Sunday’s race in Brazil after being caught up in separate incidents as the team’s frustrating season continued. Ferrari dropped to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship behind Red Bull and Mercedes, having hoped to challenge for the title at the start of this year.

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