Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Savage have never been the best of friends and let's face it - they weren't afraid for anyone and everyone to know it.
However, Rio has revealed how Twitter has brought him together with rival Robbie Savage. Ferdinand and football's Mr Marmite have had numerous encounters with each other on the pitch, including a half-time bust-up during Blackburn's Carling Cup semi-final at Old Trafford in 2006.
Savage admits in his autobiography, that during that particular incident he kicked Rio in the tunnel (which sounds painful on any level). Ferdinand also got sent off three weeks later after a challenge on Savage.
Generally, the two were not getting along very well. To say the least.
However, social networking comes along like a benign fairy godmother and sprinkles fairy dust on the pair of them. Both players are huge fans of the social networking site that is Twitter and can regualrly be seen poking fun at each other and exchanging banter like the regular guys that they are..
“I actually hated him. I hated him as a person, I didn’t like him,” Rio told Football Focus and not in a flouncy, childish or immature way at all.
“I didn’t know him. As a football thing. I got sent off in a game. I thought he was acting and he made more of it and I thought I didn’t like him, he’s not my type of guy...and then Twitter brought us together.”
'After Rio comments on Football Focus, Robbie Savage tweeted, “It's official ! Rio loves me ! I love you to Rio xx.”
Of course, the path of true love never runs smooth and it is only a matter of time before the pair fall out of their double pram and in to the headlines again - for all the wrong reasons.
We would say we warned you when it happens, but it's not exactly rocket science, is it?
Anyone for cricket? Number 91 on our list of the top 100 sports stars is Adam Gilchrist, who otherwise goes by the nicknames of Church or Gilly. He is the first but not the last cricketer to appear but this guy is not yet retired from the game and has redefined the role of the Australian national cricket team.
Born in 1971, Glichrist is an attacking left-handed batsman but it is for his wicket keeping that he holds world records. He is the current holder of the record for the most dismissals by a wicket keeper by an Australian in test cricket and in One Day Internationals. He is generally thought to be one of the best ever wicket-keeper-batsman combinations in the history of the sport of cricket.
There is more – he is the only player ever to have hit 100 (that’s ONE HUNDRED) sixes in Test Cricket. Not only that, he has 17 Test centuries under his belt as well as 16 ODIs. As a player who was destined to be primarily a wicket keeper, that is some achievement.
He also has a unique record – the only player ever to score a minimum of fifty runs in successive World Cup finals (99, 03 and 07) and has actually won three titles – one of only three players to do so.
At the age of 17, Adam Gilchrist spent a summer with Richmond Cricket Club in London. He performed so well that he was interviewed by the regional BBC Sports Reporter, Michael Wale.
He has sometimes gone against the grain of the establishment in as much as he is a self-confessed walker. That is, occasionally he disagrees with the umpire, who says he is in – and walks off! Fair is fair, however, a player is more likely to know when they are out than the umpire yet many would make the contrary decision. Not so Gilchrist.
His first class debut was in 1992 and his first ODI (One Day International) debut followed four years later, with his Test debut in 99. He has played for his home nation in 96 test matches and getting on for 300 ODIs. In both forms he was Australia’s Vice-captain and captained the team when the regular captains were unavailable.
Here is Adam Gilchrist smashing a century in 57 balls in the Ashes 3rd test. He is the second fastest behind Viv Richards.
Although he has now retired from International cricket he still plays for the Indian Premier League with the Deccan Chargers. He was made captain in 2009 and led the team to the Twenty20 title in the same year.
It was his style of attack batting that was key to Australia’s ODI successes when he was a member of the team, and as such it was Gilchrist who invariably opened the batting. For a wicket keeper his batting average is more than reasonable – in the upper 40s in tests with a Test strike rate of 82 runs for every 100 balls and he is renowned for batting shots to every area of the field in a dynamic and consistent manner.
Outside of the sport Gilchrist serves as an ambassador for the World Vision charity in India – a country in which he is immensely popular.
# Rocky Marciano: "The Brockton Blockbuster" (September 1, 1923 – August 31, 1969) 49 wins, 43 KO’s, 0 losses
When Rocky Marciano knocked out Jersey Joe Walcott, under the impact of a punch that made him helpless, a new champion was born. A product of the Army and amateur ranks, Marciano was born on September 1, 1923 and he takes his place alongside Dempsey and Louis as one of the great heavyweights. A fighter with iron-fists, he was the only heavyweight who went through a career without a loss. Starting as a professional in 1947, he scored forty-nine victories, forty-two by knockouts and retired undefeated. Marciano effectively ended Joe Louis’ career.
Yet it was not until he fought Roland LaStarza in 1950 and gained a disputed decision that he became a headliner. Marciano continue to rise, shunting to the sidelines mediocre talent until mid-summer 1951, when his knockouts of Rex Layne in six rounds and Freddie Beshore in four brought him onto the championship spotlight.
Rocky Marciano vs Jersey Joe Walcott
He continued his rise by handing Louis a terrific beating, stopping the erstwhile Bomber in the eighth round after which Lee Savold, Gino Buonvino, Bernie Reynolds and Harry Matthews were put out of the picture. With those triumphs he was now ready for a shot at the world crown, where he defeated Walcott.
Marciano defended his title six times. In his initial defense, a return bout, he knocked out Walcott in the opening round of a disappointing fight in Chicago. His title defenses netted Marciano purses totaling $1,462,961.
With his pre-championship income plus his side income following his rise to the top, his earnings were well beyond the $2,000,000 mark. Under manager Al Weill piloting, Rocky rose to the top of the heavyweight division and divided a fortune with Weill. From 1947, when he began as an unknown preliminary boy, until he retired in 1955 as champion he was never once defeated.
Marciano met his untimely death when he, his wife Barbara and his daughter Mary Ann were killed in a plane crash in Newton, Iowa on August 31st in 1969, the day before his 46th birthday.
Rocky Marciano - Jersey Joe Walcott - 13th Round KO
1948 Jul 12 - Harry Balzerian, Providence, RI - KO Rd 1 Jul 19 - John Edwards, Providence, RI - KO Rd 1 Aug 9 - Bobby Quinn, Providence, RI - KO Rd 3 Aug 23 - Eddie Ross, Providence, RI - KO Rd 1 Aug 30 - Jimmy Weeks, Providence, RI - KO Rd 1 Sep 13 - Jerry Jackson, Providence, RI - KO Rd 1 Sep 20 - Bill Hardeman, Providence, RI - KO Rd 1 Sep 30 - Gil Cardione, Washington, DC - KO Rd 1 Oct 4 - Bob Jefferson, Providence, RI - KO Rd 2 Nov 29 - Patrick Connolly, Providence, RI - KO Rd 1 Dec 14 - Gilley Ferron, Philadelphia, PA - KO Rd 2
1949 Mar 21 - Johnny Pretzie, Providence, RI - KO Rd 5 Mar 28 - Artie Donator, Providence, RI - KO Rd 1 Apr 11 - James Walls, Providence, RI - KO Rd 3 May 2 - Jimmy Evans, Providence, RI - KO Rd 3 May 23 - Don Mogard, Providence, RI - W Rd 10 Jul 18 - Harry Haft, Providence, RI - KO Rd 3 Aug 16 - Pete Louthis, New Bedford, MA - KO Rd 3 Sep 26 - Tommy Giorgio, Providence, RI - KO Rd 4 Oct 10 - Ted Lowry, Providence, RI - W Rd 10 Nov 7 - Joe Domonic, Providence, RI - KO Rd 2 Dec 2 - Pat Richards, New York, NY - KO Rd 2 Dec 19 - Phil Muscato, Providence, RI - KO Rd 5 Dec 30 - Carmine Vingo, New York, NY - KO Rd 6
1950 Mar 24 - Roland LaStarza, New York, NY - W Rd 10 Jun 5 - Eldridge Eatman, New York, NY - KO Rd 3 Jul 10 - Gino Buonvino, Boston, MA - KO Rd 10 Sep 18 - Johnny Shkor, Providence, RI - KO Rd 6 Nov 13 - Ted Lowry, Providence, RI - W Rd 10 Dec 18 - Bill Wilson, Providence, RI - KO Rd 1
1951 Jan 29 - Keene Simmons, Providence, RI - KO Rd 8 Mar 20 - Harold Mitchell, Hartford, CT - KO Rd 2 Mar 26 - Art Henri, Providence, RI - KO Rd 9 Apr 30 - Red Applegate, Providence, RI - W Rd 10 Jul 12 - Rex Layne, New York, NY - KO Rd 6 Aug 27 - Freddie Beshore, Boston, MA - KO Rd 4 Oct 26 - Joe Louis, New York, NY - KO Rd 8
1952 Feb 13 - Lee Savold, Philadelphia, PA - KO Rd 6 Apr 21 - Gino Buonvino, Providence, RI - KO Rd 2 May 12 - Bernie Reynolds, Providence, RI - KO Rd 3 Jul 28 - Harry Matthews, New York, NY - KO Rd 2 Sep 23 - Jersey Joe Walcott, Philadelphia, PA - KO Rd 13 (Won World Heavyweight Title)
1953 May 15 - Jersey Joe Walcott, Chicago, IL - KO Rd 1 (Retained World Heavyweight Title) Sep 24 - Roland LaStarza, New York, NY - KO Rd 11 (Retained World Heavyweight Title)
1954 Jun 19 - Ezzard Charles, New York, NY - W Rd 15 (Retained World Heavyweight Title) Sep 17 - Ezzard Charles, New York, NY - KO Rd 8 (Retained World Heavyweight Title)
1955 May 16 - Don Cockell, San Francisco, CA - KO Rd 9 (Retained World Heavyweight Title) Sep 21 - Archie Moore, New York, NY - KO Rd 9 (Retained World Heavyweight Title)
# Joe Louis: "The Brown Bomber" (May 13, 1914 – April 12, 1981) 65 wins, 51 KO’s, 3 losses
The era of the Brown Bomber, Joe Louis was one of the greatest and most colorful boxers to grace the sport. Only Jack Dempsey since the gloves era got underway compared to him in popularity and ability.
This Alabama born boxer who first saw the light of day on May 13th, 1914 and whose father, "Mun" Barrow, was a cotton picker, was a pugilistic symphony with a tempo geared to bring him across the ring with all the grace of a gazelle and the cold fury of an enraged mountain lion. He combined excellent harmony of movement with crushing power stored in each hand. His career will be one that won't be forgotten in a hurry. The Brown Bomber did everything expected of a Champion, he pulverized and paralyzed or poked his way through a larger number of challengers, more than any heavyweight king who wore the Royal Robe before him.
The Brown Bomber was a good amatuer who turned Professinal in 1934. After 12 wins he knocked out Primo Carnera in New York before 62,000 fans and quickly became the hottest property in Boxing. He made a point of beating former world title holders, but Max Schmeling caused of the sport's biggest upsets when he knocked out Louis in 1936.
Joe Louis & Rocky Marciano
However he went on to win the world title by stopping Braddock in 1937, and in 1938 he avenged the scratch on his record by annihilating Schmeling in one round. Louis retired while still champion in 1949 but, unfortunately, financial tax problems forced him to return in 1950. He was then beaten by Ezzard Charles who had assumed the title and while seeking another chance, Rocky Marciano stopped Louis and the Brown Bomber retired permanently.
Joe Louis was the first black heavyweight champion, after Jack Johnson, whose victories caused riots. His demeanor was of great importance to him and was so exemplary that he became immensely popular with black and white supporters alike. Sadly, his financial problems were not eased and he was forced to use his name first by wrestling and then as a host in a Vegas casino.
He died in Las Vegas 1981. Yet Joe Louis brought back to boxing a life and color that was sadly needed.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has insisted that Welsh Wizard Gareth Bale is an integral part of the squad and it would take a massive offer to tempt him away from White Hart Lane, a whole host of top European clubs have been looking at Gareth ever since his trouncing of Brazilian full-back Maicon in the two Champions League encounters with Inter Milan.
The likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid being linked to the Spurs star, but Gareth will not be distracted according to the Spurs boss.
"If someone comes in and offers something crazy you never know do you?"
"But he is certainly not a player we want to sell. We are looking to build a team and he is a massive part of that."
"No, I wouldn't have to do that with him because nothing would turn his head because he is such a level-headed, down-to-earth kid it wouldn't change him at all."
Nico Hulkenburg was unable to maintain his pole position start as he came under instant pressure from the guys around him, with Vettel, Webber, Alonso and Hamilton all vying for his position. In this afternoon's Brazilian Grand Prix we saw no drivers championship decided, but that will go down to wire and will be decided in Abu Dhabi in two weeks time, Red Bull did claim the Constructors Championship for the first time after there drivers finished in first and second place with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber respectivley. Both drivers drove a formiddable race to keep up the heat on current leader Fernando Alonso who finished in third today. Alonso was needing a first place finish to claim the championship today, but it wasn't to be.
Britian's Lewis Hamilton finished in fourth place, keeping himself in with a chance of winning the title again in two weeks time, but Button finished fifth ending his chance to regain the title.
Fernando Alonso currently leads the drivers championship and would need only a second place finish to be crowed champion, but the spainard will have Vettel, Webber and Hamilton breathing down his next. So it's off to Abu Dhabi for two weeks time. Who will be crowned champion?
#Jack Dempsey: "The Manassa Mauler" (June 24, 1895 – May 31, 1983) 66 wins, 51 KO’s, 6 losses
In every sport there emerges one person who stands out so prominently that he is referred to as "The Idol." Such as a man was Jack Dempsey in boxing. While in there tossing punches, he was the one of the most spectacular heavyweights since John L Sullivan. Jack Dempsey was one of the toughest heavyweights in the world. He was born in Manassa, Colorado, on 24th June 1895.
Dempsey participated in the first million dollar gate at $1,989,238 when he fought Georges Carpentier and before he hung up his gloves, the receipts of four other contests he fought exceeded those figures. Every time Jack defended his crown an epic battle ensued. Once his opponent became fatigued, a range of huge blows would be followed by a knockout.
It was the start of his career as world champion that got the Golden Era of Boxing underway with him as the ace puglist. He had good company, Jack Kearns, as his manager was the king of the ballyhoo artists who beat the publicity drum and Tex Richards and the promoter extraordinaire. The most spectacular fighter-manager combination in ring history was dynamic Dempsey and flamboyant Jack Kearns.
Their partnership began with a casual meeting in a San Francisco bar in 1917. Dempsey, then 22, was a small-time slugger who, except of one brief and not impressive visit to New York, had done his battling on the tank-town circuits of Colorado, Utah and Nevada.
He had just drifted to California looking for fights and a manager. Destiny steered him to Kearns, an experienced pilot, colourful showman and ballyhoo artist. The tie-up was an immediate success. Within a year Dempsey became the outstanding contender for the championship.
Promoter Tex Richard entered the scene and the "Golden Triangle" of Rickard, Dempsey and Kearns introduced the million-dollar gate in Boxing. Rickard promoted most of Dempsey's important bouts, the one in which Dempsey won the title from Jess Willard and his subsequent clashes with Bill Brennan, Georges Carpentier, Luis Angel Firpo, Jack Sharkey, and the two with Gene Tunney. Five of the bouts drew $1,000,000 or more in receipts. The second Tunney fight set an all time record of $2,658,660 at the time.
A goalkeeping error by Lukasz Fabianski gifted Andy Carrol a first half goal which was enough to see Newcastle pick up all three points against Arsenal at the Emirates this afternoon, the goal came right on half time to inspire the Magpies to claim victory by keeping the Gunners at bay for the second half.
Fabianski made an ill-fated decision to come for a Joey Barton free-kick but then Carroll was there to capitalise scoring the only goal of the game. Arsenal never really threatened the Newcastle goalkeeper, apart from a fizzing shot from Sami Nasri but Tim Krul produced an excellent stop to keep the Frenchman's shot out five minutes before half-time.
Cardiff City has been beaten for the first time at home this afternoon against an impressive Swansea City game, in this all Welsh derby Swansea were the better side and deservedly winners following an second have strike from Marvin Emnes on the 74th minute. Emnes on-loan from Middlesbrough where his next game would be his last as the load runs out had a game to remember, going close on a few occasions.
A Cardiff win would of seen the Bluebirds claim their finest ever start to a league season but where Cardiff were desperate to put their rivals away, who are currently on third position behind Cardiff in the league standings, Cardiff struggled to come out the blocks and were on the back foot for most of the game, rarely creating goalscoring chances. Star striker Craig Bellamy had an afternoon to forget with two wasted chances, including a close range header right at the death.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is looking for a quick route in bringing trophies back to Anfield as he enters the last leg of his glittering career, Gerrard at 30, believes he can continue at the top level of football at least four more seasons. but after recent failures in winning any trophies, Gerrard is looking to the new American owners to invest quickly so they can seriously challenge for honours.
Speaking to the News of the World, Gerrard said, "I think the Americans have got the right ideas to build a platform for this club for many years to come but, of course, when I speak to them, I'm going to be wanting a quick fix. I've got four or five years left at this level and I want to win trophies before I finish, because that's what I go to work for."
He added: "This club will be here for many years so I think the right thing is to build for the future, bring young talent in, sort the scouting system out from top to bottom and, in my opinion, merge the Academy and Melwood, where the first team train."
