Former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks has died. The American achieved a famous upset win over Muhammad Ali in 1978, in just his eighth professional fight. He had suffered with health issues in his later years and was diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer in 2019.

A statement from his management company said: "His final fight was fought with the same skill, grace and grit that had carried him through so many lifetime challenges." The former US marine died in Henderson, Nevada, with his wife Brenda Glur Spinks by his side.

The statement added: "Leon fought his battle with numerous illnesses resiliently, never losing his trademark smile. Showing true Spinks determination, he never threw in the towel."

Born in St Louis, Spinks won gold at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, then rose to greater prominence a little more than 18 months later, given the nod via a split decision to stun Ali and claim the WBC, WBA and lineal heavyweight titles. In one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport, Spinks defied his 10-1 underdog odds with bookmakers to prevail after 15 rounds, winning 145-140 and 144-141 on two scorecards while a third went 143-142 in favour of Ali.

His reign as world champion lasted exactly seven months as a sharper and fitter Ali gained revenge in a rematch in September 1978, becoming the first three-time lineal heavyweight champion after a comfortable points win. Spinks did get another opportunity for heavyweight glory in June 1981, but was stopped inside three rounds by Larry Holmes.

Spinks then dropped down to cruiserweight but was defeated by WBA champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi in 1986. He boxed on for another nine years and finished with a record of 26 wins, 17 defeats and three draws.

Known for his gap-toothed grin, Spinks' battles in the ring contributed to his ill health in later life. It was found he had shrinkage in the brain in 2012 before his cancer diagnosis was confirmed a few years later. His son Cory, 42, is a former undisputed welterweight champion who also won a world title in the light-middleweight division.

Spinks' younger brother Michael, 64, was undisputed light-heavyweight champion for a period in the 1980s, before moving up to heavyweight, where he won the IBF title and avenged Leon's loss to Holmes.

He was 67.

Surrounded by 33,643 red roses - one for each and every point he scored in his 20-year

Career - athletes, musicians, actors, and adoring fans gathered together to mark a year since the tragic passing of one of the NBA’s greatest ever.

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel, WNBA superstar Diana Taurasi, Connecticut Women's Basketball Coach Geno Auriemma, fellow-NBA Hall of Famers Shaquille O'Neal, and Michael Jordan all spoke to pay their homage one year after the tragic helicopter crash which took the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and seven other people who on board.

Showered in a purple, and with spotlights shining on his two gold jerseys hanging in the rafters, thousands gathered inside and out on the corner of Chick Hearn Court and Figueroa Street for a celebration of life.

February 24, 2020 was a symbolic day combining both Gianna and Kobe Bryant's jersey numbers with the 20 years he played for the all-conquering LA Lakers. And with every major television network around the world carrying the event live, millions of people watched with tears in their eyes for a send-off the likes of which has never been recorded before.

Legends of the music industry too made their telling and heart-felt emotions known too with superstars Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, and Beyoncé all performing – all remembering Kobe Bean Bryant. All reflecting back on the year that was, and the legacy he leaves behind.

During the celebration of life ceremony at the Staples Centre, widow and mother, Vanessa, still grieving a year on said: "God knew they couldn't be on this earth without each other. He had to bring them home together." Reflecting on first hearing the news of the tragic accident, current Lakers' forward Anthony Davis mused: "I knew he was known and popular, but I didn't know how impactful he was worldwide.

"He inspired so many people, and that's why so many people feel the pain the basketball community felt last year. As we approach his one-year anniversary, it saddens our hearts to actually come to the realization that he's gone." But Kobe's legacy goes on - beyond basketball.

After retiring, age 37, he became a filmmaker and won an Oscar. He also became a storyteller – and published many books. He also became a philanthropist and established the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation and even began coaching 13-year-old Gianna's youth basketball team. On the day they died, he was travelling to a basketball tournament to coach her and her teammates.

Michael Jordan, who ‘wore’ the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) tag just as Kobe was establishing himself as a Lakers all-time geat, said: "Kobe gave every last ounce of himself to whatever he was doing. After basketball, he showed his creative side.

“In retirement, he seemed so happy. He found new passions and continued to give back as a coach to his daughters. More importantly, he was an amazing dad and an amazing husband. He loved his daughters with all his heart."

The memories of Kobe and Gianna Bryant will live on in the hearts of people the world over for what they represented – on and off the court – for generations to come.

A Midlands firm has been appointed to design, license, and retail a comprehensive range of official Birmingham 2022 and Commonwealth Sport products, with the first due to go on sale online in the next couple of months.

Birmingham 2022 and CGF Partnerships have appointed Cube International, with offices in both Herefordshire and Worcestershire, as the master licensee responsible for designing, sourcing, delivering and retailing licensed products at official Birmingham 2022 shops, other local and national retail outlets and via a dedicated online shop accessed via the birmingham2022.com website.

Around 1,500 products will be developed and sold, featuring Birmingham 2022, Commonwealth Sport and Home Nations branding. A first phase of merchandise, including hoodies and t-shirts, mugs, water bottles and pin badges will go on sale online in the next couple of months. Cube International will also create exclusive ranges for the Birmingham 2022 official mascot, which will be unveiled later this year. Around 35 official retail stores will be set up, including a Birmingham city centre megastore, and at a number of other city centre locations, transport hubs, Games venues and temporary live sites. Cube International will also be responsible for building and operating the official online store.

The retail stores will employ around 300 people, with staff recruited where possible with the support of the Commonwealth Jobs and Skills Academy, launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority to generate job opportunities for and improve the skills of local people. Roles will include customer service, security and warehousing positions. In addition to these official retail stores, other local and national retailers are being encouraged to register their interest in selling Commonwealth Games products.

Games organisers are also keen to work with West Midlands firms to develop further product lines that bring the region’s creative flair to life. In line with Birmingham 2022 and Commonwealth Sport’s social value commitments, the range of products and the shops they are sold in will have a strong commitment to sustainability, with a focus on limiting single use plastics, responsibly managing waste materials, and reducing carbon emissions.

Ian Reid, Birmingham 2022 CEO, said: “Our retail offering will help to bring the Games to life, building excitement as Birmingham 2022 draws closer. It will also help to support the West Midlands’ economic recovery as we recruit around 300 people to work in our retail outlets in the run up to the Games.

“I’m also happy to be working with a Midlands business, Cube International, which has the global expertise to deliver this product range.  I can’t wait to see a whole variety of Commonwealth Games items for sale online and in shops over the next few months. I’ll be first in line to buy a cuddly toy!”

Cube International is an expert sports retail, e-commerce, licensing, and merchandise business which works with international sports events such as The Rugby League World Cup 2021 and the Cricket World Cup, as well as with the NHS and brands including Sainsbury’s.

Andy Moss, Cube International’s Executive Chairman, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed the Master Licensee for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The vision of the Games and the values that they represent harmonises with Cube’s working philosophy and enables us to fully collaborate across all areas to deliver an incredible experience for visitors, fans and commercial partners.

“It is incredibly exciting to be working with such an imaginative team and, together, we are looking to reimagine and redefine major event retail. We very much look forward to opening our first official store and bringing to life an exciting and sustainable retail and merchandise programme.”

CEO of CGF Partnerships, David Leather, said: “We selected Cube International as our master licensee following an internationally competitive process. Cube has the experience and capability to deliver this official product range, and shares the social values and ambitions both of the Commonwealth Sport movement and Birmingham 2022. I am confident we will see that reflected in the exciting yet sustainable range of products they are developing.

“As preparations for the Games continue, this range will help to create an inspiring brand identity that gives the public the chance to own a part of the Commonwealth Games story and a piece of history.”

Paul Blanchard, Commonwealth Games England Chief Executive, said: “We can’t wait to see what Cube International produce for the nation to get behind their favourite athletes and support them at a home Games. This is an exciting point in time as we get closer to the Games and we can see that support come to life.”

Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the WMCA, Andy Street, said: “One of the main reasons I was so determined to help secure the Commonwealth Games for the region was the employment opportunities it will create across the West Midlands, and I am pleased to see today’s announcement is unlocking hundreds more jobs for local people.

“We are so fortunate to have the Commonwealth Games coming to our region at what will be such a difficult time for many people’s livelihoods, and I would encourage everyone to look at the job opportunities available through the Games and see how they can get involved.”

Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This is another exciting step towards the Birmingham 2022 Games and the agreement will boost business locally, opening up many opportunities for retail jobs, which is crucial at a time when the sector is coming to terms with the devastating impact of the pandemic.

“I know when I see someone wearing a Birmingham 2022 pin badge of carrying a reusable branded water bottle. I will have an immense feeling of pride.”

Arena Birmingham is set to receive a £1.2m council investment for a new indoor athletics track with the aim of hosting more international sporting events following the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Plans to invest in a new track, which will replace the original one installed almost 30 years ago, will be reviewed by Birmingham City Council's cabinet on February 9. The £1.2million purchase will see the original track installed almost 30 years ago replaced as it worn and at the end of its useable life.

A replacement will ensure Birmingham is well-placed to achieve its aim of hosting more major international sporting events in the coming years following the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games – and help support the city’s events and hospitality industries by providing the infrastructure that ultimately acts as a catalyst for those sectors. The Cabinet report also details the fact that the track will only be purchased once any contracts are secured for future indoor events.

Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The city of Birmingham is one of the pre-eminent locations globally for indoor and outdoor athletics, having staged two fantastic Indoor World Championships in 2003 and 2018.

“This is a competitive sector of the events market and we need to ensure we can offer international federations and governing bodies the best facilities if they are to continuing coming here. We know that competitors and spectators love their time in Birmingham and this investment will ensure there are many more memorable events in the future, supporting the many local businesses in the events and hospitality sectors, which have been devastated by the impact of COVID-19.”

It was announced that the English Football League's first Black manager, Tony Collins, has died.

He spent seven years in charge of Rochdale A.F.C. and led them to a League Cup final in 1962, before later worked as chief scout at both Manchester United and Leeds United.

After a playing career with Sheffield Wednesday, York City, Watford, Norwich City, Torquay United, Crystal Palace and Rochdale, he went into management at Rochdale, who were, at the time, in what was the old Division Four - now League Two - during his time there.

He managed Rochdale, initially while playing, until 1967 but worked again as a manager only as caretaker in 1980 at Bristol City, where he had been chief scout and assistant.

He then scouted for Don Revie at Leeds and for Ron Atkinson and Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, where the players he brought in included former England international Lee Sharpe. When Revie became England manager he employed Collins to provide dossiers on the opposition.

The highlight of his tenure there was when he took Dale to the League Cup final, which was then a two-leg affair before it was switched to its present Wembley venue in 1967. Dale lost 4-0 on aggregate to Norwich City.

Former Manchester United boss Ferguson sent his "deepest condolences", adding: "His family should be very proud of all he achieved."

Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton, who is also a League Managers Association (LMA) board member, added: "Tony has always been an inspiration to me as I continue alongside my colleagues to campaign to see more diversity in management and coaching across the game. He will be very sorely missed."

LMA chair Howard Wilkinson said: "Tony was a true pioneer of the sport.

"He was known throughout the game for his ability to recognise and nurture talent, a skill which enabled him to have a huge impact on the lives of others."

He was 94.

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has said he is taking inspiration from Leicester City's 2016 Premier League success as he leads the Egyptian side at the Fifa Club World Cup. The nine-time African champions face local Qatari champions Al Duhail today in Doha. The prize for the winners is a semi-final game against European champions Bayern Munich.

"The level is the highest that it could possibly be and it's very difficult to win, but what's important is to go there and play to the best of our abilities," the South African coach insisted. We want] everyone to see that we've done the best against the best teams in the world so there's nothing bigger for me and Al Ahly.

"Any coach that goes to any tournament believes that he can win it, but the reality is how do you beat Bayern Munich - who have just defeated the mighty Barcelona 8-2 on aggregate with Lionel Messi on the pitch? But anything is possible - Leicester City has showed you that anything is possible." The global coronavirus pandemic means stadiums at the delayed tournament in Qatar will only be at 30% capacity.

Al Ahly board member Khaled Mortagy says his side is missing out on what could have been fantastic support had fans been allowed to attend matches. "There are a lot of Egyptians living here, which was obvious from the way we were welcomed at the airport by our fans wearing the red jerseys and cheering our club," he said.

"It made our players look into how they make these people happy. I believe if it was in normal circumstances, the stadium would have been full with Al Ahly supporters, so it's a pity, but we have to comply with the regulations in this extraordinary time. The focus is to win the first game and then take it from there I don't think anyone is looking at anything else. We are playing against a very good team - they have got 5 or 6 international players - so we have to take it step-by-step." Al Duhail's squad includes two African stars in Kenya striker Michael Olunga and Morocco's Mehdi Benatia, who joined the Qatari club from Italian giants Juventus.

"It is a match that everyone is waiting for with lots of quality players," said Benatia. "I know Egyptian teams - they have high quality players and I know they will be a tough opponent with their combative style and it will be a match of high level. But we have good quality and are in a good form ourselves. We work well so I think we have the ability to cause them problems."

Mortagy says that Mosimane has settled in well at Al Ahly since taking over in September, when one of his first tasks was to win the African Champions League. A convincing 5-1 aggregate win over Morocco's Wydad Casablanca in the semi-finals was followed by a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Zamalek in the final.

"He is a great coach and a world-class coach too, and he has adapted very well to our club," Mortagy explained. "The aim of bringing him - especially during the semi-final and final of the African Championship - was to have someone who has the experience and who knows the opposition player.

"He is beloved by the players, works very hard and at the same time he thinks with a long-term strategy and wants to make something for the future. He has the spirit of the club, he knows exactly the values of the club and at the same time, being Al Ahly coach is a great value for him - he wants to leave a legacy for himself at the club."

This will be Al Ahly's sixth appearance at the Club World Cup but their first since 2013, and they'll be looking to improve on their best finish in 2006 when they finished third. While today's winners face Bayern Munich, the losers will play in the fifth-place game. That play-off will be against the losers of the other quarter-final between North and Central American champions UANL of Mexico and Asian champions Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea.