Don McRae

theguardian.com‘My time, my era’: Dubois sends out warning to rivals with Wardley demolitionThe WBO heavyweight champion targets big paydays against Hrgovic, Kabayel and Itauma after second round stoppage

The domination of Daniel Dubois...and his future dance partners. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/o...

Don McRae reposted

Sachin Nakrani

@sachinnakrani.bsky.social

Finally read @donmcrae.bsky.social interview with James McClean and it’s incredible. A history lesson combined with a portrait of a complex, troubled soul. Also contains some startling takes on drug use in the Premier League. Check out at @sport.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/football/202...

theguardian.comJames McClean: ‘Wearing the poppy was just never going to happen’The former Republic of Ireland international on growing up in a community still reeling from the Troubles and the controversy that scarred his career

Thank you, Philippe....those words did jump out at me too. Hope you're well

Philippe Auclair@philippeauclair.bsky.social

One of many striking passages in James McClean's fascinating interview with @donmcrae.bsky.social for @sport.theguardian.com (link in replies). #dopinginfootball

theguardian.comDaniel Dubois delivers devastating second-round stoppage of Fabio Wardley to retain WBO titleDaniel Dubois overwhelmed Fabio Wardley in the second round of their WBO world title fight as he continued his quest to become the most authoritative heavyweight fighter on the planet

I was at the O2 tonight...and it was decisive for Daniel Dubois and crushing for Fabio Wardley. What a contrast to their first fight five months ago. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/o...

Don McRae reposted

Tom Pearson

@tom7p.bsky.social

Extraordinary interview with James McClean by @donmcrae.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/football/202...

I went to Derry to interview James McClean. We spoke about how his refusal to wear the poppy changed his life, how he is seen to be a "madman", his mistakes and 103 caps, an eating disorder, his suspicion of doping in the Premier League and his love of boxing... www.theguardian.com/football/202...

Don McRae reposted

James Dart

@jamesdart.bsky.social

‘The perception of me is that, basically, I am a madman. I’m outspoken. I’m a loudmouth. I’m very opinionated and I hate all things British. That’s from people who don’t know me. The reality is quite the opposite.’ James McClean with @donmcrae.bsky.social

theguardian.comWardley predicts ‘crazy night’ in fight for redemption against DuboisAfter losing his WBO heavyweight title in a brutal first bout in May, the Briton insists he can ‘right those wrongs’ in the rematch on Saturday night

Five months ago, Daniel Dubois beat Fabio Wardley in a dramatic fight. This week Wardley has insisted that the damage was cosmetic and he can knock out Dubois early...but the cold, hard logic of the ring suggests that he is trading in dangerous fantasy. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/o...

theguardian.comChris Woakes: ‘It’s unacceptable seeing the way some England players have acted’Chris Woakes tells Donald McRae about his surreal last stand at the Oval, his ‘shabby’ treatment by Rob Key and the problem of cricket’s drinking culture

I really enjoyed talking to Chris Woakes. We covered a lot - from his surreal last morning in Test cricket, the game's complex relationship with alcohol, being cut by England, Ben Stokes, being coached by Flower and McCullum and his excellent book with Ali Martin www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/o...

theguardian.comChristian Horner: ‘Not all teams act that way. You don’t see the same brutality as when I left’The 52-year-old talks to Donald McRae about the pain of being sacked after two decades turning Red Bull into an F1 powerhouse, questioning his purpose in life and dealing with panic attacks

Thanks Christian Horner for our interview about his painful parting from Red Bull, the allegations against him, the impact on his marriage, why the last two Red Bull wins vindicate his work, suffering panic attacks and coming back to F1 if he can part own a team www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/o...

theguardian.comQuips, slights and a surprise twist: Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury come face to faceAnthony Joshua revealed he is speaking to Tyson Fury’s uncle Peter ahead of their fight in December as the pair shared some back-and-forth at a press conference in London

Anthony Joshua & Tyson Fury spoke to a few of us this afternoon. There were quips, slights and a surprise twist as Joshua revealed that he is talking to Peter Fury - Tyson's estranged uncle and former trainer. They also spoke about Ben Davison who has trained both www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/s...

theguardian.com‘I needed to change’: Peter O’Mahony on ditching hard-edged ritual, and his love of gardeningThe former Ireland captain tells Donald McRae he had to allow himself to feel to lead, how almost all of his coaches were ‘a bit mad’, and pain over a ruthless Munster exit

I met Peter O'Mahony in Dublin and found him to be such an interesting interviewee and so different to the taciturn, uncompromising player he was - as he discussed how he has changed, the madness of all coaches [apart from Andy Farrell] and, of course, gardening. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/s...

theguardian.com‘Goodison Gazza’ Billy Kenny: ‘The only time I’ve had peace was when I was locked up’Everton’s great lost talent of the 90s tells Donald McRae about the drinking culture that enveloped him as a teenager, his time in jail, struggles with depression and how he got clean

Thanks Billy Kenny for speaking so movingly about his lost career. Once the most promising young footballer in England, the Goodison Gazza fell to the drinking culture of the 1990s. Drugs swept him away to prison but he was just a kid and felt abandoned by Everton www.theguardian.com/football/202...

theguardian.comFrank Warren believes Fury v Joshua fight will go ahead despite threat of collapseThere is widespread concern about the proposed fight after Tyson Fury claimed ‘Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn are trying to pull out’

Frank Warren told me today that the Fury-Joshua fight will still happen. But, like the rest of us, he sounds frustrated and weary: "Let’s get on with it. Who cares about all this other rubbish? I don’t care if Dana White is sitting there. Who gives a monkeys...?" www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/s...

theguardian.com‘I had a headache for days’: Hrgovic reveals brutal toll of Itauma world title fightThe Croat, who shocked Moses Itauma to win the IBF heavyweight title last month, said: ‘I didn’t celebrate. I went home to rest. It was such a hard fight.’

A few of us spoke to Filip Hrgovic today as the new IBF heavyweight champion offered a candid insight into the punishment he endured before stopping Moses Itauma in a shock victory. He also explained why Itauma could be "unbeatable" if his mentality improves www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/s...

theguardian.comBrian Dubiski: ‘Everything I do is about Madison. It’s a big reason I did this game at Wembley’Brian Dubiski, the man behind US college football’s landmark match in London, tells Donald McRae about how he has dedicated his life to improving crowd safety since his daughter was killed in a crowd ...

17 Sept

Thanks Brian Dubiski for talking powerfully about his daughter's death at a concert. That tragedy has driven him to become a global expert in crowd safety....and inspired him to bring Arizona State and Kansas to Wembley for a game of college football on Saturday www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/s...

17 Sept

Thanks Sachin. I appreciate it, as always

Sachin Nakrani@sachinnakrani.bsky.social

A harrowing but also powerful and inspiring tale, written, as ever, with great craft and care by @donmcrae.bsky.social for @sport.theguardian.com

theguardian.com‘It was very hurtful’: darts cult hero Stephen Bunting on death threats, social media – and the new Luke LittlersThe world No 10 talks to Donald McRae about getting recognised in New York, coping with hostility and why he’s never changing his walk-on song

8 Sept

Thanks Stephen Bunting for talking about life as a darts cult hero who has received abuse and death threats. We spoke about fame, lost confidence, gambling debts, playing local league darts, Titanium, owning a horse with Luke Litter & his friend's job in a morgue www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/s...

theguardian.comKatie Taylor finally gets her ‘fairytale ending’ with Croke Park homecomingThe Irish fight legend can cap a special career by retiring as the undisputed super-lightweight champion with victory against Flora Pili on Saturday

3 Sept

Ireland is even more besotted with Katie Taylor this week. Her final fight, at Croke Park, is on for free on RTÉ. A supermarket in Bray has been renamed after her and Barry Keoghan made a glossy tribute. She deserves it all. A quiet pioneer and a true great... www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/s...

theguardian.com‘I had no love for myself … now I have peace’: former Ireland rugby player Ryan Caldwell’s journey back from the edgeThe retired second-row tells Donald McRae about his recovery from addiction, depression and incarceration to find a new life as a meditation teacher

1 Sept

This is the most gripping interview I've done all year. Thanks Ryan Caldwell for sharing his extraordinary story - from playing international rugby to concussion, drug addiction and suicidal depression in prison to healing himself in the Amazon jungle www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/s...

theguardian.comPacing and patience: heavyweight lessons Itauma must learn after harsh reality check | Donald McRaeThe 21-year-old had never fought beyond six rounds before the defeat by Filip Hrgovic and his corner should have adapted their strategy

31 Aug

Moses Itauma proved he is brave and can take a punch. But he was let down badly by his conditioning and tactical approach against Filip Hrgovic. This, however, is not the end. He is only 21. If his resolve can match his skills, defeat could be the making of him. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...

Don McRae reposted

Steve Hunt

@mrstevehunt.bsky.social

30 Aug

What a superb collection of fights from @donmcrae.bsky.social on the latest episode of Desert Island Fights. You can find the podcast on all the major podcast platforms. #boxing

theguardian.com‘Amazing’ Itauma urged not to give up by Hrgovic after stunning stoppageMoses Itauma, who was still in hospital as a precaution, has been urged to learn from his mistakes by Filip Hrgovic, the new IBF world champion

30 Aug

Filip Hrgovic praised Moses Itauma, calling him "amazing" and "the most talented guy in the division" - but the new champion pointed out how that the 21-year-old had been "very stupid" when it mattered. Frank Warren also updated me on Itauma being in hospital www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...

theguardian.comFilip Hrgovic stuns Britain’s Moses Itauma to claim IBF world heavyweight titleMoses Itauma’s hopes of becoming the second-youngest world heavyweight champion lay in ruins as Filip Hrgovic rallied to stop him in the ninth round

30 Aug

What a turnaround. Moses Itauma won every round until his stamina was shredded by the iron will of the remarkably tough Filip Hrgovic. The new champion administered a hard lesson in the unforgiving realities of heavyweight boxing...written in a blur last night www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...

theguardian.comItauma chases Tyson’s history and fights to save his soul in first world title boutFilip Hrgovic singing to the press is a stark contrast to the brooding Briton who is grappling with the blinding lights of fame and glory

29 Aug

Moses Itauma & Filip Hrgovic have offered a fascinating contrast. Hrgovic has been full of sunshine & song while Itauma, a reluctant superstar, has been as interesting as ever, learning French while tussling with fame. They're in a really intriguing fight tonight. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...

theguardian.comReality check: just how good is Britain’s Moses Itauma? The expert viewBefore the IBF world heavyweight title clash with Filip Hrgovic on Saturday, Barry Jones and Andy Lee analyse the unbeaten fighter

27 Aug

What a pleasure and a privilege to hear expert insights and such clarity of thinking from Barry Jones and Andy Lee as they explained why they think Moses Itauma is so good - while never forgetting the unpredictable dangers of heavyweight boxing. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...

theguardian.com‘Starting to wind me up’: Itauma rebuffs Hrgovic before world heavyweight title fightMoses Itauma has hit back at Filip Hrgovic’s taunt that he is a ‘delusional kid’ as the two men prepare to fight for the IBF world heavyweight title at the O2 Arena

25 Aug

Today was more interesting than expected with Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic. Hrgovic describes Itauma as a "delusional kid." Itauma got a little annoyed but conceded his rival might be right when he said winning the title at 21 might not be good for his soul. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...

theguardian.com‘There was a lot of doubt and pain’: Arthur Fery on his dream Wimbledon run and the next stepBritish No 2 looks back on ‘Fery-tale’ after dealing with injury and tells Donald McRae about his ranking goals before he makes his US Open debut

25 Aug

Thanks Arthur Fery for talking openly about the pain and doubt that shaped his "warrior" mentality on the Challenger Tour when he struggled with an injured arm. We also spoke about his dream Wimbledon semi-final run and the next steps that he needs to take. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...

theguardian.comBoxer Chantelle Cameron: ‘If we want equal rights, equal pay, we can’t be doing two-minute rounds’The Northampton fighter talks to Donald McRae about beating Katie Taylor, facing Mikaela Mayer and why women’s boxing needs three-minute rounds

18 Aug

Thanks Chantelle Cameron for such an interesting interview about being judged as a kid, her rivalry with Katie Taylor, fighting Mikaela Mayer, why elite women boxers should fight three minute rounds, the risk of brain damage and why she loves Northampton so much. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...

Don McRae reposted

Steve Hunt

@mrstevehunt.bsky.social

15 Aug

Out now! Author @donmcrae.bsky.social is my guest on the latest episode of Desert Island Fights Available on all the major podcast platforms. #boxing

theguardian.com‘Clark Kent grew up’: Audley Harrison on fighting the system, Olympic gold and life after the ringAudley Harrison, the former Olympic super-heavyweight champion, tells Donald McRae about taking satisfaction from changing British boxing for the better, but that he still wants to train a world champ...

11 Aug

Thanks Audley Harrison for talking about his unusual journey through boxing. He went from being the next big thing to being mocked but Audley changed British boxing before he fell & the system beat him. As he says when Superman left the building Clark Kent grew up www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...

Don McRae reposted

Jack McRae

@jackimmcrae.bsky.social

10 Aug

It isn't enough to let a transfer window run its course. From journalists to ITKs to news aggregators, there are an inconceivable number of sources producing information every second. We all lap up each update, dopamine hit and bomba – the truth blurred. jackimmcrae.com/2026/08/10/n...

theguardian.com‘Not braggadocious, not swaggerdocious’: Moses Itauma on why he lets his fists do the talkingThe 21-year-old British boxer has the chance to become the second youngest world heavyweight champion after Mike Tyson when he fights for the IBF crown this month

7 Aug

Moses Itauma spoke to some of us today about his aim to become the second youngest heavyweight in history to win a version of the world title, following Mike Tyson, what he made of Teddy Atlas's comparison of him and Tyson...and the challenge of Filip Hrgovic. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...

theguardian.com‘They’re not alone’: Chris Hoy on his ambition to stop men dying of prostate cancerCycling legend tells Donald McRae about the reality of living with stage 4 cancer, fundraising with Miguel Induráin and why Andy Burnham could be key to his ambition of helping others with similar dia...

4 Aug

Thanks Chris Hoy for talking so openly about living with Stage 4 prostate cancer, the quiet terror of a new scan, being warned that his leg might be amputated, riding with Miguel Induráin and a torn meniscus, his wife's MS and always looking for hope. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...

theguardian.com‘Pretty much the downfall of society’: Adam Ramsay-Peaty on press intrusion, forgiveness and going all in for LA 2028After a rollercoaster week at the Commonwealth Games, the double Olympic champion tells Donald McRae he will never stop believing what he can achieve

1 Aug

It's always refreshing talking to Adam Ramsay-Peaty because few can match him for honesty and fire, vulnerability and resolve. After a tumultuous week in Glasgow, this was no different as we moved from invincibility to defeat, press intrusion to new ambition www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...

theguardian.comJoshua emerges from Prenga fight with urgent questions while Fury is uninspiringAnthony Joshua’s lack of punch resistance is clear, which could place him in danger in the highly anticipated £150m fight with Tyson Fury

It was as if a loaded message had been given to Prenga that he should pack away his artillery and stop ruining the $200m showdown between Fury and Joshua. In reality, it seemed more a case that Prenga had shocked himself by dragging a worn old Joshua to the brink www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/j...

Even a clinical knockout could not wipe away the images of Anthony Joshua weaving like a battered old tree about to crash to the ground whenever he was tagged by blows he would have once shrugged aside.

Don McRae reposted

theguardian.comAnthony Joshua knocked down twice but stops Kristian Prenga in round twoThe British heavyweight Anthony Joshua was knocked down twice in the first round but hit back to blast out the Albanian Kristian Prenga in the second

Wild...crazy...Joshua down twice in round one...a near shock defeat...a high-pitched whispery impersonation of Mike Tyson...all kinds of shenanigans....which end with a very relieved Anthony Joshua [and Tyson Fury]. Only in boxing does such madness become routine www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/j...

24 July

Dazn are charging subscribers an additional £19.99 pay-per-view fee to watch Joshua-Prenga tomorrow night. They sent out a wild publicity email this week describing Prenga as an “unbeaten 21-0 knockout artist”. But he lost to Giovanni Auriemma, who has beaten just one other opponent in 10 pro bouts

24 July

In a move lifted from Gianni Infantino’s playbook, the WBC will award Tyson Fury their inaugural Humanitarian title after he faces Mariusz Wach. Fury may pull his punches, at least for a while, less out of compassion for Wach than in the hope the Polish workhorse gives him a little light exercise.

theguardian.comFury and Joshua shadow-box their way towards overdue $100m showdownTyson Fury and Anthony Joshua return to the ring this weekend and face low-risk opponents as preparation for their long-trailed fight

24 July

Today Tyson Fury will amble around the ring against 46-year-old Mariusz Wach before receiving the WBC's inaugural Humanitarian award. Tomorrow Anthony Joshua will, apparently, be "a ferocious animal" against Kristian Prenga. The circus rolls on. Heady times. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/j...

theguardian.com‘Give me another medal!’: meet the hair stylist who has taken over the World CupJayèma tells Donald McRae about working with England stars and forging a friendship with Lamine Yamal’s family

10 July

I really enjoyed interviewing Jayèma, the footballing hairstylist who had not heard of Messi & Haaland until this World Cup. But she hangs out with Lamine Yamal & his family & works with Raphinha, Rashford, Madueke etc. She's authentic, hardworking, funny & great www.theguardian.com/football/202...

theguardian.comSarah Storey retires at 48: ‘It’s always about leaving something better than you found it’After a stellar career that began in the swimming pool as a 14-year-old before five Games hoovering up cycling golds, Britain’s Paralympic dame tells Donald McRae: ‘I want to put my energy into someth...

9 July

Thanks to the great Sarah Storey for sharing the news of her retirement in our interview. What an athlete...74 major medals, including 19 golds at nine Paralympics. What a woman....who is also the chair of Lancashire Cricket & works with Andy Burnham in Manchester www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/j...

theguardian.com‘I hope it works’: Tim Henman on Raducanu’s coach and vice-captain duties at Laver CupTim Henman tells Donald McRae he backs the best man at his wedding to reignite Raducanu and hopes to entice Jannik Sinner to join Team Europe at the O2

20 June

It was good to interview Tim Henman about his BnB days in Earls Court when he was starting out as a pro on his way to becoming World No4. We also spoke about his best man and BnB pal, Andrew Richardson, coaching Emma Raducanu again, and Alcaraz, Draper & Sinner. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/j...

theguardian.com‘The present is all you have’: Lewis Moody on living with MND and joining the fight to find a cureRugby World Cup winner tells Donald McRae he feels like he is picking up the fundraising baton from people such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow

13 June

Thanks Lewis Moody for a special interview as he spoke so openly about dealing with MND. The disease is harsh and cruel but Lewis, who turned 48 yesterday, is full of hope as he made this telling point: “MND is not incurable; it’s just underfunded.” www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/j...

Don McRae reposted

Jack McRae

@jackimmcrae.bsky.social

11 June

As Mexico and South Africa prepare to kick off another World Cup, I went back over my history dissertation from 2022. I looked at how the tournament in 2010 helped fuel xenophobia in the country and the failures of FIFA. 16 years on, little has changed. jackimmcrae.com/2026/06/11/h...

jackimmcrae.comHow the vuvuzelas drowned out South Africa’s xenophobia and FIFA’s greedPhotograph: Wikimedia Commons / Marcello Casal Jr/ABr “It’s a really good ball. It’s Tshabalala! Goal Bafana Bafana! Goal for South Africa! Goal for all of Africa! Jabulile, rejoice&#82…

theguardian.com‘I’m disappointed and I’m not alone’: Matty Lee hits out at Olympic president’s ‘amateur’ stance on payRetired diver Matty Lee tells Donald McRae about his disappointment at Kirsty Coventry’s stance on athletes being paid at the Olympic Games

10 June

Thanks Matty Lee for talking so honestly about life after winning Olympic gold with Tom Daley - from financial problems and a loss of purpose to depression, panic attacks and IOC President Kirsty Coventry now saying that Olympians shouldn't win prize money... www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/j...

theguardian.com‘We’re going to be in an unreal, mad World Cup time zone’: Kelly Cates on presenting in Salford at 2amBBC TV and radio host on sportswashing, the brilliance of watching Argentina up close and why Donald Trump won’t be able to hijack the football glory

8 June

It was good to talk to Kelly Cates about presenting the World Cup and why, despite the many concerns, the old fever is starting to kick as she plans to "get in Irn-Bru and Tunnocks Caramel Wafers and Teacakes and make it a party atmosphere" in the BBC studio... www.theguardian.com/football/202...