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Sport in brief: December 12, 2025

MEN’S BOXING: Australia’s IBF World cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia puts a 28 fight unbeaten record on the line in the fourth defence of his belt against Huseyin Cinkara in Queensland on Saturday. Istanbul-born Cinkara is unbeaten in 23 bouts. Elsewhere on Saturday evening Shabaz Masoud and Peter McGrail are the headliners in Monte Carlo for an all-British clash with Masoud’s IBO World super-bantamweight title up for grabs.

MEN’S RUGBY UNION: Eben Etzebeth received a 12 week ban after being found guilty of intentionally making contact with an opponent’s eye in the final minute of South Africa’s 73-0 mauling of Wales last weekend. The sanction was reduced by six weeks as it was his first red card in 141 internationals appearances for the Springboks. He will miss all of the Durban Sharks’ United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup matches until March.

MEN’S BASKETBALL: Deane Williams and Tarik Phillip top-scored with 15 points each as London Lions won 74-61 at Lithuania’s Panevezys on Thursday evening to strengthen their claims for a play-off place in the EuroCup. The Lions sit fifth in Group B at the halfway point of the campaign, level on points with Aquila Trento and Ulm. Only the top six are guaranteed a place in the end of season championship.

MEN’S FOOTBALL: Defending champions and eleven-time winners The New Saints face Llandudno in the first semi final of the Welsh League Cup on Saturday afternoon. Llandudno currently top the second-tier Cymru North League, are unbeaten in their first 13 games and have only conceded five goals. The Rhondda Valley’s Cambrian United, who lead the Cymru South table, host top-tier Barry Town in the second semi on Saturday evening. 

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