Referee refuses to save knocked out fighter despite opponent showing mercy

The recent abandonment of the Blackburn and Ipswich match has raised questions about the protocols in place for such situations. BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team delves into the reasons a referee might decide to postpone a game, shedding light on the rules and regulations that govern these decisions. Understanding these protocols is crucial for fans and players alike, as it impacts the integrity of the sport and the experience of those involved.

In an exciting ceremony for the Ballon d'Or 2025, Aitana Bonmatí successfully defended her title as the best female player, while England's Sarina Wiegman took home the manager award and goalkeeper Mary Hampton was recognized for her outstanding performance. This event highlights the growing recognition of women's football and the remarkable achievements of players and coaches, especially following England's impressive showing in the Euro 2025 tournament. Such accolades not only celebrate individual talent but also inspire future generations in the sport.

Bruce Pearl's retirement as Auburn's men's basketball coach has sparked controversy as it opens the door for his son, Steven Pearl, to take over the position. Fans are expressing concerns about nepotism, questioning whether Steven's promotion is based on merit or family ties. This situation raises important discussions about fairness and transparency in sports leadership, especially in college athletics where integrity is paramount.

Napoli continues to shine at the top of the Serie A table, maintaining a perfect record after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Pisa. Despite the win, the match revealed some struggles for key players like Billy Gilmour and Leonardo Spinazzola, indicating that while Napoli is performing well, there is still room for improvement. This win is significant as it keeps Napoli ahead in the league, but fans will be eager to see a more polished performance in future matches.

The New York Giants are facing a tough decision regarding quarterback Russell Wilson after a disappointing performance in their recent loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Coach Brian Daboll has not confirmed whether Wilson will start in the upcoming Week 4 game, leading to speculation about a potential benching. This situation is significant as it highlights the challenges the Giants are facing this season and the pressure on Wilson to perform, which could impact the team's future direction.

Joe Dumars, the chief of the Pelicans, is feeling optimistic as the team gears up for training camp. He praised Zion Williamson's impressive work ethic during the offseason and highlighted the healthy returns of Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III. This is significant for the Pelicans, especially after a tough season where they struggled with injuries, including Williamson missing 52 games. With a fresh start, the team hopes to turn things around and build a stronger season ahead.

Ousmane Dembélé has made history by winning the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or, an award recognizing the best footballer of the year. This prestigious accolade, presented at the Théâtre du Châtel in Paris, marks a significant milestone in Dembélé's career and highlights his exceptional talent and contributions to the sport. His victory not only celebrates his individual achievements but also brings pride to his club, PSG, and his home country, France.