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The connection between boxing and cinema dates back to the early days of film, with the first sports film being a 1894 short of a six-round match between Mike Leonard and Jack Cushing. Since then, boxing has been a staple of the big screen, captivating audiences with its high-stakes emotion, physical intensity, and personal turbulence.The British Film Institute's new season, The Cinematic Life of Boxing, curated by Clive Chijioke Nwonka, an amateur boxer since his childhood in London, explores this symbiotic relationship. Nwonka believes that an uncompromising hunt for realism is central to the relationship between the sport and artform, with films that interact with human experience, poverty, struggle, triumph, and boxing as a way of life.Boxing films often capture a political zeitgeist, as seen in the 1974 'Rumble in the Jungle' heavyweight championship match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, which was not just a fight but a referendum on ideology during the civil rights era. This fight was documented in the 1996 film When We Were Kings, described by Nwonka as 'probably the greatest sports documentary of all time'.The Rocky franchise, which has spanned six films and a spin-off series, Creed, under the direction of Ryan Coogler, is a barometer for all the films captured in its wake. The first film remains the hallmark of sporting cinema, successfully capturing the habitual experience of the sport outside its more glamorous moments.Despite the genre's popularity, boxing films are not immune to clichés, with many relying on stock characters and familiar arcs. However, the best film-makers are able to return to the core of these films: the stakes of signing up for a fight, and the physical, psychological, and real monetary costs of endurance.

Daniel Křetínský, the Czech billionaire who acquired Royal Mail's parent company for £3.6bn last year, has pushed back against criticisms that the service has declined under his ownership. Despite heavy criticism of late deliveries and price rises, Křetínský insisted that service has not deteriorated. In a defensive performance before MPs on the business select committee, Křetínský said he was “deeply sorry” for any letters that arrive late. Since his takeover, Royal Mail has faced trade union disputes over working conditions, raised first-class stamp prices from £1.70 to £1.80, and delivered 16m Christmas letters late. Křetínský disputed a string of complaints, including that service is getting worse and that more lucrative parcels are being prioritized over letters. He argued that the UK's expectations for next-day delivery at relatively low prices are comparatively high compared to other European countries. For instance, he noted that in Italy, first-class letters cost €5.50 (£4.76) and regulators only require delivery targets to be met 80% of the time. With a week to go until Royal Mail’s service targets are reduced by the regulator Ofcom, Křetínský emphasized that the UK’s expectations remain far higher than those in other European countries. From next week, Ofcom will ease pressure on the postal service by lowering Royal Mail’s targets under the so-called “universal service obligation.” It will only require delivery of 90% of first-class mail within one working day (instead of 93%) and 95% of second-class mail within three days (instead of 98.5%). The committee’s chair, Liam Byrne, began the session by stating that Royal Mail is on track to deliver 220m letters late this year out of a total of 5.6bn. Křetínský denied that the service was prioritizing more profitable parcels over letters, attributing any instances of this to crisis moments rather than policy.

Mohamed Salah has been a pivotal figure at Liverpool FC for nine remarkable years. His journey with the team has been marked by numerous accolades and memorable moments.As one of the most skilled players in the Premier League, Salah has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the field, earning him a special place in the hearts of Liverpool fans.This article, presented in pictures, takes a look back at Salah's glorious nine years at Liverpool, showcasing his contributions to the team's success.

The final season of Netflix's Heartbreak High has concluded, but its farewell has left much to be desired. The show, a remake of the 1990s Australian series, had potential with its fresh-faced cast and energetic tone. However, it ultimately succumbed to a polished but contrived approach, straying far from the gritty realism that made its predecessor compelling.The original Heartbreak High was praised for its near-verite realism and diverse cast, tackling tough issues with fearlessness and courage. In contrast, the new series opted for a blinged-out U-turn, adopting a jokey tone and pat writing. While it still addressed important issues like abortion, mental health, and racial tensions, it did so without the same level of authenticity.The final season follows the gang's last year at Hartley High, kicking off with a chaotic muck-up day prank. However, even this moment felt painfully contrived, lacking the realism that once defined the series. The show's approach to emotional moments was similarly forced, designed to generate feeling rather than earn it.Creator Hannah Carroll Chapman may have aimed for a show akin to Sex Education, but Heartbreak High fell short. Its colourful but contrived approach rarely achieved a strong emotional pull, instead favouring sentiment over subtlety in its conclusion.Despite its shortcomings, Heartbreak High still explored complex relationships and character aspirations. However, the show's failure to balance humour and drama, coupled with its contrived emotional moments, left this reviewer underwhelmed.

David Squires presents his unique visual perspective on the recent Carabao Cup final, where Manchester City emerged victorious over Arsenal in a compelling showdown at Wembley Stadium. The acclaimed cartoonist captures the essence of the match through his distinctive artistic style, focusing on pivotal moments that defined the contest.In his latest work, Squires examines the significant decisions that influenced the outcome, offering insightful commentary that resonates with football enthusiasts. The cartoon strips showcase the tactical battle between the two Premier League giants, with particular attention to the master-apprentice dynamic between the respective managers.One notable highlight featured in Squires' cartoon is the audacious performance of a young player whose cheeky antics and skillful play caught the attention of spectators and critics alike. The cartoonist effectively immortalizes these moments through his signature visual storytelling approach.The artwork provides a lighthearted yet perceptive take on the competitive nature of the cup final, illustrating how Manchester City ultimately secured their triumph over their London rivals. Squires' ability to distill complex match dynamics into accessible and entertaining visuals continues to make his work a favorite among Guardian readers.For those interested in exploring more of Squires' football commentary, the article includes links to purchase his cartoons and his latest book, 'Chaos in the Box,' which showcases his collection of sports-related artwork.

Japan has emerged victorious in the Women's Asian Cup, claiming their third title in the tournament. The decisive match against Australia ended with a 1-0 win for Japan, solidifying their position in women's Asian football.A summary of the game is available, providing insights into the key moments and performances. For a detailed account of the match, readers can visit Al Jazeera Sport's full match report.

In the final moments of January 29, 2024, five-year-old Hind Rajab’s desperate pleas for help were cut short as she remained trapped in a car surrounded by the bodies of six relatives. Despite obtaining clearance from the Israeli military, a Red Crescent ambulance dispatched to rescue the child was struck by tank fire, killing two paramedics and leaving the vehicle abandoned for over a week.Two years after the tragedy, the global campaign group Avaaz has released a report alleging that this incident was a deliberate 'double-tap' strike. This tactic, often used in warfare, involves a first attack followed by a second strike targeting civilians or emergency responders attempting to assist victims of the initial assault.The Avaaz analysis, shared exclusively with Al Jazeera, documents over 40 alleged human rights violations and argues that the attack contravenes international combat law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute. The report suggests that the Israeli military possessed full situational awareness of the rescue mission but deliberately targeted the ambulance.Forensic evidence contradicts the Israeli military's initial claims that the family car was destroyed during an exchange of fire. Analysis by Forensic Architecture at Goldsmiths, University of London, found no evidence of combatants in the vicinity, only the presence of Israeli Merkava tanks. The report highlights that the ambulance was fired upon with 120mm tank rounds without warning, a finding supported by the Hind Rajab Foundation, which has identified 24 potential perpetrators.'I am absolutely convinced that this is another case of double tap,' said Sarah Andrew, legal director of Avaaz. 'The kind of weaponry used on the ambulance, the timing, and the fact that no warning was given – it immediately triggered a question in my mind.'The Avaaz brief urges the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the matter. The group notes that more than 1,500 healthcare workers have been killed during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, raising serious concerns about the safety of medical personnel in the region.

Audio recordings from the control tower at LaGuardia Airport have been obtained, providing a detailed account of the moments leading up to a recent plane crash. The recordings offer critical insights into the events that unfolded.

Sebastian Korda produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in the third round of the Miami Open, marking one of the biggest upsets of the ATP season. The American, seeded 32nd, dominated the match for over an hour before Alcaraz mounted a fierce comeback, ultimately prevailing 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.Korda's resilience and determination were on full display as he overcame a difficult spell to secure the win. His serve was dominant for much of the match, and his ground strokes were clean and destructive. Alcaraz, known for his exceptional return skills, was effectively shut out of many service games.The match took a dramatic turn when Korda, leading 6-3, 5-3, lost seven consecutive points, allowing Alcaraz to stay in the match. However, Korda regained his composure to close out the third set and secure the victory.Alcaraz praised Korda's performance, saying, 'Sebi was incredible today. Played such a great game. A lot of tight, tight moments that I just didn’t make the most of it.' The loss marks a setback for Alcaraz as he prepares for the clay-court season.Korda's victory is significant for his career, as he looks to capitalize on the momentum and make a deeper run in the tournament. The win also boosts his confidence as he faces tougher opponents in the future.