Weekend Review: Smiling Scots, a new Frankel and influencer boxing fill Premier League gap

Betfred’s Alan Firkins confirmed it was a rough week for the bookie on Saturday. He said: “We got thoroughly pasted in general on the racing front on Saturday – 41% of UK and Irish favs did the business, there were trebles for in-form pair Charlie Appleby and Will Buick, and four of Fred’s legendary shop ‘pushes’ obliged including a 9/2 shot that was returned at 2/1. Betfred punters were in clover.”

At the Rugby World Cup, an Owen Farrell drop goal spared English blushes as they made the semi-final stage while France, Ireland and Wales all faltered.

Gill said: “In France at the Rugby World Cup, an England team dominant for much of the match against Fiji, found themselves pegged right back at the business end as Fiji pulled things level, but an Owen Farrell drop goal just about saw them through.

“It was our only losing result across the quarter-final stage, as the Home Nations and hosts France all departed at the last eight stage, leaving us in the black on each occasion.”

In a weekend extravaganza of egg-shaped balls, Wigan won the Betfred Super League Grand Final 10-2 against Catalans Dragons.

Firkins said: “Wigan took the Betfred Super League Grand Final 10-2, justifying favouritism against Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford, and erasing bitter memories of their 8-4 loss to St Helens back in 2020. Meanwhile, in a great week for the Warriors, their versatile back Bevan French has been named the 2023 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel.”

Finally, Saturday night saw Love Island contestant and professional boxer Tommy Fury face off against YouTube star KSI in front of a packed Manchester Arena crowd.

Cross-over boxing events have long drawn ire from professionals and pursuits alike, but the appetite is evidently there for this type of contest.

Fury won on points as the fight went the full six rounds, with KSI receiving plaudits for going toe-to-toe with an unbeaten professional fighter.

While the decision was controversial, with Fury being deducted a point in the second round, KSI will be looking to get back to winning ways after taking his first ever loss.

Kindred Group’s Gill remarked: “The big ‘boxing’ card over the weekend ended up being largely as controversial as was long ago pre-planned, with Tommy Fury’s win over KSI climbing to the number one position for boxing events in the last 12 months. Punters went the other way with that one and we finished nicely ahead.”