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donmcrae.bsky.social
Don McRae
@donmcrae.bsky.social
920 followers 110 following 290 posts
Author of 14 books about fighters, surgeons,
trial lawyers, South Africa and real life. https://www.donaldmcrae.com/

Interviewer for The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/profile/donaldmcrae

https://www.donaldmcrae.com/
Posts Replies Media Videos
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
Quips, slights and a surprise twist: Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury come face to face
Anthony 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
www.theguardian.com
September 30, 2026 at 7:35 PM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
‘I needed to change’: Peter O’Mahony on ditching hard-edged ritual, and his love of gardening
The 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
www.theguardian.com
September 30, 2026 at 8:18 AM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
‘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
www.theguardian.com
September 29, 2026 at 7:59 AM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
Frank Warren believes Fury v Joshua fight will go ahead despite threat of collapse
There is widespread concern about the proposed fight after Tyson Fury claimed ‘Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn are trying to pull out’
www.theguardian.com
September 26, 2026 at 3:03 PM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
‘I had a headache for days’: Hrgovic reveals brutal toll of Itauma world title fight
The 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.’
www.theguardian.com
September 23, 2026 at 5:05 PM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
Brian 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 ...
www.theguardian.com
September 17, 2026 at 10:30 AM
donmcrae.bsky.social
Thanks Sachin. I appreciate it, as always
sachinnakrani.bsky.social Sachin Nakrani @sachinnakrani.bsky.social · 19d
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 The Guardian @theguardian.com · 19d
Brian Dubiski: ‘Everything I do is about Madison. It’s a big reason I did this game at Wembley’
September 17, 2026 at 10:29 AM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
‘It was very hurtful’: darts cult hero Stephen Bunting on death threats, social media – and the new Luke Littlers
The 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
www.theguardian.com
September 8, 2026 at 8:25 AM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
Katie Taylor finally gets her ‘fairytale ending’ with Croke Park homecoming
The Irish fight legend can cap a special career by retiring as the undisputed super-lightweight champion with victory against Flora Pili on Saturday
www.theguardian.com
September 3, 2026 at 12:09 PM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
‘I had no love for myself … now I have peace’: former Ireland rugby player Ryan Caldwell’s journey back from the edge
The retired second-row tells Donald McRae about his recovery from addiction, depression and incarceration to find a new life as a meditation teacher
www.theguardian.com
September 1, 2026 at 7:14 AM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
Pacing and patience: heavyweight lessons Itauma must learn after harsh reality check | Donald McRae
The 21-year-old had never fought beyond six rounds before the defeat by Filip Hrgovic and his corner should have adapted their strategy
www.theguardian.com
August 31, 2026 at 8:16 AM
Reposted by Don McRae
mrstevehunt.bsky.social
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
August 30, 2026 at 10:52 AM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
‘Amazing’ Itauma urged not to give up by Hrgovic after stunning stoppage
Moses 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
www.theguardian.com
August 30, 2026 at 11:29 AM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
Filip Hrgovic stuns Britain’s Moses Itauma to claim IBF world heavyweight title
Moses 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
www.theguardian.com
August 30, 2026 at 8:35 AM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
Itauma chases Tyson’s history and fights to save his soul in first world title bout
Filip Hrgovic singing to the press is a stark contrast to the brooding Briton who is grappling with the blinding lights of fame and glory
www.theguardian.com
August 29, 2026 at 8:15 AM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
Reality check: just how good is Britain’s Moses Itauma? The expert view
Before the IBF world heavyweight title clash with Filip Hrgovic on Saturday, Barry Jones and Andy Lee analyse the unbeaten fighter
www.theguardian.com
August 27, 2026 at 8:33 AM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
‘Starting to wind me up’: Itauma rebuffs Hrgovic before world heavyweight title fight
Moses 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
www.theguardian.com
August 25, 2026 at 6:42 PM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
‘There was a lot of doubt and pain’: Arthur Fery on his dream Wimbledon run and the next step
British 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
www.theguardian.com
August 25, 2026 at 7:44 AM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
Boxer 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
www.theguardian.com
August 18, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Reposted by Don McRae
mrstevehunt.bsky.social
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
August 15, 2026 at 6:43 AM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
‘Clark Kent grew up’: Audley Harrison on fighting the system, Olympic gold and life after the ring
Audley 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...
www.theguardian.com
August 11, 2026 at 9:34 AM
Reposted by Don McRae
jackimmcrae.bsky.social
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...
August 10, 2026 at 4:31 PM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
‘Not braggadocious, not swaggerdocious’: Moses Itauma on why he lets his fists do the talking
The 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
www.theguardian.com
August 7, 2026 at 5:32 PM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
‘They’re not alone’: Chris Hoy on his ambition to stop men dying of prostate cancer
Cycling 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...
www.theguardian.com
August 4, 2026 at 7:09 AM
donmcrae.bsky.social
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...
‘Pretty much the downfall of society’: Adam Ramsay-Peaty on press intrusion, forgiveness and going all in for LA 2028
After a rollercoaster week at the Commonwealth Games, the double Olympic champion tells Donald McRae he will never stop believing what he can achieve
www.theguardian.com
August 1, 2026 at 8:39 AM