Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates a defensive stop during the second quarter of a home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Dec. 1, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The veteran edge rusher sparked energy on defense as Brian Flores’ unit controlled momentum late in the season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The 2026 NFL Draft is now less than five weeks away, and the Minnesota Vikings are transitioning the remnants of free agency. The club has added a few new players and will onboard about 30 rookies via the draft and undrafted free agency next month. In the meantime, here’s a look at the rumor mill.
Minnesota has three talking points worth sorting before draft season fully takes over.
Minnesota has a momentous year afoot, probably needing to win a playoff game to secure the head coach’s long-term job security.
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Inside the Latest Purple Rumor Mill for Minnesota
It’s the Purple Rumor Mill for March 21st, 2026.
Jonathan Greenard and Harrison Phillips celebrate a sack of Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud during a fourth-quarter defensive stand, Sep. 22, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The play highlighted Minnesota’s coordinated pass rush, with Harrison Smith and Kenyon Green nearby as the defense reset after a momentum-shifting stop. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Rumor: The Jonathan Greenard trade sweepstakes may be down to the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts.
The Greenard trade fodder has circulated for a few weeks now. The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis opined on the rumors this week, claiming on his podcast, “I think over the course of the last week or last two weeks, it probably seemed more imminent than it was. I would say that the Minnesota Vikings have been very clear from the outset that they are doing this on their terms. So they are not going to trade a talented player that they’ve really liked having, Jonathan Greenard, unless it makes a lot of sense for them to do that.”
“I would say the Philadelphia Eagles definitely still need edge rusher talent. I mean, they have Jalyx Hunt, they signed Arnold Ebiketie, they have Nolan Smith Jr., but to have another elite edge rusher, it’s part of the reason they were in on Jaelan Phillips. And then I think the Indianapolis Colts are kind of in a similar vein.”
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The Eagles need EDGE help more than the Colts, so Philadelphia may be the frontrunner if a Greenard trade happens at all.
With the draft only five weeks away, what to do with Greenard is still a big question for Minnesota. It would make sense to trade him during the draft weekend. That way, general managers could quickly weigh their draft picks against the chance to snag Greenard, who’s already proven he can rush the passer and has six years in the NFL under his belt.
Money-wise, waiting until after June 1 to trade him would give Minnesota an extra $6 million in cap space, which would be helpful going into the summer. Even though many teams will probably have found their EDGE rushers by then, the extra cap room still makes a trade look enticing for Minnesota.
There’s also always the easy choice: just keep Greenard. Teams don’t find productive defenders every day, and Minnesota’s already got one locked down.
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The sticking point is evidently Greenard’s contract. He’s due for a raise at $19 million per year, and his counterpart, Micah Parsons, earns $47 million out in Green Bay.
Rumor: L’Jarius Sneed is a free agent, and Minnesota should sign him to a prove-it contract.
Sneed is done in Tennessee.
ESPN’s Turron Davenport wrote Friday, “The Tennessee Titans released cornerback L’Jarius Sneed on Friday, a move that saves $11.4 million in cap space. Sneed struggled to stay on the field for Tennessee, appearing in 12 games over two seasons.”
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“He had signed a four-year, $76 million contract after the Titans acquired him in a 2024 trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Titans signed defensive backs Alontae Taylor, Cor’Dale Flott and Josh Williams earlier this week to restock their cornerbacks room.”
Tennessee Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38) runs onto the field during pregame introductions ahead of a matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, Oct. 13, 2024, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The veteran defensive back energized the crowd as the Titans prepared for a divisional contest at home. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.
In 2025, the Vikings went into the season thin at cornerback, counting on Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and Jeff Okudah as their main assets. Murphy Jr. and Rodgers held up, playing in 34 games combined, but Okudah had a rough go of it with two concussions, and his performance waned overall.
To make up for it, Minnesota brought up Fabian Moreau from the practice squad, and he cooked compared to Okudah.
Projecting 2026, it’s probably too optimistic to expect the same kind of health at the cornerback position. The spot usually needs more depth, so adding a veteran like Sneed or using a draft pick in April would make a lot of sense.
Sneed is affordable and looking to re-prove that he belongs in the NFL as a starter.
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Rumor: Despite theories suggesting otherwise, the Vikings won’t give up on J.J. McCarthy.
Every so often, ESPN authors an article about “overreactions” around the NFL, and recently, ESPN’s Dan Graziano examined the topic from a post-free-agency angle.
On McCarthy, Graziano wrote, “J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. are both done as starting QBs. Verdict: OVERREACTION. The Vikings signed Kyler Murray, and the Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa, thrusting those veterans into ostensible competitions with the 10th and eighth overall picks from the 2024 draft, respectively.”
“McCarthy is coming off a terrible and injury-plagued first NFL season after missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury. He entered the offseason healthy, but after throwing 12 interceptions and taking 27 sacks in his 10 starts last season, he has given the Vikings reason to doubt whether he’ll turn out to be the quarterback they thought he was when they moved up a spot to draft him.”
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy flips through the air after a tackle by Detroit linebacker Jack Campbell during first-half action, Nov. 2, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit. The play captured a violent collision as defenders converged, freezing a chaotic moment before both teams reset in a tightly contested divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han-Imagn Images.
McCarthy has missed 70% of all football games since the Vikings drafted him in 2024.
Graziano continued, “Murray is very likely to end up starting ahead of McCarthy, unless a light comes on this offseason and McCarthy performs well enough in the summer to beat him out. But the Vikings aren’t ready to give up on McCarthy just yet, and they’re hoping Murray’s arrival has a positive impact on him.”
“The Atlanta story is different; my sense is the Falcons view Penix as the starter once he’s healthy and Tagovailoa is just there for coverage in case he isn’t ready.”
While McCarthy probably won’t start in September, the Vikings are in no rush to get rid of him, says Graziano.
Tickets to the Sweet 16 will be punched in Saturday’s 2026 NCAA Tournament action. No. 4 seed Nebraska, fresh off its first-ever NCAA Tournament victory, will face upstart Vanderbilt for a trip to the second weekend in one of Saturday’s most enthralling clashes (8:45 p.m., TNT March Madness Live).
No. 1 seed Michigan is also looking to get back to the Sweet 16 for the second year in a row under Dusty May, but Saint Louis, coached by May’s close friend Josh Schertz, stands in the way (12:10 p.m. ET, CBS March Madness Live).
The Lone Star state will also be well-represented in Saturday’s games. No. 11 seed Texas will face No. 3 seed Gonzaga (7:10 p.m. ET, TBS March Madness Live). No. 10 seed Texas A&M will have a date with in-state rival Houston (6:10 p.m. ET, TNT March Madness Live). No. 9 seed TCU will get its shot at No. 1 Duke (5:15 p.m. ET, CBS March Madness Live).
Here is the full tournament schedule and bracket to keep you up to date.
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As the home of March Madness, CBS Sports will track every game and score, keeping you apprised of notable developments in our continuously updating live NCAA Tournament bracket with matchup analysis for every game.
As far as the NCAA Tournament schedule, we understand that it’s hard to keep up with that printable bracket of yours, so how about an easier way to digest it?
Below you will find a March Madness schedule featuring viewing information for each game broken down by region, so you can not only follow your team but also those they may compete against through the duration of March Madness.
In other words, you should bookmark this page and keep it as an easy reference guide from the First Four through the Final Four. Now that the games started on Tuesday, it will be updated with scores, analysis and much more — all the way through the national championship.
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2026 NCAA Tournament bracket, scores
All times Eastern
East
FIRST ROUND
Thursday — Greenville
Thursday — Buffalo
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Friday — San Diego
Friday — Philadelphia
SECOND ROUND
Saturday — Greenville
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(1) Duke vs. (9) TCU | 5:15 p.m. | CBS
Saturday — Buffalo
(3) Michigan State vs. (6) Louisville | 2:45 p.m. | CBS
Sunday — San Diego
(5) St. John’s vs. (4) Kansas | 5:15 p.m. | CBS
Sunday — Philadelphia
(7) UCLA vs. (2) UConn | 8:45 p.m. | TNT
West
FIRST FOUR
Tuesday — Dayton
FIRST ROUND
Thursday — Portland
Friday — San Diego
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Friday — St. Louis
SECOND ROUND
Saturday — Portland
(3) Gonzaga (11) Texas | 7:10 p.m. | TBS
(4) Arkansas vs. (12) High Point | 9:45 p.m. | TBS
Sunday — San Diego
(1) Arizona vs. (9) Utah State | 7:50 p.m. | TruTV
Sunday — St. Louis
(2) Purdue vs. (7) Miami (FL) | 12:15 p.m. | CBS
Midwest
FIRST FOUR
Tuesday — Dayton
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Wednesday — Dayton
FIRST ROUND
Thursday — Buffalo
Friday — St. Louis
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Friday — Tampa
Friday — Philadelphia
SECOND ROUND
Saturday — Buffalo
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(1) Michigan vs. (9) Saint Louis | 12:10 p.m. | CBS
Sunday — St. Louis
(2) Iowa State vs. (7) Kentucky | 2:45 p.m. | CBS
Sunday — Tampa
(4) Alabama vs. (5) Texas Tech | 9:45 p.m. | TNT
Sunday — Philadelphia
(3) Virginia vs. (6) Tennessee | 6:10 p.m. | TNT
South
FIRST FOUR
Wednesday — Dayton
FIRST ROUND
Thursday — Oklahoma City
Thursday — Greenville
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Thursday — Oklahoma City
Friday — Tampa
SECOND ROUND
Saturday — Greenville
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(3) Illinois vs. (11) VCU | 7:50 p.m. | CBS
Saturday — Oklahoma City
(2) Houston vs. (10) Texas A&M | 6:10 p.m. | TNT
(4) Nebraska vs. (5) Vanderbilt | 8:45 p.m. | TNT
Sunday — Tampa
(1) Florida vs. (8) Iowa | 7:10 p.m. | TBS
2026 NCAA Tournament schedule
Sweet 16
Thursday, March 26 — 7:10 p.m. start (CBS, TBS) Toyota Center (Houston), SAP Center (San Jose)
Friday, March 27 — 7:10 p.m. start (CBS, TBS) United Center (Chicago), Capital One Arena (Washington, D.C.)
Elite Eight
Saturday, March 28 — 6:09 p.m. start (TBS) Toyota Center (Houston), SAP Center (San Jose)
Sunday, March 29 — 2:15 p.m. start (CBS) United Center (Chicago), Capital One Arena (Washington, D.C.)
Final Four
Saturday, April 4 — 6:09 p.m. start (TBS) Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis)
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National Championship
Monday, April 6 — 8:50 p.m. (TBS) Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis)
Boxer Tyson Fury and his father do not appear to have a close — or even friendly — relationship, at least according to the elder Fury’s latest public comments.
“My relationship with Tyson is destroyed,” John said during an appearance on Playbook Boxing. The claim marks a stark contrast to the time when John served as a mentor to his son.
John said the rift between father and son stems from Tyson’s decision to fight Oleksandr Usyk twice. He also cited Tyson’s setback against Deontay Wilder after urging him to decline those bouts.
John Fury and Tyson Fury react during a news conference ahead of the Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou boxing match at Boulevard Hall Oct. 26, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
“I begged and prayed with him before the first fight,” John said. “He’d already been through a full training camp, and then he got cut in the last week. He was worn out from that camp. You can’t just have three weeks rest and then go straight into another seven weeks. That’s what happened.”
“The Gypsy King” lost back-to-back bouts to Usyk. He lost via split decision in the first meeting and via unanimous decision in the rematch.
“Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet. I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing,” Fury said at the time. “It’s been a blast, I’ve loved every single minute of it, and I’m going to end with this: Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side.”
In January, Fury announced plans to come out of retirement and return to boxing in 2026, but his father believes his best days are behind him.
John Fury, father of Tyson Fury, before the Tyson Fury-Arslanbek Makhmudov news conference at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Feb. 16, 2026, in London.(Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
“I think he’s past his best,” John said. “I’m a no-filter kind of guy — I say it how I see it. I love him, but there are too many people patting him on the back and telling him things that aren’t true, building him up like he’s invincible. He’s not, and he hasn’t been for a while.
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Tyson Fury in the stands at the O2 arena in London Oct. 25, 2025.(Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
“I felt like strangling Sugar afterwards,” John said in reference to the meetings with Usyk. “He’s no Emanuel Steward — he’s nothing like him. He’s just a gym sweeper. That’s all he ever was.”
The Carabao Cup final will see Arsenal and Man City go head-to-head tomorrow
Jake Hackney and Kieran Isgin Tech & gaming affiliate writer
07:36, 21 Mar 2026
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Manchester City supporters still have the opportunity to grab last-minute tickets for the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. On Sunday (March 22), the Blues will take on their Premier League opponents in their opening chance at silverware this campaign, with seats still available for purchase today.
Whilst Pep Guardiola’s squad may be sitting behind Arsenal in the league standings, they have the potential to dash the Gunners’ dreams of a historic quadruple with victory at Wembley. The sides battled to a 1-1 stalemate when they previously clashed in September, though much has changed since, with City bolstering their roster through fresh acquisitions including Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi.
Man City celebrated a remarkable streak of four consecutive League Cup triumphs between 2018 and 2021, and could claim the silverware for a ninth occasion should they overcome Arsenal on Sunday. Whilst the club’s designated ticket allocation has been exhausted, numerous seats remain obtainable through alternative official sources such as Seat Unique, where supporters can reserve various premium Carabao Cup Final VIP and hospitality options.
These packages aren’t inexpensive, with costs beginning at £1,399 per person for a Taphouse Social – Manchester City ticket, though this promises ‘the ultimate luxury matchday experience’. Within the cost is premium seating on Level Two, Wembley’s central tier featuring cushioned seats delivering exceptional sightlines of the playing surface. Supporters will gain entry to the venue 2.5 hours prior to kick-off, allowing them to experience the Taphouse Social, Wembley’s latest premium space featuring exclusive food and beverage options.
This encompasses a bar serving 48 taps dispensing beers, wine, cocktails, spirits and soft drinks, alongside pies and pastries from Taphouse Bites. Supporters can enter Taphouse Social from two locations around the stadium – West and East – though only passes for the designated Man City section are currently on offer.
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It’s worth noting the venue will shut one hour after the final whistle. Seat Unique’s alternative VIP option is the premium Bobby Moore Lounge priced at £3,499 per person.
This features exceptional premium seating positioned on the halfway line, delivering ‘the very best views of the match’ near the dugout and trophy route. The exclusive Bobby Moore lounge is described as among Wembley’s ‘finest hospitality lounges’.
A pass provides seating at a communal table for up to three hours before kick-off and an hour following the match. Within this space, visitors can sample canapés upon arrival and unlimited Laurent Perrier Champagne both before and after the fixture.
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Perhaps more significantly, a pass encompasses a complimentary bar of beers, fine wines, spirits and soft drinks. Alongside a four-course meal and cheeseboard served following the game. Comparable packages may be obtainable directly from Wembley Stadium.
With fans able to enquire via this online form. For viewers tuning in from home, the Carabao Cup final will be broadcast live on both ITV and Sky Sports. The match kicks off at 4.30pm on Sunday, March 22.
Indian wrestler Radhika (68kg) has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in favour of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The decision overturns her earlier clearance and mandates a fresh investigation into her doping case.
Positive test and Initial clearance
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Radhika had tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol in November 2022. In her defence, she argued that the substance had entered her system through contaminated meat. Accepting this explanation, NADA’s adjudicating panel cleared her in May 2024 after subsequent tests returned negative results.
WADA challenges the verdict
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WADA contested the ruling, stating that the investigation lacked sufficient depth and failed to properly evaluate the contamination claim. The global anti-doping body highlighted that key aspects—such as Radhika’s biological passport, dietary sources, and supporting evidence, were not thoroughly examined. It also raised concerns about delays in the handling of the case.
CAS orders reinvestigation
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After reviewing WADA’s appeal, CAS set aside the earlier decision and directed NADA to carry out a comprehensive reinvestigation. As a result, Radhika has now been provisionally suspended until the case is reassessed and a final verdict is reached. The outcome of this fresh probe will determine her eligibility to compete in the future.
Broader mplications for Indian sport
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The case underlines the complexities surrounding doping violations linked to food contamination—a defence that has surfaced in multiple international cases. It also brings attention to the need for more rigorous anti-doping procedures in India, ensuring investigations align with global standards and leave no room for ambiguity.
Separate Doping Case
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In a separate development, Indian middle-distance runner Sneha Kolleri has been handed a three-year suspension after testing positive for a banned substance. Authorities rejected her defence that the violation was caused by contaminated supplements, reinforcing a strict stance on doping violations.
This was the immediate reply from co-trainer Mick Price upon being queried if he welcomed the news of Observer missing from Planet Red’s lineup in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Prepared by Mick Price alongside Michael Kent Jnr, Planet Red targets Caulfield, but Observer turns attention northward to Sydney for Group 1 riches in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
“With all due respect to that very good horse Observer, he was unlucky in the Caulfield Guineas, but we ran second and Planet Red’s two runs this time in have been dictated to by bad barriers,” Price said.
“First-up he was ridden cold and whooshed home very well and then in the Australian Guineas, it was the same thing.
“I couldn’t work out how to ride him and watching the race unfold, I think it was the right thing to do.
“It’s a different race on Saturday, different tempo, different barrier, and I think it will be change of tactics.
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“In a 2000-metre race when they sit up there will be no need for him to be too far away.”
Planet Red’s preparation could end after the weekend, Price noted, since he hopes to see the gelding gain some physical condition.
He is not entirely sold on Planet Red as a long-distance specialist, but anticipates no trouble with Saturday’s 2000m.
“He’s a strong horse, with a good brain, but while he’s a good size, he just doesn’t have the muscle on him that I would like to see,” Price said.
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“He’s done the work to run 2000 metres, He’s fit, very sound and it’s a nice race for him, but I don’t think I will persevere too long this preparation because he’s a growing horse on a good frame.
“I don’t know if he’s a true staying horse, but he’s a nice miler, 2000-metre horse and I think he will come back as a nice four-year-old if we look after him.
Giorgio Visioli looks to carve out a major opportunity for himself, but must first defend his English lightweight title against Levi Giles this Saturday.
The unbeaten southpaw will feature on the undercard of George Liddard vs Tyler Denny, having headlined his own show against Joe Howarth in December.
Over there, he sparred a selection of talented prospects and crafty veterans, while even sharing a few rounds with former two-time world champion Regis Prograis.
Speaking with Boxing News, Visioli said he knew nothing of Prograis’ showdown with Conor Benn on April 11, but ultimately came away from their sparring session with plenty of confidence.
“I didn’t know he was fighting Conor Benn at the time. He was sparring southpaws, so I was thinking he must have a southpaw [opponent] lined up.
“I didn’t even really need to spar him, because he’s a southpaw [and Giles is orthodox], but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity.
“I don’t want to speak bad on his name but I was a bit too sharp for him – I had youth on my side.
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“He couldn’t really react to my counters but he was strong, knows all the tricky moves and it was great work.”
While training at the Vegas gym, Visioli was suddenly confronted by a familiar face.
It was, of course, Curmel Moton, a 19-year-old prospect whose young career is being guided by none other than Floyd Mayweather.
Visioli and Moton had previously exchanged barbs via social media, giving contrasting accounts of a prior sparring session, but now, the pair finally had the chance to settle their differences in the gym, albeit with their mouths rather than fists.
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Recalling their war of words, Visioli proposed that a slot on the undercard of Mayweather’s rematch with Manny Pacquiao, which takes place on September 19, could offer the best solution, with Moton reportedly fighting on that card either way.
“They definitely found out I was training [at the Top Rank Gym], but he just said a few words and did some sparring.
“When he got out the ring, he was very pumped and just stuck it on me, giving it all this and that. I just kept my cool, giving it back to him, and I loved every moment of it.
“I’ve had the chats with my manager – Eddie Hearn [Visioli’s promoter] wants the fight; [Matchroom CEO] Frank Smith wants the fight – so it’s just on their side, really, if they want to do it on that Manny Pacquiao undercard.
“I think it would build our profiles massively. All the eyes would be on it, especially on a card like that, and I think it’s big enough to be on [the Mayweather-Pacquiao undercard].”
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Regarding Moton’s skills in the ring, it is fair to say that Visioli was not exactly blown away.
“I think it’s way too much hype, because he hasn’t really proven himself in the ring yet.
“He’s just stuck some footage up online of him beating up novices, and that’s how he’s built his name – through viral videos like that.
“That’s why I don’t care if I leak [their sparring] footage, because he’s been doing it for years.
“He’s a good fighter, but there’s levels.”
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While a clash with Moton makes plenty of sense, and may develop into a compelling rivalry, Visioli could equally see himself challenging for British honours later this year.
The Lonsdale Belt at 135lbs is currently held by Louie O’Doherty, another unbeaten operator, and regardless of whether the title remains in his possession or becomes vacant, Visioli believes this to be a natural next step.
“That’s the plan, definitely. I’ve had that chat with my team and we want the British title at the end of the year. That could be against Louie, or he might decide to vacate and push on.”
Clearly, Visioli is not short of options as he continues to progress in the professional game, with many already tipping the promising stylist for world title success.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber could both be available for selection in Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
Odegaard, 27, has endured a difficult 2025-26 season, missing 21 matches across all competitions due to a number of injuries. He is currently recovering from a knee injury, with his last appearance coming as a substitute in a 4-1 Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur last month.
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Timber, on the other hand, has been one of Arsenal’s most important players in the ongoing campaign, registering 11 goal involvements in 43 total outings. After being forced off with an ankle issue in a 2-0 win over Everton, he missed his side’s UEFA Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen earlier this Tuesday.
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During a pre-match press conference, Arteta was asked to shed light on Odegaard and Timber’s injuries and whether the pair will be fit to feature against Manchester City. He replied (h/t GOAL):
“We have another training session (on Saturday), so the ones that are in contention hopefully can give us good news. We have another session, so let’s see if they can make it.”
Opining on his selection headache, the Spaniard added:
“Everybody has been involved in the competition, and on the last day when you have the option to be at Wembley, not to give the opportunity for someone to be there, it’s difficult. So, yes, it’s something to think about.”
Arsenal, who have a nine-point lead over City in the Premier League table, boast a fine head-to-head record against Pep Guardiola’s outfit. They are unbeaten in their last six meetings across all competitions against the Cityzens, winning three.
Arsenal told to keep Martin Odegaard
During a chat with FruityKing, ex-Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar suggested that his former team should not cash in on Martin Odegaard in the near future. He said (h/t Metro):
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“It would be dangerous for Arsenal to sell Martin Odegaard. The other players rely on him so much. The way he shows for the ball and dictates games, who is he taking the pressure off? Declan Rice and that lets Declan Rice do his stuff. He takes the pressure off Martin Zubimendi too.”
Odegaard, whose Gunners contract will run out in June 2028, has scored 42 goals and provided 45 assists in 225 overall outings for the north London outfit so far. He has captained his side to three straight second-place Premier League finishes and one FA Community Shield win.
Kelly Somers: Well, James… good to see you. I always start these interviews by going back to the very beginning. What would a young James Milner have made of what you have achieved – becoming the Premier League all-time record appearance holder?
James Milner: Yeah, I think it’s hard to say. I suppose when you’re that age, you’re just trying to get in the first team, first and foremost… get in and around there and stay in there, and then: ‘What’s the next thing?’ It’s always ‘what’s the next achievement?’ and ‘never rest on your laurels’ sort of thing really. So, yeah, I definitely wouldn’t be thinking too far ahead – never mind 20-odd years ahead and thinking I’d still be playing.
Kelly: Has it all been quite surreal because there’s been so much understandable hype around it… you getting to the record… when you were going to break it and the fact that you have. Has it been quite weird?
Milner: For me, yeah, I’ve obviously been asked about it a lot…
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Kelly: Sorry to add to that list of people asking…
James: No, no… it is obviously a nice thing in terms of people acknowledging that it’s a big number. It’s a lot of games, but I’ve just been concentrating on doing my job for Brighton really, and if I hit the number then great. It wasn’t something that I’m like: ‘Ah, I need to do this’. Everyone else asked lots of questions about it and I think the narrative around it then is like, that’s the only reason why I’m still playing, sort of thing. If you spoke to me, or anyone who knows me, I just want to contribute to my team and keep pushing and helping the club here.
There’s been some really nice tributes and stuff like that. Messages I’ve had obviously, which is… I don’t want to downplay those and sort of seem like it doesn’t matter or anything because obviously it’s so nice and some of the things people have said is fantastic… but, for me, individual stuff is something maybe you look at when you’ve finished. For me, it’s always about the team and just doing your job, and hopefully I can keep doing that.
Kelly: What is your first football memory then?
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James: First football memory would be Leeds United winning the First Division title [in 1991-92] and my dad picking me up in the lounge and throwing me round and saying: ‘Enjoy it – it might never happen again in your lifetime.’ I would have been five at that point.
Kelly: Oh really? So, at that point you knew it was Leeds for life?
James: Yeah, that was the first memory and then we started going to games and stuff after that. I had a season ticket and, yeah, it went from there.
Kelly: What about kicking a ball? Were you kicking it then? Were you showing an interest?
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James: Yeah, I mean maybe. I can’t remember much of it. I remember playing my first ever game for the local team. It was Westbrook Juniors and we lost 16-2 and it was like full-size pitch, full-size goals. You’ve got to bounce back from that score!
Kelly: I love that that’s stuck with you – the actual scoreline… exactly how many you conceded.
James: Yeah, it has. I played a season there and then that team stopped and then the next team I played for was under-12s – I think I was nine. And then I got scouted for Leeds.
Kelly: Which I imagine was the dream, wasn’t it… from your dad lifting you up?
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James: Yeah, it was weird really because until that point as a kid, I’d never really thought about being a footballer. Obviously, you love football and I was playing football, but it never crossed my mind that I could actually do it myself. Yeah, for whatever reason… I mean, you’re nine years old and you’re just being a kid really. So, that was the first time and then going and putting the Leeds training kit on and having a trial and… obviously that was special as a Leeds fan and that was the dream then.
Kelly: Can you remember your first training session at Leeds?
James: I remember my first training session with the reserves. David Batty was one side of me and someone else was on the other and I was like, ‘Oh my God’… like, it’s Batts… legend! And getting over that and then pretty quick, I got sent over to the first team.
I don’t know if someone got sent in or if they needed a number and it was like: ‘Go try him with the first team.’ You don’t have time to think about it when you get involved. I just remember the speed of it. It was like, ‘wow, this is ridiculous’.
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I remember, like, ‘welcome to the first team, kid’ sort of thing. You get tested, you get shouted at if you give the ball away. I remember breaking my nose actually in training. I got a pretty strong tackle from one of the younger players in the first team. I was 16, he was maybe 20. I got kicked in the face on the floor and broke my nose and… that was one of the early days.
You’ve got to toughen up and get on with it, but you know, the senior boys were great… [Danny] Mills and Gary Kelly and Mark Viduka. Alan Smith was, you know, the one I looked up to. He was the guy who’d come through the academy and scored with his first touch at Anfield and done what we all wanted to do.
Leeds‘ academy had been so great over the years, you know… Harry Kewell and [Jonathan] Woodgate, Paul Robinson, Alan Smith… the list goes on.
Looking back now, at 16, having just done my GCSEs and being with the first team, it’s like, ‘phew’ but at the time, you’re just focused and trying to prove that you belong there.
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Kelly: 2002 was quite a big year for you wasn’t it really, with everything? Was it first Premier League goal, Premier League appearance… and you were so young.
James: Yeah, I look back now and you think how young you were. Three, four months before, I’d been doing my GCSEs and my mates were still in sixth form and coming to watch at Elland Road.
Kelly: Can you remember your first goal?
James: Yeah. I think I’d come on early for Harry Kewell maybe. Jason Wilcox whipped it over and I got it at the front post. And then we played two days later at Elland Road – 26th, 28th we played – and, you know, came on early again – someone else got injured – and was lucky enough to score again.
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