David Benavidez is being linked to a host of major names after his latest win, and his father and trainer has dismissed the chances of his son losing to one of those in-demand contenders, believing the fight would not see the third round.

‘The Mexican Monster’ became the unified WBO and WBA cruiserweight world champion by dominating and stopping Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez on Saturday, in one of the performances of the year thus far.

Ever since, Benavidez has had a number of options suggested for what could be next, including a mammoth showdown with Dmitry Bivol, a move up to heavyweight and a potential scrap with Jai Opetaia – deemed to be Benavidez’s biggest cruiserweight threat.

Although, speaking to Mill City Boxing, Jose Benavidez Sr revealed that he is unimpressed by the skills of the Australian, who was stripped of his IBF cruiserweight world title for a second time when he signed with Zuffa Boxing earlier this year.

“Don’t get me wrong, Jai Opetaia is a good fighter, but he doesn’t have a chin. In all of his fights he gets hurt. I don’t think that he has a good jab, I don’t think that he has good defence, I don’t think that he has a good body shot, I don’t think that he has a good uppercut; he is just a good fighter.

“He is a fighter that is disciplined, I see the discipline, I just don’t see that talent.”

Benavidez Sr then went on to lay out his prediction for the contest if it were to go ahead, believing that his son would run through Opetaia ‘in one or two rounds’.

“Everybody thought that the weight of Zurdo and the power was going to be a big difference. Opetaia… I think that David would stop him in one or two rounds.”

It remains to be seen whether the move to Zuffa will prevent Opetaia from fighting contenders that are not signed with Dana White’s promotional outfit, as fan pressure and demand for that bout continues to increase.

Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona successfully defended their La Liga title on Monday after beating/drawing Real Madrid in the final El Clasico of the 2025–26 season at Camp Nou by 2-0.

With this, Barcelona have closed the gap on Real Madrid for the most La Liga titles won. The Culers now have 29 La Liga titles to their name compared to Los Blancos’ 36 titles.

This is also only the second time in La Liga history that the title has been decided during an El Clásico game. Before this, Real Madrid drew 2-2 against Barcelona on the final matchday to win the 1931–32 season of La Liga.

Full list of La Liga winners and runner-ups:

La Liga winners (last five seasons):

FC Barcelona (2025–26)

Barcelona retained their La Liga title in the 2025–26 season after edging out their arch-rivals Real Madrid with three games still to go in the season. Barcelona needed one point to win the title in match 34 against Real Madrid, and they went on to win the game by 2-0.

FC Barcelona (2024–25)

Barcelona returned to the summit of Spanish football by winning the 2024–25 La Liga title with 88 points. The Catalan side produced a consistent campaign built around attacking football and crucial victories in the second half of the season to finish ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid CF, who ended with 84 points. Atlético Madrid secured third place with 76 points after remaining in contention for much of the season before falling behind in the closing weeks.

Real Madrid CF (2023–24)

Real Madrid enjoyed one of their most dominant La Liga campaigns in recent years during the 2023–24 season, finishing with 95 points to comfortably secure the title. Madrid maintained remarkable consistency across both halves of the campaign and created a sizeable gap over second-placed Barcelona, who finished on 85 points. Surprise package Girona FC ended a memorable season in third with 81 points after emerging as one of the league’s most entertaining teams.

FC Barcelona (2022–23)

Barcelona captured the 2022–23 La Liga title with 88 points in a season marked by defensive solidity and consistency. The club regained domestic supremacy after finishing ahead of Real Madrid, who secured second place with 78 points. Atlético Madrid completed the top three with 77 points after a strong finish to the campaign. Barcelona’s ability to grind out narrow victories and maintain one of the best defensive records in Europe proved decisive in their successful title run.

Real Madrid CF (2021–22)

Real Madrid comfortably won the 2021–22 La Liga title after collecting 86 points and staying ahead of the chasing pack for most of the campaign. Led by several match-winning performances throughout the season, Madrid finished 13 points clear of Barcelona, who took second spot with 73 points. Atlético Madrid ended third with 71 points. Real Madrid’s balance between attack and defence helped them control the title race from an early stage.

Barcelona’s dominance in the 21st century

While Real Madrid lead Barcelona in overall La Liga wins, the Culers have completely dominated the Spanish league in the 21st century.

Since 2000, a total of 27 La Liga seasons have been played, out of which Barcelona have won 14 titles. Real Madrid hold the second spot with nine title wins, while Atlético Madrid and Valencia are joint third with two titles each.

The summer isn’t far away for NFL teams, and this go-round, the Minnesota Vikings will have a wee bit of drama. It’s the nature of the beast.

Minicamp starts the process. Training camp will later deliver some answers.

They will have minicamp in June, training camp in July and August, and three preseason games thereafter.

Minnesota’s Summer Questions Start with QB Stability

The suspenseful items around the bend for Minnesota.

1. Will There Be a Real QB Battle?

Minnesota inked Kyler Murray in March, and based on his skill set, resume, and reputation, he should start in Week 1, almost no matter what. Still, the Vikings will advertise a quarterback competition between Murray and J.J. McCarthy, the third-year pro who battled injuries and erratic performance last season.

The dramatic aspect here is whether McCarthy makes this a real fight — or if it just becomes so obvious that Murray is the starter that training camp serves as a coronation.

Some fringe thinkers believe McCarthy could score the upset. If so, training camp will be ultra-suspenseful.

2. Is There Any Malarkey with Christian Darrisaw’s Knee?

Darrisaw is likely on track for Week 1, and while that remains the reasonable expectation, the Vikings need concrete confirmation. “Probably fine” isn’t enough for a franchise left tackle.

Minnesota added some protection two weeks ago by drafting Northwestern tackle Caleb Tiernan in Round 3. This move doesn’t scream panic; instead, it simply provides the Vikings with a fallback plan should Darrisaw’s recovery encounter setbacks or take longer than anticipated.

Darrisaw tore his ACL in late October 2024, and the Vikings shut him down in December 2025 because his recovery wasn’t progressing as hoped.

3. Who Gets Extensions?

One, some, or all of these players can reasonably ask the Vikings’ front office for an extension this summer:

• Jordan Addison (WR)
• Blake Brandel (C)
• Blake Cashman (ILB)
• Jordan Mason (RB)
• Brian O’Neill (RT)
• Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
• Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB)
• Jay Ward (S)

So, we ask, who gets locked down for the long haul?

A to Z Sports‘ Tyler Forness noted on O’Neill in March, “O’Neill has been a very solid player for the Vikings in his nine seasons, but the extension will start in his age 33 season, which is going to somewhat limit what he gets. Plus, it’s highly unlikely that O’Neill gets paid more than his teammate, Christian Darrisaw, who is the seventh-highest-paid offensive tackle.”

“Looking at the top right tackle contracts, which is how O’Neill will be judged with his extension, it’s very likely he will be a top-five paid right tackle. Will he be paid more than Lane Johnson, who is being paid an average of $25 million? I doubt it, especially since O’Neill isn’t better than Johnson, who might be the best offensive tackle to have ever played football.”

4. Harrison Smith, in General

For about four months, Vikings fans have pondered a single question: Will Harrison Smith stay, or will he go?

With May’s arrival, the conversation has shifted. Now, the fundamental question is whether Smith will come back. The prolonged silence makes it easy to wonder if he’s already gone for good.

The Vikings did add Miami safety Jakobe Thomas in Round 3 of the draft, but that acquisition didn’t feel like a direct replacement for Smith. While Minnesota passed on other notable safeties — including Dillon Thieneman, whom many expected to be the Vikings’ pick, and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren — the draft didn’t yield a definitive successor. This suggests that if Smith was indeed waiting to see the Vikings’ draft moves, no one definitively stepped in to claim his job.

Many likely assumed Smith would have retired by now if that had been his plan this offseason. However, Smith has previously quipped that his retirement would go unnoticed, precisely because he wouldn’t make a grand announcement.

Perhaps that quiet departure is unfolding right before everyone’s eyes.

5. Caleb Banks and His Foot

The best-case scenario is that Banks will be fully cleared by training camp, ready for a usual summer workload.

Conversely, the Vikings might exercise extreme caution with him, a move that wouldn’t surprise anyone. Minnesota is known for its cautious approach to injuries, particularly with players in whom they have a significant investment, and Banks certainly fits that description.

His draft stock plummeted after he broke his foot at the NFL Combine. Foot injuries are a major concern for teams, especially with large offensive and defensive linemen, causing Banks to go from a projected 1st-Round lock to a ‘maybe Round 2’ prospect almost overnight.

The Vikings, however, remained unfazed, selecting Banks in Round 1 just two weeks ago and betting that the injury would not be a significant long-term issue. It’s a ginormous bet for a team that hasn’t drafted well in the last half-decade.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Barcelona secured their 29th Spanish league title after beating Real Madrid 2-0 in the Clasico on Sunday.

Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres struck in the first half to help Hansi Flick’s side clinch La Liga in consecutive years, while consigning Madrid to a trophyless season.

Barca moved an unassailable 14 points clear of second-placed Los Blancos with three matches remaining.

This was only the second time the outcome of La Liga has been decided directly by the result of a Clasico, with record 36-time champions Real Madrid winning their first title in 1932 after a draw with Barca.

Madrid arrived at the match embroiled in chaos, after midfielder Fede Valverde was ruled out with a head injury following a training-ground scuffle with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni, who started.

Barca coach Flick received bad news before the game, with his father passing away, but took his place on the touchline regardless, to oversee his side’s comfortable triumph.

The German opted for the energetic Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, on the right wing in place of injured teenage star Lamine Yamal.

Read moreBarcelona’s Yamal ‘expected’ to be fit for World Cup despite season-ending injury

The Catalans, who only needed to avoid defeat, came out with their eyes firmly locked on the prize, racing into a two-goal lead inside 18 minutes.

Rashford opened the scoring with a superb free-kick, whipping the ball into the top left corner from a position 20 yards out, right of centre.

Torres doubled the hosts’ advantage at a jubilant Camp Nou, the 62,000-strong crowd enjoying the first Clasico back there since the stadium was reopened.

Dani Olmo produced a clever backheel to allow Torres to burst into the box and ram past Thibaut Courtois.

Gonzalo Garcia, playing in place of injured Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, prodded narrowly wide after racing in behind Barca’s high defensive line.

Stem the bleeding

Urged on by coach Alvaro Arbeloa on the touchline, unlikely to be at the helm next season, Madrid battled to stem the bleeding.

Rashford could have added a third before the break but fired wide, with Fermin Lopez unmarked and well placed to finish.

Torres should have struck early in the second half but Courtois saved from the Spain international as he ran through.

Read moreNo final for French club Strasbourg as Rayo Vallecano end their European journey

Jude Bellingham put the ball in Barcelona’s net but the goal was ruled out for offside, while Joan Garcia thwarted Vinicius Junior as Madrid threatened.

Barca fans batted inflatable beach balls around to taunt the Brazilian over his unfulfilled Ballon d’Or ambitions, and lapped up the party atmosphere.

Courtois saved from substitutes Raphinha, back after injury, and Robert Lewandowski as Madrid saw out the remainder of the match without taking further damage.

Flick’s side remains on course to match the record of 100 points in a league season and can win all their home matches if they defeat Real Betis in the one remaining.

Meanwhile Madrid finish a second consecutive season without a major trophy, staring down the barrel of a summer reshuffle, including former coach Jose Mourinho being linked with a potential return.

What is clear is that for now president Florentino Perez cannot seem to find the solution to end Flick’s and Barca’s domestic domination.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Marcus Rashford’s excellent goal helped Barcelona beat Real Madrid to win the La Liga title against their biggest rivals at Camp Nou

Marcus Rashford helped fire Barcelona to the La Liga title as the Catalan giants secured the championship with an El Clasico win over Real Madrid. Rashford scored an outstanding free-kick to hand Barca the lead at Camp Nou after just nine minutes.

The forward, on loan from Manchester United, has grabbed a title-winning moment in what has been a successful spell in Spain. Having fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim as United finished 15th last season, Rashford has been rejuvenated by his move to Catalonia and marked his stay by lifting a trophy.

There can be few more memorable moments than recording such a win against your biggest rivals. While Los Blancos have seen incidents of infighting heading into the clash, Barcelona have remained focused on claiming their win and coasted to victory on Sunday evening.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Former Manchester City star Ferran Torres doubled Barca’s lead to help Rashford’s dreams come true. The United academy product had a plan upon joining the club last summer that was successfully completed.

“I want to win the biggest trophies and feel like Barcelona is a huge club in the football world so it is the perfect place,” Rashford said at his official unveiling. “You see, with the team last season, they have a young, ambitious team, and I want to add my qualities, my personality, improve the team and help them win.”

Rashford was mobbed by his team after netting against Real Madrid, and his celebrations took him towards the dugout of Hansi Flick. The 28-year-old has always been clear that he would like to extend his stay in Barcelona.

The La Liga champions have the opportunity to make his stay permanent for £26 million, though whether that move will go through appears to still be up in the air. Barcelona could yet prioritise other moves as they target the likes of Julian Alvarez.

Rashford has recorded 14 goals and 14 assists in 47 outings during his stay with the Catalan side and has impressed boss Hansi Flick. Barca could yet be interested in a cheaper transfer or another loan, with Rashford’s salary proving problematic.

But last month, it was reported that Rashford has ‘zero plans’ for his future beyond continuing with Barcelona. The player was said to be ‘settled and valued in a squad he considers the best in the world’, and that seems unlikely to have changed after tonight’s antics.

Rashford is also said to be willing to reduce his salary by almost half, and tonight’s iconic impact could also tug on the heartstrings of those keen to see him extend his stay. Regardless, his outing will be good news for Manchester United.

His impact could boost his chances of Barca activating their option to sign him permanently, and if not, he has certainly put himself in the shop window. A year on from not being involved with United’s squad, he has had a full season of making an impact that could boost any transfer fee his parent club can achieve.

The only remaining drawback is that Rashford has just a year left on his contract.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Alex Fitzpatrick’s hopes of a first individual win on the PGA Tour were dashed as Kristoffer Reitan claimed a maiden victory at the Truist Championship on Sunday.

England’s Fitzpatrick went into the final round with a one-shot lead over Reitan but his Norwegian rival secured a two-shot victory at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The 28-year-old fired a two-under round of 69 to reach 15 under overall, with Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard and American Rickie Fowler tied for second.

Fitzpatrick was a shot further back after a round of 73, which began with a bogey and double bogey inside his first three holes.

The 27-year-old recovered to level par with his fourth birdie on the 13th hole, giving him a share of the lead.

There was a four-way tie at the top of the leaderboard on the back nine but while others faltered, Reitan stayed steady to win on only his 15th PGA start.

Fitzpatrick won the Zurich Classic with his older brother Matt last month, which earned him a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

He then finished in the top 10 at the Cadillac Championship and was one stroke behind Reitan before his second double bogey of the day on the par-three 17th.

Compatriot Tommy Fleetwood finished in a tie for fifth on 11 under after closing with a two-under 69.

Fitzpatrick, the world number 120, told Sky Sports: “It’s still very surreal [to be in contention]. It’s crazy to feel disappointed but I still am.

“I’m happy for Kris, he deserves it, and hopefully it’ll be mine another time.”

World number four Matt Fitzpatrick finished on one-over after a final round 72 while Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy bounced back from a 75 on Saturday to finish with a 67 on five under.

After losing his undisputed super-middleweight crown, Canelo Alvarez is set to jump back into an immediate title challenge against newly crowned WBC ruler Christian Mbilli, and Devin Haney has shared his thoughts on how he thinks the bout will play out.

Canelo became a two-time undisputed 168lb champion last May, but then lost all of his titles to Terence Crawford four months later, in the standout fight of the 2025 boxing calendar.

Alvarez suffered an injury in that contest and has been sidelined ever since, with Cameroon-born Christian Mbilli the opponent upon his return, after ‘Solide’ was elevated to WBC world champion earlier this year.

Speaking to Inside The Ring, Haney explained why he believes Mbilli is ‘tailor-made’ for the Mexican superstar and will prove to be ‘no test’ for Mexico’s four-division world champion.

“I think that he is a guy who is going to come forward and he is going to be right there for Canelo to let off and do his typical things.

“I think it will be easy, he is tailor made for Canelo. He [Mbilli] stands right there in front of you.

“Even if Canelo has slipped a bit, I don’t think that Mbilli would be the one to exploit that. I think that it is a tailor made fight for Canelo to go in there and look good and look like he is back and he’s reincarnated. I don’t think Mbilli will test him at all.”

Alvarez vs. Mbilli is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.