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Tre Jones helps Bulls beat Wizards for second time in 3 days

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NBA: Chicago Bulls at Washington WizardsApr 9, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) and Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) defend in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Tre Jones scored 31 points, Collin Sexton had 27 and Leonard Miller recorded a career-high 26, fueling the visiting Chicago Bulls to a 119-108 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday.

Jones sank 9 of 14 shots from the floor and all 12 of his attempts from the free-throw line for the Bulls (31-49), who rode a strong finish to the third quarter en route to defeating the Wizards for the second time in three days. Chicago snapped a seven-game losing skid with a 129-98 victory over Washington on Tuesday.

Miller, who made 11 of 14 shots from the floor, added 11 rebounds to record his second double-double in three games.

The Bulls enjoyed a 68-50 edge in points in the paint and 26-18 advantage in fast-break points.

Washington rookie Will Riley collected 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and Julian Reese recorded 16 points and 15 boards.

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Leaky Black and Anthony Gill each scored 14 points for the undermanned Wizards (17-63), who dressed the league-minimum eight players on Thursday. The end result essentially was the same for Washington, which lost for the 24th time in 25 games.

Jamir Watkins drained a 3-pointer to pull Washington within one at 71-70 with 4:03 remaining in the third before Chicago ignited a 16-4 run to end the quarter. The Bulls made three straight layups to start the surge, and Jones capped it after converting at the rim following a behind-the-back pass from Rob Dillingham.

The Wizards trimmed their deficit to 10 points at 103-93 with 6:25 to play in the fourth quarter after Justin Champagnie drained a 3-pointer to cap a 7-0 run.

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Sexton’s layup halted that surge, and the Bulls kept the Wizards at bay before Patrick Williams sank a 3-pointer to increase the lead to 117-98.

Prior to the game, Wizards coach Brian Keefe announced forward Alex Sarr is likely done for the season because of a toe injury,

Chicago’s Guerschon Yabusele sustained a sprained left shoulder in the third quarter and did not return to the game.

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–Field Level Media

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10 years ago, Jordan Spieth exited the Masters crushed. And with 1 lesson

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AUGUSTA. Ga. — Jordan Spieth swings. And Michael Greller screams. 

“Forrrre leeeeft!” 

And you salivate. The caddie’s two words — or their siblings, forrrre riiiight — now have a Pavlovian effect. When Spieth goes wayward with shots, you froth — because here comes a Spiethian treat, more often than not, so to the right of Augusta National’s 18th hole you must go, where, under a dozen or so thick tree branches, Spieth’s tee ball ended up. 

Spieth called for a rules official. Of course he did. “I just was curious as to how I could back in,” he said. “Like it’s supposed to be path of least resistance.” He pretzeled himself over the ball. Of course he did. He worked a punch shot back to the fairway. He dropped an iron to 10 feet right of the hole. 

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He somehow parred. Or course, he did. Spieth Spiethed. After day one of the Masters, he was at even par, and five back of the lead. “I did well to get it out in the fairway, and frankly I don’t know how many people in the world make a four from that tee ball,” Spieth said. “So that was — I’m walking off with a smile on my face. I’m happier than you walk off bogeying to shoot one-under … and it’s funny how the game works, right?”

Right?

A decade ago, that was the thought, too, if you were thinking kindly. In 2015, at the age of 21, Spieth was your Masters winner. In 2016, after 63 of 72 holes, he was your Masters leader by five. And he finished three behind winner Danny Willett. And he hasn’t won here since.

Late Thursday afternoon, he reflected on some of that. There have been years of other near-misses. But 2016 is “up there with memorable tournaments for me, good and bad,” Spieth said. The large lead. The large lost lead. The opportunity to repeat. The current search for a second Masters win. But he said he felt he exited with something more than a seemingly awkward moment of fitting Willett into the green jacket. 

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“I was super resilient,” he said in front of a couple of reporters. 

“It’s certainly gone both ways for me here, so stay within arm’s reach and try to make it go my way.”

If anything, it’s what made him charming over the past 10 years. There was some of that on Thursday. He was two-under through Amen Corner, then bogeyed the 14th hole, after his tee ball finished up against a tree, and the 15th hole, on a three-putt from 30 feet. But then came that par on 18.  

“What I’ve learned the last 10 years,” Spieth said, “is a lot — anything can happen.”

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This year, the results have been mixed. Eight starts. Just one missed cut. Five finishes in the top 30. But zero wins. He’s talked often of how things have felt right, but the scores haven’t reflected that, and Thursday was more of the same. The bogey on 15 was an example. 

In the par-5’s right greenside bunker after two shots. Made a bogey six. 

“Just I don’t take four to get in from a greenside bunker on 15 very often,” Spieth said. “You know, just had a lie that I thought it was going to come out super fast and didn’t. And then I was — I wasn’t tentative on the greens. I just thought they were quicker and I left a number of putts short. You can’t leave the five-footers downhill for your par putts if you can get it below the hole.

“So I made kind of a couple mistakes in that regard. Got away with one or two and didn’t on 15. That’s the kind of stuff that’s been happening. I’m in position to make birdie and walk off with a six on a random hole. Give me a dozen balls in there I probably make birdie on 10 and make bogey on one and par on the other, you know what I mean?

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“I feel good about it. It’s like close to clicking and it just didn’t quite click today.”

But maybe Friday. He’ll be back again. 

Funny how the game works, right?

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“Don’t See Cameron Green At KKR For Long”: Rs 25.2 Crore Star Trolled For Expensive Spell vs LSG

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Cameron Green finally rolled his arm over for Kolkata Knight Riders but failed to get the desired outcome from their IPL 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens on Thursday. The right-arm fast bowler started with a 12-run over that also included the wicket of Rishabh Pant, but followed it with an extremely poor one. When Green came in to bowl his second over, LSG needed 30 runs to win off the final 12 balls. He was smashed by Mukul Choudhary for two sixes and a four, leaking a total of 16 runs.

The Rs 25.2 crore KKR star was already under the scanner over his poor batting form, and his bowling struggles only added to the trouble. With the bat, Green has scored 56 runs at an average of 18.67 in four matches in IPL 2026. As he struggled with the ball too, fans on social media criticised and trolled him.

Check out some of the reactions:

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Mukul Choudhary was the star of the night as he scored an unbeaten 54 off 27 balls to guide LSG to a last-ball victory over KKR in the match. He smashed two fours and seven sixes.

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KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane backed his bowlers while praising LSG’s Choudhary after the game.

“For them (LSG), it was nothing to lose. Two overs, 30 runs to win. Every ball, it was about swinging. And I thought, as I said, he was really brave to play those shots. There were some brilliant shots. I thought there were a couple of brilliant deliveries (bowled), but the way he batted was amazing. Probably in the fielding, I’d say a couple of misfields, but apart from that, I thought our bowlers did a brilliant job,” the KKR skipper said after the game.

“When you lose a game, you can easily think about things we could have done better. I thought 180-185 was a very good total on this wicket. It wasn’t easy to play big shots. Slow balls were stopping; it was hard to hit. But in the end, I thought, let’s give credit to the batter, the way he (Mukul) batted,” Rahane added.


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Canucks Takeaways: Stronger effort still results in loss to Kings

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Out of the National Hockey League playoff race for months, the Vancouver Canucks continue to be formidable “spoilers.”

On Thursday, they spoiled the Nashville Predators’ wild-card chances by losing 4-1 to the Los Angeles Kings. Impacting the race at the top of the Pacific Division, the Canucks hurt the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks by losing twice in nine days to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Before that, the Canucks dealt a setback to the San Jose Sharks by losing to the Kings, and the Winnipeg Jets by losing to the St. Louis Blues.

At the most critical stage of the NHL playoffs races, the Canucks have lost nine out of 10 games in regulation and the only game they won hurt no none — because it was irrelevant to the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche.

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The Canucks haven’t exactly fulfilled the spoiler role they envisioned for themselves. They are 7-30-5 since peaking at two games under .500 on Dec. 20.

It’s not for lack of trying.

At the embryonic stage of their rebuild, the Canucks just aren’t good enough. They played a far better game Thursday in their three-goal loss against the Kings than they did in their 11-shot, one-goal loss to the Knights on Tuesday.

The Canucks pressed the Kings for stretches, and especially in the second period, generated offensive-zone time with their forecheck, put 25 pucks on Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg, outhit their heavy opponents 21-19 and out-attempted them 57-50.

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But the Canucks haven’t the talent to outscore their mistakes, and haven’t the experience to prevent them. Marcus Pettersson scored the only Vancouver goal on a shot-pass that caromed in off Los Angeles defenceman Brian Dumoulin.

A step ahead of Linus Karlsson, Adrian Kempe was open in the Vancouver slot to open scoring, Joel Armia made it 2-1 for Los Angeles with an unscreened wrist shot from the high slot after a turnover by Jake DeBrusk, before Kempe and Trevor Moore scored on deflections.

The victory moved the Kings back into the Western Conference’s final wild-card spot, one point ahead of Nashville, three ahead of Winnipeg and four up on San Jose. 

Among their four games remaining, the Kings get to play the Canucks for the third time in less than three weeks in Vancouver’s final home game on Tuesday.

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In the meantime, the Canucks will visit the Sharks and Ducks in back-to-back road games starting Saturday.

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With a 7:39 pm puck drop, and overwhelming evidence about which way the game was going, referees Kelly Sutherland and Brandon Schrader worked a power-play free contest. There were a few things they could have called (see item below) besides offsetting minors to Elias Pettersson (Junior) and Jeff Malott, but at least the game ended in less than 2 ½ hours. 

Easily the most positive aspect of the Canucks’ game was the growing confidence rookie defenceman Zeev Buium exhibited in the offensive zone. The 20-year-old was a one-on-one handful for Kings checkers, using his edges and tight turns to spin away with the puck and create space for himself. He could have drawn a couple of penalties, especially in the second period when Kempe got his stick between Buium’s legs and knocked him down as the Canuck was sidestepping him inside the Los Angeles blue line. Sutherland spent the next television timeout explaining his non-call to Vancouver coach Adam Foote.

Buium’s forays still generally lack endings — sharp passes or superior scoring chances — but his willingness and ability to challenge players with the puck is an excellent sign for  someone who will be expected to drive the Canucks’ attack a couple of seasons from now.

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Sportsnet’s cameras caught veteran defenceman Filip Hronek, iPad in hand, apparently upbraiding his young defence partner at the Canuck bench after Artemi Panarin easily split the defenders to force a strong save from Tolopilo early in the second period. Whatever the discussion was about, we can confirm that Buium, like half of Vancouver’s young lineup, still has a lot to learn about defending at the NHL level.

On a night when the Kings clobbered the Canucks in the faceoff circle and top Vancouver centre Elias Pettersson went 4-14, it’s easy to see why second-year centre Aatu Raty’s short-term NHL future is connected to the dots.

Although he was 7-10 in L.A., the 23-year-old is fourth in the NHL with a 61.3 per cent win rate on faceoffs among players who have taken at least 300 draws. The three guys ahead of him, Claude Giroux, J.T. Miller and Jonathan Toews, have combined for 3,423 NHL games. Raty has played 110.

Despite his limitations offensively and defensive misreads at times, Raty is already being relied on late in games to win the Canucks the puck. Raty also leads the current Canucks with 159 hits. So, he’s big (6-2, 205 pounds), physical and wins a lot of faceoffs. Players have built careers with less.

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Adam Foote to reporters in Los Angeles: “The second period was probably one of our best second periods of the last 30 games. We were great on the forecheck and spent more time in their zone than they did in our zone, and we just had two guys go to the same spot in our end (on Kempe’s goal that made it 3-1) and then they got one. So it was hard to come back.”

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The Top 3 Vikings Draft Trades of the Last 20 Years

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Vikings safety Harrison Smith in Mankato as a rookie in the summer of 2012
Jul 27, 2012; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) leaves the first day of training camp at Blakeslee Stadium at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE

Some credible reports this week suggested that the 2026 NFL Draft will feature more trades than usual, so we decided it was time for a VikingsTerritory refresher on draft-night trades.

A few Minnesota draft deals aged extremely well once the picks turned into long-term starters.

The Vikings actually fired the guy who traded like a fiend in late January, but interim boss Rob Brzezinski has been around the franchise long enough — 27 years — to finagle some deals of his own.

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Robison, Griffen, and Smith Turned Trade Capital Into Defensive Cornerstones

The NFL draft is the most popular forum in sports for all trades. The following is a list of the Vikings’ three best trades during the draft since 2006, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = top draft-night deal).

Brian Robison celebrates during a Vikings playoff game against the Saints. Vikings draft trades.
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) reacts after a key play during the NFC Divisional Playoff against the New Orleans Saints, bringing energy to the home crowd Jan 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the Vikings pushed through a dramatic postseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3. The 2007 Deal for DE Brian Robison

The Trade —
a 2007 4th-Rounder and 6th-Rounder
to TB
for a 2007 4th-Rounder

Trade Aftermath —
Buccaneers Received: DB Tanard Jackson and LB Adam Hayward
Vikings Received: DE Brian Robison

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The Vikings moved up four spots in the draft for the cost of a 6th-Round pick and ended up with Brian Robison for 11 seasons. Jackson and Hayward stuck around the league for a bit, but neither came close to matching Robison’s output.

Robison later held down a starting job from 2011 to 2016 in Minnesota and piled up 60 sacks. Every snap of his NFL career came in Minnesota.

2. The 2010 Deal for DE Everson Griffen

The Trade —
a 2010 1st-Rounder and 4th-Rounder
to DET
for a 2010 2nd-Rounder, 4th-Rounder, and 7th-Rounder

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Trade Aftermath —
Lions Received: RB Jahvid Best and OL Jason Fox
Vikings Received: DB Chris Cook, DE Everson Griffen, and TE Mickey Shuler

Jahvid Best’s semi-productive stint with the Lions and Fox’s limited role (three starts) were just the beginning. The Vikings initially hoped Chris Cook would be the key acquisition in that trade, but the true value emerged later. When Mike Zimmer became head coach in 2014, Everson Griffen blossomed into a Pro Bowl-caliber player and ultimately became the defining piece of the exchange.

Everson Griffen during player introductions before a Vikings game. Vikings draft trades.
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) stands during pregame introductions ahead of a matchup with the Green Bay Packers, soaking in the atmosphere Nov 25, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the veteran pass rusher prepared to anchor the defensive front. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports

Meanwhile, Shuler never played a game for Minnesota, and Cook remained a low-impact backup. This trade down worked for Minnesota, as Griffen compiled four Pro Bowls with the Vikings.

1. The 2012 Deal for S Harrison Smith

The Trade —
a 2012 2nd-Rounder and 4th-Rounder
to BAL
for a 2012 1st-Rounder

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Trade Aftermath —
Ravens Received: OLB Courtney Upshaw and G Gino Gradkowski
Vikings Received: S Harrison Smith

After trading up six spots to re-enter the 1st Round and draft Smith, Minnesota saw an immediate return on their investment. Smith quickly solidified the secondary and has been a mainstay of the Vikings’ defense for 14 seasons. He’s forged a Hall of Fame resume, featuring longevity and staying where his feet were planted.

Although both Upshaw and Gradkowski played in Baltimore, neither received a second contract.

Smith, meanwhile, may or may not return in 2026. The Vikings technically cut him last month, though he has a rather binary decision to return for Year No. 15 or retire.

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Star Tribune‘s Andrew Krammer wrote about Smith’s future and the Vikings’ budding safety need last month, “Safety Harrison Smith was celebrated in the finale of his 14th Vikings season as if it were the end. But nothing is official yet. If he’s released, the team will likely use a salary cap lever to free up a marginal amount of room.”

“Smith’s contract is scheduled to void, and releasing him with a post-June 1 designation, a maneuver that defers $7.6 million in remaining cap charges to 2027, frees an additional $1.3 million, according to OverTheCap.com. Smith’s absence would leave a massive hole on the roster.”

Since Krammer’s musings, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman has morphed into the Vikings’ keynote draft darling.

Harrison Smith lines up on defense during a preseason game against the Chargers. Vikings draft trades
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Harrison Smith (22) lines up during preseason action against the San Diego Chargers, showing early-career positioning and awareness Aug 24, 2012 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a tightly contested game that ended with a 12-10 Chargers victory. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Krammer added, “Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski’s shopping list this month may include a starting safety, of which there are many intriguing pending free agents. This seems like a good year to need help. The Vikings could use a centerfield type to cover deep zones in a way they weren’t able to quickly replicate when safety Cam Bynum got paid by Indianapolis last year.”

“Safety Josh Metellus rightfully got paid as a do-it-all defender, but he’s not at his best when backpedaling. Safety Theo Jackson’s role diminished under coordinator Brian Flores, who started giving late-season looks to safety Jay Ward.”

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The Vikings could add to the draft-night trade list in two weeks, as draft pundits expect the event to feature more trades than usual. For example, Minnesota, equipped with the 18th overall pick, could swing a deal with the Miami Dolphins, obtaining the 30th overall pick and two 3rd-Rounders, which would balance on most trade calculators.

Smith wins the trade list. Six Pro Bowls speak for themselves. All with the same franchise.


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Manny Pacquiao takes over Floyd Mayweather gym as rematch dispute intensifies

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Manny Pacquiao has made a powerful statement without uttering a single word, as he prepares for a highly anticipated rematch against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The boxing legend’s new Hollywood gym, once associated with his rival, is now being rebranded as ‘Pacquiao Prime Boxing’ and is set to open this summer. Inside, a large image of Mayweather is slated for removal, symbolizing a new era.

It comes as Pacquiao and Mayweather are scheduled to face off again on September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The bout marks more than a decade since their record-breaking encounter in 2015.

However, the nature of the upcoming fight has become a point of contention, with Mayweather characterizing it as an exhibition, while Pacquiao insists on the terms he agreed to. Representatives for Mayweather have not responded to requests for comment.

“He knows what he signed,” Pacquiao, 47, said in an interview this week.

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For the Filipino boxer, who ended a four-year retirement last year, the issue is one of principle. The undefeated Mayweather, 49, is returning to the ring nine years after his own retirement.

Pacquiao added: “Dignity. Integrity. That’s what matters.”

Manny Pacquiao poses while touring
Manny Pacquiao poses while touring “Pacquiao Prime Boxing,” his newly acquired gym in Hollywood (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Three different agreements

Behind the scenes, the focus has shifted from how the fight is being described to how it moves forward.

Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions and a producer on the event, said the bout is anchored by multiple signed agreements, and that those terms remain clear. He said Mayweather was well aware.

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“Not one, not two, but three different agreements,” Mathur said. “He signed all of them.”

According to Mathur, those agreements outline a professional fight, not an exhibition, and include financial commitments already in motion. His comments come amid broader questions surrounding Mayweather’s plans, including previously reported bouts with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and against kickboxer Mike Zambidis — which could complicate the agreement.

“He took an advance on his purse,” Mathur said. “Everything is black and white.”

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Mathur described the situation as a breach of contract, pointing to public comments that differ from the signed terms. He added that the matter is now being handled through legal channels as both sides work toward a resolution.

“There are consequences that come with that,” Mathur said.

Pacquiao says the upcoming bout is about dignity
Pacquiao says the upcoming bout is about dignity (AP)

Pacquiao’s focus remains steady. But for him, the situation comes down to clarity and commitment.

“What we signed is a real fight,” he said. “I know that he knows what he signed. … We signed both, and I hope he honors it.”

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’He’s a chicken’

When asked what it would signal if the bout does not move forward as planned, Mathur did not hesitate.

“He’s a chicken,” he said.

Standing beside him, Pacquiao responded in his own way, letting out a brief “bawk, bawk, bawk” while flapping his arms, drawing laughter from both.

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Beyond the immediate stakes of the fight, Pacquiao also addressed the broader conversation surrounding legacy, including how greatness is defined in boxing. It’s a discussion that has long included both him and Mayweather.

“I don’t even claim myself as the greatest,” said Pacquiao, who noted he’s the only fighter to win titles across four decades. “I let the people say who is the greatest.”

Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, left, and boxer Manny Pacquiao tour the new
Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, left, and boxer Manny Pacquiao tour the new “Pacquiao Prime Boxing” gym (AP)

Why take over Mayweather’s gym?

Taking over a space once associated with Mayweather, especially in the lead-up to a high-profile rematch, carries a natural layer of symbolism. But Pacquiao and his team framed the decision through a different lens.

While standing in front of Mayweather’s image — one that will soon be replaced — Pacquiao described a new direction for the space as one centered on performance rather than accessibility.

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The facility will operate as a private training center for professional fighters, athletes and select guests. There are plans to expand the model across major markets.

Mathur pointed to location and visibility as key drivers behind the decision, noting the volume of daily traffic through the Hollywood corridor. At the same time, he suggested the opportunity reflects a broader shift in approach tied to the previous business connected to Mayweather’s brand.

“There was a chance to build something much bigger,” Mathur said. “We’re looking at this differently.”

Pacquiao said he wants to create opportunities for the next generation of fighters while expanding his footprint in the sport.

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“This is our passion,” he said. “To build more boxing gyms and help develop fighters.”

Pacquiao says he wants to build more boxing gy
Pacquiao says he wants to build more boxing gy (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Building beyond the ring

Beyond the fight, Pacquiao and his team are building with a broader vision in mind.

From fighter development under Manny Pacquiao Promotions to new training hubs through the Hollywood gym, the focus extends well past the ring.

Mathur, who partners with Pacquiao across multiple ventures, described a strategy centered on long-term growth, including efforts to bring Pacquiao’s established business footprint from Asia into the United States and beyond.

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“Manny is actively involved,” Mathur said. “This is about building something bigger.”

That vision also includes ventures in financial technology, highlighted by Manny Pay — a digital wallet platform the team is working to expand internationally — along with media and consumer products tied to Pacquiao’s global reach.

In a space being rebuilt for what comes next, Pacquiao is moving forward with focus. He said the balance between business and boxing remains clear.

“Both,” he said, when asked what drives him now. “We’re focused on this fight, and building our own businesses.”

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Xander Bogaerts hits a walk-off grand slam in the 12th as Padres top Rockies

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SAN DIEGO — Xander Bogaerts hit a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 12th inning and the San Diego Padres snapped the Colorado Rockies‘ four-game winning streak with a 7-3 victory on Thursday night.

Bogaerts sent a 1-0 pitch from Valente Bellozo (0-1) out to left field for his ninth career grand slam and his second with the Padres.

Fernando Tatis Jr. laid down a sacrifice bunt to begin the 12th, moving automatic runner Jake Cronenworth to third. Bellozo intentionally walked Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado to load the bases before Bogaerts’ shot.

David Morgan (1-0) retired all five batters he faced to get the win after coming in with two on and one out in the 11th.

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Cronenworth threw out Willi Castro at home on a grounder to second base to keep the Rockies from scoring in the 12th. Castro went 0 for 5 with five strikeouts.

Brett Sullivan had an RBI double in the 11th to give the Rockies a 3-2 lead, but Luis Campusano tied it with a two-out double.

Tyler Freeman’s RBI single gave Colorado a 2-1 lead in the 10th before Machado tied it with a sac fly.

Brenton Doyle hit a one-out solo shot to centre field off Randy Vásquez for his first home run of the season and a 1-0 Rockies’ lead in the third. Vásquez allowed one run on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings, striking out eight.

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Tatis tied it 1-1 with a sacrifice fly in the Padres’ third.

Hunter Goodman left with a laceration on his right middle finger after he was hit by a Vásquez pitch leading off the sixth.

Padres closer Mason Miller needed 10 pitches to strike out the side in the ninth, running his scoreless innings streak to 27 2/3 innings dating to last season. The right-hander has 58 strikeouts and only five hits allowed during the run.

Chase Dollander surrendered one run on four hits in 4 1/3 innings for Colorado after Jimmy Herget opened with a 1-2-3 first.

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Rockies RHP Tomoyuki Sugano (1-0, 1.69) starts Friday opposite Padres RHP Walker Buehler (0-1, 9.45).

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Mouat leads Northern to sweep of Typhoon in curling’s Rock League

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Northern United rebounded from being on the wrong side of the first sweep in Rock League history with a sweep of its own in a win over the Typhoon Curling Club on Thursday afternoon.

A day after getting swept by Alpine Curling Club, Bruce Mouat’s Northern team improved to 3-1 in the league’s inaugural event.

Mouat led Northern’s men to a 10-4 win over Typhoon’s Niklas Edin.

Kristin Skaslien and Yannick Schwaller downed Tori Koana and Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi 8-5 in mixed doubles action, and Isabella Wrana’s women’s team won a draw shot challenge shootout after finishing tied 6-6 with Anna Hasselborg after seven ends.

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The victory gave Northern 3.5 points and a short time atop the standings. Team Alpine (3-1, 3.5 points) went back in front thanks to a 2-1 victory over Maple United (1-3, one point) in Thursday’s late game.

Earlier, Brad Jacobs and the Shield Curling Club beat the Frontier Curling Club 2-1. Shield improved to 2-2 with two points, while Frontier had a 1-3 record and one point.

Teams get one point for a win, plus an extra half-point for a sweep.

The inaugural event at Toronto’s Mattamy Athletic Centre runs until Sunday. The competition offers US$250,000 in prize money, with $100,000 going to the winning team.

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Behind the scenes at Manchester United’s training camp – watching Real Madrid, head tennis and Westlife

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Man Utd have spent three days training in Ireland this week as they look to set up a strong finish to the Premier League season. This is the story of the camp.

They had a split-screen set up in the Manchester United team room at the opulent Carton House on Tuesday night. On one TV, Manchester United Under-21s were taking on their Real Madrid counterparts in the quarter-final of the Premier League International Cup.

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Had Michael Carrick and his staff not been in County Kildare, they would have been at Old Trafford, casting an eye over some of the club’s talented youngsters as they underwent a technical test of the kind they don’t often face domestically.

Being across the Irish Sea wasn’t going to stop Carrick from continuing his support of the club’s academy, and staff made sure that MUTV was on after dinner on Tuesday, allowing those who wanted to watch United’s youngsters lose a good game 4-2 in extra-time.

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But that wasn’t the only entertainment available on Tuesday night. On the other screen, and attracting plenty of interest from players desperate to return to this stage themselves, was the Champions League quarter-final between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. A battle between European heavyweights and an open, end-to-end classic that looked nothing like some of the fare served up in the Premier League this season.

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You can understand those players keen to watch that game. It is where United want to be themselves and this three-day jaunt to Ireland was about setting them up for one final push. A run of 23 points from a possible 30 under Carrick has moved United into third and they look on course to return to Europe’s blue-riband competition.

This was also a chance for the players to regroup after two weeks apart. The media were granted access to the first 15 minutes of the week’s first training session, and it was noticeable how buoyant the atmosphere was. The togetherness in the squad was noted by staff who saw them together at close quarters, and one felt it was a “nice reminder” of how tight-knit the players had become.

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They trained on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning on the pristine pitches at Carton House, and were put through punishing gym sessions after being granted time off during the long break between fixtures. At times, the staff couldn’t drag the players off the training pitch, with the head tennis net proving a popular addition. Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha were declared the champions at the end of the week.

It wasn’t all work for the players, either. They had time off on Tuesday afternoon, with some hitting the venue’s two championship golf courses and others opting for clay pigeon shooting. Some just had a relaxing couple of hours in the hotel’s spa.

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These days, Carton House is mostly used by the Ireland rugby team, but it has played host to football clubs including Real Madrid, Chelsea, Newcastle and Burnley in the past. United did their best to keep their use of the venue quiet, but a few hundred fans were there when they arrived at around 7pm on Monday, and numbers grew as the week progressed.

By the time training finished on Wednesday, it is estimated that at least 3,000 fans lined the road between the training pitch and the hotel. Every player spent at least 20 minutes signing autographs and posing for selfies, and one United staffer said they had seen Fernandes sign at least 1,000 items across the three days. The captain also spent time with the club’s Sligo supporters branch, who presented him with their player of the year award.

The geography of Carton House makes it an appealing venue for clubs. United players could use the gym in their own area of the hotel before making the short walk down a tree-lined road and then a slight hill to training. With fans lining both sides of the one-track road, some players said it felt like a matchday arrival at Old Trafford.

United’s players weren’t the only head-turning attraction on site, however. Some members of the media were surprised to see Nicky Byrne from Westlife in attendance on Tuesday morning. As the wait for Amad and Bryan Mbeumo to arrive for their press conference ticked up towards 30 minutes, one remarked we were in danger of ‘filing without wingers’, offering a surprising knowledge of Westlife’s back catalogue.

Byrne was actually there for a meet-and-greet with the players, along with GAA star Carla Rowe and Irish influencer John Nellis. Also in attendance was nine-year-old Harry McCormack. The youngster is named after legendary United goalkeeper Harry Gregg, who survived the Munich air disaster. Young Harry is a lifelong patient at Crumlin Hospital after he was born with half a heart.

United’s presence in Ireland was partly to promote August’s pre-season friendly with Leeds, which will take place at the iconic Croke Park stadium, an 82,000-capacity GAA venue, which last hosted football 17 years ago.

It is a famous and historic site, and on arrival on Tuesday, striker Benjamin Sesko was whisked away for a photo opportunity. The size of the stadium shocked the Slovenian, who then shocked his hosts by showing some knowledge of GAA, having seen the sport on TV previously.

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Back at Carton House, it was a different kind of football on the agenda. United staff were delighted with the focus and application in training after more than two weeks without a game, with the intensity levels cranked up following the return of Lisandro Martinez, who always brings an extra edge.

They checked out on Thursday afternoon and could return in the summer for a training camp around that Leeds fixture. But for now, Carrick and his staff will hope three days in Ireland and a round of golf or two have teed them up for a strong finish, and a return to playing in the Champions League, rather than watching it on TV.

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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.

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Taiwo Awoniyi Vows to Help Nottingham Forest Escape Relegation Battle

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Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has promised to give his best in the final seven games of the season as Nottingham Forest fight to stay in the Premier League.

Forest are currently 16th in the table, sitting just three points above the relegation zone in the Premier League. The battle to avoid the drop is tight, with only a few points separating several teams near the bottom.

Awoniyi, who has struggled with injuries this season, has spent more time on the bench as other forwards have led the attack. However, he says he is ready to step up when called upon.

  • Victor Boniface returns to training after Injury LayoffVictor Boniface returns to training after Injury Layoff

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He stressed that the remaining matches are very important for the club and everyone involved, both on and off the pitch.

The Nigerian striker also spoke about the pressure of a relegation fight, saying no player wants to go through it, especially because of its impact on fans and club staff.

Forest still have tough fixtures ahead, including matches against top sides, as they try to secure their place in the top flight.

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Awoniyi, who scored in their recent game against Tottenham, believes that momentum can help the team as they push to finish the season strongly.

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Famalicao vs Moreirense Prediction and Betting Tips

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Seeking to snap their three-game losing run and secure their first win since mid February, Moreirense take on Famalicao at the Estadio Municipal de Famalicao in round 29 of Portuguese Primeira Liga on Friday. Hugo Oliveira’s men, meanwhile, will head into the weekend looking to extend their perfect home record in 2026, having won each of their five home matches since the turn of the year.

Famalicao picked up another impressive result in their push for a top-four finish last Saturday, when they netted a 99th-minute equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw against league leaders Porto at the Estadio do Dragao.

Oliveira’s side have now gone six straight matches without defeat, picking up four wins and two draws since February’s 1-0 loss against Sporting Lisbon, a run that has seen them cement themselves as genuine contenders for European qualification.

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Famalicao have picked up 46 points from their 28 Primeira Liga matches so far to sit fifth in the league standings, just three points off fourth-placed Braga in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying spot.

In stark contrast, Moreirense’s free-fall in the league standings continued at the weekend when they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Braga in front of their home supporters.

Vasco Costa’s men have now lost three games on the spin and are without a win in their last six matches (2D 4L) since a 2-1 victory over Rio Ave on February 16.

This poor run of results has seen Moreirense drop to eighth place in the Primeira Liga table, level on 35 points with ninth-placed Vitoria de Guimaraes.

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Famalicao vs Moreirense Head-To-Head and Key Numbers

  • With five wins from the last 15 meetings between the sides, Famalicao boasts a superior record in the history of this fixture.
  • Moreirense have picked up three wins in that time, while the spoils have been shared on seven occasions.
  • Costa’s men have won just one of their last five Primeira Liga visits to the Estadio Municipal de Famalicao, while losing twice and claiming two draws since November 2019.
  • Famalicao boast a 100% home record in 2026, winning each of their five matches while scoring 10 goals and keeping four clean sheets since December’s 3-2 defeat against Estrela Amadora.

Famalicao vs Moreirense Prediction

High-flying Famalicao know they must avoid any slip-up in the run-in as they look to secure European football, and given Moreirense’s recent woes, we are backing them to extend their hot home streak with another impressive victory.

Prediction: Famalicao 2-0 Moreirense


Famalicao vs Moreirense Betting Tips

Tip 1: Result – Famalicao to win

Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals – No (There have been fewer than three goals scored in five of their last six meetings between the two teams)

Tip 3: Over 4.5 cards – Yes (There have also been at least five bookings in nine of their last 10 clashes)

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