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Gilberto Ramirez reflects on David Benavidez fight in first statement since KO loss

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Gilberto Ramirez has confirmed his future after losing to David Benavidez, while also addressing the elbow controversy in their cruiserweight encounter earlier this month.

‘Zurdo’ entered their showdown as the defending unified champion, but was ultimately relieved of his WBO and WBA world titles via a sixth-round stoppage.

The emphatic finish came courtesy of a sustained onslaught from Benavidez, who scored a fourth-round knockdown before becoming a three-division world champion.

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Despite it being his first outing at 200lbs, ‘The Mexican Monster’ showed remarkable composure and hand speed, forcing a nasty swelling to appear on his opponent’s right eye.

Ramirez, to his credit, showed tremendous spirit to battle through the pain, but was eventually beaten into submission by the naturally smaller man.

Since their contest, video footage has shown that Benavidez connected with an elbow during one of their exchanges, causing a slow-motion replay of the incident to circulate on social media.

In response, the 29-year-old has insisted that it was completely unintentional, yet a selection of observers have attempted to accuse him of using dirty tactics.

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Ramirez, however, has urged fans to not discredit Benavidez’s performance, while also explaining in a social media post that he intends to “come back stronger”.

“Saturday didn’t go the way I planned. The loss is painful – the hurt is real. But I’ll sit with it, learn from it, and come back stronger. This is not the end.

“I tip my hat to David… His success didn’t come overnight, and that only motivates me more. Don’t discredit what he brought — he was the better man that night and I have nothing but respect for him and his team for the preparation they put in. Elbow or no elbow, it’s a fight at the end of the night.

“If we ever share that ring again, I’ll be better prepared — and I will get my revenge. For now, I’m taking time with my family and enjoying the summer.”

At the age of 34, it is difficult to see where Ramirez goes from here, while a rematch with Benavidez appears far from realistic.

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Instead, the WBC light-heavyweight champion has initiated preliminary talks for an undisputed showdown with Dmitry Bivol, who must first defeat mandatory challenger Michael Eifert on May 30.

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LeBron James on if he will return for 24th season: ‘I don’t know’

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Shortly after James and the Los Angeles Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer was asked if he planned to keep playing basketball next year.

“I don’t know what the future holds for me,” James told reporters. “… When the time comes, you guys will know.”

James said he plans to take time with his family before officially coming to a decision.

If he does decide to return, the next question for James is whether or not it will be with the Lakers.

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After spending the past eight seasons with L.A., James is currently not under contract for next season.

But at 41, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer proved this season that he can still be a force in the league.

James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 5.4 rebounds while playing 33.2 minutes per game in the regular season.

Then, with Lakers superstar Luka Doncic out for the entirety of the Lakers’ post-season run due to injury, James took his game to another level.

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The four-time NBA champ led the Lakers in total points and assists in the playoffs, and helped the team to a surprising upset of the Houston Rockets in Round 1.

So, despite being swept by the defending champs in Round 2, James is still proud of what he accomplished in his 23rd season.

“I left everything I could out on the floor,” James said. “I’m not looking at my year as a disappointment, that’s for damn sure.”

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Craig Morton, Broncos’ Ring of Honor QB, dies at 83

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NFL: USA TODAY Sports-ArchiveAug 12, 1978; Denver, CO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton (7) in action against the Dallas Cowboys during a preseason game at Mile High Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK

Former Broncos quarterback Craig Morton, who led Denver to its first Super Bowl appearance and is a member of the franchise’s Ring of Honor, died at home at 83 on Saturday, the team announced.

Joining the Broncos in 1977, the former Cal star guided the team to Super Bowl XII, a 27-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Morton was named the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year after posting a 12-2 record and 1,929 passing yards with 14 touchdowns that season. Finishing his career with the Broncos in 1981, he was inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame in 1988.

Morton spent nine-plus seasons (1965-74) with the Dallas Cowboys, who drafted him No. 5 overall in the 1965 NFL Draft, then played parts of three seasons with the New York Giants (1974-76) before joining the Broncos.

Morton trails only Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and John Elway in Broncos’ passing yards with 11,895. Morton ranks third with 74 passing touchdowns and second in game-winning drives to Elway with 14.

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Over his 18-year NFL career, Morton finished 81-62-1 with 2,053 completions for 27,908 yards and 183 touchdown passes. He also rushed for 627 yards and 12 scores.

–Field Level Media

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Thunder complete sweep as Lakers falls Short in Game 4

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The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to the Western Conference Finals after beating the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 to complete a 4-0 series sweep.

Unlike the earlier games in the series, this play was much closer. The Lakers kept fighting throughout the night and even took a late lead in the fourth quarter, but Oklahoma City still found a way to close it out.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, while Ajay Mitchell added 28, and 10 in the final quarter. With the game tied late, Chet Holmgren delivered a huge dunk with 32 seconds left to put OKC back in front.

  • Knicks complete Sweep, Timberwolves Level series on sunday nightKnicks complete Sweep, Timberwolves Level series on sunday night

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“We’ve done our job so far,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the win. “We’ve gone out there, executed, played at a high level and won eight tough games.”

The Lakers had their chances late. LeBron James finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds, but missed a driving shot in the closing moments that could have given Los Angeles the lead.

After the game, LeBron admitted he still does not know what comes next for his career.

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“I don’t know what the future holds for me,” he said. “I’ll go back and recalibrate with my family.”

Austin Reaves scored 27 points for the Lakers, while Rui Hachimura added 25 in a strong effort.

Still, the Thunder continued their dominance over Los Angeles this season, going 8-0 against the Lakers across the regular season and playoffs combined.

Oklahoma City now moves on to the Western Conference Finals, looking every bit like a serious championship favourite.

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Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik finally speaks out on Vinesh Phogat debacle, seeks PM Modi’s help | More sports News

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Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik finally speaks out on Vinesh Phogat debacle, seeks PM Modi’s help
Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik. (File Pic)

NEW DELHI: Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik has come out in support of fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat amid her dispute with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) over returning to competitive wrestling after retirement.Vinesh recently tried to compete at the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda despite the federation declaring her ineligible.

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Vinesh Phogat breaks silence on WFI notice

The WFI said wrestlers must serve a mandatory six-month notice period before making a comeback under anti-doping rules. However, Vinesh, who became a mother 10 months ago, has challenged the decision and refused to step away.Sakshi said she usually avoids political matters because Vinesh is now a Congress MLA, but she felt the issue was bigger than politics.In a video shared on social media, Sakshi pointed out that many countries around the world relax rules to help women athletes continue their careers after motherhood.“But our federation has come up with rules to stop Vinesh from making a comeback,” Sakshi said.She appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and the WFI to give Vinesh a fair opportunity.“I would request the Prime Minister, the Sports Minister and the WFI to take Vinesh’s trial so that she can also win medals for the country and be an example for women by winning medals after becoming a mother,” she added.Vinesh had retired after a heartbreaking disqualification at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she missed the weight limit by just 100 grams before the final. Later, she entered politics and became an MLA from Haryana’s Julana constituency.

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Aaron Rodgers never visited Steelers despite reports swarming weekend news

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Aaron Rodgers didn’t make it back to Pittsburgh after all.

After reports surfaced this past Friday that Rodgers was expected to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in preparation for a return to the team he played for last year, many were hopeful the months-long wait was over.

However, during his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN this Monday, Adam Schefter said neither the Steelers nor his agent were aware of any such meeting being on the schedule.

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Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers standing during the national anthem at Acrisure Stadium

Aaron Rodgers of the Steelers stands during the national anthem before an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Jan. 4, 2026. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)

But then, there were the reports about where Rodgers is in the world, with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporting that he was in the Steel City, though he wasn’t scheduled to visit with the team. A report from 93.7 The Fan added on, saying he was in town for golf.

Either way, the decision still lingers whether Rodgers will suit up for the Steelers, but the storied franchise gave themselves some insurance if the four-time MVP quarterback decides he wants to potentially play elsewhere.

STEELERS OWNERSHIP HOPES FOR CLARITY ON AARON RODGERS’ FUTURE ‘IN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO’

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The Steelers used an unrestricted free-agent tender on Rodgers last month, which allows Pittsburgh the right to match any offer Rodgers may get from another team.

Despite doubt from some camps on Rodgers’ potential return, Schefter noted his belief he will be in the Steelers’ depth chart come training camp. The Steelers have their OTAs scheduled to begin next Monday.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers drops back to pass at Acrisure Stadium

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Jan. 4, 2026. (Getty Images)

With Rodgers at the helm this past season, the Steelers went 10-7, even earning a playoff berth after Baltimore Ravens rookie Tyler Loop’s now-infamous game-winning field goal did not get through the uprights. The Steelers ended up losing to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round, extending the team’s playoff winless streak to eight straight seasons, including three consecutive campaigns.

Rodgers, who’s slated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame once he decides to call it quits for his career, threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns to seven interceptions in 16 games for Pittsburgh in 2025.

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The Steelers also revamped their team for this season, as Mike McCarthy, Rodgers’ old head coach with the Green Bay Packers, takes over for Mike Tomlin, whose generational run in Pittsburgh ended after 19 seasons (2007-25). While D.K. Metcalf and Rodgers built chemistry this past season, the Steelers also added veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in a deal with the Indianapolis Colts, while adding Alabama’s Germie Bernard in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looking on after being sacked during a football game.

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers after being sacked during the wild-card game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Jan. 12, 2026. (Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-PA/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur deflects Aaron Rodgers speculation, says team is focused on current quarterbacks

And while Kenneth Gainwell is gone after a solid performance with Pittsburgh, Rico Dowdle comes into the fold to work alongside Jaylen Warren at running back.

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Yet, the biggest question in football still remains: will Rodgers be a part of these new-look Steelers in 2026?

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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‘There was room to find solution’: Tamim Iqbal faults former BCB for T20 World Cup exclusion | Cricket News

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'There was room to find solution': Tamim Iqbal faults former BCB for T20 World Cup exclusion
BCB head Tamim Iqbal (Image: X)

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formed an interim committee and appointed former captain Tamim Iqbal as its head. Addressing the controversy surrounding Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026, Tamim admitted that the situation was mishandled by the previous BCB administration and expressed disappointment over how the country lost its place in the tournament.While India celebrated a historic third T20 World Cup title, Bangladesh endured one of the darkest chapters in its cricketing history after being left out of the competition. The controversy began when Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was withdrawn from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad amid rising religious tensions in Bangladesh. Concerned about player safety, the BCB requested the ICC to move Bangladesh’s matches from India to Sri Lanka. However, with the tournament schedule already finalised, the ICC declined the proposal due to logistical complications, ultimately leading to Bangladesh’s exclusion.

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Mahela Jayawardene reflects on MI’s disappointing IPL 2026 campaign

Speaking to The Indian Express, Tamim criticised the handling of the issue by the former BCB administration and felt there was still enough room for dialogue and compromise.“I was probably the first person to speak out when the T20 World Cup issue happened. The way it was handled by the previous BCB administration was not right. The ICC was lenient and there was room to find a solution. We should have found it,” Tamim said.The former Bangladesh skipper also reflected emotionally on Bangladesh’s cricketing journey and what World Cup qualification means to the country. He recalled the celebrations after Bangladesh secured qualification for the 1999 World Cup by winning the ICC Trophy in 1997.“People celebrated on the streets. That victory inspired an entire generation to take up cricket. Everyone wanted to become Minhajul Abedin Nannu, Khaled Mashud or Akram Khan. And then we gave away a World Cup opportunity without even proper discussions. There may be players in that squad who might never get another chance to play a World Cup, and that hurt me deeply,” he added.Tamim also spoke about Bangladesh’s relationship with the BCCI, insisting that ties between the two boards remain healthy. He revealed that he shares a strong personal bond with current BCCI president Mithun Manhas, having played alongside him in the IPL and domestic leagues.“I know Mithun Manhas very well. We played together in the IPL and he has visited Bangladesh many times for Dhaka league cricket. I haven’t met him officially in this role yet, but we share a very good rapport,” Tamim said.He further assured that Bangladesh remains a safe destination for international cricket and hoped India would tour the country again soon.“The security situation in Bangladesh is absolutely fine at the moment. There is no threat, especially for the Indian cricket team. Whenever India tours Bangladesh, the stadiums are packed because people love that rivalry. I personally believe there are no real issues between BCB and BCCI anymore, and a bilateral series in Bangladesh would be a great step forward,” he concluded.

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Kazie Set To Leave Stellenbosch FC For Overseas Move After Contract Expiry

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Nigerian defender Enyinnaya Kazie will leave Stellenbosch FC at the end of the season after reaching the end of his contract.

The versatile right wing-back is expected to make his final appearance for the club in their last league match of the campaign against Marumo Gallants F.C. on May 23.

Kazie joined Stellenbosch from Rivers United F.C. in November 2024 and quickly settled into the team. The Nigerian defender became a regular starter and impressed with his consistent displays on both ends of the pitch.

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The 24-year-old featured in 35 matches across all competitions this season and scored two goals during an outstanding campaign for the South African side.

His strong performances have reportedly attracted interest from clubs outside South Africa, with Kazie now looking forward to continuing his career abroad after the expiration of his deal.

His exit is expected to be a big loss for Stellenbosch, considering the important role he played within a short period at the club.

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Speedy Ex-Vikings Weapon Rides Again

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Veteran running back Ameer Abdullah has been around the block a time or two. He’s putting his shoes (cleats?) on to take another lap.

The speedy ex-Vikings weapon has earned a deal to continue competing in the NFL. Check out the news update courtesy of KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, who writes, “#Jaguars signed Ameer Abdullah, re-signed Sal Wormley, placed Jordan White on the reserve/retired list, waived Ja’Quinden Jackson.”

Ex-Vikings RB Now with Jags

Right now, the Vikings are working with a running back room that boasts a nice blend of players. Most prominently, there’s the older Aaron Jones — a well-rounded player who offers excellent leadership — alongside the powerful, rugged Jordan Mason. These two are going to shoulder the majority of the burden within the ground attack.

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Further enhancing the upside is rookie newcomer Demond Claiborne, a 6th-Round selection from the 2026 NFL Draft. Claiborne is an impressive guy, in no small part due to his work ethic, resilience, and his all-world speed. Even better, there’s a new fullback in town. Adding Max Bredeson is a delight to J.J. McCarthy and all football fans who enjoy old school ball.

Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hands the ball off to Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Somebody who used to carry the ball for the Vikings was Ameer Abdullah, a runner who got his start with the Lions before working for various NFL franchises. Consider where Mr. Abdullah has played:

  • Detroit Lions (2015-18)
  • Minnesota Vikings (2018-2021)
  • Carolina Panthers (2021)
  • Las Vegas Raiders (2022-2024)
  • San Francisco 49ers (2025)
  • Indianapolis Colts (2025)

Tack on the Jacksonville Jaguars as the newest team to get worked into the mix. Travelling southward makes a lot of sense. For starters, there’s the Jaguars having seen Travis Etienne move on. But then there’s the strong Vikings influence due to Grant Udinski operating as the OC.

— READ MORE: The Caleb Banks Injury Update is Here
— READ MORE: With Ink Barely Dry on Receiver Deal, Vikings Sign a 6’6″ D-Lineman
— READ MORE: Kevin O’Connell Talks Emergency QB Add

Consider, as well, the status of LG Ezra Cleveland, QB Nick Mullens, and WR Tim Jones. Each played for the Vikings in the past. Go ahead and toss Abdullah into the mix as yet another connection.

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At 32, Abdullah is getting close to the end of his career. He’s very likely to have a ceiling sitting at RB3, a player who can helps on specials while pinch hitting on offense (though sparingly). His stats last season involve 14 carries for 60 yards (4.3 yards-per-carry average) and 1 touchdown. More promising is that he turned 17 targets into 16 catches for 99 yards, earning a 1st down on four occasions.

Oct 20, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) talks with Minnesota Vikings running back Ameer Abdullah (31) after the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Do a final tally and Abdullah shows 86 plays on offense for 2025 alongside 135 plays on special teams.

In fact, Abdullah had 19 kickoff returns last year, turning those chances into a total of 563 yards for a beefy 29.6 yards-per-return average. His best return went for an explosive 81 yards.

In Minnesota, Myles Price alongside Tai Felton are likely to handle kickoffs. Newcomer Dillon Bell has a shot. Mr. Price is very likely to be the punt returner.

The NFL will be releasing the schedule for the 2026 season on Thursday, May 14th. The Vikings and the Jaguars aren’t scheduled to play each other. At least in theory, the two sides could battle for the Super Bowl since they play within different conferences. No doubt, that possibility appears extremely unlikely, but most would have said the same about Seahawks v. Patriots in May of 2025.

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Ameer Abdullah will turn 33 in June. He stands at 5’9″ and 203 pounds.


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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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Natural Fling heads to 2026 Queensland juvenile target after Caulfield debut

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Jockey in star-patterned white silks rides a chestnut horse during a race at the track.

After a debut victory at Caulfield, Natural Fling is Queensland-bound aiming at a high-prize juvenile race.

The filly under the care of Tony and Calvin McEvoy drew heavy support in the Sportsbet Feed Handicap (1100m), leading from start to finish in a convincing effort.

As the $2.10 favourite with Harry Coffey in the saddle, Natural Fling prevailed by three lengths from Jarbardar ($6), followed by Shooting Brake ($6.50) another 1-½ lengths behind in third.

The $1 million Magic Millions National 2YO Classic (1000m) on May 22 at the Gold Coast is the target identified by the McEvoy father-and-son team for the filly.

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That training partnership succeeded in the race back in 2024 with Arabian Summer at Doomben.

“She’s going to be looking to kick on up to Queensland,” Calvin McEvoy said.

“There’s a $1 million race up there to consider.

“She’s very fast and the 1000 or 1100 metres, I don’t think it matters, but I was so impressed with her attitude today and she handled it all very well and that will take her a long way.”

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Natural Fling parades in Sunlight’s colours – the mare a Magic Millions winner – with ownership including connections to double Cups victor Half Yours, and she is out of first-crop sire Home Affairs.

Sunlight and Home Affairs each won the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington to open the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

“She’s been very natural all the way along with a terrific attitude,” McEvoy said.

“Home Affairs is doing a pretty good job and it’s a really good ownership group, some of our biggest supporters, some from Sunlight and some from Half Yours.

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“She’s a filly that we have always loved, and we came here very confident, but the track was something that came up as a little bit of a query.

“She’s fast, had shown good ability in her jump-outs, but they all had to get through it.

“Harry had to use her a little bit, but she was quite dominant in the end.”

Visit the betting sites for competitive racing odds on Natural Fling’s upcoming tilt at the Magic Millions National 2YO Classic.

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Andrade, TNA star Indi Hartwell headline ACW Reckoning in New York

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Awesome Championship Wrestling (ACW) will return to the MJN Center in Poughkeepsie, New York, for its Reckoning event on Saturday night in what’s expected to be a star-studded affair.

Recognizable names in pro wrestling like IWGP global heavyweight champion Andrade, NWA world historic middleweight champion Flip Gordon, ACW women’s champion Steph De Lander, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) star Indi Hartwell, Major League Wrestling (MLW) Lady Frost as well as top names on the independent scene like Richard Holliday and Ben Bishop will all be featured on the card.

The ACW tag team champions will also be among those competing at the event. Vik Dalishus and Hale Collins, the duo known as The Now, will defend the titles in a steel cage match against Sent 2 Slaughter – the team made up of Danny Maff and Shawn Donovan.

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The Now come out of the back

Vik Dalishus and Hale Collins make their way down the ramp for an Awesome Championship Wrestling match. (Jay Adam Photography)

Dalishus and Collins hope to end their feud with Sent 2 Slaughter.

MEET RICHARD HOLLIDAY – THE ‘MOST MARKETABLE’ MAN IN PRO WRESTLING TAKING THE INDIES BY STORM

“Guys we’ve had to deal with in the last year and a half and our feud has actually extended outside of ACW,” Dalishus said. “We’ve feuded in several different promotions all throughout the Northeast.”

Dalishus added that Maff and Donovan crashed his wedding, turning up the temperature on the feud.

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“And they’re all bitter because we stole, well, we won their tag titles at WrestlePro,” Collins said, adding that their tag team opponents even crashed his Hall of Fame ceremony at Johnny Rodz’s wrestling school.

HOW PRO WRESTLING STAR BEN BISHOP WENT FROM BASKETBALL PLAYER TO ‘BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA’-INSPIRED GIANT

“It’s a very personal rivalry. They actually crashed my wedding,” Dalishus continued. “They showed up unannounced. They’ve made it very personal and we’ve responded accordingly. The very first time we were in a steel cage with them, they had our manager (Josh Shernoff) in their back pocket.

“He actually turned on us … What this steel cage is really all about is redemption to right the wrong that happened to us last time we were in a cage. We’ve said this was going to be the final chapter – whoever wins, wins, and whoever loses, that’s it.”

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Hale Collins and Vik Dalishus hold the belts

Hale Collins, left, and Vik Dalishus walk with the Awesome Championship Wrestling Tag Team Championship. (Smoothlenz photography)

Dalishus and Collins are the promoters behind ACW, which has drawn high praise from wrestlers who competed in their events. They stressed why having a spot like the MJN Center is a critical component of the promotion’s success.

PRO WRESTLING STAR STEPH DE LANDER REVEALS HOW COLLEAGUE’S ADVICE HELPED LEAD HER TO TITLE TRIUMPH AT ACW

Dalishus recalled going to tapings of WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” in the 1990s and watching a Sensational Sherry and Luna Vachon go at each other as well as Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore getting started in the building.

“That building and our careers and our lives have really intertwined in the craziest way and we’re very fortunate that Awesome Championship Wrestling has been this thing that has kinda caught on in this area and really been the next wave of professional wrestling. The WWF and the WWE coming here in the 70s, 80s and 90s and then ECW and then there was some local independent wrestling that was running the building trying to do a good job with providing big stars in the area but there was a real big gap in the last few years with pro wrestling and bringing TV stars into this area.

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Hale Collins and Vik Dalishus in a photoshoot

Hale Collins, left, and Vik Dalishus pose for a photo. (Lifelumens – Edward-Daniel Simons Jr.)

“NXT had run the building, TNA had run the building a few times and the crowds were a little bit underwhelming and we knew when we were going to start Awesome Championship Wrestling that we wanted to do something a little bit different but also cater to all of the wrestling fans – provide something for everyone.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

As ACW has been credited with being just above a regular independent promotion with its lighting, camera work and professionalism backstage, Collins and Dalishus highlighted the impressive growth they’ve made since their first show in January 2025.

“The first show, we almost lost our butts, and then we had a great walk up,” Collins told Fox News Digital. “It was almost like the movie ‘Field of Dreams’ – ‘if you build it, it will come.’ All of a sudden, 2, 3, 400 people walked up and it was awesome. Ever since then, we’re going day-by-day, but we have goals in mind.”

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Dalishus said they’ve been “really smart” with how they’ve taken the necessary steps to get more eyes on their shows, including with a YouTube show that showcases its past matches and highlights upcoming events.

CMLL CHAMPION FLIP GORDON TALKS GOING FROM US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD RESERVIST TO PRO WRESTLING RING

Vik Dalishus slams opponent

The Now bring the pain in Awesome Championship Wrestling. (Smoothlenz photography)

“Who knows where it can really go? The idea for us is to ride this roller coaster for as long as we can and see what happens,” Dalishus said. “Does it become a brand that starts to tour around the country? We hope so. We hope that it’s something that we’re able to do and we’re able to take ACW to different markets. Right now, the thing we’ve been able to leverage is that the building here, the MJN Center, is in partnership with us and that we’ve been able to really grow with a partner that’s wanting to see us succeed just as much as they want to see success. So, it becomes a big risk to start traveling outside of this home area because of the things we’ve been able to leverage with our friends and our business connections and our partnerships that we have.

“We spent a lot of time in the last year surrounding ourselves with some of the people that we’ve known throughout our time in wrestling that we trust, that are really great minds for pro wrestling and that they’re guys who bring something to the table that will help us grow at a big rate. Being able to take this thing on the road would be something that I’d really like to see us do.”

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Collins added that going on the road was “definitely a goal.”

“Everything we do, even if it’s something simple like getting the apron branded, that’s the goal. The branding is pretty good right now so let’s go to the next goal. Now, we can take the show, put it in another building, but it’ll still look like ACW. We’re thinking of every aspect and being careful as we do. As of right now, I think we’re on to something really cool and whatever we take, we put it back into the company.”

Reckoning will take place Saturday night and will include “Macho Man” Randy Savage and Mike Bell’s inductions into the MJN Center’s Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame.

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The final card looks like this:

  • Brian Cage vs. Hammerstone vs. Flip Gordon vs. Mance Warner vs. a mystery opponent former world champion in a five-way survival match to become the No. 1 contender for the ACW National Championship.
  • Zack Clayton (c) vs. Dante “El Jaguar” Casanova for the AEW National Championship.
  • “Big Trouble” Ben Bishop vs. “Firework” Foxx Vinyer.
  • Leo Sparrow (c) vs. The Phoenix GKM vs. Liamo in a triple-threat match for the AEW Cruiserweight Championship.
  • Steph De Lander and Indi Hartwell vs. Vicious Vicki and Lady Frost.
  • Vincent and Dutch (The Righteous) vs. Yoscifer (w/Shir’rak) and Wrecking Ball Legursky.
  • Andrade vs. Richard Holliday.

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