Liam Paro dug in deep to overcome Lewis Crocker and become the new IBF welterweight champion.

The pair were squaring off at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, Australia, with Paro successful in his bid to claim world honours in a second division after previously reigning as IBF world champion at 140lbs.

Paro took control in the early stages of the fight, landing the better punches as Crocker struggled to find the space to unleash the big shots he was looking for.

With Paro seemingly ahead, Crocker gave his all as the bout entered the closing stages, pushing the pace as he went in search of a come-from-behind knockout, opening up a big cut on Paro’s left eye that troubled the Australian.

Crocker piles it on with 90 seconds to go as Paro bleeds badly from a cut 🥶#CrockerParo | Live now on DAZN ▪️ pic.twitter.com/j4NoBz886A

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) June 24, 2026

Despite the onslaught, Paro was able to see out the fight, doing enough to earn a narrow unanimous decision victory after three scorecards of 115-113, becoming IBF welterweight champion in the process.

The Australian now looks set for a showdown with mandatory challenger Paddy Donovan, but he insisted in his post-fight interview that the challengers should now have to come to him as he holds all the cards.

“This means everything. It’s a long hard road. I climbed the mountain before, got knocked off and here I am again. I had to dig deep. Lewis Crocker is a hell of a champion. He came here to fight so I respect him for life.

“We’re going to bring the big fights here. f**k travelling. I’ll have a good rest and let this eye heal up. The welterweight division is a glamour division. I deserve my seat at the table. I want all the smoke. I want everyone. We’ve got the pulling power. We always cross the pond, it’s time for people to come here.”

Donovan became mandatory after a points win over Karen Chukhadzhian last month, and looks set for his second opportunity at a world title after an unsuccessful bid in a vacant title bout with Crocker last year.

Fight fans are keen to see David Benavidez challenge Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light-heavyweight world title, and ‘The Mexican Monster’ has named his issue with the style of his 175lb rival.

Benavidez moved up to the light-heavyweight scene back in 2024 and was soon elevated to WBC world champion following a triumph over Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the WBC Interim title upon his debut at the weight.

The Phoenix-born fighter then moved up to cruiserweight division last month and captured the unified WBA and WBO title with a knockout win over Gilverto Ramirez.

Despite this, Benavidez has maintained his goal of overthrowing unified WBA, WBO and IBF champion Bivol and becoming the undisputed light-heavyweight ruler, believing himself to be capable of returning to the division at a time of his choosing.

Therefore, fans remain hopeful that the two pound-for-pound stars could collide in 2027, but speaking to Luis Parra, Benavidez explained his gripe with the style of Bivol, critical of the 35-year-old’s recent victory over Michael Eifert.

“The one thing I didn’t like about Bivol is that he’s a very careful fighter. He dropped that guy in the first round, but he wasn’t trying to attack, he wasn’t trying to finish the fight.

“If you’ve watched Bivol’s fights, that’s how he fights a lot of the time. He’s not a killer, but he has everything needed to be one. 

“For example, maybe in this fight he wanted to get some rounds in and see how he felt physically. But even if that’s the case, you can knock somebody out in rounds ten, eleven or twelve. He could have done it. 

Advertisement

“He’s a very strong fighter, a very smart fighter. Everything he does is good. But I’ve noticed that if you’re not putting a lot of pressure on him, he’ll just box you and win every round on points. Honestly, nobody wants to see that. The fans pay good money to watch a great fight, to see a knockout, He’s not a risk taker.”

Bivol-Benavidez is unlikely to happen this year, with Bivol still expected for a trilogy showdown against Artur Beterbiev, whilst Benavidez looks poised to pursue an alternate title unification.

Chelsea are aiming to rebuild their defensive line under new manager Xabi Alonso, with the club poised to step up their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.

The Blues want to add at least one central defender to their squad – amid interest in Trevoh Chalobah from Serie A club Como – and Lacroix is emerging as a key target.

Advertisement

Chelsea have already sold Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid this summer for £51.8m, and are set to complete the signing of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra for a fee in excess of £43m.

Chelsea’s next priority is at centre-back and Palace are braced for an offer from their London rivals for France international Lacroix, who is away on international duty at the World Cup.

He has three years left on his contract, is a key player for the Eagles and has been central to the club’s FA Cup and Europa Conference League triumphs.

Palace are keen to offer Lacroix a new contract but it is unclear whether the 26-year-old is ready to engage in talks.

Advertisement

Another option considered by Chelsea is Como centre-back Jacobo Ramon, 21.

Further complicating matters is Como’s interest in Chalobah, as they look to bolster their defence rather than weaken it, with the England international open to a move to Italy.

Ramon is also still linked to former club Real Madrid through various clauses, while the Spanish side have made Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, valued by the Blues at £120m, one of their key targets this summer. Fernandez is known to be keen on the move.

It is all part of a major summer of player sales, defensive departures and improvements for Chelsea before the official arrival of Alonso.

Advertisement

Palestra, who can play on both sides, is set to be first in the door. Fellow full-back Malo Gusto is considering his future at Chelsea, with the club putting a £75m price tag on the Frenchman. He is attracting interest from Manchester City.

There is further doubt on the futures of Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo, as further sales are likely needed to create space in defence, while an attacker and midfielder could also be signed at a later date.

Brazil vs Scotland LIVE Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE Updates: Brazil square off against Scotland in their final Group C game of FIFA World Cup 2026 in Miami. The five-time World Cup champions need a big win to guarantee top spot in their group, with Morocco playing Haiti in the other group match at the same time. With Raphinha injured, Carlo Ancelotti will once again rely on Vinicius Jr to lead Brazil’s attack. Neymar Jr., the team’s No. 10, is on the bench for this game after being declared fit. Scotland are yet to beat Brazil in a competitive match, with the 5-time world champions winning 8 and drawing 2 against tonight’s opponents. (MATCH CENTRE LIVE)

Here are the LIVE Updates from Brazil vs Scotland, FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE Score, straight from Miami:

Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-1 in Seattle on Wednesday evening, boosting their knockout chances in a decisive World Cup 2026 Group B clash. Kerim Alajbegovic fired home a magnificent effort from the edge of the box into the top corner in the 29th minute to open the scoring. The Dragons doubled their advantage just five minutes later when Edin Dzeko’s pass was inadvertently turned into his own net by Abunada, putting Bosnia firmly in control. The Maroons mounted a response, with Al Haydos reducing the deficit before half-time after Edmilson Junior’s assist, but Bosnia’s lead remained intact. Dzeko had a golden opportunity to extend the advantage further but his effort struck the post.

The second half saw Qatar press for an equaliser, with Akram Afif testing the Bosnia defence repeatedly, but the Bosnian backline remained resolute. Substitutions injected fresh energy into both sides, with Zmajevi introducing Ermin Mahmic from the bench. The substitute made an immediate impact, firing home after a rebound in the 80th minute to seal Bosnia’s victory. The win sees the Dragons finish on four points and strengthen their position as one of the best-performing third-place finishers. 

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Danni Wyatt-Hodge powered England into the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals with a well-crafted 65 in a professional 38-run victory over the West Indies in Group B at Lord’s.

Charlotte Edwards watched England make it four wins from four in the home tournament after they posted 186 for seven with in-form Wyatt-Hodge hitting eight fours in a fine 42-ball innings before she was run-out by team-mate Heather Knight.

Knight made amends with 43 during a chaotic end to England’s innings, but once they had removed the dangerous Hayley Matthews for 14 in contentious fashion, West Indies were unable to recover and were restricted to 148 for five.

A fourth consecutive World Cup victory for England ahead of Saturday’s final group fixture with New Zealand has secured a last-four berth and top spot in Group B, which has ensured no semi-final meeting with Group A leaders and six-time T20 champions Australia.

England under stand-in captain Charlie Dean were unchanged and put into bat first by Matthews in temperatures of 32 degrees in the capital.

Amy Jones and Sophia Dunkley were dismissed cheaply, but Wyatt-Hodge quickly looked in imperious form, producing one sumptuous cover drive for four, and found strong support in Alice Capsey.

It ensured England were 57 for two at the end of the powerplay, which was followed by a hydration break and a brief interlude of Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’ from an excitable crowd.

With Capsey happy to pick out gaps in the field, Wyatt-Hodge found the boundary with regularity to bring up the fifty partnership and reach her half-century off 32 balls.

Capsey’s busy knock of 28 ended carelessly when she chipped to Chinelle Henry at long on, but Knight put her foot down before she left partner Wyatt-Hodge out to dry with a quick call for a single.

Wyatt-Hodge departed for a well-made 65 after sharp work in the field by Jannillea Glasgow and even though Knight was involved in two more run-outs, she reverse swept her way to 43 and Dean’s late cameo helped England post 186 for seven, which set a new record for a women’s T20 match at Lord’s.

A fast start was required for West Indies but after England seamer Lauren Bell built up pressure with two tight overs, Matthews was dismissed in controversial fashion.

Big appeals by England wicketkeeper Jones for a caught behind off Linsey Smith were initially ignored before the decision was reviewed and a spike was visible on UltraEdge, but there was a gap between bat and ball. TV umpire Nimali Perera eventually sided with the technology much to Matthews’ astonishment.

Matthews departed for 14 off 17 balls, but only after a brief remonstration on the field before she carried on her grievances with match referee Shandre Fritz.

Without captain Matthews, West Indies quickly collapsed to 69 for four after a superb catch on the boundary rope by Capsey gave Dean the first of two scalps.

It was not a perfect fielding display, however, with two drops in the 14th over. Firstly, Smith put down a tough chance before Jahzara Claxton received another life when Jones inexplicably spilled a high catch off Dani Gibson.

Gibson put down Henry soon after and some late blows by the West Indies number six helped her finish on 51 not out, but England stayed perfect after four matches.

The Matchday 2 action of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage concludes with two crucial Group L fixtures on Wednesday, June 24. England take on Ghana in a battle between the group’s two winning sides, while Croatia face Panama in a must-win clash for both teams.

Group L has unfolded largely as expected, with England and Ghana occupying the top two spots after opening-match victories. England defeated Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining contest, while Ghana edged Panama 1-0 to move level on three points.

A victory for either England or Ghana in their second match would all but secure a place in the Round of 32. However, a draw would leave qualification unresolved heading into the final round of fixtures.

For Croatia and Panama, the equation is straightforward. Having lost their opening matches, both sides desperately need three points to keep their knockout hopes alive. Defeat would leave them on the brink of elimination and dependent on results elsewhere.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Group L points table

England need one more win to qualify

England made a strong start to their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, with captain Harry Kane leading from the front in an impressive attacking display.

A win over Ghana would take England to six points and guarantee a top-two finish if Croatia and Panama draw in the group’s other match. Even if Panama or Croatia win, England would still be in a commanding position heading into the final matchday.

A draw against Ghana would move England to four points and leave qualification in their own hands ahead of their final group game against Panama.

Ghana keep fate in their own hands

Ghana began their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama and now have the opportunity to take a major step towards the knockout stage.

A win against England would move Ghana on to six points and potentially secure qualification depending on the result of Croatia versus Panama. Even a draw would leave the Black Stars in a strong position heading into their final group match against Croatia.

Having already collected three points, Ghana remain masters of their own destiny.

Panama look for fightback

Panama’s narrow defeat to Ghana means they cannot afford another setback.

Victory over Croatia would revive their qualification hopes and move them level on three points before a difficult final-day clash against England. A draw would leave Panama with just one point from two games and facing an uphill battle to progress.

A defeat, meanwhile, would leave them needing a miracle to reach the Round of 32.

Battle of survival for Croatia

Croatia conceded four goals in their opening defeat to England and now face a virtual must-win encounter against Panama.

Three points would put Croatia back in contention for automatic qualification and potentially set up a decisive final-day clash against Ghana. However, anything less than a victory would severely damage their chances.

Another defeat would almost certainly leave the 2018 finalists relying on a best third-placed finish scenario.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32 qualification format

The top two teams from each of the 12 groups automatically qualify for the Round of 32, while the eight best third-placed teams also advance, completing the 32-team knockout field.

If teams finish level on points in the group stage, FIFA will apply the following tiebreakers:

Step 1: Head-to-head criteria

• 
  Points obtained in matches between the tied teams
• 
  Goal difference in matches between the tied teams
• 
  Goals scored in matches between the tied teams

Step 2: Overall group performance

• 
  Goal difference in all group matches
• 
  Goals scored in all group matches
• 
  Fair-play record

Step 3

Jude Bellingham triggers confusion over FIFA’s new rule during England’s World Cup draw/ Image: X

England midfielder Jude Bellingham became the centre of a fresh World Cup controversy during Tuesday’s goalless draw with Ghana after television cameras captured him covering his mouth while speaking to Ghana captain Jordan Ayew. With FIFA’s new mouth-covering rule already producing the tournament’s first red card, many viewers questioned why the England star escaped punishment.The incident occurred during England’s frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana in Boston, a result that left Group L finely balanced heading into the final round of fixtures.Bellingham’s interaction with Ayew quickly attracted attention because FIFA introduced a new regulation ahead of the 2026 World Cup allowing players to be sent off if they cover their mouths while confronting opponents.However, the key word in the law is confrontation.

What does FIFA’s new mouth-covering rule actually say?

The rule was introduced after FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed for stricter measures following an incident involving Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who received a six-match UEFA ban for homophobic conduct towards Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match earlier this year.Ahead of the World Cup, FIFA’s head of referees, Pierluigi Collina, made it clear that covering the mouth itself was not prohibited.“Players can continue to cover their mouth with an arm and the shirt because they may chat with friends,” Collina explained before the tournament.“It’s normal to chat before, during or after the match.“So if the conversation is a friendly conversation, they can continue to do it without any problem.“When the conversation is confrontational, covering the mouth means that you are doing something very wrong, potentially, and the sanction is the red card.”That distinction ultimately proved crucial in Bellingham’s case.

Why Bellingham was not punished

Although images of the England midfielder speaking to Ayew circulated widely, there was no indication that the exchange was hostile or confrontational.Sources told ESPN that Bellingham’s discussion with the Ghana captain was not deemed aggressive, meaning the incident did not meet the threshold required for disciplinary action under FIFA’s new regulation.Players, coaches and even referees have regularly been seen covering their mouths during conversations throughout the tournament. FIFA’s concern is specifically focused on situations involving arguments, confrontations or potentially abusive language.As a result, neither referee Hector Said Martinez Sorto nor the video assistant referee considered the incident worthy of review.

How Miguel Almirón’s red card was different

The comparison most frequently made involved Paraguay forward Miguel Almirón, who became the first player in World Cup history to be sent off under the new rule.Almirón was dismissed during Paraguay’s Group D clash against Türkiye following a heated confrontation involving Turkish defender Mert Müldür.The incident occurred after Paraguay’s Isidro Pitta went down following a challenge from Ismail Yüksek, triggering a melee between both sets of players. During the confrontation, Almirón covered his mouth while speaking to Müldür.Following a VAR review, officials deemed the situation confrontational and issued a red card.Speaking after that incident, Infantino reinforced FIFA’s position.“This thing about covering the mouth is for us a very, very important rule,” he said.“It’s about respect. It’s about the example that we should give.“If you have nothing to hide, you don’t cover your mouth when you speak to somebody.“The rules have been made very clear to everyone.”

Bellingham also addresses clash with Ghana bench

While the conversation with Ayew was deemed harmless, Bellingham was involved in a separate flashpoint during the match that began at half-time and carried into the second half.The Real Madrid midfielder became embroiled in a heated, foul-mouthed exchange with members of Ghana’s coaching staff, including manager Carlos Queiroz and assistant John Paintsil, after a strong challenge on Ghana defender Jerome Opoku. The confrontation initially erupted at half-time following the reckless tackle, with tensions spilling over as both benches reacted angrily before continuing during the match.Speaking afterwards, Bellingham admitted he had mistimed the tackle but insisted the disagreement stemmed from the competitive nature of the match.“I made a silly tackle to be honest. I was trying to win the ball and I followed through a little bit and caught the lad, I spoke to him after and then their bench jumped up trying to get me a yellow card,” Bellingham said.“So yeah I think their manager, I just recognized him, was obviously the one who used to be at Manchester United [Carlos Queiroz], so great respect and nothing but a competitive edge for both of us.”

Terence Crawford hung up the gloves last year knowing his place amongst the welterweight and pound-for-pound legends was cemented, but there is one former 147lb ruler who Shane Mosley believes would have got the better of ‘Bud’ if they had competed in the same era.

Crawford outpointed Ricky Burns to claim the WBO lightweight world title back in 2014 and defended that belt on two occasions before moving up to super-lightweight, where he knocked out Thomas Dulorme to pick up the 140lb title on debut.

In 2017, the then unified titlist Crawford became the third undisputed champion of the four-belt era, stopping Julius Indongo inside three rounds to capture the remaining two straps at the weight, then moving onto the welterweight scene.

At welterweight is where Crawford truly flourished and proved his pound-for-pound talent, securing wins over Amir Khan, Kell Brook and Shawn Porter and then dominating and halting rival Errol Spence Jr to become the undisputed king at a second weight division – the first to achieve that feat as a four-belt champion.

Crawford fought just twice more, decisioning both Israil Madrimov and Canelo Alvarez to claim gold at super-welterweight and the undisputed throne at super-middleweight, with the latter being a win that will be talked about for generations to come.

Yet, on the ‘Mi Gallo Boxing Podcast’, hosted by two-time middleweight title challenger Gabriel Rosado, two-division world champion Mosley declared his belief that ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard would have had too much for the Omaha-born switch-hitter.

Leonard was a five-weight world champion, but it was at 147lbs where he managed to claim undisputed honours after wins over his fellow ‘Four Kings’ rivals Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns, along with his first world title triumph against Wilfred Benitez.

It is those accolades that show why Leonard was such a force in the welterweight division, and why Mosley believes he would have had been able to earn a victory against Crawford.

As for ‘Bud’ himself, whilst he seems set to stick to retirement, the 38-year-old does reportedly have a lucrative offer on the table, should he wish to make a return.

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has suggested that goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali may have made a costly decision by leaving his former club, Chippa United, outside the transfer window.

Nwabali has been without a club since ending his stay with the South African side, a situation that has raised concerns ahead of Nigeria’s future international fixtures.

Speaking to Sowetan, Troost-Ekong admitted that, from an outsider’s perspective, staying at Chippa United might have been the better option.

“Obviously I can’t speak for Stanley, but based on how things have unfolded now, maybe it would’ve been a better decision to remain with Chippa,” Troost-Ekong said.

The defender, who has played for clubs including Watford and Udinese, praised Nwabali’s rise in recent years and his performances for the Super Eagles.

“That’s me speaking from the outside because, of course, we don’t know what occurred between him and the club. It’s a difficult one. I think seeing Stanley’s rise over the last years has been amazing.

“I think he’s been the soldier we need for the national team. He had a fantastic Afcon twice in a row, which is very difficult to do.”

Troost-Ekong believes the timing of Nwabali’s departure made it difficult for the goalkeeper to secure a new club quickly.

“I think probably the situation hasn’t been favourable for him because I think the time he terminated his contract with the club was outside the transfer window, which made it very difficult for him to find a new club,” the former Watford and Udinese defender explained.

The centre-back revealed that he has remained in contact with Nwabali and is confident the goalkeeper will soon find a new team.

“So, it’s been tough. I’ve spoken to Stanley a lot as well. I know he’s been training, keeping fit. Hopefully there’s going to be a good opportunity that comes his way now in the summer.

“It’s a difficult one, but I am sure he’s going to find a club and return back to playing his club football because we need him for the national team. For me, he’s too much of a good goalkeeper to be without a club.”

Nwabali established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper after his impressive performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and remains a key figure in the Super Eagles setup despite his current club situation.