Ben Whittaker has outlined the time it should take to become a worthy opponent for David Benavidez, who seemingly remains in search of a dance partner for his next outing.
‘The Mexican Monster’ comes off a sixth-round stoppage over Gilberto Ramirez in May, dethroning the WBO and WBA titlist to become a three-division world champion.
In doing so, Benavidez has afforded himself options between 175lbs and 200lbs, given that he still holds the WBC light-heavyweight strap.
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Having just become the unified cruiserweight champion, however, the 29-year-old may look to cement himself at the new weight by taking on Noel Mikaelian.
As the WBC mandatory challenger at 200lbs, Benavidez has effectively confirmed his interest in a clash with Mikaelian, who currently holds the green and gold title.
Eventually, though, the Mexican-American could drop back down to 175lbs in pursuit of a more lucrative opportunity, possibly against rising star Whittaker.
After making his US debut last weekend, the next step, it seems, is for Whittaker to face a domestic opponent in Birmingham this coming October.
This will likely come against an opponent rated below world level but, even so, the 29-year-old has told Fight Hub TV that he is not a million miles away from facing the likes of Benavidez.
“100% [I’ll be ready for Benavidez in a year or so].”
D’Tigers reach FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Second Round
Nigeria’s D’Tigers secured their place in the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers after edging Guinea 80-79.
The narrow victory booked Nigeria’s place in the next stage and also handed Guinea their first defeat of the qualifying campaign.
In a game that was decided by just one point, D’Tigers held their nerve late on to seal another important win and continue their push toward a place at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
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Nigeria Basketball celebrated the result on social media, writing:
“NIGERIA WINS!!!!! WHAT A GAME!!”
Shortly after the victory, the federation also confirmed Nigeria’s qualification with another message that read:
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“TEAM NIGERIA QUALIFIED – SECOND ROUND.”
The result continues an impressive run for D’Tigers, who followed up their victory over Tunisia with another hard-fought performance against one of the competition’s strongest teams.
With qualification for the second round now secured, Nigeria will shift its attention to the next phase of the qualifiers as the team moves a step closer to earning a place at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
We’re in the heart of the golf season right now and we’re heading into a massive Fourth of July weekend to celebrate 250 years of the USA, so naturally I ended up in PGA Tour Superstore to shop the sale and gear up for this coming weekend. Here are five items that caught my eye.
1. Sun Mountain ST-USA Hometown Golf Stand Bag
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Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a bag built like a keepsake. This limited-edition Sun Mountain Hometown USA Stand Bag is crafted from 12-ounce waxed canvas and finished in a bold, heritage-inspired palette of natural canvas, navy and red accents — a nod to classic Americana with unmistakable Sun Mountain craftsmanship, quality and reliability. Each bag is individually numbered and part of a limited run of 1,776 pieces, honoring the year that started it all.
As soon as I saw this bag in the store I knew I had to add it to the list. The ST-USA is a canvas material bag that’s going to be super durable, even when strapped onto a cart, and the USA-themed color way is great to look at. The bags are also numbered X/1776 as a limited-edition offering in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the USA. Sun Mountain has been on an absolute heater lately, and this bag just further proves how good their new direction is.
Professional Tee System 3-1/4 inch USA Golf Tees 30 Pack The Golf Gifts & Gallery Professional Tee System 3-1/4 inch USA Golf Tees 30 Pack is the #1 plastic golf tee on the PGA TOUR. It has an enhanced design that improves stability on every swing. These tees come in a pack of 30 with a USA flag design.
It never hurts to buy a pack of tees whenever you’re in PGA Tour Superstore, so why not buy a pack to celebrate USA 250 at the same time. I’ve been using Pride Performance tees for a long time. I’m typically a wood tee sort of guy, but I’m going to make an exception this week and opt for the plastic performance tees with the American flags on them!
A lightweight performance polo designed for all-day comfort on and off the course, crafted with built-in stretch and UPF 50 protection for unrestricted movement and sun coverage. Featuring a relaxed fit, wrinkle-resistant fabric and premium finishing details, this versatile style delivers effortless performance with a polished look.
We have no choice but to be decked out in red, white and blue this weekend on the golf course. Vineyard Vines has a bunch of options at different levels of patriotism, but I’m going a bit more simple with this cool RWB ‘golf icons’ pattern polo.
The Americas Belt carries a bold yet balanced pattern of blue, red and white crossing lines, colors long associated with American sporting tradition. The cognac leather details introduce warmth and a refined nautical touch. Confident and expressive, it’s a belt that naturally fits coastal settings, summer rounds and classic American casual dressing.
Might as well add another splash of RWB to the outfit for the weekend. LAEZ has a couple of offerings, or you can opt for the more expensive option from Smathers and Branson, but I’ve chosen to go with the America’s Braided Belt from LAEZ.
Theragun Mini 2nd Generation The smallest, lightest Theragun yet. The Theragun mini is a powerful and portable device that’s proven to relieve aches and pains and improve recovery. With a patented triangle design that is now 20% smaller and 30% lighter, get Theragun quality treatment on-the-go. With new Bluetooth connectivity, connect mini to the Therabody app for personalized routines and best-in-class education to help alleviate pain symptoms and treat specific ailments. Wherever the world takes you, keep moving with Theragun mini. NEW: 20% smaller, 30% lighter (1 lb, 5.55 in x 4.92 in x 1.93 in) than previous mini NEW: Bluetooth® -connected to the Therabody app to control your device and personalize your recovery NEW: Three easy-to-clean non-porous closed-cell foam attachments NEW: USB-C charging port compatible with all current gen Theragun products 3 speeds (1750, 2100, 2400 PPMs) Ergonomic triangle shape and grip LED speed indicator 12mm amplitude Internal lithium-ion battery (120 minutes) Proprietary brushless motor with QuietForce Technology The Theragun Difference 12mm of amplitude for deeper, more effective, and longer lasting recovery. Therabody are the pioneers of percussive therapy. Products are developed by medical experts and backed by science. A patented triangle design. Built to last with unmatched quality you can rely on. High-quality attachments designed to personalize your experience. App optimized with better education to help alleviate pain symptoms and treat specific ailments. Natural alternative to medication by enhancing body’s natural processes to alleviate pain. Best massage device and app for treating common ailments like back pain, knots and tech neck. What’s Included: Theragun mini device Three attachments: Standard Ball – For overall, general use NEW: Dampener – For use on tender areas or near bones NEW: Thumb – For lower back and trigger point therapy USB-A to USB-C charging cable Soft case
Let’s be honest, after this weekend there’s a chance we’re feeling a bit sore. Wether it’s 36 holes of golf, forced time on a tube with your nephew behind the boat, or just getting some work done around the house, our bodies are going to feel it on Monday. Luckily, the Theragun Mini is also a great thing to have in your golf bag, too, so really you’re investing in your future self’s performance.
It tips the scales at a mere 2 pounds, and this new Moonlite is smaller than the original, accommodating 7 to 9 clubs, just what you need for your outing to a par-3 course, or to the driving range for a practice session with a few clubs. This compact design offers three pockets, including an insulated water-bottle pocket, and one for a rangefinder. Available in three colorways.
I’m headed to Pinehurst next week for some content purposes, and we’re going to sneak out for some golf so I figured I should snag a nice Pitch & Putt carry bag to throw a set of wedges and a putter into to go play The Cradle. I’ve been told time and time again by friends to snag a Moonlite, and this was the perfect chance.
Wyndham Clark is on a bit of a roll this season, and much of it is due to his newfound love for the Ping Scottsdale TEC Ally Blue putter. It was the No.1 selling putter this month at Fairway Jockey, and they even made note to say that lots of customers are ordering a counter-balanced build just like Clark’s. I actually built up my own version of Clark’s putter to test for myself, so let’s talk about why it’s become such a popular build.
Clark got me thinking quite a bit about my putter choice. I also had the privilege of getting to go through a PLD fitting with the Ping team at their headquarters in Phoenix, trying out their eye-tracking performance that led to the development of the new Scottsdale TEC series of putters. Funny enough, this is the third time I’ve actually built this putter.
I ended up building mine at 36 inches instead of 38 because I’m significantly shorter than Clark is, and I installed a BGT Stability Polar shaft to go along with the build. I had to lead tape it, because Clark did, but I didn’t quite get my head weight up to 400+ grams like his is. Mine stayed somewhere around the mid 380s mark.
What’s so great about a counter-balanced style build like this is the free-swinging feel that it provides players. It just seems easier to consistently stroke the putter on a repeatable path. By having more weight in and above your hands, it makes the hands feel like they are taken out of the equation a little bit, and the putter head itself is given more control.
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With the Scottsdale TEC specifically, players will also notice a more calming focus before they stroke the putter thanks to Ping’s “Eye Q” alignment aid developed using Quiet Eye Theory. If the combined feeling of increased focus and increased stability can help settle down Clark while he’s playing for millions, it can probably help us on the weekend as well.
Luckily with places like Fairway Jockey, we can replicate Clark’s gamer without having to access the tour truck!
Thomas Tuchel’s stuttering England are an ideal target for co-hosts Mexico as they seek a prestigious World Cup win in their final game at the near-impregnable Azteca stadium, the scene of the infamous Maradona handball that still haunts the Three Lions decades later.
The latest reports claim that Roma’s Manu Kone is in line to start for France in their 2026 World Cup round of 16 match against Paraguay on Saturday evening as Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni has been ruled out through injury.
Kone expected to start for France in World Cup round of 16 clash
France are among the favourites to go all the way at the 2026 World Cup and have a 100% win rate in tact after group stage victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway and a 3-0 win over Sweden in the round of 32 on Tuesday.
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Didier Deschamps’s side will have to do without the services of Madrid’s Tchouameni, who reported a thigh injury during France’s most recent training session according to updates from the likes of l’Equipe and RMC (via Gianluca Di Marzio).
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Roma’s Kone is the expected replacement for the Madrid man, given that he already has two starts to his name at the tournament in North America.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 26: Manu Kone #6 of France is challenged by Patrick Berg #6 of Norway during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and France at Boston Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Thus far, France have rotated between three different combinations of Kone, Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot in their midfield double pivot behind the frightening front four of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Kylian Mbappe.
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Kone started alongside Rabiot for France’s 3-0 group stage victory over Iraq and alongside Tchouameni for the 4-1 win over Norway, but came out of the line-up for the round of 16 victory against Sweden.
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The round of 16 clash between Paraguay and France will kick off at 22.00 BST, taking place in Philadelphia.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first half at State Farm Stadium on Oct 24, 2021. Hopkins added another Arizona highlight in Glendale, turning a scoring play into a familiar end-zone moment for one of football’s smoothest pass catchers. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings’ rumor mill is a constantly breathing beast, and this weekend it lassoes a wide receiver, a trade, and the projected winner of the summer quarterback competition.
The rumors will continue until training camp and beyond, so here’s a look at the latest.
The Hopkins Reunion Angle Still Has a Pulse
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) reacts after a first-quarter run against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on Oct 5, 2025. The veteran playmaker worked through traffic in Baltimore, adding another sideline-ready moment during a matchup against one of his former teams inside a rugged early offensive stretch. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images.
Rumor: Despite signing Jauan Jennings in May, DeAndre Hopkins remains an option for the Vikings.
This one came from CBS Sports. Brad Crawford wrote last week, “The Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs are three potential fits for Hopkins, all of which have been discussed by the former first-round pick at some point this offseason. Joe Burrow is one quarterback Hopkins said he would enjoy playing with during an interview with Sports Illustrated.”
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“In Minnesota, Hopkins would reunite with former Arizona Cardinals teammate Kyler Murray. The pair played three seasons together from 2020-22, hooking up 17 times for touchdowns over that stretch.”
TMZ asked Hopkins about Murray and the Vikings in March, and he replied, “Kyler — that’s my boy, man. Kyler is like family. I talked to Kyler throughout the year last year. I talked to Kyler after, you know, his situation in Arizona. Kyler’s like family, man.”
“I would always, you know, embrace that journey with him. He’s on a one-year deal? Whatever I can do for what someone like that — if Kyler need me he know I’m there, if the Vikings need me they know I’ll be there.”
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Minnesota doesn’t really need a WR3 or WR4 at the moment — Jennings basically solved all WR questions — but Hopkins on an affordable contract would assuredly excite fans.
Rumor: Justin Jefferson could grow disgruntled and request a trade.
Another CBS Sports special, Garrett Podell sized up prominent NFL stars who could ask for a trade in the near future. Sadly, Jefferson pulled down a nomination.
Podell wrote, “Prediction on whether or not Jefferson will eventually ask for a trade: Yes, by the 2028 NFL offseason. The McCarthy-Murray competition will fail to bear long-term fruit at football’s most important position, leaving Jefferson dissatisfied entering the final season of his four-year, $140 million deal in 2028.”
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“Out of guaranteed money, Jefferson will be looking for a new, multiyear deal at the age of 29, but he’ll aim to get his next batch of guaranteed cash elsewhere. Compensation to get the deal done: First-round pick and third-round pick. It’s a similar package to the one the Patriots used to acquire Brown from the Eagles, but instead of a fifth-round pick, Minnesota gets a third-round draft choice since Jefferson doesn’t come with the same attitude and fluidity questions.”
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) hugs head coach Kevin O’Connell before a game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on Oct 20, 2024. The pregame moment captured Minnesota’s franchise receiver and head coach together before another NFC North matchup in Minneapolis, where the Vikings prepared for Detroit’s challenge. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Randy Moss left the Vikings after seven seasons in 2005. This year is — checks notes — Jefferson’s seventh season.
“Likely landing spot: Las Vegas Raiders. It’s hard to project how the NFL landscape will look years down the road, but the Raiders make plenty of sense for a multitude of reasons,” Podell continued.
“Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will need a true WR1 to complement All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, and Las Vegas has shown a willingness to trade for a superstar wide receiver at the back of the end their 20s: The Raiders traded a first-round draft choice and a second-round draft choice to the Green Bay Packers in 2022 in exchange for a 29-year-old Davante Adams.”
Rumor: Kyler Murray will win the Vikings’ QB1 competition, per NFL.com.
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Nick Shook of NFL.com investigated which NFL players could most improve this season, citing Murray as a top contender. Along the way, he declared QB1 projection for the Vikings: “Murray’s shift from Arizona to Minnesota isn’t quite the discovery of an oasis, but it’s certainly a better situation for the former No. 1 overall pick than the one he inhabited in the desert.”
“After dealing with injuries and logging just five games in 2025, Murray is now playing under quarterback expert Kevin O’Connell and has the privilege of throwing passes to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings and T.J. Hockenson in a stable offensive scheme that helped Sam Darnold post a career year in 2024.”
Kyler Murray throws a pass during Minnesota Vikings minicamp at the team’s practice facility in Eagan in June 2026. The veteran quarterback worked through summer reps after signing in March for $1.3 million, learning Kevin O’Connell’s offense while preparing for a high-profile competition inside Minnesota’s reshaped quarterback room. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
If Darnold could explode in the Twin Cities, so can Murray — is the idea here.
“Yes, he’s going to win the job over J.J. McCarthy, and I believe he’ll form a beautiful partnership with O’Connell, the coach of a team that is a reliable quarterback away from a return to the playoffs. Expect Murray to become that quarterback and rebuild his reputation along the way,” Shook concluded.
Most Vikings fans, too, agree that Murray will take home the QB1 bacon.
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We perhaps haven’t seen the very best of England yet at this tournament, and they’ll need to produce something better against a Mexico side who’ve started brilliantly with four wins and four clean sheets.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JUNE 22: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England, looks on during an England Training Session on June 22, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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This could be a tough game, but also potentially a classic that will give us some idea of how serious England’s World Cup credentials are, so it’s sure to be one fans will be desperate to make sure they don’t miss.
How to buy England World Cup tickets
If you want more information on how to buy World Cup tickets, you can always try the link here for FIFA’s official website, but there might be quicker and simpler ways as well.
We can highly recommend our dedicated tickets hub here which offers competitive prices for all the big games, and the security of a 150% money back guarantee if for whatever reason you’re not satisfied.
Co-hosts Mexico have a ticket hub on their official site here, but we would again recommend having a look around for alternatives.
Be sure to make use of our link here which gives you access to this big game with an easy-to-use and reliable site that has earned hugely positive reviews from fans.
How England could line up vs Mexico
TOPSHOT – England’s forward #09 Harry Kane fights for the ball with Netherlands‘ defender #22 Denzel Dumfries during the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final football match between the Netherlands and England at the BVB Stadion in Dortmund on July 10, 2024. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
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Thomas Tuchel might need to rethink a few things for this game, which will likely be a lot harder than DR Congo.
Reece James‘ fitness will also be key, as he’s been missed at right-back, and he’s given some slightly positive noises about his situation, perhaps suggesting he’ll be able to make it back for this one.
England predicted line up:Pickford; James, O’Reilly, Guehi, Konsa; Rice, Anderson, Bellingham; Saka, Gordon, Kane.
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How Mexico could line up vs England
Mexico predicted line up: Rangel; Vazquez, Montes, Sanchez, Chavez; Alvarez, Mora, Romo; Quinones, Alvarado, Jimenez.
England and Mexico have only played each other nine times, with the first meeting coming in 1959 and the most recent one prior to this coming in 2010.
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And if you’re interested in omens, England’s only other World Cup game against Mexico was a 2-0 win in that 1966 campaign.
Overall, England have by far the better record in this fixture, winning six times, drawing once and losing twice. The last four games between these sides have all been wins for England, with 12 goals scored and just one conceded.
Predictions for this one? Let us know in the comments!
The latest Manchester United transfer news with updates on Crysencio Summerville, Marcus Rashford, Felix Nmecha, Jarrod Bowen, Ederson, Aurelien Tchouameni and much more
The WBC welterweight champion is expected to defend his world title on September 12, with mandatory challenger Benn having been named as a likely opponent.
According to Golden Boy boss Oscar De La Hoya, though, the Las Vegas event cannot take place without permission from his promotional outfit and DAZN.
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The Hall of Famer confirmed his stance via an Instagram message to Zuffa Boxing promoter Dana White, who is seemingly attempting to broadcast this fight on Paramount+.
With contracts in place, De La Hoya insisted that he has not approved Garcia’s next outing, which appears to be part of a two-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh and Sela.
As the situation continues to develop, only time will tell as to whether Garcia ends up facing Benn, who has not fought at 147lbs since his second-round finish over Chris Van Heerden in 2022.
;)
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