MELBOURNE, Australia — Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest man ever to complete a career Grand Slam after securing the Australian Open title against Novak Djokovic, who had never lost in his 10 previous finals at Melbourne Park.
The top-ranked Alcaraz dropped the first set Sunday as Djokovic went out hard in pursuit of a record 25th major title, but he dug deep to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.
As he was leaving the court, he signed the lens of the TV camera with a note of recognition: “Job finished. 4/4 Complete.”
The 22-year-old Spaniard scrambled to retrieve shots that usually would be winners for Djokovic, and he kept up intense pressure on his 38-year-old rival. There were extended rallies where each player hit enough brilliant shots to usually win a game, with neither player willing to give an inch or concede.
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Once he secured victory, Alcaraz let his racket slip out of his hand and fell to the ground on his back, putting his hands to his head.
He stayed there for a few seconds before going to the net to shake hands with Djokovic. Both players exchanged a few words and Djokovic smiled as he congratulated Alcaraz. The new champion then ran to hug his coaches in the courtside chairs and later his dad and other team members in the stands.
After paying tribute to Djokovic for being an inspiration, Alcaraz turned to his support team. He parted ways with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero at the end of last season and Samuel Lopez stepped up to head the team.
“Nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy. I just chased this moment so much,” Alcaraz said. The pre-season was a bit of a roller-coaster emotionally.
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“We just did the right work, you were pushing me every day to do all the right things,” he added. “I’m just really grateful for everyone I have in my corner right now.”
Djokovic joked about this showdown setting up a rivalry over the next 10 years with Alcaraz, but then said it was only right to hand the floor over to the new champion.
“First and foremost, congratulations to an amazing tournament and amazing couple of weeks,” Djokovic said at the trophy presentation. “What you’ve been doing, the best word to describe is historic, legendary, so congratulations. I wish the best of luck in the rest of your career.”
Both players were coming off grueling five-set semifinal wins and showed phenomenal fitness, athleticism and stamina for just over three hours in pursuit of their own historic achievements.
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Neither player was willing to relent on the big points — and there were many of them. In the end, Alcaraz was able to convert 5 of the 16 breakpoints he set up. Djokovic converted two of his six.
Djokovic’s push for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title has now been blocked by Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner for nine majors.
Djokovic edged Sinner in the semifinals and was aiming to be the oldest man to win a Grand Slam title in the Open era, but didn’t quite make it against Alcaraz.
Djokovic and Rafael Nadal played some epic matches, including the longest match ever at the Australian Open in a five-set final that lasted almost six hours in 2012.
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Nadal was watching from the stands on Sunday night, and both players addressed the 22-time major winner.
“I want to speak to the legendary Rafa, who is on the stands,” Djokovic said. “Obviously, it feels very weird to see you there and not here, you know?
“But thank you for being present. It’s too many Spanish legends… It felt like it was two against one tonight, you know, it wasn’t fair, but OK.”
Alcaraz said it was a privilege: “I know you were watching me when I was like 15, 14 years old, so it’s been a long time. But, yeah, for me, it’s such an honour playing in front of you.”
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At 22 years and 272 days, Alcaraz is the youngest man to complete a set of all four major singles titles. He broke the mark set by Don Budge in the 1938 French championships, when he was 22 years and 363 days.
Alcaraz now has seven major titles — his first in Australia along with two each at Wimbledon and the French and US Opens.
He’s the ninth man to achieve the career Grand Slam, a list that also includes Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer.
News of Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest on Friday sent ripples through the golf world. Those closest to the game and to Woods have been sharing their reactions over the last 24 hours. On Saturday, one of those responses aired on national TV. It came from NBC Sports’ Kevin Kisner, Brad Faxon and Dan Hicks during the network’s third-round coverage of the Texas Children’s Houston Open. You can watch in the clip below.
NBC booth addresses Tiger DUI arrest (though that was not specifically mentioned) at top of their broadcast.
Kevin Kisner: “Very disturbing. He was really working hard on his game, trying to practice and get back in shape. He signed up for the U.S. Senior Open yesterday. He was… pic.twitter.com/Gt3UZIZ5FR
“Very disturbing,” Kisner said. “He was really working hard on his game, trying to practice and get back in shape. He signed up for the U.S. Senior Open yesterday. He was trying to do anything he could to come back and try and help our TGL team, get ready, hopefully try and play the Masters.”
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“Just a really unfortunate incident,” he continued. “The only positive is that is nobody was injured in the incident and we can all move forward and hopefully help him get better.”
While Kisner’s remarks conveyed concern and disappointment, they also showed support for a teammate and friend. Brad Faxon echoed those sentiments.
“He’s the biggest needle mover in our sport,” Faxon said, “You know, where we live in that area, that Jupiter area, whenever Tiger goes to play or practice, it gets around pretty quickly.”
“And the fact that he was getting ready to practice, you know, at his home club, and thinking maybe he’s going to play the Masters. Everybody was kind of hoping for that and we’re hoping for the best wishes for Tiger now as he goes forward,” he said.
Singer Lee Hi (Lee Hae-yi) and Dok2 (Lee Joon-kyung) have finally confirmed their romance, with their connection dating back to the MBC reality program, Infinite Challenge. Over time, the pair had maintained a steady bond through collaborative music projects. Also, as reported, they had been together since late 2022.
This now marks their fifth year as a couple. At the same time, both artists acknowledged their relationship on social media, referring to each other as “MY MAN” and “MY LADY.” As fellow musicians, they also share a six-year age gap. Lee Hi was born in 1996. Meanwhile, Joon-kyung was born in 1990. Lee Hi debuted in 2012 after finishing runner up in the 2011 SBS audition show K-pop Star season 1. Dok2 debuted earlier in 2005, gaining recognition through the program Show Me the Money.
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Here’s more about Lee Hi and Dok2’s relationship
Looking back, the origin of Lee Hi and Dok2’s relationship traces to the 2016 broadcast of Infinite Challenge‘s Great Heritage. During that episode, Joon-kyung teamed up with Yoo Jae-suk. Together, they released the track Like. Soon after, Lee Hi joined the project as a featured vocalist. This moment, in turn, marked the beginning of their connection.
Even before this, Joon-kyung had already worked with Lee Hi. He appeared on FXXK WIT US (Feat. DOK2), a track from her album SEOULITE. From then onward, they maintained steady creative exchanges. For example, Lee Hi later featured on Joon-kyung’s March 2017 album Rborn, contributing to the track On & On (Feat. Lee Hi).
On March 28, the pair officially confirmed their romantic relationship by releasing their first joint single, You & Me. As attention grew after the release, the couple chose to directly address their relationship. Lee Hi shared a couple of photos on social media, writing,
“To my one and only DOK2 and 808HI, happy birthday. It’s been a long journey, and finally, this day has come. Congratulations on your birthday, my person (MY MAN) Dok2. This is our celebration. Turn up the music and celebrate the start of our journey together.”
The mentioned ‘808 HI RECORDING’ is a label co-established by the two. The name “808” links to Joon-kyung’s brand. Meanwhile, “HI” comes from Lee Hi’s name. A photo of them holding hands was also shared. Meanwhile, he also posted,
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“Have you all been listening closely? More songs are coming soon,” referring to Lee Hi as “MY LADY.”
Along with it, an image showed Lee Hi with an arm around her waist. On the same day, Lee Hi appeared with Dok2 during a live broadcast. At one point, both said, “Well done.” Lee Hi also said, “Happy birthday,” as the rapper marked his birthday. Then, while addressing viewers, Lee Hi added, “Today is (the ax) birthday. Please wish me a happy birthday.”
Their relationship was already known within the hip-hop scene. After the rumors spread, rappers Sleepyand DinDin reacted by leaving “likes” on posts sharing the news. In particular, Sleepy commented, “Let’s get married.”
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) secures a touchdown catch during first-quarter action against the Green Bay Packers, with the play unfolding on Sep 29, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, as Addison tracks the pass and completes the scoring play early in a divisional road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings will embark on the draft in 26 days, scheduled to pick nine new players from April 23rd to 25th. To get you ready for April, here’s a look at the main rumblings in Minnesota’s orbit right now.
Minnesota has no shortage of storylines as the draft gets closer.
The items below are ranked in order of importance (No. 1 = most important).
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The Loudest Vikings Chatter Covers the Roster From Top to Bottom
Fasten your seatbelt for a busy Vikings-themed April.
Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) walks off the field and heads toward the locker room, carrying the momentum of a strong team performance after a win on Sep. 6, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, as players begin to reset following the victory over UC Davis. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images.
Minnesota Is Scouting Early-Mid Round RBs and WRs
The Vikings are doing homework on running backs and wide receivers who are expected to be selected between Round 2 and 4, including men like Jonah Coleman (RB, Washington), Emmett Johnson (RB, Nebraska), and Ted Hurst (WR, Georgia State), to name a few.
In addition to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jordan Mason near the top of the playmaking ticket, the “extra” guys are Aaron Jones and Tai Felton. Conventional logic suggests that’s not enough. Visiting with mid-round playmakers suggests 2nd, 3rd, or 4th (if there’s a trade) weaponry is on the way.
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After all, the Vikings have signed exactly zero new running backs and wide receivers in free agency.
Harrison Smith Will Probably Be Back
This one is straightforward: if Smith were planning to retire, why hasn’t he done it? The Vikings announced the retirements of Adam Thielen and C.J. Ham, even submitting the paperwork. There was no Smith retirement paperwork.
Every day that passes is a hint that Smith will return for one more ride. The Vikings have also signed zero free-agent safeties. If they believed Smith was a goner, they likely would’ve added a new safety, at least for depth’s sake.
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Vikings Will Probably Lock in Jordan Addison’s 5th-Year Option
Indeed, Addison’s rap sheet since turning pro is splotchy and discouraging, but he’s one of the Vikings’ few draft successes in the last half-decade. His antics may also drive his extension price tag down just a bit, and it’s all his fault.
Minnesota let Jalen Nailor walk in free agency, and as mentioned above, signed no replacements. All signs point to an Addison fifth-year contract option, while possibly leaving the extension until next offseason.
Had the Vikings inked Nailor to an expensive new deal or signed a free agent like Romeo Doubs, the Addison forecast would be different. But interim general manager Rob Brzezinski did the opposite.
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Defense Will Be on the Menu Early in the Draft
In the last three drafts, the Vikings have spent three of four eligible 1st-Rounders on offensive players: Addison, J.J. McCarthy, and Donovan Jackson. It’s probably time to even the score.
Meanwhile, Minnesota has roster needs at safety, cornerback, and defensive tackle, and those three spots could be the top priorities. So long as the Vikings don’t lean full tilt into the “best player available” philosophy with a tight end like Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq, a defensive player will likely be the first pick in the draft.
Popular names include Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon), Peter Woods (DT, Clemson), Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson), and Emmanuel McNeill-Warren (S, Toledo).
J.J. McCarthy Isn’t Going Anywhere
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The moment the Vikings added two new quarterbacks — Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz — some folks panicked, thinking McCarthy would be on the trade block, merely because two new players at this position entered the fold.
But then cooler heads prevailed, with the masses realizing that McCarthy is just 23 years old, he probably understands that his injury track record is concerning, and he is mature enough to handle a year behind Murray. Minnesota has spoken positively about McCarthy this offseason; it’s going to have the best of both worlds — Murray in town on an abnormally cheap contract, and McCarthy ready and waiting to re-prove himself.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said about McCarthy in January, “J.J. McCarthy is a guy that wants to be great. I know he’s going to work tirelessly to do that. I know his teammates have a lot of confidence in what he’s going to go to work to improve on this offseason and come back and have a great offseason and be ready to hit the ground running in 2026.
“But I think a deep and talented quarterback room will only enhance his ability to do that, and I look forward to being a part of that process.”
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Jonathan Greenard Likely to Stay Put
Greenard’s recent social media activity — posting pictures and videos of himself in Vikings gear making plays — has fueled speculation about a contract extension. A photo he shared from inside the team’s headquarters in Eagan further intensified this speculation, as it seems unlikely he would be spending time there if a trade were imminent.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) sets his stance on defense, scanning the offense and preparing for the snap during postseason action on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, as Minnesota battles the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC Wild Card playoff matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
The internet has since been abuzz, analyzing every detail to determine Greenard’s future with the team. The prevailing sentiment is that Minnesota intends to retain its 2024 Pro Bowl pass rusher and finalize an extension.
This outcome seemed plausible even when trade rumors initially surfaced. The Vikings’ acquisition of the aforementioned Murray wasn’t a cost-cutting measure indicative of a roster purge. Instead, it signaled Minnesota’s belief that they can contend for a playoff spot in 2026 and potentially achieve even greater success.
If that is indeed the plan — as many within the organization have indicated — contending teams typically don’t trade away their top pass rushers.
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Reportedly, Minnesota’s asking price for Greenard in trade discussions was a 2nd-round pick, but no deal materialized. As it stands, a return for Year 3 in Minnesota appears to be the most probable scenario.
Of course, should circumstances change, Dallas Turner, following his late-season breakout in 2025, is waiting as a potential replacement for Greenard.
Golf analyst Brandel Chamblee opened up about Tiger Woods’ future in golf after his arrest. The American golfer turned 50 in December 2025 and is now eligible to play on the Champions Tour.
He had been away from the greens for a while. Chamblee opened up about Woods’ future this week.
Thanks for the submission!
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“He’s done his work in the game of golf,” Chamblee said. “Nothing he’s going to do on the Champions Tour, with all due respect, to senior golf, we all love it, but it will add nothing really to his legacy.”
“And you know, it’s clear that since 2021 when he’s come back, he can’t play at a competitive level on the PGA Tour….His body just won’t let him do what his talents have previously let him do. That seems like the only circumstance that would alleviate this problem. Beyond that, you just hope that he gets the care and the help that he needs.”
Tiger Woods has not played in any tournament on the PGA Tour since his last outing at the Open Championship 2024. That season, he played in five events and withdrew from the Genesis Invitational. He missed the cut in three majors and settled in 60th place at the Masters.
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Tiger Woods opens up about plans to play at the Masters
Tiger Woods is expected to play at the Masters 2026. He played in the TGL final game on Tuesday, and at the event’s press conference, he talked about his plans to play in the major.
“As I said, I’ve been trying,” Woods said. “Just this body is — it doesn’t recover like it did when it was 24, 25. It doesn’t mean I’m not trying. I’ve been trying for a while. I’ve had a couple bad injuries here over the past years that I’ve had to fight through and it’s taken some time.
“But I keep trying. I want to play. I love the tournament. I’ve loved being there since I was 19 years old. It’s meant a lot to me and my family over the years. I’m going to be there either way with The Loop that’s going up there, as well as the Champions Dinner,” he added.
However, before he could make a comeback, the American golfer had an unfortunate accident. Tiger Woods crashed his car on Friday near his house in Jupiter Island, Florida. He was arrested for driving under the influence and also for property damage.
He was jailed for a few hours before being released on bail. Now it would be interesting to see how things unfold for the American golfer in the future. The 2026 Masters will start with its opening round on April 9 and conclude with its final round on April 12.
Shields and Thurman have history and it doesn’t appear to be a friendly relationship. Just two days before the fight, Thurman responded to Shields calling out Rolly Romero and saying that she can beat him. He called her “a female with an erection,” and cautioned her not to venture into fighting professional male boxers.
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What’s the History Between Shields and Thurman?
This isn’t their first dust up. Shields said she was “a better boxer” than Thurman back in 2024. The beef traces back to the morning of the Spence-Crawford fight, when Shields called Thurman out on social media and he responded on the red carpet.
Thurman has maintained that while he respects what Shields has accomplished in women’s boxing, the comparison between men’s and women’s competition isn’t realistic. Shields has never backed down from the claim.
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What Did Shields Say After the Fundora Fight?
On Saturday night, when Thurman was being beaten by Fundora, Shields didn’t hide that she was rooting for the Mexican champion to win. After the TKO came at the end of round six, Shields took to X to twist the knife.
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Fundora’s length and combination work overwhelmed Thurman from the opening bell. The stoppage was inevitable by the sixth round with Thurman’s face battered and bloodied.
Is Shields’ Criticism Fair?
Truthfully, the two fighters are in different worlds. We don’t have intergender professional boxing. However, Thurman, even through his inactivity has faced far stiffer competition than Shields — especially of late since she moved up to heavyweight where the pickings are slim for fighters on her level.
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That said, all is fair in war. When two people aren’t fond of one another, there’s liable to be fiery darts. Along with the punches from Fundora, Thurman ate more from Shields on Saturday.
Arsenal currently lead the way in the fight for the Premier League title with the chasing Manchester City their last true competition
Arsenal have just seven league games left this season as they remain frontrunners for the Premier League title. Manchester City are still in the fight but face a tougher run of games.
Both sides will do battle once again during the Premier League run-in, but one faces an easier path to glory. The Manchester Evening News evaluates which of Arsenal and City have been handed the more difficult final few fixtures.
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If we use the Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR) which Fantasy Premier League players utilise, it is clear which of the two title contenders has an easier end to the season. This rating ranges from 1 to 5, with the higher number indicating a more difficult game.
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League leaders Arsenal host Bournemouth next and this clash holds an FDR of 3. Then, City away (5) is on the agenda. They then welcome Newcastle United (3) to the Emirates followed by another home match against Fulham (2).
The Gunners end their campaign with a trip to West Ham (2), a home fixture against Burnley (1) and a journey to Crystal Palace (3). City on the other hand, not only have an extra game to play but have been bestowed with tougher matches.
Guardiola’s men return from the international break to visit Chelsea (4) and then host Arsenal (4). They later travel to Burnley (2) and Everton (3).
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City will go on to host Brentford (3) before an away clash with Bournemouth (3) and a home battle with Aston Villa (3) and there is still the game against Palace (3) at the Etihad to be rearranged.
With City playing an extra match, we can look at the averages of these last fixtures and determine that they have a harder run-in. Arsenal’s average FDR is 2.7, while City’s is 3.1. Despite getting the better of their title rivals in the Carabao Cup, manager Guardiola does not think that trophy success will have any impact on the league scrap.
He said after victory at Wembley: “I would like to be nine points in front of Arsenal, but I don’t know if I’d change a trophy to fight for the Premier League.
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“I don’t think it will have an impact, different competition and they will be more concerned when they come to the Etihad. That title will help us a lot for the [FA Cup] quarter-final against Liverpool at home with our people.
“Today all our side was fully Blue, I’m so happy being together and celebrating. Maybe it will help us for that game but the Premier League is in their hands, they punished us a lot.”
England’s 2026 World Cup kits
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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL
A group supporting disabled football fans has been working to make matches more inclusive and accessible.
The Coventry City Disabled Supporters Association (DSA) partnered with the club three seasons ago, and since then a range of initiatives have been introduced, including audio‑description commentary for blind and partially sighted fans.
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“Our aim is to support more and more fans to access games and just be able to support their Sky Blues with everybody else,” chair Simone Seth told BBC CWR.
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The association also helps fans with transport to and from the stadium and supports those who find match days challenging due to sensory or cognitive needs.
Dave Shephard and Simone Seth say they want to improve the experience for disabled fans [BBC]
Committee member Dave Shephard shared how the club embraced his involvement in a “sensory room”, which he originally ran alone.
He said: “Our sensory room started off four years ago. I was doing it on my own, then I lost my sight a couple of years ago and the club were very receptive to me staying on.
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Most recently, the DSA launched sensory packs at the 21 March home game, designed to support neurodivergent children who may struggle with the intensity of match days. The kits include ear defenders, fidget toys, a stress ball and lanyards featuring emotional thermometers for non‑verbal children.
“I love it — I don’t get paid for it. I wanted to get involved with the DSA to try and make that experience better because we get a varied spectrum of kids and adults with disabilities coming in, and I want to give our families a much better experience,” Shephard aid.
The group started working with the club three seasons ago [Coventry City Disabled Supporters Association]
One family of four — all committed Sky Blues fans — turned to the DSA after feeling unable to attend matches because their daughter had special educational needs.
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Seth explained: “Through working with us, the family were able to access the sensory room. We were really pleased to hear that this season, because of the confidence and support they gained, they bought a season ticket — so all four of them are now able to come as a family and enjoy the football together.”
The association has also collaborated with the club to install a new wheelchair platform for away supporters, further strengthening accessibility across the stadium.
Floyd Mayweather has made a surprise claim regarding his planned rematch against Manny Pacquiao.
Mayweather and Pacquiao first met back in May 2015 after years of anticipation, and while it may have been a massive event commercially, the action failed to live up to the hype, as Mayweather claimed a unanimous decision win in an underwhelming battle.
Over a decade on, it was announced last month that they would collide for the second time in a professional contest at The Sphere in Las Vegas on September 19, with Mayweather set to end his retirement after hanging up his gloves back in 2017.
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The American has now cast doubt over those plans, after he revealed to Vegas Sports Today that the bout with Pacquiao will be an exhibition, and that the venue is yet to be confirmed.
“The Sphere is one of the places that they talked about, so we don’t know if it’s 100% going to be there. It’s not actually a fight, it’s an exhibition. We’re going to do it again and hopefully entertain the people.
“I got an exhibition with Mike Tyson also, another exhibition in Greece. If I’m just sitting at home and working out everyday and spending time with my grandson and children, I said why not go out, have a little fun, entertain and have some exhibitions.”
A bout against Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis in June was then set to be next for Mayweather, before the planned fight with Pacquiao, though the claim from the American that it won’t be a professional contest is certain to disappoint boxing fans.
NEW DELHI: Star batter Virat Kohli proved he’s still at the top of his game with a brilliant unbeaten 69 in IPL 2026, helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru chase down 202 against Sunrisers Hyderabad with ease. His performance impressed many, especially Ambati Rayudu, who believes Kohli is far from retiring and still has plenty of cricket left in him.Kohli looked in complete control during the chase, playing stylish shots including a lofted straight drive and his trademark flick for six. His innings led to strong reactions from former India batter Rayudu.
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Greenstone Lobo predicts IPL 2026 winner
“I don’t think he is anywhere close to the end of his career. I think he still has five or six quality years left in him and, as Sanjay (Bangar) and I were discussing earlier, he should make a comeback in Test cricket as well – hopefully as a captain,” Rayudu told ESPNCricinfo.“We are serious. He is the best red-ball captain I have seen in Indian cricket, and the way he is batting now, it is a loss for Indian cricket,” he added.Kohli retired from Test cricket in 2025.In the match, Hyderabad recovered from a poor start, thanks to Ishan Kishan’s quick 80 and support from Ankiet Verma, reaching 201/9.In reply, Kohli led the charge, supported by Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar. Bengaluru chased the target in just 15.4 overs, the fastest 200+ chase in IPL history.Kohli also achieved a major milestone, becoming the first player to score over 4000 IPL runs in chases and moving past Shoaib Malik in T20 run charts, capping off a memorable night.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) goes through pregame warmups, loosening his arm and scanning the field ahead of kickoff, preparing for action against the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 28, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.
NFL free agency has ground to a halt, and the Minnesota Vikings were quiet before and after signing quarterback Kyler Murray. Next up is the draft in less than four weeks, so we take a look at the current state of affairs in the rumor mill.
Three Vikings rumors are floating again as April gets closer.
Sportsbooks expect the Vikings to win eight or nine games in 2026, a forecast that follows Minnesota pretty much every year.
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Sorting through Minnesota’s Newest Rumor Speculation
A glance at the Vikings’ current rumor mill, some 3.5 weeks before the draft.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) scans the field from the sideline during the fourth quarter, Dec. 11, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, against the Atlanta Falcons as the game winds down and tension builds in a tightly contested NFC South matchup late in the season. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images.
Rumor: The Vikings could target Baker Mayfield in free agency next offseason.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic laid it out clearly, mapping why Baker Mayfield is positioned to push for an extension now while keeping his options open for 2027, when the market could expand. Minnesota showed up as a logical future landing spot in that framework.
He wrote, “Mayfield has a chance to be the first QB to exceed $50 million in free agency. Considering the likely competition for his services, it’s not farfetched to believe he could corral the biggest contract in NFL history. And if quarterback Matthew Stafford retires after the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Rams and Mayfield might feel compelled to reunite. The Minnesota Vikings would be another obvious fit, but there would be a handful of teams ready to pursue the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner.”
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“Mayfield should be very much aware of his potential market if the Bucs balk at the going rate. If he can’t reach a long-term deal this offseason, don’t be surprised if he adjusts his strategy to negotiate a clause that prevents the Bucs from using the franchise tag on him in 2027. It wouldn’t come with the desired raise, but it would get him to free agency next offseason.”
It all points to Mayfield holding the cards entering the final year of his deal. Tampa Bay has to account for that reality as extension talks heat up.
Of course, generally speaking, Mayfield landing in Minnesota is a long shot. The Vikings have Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy to choose from for the future.
Rumor: Fabian Moreau would be a free-agent fit for the Cowboys.
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Moreau landed on Pro Football Network‘s Tom Kennedy’s list of the NFL’s top remaining free agents — a level of recognition he rarely commands.
Kennedy noted, “Projected Contract: 2 years, $9.4 million AAV. In his last two years as a Viking, Fabian Moreau hasn’t started a game, serving in a heavily rotational role for Minnesota’s secondary. That said, he’s provided quality depth as an outside cornerback for their defense, allowing a passer rating of just 57.6 in 2025.”
“Moreau’s ball production doesn’t jump off the page because of his smaller sample size compared to other cornerbacks on this list. But he’s been quite efficient on the field, adding a No. 33-ranked 79.5 CBi score in 2025. He’s a high-level depth piece who could slide into a stopgap starting role if need be. Potential Landing Spots: Vikings, Cowboys.”
As of now, there’s been no real momentum or credible buzz connecting Moreau back to Minnesota after his 2024 and 2025 run under Kevin O’Connell.
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Minnesota Vikings defenders Fabian Moreau (23) and Kamu Grugier-Hill (54) celebrate a key fourth-quarter play, Dec. 16, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, against the Chicago Bears as the home crowd reacts and the defense delivers a momentum-shifting moment late in the divisional contest. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
In 2025, Moreau excelled as a CB3, earning a 70.9 PFF grade and holding opposing quarterbacks to a 47.4 passer rating on 19 targets. He solidified a position that had been uncertain in August, consistently executing his assignments with reliable play. Though his playing time was limited, he consistently performed well when on the field.
The performance adds value heading into 2026. At 31 years old, Moreau remains a dependable CB3 or CB4, whether in Minnesota or with another team. Kennedy says Dallas for Moreau.
Rumor: The Vikings should draft Ty Simpson, per former NFLer Chase Daniel.
Simpson to the Vikings should be in play, according to Daniel, a former Chicago Bears passer.
He said in a video on Twitter (X) late last week, “The second that Kyler signed with KOC, in my opinion, J.J.’s done there. They’re not giving J.J. a chance to win the QB1 job. It would surprise me, very much so. You don’t sign there to be a backup to J.J. McCarthy. I think J.J. McCarthy’s days with the Vikings are done.”
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“I do, and so that’s why I think you have to entertain drafting Ty Simpson. You’re not sure what Kyler’s going to do. It’s a one-year deal, $1.3 million. I just think if Ty can go to KOC, and there’s a lot of things that can happen, but with that offense, come on, man.”
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (15) celebrates on the field following a College Football Playoff win, Dec. 19, 2025, at Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma, after defeating the Oklahoma Sooners as teammates gather and emotions rise during a defining postseason moment for the Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Sarah Phipps-Imagn Images.
Most Vikings fans dismissed Daniels’s video — Minnesota has a full house at quarteback.
Daniel also doubled down, bizarrely linking Carson Wentz’s $3 million contract to McCarthy’s potential departure, a connection that seemed tenuous at best. Daniels has cultivated a social media reputation for making outlandish claims, and this latest assertion was no exception.
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