Oleksandr Usyk’s next fight has been confirmed, with the heavyweight boxing champion defending one of his world titles at the pyramids of Giza, in a stunning development.

Usyk had teased major news throughout the week, which had already been littered with several shocking boxing stories, and Friday brought confirmation of his next outing.

Remarkably, it will take place at the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, as he defends the WBC title against kickboxing great Rico Verhoeven on 23 May.

Usyk, 39, had been linked to the Dutchman, 36, in recent weeks, but the location of the fight comes as a major surprise.

Usyk was recently granted a voluntary title defence for his next bout and was previously linked to Deontay Wilder, but the American was later paired with Derek Chisora. Instead, it will be Verhoeven who vies for Usyk’s WBC belt, while aiming to hand the Ukrainian his first professional loss.

Verhoeven’s kickboxing record stands at 66-10 (21 knockouts), and he is a former long-reigning heavyweight champion, widely regarded as an all-time great in his sport. However, this upcoming fight is just his second in pro boxing, and it comes 12 years after he won his first.

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Meanwhile, Usyk is 24-0 (15 KOs) in boxing, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion and a two-time undisputed heavyweight king. He currently holds the WBC, WBA and IBF belts in the latter division.

“I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport,” Usyk said on Friday. “Rico is one of them. I respect his journey – he’s truly the king of kickboxing. But this is boxing, a different game with its own rules and kings.”

Verhoeven said: “I spent 12 years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion. I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world. Usyk is undisputed in boxing, that’s the kind of challenge that motivates me – undisputed versus undisputed.”

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Verhoeven was linked to Anthony Joshua in December, around the time of the Briton’s fight with Jake Paul, but “AJ” was involved in a car crash 10 days after stopping the influencer. Two of Joshua’s teammates were killed in the crash in Nigeria, in which Joshua was a passenger. The former two-time heavyweight champion’s boxing future seemed unclear, but his promoter Eddie Hearn has already hinted at a summer comeback.

Usyk, who outpointed Joshua in 2021 and 2022, last fought in July, when he stopped Daniel Dubois at London’s Wembley Stadium. The result came two years after Usyk first TKOed the Briton, and it crowned him a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

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However, Usyk vacated the WBO title in November, one month after Fabio Wardley stopped Joseph Parker to claim the interim version of that belt. Wardley was therefore elevated, and he will defend the official title against Dubois in Manchester on 9 May.

Elsewhere in the division, Tyson Fury will emerge from his fifth retirement when he boxes Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April. Following that fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in the English capital, Fury could pursue a trilogy bout with Usyk.

The Ukrainian outpointed Fury twice in 2024, handing the “Gypsy King” his only losses as a pro, and the first of those results marked Usyk’s first undisputed heavyweight triumph.

Usyk vs Verhoeven will stream live on DAZN and will be organised by The Ring magazine and Sela, a Saudi events company. The Ring is owned by Saudi government official Turki Alalshikh.

This week, The Telegraph reported that British promoter Frank Warren is claiming $1bn in lost income from Sela and combat-sports brand TKO, who co-own the new promotion Zuffa Boxing. Warren told the BBC: “It’s just a difference of opinion over the contracts that we signed, so that will just take its course. I can’t make any comment on it. It is what it is.” A representative of Sela told The Independent: “We are disappointed by the unfounded claims brought by Queensberry and Frank Warren. We reject them in their entirety and are confident that the facts will fully vindicate our position.”

Few people get a chance to meet Tiger Woods; even fewer get him for one-on-one lessons. Although being a famous musician certainly helps.

Train frontman Pat Monahan was the guest on this week’s Subpar podcast, where he discussed meeting Tiger Woods, playing Augusta National, his band’s upcoming tour and more. He’s met Woods a few times over the years, although the first came several years ago when Woods needed a last-minute fill-in to headline his annual Tiger Jam fundraiser.

Woods’ management team called Monahan to see if Train would be interested in playing after one act was a late cancellation.

“I was like, ‘I’m good, I have been working too hard,’” Monahan said on the podcast. “And they were like, ‘Tiger will give you an hour-long lesson.’ I was like, ‘I’ll be there tomorrow.’”

During their lesson, Monahan learned why Woods grew tired of pro-ams (six-hour rounds), and Tiger even shared an odd story that led him to conclude, “I think this is the last one.” Most of all, Monahan just appreciated that Woods seemed like a normal person.

“He is one of my favorite guys,” Monahan said. “He’s like one of us. He handles himself so professionally but when you can get him in a small group he’s just a dude. I just wanted to hit a couple good shots and I did and he was like, ‘Whoa, Pat can get through a shot.’ He made it fun more than stressful. It wasn’t a round of golf, it was just me at the range with him. There was no pressure to make par or anything.”

Although if there’s one thing the world knows about Woods, it’s that he doesn’t let people into his inner circle easily.

“I was like, ‘Man, I want to be best friends,’” Monahan said. “And he’s like, ‘I’m good.’” [Laughs]

You can listen to the complete interview with Monahan here or watch it on YouTube below.

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Progressive gelding Axius has an unknown top end according to rider Tim Clark, who is keen to discover more when the sprinter tackles stakes level at Randwick.

Saturday’s Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) awaits the four-year-old, resuming post his standout triumph in January’s Magic Millions Sprint (1200m) at the Gold Coast with Clark steering.

“He’s been a horse that has been threatening to do something like he did,” Clark said.

“He’s a big, tough, headstrong Justify gelding who really enjoyed riding the back of that good speed at the Gold Coast.

“It was a dominant performance up there and he still gets into this race with a very light weight.”

Axius gets the minimum 53.5kg impost for Saturday, as handicapper Coal Crusher shoulders the top weight of 58kg.

Facing him is The Instructor, who trailed Axius at the Gold Coast but has performed creditably since, including a near-miss in Group company locally and a solid fourth behind champion Autumn Glow in the Apollo Stakes (1400m).

Clark eyes a positive showing from Axius relative to The Instructor’s form.

“He’s an interesting runner to see where he measures up,” Clark said of his mount.

“He beat The Instructor home at the Gold Coast and meets him better at the weights on Saturday.

“This race on Saturday is probably going to decide his future plans through the autumn and the winter and how high they can aim with him. But he has barely put a foot wrong during his career, and they’ve been very patient with him, so they’re getting the rewards now.”

Axius, under Ciaron Maher’s guidance, carries nominations into the Sydney autumn carnival’s Group 1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m) and Doncaster Mile (1600m).

Check the racing betting markets ahead of the Liverpool City Cup.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie has strongly denied allegations of match fixing levelled against him by his Tanzanian club, Singida Black Stars SC, following his recent suspension.

The club suspended Obasogie for three months after conducting an internal investigation into alleged misconduct. According to reports in Tanzania, the action was taken as part of efforts to maintain discipline and protect the integrity of the team. Ugandan midfielder Khalid Aucho was also handed a three-month suspension for misconduct, including absence from duty and failure to meet team obligations.

In a letter dated February 27, Obasogie firmly rejected the claims and insisted that his mistakes on the pitch should not be seen as deliberate wrongdoing.

Titled “REBUTTAL TO THE ALLEGATION OF MATCH FIXING”, the goalkeeper wrote:

“I, Amas Obasogie, respectfully address the Management, Coaching Staff, Players, Supporters, Members of the Press, and the entire football community regarding the allegation of match fixing that led to my temporary suspension by Singida Black Stars SC.

“I state clearly and unequivocally that I have never engaged in match fixing and will never do so. The goals conceded in the CAF Confederation Cup match against Flambeau du Centre and the NBC Premier League fixture against Namungo FC were the result of footballing errors, not deliberate misconduct. I accept full responsibility for my performance; however, mistakes on the field must not be mistaken for match manipulation.

“As a national team goalkeeper representing the great nation of Nigeria, I fully understand the severe consequences of match fixing. My integrity, reputation, and career are invaluable to me. I have sworn never to bring the game of football, my club, or my country into disrepute. I am ready and willing to appear before any disciplinary committee to defend myself and clear my name.

“I remain fully committed and dedicated to Singida Black Stars SC. This club means a great deal to me, and I hold deep respect for its leadership, technical crew, my teammates, supporters, sponsors, and every stakeholder associated with it. My focus remains on contributing positively to the team, maintaining our momentum, and working tirelessly to help the club achieve its ambitions of winning trophies both in the league and in continental competitions.

“I respectfully urge that my errors in those matches should not be translated into allegations that question my character. I remain loyal, disciplined, and determined to continue serving Singida Black Stars SC with honour and professionalism.”

Obasogie’s response centres on the argument that poor performances should not automatically lead to accusations of corruption. He admitted making errors in matches against Flambeau du Centre and Namungo FC but stressed that they were genuine football mistakes.

The suspension leaves the Super Eagles goalkeeper facing an uncertain period. He was part of Nigeria’s squad at the last Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished third, and he has been in contention for future national team invitations.

As investigations continue, Obasogie has maintained that he is ready to appear before any disciplinary panel to defend his name, insisting that “my errors should not be translated into allegations that question my character.”

When the Minnesota Vikings moved on from Kirk Cousins, it was largely due to the process the veteran quarterback has always followed. Despite never truly elevating those around him, he has consistently been good enough to get paid,

One More Contract Could Move Cousins Past Tom Brady

Cousins left the Vikings to chase an absurd payday offered by the Atlanta Falcons. It was logical and sensible. It also very expectedly did not work out. Now a cut candidate, he could reverse course and challenge the narrative.

Last offseason, it was reported that Aaron Rodgers wanted to join the Minnesota Vikings and was willing to do it on the cheap. He signed with Pittsburgh for more than $13 million after Minnesota rebuffed his (and Dianni Russini’s) advances. He, too, is a free agent this offseason, and it should be expected that the same desire to play in Kevin O’Connell’s offense exists.

Kirk Cousins has already played in said offense, and he has a level of rapport with the organization. Whereas Minnesota rebuffed the opportunity to complete Brett Favre’s career arc once again, Cousins represents an opportunity to bring a welcomed veteran home. The question becomes whether or not he’ll stand in the way of it happening.

The Atlanta Falcons are going to pay Cousins not to play for them. That sets up a situation where his contract should be far down the list of his concerns. With a guy constantly chasing the bag, though, that’s unlikely ever to be the case. Minnesota probably will have interest in bringing their former starter home, but anything north of what Rodgers played for last season should be laughed at.

Cousins once laughably said, “It’s not about the dollars, but it is about what the dollars represent.” That’s a mindset he’s carried throughout his career, and it’s earned him generational wealth. Expecting him to turn that off seems like a long shot, but it would also showcase an ability to read the room.

You can bet that the Vikings will be projected to land Cousins until he signs elsewhere. It’s a logical assessment until the contract demands get in the way, and that’s something that he’s completely in control of.

Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler

Expressing surprise at the comments about a tie Celtic lost 4-2 on aggregate, O’Neill said: “So he is picking our team? Well done old Danny. He’s only in less than a year.

“I have to laugh. He’s made a comment about the picking of our team? Absolutely extraordinary. He hasn’t been in Glasgow long.

“There’s no need for him commenting on my team.”

However, what appeared to get O’Neill most irritated was the Rangers boss’ suggestion that: “I was a little bit surprised after 1-0 that they’re [Celtic] not trying to win this game, 2-0, 3-0, to have a chance. They keep the result until the end.”

The Northern Irishman replied: “He wants to be involved in some of these games.

“I didn’t see it like that. We were driven back because they are a very good team and in the top four of the Bundesliga.”

All that after Rohl had insisted: “I think, in general, it makes no sense to speak too much about the other side, we have to focus on ourselves.”

Hence the battle lines have been drawn for a Glasgow derby that could be of crucial importance to the destination of the Scottish title.

Heart of Midlothian are four points clear of Rangers at the top of the Premiership and Celtic two points further back with a game in hand.

O’Neill does not think the comments will add any fuel to what is usually a fiery fixture.

He should know. Although it will be his first league Old Firm derby since a 2-1 win at Ibrox in April 2005, he has won eight of his last 10 against Rangers, losing just two, and also led them to a 3-1 League Cup semi-final win over Rohl’s side in November.

That was in his first spell as interim manager, but Rangers reversed the scoreline at Celtic Park in January, a result that went some way to ushering in his second after the sacking of Wilfried Nancy.

Celtic’s first-ever win in Germany came after a 2-1 loss at home to Hibernian dented their domestic title hopes.

“We are running out of games,” O’Neill admitted. “We have been trying to catch up for quite some considerable time and we’re still trying to do that.

“Losing to Hibs was a setback, but it wasn’t mortal and we’re still there.”

Now he is relishing a “really great fixture” he “never expected” to be involved in again.

“He [Rohl] possesses a fine team over there and it is going to be tough for us to get a result,” O’Neill admitted.

“In normal circumstances, you would like the full week to prepare, but we’ve gone to Ibrox and won before after we have played midweek games.”

Former United States women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe criticized the U.S. men’s hockey team for their reaction to President Donald Trump’s phone call in the locker room following their gold medal win over Canada at Milan Cortina, calling the players and president “a clown” over what she said was a “trash” remark about the women’s gold medal hockey team.

Rapinoe, an outspoken critic of Trump, spoke at length about the postgame interaction with the president during the latest episode of her podcast with WNBA great Sue Bird, “A Touch More.”

Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe look on in the first quarter between the United States and France in the men’s basketball gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena on Aug. 10, 2024. (Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports)

The retired soccer star took issue with Trump’s call, specifically his joke that he would also “have” to invite the women’s team to the State of the Union address, which took place on Tuesday, and the men’s reaction to the remark. 

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“The United States’ men’s hockey team in their utter moment of glory, childhood dreams come true, one in a lifetime accomplishment, sensational – ruined it for themselves because they allowed themselves to be totally co-opted by a clown. And now, you’re a clown. You look like a clown,” she began.

 Rapinoe did not play a clip of the remark, adding, “We’re not going to platform that trash.” 

She went on to admit that she understands the environment and how the team could “get yourself wrapped in this moment,” but expressed her disappointment in the men’s team not respecting their counterparts – or themselves. 

“… And then you just gave this whole moment over to this person, who you know is just only going to use it for him, going to totally co-opt it.” 

Gold medalists Quinn Hughes and Jack Hughes of Team United States celebrate after the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 22, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

She continued, “Why don’t you respect you more than to have that moment be taken by someone, who for no reason at all, just takes a huge swing and a jab at women who did that exact same thing that you did.”  

Rapinoe also took issue with FBI Director Kash Patel’s presence in the locker room, recalling her playing days and how she would’ve handled those situations differently. 

“Kash Patel is in the locker room, he’s partying, he’s chugging beers – I’m not like decorum over everything, that’s not what I need out of my FBI director, like what are we doing? That’s just, whatever besides the point.” 

She later added, “I would have never… those people would never be allowed in our locker rooms.”

Bird added that her biggest issue with the interaction was seeing it knowing the relationship between both the men’s and women’s teams, which she called “genuine.” 

“This person, who happens to be the president of the United States, makes a joke that is and feels dismissive, and I don’t get the part where the men’s hockey team is actually close with the women’s hockey team,” she said.

“If my friends were being dismissed in this way, why would I laugh ever? Period. Take the rest of it out. That’s what I don’t get.”

Gold medalist Hilary Knight of Team United States celebrates after the medal ceremony for Women’s Ice Hockey after the Women’s Gold Medal match between the United States and Canada on day 13 of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

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U.S. women’s hockey star Hillary Knight addressed the controversy on ESPN, calling the joke “distasteful,” but defended the men’s players. 

“I think there’s a genuine level of support there and respect,” she said. “I think that’s being overshadowed by a quick lapse. I think the guys were in a tough spot, so I think it’s a shame this storyline and narrative has kind of blown up and overshadowing that connection and genuine interest in one another and cheering each other on.”

The women’s hockey team declined an invitation to the State of the Union address, but USA Hockey said in a later statement that the team would “soon” visit the White House to celebrate their gold medal success “based on their schedules once their seasons conclude.”

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