Because of the five-game winning streak to finish the season, the Minnesota Vikings won’t be in reach of the elite prospects in April’s Draft. Instead, they hold pick number 18. An aggressive trade-up could suddenly put Ohio State’s Caleb Downs within striking distance, whose skill set should surely intrigue the decision-makers in the Twin Cities.

Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski named his top landing spots for the elite talent in this year’s draft class, and he views the Vikings as the best destination for Downs.

He explained, “Caleb Downs is the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 NFL draft regardless of position, though his role does create quite the conundrum when it comes to teams considering him in this year’s top 10. Downs is every bit worthy of hearing his name called among the Nos. 3-5 selections, but the safety could benefit greatly from a draft-day slide.”

Vikings fans remember 2022 when Kyle Hamilton had comparable buzz entering draft season. He was available when the Vikings were on the clock with pick 12, but they traded out of there. Hamilton was selected at 14 by Baltimore.

Similar to Hamilton, Downs is viewed as a premier talent in the draft. The safety position isn’t viewed as valuable as edge rusher or cornerback, for example, which is why Downs could still slide into Minnesota’s draft range.

Sobleski added, “With Harrison Smith’s expected retirement announcement, the Minnesota Vikings will have a major hole to fill in their secondary after losing a defensive leader and playmaker. Downs is the top-rated prospect because he’s capable of doing everything within a defensive scheme, including serving as the primary voice to ensure everyone is aligned properly and understands their assignments.”

Indeed, safety is a need for the Vikings. Harrison Smith is expected to retire, though even if he doesn’t, a successor needs to arrive in the Twin Cities sooner rather than later. Other safeties under contract are versatile Joshua Metellus and rotational players Theo Jackson and Jay Ward. Jackson was a starter in Week 1, but was replaced later in the season by Ward.

“The Vikings employ the league’s most aggressive and complicated defensive scheme, and Downs has the skill set not only to contribute but also thrive,” Sobleski noted. “Coordinator Brian Flores can weaponize the multifunctional defensive back, with the potential for Downs to turn into a NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate over time.”

Flores’ scheme is aggressive and layered, but instinctive and versatile players tend to thrive within it.

In three seasons (one at Alabama followed by two at Ohio State), he appeared in 44 games, logging 257 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 6 interceptions.

“Downs can play both safety spots, function at a high level in Cover 2, drop down into the box and cover the slot. He’s considered an elite talent for a reason. Even as a possible top-10 pick, he’s not guaranteed the proper usage to become the caliber of difference-maker that he is. Maybe the Vikings make a play to move up and ensure the organization acquires the ultimate chess piece for its scheme,” Sobleski concluded.

Minnesota has been aggressive before. The front office moved up twice in the first round in 2024 — once to secure J.J. McCarthy and again to land Dallas Turner. If the board falls a certain way again, the phone could ring.

Prospects like Downs rarely align with teams picking outside the top 10. When they do, it’s often because organizations hesitate over positional value. If Minnesota views him as more than “just a safety” — as a defensive centerpiece — the calculus changes entirely.

Giving up draft capital is always risky, particularly with an aging core. However, if it lands an elite player like Downs and he actually turns out to be a real successor for Harrison Smith, nobody will care about the cost.

Dallas Turner gives the Vikings one emerging defensive cornerstone. Adding another difference-maker like Downs could accelerate the unit’s long-term outlook.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.

Janik Eckardt is a German sports nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He chose the Vikings to be his … More about Janik Eckardt

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has insisted that Agit Kabayel “must” be next for Oleksandr Usyk, after the Ukrainian’s planned voluntary title defence.

Usyk, the unified heavyweight champion, has been granted a voluntary defence in his next fight, which the unbeaten champion reportedly wanted to come against Deontay Wilder.

However, Wilder has since been paired with Derek Chisora in a contest set for 4 April at London’s O2 Arena. And at last week’s press conference for that clash, Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel said: “Look, Usyk came to us recently to fight. We didn’t know if that could happen, and we were on a trajectory to fight Chisora.”

Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas previously noted that Wilder, a former world heavyweight champion, was one of the biggest names from this generation that Usyk hadn’t fought. “And as well, it’s in the United States,” Klimas said of a prospective bout between Usyk, 38, and the American, 40.

Now, however, Usyk’s next move is unclear. In any case, Sulaiman has said the WBC (World Boxing Council) interim champion must be next for the southpaw after his voluntary fight.

Agit Kabayel holds the WBC interim belt, having won it with a stoppage of Zhilei Zhang last February, a result that gave way to a knockout of Damian Knyba last month.

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“Kabayel was not available, because he had a fight scheduled in January,” Sulaiman told boxing analyst Chris Mannix. “So, [Usyk] requested a voluntary title defence, which is very customary.

“He was given that opportunity, and he must fight the interim champion next. That’s the ruling.”

Like Usyk, Kabayel is unbeaten, and the 33-year-old German has occupied a place on the periphery of the world heavyweight title scene for some time.

A few months into his run with the interim WBC belt, Kabayel saw Usyk defend the unified titles against IBF champion Daniel Dubois, whom Usyk stopped to become a two-time undisputed king at heavyweight. Usyk, who was previously undisputed at cruiserweight, also stopped Dubois in 2023.

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To further complicate matters for Kabayel, Fabio Wardley emerged as a potential opponent for Usyk in October, when the Briton beat Joseph Parker to win the interim WBO title. But Usyk gave up the regular WBO belt one month later, and now the unbeaten Wardley looks set to defend it against Dubois in May.

Elsewhere in the division, Tyson Fury will emerge from his fifth career retirement when he boxes Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April. And the “Gypsy King” remains keen on a trilogy bout with Usyk.

However, there appears to be little interest in such a match-up, after Usyk outpointed Fury twice in 2024. Usyk handed the 37-year-old the first defeats of his career in their two bouts, winning their first clash by a close margin and their rematch more comfortably.

Technology-led refurbished laptop platform Edify has announced Indian cricketer Ravi Bishnoi as its brand ambassador and angel investor, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion journey. Founded in 2023 and backed by Prime Venture Partners and Beenext, the startup has already served more than 50,000 customers across India and recorded 5x growth over the past year. It is now targeting $10 million in annual recurring revenue by the end of the next financial year. 

The partnership signals Edify’s intent to accelerate brand-building efforts as demand for affordable, high-performance computing continues to grow across the country.

Tapping into an $11 Billion Opportunity

India’s secondary electronics market is estimated to be worth $11 billion, yet much of it remains unorganised. Refurbished laptops are often sold through offline grey-market channels with minimal quality assurance, creating hesitation among buyers.

Laptop penetration in India remains low, with only about 9% of households owning a computer. Edify estimates that nearly 220 million households are still awaiting their first laptop, underlining a vast affordability gap that certified refurbished platforms are now working to bridge.

Technology at the Core

At the heart of Edify’s operations is a proprietary intelligence stack featuring automated testing, predictive procurement, and workflow optimisation. Each device undergoes a multi-stage certification process powered by data-driven diagnostics, ensuring consistent quality at scale while maintaining strong unit economics.

The model reflects a broader evolution in re-commerce, where differentiation increasingly comes from software, data systems, and consumer trust rather than simple inventory aggregation.

Bishnoi’s Strategic Alignment

Ravi Bishnoi’s association extends beyond endorsement. By investing personally in the company, the cricketer aligns himself with Edify’s focus on digital inclusion and access.

Growing up in a small village near Jodhpur, Bishnoi’s journey resonates with Edify’s mission to democratise premium computing for students, creators, and young professionals.

Ashwini Purohit, Co-founder, Edify, said: “India doesn’t lack devices. It lacks trust and accessibility. Our goal has been to rebuild the refurbished category from the ground up with technology, transparency, and strong consumer experience. Ravi joining as both ambassador and investor signals that this shift is becoming mainstream.”

Ravi Bishnoi added: “Access to the right tools can change a person’s journey. Edify is making premium laptops accessible to people who need them most, and I’m excited to support that mission both as an ambassador and an investor.”

Expansion Plans Ahead

Looking forward, Edify plans to strengthen its footprint in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, expand into adjacent computing categories, and build enterprise and fintech partnerships aimed at extending device lifecycles.

With corporate IT refresh cycles accelerating and millions of devices entering secondary markets annually, Edify believes India is on the cusp of an organised re-commerce transformation, one defined by AI-driven quality control, trusted branding, and capital-efficient supply chains

In anticipation of possible global racing, Chris Waller alongside Godolphin moved Beiwacht to Melbourne to acclimate to straight-track conditions.

The three-year-old colt targets the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday, matched against Godolphin stablemate Tentyris, handled by Anthony and Sam Freedman.

These Godolphin colts are both tabbed for the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington March 7, with overseas options including the June Royal Ascot meeting in Britain.

They previously dueled on the Flemington straight, Tentyris taking the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) in November as Beiwacht came home fourth.

Beiwacht‘s fourth came off a dominant score in September’s Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill.

Trainer Chris Waller confirmed readiness, citing Ben Melham’s positive feedback from last week’s Flemington gallop, with the jockey aboard Saturday.

“Darren (Beadman) went down to watch it, and he gave us a glowing report,” Waller said.

“Everyone is happy.”

Waller emphasized the Melbourne races prep for trips abroad, yet the key focus with Godolphin is revitalizing the colt’s form.

“We need him in form and we need him used to straight racing,” Waller said.

“We will let him run his race, not worry too much about other things. We will get him into a good rhythm and let him find his pace he’s comfortable with.

“I think that’s what we have to do with him, he showed that in the Golden Rose. Let him use his speed but harness that speed, a little bit like Nature Strip.

“He’s not as free going, but we’ve just got to get it right.”

Waller replicated this strategy successfully with Home Affairs, Lightning Stakes winner after Coolmore Stud Stakes.

Nevertheless, Home Affairs couldn’t sustain momentum in 2022 Newmarket Handicap with 56kg, ninth place, before trailing at Royal Ascot in Group 1 Platinum Jubilee (1200m).

“To get him ready for the Newmarket, they need to have a run first so it might as well be up the straight,” Waller said.

Visit the leading racing betting markets to place your wager on the Lightning Stakes.

“It could have been in the Eskimo Prince (in Sydney), but he’s won his Group 1, so I’ll keep him there and give him a chance the learn about straight racing.”

The post Flemington straight to launch Beiwacht campaign first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

Tyson Fury is aiming to become a three-time heavyweight world champion but there is one man looking to intervene and disrupt those plans by sending Fury into a more permanent retirement.

‘The Gypsy King’ has hung up the gloves on several occasions but, at the age of 37, th ere was a sense that his most recent retirement, off the back of consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, could have been his last.

However, it has now been confirmed that Fury will return to action in two months’ time, as he sets about his goals of becoming boxing’s fifth three-time ruler.

For his comeback, Fury is tasked with hard-hitting Russian, Arslanbek Makhmudov, who was successful on British soil in his last outing, when he outpointed Dave Allen in Sheffield just four months ago.

Speaking with Sky Sports, Camille Estephan, founder of Eye of the Tiger Promotions and promoter of Makhmudov, stated that his fighter’s goal is to send Fury into a ‘real retirement’.

“Our goal and objective is send him to retirement, this time for real!”

Of Makhmudov’s 19 wins inside of the distance, 17 have come within the first three rounds, meaning Fury will need to be prepared for an attempted early onslaught when he collides with the Mozdok-born underdog.

It is believed that Fury-Makhmudov will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, April 11, after failed attempts to stage the event at Old Trafford.

The event will broadcasted live by Netflix at no additional cost to a standard subscription, with further details regarding the undercard expected imminently.