Two-division world champion Lawrence Okolie has laid out his thoughts ahead of Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois’ upcoming showdown for the WBO heavyweight world title, after sparring both men.

A white-collar star, the rise of Wardley has been inspirational, giving hope to boxers of all levels that they too can reach the top with the correct discipline, hunger and attitude.

After moving up to world level last year, the Ipswich fan-favourite has come from behind to halt both Justis Huni and Joseph Parker to earn the WBO Interim heavyweight title, before being elevated to full world champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.

Now, Wardley seeks to prove his legitimacy as a world champion, accepting a difficult voluntary defence for his first world title affair, taking on fellow Briton and former heavyweight ruler Dubois.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Okolie, who has shared the ring with both men behind the scenes, revealed that he gives Dubois the edge due to his superior experience and punch power.

“I think that Dubois is going to win because he has got a lot more experience at the level and he has beaten better guys.

“I think that, stylistically as well, if they do start trading, unless Fabio is that much quicker than him, Daniel definitely punches harder than him and is more concussive, so I think he will probably hurt him.

“However, with his [Wardley’s] confidence and Ben Davison, who I think is a really good coach, they might work on the right sequences to catch Dan and if they catch Dan early and hard, then we could see a few repeats of some of his performances.

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“I would be favouring Dan in that fight.”

Wardley-Dubois takes place on Saturday, May 9, at the Co-Op Live Arena, for what will be the sixth heavyweight world title contest to have ever taken place in Manchester.

NEW DELHI: England captain Harry Brook says unity, belief and staying calm under pressure have helped his team reach the T20 World Cup semi-finals — and they don’t need to play a “perfect game” to win the title.England, two-time champions, will face fellow two-time winners India in the semi-final for the third straight edition. While India were labelled favourites at the start, both teams have had ups and downs in the tournament.

When asked if England would need a flawless performance to beat India at home, Brook said: “No, I don’t believe that we need a perfect game to win the competition to be honest.” He added, “The games that we have won have been nowhere near perfect and we’ve still managed to get the wins convincingly in some of them and then tight (in) the other games.”Brook credited team spirit. “But it’s just the unity that we’ve had to be able to get across the line, the belief that everybody’s shown throughout the games and the calmness that we’ve had when the bowlers have stood at the top of the mark,” he said.Calling the clash special, he said, “It’s up there for sure. It’s a dream come true for most of us to play in a World Cup semifinal against the home nation on a very iconic ground, so we’re all really looking forward to it.”Though confident, he admitted, “we haven’t quite played that perfect performance (yet) and I feel like it’s just around the corner… Hopefully, it’s tomorrow (Thursday) night.”Brook also backed out-of-form former captain Jos Buttler, saying, “There should be no reason to question why he’s on the team.”He dismissed concerns about playing spin and said one big individual effort could decide the match: “We don’t feel like we’re ever out of a game so far… I feel like there’s a big individual performance to come.”

Ireland back-rower Nick Timoney will make his first Guinness Six Nations start as part of five personnel changes for Friday evening’s round-four clash with Wales in Dublin.

The 30-year-old Ulster player replaces Josh van der Flier at openside flanker following impressive cameos in the opening defeat to France and subsequent victories over Italy and England.

Jack Conan, who was a late withdrawal from the bench ahead of the 42-21 bonus-point win at Twickenham on 21 February due to illness, is recalled at blindside flanker, while loosehead prop Tom O’Toole and hooker Ronan Kelleher also come into the forward pack.

Jacob Stockdale replaces the injured James Lowe on the left wing in the only alteration to the backline.

Jamison Gibson-Park will win his 50th Ireland cap following his man-of-the-match display against England, while Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak, 24, is set to make his international debut from the bench.

Sam Prendergast has been left out of the matchday 23 for the second successive game, with Jack Crowley retained at fly-half and Ciaran Frawley again providing back-up.

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Centre Bundee Aki is also absent, despite returning to camp after competing the four-match ban which ruled him out of the start of the championship.

Lock Joe McCarthy and Van der Flier drop to the bench, while hooker Dan Sheehan has been given the evening off and prop Jeremy Loughman is unavailable because of a calf injury.

Ireland, who host Scotland on the final weekend, are chasing the Triple Crown to keep alive hopes of overhauling France in the battle for the title.

O’Toole and Kelleher will pack down alongside tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong in the front row.

Tadhg Beirne switches from blindside flanker to partner James Ryan in the second row, while captain Caelan Doris continues at number eight, between Conan and Timoney.

Centres Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose, right wing Robert Baloucoune and full-back Jamie Osborne are also retained.

Ulster hooker Tom Stewart and Munster centre Tom Farrell are in line for Six Nations debuts from a bench which also includes props Michael Milne and Thomas Clarkson.

Head coach Andy Farrell said: “We have two special milestones in the squad this week at opposite ends of the scrum-half spectrum.

“I would firstly like to congratulate Nathan on his first international selection. Nathan has been around a few Ireland camps in recent years and has impressed with the consistency and quality of his play in training and with Ulster over a longer period.

“I know how much this means to Nathan and we are determined to make this a special few days for him and his family.

“Also, Jamison becomes the 61st Irish international to reach the 50-cap mark which is an incredible achievement for a top-class professional.”

Ireland team to face Wales on Friday 6 March:

Starting XV: 1 Tom O’Toole, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Jack Conan, 7 Nick Timoney, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 Jacob Stockdale, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 15 Jamie Osbourne.

Replacements: 16 Tom Stewart, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Joe McCarthy, 20 Josh van der Flier, 21 Nathan Doak, 22 Tom Farrell, 23 Ciaran Frawley.

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The Minnesota Vikings’ offseason was rocked on Tuesday by news that the team is open to trading Jonathan Greenard, as the veteran outside linebacker wants a contract extension while Minnesota’s budget is tight. If Minnesota cannot figure out a way to appease Greenard and prolong his deal, he could be shipped elsewhere for the equivalent of a 2nd- or 3rd-Round pick or so.

If Minnesota shops Greenard for cap relief, these six defenses have the money, need, and scheme fit.

And here’s where he might land in the scenario.

The Clubs That Make Sense to Target Greenard via Trade

In all likelihood, the Vikings will figure out Greenard’s contract situation, but just in case…

6. New England Patriots

No overt general manager or coaching ties suggest Greenard to the Patriots; they just need EDGE defenders, plain and simple.

That’s right. The team that reached the Super Bowl last month is staring down an early March depth chart that has Anfernee Jennings and Harold Landry as its main EDGEs on tap for 2026. New England needs more. Mike Vrabel and friends have about $40 million in cap space ahead of free agency, more than enough to acquire Greenard and extend his deal if Minnesota cannot.

Without question, Vrabel would cook with Greenard.

5. Atlanta Falcons

Greenard was born in Georgia and went to high school about 40 minutes from the Falcons’ stadium.

Meanwhile, Atlanta’s rookie EDGE from last year, James Pearce Jr., is in legal hot water, and the Falcons may not be able to count on him for the long term. He may be suspended, at minimum, for some portion of 2026.

The Falcons don’t have oodles of cap space — $8 million as of March 4th — but they can probably find room in the budget to add Greenard if they’re concerned about Pearce Jr.’s new [and bad] trajectory.

4. San Francisco 49ers

The Kwesi Adofo-Mensah connection is in play here; Minnesota fired its general manager of four years at the end of January, and he landed in San Francisco, the club that gave him his first NFL job 13 years ago, as a personnel executive.

The 49ers’ EDGEs include the oft-injured Nick Bosa, injured Mykel Williams, and Bryce Huff. They need more stable commodities.

Perhaps general manager John Lynch could package quarterback Mac Jones in a deal that sends him to Minnesota for Greenard and change.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Greenard entered the NFL in 2020, and his first defensive coordinator was a man named Anthony Weaver. Six years later, Weaver is the Ravens’ new defensive coordinator at the start of the Jesse Minter era.

Baltimore is never, ever shy about adding veteran defensive talent. Why not Greenard?

The starting outside linebackers on paper for the 2026 Ravens? Mike Green and Tavius Robinson. Greenard would instantly replace Robinson as the OLB1 or OLB2, as Robinson logged a 50.4 Pro Football Focus grade in 2025. Not ideal.

The Ravens have about $18 million in cap space.

USA Today‘s Ayrton Ostly noted the Ravens as a potential landing spot for Greenard: “Baltimore has a new head coach and overall staff under Jesse Minter but one thing remains the same: the Ravens desperately need help off the edge, especially with proven players.”

“The Ravens have some cap space, so it would take some work to get Greenard’s money under the cap in 2026. They’re projected to have 11 draft picks in April, which could interest Minnesota. They could also offer a younger player on defense, like T.J. Tampa, at cornerback to help the Vikings at a position of need.”

2. Dallas Cowboys

Marcus Dixon joined the Vikings’ coaching staff as a defensive line coach in 2024 — right when Greenard signed on Minnesota’s dotted line. The Vikings did not renew Dixon’s contract this offseason, and he’s now the Cowboys’ defensive line coach.

Dallas is still reeling from the Micah Parsons trade. It needs EDGE help. Owner Jerry Jones also said this week that he sees his franchise as a big mover and shaker in free agency. A Greenard trade makes sense on all fronts.

1. Washington Commanders

A man named Dylan Thompson served as the Texans’ director of team development from 2021 to 2023 — he witnessed Greenard’s rise to power with a front-row seat. Thompson is now the Commanders’ senior director of team support and advancement.

What’s more, Minnesota’s defensive secondary coach from the last few years, Daronte Jones, is Washington’s new defensive coordinator. This is a recent and blunt-force player-coach connection.

The Commanders, at the moment, arguably has the league’s worst EDGE corps. They have basically nobody.

By leaps and bounds, Greenard landing in Washington, if traded by Minnesota, checks all boxes. The Commanders have over $70 million in cap space.

This September, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will collide for a second time in a professional bout. Super-welterweight star Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis believes that the judges will not be required.

After years of back-and-forth, Mayweather and Pacquiao finally squared off in 2015, where Mayweather scored a unanimous decision win – a legacy-defining moment in the career of one of boxing’s pound-for-pound greats.

The Michigan mastermind fought just twice more as a professional, but he has kept busy in a number of exhibition bouts. Pacquiao went on to fight until 2021, before his comeback against Mario Barrios last July.

Now, in a surprising turn of events, Mayweather is set to end nine years of professional inactivity and return to the sport at the age of 49 years old, as he seeks to defeat ‘Pac Man’ for a second time in what will be his third outing of the 2026 calendar.

Speaking to YSM Sports Media ahead of the rematch, former unified welterweight ruler, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, revealed that he is predicting a stoppage win for Mayweather, who has not halted a recognised professional boxer since Victor Ortiz in 2011.

“He is older now, he ain’t going to be too much moving. He is going to be sharp and he is going to make Pacquiao run into something, watch … [The KO] is a possibility, I ain’t even gonna lie. I can see him catching Pacquiao.”

Mayweather-Pacquiao II is scheduled to take place at The Sphere in Las Vegas on Saturday, September 19, with the Netflix-streamed event expected to be one of the most viewed boxing cards in some time.

Harry Brook believes England’s tight-knit unit and a fierce competitive spirit can carry them to T20 World Cup glory rather than the pursuit of perfection.

England have been behind the eight-ball in all seven matches in the tournament but they have remarkably won six of them to set up a blockbuster semi-final against co-hosts India in Mumbai on Thursday night.

Captain Brook has hailed his team’s togetherness, as well as their ultra-ambitious natures as elite sportsmen, for getting them this far, insisting that trumps putting in a complete performance.

“I don’t believe we need a perfect game to win the competition,” Brook said. “I feel like it’s round the corner but the games we have won have been nowhere near perfect and we’ve managed to get the wins.

“The unity and the belief in each other and the belief that we can win games when we do get into those pressure situations, and the calmness that we’ve had, has been outstanding. This team is awesome.

“Everybody wants to win. But even when we’re playing golf, playing cards, whatever, everybody is always really competitive and they always have that slight edge and they take it out into the cricket.”

England did not name their XI on Wednesday, although fast bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton is expected to return ahead of spin-bowling alternative Rehan Ahmed, who starred last time out against New Zealand.

Back in Mumbai after three successive wins in Sri Lanka, England could again face mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who took 14 wickets in five matches during India’s 4-1 T20 series triumph last year.

Varun dismissed Brook on three occasions but the Yorkshireman bristled at suggestions England struggle against spin, arguing six T20 wins in Sri Lanka this year is ample evidence to reject that idea.

“I feel like England always get a bad rap for playing against spin,” Brook said. “We accepted that before coming into this competition, we were going to face challenges on pitches that can assist spin.

“But we’ve gone to Sri Lanka and we’ve won six games in a row against a subcontinent side who are very good in their own backyard. We’ve got a lot of confidence playing on turning pitches.”

Brook was similarly bullish about hopelessly out-of-form opener Jos Buttler, who has amassed just 15 runs in his last five innings and possesses a meagre tournament average of 8.85.

“You don’t have to talk to him too much,” Brook said. “Leaving him alone is probably the best thing to do. He’s been a powerhouse cricketer for many years as we’ve all seen.

“I’ve been asked this question 1,000 times and I think there should be no reason to question why he’s in the team.”

As well as facing the defending champions, who are favourites to become the first side to successfully defend their crown, England will also have to contend with a partisan 33,000 Wankhede Stadium crowd.

But Brook, who like many of his England team-mates has experienced the animated atmospheres of many Indian Premier League grounds in recent years, has urged his side to embrace the occasion.

“It’s a dream come true for most of us to play in a World Cup semi-final against the home nation at a very iconic ground,” Brook added.

“We wouldn’t say we are underdogs. It would be stupid of us to not be confident. They are probably the favourites but we’re going to go out there and give it a hell of a crack.”

The NFL Scouting Combine has wrapped up. The event sparked a lot of conversation relating to speed, arm length and more. How much of those conversations are grounded in reality? How many are simple overreactions?

A year ago, there was a discussion about whether or not three quarterbacks would be picked in the first round; Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders were regarded as the likely top two. As it played out, Sanders lasted until the fifth round, but there were two quarterbacks taken in the first round as the Giants traded up to No. 25 overall for Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart. 

CBS Sports’ explores this year’s hot topics and picks a side to each debate:

Alabama QB Ty Simpson will be a first-round pick: Reality

Simpson is not going to have a first-round grade from me, personally, because the body of work is too limited and too inconsistent to feel confident in the projection. However, there were flashes of quality quarterback play from the first-year starter. 

The shortcomings in Simpson’s film can be blamed away as injury related. It only takes one team to believe in his potential. Brian Daboll and the Giants were big fans of Jaxson Dart last year and traded back into the first-round to select him. Head coaches are the eternal optimists believing they can bring out the best version of any player. After sitting in a room with Simpson, whose father is the head coach of Tennessee-Martin, it is easy to envision the player endearing himself to at least one team and that team doing what is necessary to pick him; likely in the last 10 picks of the round. 

Carnell Tate will fall outside the top 10 as a result of 40-yard dash time: Overreaction

Tate ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds and many questioned if that was too slow. There is a requisite speed threshold that wide receivers need to meet, but the list of pass catchers who have ran sub-4.3 seconds is also depressing. Puka Nacua and Amon-Ra St. Brown each clocked in the 4.5’s at their pro days. Drake London did not run a 40-yard dash, but he was not running away from allegations that, if he had, it would have been slow. Tetairoa McMillan clocked at 4.48 seconds. Is Tate really going to be dinged for running 0.05 seconds slower? 

Tate is positioned to be the first wide receiver off the board in April. With the exception of the 2023 NFL Draft when Jaxon Smith-Njigba was taken No. 20 overall, at least two wide receivers have been taken in the top 10 overall each of the past five years. Tate is not the same caliber of prospect as a Ja’Marr Chase or Malik Nabers, but teams are always chasing skill players that can create explosives.

Viral interview will lead to USC WR Makai Lemon dropping: Overreaction

There was a clip of Lemon’s media interview going around social media. Some speculation suggests his draft stock could take a hit and other reckless reports spawned from that clip. Lemon is not going to drop because of his interviews, but there is a reality where he is taken later than anticipated because of his place in the wide receiver pecking order. 

The USC product is not head-and-shoulders above some of his peers, including Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, Washington’s Denzel Boston, Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. and Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion. It is not unrealistic to imagine a team may favor one of those players over Lemon, which would result in a perceived slide. 

Georgia OT Monroe Freeling will be a top-10 overall pick: Reality

Freeling measured 6-feet-7 3/8, 315 pounds, then ran the 40-yard dash in 4.93 seconds, in addition to a 33.5-inch vertical jump and a 115-inch broad jump. It was a freaky workout for a player of his size. There are some really high level moments from his film, particularly in the second half of the season, but he is still relatively young and developing. The worrisome part is that, of 15 offensive tackles named All-Pro dating back to 2019, only one, Jordan Mailata, is 6-6 or taller. 

Freeling would not project as highly if there were more accomplished left tackle prospects in this class. Right tackles dominate the conversation and a few of those may be offensive guard converts. So why would a team potentially reach for Freeling? From that same sample size of All-Pro offensive tackles, only three were drafted beyond the first round. 

Miami EDGE Rueben Bain’s draft stock is dropping because of arm length: Overreaction

Draft media anticipated Bain’s arm length being on the shorter side, but it was also shocking to see 30 7/8-inch arm written next to his name. There is no need to relitigate what had been evident on tape. It does lead to a bigger conversation about the reliability of measurements conducted by humans and it is hard to believe, given all the technology possessed, that no one has found a better way to measure those attributes. 

It may be controversial, but this could be a reality. Some teams put guard rails in place so that they do not have a team filled with outliers, but it will not be a problem for every team if they determine he is able to mitigate some of the issues stemming from a lack of ideal length. In this particular draft class, odds are good that someone takes Bain in the top 10 overall because he has been too impactful for the Hurricanes. 

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. More draft coverage can be found at CBSSports.com, including the weekly mock drafts and a regularly available look at the eligible prospects.