Dave Allen has previously sparred boxing great Oleksandr Usyk, and while Usyk may be considered as the standout heavyweight of this generation, there is one man that Allen believed to be superior after facing him during a training camp.

Having conquered the cruiserweight scene, Usyk moved up to heavyweight in 2019 and brought Allen in the following year to help him acclimatise to the division and best prepare him for a showdown with durable Briton, Derek Chisora.

Allen has sparred the pound-for-pound star on a total of five occasions and has regularly praised the skill, footwork and mentality of the 39-year-old, who vacated his three heavyweight world titles last month.

However, on his social media, Allen admitted that he was more impressed by Tyson Fury, labelling ‘The Gypsy King’ as untouchable back in 2015, prior to his legendary win over Wladimir Klitschko, when he captured the unified heavyweight crown. 

“If I had a ranking of all the fighters that I have shared the ring with. Number one, from personal experience, I would have Fury above Usyk. That might be a stylistic thing.

“When I sparred Tyson in 2015 he was nearly untouchable, so big but so athletic, I couldn’t really get near him to be honest. I sparred him again in 2018 and he was obviously a bit bigger then, he could really punch at that point. 

“So I’d have Tyson at number one but that is from my personal experience and obviously things can change that in terms of styles and stuff but I thought that Fury was the best.”

Fury will return to action later this month as he takes on Mariusz Wach in Thailand at the Max Muaythai Stadium, with that bout serving as a warm-up before the planned clash with Anthony Joshua later this year.

The All-Star break allows me to take on some big picture tasks that aren’t as possible during the daily grind of the season. Among those is updating my prospect rankings, which should naturally look a bit different than they did at the start of the season. 

A big reason why is that a number of those prospects no longer qualify. What does it mean to qualify? My standards for this midseason list are more stringent than the preseason one. Anyone who has appeared in a major league game is out of the running.

What about those who have yet to accumulate 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched, or 45 days on the active roster? Look, normally I’d call them prospects as well, but this article needs to have some staying power. The risk of one of those players surpassing those thresholds before you get around to reading it, thus rendering it outdated, is simply too high.

If, however, you have to know where someone like Ryan Waldschmidt would rank if he indeed did qualify, just look for this graphic:

Wherever I’ve inserted it is where that already-debuted prospect would rank. And with that, I’ve figured out how to represent such players without officially ranking them. You get to have your cake and eat it, too.

As for who won’t be represented, the answer is the latest draft class. That’s partly because the draft hasn’t happened yet, but partly because I like to take my time evaluating those players before jumping in with a ranking. Fewer of them means more spots available for other prospects who you may not hear about otherwise.

All stats are updated through Wednesday, July 8. Write-ups are included for the top 12 and select others for which further explanation is needed.

1. Jesus Made, SS, Brewers

Age: 19
2026 levels: Double-A
2026 stats: .274 BA (299 AB), 8 HR, 24 SB, .776 OPS, 33 BB, 49 K
Though a higher home run output would bolster his case, Jesus Made is more than holding his own as a 19-year-old at Double-A and still has the makings of a Jose Ramirez type.
Second half call-up is … unlikely.

2. Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics

Age: 19
2026 levels: Double-A
2026 stats: .280 BA (289 AB), 10 HR, 30 SB, .797 OPS, 38 BB, 75 K
Leo De Vries is also still growing into his power but has upped his stolen base game this year and remains well ahead of schedule as a 19-year-old at Double-A.
Second half call-up is  … unlikely.

3. Franklin Arias, SS, Red Sox

Age: 20
2026 levels: Double-A
2026 stats: .332 BA (256 AB), 17 HR, 5 SB, 1.020 OPS, 34 BB, 38 K
Franklin Arias‘ bat skills were evident in the lower minors, but the leap he’s made as a power hitter this year has him threatening to overtake Made and De Vries, even if he’s not the base-stealer they are.
Second half call-up is … unlikely.  

4. Kade Anderson, SP, Mariners

Age: 22
2026 levels: Double-A
2026 stats: 8-1, 1.36 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, 72 2/3 IP, 10 BB, 108 K
My heart wanted to place Kade Anderson No. 1, given that he’s closer to the majors than the three ahead of him here and a near lock for an immediate impact in Fantasy, for as thoroughly as he’s dominated Double-A.
Second half call-up is … expected.

5. Josue De Paula, OF, Dodgers

Age: 21
2026 levels: Double-A
2026 stats: .320 BA (319 AB), 15 HR, 25 SB, .966 OPS, 53 BB, 49 K
The bat will need to carry Josue De Paula since he brings almost no defensive value, but with every move up the ladder, it looks increasingly like it will — and handily.
Second half call-up is … possible.

6. Seth Hernandez, SP, Pirates

Age: 20
2026 levels: High-A, Low-A
2026 stats: 6-1, 2.61 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 69 IP, 30 BB, 111 K
Seth Hernandez probably has Kade Anderson beat in pure talent, but he’s shown some slight vulnerabilities since moving up to High-A, even as his strikeout rate remains through the roof.
Second half call-up is … not happening.  

7. Eli Willits, SS, Nationals

Age: 18
2026 levels: Low-A, High-A
2026 stats: .282 BA (273 AB), 12 HR, 38 SB, .914 OPS, 60 BB, 71 K
Power was the most questionable tool for last year’s No. 1 overall pick, but even at 18, Eli Willits is showing he has enough to work with and may soon give the Nationals what they once had in Trea Turner.
Second half call-up is … not happening.

8. Mike Sirota, OF, Dodgers

Age: 23
2026 levels: High-A, Double-A
2026 stats: .325 BA (268 AB), 14 HR, 11 SB, 1.056 OPS, 74 BB, 76 K
Another year of five-category production (not to mention superlative plate discipline) is enough to vault Mike Sirota into the elite prospects. And to think the Dodgers only gave up Gavin Lux for him.
Second half call-up is  … unlikely.

9. Sebastian Walcott, SS, Rangers

Age: 20
2026 levels: has not played — injured
2025 stats: .255 BA (474 AB), 13 HR, 32 SB, .741 OPS, 70 BB, 108 K
Sebastian Walcott may be just a month away from returning from an internal brace procedure on his right elbow and ranked alongside Jesus Made and Leo De Vries before it, possibly possessing the most power of the three.
Second half call-up is  … not happening.

10. Theo Gillen, OF, Rays

Age: 20
2026 levels: High-A, Double-A
2026 stats: .310 BA (274 AB), 12 HR, 31 SB, .932 OPS, 44 BB, 78 K
The realization of power has turned Theo Gillen into the sort of all-around force that belongs in the top 10, though we’ll need to monitor his progress at Double-A, given his bumpy introduction there.
Second half call-up is … not happening.

11. Ryan Sloan, SP, Mariners

Age: 20
2026 levels: Double-A
2026 stats: 2-2, 4.04 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 62 1/3 IP, 12 BB, 77 K
Ryan Sloan has a high-octane fastball, a fully decked out secondary arsenal, elite control, and the sort of ground-ball skills that are going to pay off better in the majors than the minors, where poor fielding is mostly to blame for his high ERA.
Second half call-up is  … unlikely.

12. Walker Jenkins, OF, Twins

Age: 21
2026 levels: Low-A, High-A, Double-A
2026 stats: .307 BA (150 AB), 5 HR, 7 SB, .902 OPS, 22 BB, 26 K
The long-awaited payoff appears to be on the verge for Walker Jenkins, who has come back from his latest health issue (a sprained shoulder) looking like he has nothing more to accomplish at Triple-A, combining superlative plate discipline with premium exit velocities.
Second half call-up is  … possible.

13. Eduardo Quintero, OF, Dodgers

Age: 20
2026 levels: High-A
2026 stats: .297 BA (259 AB), 7 HR, 33 SB, .882 OPS, 48 BB, 66 K
Second half call-up is  … not happening.

14. Rainiel Rodriguez, C, Cardinals

Age: 19
2026 levels: High-A, Double-A
2026 stats: .281 BA (270 AB), 11 HR, 10 SB, .845 OPS, 40 BB, 75 K
Second half call-up is  … unlikely.

15. Joshua Baez, OF, Cardinals

Age: 23
2026 levels: Triple-A
2026 stats: .255 BA (318 AB), 28 HR, 14 SB, .911 OPS, 25 BB, 105 K
Joshua Baez looked even more promising when he cut his strikeout rate down to 21 percent between two stops last year, but the power/speed combo is enticing enough to roll the dice on him even with the 30 percent strikeout rate he’s running now.
Second half call-up is  … expected.

16. Aidan Miller, SS, Phillies

Age: 22
2026 levels: has not played — injured
2025 stats: .264 BA (432 AB), 14 HR, 59 SB, .825 OPS, 82 BB, 123 K
Aidan Miller would likely be pushing for a promotion now if not for the back issue that’s sidelined him all year. Trea Turner appears to have lost a step in the field and may end up shifting to another position to accommodate Miller.
Second half call-up is … possible.

17. Luis Pena, SS, Brewers

Age: 19
2026 levels: Rookie, High-A
2026 stats: .304 BA (102 AB), 1 HR, 19 SB, .810 OPS, 18 BB, 25 K
Second half call-up is  … not happening.

18. Josuar Gonzalez, SS, Giants

Age: 18
2026 levels: Rookie
2026 stats: .373 BA (67 AB), 1 HR, 6 SB, 1.040 OPS, 15 BB, 16 K
Josuar Gonzalez has checked every box so far in the lowest levels of the minors and continues to invite Francisco Lindor comparisons as a switch-hitter who fields his position well and has power to dream on.
Second half call-up is … not happening.

19. Max Clark, OF, Tigers

Age: 21
2026 levels: Triple-A
2026 stats: .266 BA (312 AB), 7 HR, 19 SB, .754 OPS, 40 BB, 51 K
Second half call-up is … possible.

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20. Zyhir Hope, OF, Dodgers

Age: 21
2026 levels: Double-A
2026 stats: .289 BA (308 AB), 18 HR, 13 SB, .883 OPS, 38 BB, 87 K
Second half call-up is … possible.

21. Thomas White, SP, Marlins

Age: 21
2026 levels: Low-A, Triple-A
2026 stats: 0-3, 4.01 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 24 2/3 IP, 15 BB, 35 K
Between the poor control, the short outings, and the shoulder injury that ended his season, Thomas White may not belong this high in the rankings anymore, but those growing pains weren’t unexpected for what’s still the most talented left-hander in the minors.
Second half call-up is … not happening.

22. Eric Hartman, OF, Braves

Age: 20
2026 levels: High-A
2026 stats: .281 BA (302 AB), 20 HR, 32 SB, .896 OPS, 31 BB, 78 K
Eric Hartman already stood out for his athleticism, possessing some of the best speed in all the minors, but a change in the positioning of his hands has unlocked considerable power as well, vaulting him up the rankings.
Second half call-up is … unlikely.

23. Charlie Condon, 1B, Rockies

Age: 23
2026 levels: Triple-A
2026 stats: .289 BA (291 AB), 20 HR, 1.006 OPS, 52 BB, 85 K
Charlie Condon, the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, looked like a big-time miss for the Rockies in his first two professional seasons but has exploded this year and particularly of late, batting .346 (46 for 133) with 16 homers and a 1.308 OPS in his past 36 games.  
Second half call-up is … expected.

24. James Tibbs, OF, Dodgers

Age: 23
2026 levels: Triple-A
2026 stats: .283 BA (321 AB), 21 HR, .955 OPS, 65 BB, 99 K
Teams played hot potato with James Tibbs last year, but he wound up in the hands of the one who knew how to bring out the best in him. His numbers have slipped a little in recent weeks as he’s contended with a forearm issue.
Second half call-up is … expected.

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25. Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF, Twins

Age: 23
2026 levels: Triple-A
2026 stats: .247 BA (81 AB), 6 HR, 3 SB, .923 OPS, 23 BB, 31 K
Second half call-up is … possible.

26. Caleb Bonemer, SS, White Sox

Age: 20
2026 levels: High-A, Double-A
2026 stats: .240 BA (292 AB), 21 HR, 13 SB, .899 OPS, 51 BB, 101 K
Second half call-up is … unlikely.

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27. Kaelen Culpeper, SS, Twins

Age: 23
2026 levels: Triple-A
2026 stats: .272 BA (250 AB), 14 HR, 15 SB, .868 OPS, 37 BB, 51 K
Second half call-up is  … possible.

28. George Lombard, SS, Yankees

Age: 21
2026 levels: Double-A, Triple-A
2026 stats: .258 BA (233 AB), 8 HR, 12 SB, .833 OPS, 47 BB, 61 K
George Lombard continues to underwhelm statistically, but that’s partly because the Yankees have been aggressive about promoting him whenever he gets comfortable at a level. You can see from the expanded data set, a Triple-A, what the fuss is all about, from the high exit velocities to the low chase rate to the ease with which he pulls the ball in the air.
Second half call-up is … possible.

29. Alfredo Duno, C, Reds

Age: 20
2026 levels: High-A, Double-A
2026 stats: .260 BA (269 AB), 18 HR, .905 OPS, 54 BB, 85 K
Second half call-up is … unlikely.

30. Ralphy Velazquez, 1B, Guardians

Age: 21
2026 levels: Double-A, Triple-A
2026 stats: .297 BA (293 AB), 11 HR, .885 OPS, 38 BB, 69 K
Second half call-up is … possible.

31. Josiah Hartshorn, OF, Cubs

Age: 19
2026 levels: Low-A, High-A
2026 stats: .277 BA (278 AB), 15 HR, 8 SB, .899 OPS, 52 BB, 67 K
Josiah Hartshorn seems particularly advanced for his age, not only delivering on his power potential right away but also standing out for his pitch recognition and strike-zone judgment even with the added complication of switch-hitting.
Second half call-up is … not happening.

32. JoJo Parker, SS, Blue Jays

Age: 19
2026 levels: Low-A
2026 stats: .248 BA (258 AB), 9 HR, 21 SB, .827 OPS, 56 BB, 80 K
Second half call-up is … not happening.

33. Bryce Rainer, SS, Tigers

Age: 21
2026 levels: Low-A, High-A
2026 stats: .272 BA (250 AB), 10 HR, 15 SB, .850 OPS, 43 BB, 104 K
Bryce Rainer has had trouble syncing up his swing as he’s worked his way back from a torn labrum in his right shoulder, causing his strikeout rate to balloon. It’s been less pronounced in recent weeks, though, and he’s throttled the ball when he’s made contact.
Second half call-up is … unlikely.

34. Lazaro Montes, OF, Mariners

Age: 21
2026 levels: Double-A, Triple-A
2026 stats: .228 BA (285 AB), 25 HR, .904 OPS, 57 BB, 107 K
Second half call-up is … possible.

35. Edward Florentino, OF, Pirates

Age: 19
2026 levels: Low-A, High-A
2026 stats: .231 BA (216 AB), 14 HR, .835 OPS, 45 BB, 71 K
Second half call-up is … not happening.

36. Anthony Eyanson, SP, Red Sox

Age: 21
2026 levels: High-A, Double-A
2026 stats: 3-0, 1.29 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 55 2/3 IP, 20 BB, 71 K
The Red Sox have equipped Anthony Eyanson with a couple more ticks of velocity from his college days, and between that, the over-the-top delivery, and the full complement of secondary offerings, he’s emerged as arguably this year’s biggest breakout on the pitching side.
Second half call-up is … unlikely.

37. Luis Hernandez, SS, Giants

Age: 17
2026 levels: Rookie
2026 stats: .298 BA (161 AB), 6 HR, 5 SB, .928 OPS, 18 BB, 32 K
Second half call-up is … not happening.

38. Ethan Salas, C, Padres

Age: 20
2026 levels: Double-A
2026 stats: .278 BA (223 AB), 7 HR, 13 SB, .765 OPS, 223 AB, 26 BB, 37 K
Ethan Salas has cooled down quite a bit after an early-season surge, but he still brings a lot of defensive value and remains young for his level even after a year lost to injury. His standing for Fantasy is difficult to gauge, but evaluators seem bullish again.
Second half call-up is … unlikely.

39. Angel Genao, SS, Guardians

Age: 22
2026 levels: Double-A, Triple-A
2026 stats: .287 BA (279 AB), 9 HR, 8 SB, .834 OPS, 46 BB, 55 K
The enthusiasm for Angel Genao is a little easier to understand now that he’s advanced to Triple-A, where exit velocities are public, and there’s definitely hope for power if he can angle the ball a little better. He resembles Otto Lopez as a hitter.
Second half call-up is … expected.

40. Bo Davidson, OF, Giants

Age: 24
2026 levels: Double–A
2026 stats: .267 BA (262 AB), 18 HR, 13 SB, .844 OPS, 28 BB, 71 K
Second half call-up is … possible.

41. Felnin Celesten, SS, Mariners

Age: 20
2026 levels: High-A
2026 stats: .311 BA (286 AB), 12 HR, 17 SB, .931 OPS, 42 BB, 68 K
Second half call-up is … not happening.

42. Aiva Arquette, SS, Marlins

Age: 22
2026 levels: High-A, Double-A
2026 stats: .240 BA (171 AB), 9 HR, 12 SB, .759 OPS, 12 BB, 39 K
Second half call-up is … possible.

43. Francisco Renteria, OF, Phillies

Age: 17
2026 levels: Rookie
2026 stats: .369 BA (103 AB), 3 HR, 16 SB, 1.018 OPS, 16 BB, 19 K
Early returns suggest Francisco Renteria is further along developmentally than his youth would suggest, showing off not just his massive power and speed but also his barrel feel and strike-zone judgment. As with any hitter this far down the ladder, his ability to read spin will carry the day.
Second half call-up is … not happening.

44. Steele Hall, SS, Reds

Age: 18
2026 levels: Rookie
2026 stats: .301 BA (186 AB), 10 HR, 22 SB, .969 OPS, 30 BB, 55 K
Second half call-up is … not happening.

45. Devin Fitz-Gerald, SS, Nationals

Age: 20
2026 levels: High-A, Double-A
2026 stats: .235 BA (294 AB), 13 HR, 13 SB, .760 OPS, 35 BB, 69 K
The move up to Double-A may have been a touch aggressive for the 20-year-old Devin Fitz-Gerald, whose numbers have flattened since then, but his soft skills (working the count, taking the extra base, elevating to his pull side) should allow him to maximize his output once he grows accustomed to that level.
Second half call-up is … unlikely.

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46. Cam Cannarella, OF, Marlins

Age: 22
2026 levels: High-A, Double-A
2026 stats: .367 BA (180 AB), 12 HR, 7 SB, 1.058 OPS, 27 BB, 28 K
Cam Cannarella’s production has been just as good since moving up to Double-A, which suggests that it wasn’t just a product of him being too advanced for his level. Defensive might be his carrying tool, too, so he’s well overdue for some Fantasy love.
Second half call-up is … possible.

47. Seaver King, SS, Nationals

Age: 23
2026 levels: Double-A, Triple-A
2026 stats: .306 BA (268 AB), 10 HR, 9 SB, .889 OPS, 30 BB, 62 K
Second half call-up is … expected.

48. Ethan Holliday, OF, Rockies

Age: 19
2026 levels: Low-A
2026 stats: .262 BA (122 AB), 9 HR, .952 OPS, 23 BB, 43 K
Second half call-up is … not happening.

49. Kendry Chourio, SP, Royals

Age: 18
2026 levels: Low-A, High-A
2026 stats: 5-1, 2.26 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 67 2/3 IP, 12 BB, 65 K
Much of the enthusiasm for Kendry Chourio is tied to his youth. He’s one of the best strike-throwers in all the minors and has a strong velocity foundation to work with, which points to a high ceiling overall.
Second half call-up is … not happening.

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50. Owen Ayers, C, Cubs

Age: 25
2026 levels: High-A, Double-A
2026 stats: .322 BA (258 AB), 22 HR, 1.094 OPS, 48 BB, 75 K
A late bloomer whose age is likely to give some Fantasy Baseballers pause, Owen Ayers is producing too well not to take him seriously, especially when you consider that he’s an asset defensively at one of the most premium positions, which should motivate the Cubs to try him out.
Second half call-up is … possible.

England’s Jude Bellingham (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring his second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Mexico and England in Mexico City, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 has not only secured a place in the quarter-finals but also rewritten television history across multiple countries. The blockbuster clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca became the most-watched FIFA World Cup match of the 21st century in Mexico while also setting new audience records in the United States.The high-octane encounter had everything a World Cup classic demands, five goals, a red card, relentless drama and a nail-biting finish, as Harry Kane’s side held on despite playing with 10 men for the final 30 minutes.

England survive late Mexico fightback

England reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after edging past co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling Round of 16 clash at the Estadio Azteca. Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession before Julián Quiñones pulled one back for Mexico before half-time. England were reduced to 10 men after Jarell Quansah’s red card early in the second half, but Harry Kane converted a penalty to make it 3-1. Raúl Jiménez also scored from the spot to set up a nervy finish, but the Three Lions held on to book a quarter-final clash against Norway on July 11.

Match smashes television records

The extraordinary drama translated into unprecedented television audiences across North America and Europe.The official FIFA Media X handle posted, “Records topped: Mexico’s dramatic clash against England becomes the nation’s most-watched FIFA World Cup match of the 21st century, with an average audience of 36 million across Televisa (20.7M) and Azteca (15.3M). The Round of 16 fixture broadcast marks the fourth time Mexico’s record has been broken during this tournament. Note: Overnight audience data; consolidated figures will be published post tournament.

England’s next challenge

Norway and England will lock horns in a historic FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-final clash at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions are riding high after a legendary, 10-man 3-2 victory against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca. Meanwhile, Ståle Solbakken’s underdog Norway side enters uncharted territory, contesting their first-ever World Cup quarter-final after Erling Haaland’s late brace sensationally knocked out Brazil. The winner of this match will advance to the semi-finals to face either Argentina or Switzerland. The match kicks off on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time (Sunday, July 12 at 2:30 AM IST).

Kenny Omega walked into The BayCare Sound in Clearwater, Florida, on Wednesday night knowing it could be the final time he could challenge for the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) World Championship.

It was the stipulation that Omega agreed to in order to face champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF). It’s a similar stipulation that “Hangman” Adam Page agreed to and lost to MJF earlier this year. Omega and MJF are two of the top stars in all of pro wrestling.

COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL

Scenes from the tag-team match between Kenny Omega and Adam Page vs. Private Party during All Elite Wrestling Dynamite at Landers Center in Southaven, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. (Max Gersh / The Commercial Appeal)

The Clearwater crowd was seemingly behind Omega. MJF already ruffled the feathers of his potential challenger at All In, Will Ospreay, when he spat in his face in a segment backstage. The tensions were heightened and it marked for a terrific match between the two pro wrestlers.

And the referee let them fight. MJF and Omega brought their brawl into the stands at fight before taking it back into the ring. MJF used his dirty tactics to avoid Omega at first. He put the referee in his way of a V-trigger and then bit into Omega’s face.

“I’m moonwalking to Wembley Stadium whether you like it or not,” MJF told the camera during the match.

Omega tried to put some space in between himself and MJF. He walked up the ramp and was able to take some control of the match. He climbed up a lifeguard tower that was set up at the top of the ram and hit a moonsault on MJF. He got MJF back in the ring and hit a dropkick from the top rope to MJF’s back.

Kenny Omega looks on during Wrestle Kingdom 13 at Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Masashi Hara / Getty Images)

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Omega looked as good as ever and it seemed he was going to take control with hopes of becoming the AEW world champion for the third time. MJF had other ideas, taking advantage of Omega’s blinding speed with a drop toehold. But it wasn’t enough to grind Omega’s momentum to a halt.

The two went back and forth as fans waited to see who was going to walk out of Clearwater with the belt.

As the match wore on, MJF attempted to drive Omega from the apron into the announce table with a tombstone. However, Omega got out of it and hit a V-trigger on MJF. The champ was sent flying from the apron and through the announce table.

By the time MJF got back up, the two men were clearly spent. They attempted to get their last licks in. MJF hit Omega with a tombstone piledriver on a chair but seemingly injured his knee with the move. Omega got MJF back in the ring and hit two more nasty V-triggers.

Somehow, MJF was able to counter a One-Winged Angel with a poisonrana. He hit him with a heatseeker but couldn’t get the pinfall.

AEW Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman appears during AEW Dynamite at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on Feb. 22, 2023. (Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports)

MJF lined up to hit Omega with the Dynamite Diamond Ring. But Will Ospreay came out to take the ring away. Omega was going to hit MJF with the AEW title belt but didn’t have the heart. MJF hit Omega with a low blow and the title. But Omega kicked out at a one count.

It was Omega’s turn to turn on the heat. He reached deep down inside of him to hit MJF with three more V-triggers and a One-Winged Angel.

Omega pinned MJF to win the AEW World Championship.

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The crowd went wild and it appears Omega will go on to face Ospreay at All In later this summer.

With a host of major fights in the works, Golden Boy Promoter Oscar De La Hoya has revealed his intention to bolster the boxing schedule and get one blockbuster event over the line, seeking to deliver the fight that ‘everybody wants to see’.

A number of showdowns are being touted at present, with the long-awaited meeting between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua set for the end of the year, whilst Manny Pacquiao is also set to embark on a mission to break his own record as boxing’s oldest ever welterweight world champion.

One other fight that has been in the pipeline throughout 2026 is Ryan Garcia’s mandatory defence of the WBC welterweight crown against Britain’s Conor Benn, with an announcement for the event being teased ever since Benn’s April win over Regis Prograis.

Yet, De La Hoya, promoter of Garcia, had maintained that he had not been approached for the proposed bout, lowering expectations of a reported September 12 fight date in Las Vegas, which had been announced by Garcia. 

Now, in a surprise twist, De La Hoya has taken to Instagram to confirm that he is now actively working on the fight, vowing that he will make it happen despite previously believing that there was a lack of interest in the scrap.

“We are working on Ryan Garcia vs. Benn. I just got the memo today, that is the fight that everybody wants to see, so I am going to make it happen for you guys.”

As a result, it seems as though that September date could be back on the cards, with De La Hoya presumably now involved in Zuffa boxing’s plans to stage the event. 

Brett Yormark took the stage at Big 12 media days and got a bit testy with a Texas Tech media figure.

Will tension continue to rise between the two sides?

On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, I make my 2026 record prediction for the Kentucky Wildcats.

How much success can head coach Will Stein expect in Year 1?

Houston burst onto the scene last year with a 10-win campaign, ending with a win over LSU in their bowl game.

Will the Cougars and head coach Willie Fritz build on that success for a Playoff push?

00:00 Big 12 fan question clarification
03:57 Moving past June’s big storyline
07:29 Big 12 media day controversies
12:24 Will Stein’s quarterback-friendly system
15:35 Analyzing Kentucky’s upcoming season
18:20 Kentucky’s challenging season ahead
23:00 Houston Cougars game predictions

/ @lockedoncollegefootball  

Three years ago, Errol Spence Jr suffered a devastating defeat to Terence Crawford when bidding for the undisputed welterweight crown. Now, former trainer Derrick James has revealed that Spence was carrying an injury ahead of that fight.

Spence lost his undefeated record to Crawford in traumatising style, finding himself on the wrong side of one of the standout performances of this generation, dealt a cruel beatdown to bring his reign atop the 147lb division to a brutal close. 

After an extended period away from the sport, Spence is finally set to return to the ring this month, but when reflecting on that fateful night, ‘The Truth’ spoke about a poor training camp and lack of communication with his then trainer James.

“Nope [I had no conversations with James about how to go about the fight]. That camp was bulls**t. I did no sparring. The guys didn’t fit – I had no southpaws in there to spar. It was all out of whack.”

However, speaking on The Last Stand Podcast, James offered his response to those claims, explaining that Spence sparred switch-hitters rather than southpaws and that his sparring was reduced due to a rib injury. 

“He had two guys that were switch hitters [as sparring partners], both of them fought left-handed, right-handed, and supposedly one of them injured him. 

“I didn’t see when it happened and he didn’t acknowledge that he was injured, but the next following week we sparred, then we took a day off from sparring, then we sparred against on Saturday. 

“So, that’s when I realised, they was like ‘hey man, his ribs are hurt,’ I said, ‘listen, you need to go get that looked at, checked out,’ and I guess he did or he didn’t. I don’t know because I didn’t go with him but we just kept working.

“His father said he’s not sparring, that he was going to save it for the fight. His father is the one that said no sparring, and he was complaining about the way the other guys were sparring, so that’s who it was.

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“The funny thing about it was, the week of being in Vegas I said that we can spar a little bit but spar with one of your buddies that won’t shoot body shots if you have an injury. And he said ‘No, I’m not doing that, I’m not sparring. No.’ So he wouldn’t even do it then.”

Spence returns to action under the tutelage of Ronnie Shields when he takes on Tim Tsyzu on Sunday, July 26, in Australia, hoping to announce himself as a threat to the super-welterweight world titles and kickstart a charge towards becoming a two-division world champion. 

India captain Shreyas Iyer was furious after his team’s crushing 125-run defeat to England in the third T20 International, describing the performance as “atrocious” and admitting such a heavy loss was “not acceptable”. Under Iyer, India are yet to win a T20 International, and Tuesday’s outing marked an abject surrender as they were bowled out for 76 in just 11.4 overs while chasing 202, suffering their biggest defeat in the format in terms of runs.

“It was atrocious. Losing by that margin is not acceptable. First things first, we have to accept the loss and go back to the drawing board,” Iyer said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

The win handed England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series ahead of the fourth T20I in Bristol on Thursday and the final in Southampton on Saturday. The opening match was a washout.

Former India star Dinesh Karthik found Iyer’s words odd but acknowledged that he had every right to feel disgruntled.

“Yes, India did not bat well. Probably one of the worst batting performances in a long time. But it was interesting, maybe odd, you can say, for the captain to come down quite hard on the batting unit. He used the word atrocious to describe their batting; he used the word awful as well,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

“You could see how disgruntled and a little upset he was, and he must be angry, understandably so. But knowing Shreyas Iyer, he has to come back because he is such a key member of that batting unit that when he scores, the team looks different, as we have seen with PBKS (Punjab Kings). He is such a critical component of this batting order as well.”

After winning the T20 World Cup 2026 final, India have lost two T20Is each against Ireland and England, while one match was washed out.

“What’s happening to Team India? Four of the last five matches have been lost, and we are the world champions at the moment. The pitch was probably a little slow, but you expected 200 to be the par score. We felt India could have, and should have, chased that down,” Karthik said.

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