Shakur Stevenson is looking to build his star power, with his skills already proven to be amongst boxing’s best.
Now, the Newark southpaw has named his solitary condition, in order for a showdown with Conor Benn to take place.
Stevenson has claimed world titles at featherweight, super-featherweight, lightweight and super-lightweight, becoming boxing’s third-youngest four-division world champion with a victory over Teofimo Lopez back in January.
Advertisement
Following that career-best triumph, Stevenson has earned recognition as a pound-for-pound fighter, but whilst his talent is appreciated, he has not yet become the global superstar that his quality merits.
As a result, former 126lb fighter Stevenson is aiming to take on some of boxing’s biggest names and has been linked with a potential clash against Britain’s Benn.
Benn, who boxed twice at middleweight in 2025, was last out against former world champion Regis Prograis in a 150lb catchweight bout. The Brit secured a comfortable decision victory, though the performance proved underwhelming against a visibly injured opponent.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Stevenson shared his willingness to move up again to fight Benn, despite their obvious size difference, providing that they can agree to a rehydration clause.
Advertisement
“I’ve been told y’all I’m better than him. I’ve been told y’all he’s not on my level. I’ve been told y’all that his skills is not up to par with mine.
“Like I said, if he’s ready to fight, tell him to stop going on social media and making up lies, saying that I said, ‘Oh, I won’t fight that weight class’, I said I will. I said, with a rehydration clause, because he did it to Eubank.
“He’s not on my level. I’ve been said this, and I will beat the holy sh*t out of Conor Benn.”
World Cup fans will have to pay $150 for the 58-km roundtrip train ride between New York and Meadowlands stadium when it hosts eight matches including the final, local officials said Friday.
Just 40,000 train tickets will be available for each of the games to be played at the New Jersey sports complex, a return rail trip to which is typically just $12.90, officials said at a briefing.
“We are going to charge $150 for our roundtrip ticket on our system. So from New York to MetLife, MetLife back to New York,” said Kris Kolluri, the president and CEO of NJ Transit, using another name for the stadium.
After reports first emerged in The Athletic of the plans to charge World Cup fans far in excess of normal fares, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill blamed FIFA for the price hikes.
She pointed to a $48 million bill the state faces to ensure the safety of fans going to the eight games at the MetLife stadium.
“I won’t stick New Jersey commuters for that tab for years to come, that’s not fair,” Sherrill wrote on social media, adding that FIFA stood to make $11 billion at the World Cup.
“So here’s the bottom line: Fifa should pay for the rides, but if they don’t, I’m not going to let New Jersey commuters get taken for one.”
Advertisement
‘Quite surprised’
That sentiment was echoed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who wrote on social media on Tuesday that FIFA should foot the bill for transport costs to World Cup venues.
FIFA, which is already facing severe criticism over the sky-high cost of many match ticket prices, issued a strongly-worded statement criticising the transport price hike.
FIFA said that the original host city agreements “required free transportation for fans to all matches”.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, fans could use the Doha Metro for free with their matchday tickets.
Advertisement
A re-negotiation stipulated that transport would be offered “at cost” on match days, FIFA added.
“We are quite surprised by the NJ Governor’s approach on fan transportation,” FIFA said.
“The FIFA World Cup will bring millions of fans to North America along with the related economic impact.”
It added: “FIFA is not aware of any other major event previously held at NYNJ Stadium, including other major sports, global concert tours, etc., where organisers were required to pay for fan transportation.”
Advertisement
New York Governor Kathy Hochul was another to take aim at the reported price hike.
“Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me,” Hochul wrote on X.
Some $100 million in US federal funding has been allocated to host cities for transit network costs, including $8.7 million for Boston and Massachusetts, and $10.4 million for the New York-New Jersey area, according to local media reports.
Consider yourself alerted: Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th. Some good news: That means there’s still plenty of time to select the perfect gift for your golf-loving mama.
Golf equipment and apparel for women has come a long way, and there are options galore. When I logged on to the PGA TOUR Superstore homepage to take a browse through the latest merchandise, I was greeted with 1,857 women’s- specific results. Wait, what?! That’s a ton of potential scrolling, and it can feel overwhelming.
So, since I count myself among the many golfing mothers out there, I’m happy to provide some ideas and inspiration. One of my favorite things about the evolution of women’s golf apparel over the years is how multi-functional it has become. My favorite pieces below work for golf, but also for real life off the course. That’s a win-win for any gift!
Shop Mother’s Day gift ideas from PGA TOUR Superstore
Peter Millar Flora Knit Mockneck Women’s Sleeveless Golf Polo Shirt
I love this top’s classy, throwback vibe. Pair it with a skort or pants and you have a timeless on-course look. I can see it being a wardrobe staple post-round, too, with jeans and a sweater.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Peter Millar Flora Knit Mockneck Women’s Sleeveless Golf Polo Shirt
This sporty mock neck tank has a flattering look and comfortable elongated arm opening.
This is one of several TravisMathew pieces in this round-up. I truly love the brands vibe, fit and fabrics. This skirt has such a fun print and at 15 inches, it’s the perfect mid-thigh length.
Front slits add some flexibility, while the stretch fabric makes sure comfort is never in question.
Advertisement
TravisMathew Limitless Women’s Short Sleeve Golf Shirt
I love this top because it doesn’t look golfy at all, but still makes a great on-course outfit when paired with a skirt.
Advertisement
Travis Mathew Limitless Women’s Short Sleeve Golf Shirt
Sleek and fitted with UV protection built in. Basically, it’s your new power top—on the court, on the green, or at the smoothie bar.
Advertisement
TravisMathew Printed Skyloft Echo Women’s Golf Quarter Zip
This is a piece of outerwear you can live in. The print makes it sporty but the fit is pure lifestyle. Love!
Advertisement
Advertisement
TravisMathew Printed Skyloft Echo Women’s Golf Quarter Zip
This stylish quarter-zip has a relaxed fit and a cool print.
Smith & Quinn Cynthia Women’s Sleeveless Golf Dress
I love the preppy look and fit of this golf dress, which looks suitable for both afternoon tea and tee time.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Smith & Quinn Cynthia Women’s Sleeveless Golf Dress
The Cynthia features a sleek, collared neckline with a quarter-zip front and functional side pockets.
Advertisement
Canadian Hat Olga Versatile Sun Hat
A hat like this instantly elevates any golf outfit, and — bonus points! — it looks great poolside too.
Advertisement
Canadian Hat Olga Versatile Sun Hat
This cute cloche is for everyday summer wear. Designed in Montréal by century-old millinery Canadian Hat 1918.
Advertisement
Ray-Ban Aviator Classics Sunglasses
You can’t go wrong with a classic aviator shape, which is pretty much universally flattering. These are especially cool in polished gold.
Advertisement
Ray-Ban Aviator Classics Sunglasses
Aviator Classic sunglasses are a timeless model that combines great aviator styling with exceptional quality.
Advertisement
Sun Mountain Gradient Women’s Golf Jacket
This ombre pink jacket caught my eye right away. It’s so refreshing to see more outerwear in colors other than black or navy blue.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sun Mountain Gradient Women’s Golf Jacket
The Gradient Jacket combines strategic flexibility with insulated protection.
Callaway Women’s Aura Golf Glove
Callaway’s newest gloves for women feature skin-nourishing benefits from Coolagen fabric, a blend of Umorfil beauty fiber with ocean collagen peptides, and 30+ UPF protection.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Callaway Women’s Aura Golf Glove
The Callaway Aura Golf Glove is designed for women fusing performance with skincare.
Advertisement
Adidas Gazelle
I already have two pairs of Gazelles in pink and blue, and they are so comfortable. A pair in a neutral color like this would be most welcome!
Advertisement
Adidas Gazelle Women’s Spikeless Golf Shoes
These shoes are designed for comfort and performance, with a leather upper and a rubber outsole.
Arne Slot believes Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League could help them in their quest to qualify for the competition again next season.
The Reds’ sole focus now will be on trying to secure a spot in the Premier League’s top five following their 4-0 aggregate loss to Paris St Germain in the quarter-finals.
That came hot on the heels of an equally heavy defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup but does leave Slot’s men with a lighter schedule than some of their rivals.
Last weekend’s 2-0 win over Fulham means they sit in fifth place, four points ahead of Chelsea and three behind Aston Villa and Manchester United with six games remaining.
Reds boss Slot said: “If you look at the 15, 20, 25 players with the most minutes this season, a lot of them are from us.
Advertisement
“That tells you a lot and one of the reasons why we have been a bit inconsistent, maybe why we have conceded so many late goals, because it is always the same players.
“Maybe from that perspective, it is a good thing we are not in Europe any more, but I would definitely prefer to play in Europe because that also gives an energy to the group if you go to the semi-final of the Champions League.
“I don’t see it as a positive thing we are out but it is the reality and we have a bit more training time now.”
The first of those six games comes on Sunday against derby rivals Everton, with Liverpool making a first trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Advertisement
“It is always a very special game, doesn’t matter if it is the 60th being played in the stadium, but, if it is the last one being played in a stadium or a first one, it makes it even more special, if that’s even possible,” said Slot.
“Of course, they are in a very good place at the moment. It will always be a very special game for them, but also for us.”
Slot’s first visit to Everton last season saw a blockbuster encounter in the final derby at Goodison Park, with James Tarkowski equalising eight minutes into stoppage time.
Slot, assistant Sipke Hulshoff, Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones were all sent off in fractious scenes, with the Reds boss furious with referee Michael Oliver.
Advertisement
“The crowd didn’t affect me last season, the referee’s decisions affected me,” said Slot when asked whether he expected the atmosphere to be different in Everton’s new home.
“Last season was my first Merseyside derby in that stadium so, if we played in the same stadium, I would probably know what to expect. But I don’t think a stadium is loud, it is usually fans that are loud.
“How much of a difference it will be, I will tell you after the weekend. I think their fans will be loud, as our fans will be as well.”
To say that Eric Lauer didn’t enjoy coming out of the bullpen behind an opener on Friday would be an understatement.
After working five innings of three-run ball against the Arizona Diamondbacks and taking the loss, Lauer voiced his frustrations with the Toronto Blue Jays‘ decision to have Braydon Fisher pitch the first inning — rather than let the 30-year-old operate as a regular starter.
“It’s definitely different. To be real blunt, I hate it. I can’t stand it,” Lauer told reporters after a 6-3 Blue Jays loss. “You work with what you got. Part of it, too, we’re trying to mix some things up. We’re trying to find ways to win, so I think it’s a game plan we had, and I think we went out there and tried to execute the best we could.
“That’s really all you can do.”
Advertisement
The plan appeared to work out of the gates for the Blue Jays, as Fisher worked a scoreless first inning, allowing just one hit before turning the ball over to Lauer in the second.
From there, Lauer looked to get back on track from a pair of rough outings. The 30-year-old didn’t allow a runner past first in the second or third against the Diamondbacks, but ran into trouble after that.
After Toronto took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth, Nolan Arenado delivered a quick response for Arizona with a solo shot off Lauer. Then, in the fifth, Corbin Carroll and Jose Fernandez brought home two more runs off Lauer, giving the Diamondbacks a lead of their own.
And while Lauer went on to work a scoreless sixth, it didn’t change his opinion on the opener strategy.
Advertisement
“It messes with your pre-game routine,” he said. “We’re creatures of habit. It changes the rhythm and routine. It’s a little harder to time things out…
“You can make it work the best you can. Hopefully, it’s not something that we will continue doing. But that’s above my pay grade.”
The three earned runs actually lowered Lauer’s ERA to 7.13 on the season.
The eight-year MLB veteran has had a tough go of things following his nine-strikeout performance to open the season.
Advertisement
Lauer surrendered nine combined runs between his starts against the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins — the first of which was limited to two innings by a bout of the flu.
If the Blue Jays stay on turn for their next trip through the rotation, Lauer’s next start will come on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer has made it clear that while the ultimate goal is to lift the IPL 2026 trophy, the team is firmly focused on staying in the present and taking one game at a time. Under the leadership of Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, PBKS have emerged as one of the standout teams this season. They remain the only unbeaten side so far, having won four of their five matches, with one game washed out due to rain.Speaking on JioStar, Iyer emphasised the importance of mindset and consistency over long-term thinking.“The mission, obviously, is to lift the trophy. But I always feel that the more you stay in the present, the more you stay in control of what is in your hands at that moment and you just have to go full throttle. You don’t have to think too far ahead or dwell on the past,” Iyer said.
Watch
Ajinkya Rahane press conference: On another defeat, Cameron Green and more
He added that the team is focused on self-improvement rather than external pressure.”I reiterate the same point to my teammates as well, that when we are out there, we are playing for ourselves, not against the opponents. We just want to improve each day and make sure we put our best foot forward. When everything comes together and that synergy builds, everything falls into place,” he added. PBKS came close to glory last season but fell short in the IPL 2025 final, losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six runs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The narrow defeat has only strengthened their resolve this year.In their most recent outing, Punjab Kings delivered a dominant all-round performance against Mumbai Indians. Batting first, MI posted a competitive 195/6, powered by Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 112 off 60 balls and a 122-run partnership with Naman Dhir, who scored a quick-fire 50.However, PBKS bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh, kept things in check. The left-arm pacer delivered a match-winning spell of 3/22 in his four overs, earning the Player of the Match award.In reply, PBKS chased down the target comfortably in just 16.3 overs, finishing at 198/3. Prabhsimran Singh starred with a blistering unbeaten 80 off 39 balls, while Iyer anchored the innings with a fluent 66 off 35 deliveries. The pair stitched together a crucial partnership after early setbacks, ensuring there were no late hiccups.Despite Allah Ghazanfar picking up two wickets for MI, the bowling unit struggled to contain PBKS’ aggressive batting lineup.
The outcome was decided in the penultimate round. A draw against his closest rival, Anish Giri of the Netherlands, was enough for Javokhir Sindarov to win the World Chess Candidates Tournament in Cyprus.
“Every round was very, very tough, and the past week was the hardest of my life,” the new chess superstar said after his breakthrough victory. “I slept really badly and I’m glad it’s over.”
Winning the Candidates Tournament means Sindarov, 20, will now face the reigning world champion Dommaraju Gukesh of India for the World Chess Championship title in late 2026. With Gukesh just 19, it will be a duel between two young stars from the emerging chess nations of India and Uzbekistan.
Chess stars reaching peak earlier
Sindarov, who became a grandmaster at the age of 12 and has been in impressive form for months, dominated the Candidates Tournament from the start. The first decisive moment came as early as the fourth of 14 rounds, when he outplayed Fabiano Caruana, the top US favorite and 2018 World Chess vice-champion.
Advertisement
India: Why Tamil Nadu state is a chess powerhouse
With that, the Uzbek took the lead in the standings and never relinquished it. In the first six games, he achieved a sensational five wins — a feat no chess player had ever accomplished in a high-level Candidates tournament.
Sindarov represents a continuation of a trend towards younger players reaching the top of the sport from outside the traditional chess-playing nations of Europe. Primarily these prodigies are from Asia and that continent’s dominance in chess was also evident in Cyprus in the women’s competition. India’s Vaishali Rameshbabu won the Candidates Tournament by beating Russia’s Kateryna Lagno in the final round and earning the right to challenge world champion Ju Wenjun of China.
It comes as no surprise that Uzbekistan is now establishing itself as a chess powerhouse alongside China and India. “The young talents in Uzbekistan are really, really strong,” Rustam Kasimjanov, a former elite player from Uzbekistan, told DW recently.
Advertisement
Kasimjanov, who has lived near Bonn for many years, is considered the catalyst for the chess boom in the central Asian country and has personally trained many of Uzbekistan’s young chess stars. The conditions for top-level chess in his homeland are now very good: “In Uzbekistan, the state has been supporting the sport of chess with substantial funding for several years,” he added.
German influence
Former champion Kasimjanov isn’t Sindarov’s only connection to Germany. His head coach, Roman Vidonyak, was born in Ukraine but lived in Munich for many years. He has been coaching Sindarov for about a year.
“We still have big plans,” he told chess news site Chessbase following his protege’s victory. Now the goal is to win the world championship title and then try to establish Sindarov as the dominant player of his generation. The man standing in the way of that mission is the reigning world champion Gukesh, who, at 19, is even younger than Sindarov.
Advertisement
Turning Nigeria’s slums into a chess classroom
Since winning the title in late 2024, things haven’t been going well for Gukesh. He currently ranks only 15th in the world. Sindarov’s chances of becoming world champion this winter are therefore fairly strong. The Norwegian Magnus Carlsen is still considered the best chess player around, but he no longer competes in world championship games, preferring other formats.
Germany struggling to keep up with Asia
Aside from Sindarov, Germany’s Matthias Blübaum also enjoyed a strong tournament. “The lone wolf from Lemgo,” as the chess magazine New in Chess labeled him, was a surprise qualifier for the Candidates Tournament and became the first German to compete in it for over 35 years.
As an underdog, Blübaum took few risks in Cyprus, defending prudently, and steering his games towards a draw round after round. Even rising star Sindarov could not manage more than two draws against him. Blübaum suffered only two losses.
Advertisement
Matthias Blübaum acquitted himself well but the German federation lacks resourcesImage: Michal Walusza/FIDE
“In Uzbekistan, as in India, we see what happens when a lot of money is invested in chess,” Lauterbach added. But for the time being, she can only dream of such developments in Germany.
Blübaum’s success has so far failed to produce the powerful sponsor hoped for by the cash-strapped sport in Germany. Nevertheless, around EUR 90,000 in support were ultimately raised for Blübaum. The funds came in part from the German Chess Federation, and there was also a special round of state funding. In the end, to make sure that Blübaum could take his own coaches to the tournament the chess officials even organized a crowdfunding campaign online.
UFC champion Carlos Ulberg says he lost his championship belt that he just won after capturing the light heavyweight title at UCF 327.
He told Fox Sports Australia Monday he misplaced his golden title belt while celebrating his victory.
“I’ve lost the belt, bro,” Ulberg told FOX Sports. “Initially after winning, the plan was to not have a drink. But you know how these things go, right?” he said.
Advertisement
“First, someone gives you a champagne to celebrate. Then one thing leads to another, and you’re doing shots.”
Carlos Ulberg of New Zealand celebrates his knockout victory over Jiri Prochazka in a light heavyweight title bout at UFC 327 in Miami, Fla., April 11, 2026.(Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The 35-year-old from New Zealand fought through a knee injury to defeat Jiri Prochazka in the main event at UFC 327 by knockout this weekend in Miami to become the new champion of the light heavyweight division.
His injury could keep him sidelined for a year, meaning he will have to give up his champion status anyway, with UCF holding an interim title fight to take his place.
Advertisement
Carlos Ulberg of New Zealand celebrates his knockout victory over Jiri Prochazka in a light heavyweight title bout during UFC 327 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Fla., April 11, 2026.(Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
But Ulberg said he’s fairly confident his belt will be found before he heads to Las Vegas to get further evaluation from doctors on his knee. He then plans to spend time at the UFC Performance Institute before returning to New Zealand to be with family.
“I didn’t want to be carrying the belt around, so I think it’s still there at the apartment somewhere. One of the boys probably has it in bed with him,” Ulberg said.
Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital covering critical political and cultural issues in sports, with an investigative lens. Jackson’s reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Associated Press and ESPN.com.
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 10: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates after victory against Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in the Men’s Singles Quarter Final match on day six of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters at Monte-Carlo Country Club on April 10, 2026 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Madrid Open, marking a second straight year he will miss the tournament.
“This is news that is extremely hard to give,” Alcaraz said.
“Madrid is home, one of the most special places on the calendar for me, and that’s why it hurts me so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row.”
Advertisement
He also spoke about missing the home support.
“It hurts me especially not being able to be in front of my people, in a tournament that is so special.”
“Thank you for the love as always and I hope to see you soon.”
Advertisement
The Spaniard had been expected to play a key role in the tournament, but will now focus on recovery.
The future of Marcus Rashford appears far from resolved as the end of the season approaches
Barcelona have reportedly begun exploring alternatives to Marcus Rashford, with the prospect of triggering his Manchester United release clause said to have cooled. The Catalan giants hold an option to convert his loan from United into a permanent £26million deal.
However, no definitive decision has been made amid growing uncertainty. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Barca’s plans to secure Rashford have ‘cooled drastically’ due to concerns over his performances since the turn of the year.
Advertisement
The forward has scored just two goals in his last 16 appearances and has failed to take advantage of positional rival Raphinha’s injury-enforced absence.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
Barcelona are reportedly questioning whether the pre‑agreed fee for Rashford could be better invested elsewhere following their Champions League elimination at the hands of Atletico Madrid.
They have identified Julian Alvarez as a potential alternative, though Atletico are believed to be preparing a substantial salary increase to deter any interest in the former Manchester City forward.
Advertisement
Rashford would also represent a far cheaper deal compared to Atleti’s reported £175m valuation of Alvarez.
Barca must also prepare for the possibility of Robert Lewandowski leaving this summer if no new agreement is reached.
Up to 70% off Man United kits and merch
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Fanatics has slashed the price of Man United kits and merch with up to 70% off select items.
Reports claim the club have offered the veteran striker a new contract on significantly reduced wages.
With no new deal agreed, Barcelona have reportedly identified Alexander Sorloth as Lewandowski’s potential successor.
The former Crystal Palace striker is said to have convinced the club with his technical similarities to the Polish forward and his ability to slot quickly into Hansi Flick’s system.
Advertisement
There has also been speculation that Barca would prefer to extend Rashford’s stay with another loan from a financial standpoint.
However, United are understood to be pushing for a permanent sale of the academy graduate.
STUTTGART, GERMANY – APRIL 17: Mirra Andreeva of Russia reacts against Iga Swiatek of Poland during the WomenÕs Singles quarterfinal on day five of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 2026 at Porsche Arena on April 17, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)
Mirra Andreeva came from a set down to defeat Iga Swiatek 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 and reach the semi-finals in Stuttgart.
The 18-year-old trailed 0-2 in the final set before turning the match around, making it three straight wins over Swiatek and her first victory against her on clay.
It also extends her run to seven consecutive wins and marks her first top-10 win of the 2026 season, as well as her first semi-final appearance in Stuttgart.
Advertisement
After the match, Andreeva revealed she even used the tournament’s Porsche prize as motivation. The Stuttgart winner receives a car, and she had been convinced it would be a 911.
“I was right! We were fighting in the restaurant yesterday and everyone was saying it’s probably the one on the right, the Cayenne. I was like it’s 911. It’s 911 and that’s it… I kept telling myself that it’s 911 and that’s it. That’s what kept me going today.”
She also spoke about the challenge of facing Swiatek.
Advertisement
“Of course when you play someone that’s so experienced… she’s won so many tournaments I can’t even count… I was telling myself ‘No matter what’s happening, I have to keep fighting and keep believing. I can win from any score.’”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login