Adrien Broner believes one man has an “easy” route to victory if Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn lock horns later this year.

While an official announcement is yet to emerge, the pair are set to collide in Las Vegas, with WBC champion Garcia revealing September 12 as a possible date.

The 27-year-old became a world welterweight champion in February, dethroning Mario Barrios with a unanimous decision victory after flooring his man in the opening round.

Since then, much of the talk has centred around mandatory challenger Benn, who has not fought at 147lbs since his second-round finish over Chris van Heerden in 2022.

‘The Destroyer’ was then supposed to face Chris Eubank Jr later that year, only to fail two doping tests for banned substance clomifene.

As a result, that middleweight rivalry was not revisited until 2025, with Benn losing a unanimous decision in April before exacting his revenge in November.

Most recently, the 29-year-old outpointed Regis Prograis at a catchweight of 150lbs, featuring on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov in April.

With Benn expected to challenge Garcia, though, former world champion Broner has told FightHype he suspects the Brit will be returned to the losing column.

“Ryan – easy. He’s got more talent. In that fight, the talent will show.”

Like Benn, Garcia has a controversial history with doping after testing positive for banned substance ostarine following his showdown with Devin Haney in 2024.

The American was subsequently handed a year-long ban, his majority decision victory overturned to a no-contest, before losing a unanimous decision to Rolando Romero in May 2025.

Benn has teased an announcement in the next two weeks, and if he is to get his mandatory shot at the belt, this US vs UK battle of stars could be one of the biggest of the year.

Philippines’ Alexandra Eala in action during her semifinal match against Rebeka Masarova, on day eight of the Lexus Birmingham Open Championships at Edgbaston Priory Club, Birmingham, England, Saturday June 6, 2026. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala’s run continued in the Birmingham Open just past midnight on Sunday (Manila time).

This time, though, it took her a while to get the win.

After easing her way into the semifinal, Eala survived her first real test in the WTA 125 tournament, overcoming Swiss Rebeka Masarova, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, to reach her first final of the season.

READ: Alex Eala beats Sawangkaew, advances to Birmingham Open semis

Eala came into her match against Masarova having won her first three matches in sweeping fashion.

The top-seeded Eala again looked well on her way to another easy win after a dominant opening set, but Masarova regrouped and let the Filipino rising star know it’s going to be a long night.

Masarova’s fightback, coupled with several rain delays that led to a pair of suspensions lasting for hours, made it an excruciatingly long match and Eala could only breathe a big sigh of relief.

“Really happy with the win today. It was such a great experience,” she said during the post-match interview.

“It was such a tough battle today. You’ll never know what’s gonna happen. Rebeka played really well, and she put me in tough spots,” she added.

READ: Alex Eala gets main draw entry to Queen’s Club Championships

Eala was on the brink of victory, up 5-2, when the rain poured and suspended the match for a second time.

“I tried to relax. You never fully let go when it’s a rain delay,” said Eala during the extended breaks.

She stayed calm even at the resumption and with Masarova mounting one last rally after taking the eighth game of the deciding set. Down 15-30 in the ninth, Eala forced a deuce and led Masarova to commit back-to-back errors to book her spot in the title round.

It only gets harder for the 21-year-old Eala in the final against Czech Nikola Bartunkova, who also served as her doubles partner in Birmingham. They bowed out early after losing their first match last Monday. Eala is 0-13 against Czechs since turning pro in 2020.

“Reaching the final is a physical feat. I’m feeling good. I think today was a great test and I’ll be ready for tomorrow.”

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the selectors’ decision to drop Suryakumar Yadav from India’s T20I setup, calling it a “landmark” and “ruthless” call and suggesting that the World Cup-winning captain deserved more time to prove himself.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced India’s T20I squads for the tours of England and Ireland, naming Shreyas Iyer as captain and Tilak Varma as vice-captain.The decision also saw Suryakumar lose both the captaincy and his place in the squad, less than three months after leading India to the 2026 T20 World Cup title.Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the move was based on form and the team’s plans for the next T20 World Cup cycle. Ashwin, however, felt Suryakumar had earned the opportunity to make one final case for himself, especially in the upcoming England series.Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Ashwin said he was surprised by how the decision was made and believed Suryakumar’s contribution as captain should also have been taken into account.“Look, I think it’s a very interesting precedent, if I can say that. I just want to put myself in Suryakumar Yadav’s shoes and for an instance think how he would be feeling at this point of time. I’m sure every player has got the right to be gutted about being left out of the side and that’s fair if he’s feeling bad about it, but just the whole occasion, the way it’s been done, I am a little apprehensive about the whole thing.”“Because in my head I’m thinking, okay, I’m the T20 World Cup-winning captain. I’m just putting myself in Surya’s shoes and thinking about it. Sure, my batting form has let me down over the last 18 months or 15 months or whatever it is. I haven’t been in the prime form that I could have been. But then I managed to win a T20 World Cup for the country. Didn’t have the greatest World Cup as a batter, but surely, just like everyone else in the team – the coach, the vice-captain, the best-performing batter, best-performing bowler – he’s also been the best-performing skipper, right? He’s played his part.“Ashwin said he understood the selectors’ long-term approach but felt Suryakumar deserved more backing after winning a World Cup.“I saw Ajit’s press conference and I liked what he said: for the next two years is what we are planning, which is quite a good way of looking at it. But is there a possibility that they could have given Surya a bit more time? And if you feel he’s not a walk into your XI, could he have been given that big England series to ask himself to prove once again as a batter that he belongs in that place? I just think he deserved that after having accomplished such a huge feat in his career.“Ashwin added that the decision could become a reference point for future selection calls involving captains.“Has there been an instance where a captain who’s won the T20 World Cup has been left out without any ultimatum? I’m sure there’s been communication. I have no doubts with regards to that. But this is quite a landmark day in selection if you ask me, because this will be taken as some sort of precedent the next time such a thing ever comes up. And let’s not forget, T20 is a high-risk game where the batters are expected to put their wicket on the line for scoring those extra boundaries. You want them to play a brand of cricket which is high risk and hence my question is: could the captain of the defending champions have been dealt a slightly better deal than what he was dealt?”

Mirra Andreeva, a 19-year-old Russian tennis pro, won her first Grand Slam title on Saturday, defeating Maja Chwalinska to win the French Open.

Andreeva won in two sets, 6-3, 6-2, over the 114th-ranked Polish qualifier. Andreeva became the youngest player to win the women’s singles title since Monica Seles, who was 18 when she won her third straight French Open in 1992.

She also became the first Russian woman to win a Grand Slam since Maria Sharapova won the 2014 French Open and became the first teenager to win a Grand Slam title since Coco Gauff did so at the 2023 U.S. Open, when she was 19.

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Russia’s Mirra Andreeva holds the trophy after winning the final tennis match against Poland’s Maja Chwalinska at the French Open in Paris on June 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/AP)

Andreeva also became the first male or female tennis player born in 2005 to reach and win a Grand Slam title.

When Andreeva executed a backhand cross-court winner on her first match point, the Russian dropped to her knees on the clay to celebrate.

“You’re so young and talented. It’s so annoying,” Chwalinska told Andreeva during the awards ceremony.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Russia’s Mirra Andreeva celebrates after winning the final women’s tennis match against Poland’s Maja Chwalinska at the French Open in Paris on June 6, 2026. (Christophe Ena/AP Photo)

Andreeva thanked herself for fighting “so many demons” during her title run at the awards ceremony.

“For believing in myself, always giving my 100%, even when it’s tough, trying every day to be better as a person and as a player, believing that I can do this, fighting so many demons inside of me,” Andreeva said.

“Only I know how tough it was for me,” Andreeva added. “How nervous I was throughout these two weeks.”

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Russia’s Mirra Andreeva holds the trophy after winning the final tennis match against Poland’s Maja Chwalinska at the French Open in Paris on June 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/AP)

The match was tied 3-3 in the first set, but Andreeva then won 20 of the next 21 points to win the set and take control of the match.

Chwalinska was attempting to become the first qualifier to capture the Roland Garros title.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva beat Polish underdog Maja Chwalinska 6-3, 6-2 in the final of the French Open in Paris on Saturday to claim her first Grand Slam title.

Andreeva, 19, is the youngest player to win the women’s singles title at Roland Garros since the United States’ Monica Seles, who was 18 when she won a third consecutive French Open in 1992.

She is also the first Russian woman to win a Grand Slam since Maria Sharapova won the French Open in 2014 and the first teenager to take the crown ‌since Poland’s Iga ​Swiatek ⁠in 2020.

Andreeva’s opponent, Chwalinska, ranked 114th in the world, was attempting to become the first qualifier to win in the French capital, but stood little chance against the world number eight.

In the men’s draw, Germany’s Alexander Zverev is also looking to win a first ever Grand Slam title when he faces Flavio Cobolli on Sunday.

Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez

Mirra Andreeva overcame testing conditions and the burden of years of expectations to defeat qualifier Maja Chwalinska for her first grand slam title, becoming the youngest women’s champion at the French Open since 18-year-old Monica Seles in 1992.

19-year-old Andreeva announced her enormous potential on the clay with a storming run to the French Open semi-finals two years ago. Despite her young age she had long been tipped to convert that into titles – and two years on, the vastly experienced teenager fulfilled that potential, maintaining her focus despite a difficult, windy court and a highly partisan crowd to win Roland Garros 6-3 6-2.

The eighth seed collapsed to the clay and covered her face in disbelief as a smash, with Chwalinska rooted to the spot, sealed the first of what many believe will be several major titles. It brought an end to Chwalinska’s stunning fairytale run, as she attempted to become only the second qualifier to ever win a major, after Emma Raducanu at the US Open in 2021.

Andreeva paid tribute to Chwalinska in the podium ceremony, joking: “You are a very tricky opponent, I wouldn’t want to play against you another time… okay, it’s fine, I hope we play many, many more finals together in the future.

“I cannot believe I’m holding this trophy right now. Paris is going to have a very special place in my heart.”

She thanked the tournament directors, ball kids, and her team, before adding: “Last but not least, I want to thank myself for believing in myself and always giving 100 per cent, even when it is tough. I try every day to be better as a person and as a player, and fight so many demons inside of me. Only I know how tough it was for me these two weeks – so thanks to myself.”

Andreeva had said after her semi-final win over Marta Kostyuk that a change in her perspective over the course of this season has allowed her to stay calm in situations that previously would have derailed her.

While her increased maturity has been evident the question remained of how she would fare in a cauldron of support for her opposition. Her impetuousness and temper have often worked against her, while she wilted against home favourite Lois Boisson at the semi-final stage last year, unable to cope with the emotion of the situation.

And she was facing a similarly one-sided crowd on Saturday, with chants of “Maja, Maja, Maja” erupting during the warm-up, as world No 114 Chwalinska stepped up to serve, and at every changeover.

But the key to Andreeva’s run in this tournament has been her ability to adapt, whether that be to different opponents or rapidly changing conditions, and to keep calm, to the extent that she told press after the semi-final that she was so focused she could see “the little hairs on the ball”. She needed every bit of that focus on Sunday. Chwalinska was a difficult opponent, but in many ways this was Andreeva’s Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen to lose.

Against Kostyuk Andreeva had seemed scarcely bothered by the wind, although she later admitted it had made for tough conditions, changing direction and speed unpredictably. The conditions were similar on Saturday, swirling and kicking clay up into the players’ faces. But they troubled her more, while the nerves of a first slam final were compounded by being the expected champion against a free-swinging underdog with nothing to lose.

Nerves were evidently a factor for both, however; Chwalinska, choosing to serve first, opened with a double fault, and there were four consecutive breaks of serve. The Pole’s unorthodox game style posed immediate problems as she chopped and changed pace and direction, with her heavy spin and lefty forehand, and the sheer variety and inventiveness of her game, frustrating Andreeva.

Chwalinska’s love of moonballs and ability to switch with ease between baseline exchange and clever drop shot paid off as she went toe to toe with the Russian, who struggled on serve and with her choice of shot.

But Andreeva’s ability to focus despite the many distractions – particularly as the wind continued to pick up – was on show as, from 3-3 and after four straight breaks of serve before Chwalinska held for the first time, she locked down. She broke the 24-year-old’s serve again before backing up the break for the first time, digging out a drop shot that very nearly died in the service box before planting a smash into the open court.

That was the catalyst she needed; she went 0-40 up in Chwalinska’s next service game and fired a beautiful backhand cross-court winner to take the set, celebrating with a fist pump and determined smile. She looked like a slam winner-in-waiting.

Andreeva’s first serve percentage, having hovered in the low 40 per cent in the first half of the first set, improved to the high 70s, while she showed more conviction in her clean, destructive groundstrokes. Chwalinska, who was playing in her 10th match in a row after winning three in qualifying, began to look mentally drained and to leak errors.

There was more fight down the teenager’s side of the court: a sloppy service game as she led 2-0 saw her slip to 0-40 down, but she reeled off five points in a row, getting to deuce with a tidy backhand winner before Chwalinska hit long, to stave off trouble and extend her lead to 3-0.

She broke to love immediately after, with the Pole slipping glumly to the court as she watched a forehand trail long, her chances of a slam title carried away on the Parisian wind. In the ceremony, she joked: “You’re so young and talented, it’s so annoying.” To the crowd, she added: “I wish you could see a better match today but Mirra was just too good, so it’s her fault.”

Andreeva made a colossal hash of a net smash at 40-15 in her next service game, but didn’t blink, and a battering ram of a backhand down the line put her a game away from the title, 5-0 up. But as Chwalinska held for the first time in the set, the pressure was once more all on the teenager’s shoulders.

It told: a miss on a routine net volley brought up 30-30 and she swung long on a forehand to gift Chwalinska a rare break point, but although she saved the first, two clunking errors – the second another poor forehand long – handed over the break and set off another chorus of “Maja, Maja, Maja”.

But in the greatest test of her life the teenager held firm and Chwalinska buckled. Andreeva earned three match points and only needed one, shifting from baseline to net to hammer away the winner.

She dropped to the ground in joy before embracing Chwalinska and heading up to her box, celebrating with coach Conchita Martinez, who has been integral to her rise.

After two weeks of intense focus, the teenager could allow herself a beaming smile, while having worked so hard on her composure, it was telling that there were no tears and she seemed relaxed. Like this was simply inevitable, the culmination of years of work that would always end with her lifting the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen aloft.

Choosing the best three players in Europe is never an easy task. Football is full of outstanding talents, and every fan will have their own opinion. Your top three may be completely different from mine, and that is what makes football discussions interesting.

One thing that stands out about my selection is that I have included a goalkeeper. Too often, goalkeepers and defenders do not receive the same level of recognition as attacking players. While there are special awards for them, I believe they deserve to compete for the biggest individual honours as well.

After watching the season unfold across Europe, my top three players are David Raya, Ousmane Dembele and Harry Kane. For me, the player who deserves the number one spot is Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

1. David Raya – Arsenal

When Arsenal finally ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title, many people praised the goalscorers and attacking stars. But behind that success was a goalkeeper who quietly delivered week after week.

David Raya was one of the main reasons Arsenal lifted the trophy. During the most important stage of the season, he produced four consecutive clean sheets, giving his teammates the confidence and platform to secure crucial victories.

The Spanish goalkeeper finished the campaign with 19 clean sheets in 37 league appearances, matching a club record previously set by Arsenal legend David Seaman. Although they share the same first name, Raya has created his own place in Arsenal’s history.

What makes his season even more impressive is his consistency. He made only one mistake that directly led to a goal throughout the entire campaign and did not miss a single minute of league action.

Raya was also a key figure in Arsenal’s unbeaten run to the UEFA Champions League final. Although the Gunners eventually lost to Paris Saint-Germain, his performances throughout the competition were outstanding.

For his leadership, consistency and ability to deliver when it mattered most, David Raya is my Player of the Season in Europe.

2. Ousmane Dembele – Paris Saint-Germain

Ousmane Dembele’s season was a story of resilience and determination.

Injuries slowed him down during the first half of the campaign, and many believed his chances of defending his Ballon d’Or title had disappeared. However, once he regained full fitness, he reminded everyone why he is one of the most dangerous attackers in world football.

Dembele finished the season with 19 goals and 12 assists while helping Paris Saint-Germain win the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Trophee des Champions, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

His performances in the Champions League knockout stages were especially memorable. He delivered match-winning displays against Liverpool and Bayern Munich before finding the net again in the final.

While his overall season may not have reached the incredible heights of the previous campaign, he still played a vital role in another historic year for PSG. His return to form has also boosted France’s hopes ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

For his influence in PSG’s success and his ability to shine on the biggest stage, Dembele earns second place on my list.

3. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

There have always been debates about Harry Kane, but one thing nobody can question is his ability to score goals.

Now that he has finally ended the long wait for major trophies, the Bayern Munich striker looks more motivated than ever. The burden of constantly being criticised for not winning titles has disappeared, and Kane has responded with one of the finest seasons of his career.

The England captain scored an incredible 65 goals and added seven assists as Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup.

However, Kane’s contribution went beyond goals. His passing, movement, link-up play and leadership were all crucial to Bayern’s success. He showed that he is much more than a traditional striker.

As the World Cup approaches, England fans will hope he can carry this remarkable form onto the international stage and help the Three Lions end their long wait for major silverware.

His goal-scoring numbers alone make him impossible to ignore, and that is why he completes my top three.

Final Thoughts

Football fans will always have different opinions when it comes to individual awards. Some may choose other stars who enjoyed excellent seasons across Europe.

However, for me, David Raya deserves special recognition for proving that goalkeepers can be just as influential as the players who score the goals. Alongside him, Ousmane Dembele and Harry Kane produced outstanding campaigns that helped their clubs win major trophies.

That is my top three players in Europe for the 2025/2026 season. You may agree or disagree, but one thing is certain, all three delivered performances worthy of being remembered.

The Nationwide League One (NLO) has slammed Green Beret FC with a ₦1.5 million fine and suspended the club and its officials for two seasons following an assault on match officials after their game against Zamfara United.

The league announced the disciplinary measures on Friday after reviewing the incident, which reportedly left one referee injured and bleeding.

In a statement, the NLO strongly condemned the violence, describing it as a serious offence that damages the image of football and threatens the safety of those involved in the game.

According to the league body, Green Beret FC had previously been linked with a similar incident last season, making the latest case even more concerning.

As part of the sanctions, the NLO overturned the result of the match and awarded Zamfara United a 3-0 victory instead of the original 2-0 scoreline.

The league also ordered Green Beret FC to pay ₦1 million for misconduct and an additional ₦500,000 to cover the medical treatment of the injured referees. Both payments must be made within seven days.

In addition, the club and all its officials have been banned from taking part in Nationwide League One activities for the next two seasons.

The NLO further directed Green Beret FC to identify and submit the names of the individuals accused of attacking and stabbing the referee within 48 hours.

The league reaffirmed its commitment to discipline, safety and fair play, warning that any act of violence will continue to attract severe punishment.

SoFi Stadium workers have voted to authorize a strike just a week before hosting the United States Men’s National Soccer Team for the World Cup.

The UNITE HERE Local 11 union has been negotiating with Legends Global amid a stalled deal, and a large concern remains U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s role at the stadium during World Cup games.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said this week the U.S. Department of Homeland Security told him federal authorities would be at the matches to assist with security but not civil immigration enforcement.

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SOFI stadium workers protest outside the FIFA World Cup 26 Los Angeles office calling for ICE to be banned from the World Cup on May 1, 2026. Eight World Cup matches are planned for SOFI stadium during the summer tournament. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

“Any of that is subject to change, but I have trust that they’re giving me the appropriate information because if that starts occurring, we’re going to have a whole new host of problems,” he added.

“What good is the World Cup for Los Angeles when workers don’t earn enough to pay the rent and must choose between showing up and being kidnapped by ICE?” said Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11. “If we’re forced to strike, those $100,000 FIFA suites will have nothing but bottled water and Doritos.”

A press release on Friday, according to The Athletic, said negotiations are expected to continue Monday.

“Workers must have the right to walk off the job if federal immigration enforcement enters the stadium and creates a reasonable fear for their safety — no worker should have to choose between their job and their freedom,” the release said.

The union also wants “pay that reflects the true cost of living in Los Angeles, including premium pay for World Cup and other mega-events, and payment to a housing fund to build housing for hospitality workers.”

Protesters hold “Kick ICE Out” signs on an inflatable rat outside SoFi Stadium during a demonstration against ICE at the FIFA World Cup 26 Los Angeles Office on May 1, 2026. Eight World Cup matches are scheduled at SoFi Stadium this summer. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

MEXICO GOLD CUP SOCCER GAME IN LOS ANGELES SEES ANTI-ICE PROTESTERS DEMONSTRATE OUTSIDE STADIUM

Legends Global, which handles hospitality at SoFi, said the company has a long-standing relationship with the union and is committed to reaching an agreement through contract negotiations.

“We look forward to delivering an outstanding hospitality experience for fans at the FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium,” the company said in a statement Wednesday.

The union issued a complaint to the California attorney general, stating that workers could be at risk of being targeted by ICE due to FIFA’s accreditation process.

ICE acting director Todd Lyons has said that it would play a “key part” in ensuring security during the tournament, something Luna confirmed.

Community groups in other World Cup host cities such as Atlanta and Miami also have called for a halt to U.S. immigration enforcement during the matches, fearing arrests near stadiums and watch parties could dampen the festivities.

SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is one of 16 stadiums selected to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including 11 in the U.S. (Getty Images)

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SoFi Stadium will host eight matches.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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