The 31-year-old was elevated from ‘interim’ to full heavyweight champion following his victory over Joseph Parker, which resulted in a stunning 11th-round finish last October.
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Dubois, meanwhile, has not fought since his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in July, back when he was relieved of his IBF title via an emphatic fifth-round stoppage.
The 21-year-old comes off a dominant fifth-round finish over Jermaine Franklin, who was dropped and stopped for the first time in his career.
While having not yet established himself at world level, his performance in March nonetheless suggests that Itauma is capable of competing with the likes of Wardley and Dubois.
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In fact, Hall of Famer Froch has opined on his YouTube channel, Froch On Fighting, that the hard-hitting prodigy is more than ready for such a challenge.
“I think Moses beats both of them. Obviously Daniel Dubois’ got that punch that could catch him, as has Fabio Wardley, but I just don’t think they’re good enough [to beat him].
“When you look at Itauma and his speed – his footwork, his combination punching… the power – he’s just very, very good.”
Gujarat Titans handed a maiden IPL appearance to young all-rounder Nishant Sindhu during their clash against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed the inclusion at the toss after opting to bowl first.Explaining the decision, Gill pointed to the team’s recent success while chasing and their desire to build on that rhythm. “We’ve been chasing well in the past few games, so we’ll continue with the momentum,” he said. He also reflected on the importance of finishing games strongly, praising Rahul Tewatia’s impact in the previous match. Gill added that the surface might offer early help for bowlers and stressed that the team is aiming to peak at the right stage of the tournament. “I think it’s all about peaking at the right time, and I feel our best game is yet to come. Nishant Sindhu makes his debut,” he confirmed.Sindhu, a talented all-rounder from Haryana, is known for his left-handed batting along with his slow left-arm orthodox bowling. He first rose to prominence during the 2018-19 U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, where he amassed 572 runs and claimed 23 wickets, playing a decisive role in Haryana lifting the title.His progress continued at the international junior level, where he was part of India’s triumphant squad at the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup. During the tournament, he contributed in both departments, picking up six wickets in five matches and also scoring an important half-century.At the domestic level, Sindhu made his first-class debut in the 2022 Ranji Trophy and later featured in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His consistent performances earned him IPL contracts with Chennai Super Kings in 2023 and 2024, although he did not get an opportunity to play during those seasons.
Gujarat Titans won the toss and elected to bowl first against Punjab Kings as the playoff race begins to heat up.Explaining the decision, skipper Shubman Gill said his side wanted to stick to what has worked recently. “We are gonna bowl first. We have been chasing well in the past few games and our bowling is doing well, so will continue that momentum,” he noted, adding that the surface could offer something early on. Gill also pointed to the team peaking at the right time and praised the middle-order finishing, especially Rahul Tewatia’s recent efforts. He confirmed one change, with Nishant Sindhu coming in for his debut.Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer, meanwhile, felt the pitch looked good for batting but with enough assistance for bowlers. “It looks beautiful, some grass on the wicket and some bounce considering it is black soil,” he observed. Iyer emphasised the challenges of a demanding schedule but maintained that his side remains focused. “It is not frustration, it is an intense league… it is just another game and we will put our best foot forward.” He also confirmed changes, with Xavier and Vyshak added to the bowling attack.Teams:
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar on RCB loss: ‘It was just one off day’
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh(w), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Marcus Stoinis, Suryansh Shedge, Nehal Wadhera, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra ChahalGujarat Titans (Playing XI): Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Manav SutharWith Gujarat Titans currently sitting fifth and pushing hard for a playoff spot, a win today could significantly boost their position, potentially drawing them level with the teams above. However, they face a tough test against table-toppers Punjab Kings, who have been one of the most consistent sides this season despite coming off a rare defeat in their last outing. All signs point to a high-stakes and closely fought contest.
Three years after these players had their dreams come true on draft day, their teams are now in a position where they have to decide on their futures. All first-round contracts are guaranteed for four seasons, but they also contain an option for the team to extend the player a fifth year, also fully guaranteed. And the decision on whether to do so had to be made by May 1.
In the space below, we’re going to track each of the first-round draft picks by whether they had their option picked up or declined, or whether they signed a contract extension with their team. As a reminder, there were only 31 picks in the first round of the 2023 draft because the Miami Dolphins forfeited their selection as punishment for violations of the league’s anti-tampering policy.
“Not the result, but a meaningful end” — D’Tigress wrap Up USA Tour
The D’Tigress have concluded their United States tour, which was designed to prepare the team for upcoming international competitions.
In their final game, Nigeria fell 105-57 to the Indiana Fever. It was a difficult outing, with the Fever controlling the game and getting a comfortable lead.
D’Tigress had earlier faced the Minnesota Lynx, losing 88-79 in a competitive game where they stayed close before falling away late.
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Their opening game of the tour was against the Los Angeles Sparks, where they were beaten 89-63.
Despite the results, the focus remains on growth and preparation. Reacting after the final game, the team shared:
“Not the result, but a meaningful end… D’Tigress close out their U.S. tour taking away loads of experience, exposure, and lessons that will shape what comes next.”
It’s the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals! Bayern Munich has done well to claim a 1-1 draw last week at the Allianz Arena, though goal-scorer Franziska Kett earned herself a red card along the way.
That means it’s anyone’s game, and although the Catalans will have the home field advantage, this is surely not the position they had imagined for themselves heading into the pivotal leg of the tie.
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Prediction: Bayern wins 3-2 and advances in extra time at the Camp Nou. It’s the season of destiny. Believe it!
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If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
Canelo Alvarez has explained why he exited the T-Mobile Arena just as David Benavidez was gearing up to deliver a ruthless performance against Gilberto Ramirez.
Prior to the finish, Benavidez had scored a fourth-round knockdown in his first outing at 200lbs, where his speed represents a key advantage against naturally bigger opposition.
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That much became strikingly apparent for Ramirez, who was made to climb off the canvas for the first time in his career.
There was little hope for a remarkable turnaround, then, when the 34-year-old was floored a second time and remained on his knee, experiencing a nasty swelling on his right eye.
After that, though, Canelo was in no mood to hang around, telling Fight Hub TV that he had no intention of watching the main event from ringside.
“I just came to see Jaime Mungia.”
While Canelo has never expressed much enthusiasm for their potential showdown, it nonetheless appears that Benavidez is still holding on to a slither of hope.
Either way, the WBC light-heavyweight champion is likely to move back down to 175lbs, perhaps in pursuit of an undisputed encounter with Dmitry Bivol.
Victorian mare Splash Back eyes the Group One Tattersall’s Tiara next after stealing the show from leading sprinters to win the Victory Stakes at Eagle Farm in 2026.
The spring victor in the Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley, Splash Back ($8.50) ran midfield to rival In Flight from the Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Randwick last time, but coped well with Saturday’s heavy track.
Michael Rodd kept the Grahame Begg six-year-old mare tight to the fence before she darted clear inside late to defeat Payline ($18), Warnie ($6.50) third, as Group 1 stars Transatlantic (fourth), Lady Of Camelot (fifth) and Private Harry (eighth) followed.
The jockey Rodd doubted his chances with Splash Back at the rear on the turn, stunned by the straight run that opened up.
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“They went along at a decent clip, and I was out the back and wasn’t going anywhere straightening up,” Rodd said.
“I was struggling a bit and thought, I’m staying on the inside.”
“I couldn’t believe it was opening up in front of my eyes, and she will be even better when she gets out over a little bit further.”
Trainer Grahame Begg skipped Eagle Farm, with Jack Lake of the stable highlighting Rodd’s rail-hugging ride.
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“Just to get up on the rail and save ground was crucial,” Lake said.
“She is spot-on for the Tatt’s Tiara.”
“She has beaten some good horses today and we always thought she was up to that class.”
Bound for the Fred Best Classic (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 30, a win there might qualify him for the Stradbroke, Munce noted.
“There is still a long way to go,” Munce said.
“His rating probably doesn’t get him there, and he will probably have to go around in the Fred Best and win to get in the Stradbroke. But it’s a possibility.”
Brave Monarch’s record stands at five wins from seven, including a second black-type hit via the Listed Daybreak Lover (1400m) before this.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up on the field before kickoff, Dec. 14, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as the Vikings prepare for a road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.
Weekly, we track Minnesota Vikings-themed items that are false, outrageous, or just didn’t work out as the masses expected. We call them nopedy nopes.
Minnesota’s post-draft rumor cycle has produced a few theories that need quick cleanup.
This week’s edition covers leaguewide power rankings, a seismic trade, and the search for a new general manager.
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Three Offseason Claims Need a Closer Look This Week
These are the post-draft nopedy nopes.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) celebrates with fans after the final whistle, Dec. 1, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following a win over the Arizona Cardinals with Cashman acknowledging the crowd after a strong defensive performance late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The Nopedy Nope: Your Minnesota Vikings are the fifth-worst team in the business, says NFL.com.
Eric Edholm ranked all teams after the draft, and he slapped the Vikings at No. 28 on his list.
After the surprise of the Caleb Banks pick wore off, the Vikings settled into a little groove with a few of their selections. Among the value picks I liked: LB Jake Golday, OT Caleb Tiernan, S Jakobe Thomas and CB Charles Demmings. Even a fullback in Round 5 didn’t offend me; if anything, it made me nostalgic.
I certainly understand Vikings fans could feel differently about it, given their personal investment in the team, but if Max Bredeson becomes the next C.J. Ham, it’s a good pick. This was not a year where fifth-round picks needed to be treated like military codes. Most of the same questions about Minnesota that existed last week still remain, although trading Jonathan Greenard both adds a worry and clears up cap space.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Vikes make a veteran addition or two in the coming months. They could use a center, a safety and maybe another receiver.
That’s brutal business for a team that had the NFL’s third-best defense last year, signed Kyler Murray in March, and has Justin Jefferson on the roster.
The Verdict: There’s just no way that Minnesota is the league’s fifth-worst team when it had the league’s third-best defense a season ago. Nopedy nope.
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The Nopedy Nope: Jonathan Greenard would not be traded this offseason. Good teams don’t get rid of top-tier EDGE rushers.
Interim Vikings boss Rob Brzezinski pressed the button on the Greenard trade a week ago, and ESPN’s Kevin Seifert tweeted, “Brzezinski and Kevin O’Connell were somber tonight in talking about the Greenard trade.”
And Brzezinski personally said about the swap, “This is not something we’re jumping around excitedly about, but we do feel like we did the best thing for the organization moving forward. We have just spent so much money the last several years that it’s not sustainable for us to move forward. Our salary cap situation has been very, very challenging. The value ends up being what the market will pay, you know.”
“Obviously, JG is a great player, and I’m sure people have a lot of opinions as far as what the appropriate value should be for him. All I can say is, considering everything we thought it was in the best interest of all parties. Again, people can judge whether or not it was fair or reasonable for a player of that caliber, and we understand that. But it’s what the market would pay, and ultimately, we thought it was best for all parties, and that’s why we decided to do it.”
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Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates a defensive stop with teammates during game action, Dec. 1, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the Vikings faced the Arizona Cardinals with Greenard bringing energy to Brian Flores’ defense in a momentum-swinging second quarter sequence. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
When the Greenard trade fodder kicked up, most scratched their heads, as serious playoff-contending teams hoard EDGE rushers. They don’t trade him. Ultimately, Greenard was too expensive at $100 million over four seasons, and Minnesota chose a deal that offered two 3rd-Rounders to replace him.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Greenard lasting longer than two seasons in the Twin Cities.
The Nopedy Nope: The Vikings will make public the names of their general manager candidates.
The Vikings said they would begin a general manager search after the draft, and they weren’t kidding. It’s just that the process will be hush-hush.
Minnesota Vikings owners Leonard Wilf and Mark Wilf react on the sideline before kickoff, Oct. 2, 2022, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, as the Vikings prepared to face the New Orleans Saints in an NFL International Series game showcasing the league’s global expansion efforts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
With the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, our search for the next general manager of the Minnesota Vikings is underway. This will be a thorough and deliberate process led by ownership, with support from a small internal advisory committee of senior leaders.
We have also engaged respected firm TurnkeyZRG to assist in conducting a wide-ranging search that includes experienced football executives, emerging candidates and individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Our focus is to identify a decisive leader with a clear vision for team building, strong communication skills and the ability to build alignment across an organization.
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Out of respect for all involved, we do not intend to publicly announce candidates and will provide further comment when the search is complete.
This is a new phenomenon for the Vikings. GM and coach searches are not usually conducted behind closed doors.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on knowing Minnesota’s candidate pool for the next head boss.
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