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Tyson Fury announces August return to the ring in Dublin

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Tyson Fury has announced plans to fight on August 1 in Dublin – one week after Anthony Joshua makes his comeback.

The British heavyweights are on a collision course for a long-awaited showdown that has been mooted to take place in November, although it appears both fighters will have a warm-up.

Joshua will take on unfancied Albanian Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25 in his first bout since being involved in a car crash in Nigeria in December which killed two of his closest friends.

Tyson Fury outpointed Arslanbek Makhmudov in April (Bradley Collyer/PA)
Tyson Fury outpointed Arslanbek Makhmudov in April (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

Fury posted a video in an Instagram story showing him back in training in Thailand alongside the caption: “Let’s go August 1, Dublin, Ireland.”

With promoter Frank Warren staging a bout between Pierce O’Leary and Mark Chamberlain at the 3Arena in the Irish capital on that date, Fury is seemingly set to slot into the card.

An opponent has yet to be revealed, although Warren has ruled out the prospect of Fury taking on Andy Ruiz Jr, who dethroned Joshua as world champion in 2019 before losing the rematch later that year.

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Fury marked his return from a 16-month retirement with a wide points win over Russia’s Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, after which he immediately called out Joshua, who was present at ringside.

Anthony Joshua will fight on July 25 (Bradley Collyer/PA)
Anthony Joshua will fight on July 25 (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

Rather than face-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and ignite the build-up to a contest at least a decade in the making, Joshua refused to budge from his seat.

A verbal exchange ensued, with Joshua taunting his rival by declaring: “I’m the landlord, remember that. You work for me.”

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has since stated: “Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ v Fury is on.”

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Watch: Virat Kohli marks bowling run-up, teases fans during RCB vs GT IPL Qualifier 1 | Cricket News

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Watch: Virat Kohli marks bowling run-up, teases fans during RCB vs GT IPL Qualifier 1
Virat Kohli during RCB vs GT match (Screengrabs)

NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the IPL 2026 final with a massive 92-run win over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at Dharamshala. But apart from the big victory, it was Virat Kohli’s funny on-field moment that grabbed fans’ attention online.During the match, Kohli was seen holding the ball and marking his bowling run-up before handing it over to teammate Jacob Duffy. He then walked up to the umpire, collected his cap and shared a laugh, sparking speculation on social media that he might actually bowl. Although Kohli never ended up bowling, the light-hearted moment quickly went viral among fans.Watch:RCB made full use of Gujarat Titans’ sloppy fielding performance to post a huge 254/5 — the highest total ever recorded in IPL playoff history. Captain Rajat Patidar led the charge with a stunning unbeaten 93 off just 39 balls, while GT struggled badly in the field with dropped catches, misfields and costly no-balls.Gujarat captain Shubman Gill admitted his side failed to handle pressure moments properly despite staying in the contest for a large part of the chase.“I think we were going pretty well up until the 12th or 13th over. I don’t think our fielding was at par. We dropped a couple of catches, and our ground fielding was also not up to the mark,” Gill said after the match.Chasing 255, Gujarat Titans were bowled out for 162 as RCB sealed their place in a second straight IPL final. Gill called it a match his team would prefer to forget quickly before their next challenge.“This is one of those games that we would like to forget and start over in Mohali,” he said.

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Josh Jacobs arrested, booked on five domestic abuse charges in Wisconsin

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Three-time Pro Bowl and former NFL rushing champion Josh Jacobs was arrested Tuesday following an investigation by the Hobart-Lawrence, Wisconsin, police department and booked on five domestic abuse-related charges, police said in a statement.

Police arrested Jacobs and booked him into Brown County Jail on charges of …

  • Battery — domestic abuse.
  • Criminal damage to property — domestic abuse.
  • Disorderly conduct — domestic abuse.
  • Strangulation and suffocation.
  • Intimidation of a victim.

Strangulation and suffocation is a felony offense, according to Brown County Jail records. The other four charges are misdemeanors.

Jacobs’ arrest stems from an incident that occurred Saturday, according to police, who were dispatched to a disturbance complaint at 8:37 a.m.

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Police had no further statement on the arrest or the investigation that led to it.

Jacobs, 28, has retained legal representation and is denying that he’s done anything wrong.

“Josh vehemently denies the allegations, and this matter is in the early stages of investigation with important evidence that has not yet been made public,” reads the statement from David Z. Chesnoff and Clarence Duchac, who are representing the player.

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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs running with the ball while Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trikweze Bridges attempts a tackle

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs runs the ball and stiff arms Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trikweze Bridges during the second half of an NFL game in Arlington, Texas, on Sept. 28, 2025. (Jessica Tobias/AP)

“We ask for fairness and restraint while the judicial process takes its course.”

And, of course, the next stop in the process is getting the Green Bay Packers and NFL to address the matter. So here it is:

“We are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club,” the NFL said through a spokesman.

The Packers, meanwhile, released a statement to The Athletic that also claimed awareness of the matter and little else.

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“We are aware of the matter involving Josh Jacobs. As it is an ongoing legal situation, we will withhold further comment,” the Packers said.

This, of course, is all bad news for Jacobs at the moment.

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

Josh Jacobs wearing number 8 participates in drills on a football field.

Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers participates in drills during the team’s minicamp at Ray Nitschke Field in Green Bay, Wis., on June 11, 2024. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Guilty or not, his name is obviously now associated with domestic abuse in the court of public opinion and what happens in the court of law, well, we’ll see.

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Jacobs, by the way, has re-established himself as one of the NFL’s premier running backs during his time with the Packers, making him a fan and coaching staff favorite.

In his first season with Green Bay in 2024, Jacobs rushed for 1,329 yards and a career-high 15 rushing touchdowns while adding more than 300 receiving yards and another score. He earned his third career Pro Bowl selection and became a centerpiece of coach Matt LaFleur’s offense, helping the Packers maintain one of the league’s more balanced attacks.

His 15 rushing touchdowns tied for the third-most in a single season in franchise history, and the Packers viewed his signing as a major upgrade after moving on from longtime starter Aaron Jones.

Running back Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders standing during the national anthem at Allegiant Stadium

Running back Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders stands during the American national anthem before a game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 5, 2023. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Before arriving in Green Bay, Jacobs spent five seasons with the Raiders organization after being selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama.

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He made an immediate impact as a rookie, rushing for 1,150 yards and earning Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year votes. He finished second in that balloting.

The best season of Jacobs’ career came in 2022 with the Las Vegas Raiders, when he led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards and more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage. That breakout season earned him first-team All-Pro honors and his second Pro Bowl selection while making him the first Raiders running back since Marcus Allen to win the NFL rushing title.

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Thunder one win from NBA Finals after 127-114 Game 5 rout of Spurs

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The Oklahoma City Thunder are just one win away from a second consecutive NBA Finals berth. The Western Conference Finals shifted back to Oklahoma City on Tuesday night, with the defending league champions pulling away in the second half for a 127-114 victory in Game 5.

The reigning two-time NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 32 points and nine assists Tuesday night.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looking on during NBA game at Paycom Center

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder watches during the fourth quarter of Game Five against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on May 26, 2026. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 24 points and five rebounds, while Victor Wembanyama finished with a series-low 20 points.

Entering Tuesday, the Spurs appeared to follow a relatively simple formula for success in the Western Conference Finals: When Wembanyama was the best player on the floor, they won. When he wasn’t, they lost.

Victor Wembanyama looking on during a playoff game

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama looks on during the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Wembanyama, who delivered 41- and 33-point performances in the Spurs’ two wins earlier in the series, never appeared to fully find his rhythm in Game 5. He was 4 for 15 from the floor, missing all five of his 3-point attempts.

He offered an impassioned speech to teammates during a timeout barely two minutes into the third quarter, after the Thunder opened an 18-point lead. And it worked — to a point. Oklahoma City scored again to get the lead up to 20, but the Spurs closed within eight later in the third.

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Elsewhere, the New York Knicks will have to wait until at least Thursday to find out which team emerges from the Western Conference.

Jared McCain celebrating during a game at Paycom Center

Jared McCain of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates during the fourth quarter of Game Five against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on May 26, 2026. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Even before Game 5 of the Spurs-Thunder series tipped off, San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson was asked about Knicks fans in Manhattan chanting, “We want Wemby! We want Wemby!”

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“I know New York’s on fire. They won so that city is obviously enjoying it and they’ve had a heck of a playoff run,” Johnson said. “But unfortunately, I’ve been pretty locked-into what we’ve got going right here in front of us.”

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Golden Knights after sweeping into finals: ‘Now the real stuff starts’

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May 26, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) celebrates scoring against Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) during the first period in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesMay 26, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) celebrates scoring against Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) during the first period in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

After his team completed a surprising four-game sweep of the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference finals with a 2-1 victory on Tuesday, Vegas Golden Knights coach John Tortorella was already looking ahead to the team’s third Stanley Cup Final in nine seasons.

“Now the real stuff starts,” Tortorella said. “I consider the first three round playoffs. Now we’re playing for the Stanley Cup.”

Mark Stone and Cole Smith scored goals and Carter Hart made 20 saves for Vegas, which won its sixth straight postseason game. The Golden Knights will vie for the championship against the winner of the Eastern Conference finals, either the Carolina Hurricanes or the Montreal Canadiens.

The Golden Knights lost the Stanley Cup Final to the Washington Capitals in five games in their inaugural season in 2018 before defeating the Florida Panthers in five games to win the 2023 title.

The Avalanche, who finished the regular season with a league-best 121 points, became the fifth Presidents’ Trophy-winning team to get swept in a playoff series. They were outscored 14-7 by Vegas.

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“I didn’t think we’d win four straight against these guys, but when you have a chance to put them away, you have to put them away,” Stone said. “So that was a big one tonight.”

Vegas center Jack Eichel added, “We should be really proud with what we did and what we accomplished so far. That being said, the ultimate goal is to hoist the Stanley Cup. We still have to win four more games. We have a veteran group, and I think we understand that.”

Gabriel Landeskog scored a 6-on-5 goal with 2:03 left for Colorado’s lone goal.

“It’s empty,” Landeskog said. “It always is, whether you lose in seven, six, five or four (games), it’s an empty feeling. It sucks. There’s no other way to put it.”

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No Presidents’ Trophy recipient has reached the Stanley Cup Final since the 2013 Chicago Blackhawks won the championship.

Colorado goalie Mackenzie Blackwood finished with 24 saves. Blackwood, making his series debut, entered the contest with a 0-4-1 career record and a 3.63 goals-against average against Vegas but kept the Avalanche in the game with a number of blue-chip saves.

Nathan MacKinnon, who led the NHL with 53 regular-season goals and was questionable after taking a puck off his right knee in Game 3 on Sunday, led all Avalanche forwards with 22:10 time on ice and had two shots on goal.

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Vegas, which scored five unanswered goals over the final two periods to pull out a 5-3 victory in Game 3 on Sunday, made it six consecutive goals when Stone scored at the 4:42 mark of the first period.

Brayden McNabb picked up the primary assist, lobbing a long stretch pass that Stone caught just before the blue line. Stone then went in on a breakaway, deking Blackwood and wrapping a shot around the goalie’s left leg for his fifth goal of the playoffs.

Colorado had a good chance to tie it near the end of the period when Brock Nelson had a breakaway, but Hart made a glove save on his wrist shot.

Vegas took charge in a scoreless second period, outshooting the Avalanche 11-6, including a couple grade-A chances by Pavel Dorofeyev on a power play near the end of the period that Blackwood turned away. Colorado didn’t register a shot on goal over the final 14 minutes of the period.

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Smith made it 2-0 with 5:45 to go in the third period when he deflected Dylan Coghlan’s shot through Blackwood’s pads for his third playoff goal and the game-winner.

Colorado pulled Blackwood for an extra attacker with 2:15 remaining, and Landeskog scored just 18 seconds later, deflecting a Martin Necas shot in the slot over Hart’s shoulder.

The Avalanche pulled Blackwood again shortly after the ensuing faceoff but managed just one shot the rest of the way, a slap shot by MacKinnon that Hart saved.

“You go from being in the battle and the buzzer goes and the season’s over,” Landeskog said. “It’s a weird feeling to try to describe to people, but empty is probably the way to do it.”

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Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenseman and a finalist this season, ended the campaign with a six-game point drought. Makar missed the Games 1 and 2 against Vegas while nursing an upper-body injury.

“Obviously, you have a great season. We have a lot of committed guys,” Makar said. “But playoffs are different. It doesn’t matter who you are coming into the playoffs, everybody’s a different beast. We respect teams, you try and go at them, but sometimes you just run into something that feels like you can’t sustain it.”

–Field Level Media

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Deontay Wilder called out for fight that ‘should’ve happened years ago’: “I want to beat him up”

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After defeating Derek Chisora last month, Deontay Wilder is back in contention for major fights, and there is one heavyweight rival who has demanded that he finally gets his long-awaited shot at ‘The Bronze Bomber’.

Wilder has scored back-to-back wins for the first time since 2019 and has this year been linked to a potential fight with unified heavyweight champion Usyk.

However, talks have already failed for the match-up, and the Ukrainian is now more likely to face Germany’s Agit Kabayel, who is the mandatory challenger for the WBC title.

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Despite that title shot being off the table for now, Wilder does not find himself short of options. There are plenty of rising contenders in the division who would like the American’s name on their record, as well as past rivals who want to make the fight happen before retirement.

One such man is former unified champ Andy Ruiz Jr, who told talkSPORT Boxing that he would relish a fight with the Tuscaloosa-born knockout artist.

“I want to beat up chicken legs Wilder, because that fight was supposed to be made so many years ago.”

Ruiz has fought just once since 2022, that being a draw against Jarrell Miller, who is also keen on a showdown with Wilder. Having now recovered from the fractured right hand that he suffered in that bout, the Mexican-American is looking to re-announce himself to the heavyweight division.

The Wilder-Ruiz fight has been discussed for many years and was actively being pursued when both men were under the PBC banner. It is certainly a fan-friendly match-up, and one that features two of the biggest US names from this heavyweight era.

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Though plenty about it makes sense, Wilder is just as likely to fight a rematch against Chisora, with the Brit seemingly shunning retirement to make it happen after being frustrated by the referee and judges.

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Yamal headlines Spain squad as Real Madrid stars miss World Cup cut

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Lamine Yamal is the star name in Spain‘s squad for the 2026 World Cup named by coach Luis de la Fuente on Monday, which also included Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino after his recent return from injury.

For the first time at a World Cup, the Spain squad will not feature a Real Madrid player with Dean Huijsen dropped and veteran Dani Carvajal also excluded after struggling through an injury-hit campaign.

Merino, a favourite of coach De la Fuente, appeared as a substitute for the Gunners against Crystal Palace on Sunday in their final Premier League match, for his first appearance since January after a foot fracture.

De La Fuente also called up defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill after impressive seasons with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively, deciding to leave out Huijsen and Atletico’s Robin Le Normand.

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Along with 18-year-old Barca star Yamal, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams played a key role as Spain won Euro 2024 and he is in the squad despite a season badly disrupted by fitness issues.

Yamal is a doubt for the first matches of the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury with Barca which has kept him out since late April.

Read morePelé’s third, Baggio’s miss and the ‘Hand of God’: Iconic World Cups in Mexico and the US

The winger is one of eight Barca players in the squad, along with midfielders Gavi, Pedri and goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

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“We’re coordinating with the medical departments of all the clubs,” De la Fuente told reporters.

“The reports that we have say all the players will be ready for the first game or the second.”

Gavi returned from a long absence in March after a severe knee injury and has impressed with Barcelona in the final weeks of the season.

Yamal posted a video on social media of Gavi’s emotional reaction to the squad announcement, celebrating wildly during a gym session with Barca.

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“That shows the human quality this group of players have… one of our strengths, and that’s just as important as what they do on the pitch,” said De la Fuente.

“I’m glad he got emotional, because we know how much this means to him.”

Watch moreMbappe, Dembele head up France squad for 2026 World Cup

Asked about not calling up any Real Madrid players for the tournament, De la Fuente said that had no impact on his decision making.

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“Luckily I’m the national team coach and I don’t look at where the players come from,” explained the coach.

“They’re national team players… I don’t look at one club or another. I don’t have that local bias a fan might have, for me it’s more global…

“The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team.”

Spain open their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde in Group H, before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

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Squad:

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal/ENG), Joan Garcia (Barcelona)

Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham/ENG), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/ENG), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen/GER)

Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City/ENG), Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino (Arsenal/ENG), Pedri, Gavi (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid)

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Forwards: Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace/ENG), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo)

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Dmitry Bivol’s trainer makes it clear who they are targeting after Eifert defence: “He talks a lot”

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Dmitry Bivol is set to defend two of his three light-heavyweight world titles on Saturday night, but that has not stopped his trainer from looking ahead. 

Bivol has proven himself to be the man to beat in the light-heavyweight division, with victories over Canelo Alvarez, Gilberto Ramirez, and, most recently, Artur Beterbiev, establishing the Russian ruler as a pound-for-pound star.

However, the rise of David Benavidez has called Bivol’s supremacy into question, as many fight fans believe that ‘The Mexican Monster’ possesses the aggressive style required to trump the well-schooled champion – especially after witnessing him conquer a third weight division.

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Following his own victory over ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez at cruiserweight, Benavidez has announced that he intends to drop back down to resume his reign as WBC light-heavyweight champion, and the first fight on his list is an undisputed contest against Bivol.

Speaking to the IBA, the Russian’s trainer, Gennadi Mashyanov, confirmed that they want the same, presuming they come through Michael Eifert unscathed this weekend.

“My personal goal right now is this guy Benavidez – who let’s just say, talks a lot. We’ll see what he’s really made of. I’d like him to stop running his mouth. For that to happen, someone has to get in the ring with him and shut it for good.”

Bivol-Eifert takes place at the UMMC Arena in Ekaterinburg, Russia, on Saturday, May 30, and will be available to watch live on DAZN, supported by an undercard that features of a host of Russian fighters. Bivol will defend his IBF and WBA belts, but the WBO will not be on the line after the sanctioning body refused due to the ongoing Ukraine war. Bivol, however, will not be stripped and free to defend the belt in his next bout.

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The nine Manchester United youngsters who could be unleashed in pre-season

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Man Utd are set to give several youngsters from the academy the chance to impress in pre-season friendlies this summer.

Michael Carrick hinted he would give minutes to some players from Manchester United’s academy on the final day of the season, and he duly introduced Shea Lacey and Tyler Fletcher in the second half against Brighton.

Carrick will cast his eye over more young players during pre-season, which will be a chance for academy prospects to stake their claim in the absence of senior players who are competing at this summer’s World Cup.

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Historically, United have earmarked the first week of July as the first week of pre-season training at Carrington. This year the World Cup in North America will run between June 11 and July 19.

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When United’s senior players join pre-season plans will depend on the performance of their respective nations at the World Cup, and they will be given time off when they exit the tournament.

With that in mind, here are some of the academy players who could star during pre-season.

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Shea Lacey

Lacey made his senior debut against Aston Villa in December and went on to make two positive appearances during Darren Fletcher’s caretaker stint in charge. The youngster made his fourth senior appearance of the campaign when he came on at the Amex Stadium last weekend.

There have long been high hopes for Lacey. The 18-year-old has been training with the first team at Carrington, and staff believe he can contribute to the senior squad next term.

Tyler Fletcher

Fletcher went under the radar for a while in the academy, with fans talking about his twin brother instead, but his progression was recognised when he was handed this season’s Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year award.

Fletcher made his debut against Tottenham in February. He was named in another nine Premier League matchday squads before getting another opportunity to play on the final day of the campaign.

JJ Gabriel

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Gabriel scored 23 goals in 23 league appearances for United’s U18s this season. The 15-year-old has also taken part in several first-team training sessions at Carrington, making a strong impression on senior players.

The teenager picked up the U18 Player of the Season award ahead of seven other nominees, and the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year. It will be worth tuning into MUTV to watch Gabriel in pre-season this summer.

Jim Thwaites

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Thwaites was named on United’s bench to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge the day after playing 120 minutes for the Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup semi-final. Thwaites was only told that he would travel to the capital to be involved with the first team after the academy game had ended.

The midfielder was also selected to travel to the Republic of Ireland for the first team’s training camp at the beginning of April. He is a dead-ball specialist and has a chance of a permanent senior promotion next season.

Godwill Kukonki

Kukonki scored a superb header in the FA Youth Cup final against City. The talented youngster is one of the academy’s most highly-rated prospects, and he has delivered consistently strong performances at left-back this season, despite his future being at centre-back.

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Jack Fletcher

Fletcher made three senior appearances on the bounce against Aston Villa, Newcastle and Wolves in December, but he was last involved in a first-team squad against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The attacking midfielder will be hoping to impress Carrick after contributing six goals and nine assists for the U21s this season.

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Dan Armer

Armer, who has captained the U18s during a successful season, has been compared to Harry Maguire. The youngster got the opportunity to travel with the first team on the post-season tour last year, and will be involved in pre-season this summer.

Bendito Mantato

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Last season, Ruben Amorim included Mantato in the senior matchday squad for home and away legs of the Europa League semi-finals against Athletic Bilbao. Mantato was subsequently included in the United States tour squad, and was handed his first-team debut against Wolves in December.

The talented youngster picked up an ankle injury in March, which ended his season and meant he missed out on the FA Youth Cup run, but Mantato will be ready to show what he can do by the start of pre-season.

James Overy

Overy caught United scouts’ attention playing for Perth Glory’s senior side in a pre-season friendly against West Ham when he was just 15. He is a full-back with electric pace, and signed for United in the summer of 2024.

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The 18-year-old has stepped up to make a handful of appearances for the U21s this season. Overy earned a move to United because of one of his performances in pre-season with Perth Glory, and he’ll try to take any opportunity that comes his way this summer.

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URC: Cardiff aim to stun Stormers to end eight-year wait for Welsh play-off win

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The Blue and Blacks, twice runners-up in the Celtic League before the introduction of play-offs, are in new territory.

The club have enjoyed knockout success when winning the Challenge Cup in 2010 and 2018, while they also lifted the 2009 Anglo-Welsh Cup.

This is a first taste of URC play-off pressure and they face a Stormers side who have been knocked out in the quarter-finals for the past two seasons, although both losses were on their travels to Glasgow.

Cardiff’s fine form on their plastic pitch at the Arms Park – eight wins from nine games in the URC – earned qualification, but they now travel to one of the league’s toughest venues.

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John Dobson’s side have lost just eight home league fixtures over five seasons, although Connacht provided reason to believe when they upset the odds in round 15.

“The younger guys had no fear, they just ripped into it,” said head coach Stuart Lancaster, who was without Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham, Mack Hansen and Denis Buckley.

Ospreys also won 27-21 in Cape Town in April 2024, but Stormers have won five of six home play-off games, with the only disappointment coming against Munster in the 2023 Grand Final.

So, arguably Cardiff are bigger underdogs at DHL Stadium than Lions at Leinster, Munster at Bulls or Connacht at Glasgow this weekend.

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Mitch Marner savours trip to Stanley Cup Final: ‘There’ve been some dark moments’

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Vegas Golden Knights star Mitch Marner was full of praise for his closest supporters after yet another playoff triumph in the aftermath of years of post-season disappointment with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“There’ve been some dark moments in my hockey career, really. Some tough moments and my parents have been beside me, my wife’s been beside me, so many friends and family,” Marner told Sportsnet’s Shawn McKenzie after the Golden Knights completed a sweep of the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final on Tuesday.

“Got a lot of love for them, they keep me going, and obviously my son as well. Excited to share this with them right now and get to work and be ready to go (in the Stanley Cup Final).”

Marner’s stellar play has been one of the top storylines of the playoffs.

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The winger had an assist in Tuesday’s 2-1 win to push his league-leading point total to 21 points in 17 playoff games.

Marner had 63 points in 70 playoff games for the Leafs, who never advanced past the second round in his nine years with the team.

Marner was Toronto’s first-round pick (fourth overall) in 2015. He helped the London Knights win the Memorial Cup in 2016, but playoff success did not follow when he went east on Hwy. 401 to the Ontario capital.

Like other members of Toronto’s core, Marner faced plenty of criticism for the Leafs’ inability to make a deep playoff run. He opted not to re-sign with Toronto when his contract ran out after last year, eventually going to the Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade.

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“You’ve got to have people around you that are amazing and love you,” Marner said. “That’s what my parents are to me, that’s what my wife is to me, my wife’s family. So many of my good buddies, people I’ve worked with through mental stuff. It’s never a one-man battle … It’s been a great road and hopefully this road keeps going.”

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