Sep 8, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation remains the biggest question of the offseason after a disappointing 2025 campaign. To restore the offensive prowess, the franchise is widely expected to hire a veteran quarterback to pair with the inexperienced J.J. McCarthy.
In a Sunday report from ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler, Kyler Murray and Geno Smith emerged as top candidates.
First things first, Graziano explained that the club isn’t looking to move on from McCarthy, “The Vikings are not ready to give up on J.J. McCarthy, their 2024 first-round pick who missed his rookie season because of a knee injury and struggled mightily through an injury-riddled second season in 2025. But they also aren’t ready to hand McCarthy the keys for 2026.”
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Nov 24, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) shakes hands with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) following a Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images.
McCarthy’s uneven 2025 season, with ten games of inconsistent play and injury struggles, raised concerns about his long-term outlook. Still, it would be unusual to move on from a 1st-round pick after only ten starts without a real replacement in sight.
Then, Graziano pointed to the options: “The odd quarterback landscape of this offseason makes it difficult to predict where the Vikings land, but if and when someone such as Geno Smith or Kyler Murray gets cut, I could see Minnesota pursuing that kind of passer on a low-cost, one-year prove-it deal.”
Neither Murray nor Smith is part of their franchise’s long-term plans at quarterback. While a trade remains on the table, the two getting straight-up released is another realistic outcome.
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy drops back and delivers a first-quarter throw at U.S. Bank Stadium, Jan 4, 2026, in Minneapolis against the Green Bay Packers. The snapshot captured McCarthy operating within the structure of the offense early, as Minnesota looked to establish rhythm and tempo during a high-stakes divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Graziano added, “Bringing in a veteran quarterback who has had some success in the league could be what the Vikings need to get McCarthy’s attention. It would remind him about the parts of his game he still needs to work on and get him back on track to where Minnesota can hopefully harness his talent and build him into the franchise QB it thought he was when it drafted him.”
Smith was a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback as recently as 2023 and Murray scored 26 touchdowns in 2024. A rather unproductive season in 2024 led the Seahawks to trade Smith to the Raiders a year ago, while Murray’s once-promising career has been slowed down by injuries in recent years. Both, however, could benefit from Kevin O’Connell’s offense, which has historically elevated the play of veteran quarterbacks. The firepower in the receiving room is another sweetener.
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Graziano then pivoted to Minnesota’s Plan B: “If the Vikings don’t land that type of QB, they’d probably pivot to the older free agents in that group, such as Joe Flacco, former Viking Kirk Cousins and, yes, Aaron Rodgers, whom they discussed bringing in last offseason before deciding against it.”
All of these quarterbacks are either in their 40s or have a torn Achilles tendon in their injury history — or both.
Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) takes the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Graziano’s colleague Fowler then joined the conversation: “I’ve also heard that the Vikings are considering Murray and Smith as they outline their veteran quarterback plan. Tua Tagovailoa and Cousins are also on their radar. Some I’ve talked to are breaking those four into two tiers, with Murray and Smith in the first group.”
Tagovailoa is still under contract with the Miami Dolphins. The reporter duo expects the Miami to release its passer.
Either way, the fact that both heard Murray and Smith are the frontrunners for the Vikings job could be meaningful.
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Ultimately, the report reinforces that Minnesota is not planning a full reset at quarterback, but rather a calculated competition around J.J. McCarthy. If a proven veteran like Murray or Smith becomes available at a reasonable cost, the Vikings could stabilize the position without abandoning their long-term investment. That balance between development and immediate competence appears to be the guiding principle behind their 2026 quarterback plan.
Janik Eckardt is a German sports nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He chose the Vikings to be his … More about Janik Eckardt
NEW DELHI: After a batting onslaught led by Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and skipper Rajat Patidar lit up the Wankhede Stadium, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru piled up a daunting 240/4 against Mumbai Indians. With the target set, all eyes turned to Rohit Sharma, known for his ability to dismantle any bowling attack.
Rohit began cautiously in the steep chase before shifting gears, but his innings was cut short by injury. At the end of the fifth over, bowled by Krunal Pandya, Rohit appeared to be struggling with his hamstring. He signalled for the physio and received treatment on the field, but with the discomfort worsening, he eventually walked off retired hurt after scoring 19 off 13 balls. Cameras soon captured a dejected reaction from his wife Ritika Sajdeh in the stands.
Earlier, RCB’s top order had delivered a batting masterclass. Salt smashed 78 off 36 balls, stitching a 120-run opening stand with Kohli, who made 50 off 38 balls. Patidar then continued the carnage with a blistering 53 off just 20 deliveries, adding 65 runs with Kohli. A late cameo from Tim David (34* off 16) ensured RCB finished with a massive total.
After being put in to bat, Kohli set the tone early by taking down Trent Boult, while Salt soon joined the assault. The duo dominated both Boult and Jasprit Bumrah, racing to 71/0 in the powerplay.
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Salt was particularly severe on Mitchell Santner and Mayank Markande, reaching his fifty in just 25 balls. Kohli soon followed suit, bringing up RCB’s 100 in 8.4 overs.
The breakthrough came via Shardul Thakur, who ended the opening stand at 120. Patidar then took charge, launching a brutal counterattack, including three successive sixes off Markande. He raced to a 17-ball fifty before falling to Santner.
Despite wickets at intervals, RCB’s momentum never dipped. Contributions from Jitesh Sharma and the finishing flourish from Tim David pushed the total to 240/4.
For Mumbai Indians, Shardul, Hardik Pandya, Santner and Boult picked up a wicket each, but the bowlers were largely at the receiving end of a relentless RCB batting display.
Adam Pearce made several announcements for tomorrow night’s episode of WWE RAW. Tomorrow’s show is the final edition of the red brand before WrestleMania 42 next weekend.
The RAW General Manager shared a video today on social media and revealed some of the plans for tomorrow night’s show. Pearce shared that both Roman Reigns and World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk will be on RAW ahead of their World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 42.
Thanks for the submission!
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The former NWA star also noted that Gunther and Seth Rollins are scheduled to be on WWE RAW ahead of their clash at The Show of Shows. Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar are also set to appear on RAW tomorrow night, and you can check out Pearce’s announcements in the video below.
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Tomorrow’s episode of RAW will air live from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. CM Punk mocked Roman Reigns last week on the red brand before suggesting that the company lower the ticket prices for WrestleMania 42 in response to Pat McAfee.
Jim Cornette criticizes WWE’s booking on the road to WrestleMania
Wrestling icon Jim Cornette took WWE to task for their booking ahead of WrestleMania.
Speaking on the Jim Cornette Experience podcast, the legend criticized the promotion for having too many celebrities involved on the road to WrestleMania. He also noted that WrestleMania is in Las Vegas for the second year in a row, and fans do not want to pay the outrageous prices again.
“It’s in the middle of the f*cking desert, and you just were there last year. You combine that with people having to mortgage their children and their gold fillings to buy a ticket to see this cr*p, and then you combine that with, I don’t know that the wrestling fans want to see 18 godd*mn celebrities in the ring and on the TV shows on a daily basis. You combine that with what the f*ck are they thinking just on the entire booking of the blah, blah, blah. And then you add that they’re snake-bit on people being injured and or out of commission in the key building periods. And so now they’re doing everything they can do to sell these tickets.”
Updated WrestleMania ticket sales: Night 1: 40,610 Night 2: 42,769 (WrestleTix)
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It will be interesting to see if the company has any surprises planned for tomorrow night’s edition of WWE RAW.
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Manchester United return to action in the Premier League when Leeds visit Old Trafford on Monday night, and Chelsea’s defeat to Man City means Michael Carrick’s side are closing in on a return to the Champions League
Michael Carrick’s side haven’t kicked a ball in more than three weeks owing to an international break and their early FA Cup exit, but return to action on Monday night with a home game against Leeds United.
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The Reds, who have lost just once under Carrick, remain third in the table after Aston Villa missed the chance to move above them by drawing at Nottingham Forest.
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But perhaps more pertinently, Chelsea were beaten by City at Stamford Bridge, meaning Liam Rosenoir’s side remain seven points behind United.
Chelsea are sixth in the table, and it was confirmed this week that a place in the top five will guarantee Champions League football as a result of England’s strong showing in European football this term.
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That means United are in a strong position to secure a return to the competition, and they could sew up qualification this month. Wins in the next three games will guarantee a top-five finish.
That’s because United travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and if they beat Chelsea, the Blues will only be able to reach a maximum of 63 points.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
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Should United see off Leeds on Monday, win at Chelsea and then beat Brentford at Old Trafford on April 27, they will be on 64 points and will be assured of a top-five finish.
Even if Chelsea win all six of their remaining games, including against United, Carrick and Co will be certain of Champions League football with four wins from their last seven games.
United’s final four matches see them host Liverpool and Nottingham Forest and travel to Sunderland and Brighton.
Heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury has reignited talk of a long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua after making a winning return to the ring and insisting he has already signed a contract for the fight.
Fury stepped out of retirement once again on Saturday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov on points in a controlled performance.
After the bout, all attention quickly turned to Joshua, who was seated ringside. Fury wasted no time in calling out his fellow Briton, urging him to finally agree to a showdown that has been years in the making.
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Despite expectations from fans inside the stadium, Joshua did not step into the ring for a face-off. Speaking afterwards, Fury claimed he had already completed his side of the deal and suggested that Joshua is yet to follow through.
“I’ve signed already,” Fury said. “Let’s just make the fight happen. I don’t know if he has signed, but from what I saw, it doesn’t look like it.”
The 37-year-old also questioned Joshua’s reaction on the night, saying he expected a stronger response if his rival was serious about the fight.
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Joshua, 36, could be heard responding from his seat, indicating that negotiations are still ongoing and that no final agreement has been reached.
The situation leaves uncertainty around what would be one of the biggest fights in British boxing history, despite growing pressure from fans and promoters to get it over the line.
Fury’s team, including promoter Frank Warren, also played down suggestions that arrangements have been finalised, with no confirmed venue or official announcement yet.
There were even early reports suggesting the fight could be streamed on Netflix later this year, but those claims have not been confirmed by all parties involved.
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Fury, however, remains eager to stay active after his return, making it clear he wants to fight regularly.
“I want three fights this year, no matter who it is,” he added.
For now, boxing fans must wait to see if the long-anticipated Fury vs Joshua contest will finally move from talk to reality.
With their playoff spot locked up, the Boston Bruins are giving their top prospect a closer look.
Forward James Hagens is set to make his NHL debut on Sunday when the Bruins square off against the Columbus Blue Jackets, head coach Marco Sturm told reporters before puck drop (Sportsnet, 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT).
“It’s always very exciting when somebody [comes], especially like him, late [into the season], but also being a high pick,” Sturm said when asked about what it means for players like Hagens to get some run. “Guys are excited to have him here; he’s a good kid. He works really hard in practice.”
Hagens, who the Bruins selected seventh overall in 2025, signed a three-year entry-level contract earlier in the week, allowing him to suit up with the team for the stretch run of the season.
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The 19-year-old will skate on a line alongside fellow youngsters Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov in order to pair him with guys in a similar age group.
“I think Mints and Khus are guys who will take care of him,” Sturm said. “It should be fun for him. And hopefully he’s gonna have a good one.”
Prior to signing his ELC, Hagens signed an AHL tryout agreement with Boston on March 24 and played six games with the Providence Bruins. He recorded one goal and three assists in that span.
Before signing his tryout, Hagens had 23 goals and 47 points in 34 games as a junior for Boston College.
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The five-foot-11, 193‑pound forward was named to the conference’s All-Rookie Team after posting 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) during the 2024-25 season. Across two years with Boston College (2024-26), the forward skated in 71 games, totalling 34 goals and 50 assists for 84 points.
Boston is currently locked into a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference after the Detroit Red Wings were eliminated in Saturday’s action.
Terence Crawford recently stated his belief that Sebastian Fundora is the man to hand Jaron Ennis a first career defeat. Now, ‘Boots’ has responded to those claims made by ‘Bud.’
Crawford and Ennis were linked to a fight for a number of years, both when Crawford reigned as the WBO welterweight world champion and once he had got his hands on the coveted undisputed title in the 147lb division.
However, back in December, ‘Bud’ hung up the gloves without ever facing Ennis, leaving the undefeated super-welterweight contender as one of the United States’ biggest unbeaten stars.
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Although, whilst his record remains unblemished, ‘Boots’ is scheduled for a difficult clash with unified 154lb ruler, Xander Zayas, in June, where he could become a two-division unified champion if able to dethrone the Puerto Rican.
In an interview with FightHub, Ennis responded to Crawford’s comments, declaring that the opinions of his fellow fighters and rivals has no impact on him, after laughing off the thought of losing to Fundora.
“Ha. I don’t know why though. None of that stuff be bothering me. Like I said, I am the best at 154lbs. Everybody know it and I’mma keep standing every time out.”
Zayas-Ennis takes place on Saturday, June 27, where the 35-fight undefeated streak of ‘Boots’ will be on the line in what is the toughest test of his career to date.
Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Stu Voigt announces the team’s third-round selection at the NFL Draft, with Apr. 25, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin capturing the on-stage moment as fans reacted to the No. 102 pick during the second night of draft festivities. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
You are 11 days away from learning how the Minnesota Vikings proceed in Round 1 of the NFL draft, all of a sudden an exciting event because Kevin O’Connell’s team could be quite good in 2026 with Kyler Murray in the house. Here’s a look at the main eight ways the draft could shake out on April 23rd.
Minnesota could stay put, move back, or get aggressive.
The Vikings pick 18th, though they could, in theory, trade up or down.
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The Realistic Draft Paths for Minnesota at Pick No. 18
Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most realistic outcome), this is what to expect from Minnesota in Round 1.
Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (0) stands ready during game action against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium, Oct 18, 2025, as the Buckeyes defense prepares for the next snap in a physical Big Ten matchup under a charged atmosphere. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
8. Trade No. 18 for a Star — or Trade Up
Three men could be the object of the Vikings’ desire for a trade up the board:
Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
Is a Vikings trade-up for a non-premium position likely? No, it is not. Can it be ruled out? No, it cannot.
Or — another wild scenario — Minnesota could use the 18th overall pick to land a big fish via trade, like Philadelphia Eagles DT Jalen Carter or New York Giants DT Dexter Lawrence.
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For context, this option is mentioned “just in case.”
7. Trade Jonathan Greenard and Draft an EDGE
Greenard has frequented the trade rumor mill for about five weeks. Truth be told, when the Vikings’ leaders speak about Greenard, they never use words like “untouchable.” There remains a chance that Greenard is traded for a 2nd-Rounder.
Then, equipped with the 50th pick in addition, for example, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski could use his 1st-Round pick on Keldric Faulk (Auburn) or Akheem Mesidor (Miami).
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6. Draft a WR at No. 18
A Round 1 wide receiver is in play for two reasons:
a) The Vikings have no WR3 right now unless Tai Felton takes a huge summer leap.
b) Jordan Addison’s behavior isn’t necessarily reliable.
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Some mock drafts have hinted that Minnesota could pick Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson; it’s not the craziest idea, especially for a franchise now led by an offense-first head coach, Kevin O’Connell, who might be the Team CEO.
5. Draft TE Kenyon Sadiq at No. 18
Sadiq possesses a rare combination of skills — strong receiving, reliable blocking, and exceptional physical attributes — and at just 21 years old, his potential is immense.
This is particularly relevant to the Vikings’ long-term plans. With T.J. Hockenson’s recent contract rework leading him towards free agency in March 2027, the Vikings may want to secure their future at tight end. If they believe Sadiq is the best player available at pick No. 18, drafting him is absolutely in play.
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4. Draft a CB at No. 18
This is code for two players, in all likelihood:
Jermod McCoy (Tennessee)
Avieon Terrell (Clemson)
McCoy may not be available at the Vikings’ spot, but if he is, they might have to pounce. Terrell’s draft lead-up is riddled by injuries, but if Minnesota just doesn’t care, he’s in play, too.
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) celebrates with a symbolic prop after defeating the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium, Oct 12, 2024, as the Volunteers mark a rivalry win and energize the home crowd following the final whistle. Mandatory Credit: Angelina Alcantar-Imagn Images
The Vikings haven’t drafted productive cornerbacks since Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander, so we’re talking a decade-long drought.
3. Draft a DT at No. 18
Translation? Clemson’s Peter Woods.
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Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave played over 1,300 defensive snaps at defensive tackle for the Vikings in 2025. However, that production is now gone. Minnesota moved on from both veterans a month ago after their one-year stints, creating a clear void in the middle of the defensive line.
If the Vikings stay at No. 18 and seek a young defensive tackle, Woods would be the pick.
2. Trade Down a Bit + Draft a DB, DT, or LB
Minnesota has an opportunity to sell the 18th overall pick, stay in Round 1, and stockpile a 2nd-, 3rd-, or combination of those picks, depending on how far they’re willing to drop down the board.
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Brzezinski would add another Top 100 or pick or two, and then consider drafting one of these players with a pick between 26 and 32:
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo)
Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)
C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia)
Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
1. Draft a Safety at No. 18
Sticking-and-picking a safety remains the most plausible draft scenario for the Vikings for four reasons:
Harrison Smith may retire.
Dillon Thieneman might be the best player available at No. 18.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would fit wonderfully in Brian Flores’s scheme.
Just two safeties are under contract for 2027: Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson.
Tucson, Arizona, USA; Wyoming running back Harrison Waylee (4) carries the ball against Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (22) during second-half action in the Arizona Bowl, Dec 30, 2023, as both teams compete for yardage in a postseason matchup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The only argument against a safety is that the position isn’t considered premium. Want an example? The Vikings could sign any one of these free-agent safeties today for cheap, and that player would do just fine in the rotation:
Jamal Adams
Ashtyn Davis
Quandre Diggs
Terrell Edmunds
Mike Edwards
Rayshawn Jenkins
Ifeatu Melifonwu
Isaiah Oliver
Jabrill Peppers
Jordan Poyer
Taylor Rapp
Justin Simmons
Xavier Woods
Donovan Wilson
General managers should only draft safeties in Round 1 if they’re confident that the rookie will be an utter game-changer — like Harrison Smith 14 years ago.
Perhaps that’ll be Thieneman or McNeil-Warren. You’ll find out in a week and half.
NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a commanding all-round performance to outclass Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in a high-scoring IPL clash at the Wankhede. Powered by explosive half-centuries from Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and skipper Rajat Patidar, RCB posted a massive 240/4, which MI could not fully chase despite a late fightback led by Sherfane Rutherford.RCB came out swinging from the start, with Kohli setting the tone in trademark fashion, including a stunning flicked six early on. Phil Salt then took charge, tearing into the MI attack with fearless strokeplay, punishing both pace and spin as he raced to 78 off just 36 balls.
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The opening stand of 120 put MI immediately on the back foot.Even when MI tried changing bowlers, nothing worked. Salt smashed Mitchell Santner for three consecutive sixes, while Mayank Markande was taken apart. Eventually, Shardul Thakur broke through by dismissing Salt, but the damage was already done.Rajat Patidar then walked in and went into full attack mode, smashing a 17-ball fifty and continuing the carnage with clean hitting over the infield. Kohli held one end steady, bringing up his fifty before falling in the 15th over after scoring 50 off 37 balls. Tim David then added a quick unbeaten 34, pushing RCB to a daunting 240.
MI fall short at the end
Mumbai Indians’ chase never fully settled despite a decent start. Ryan Rickelton looked promising with 37 off 22, but wickets at key moments derailed momentum. Rohit Sharma’s injury retirement further hurt their balance early on.Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya tried to rebuild, but RCB’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. Krunal Pandya’s tight spell and Suyash Sharma’s breakthroughs in the middle overs ensured MI never got a real launchpad, going several overs without a six during a crucial phase.The only real resistance came late from Sherfane Rutherford, who smashed an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls with a flurry of sixes to narrow the margin. However, the target of 241 proved too steep, and MI ended at 222/5.In the end, RCB’s top-order firepower and early dominance sealed a comfortable 18-run win in a run-fest at the Wankhede.
Canelo Alvarez lost the super-middleweight marbles back in September, but the Mexican superstar is eager to win them back when he returns later this year.
Alvarez’s reign was brought to an end by Terence Crawford seven months ago, only for ‘Bud’ to retire soon after and leave the titles fragmented, making the road to becoming a three-time undisputed champion an arduous one for Canelo.
Meanwhile, the WBA have installed Jose Armando Resendiz as their new super-middleweight titleholder, following his interim title win over Caleb Plant last May. However, the Mexican is scheduled to face countryman and former Canelo opponent, Jaime Munguia, on Saturday, May 2. Last week, Osleys Iglesias picked up the vacant IBF belt.
Finally, the WBO has ordered a vacant title contest between Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic in the co-main event of the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven bill next month.
Canelo remains ranked as the number one contender for the WBO title and, in an interview with The Ring, Sheeraz said that he would relish the opportunity to face the four-division world champion in the near future.
“That fight there, if that fight ever happens, that is down to His Excellency [Turki Al-Alshikh]. If he wants it to happen, it will happen. I would love to share the ring with a great in Canelo and if it happens, it happens.”
Therefore, should an issue arise with his planned WBC title challenge, Canelo could instead opt to pursue a clash with the victor of Sheeraz-Begic later this year, as he attempts an immediate return to the 168lb throne. If he fights and beats Mbilli – no simple task – the prospect of a unification will be there waiting.
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Keibert Ruiz singled home two runs to break an eighth-inning tie and the Washington Nationals defeated Milwaukee 8-6 on Sunday to complete their first series sweep of the Brewers in 15 years.
Washington’s last sweep of the Brewers came in April 2011. The Nationals hadn’t swept the Brewers in Milwaukee since June 2006.
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The Nationals recovered after allowing a tying, three-run homer to Gary Sánchez in the seventh.
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Brice Turang hit two solo shots and Jake Bauers also went deep for Milwaukee, which has lost five straight for its longest skid since June 2023.
Washington’s James Wood homered for the fourth time in his last seven games.
After the Nationals scored four runs off Milwaukee relievers Abner Uribe and Angel Zerpa (0-1) to take a 6-3 lead in the seventh, the Brewers quickly responded.
Milwaukee had two outs and nobody on in the bottom of the inning when reliever Ken Waldichuk threw a pitch to Turang and immediately started walking around in discomfort. Waldichuk pointed to his elbow while getting checked by athletic trainers on the mound and then headed to the dugout as Cole Henry came out of the bullpen.
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Turang and William Contreras eventually walked. Sánchez then delivered a 400-foot shot into the left-field seats.
Washington bounced back in the eighth.
CJ Abrams and Jacob Young began the inning with singles off Zerpa before both runners advanced on Jorbit Vivas’ sacrifice bunt. Ruiz then greeted Aaron Ashby by grounding a single up the middle through a drawn-in infield.
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PJ Poulin (2-0) pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. Gus Varland retired the side in order in the ninth for his first career save.
Up next
Nationals: Open a four-game series at Pittsburgh. The starting pitchers for Monday’s opener are Washington’s Cade Cavalli (0-0, 2.51 ERA) and Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes (2-1, 5.25).
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Brewers: Start a three-game home series with Toronto on Tuesday. Jacob Misiorowski (1-1, 3.31 ERA) pitches for the Brewers, and Kevin Gausman (0-1, 2.08) starts for the Blue Jays.
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