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Where to watch Team USA vs. Canada in World Baseball Classic: TV, stream, odds

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Pool play is over and we are now into the single-elimination phase of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Team USA, which backed into the second round when Italy beat Mexico, will take on Canada at Daikin Park in Houston on Friday night. The winner will advance to the semifinals in Miami and play the winner of Friday evening’s Dominican Republic vs. Korea game.

“New lease on life for the boys, certainly. I put ourselves in a tough spot,” USA manager Mark DeRosa said Thursday. “… (Canada is a) scrappy bunch, bottom line, and they’re swinging the bats.”

Canada beat Cuba in a win-or-go-home game Thursday to reach the quarterfinals. This is the first time Canada has advanced out of pool play, so it is fair to call Friday’s game against USA the biggest game in Canadian baseball history. They are major underdogs, though. Canada went 3-1 in pool play to improve its all-time WBC record to 8-11.

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WBC bracket predictions: Experts make picks for baseball’s version of March Madness

Mike Axisa

WBC bracket predictions: Experts make picks for baseball's version of March Madness
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“We’re going to go out and we’re going to play the game the way we play it,” Canada manager Ernie Whitt said Thursday. “We talk about playing clean. I mean, in international baseball, if you make mistakes, it’s going to cost you. And so we just try to play a clean game and play it the way that we play it with passion and pride, and play it until the end.”

Here is how you can watch Friday’s Canada vs. USA game, and what you need to know going into the Olympic hockey gold medal game rematch.

Canada vs. USA: Where to watch, odds

  • Time: 8 p.m. ET | Date: Friday, March 13
  • Location: Daikin Park, Houston
  • TV channel: Fox | Live stream: fubo (Try for free)
  • Starting pitchers: RHP Logan Webb (USA) vs. RHP Michael Soroka (CAN)
  • Odds (via FanDuel): USA -4.5 (-132), O/U: 9.5

Canada has beaten USA before

Way back in 2006, in the inaugural WBC, former Orioles lefty Adam Loewen held a USA lineup led by Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter, and Chipper Jones scoreless for 3 ⅔ innings while Jason Bay, Justin Morneau and Co. tagged Dontrelle Willis for five runs in 2 ⅔ innings. Canada went on to win the game 8-6. 

Since then, it has been all USA. The Americans beat Canada in the 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2023 WBCs by a combined score of 35-10.

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USA reconfigured its roster

Teams are allowed to add and subtract players from the roster after each round and USA used the opportunity to drop a few starters and multi-inning relievers and add more high-leverage bullpen options.

Skubal considered remaining with USA and making another start, though he ultimately stuck with his initial plan and has since returned to the Tigers to continue spring training. He would have been eligible to pitch Friday’s game, though it’s more likely Webb would have started with Skubal pitching in a potential semifinals game Sunday.

Canada did not announce any roster additions/subtractions before Friday’s game. They’re sticking with the same 30 players who got them through Pool A in San Juan.

The pitch limits have increased

During pool play, pitchers are limited to 65 pitches, so every game is essentially a bullpen game. Only six of the 80 starting pitchers in pool play managed to complete five innings. In the quarterfinals, the pitch limit rises to 80 pitches, which is a pretty big number at this point in March. The two starters can pitch reasonably deep into Friday’s game. That said, it’s an elimination game, so if Webb and/or Soroka are not effective, the hook figures to be quick.

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Paxton is eligible to pitch

Veteran lefty James Paxton came out of retirement to pitch for Canada and he turned in a WBC-saving relief appearance against Cuba on Wednesday. Paxton, 37, struck out six batters in 2 ⅔ shutout innings, allowing just a single and a walk. 

Statcast clocked his fastball as high as 97.1 mph. It was a vintage Big Maple appearance.

Paxton was removed from Thursday’s game with an 0-2 count and two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Why? Because he’d thrown 49 pitches, and if he’d thrown pitch No. 50, it would have triggered a mandatory four days of rest, per WBC rules. For 30-49 pitches, only one day of rest is required. Paxton is eligible to pitch on Friday and could again be asked to get high-leverage outs.

“I think the biggest thing is that he wanted to do it. He wanted to come and come out of retirement, get off the couch, and come and throw for Team Canada because he’s never done that before,” Whitt said about Paxton following the win over Cuba. “He’s experienced league championships and played at the highest level in Major League Baseball, but he never represented the country. I think that was the biggest thing for him.”

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Prediction: USA bounces back 

USA should — should — win Friday’s game handily, given the talent gap, but we’ve already seen this team drop the ball once and snooze for extended periods of time. I think the Italy debacle earlier this week will serve as a wake-up call, though, and USA will come out focused and with the pedal to the floor against Canada. Prediction: USA 7, Canada 2.

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Jordan Spieth’s wild Players round left him with nagging, relatable feeling

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Crosby, Iginla send Team Canada message before WBC quarters

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Team Canada is getting some extra encouragement from its friends on the ice.

Ahead of Canada’s clash against the U.S. in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic on Friday (8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+), Hockey Canada sent the team a gift and a good luck message.

The video message featured Sidney Crosby, Jarome Iginla and coach Jon Cooper wishing the players good luck.

“They voiced their congratulations, that’s No. 1, on advancing, but reinforcing the fact that the job’s not done yet,” Team Canada manager Ernie Whitt said about the video. “It was a great surprise. It was nice to see, and I think the boys got a kick out of it.”

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Get a kick out of it they did, as the Canadian squad took the field donning Team Canada hockey sweaters that were handed out shortly before the pre-game workout. Outfielder Tyler O’Neill, in particular, seemed to have the most fun with it, cutting off his sleeves.

For captain Josh Naylor, the jersey is just another in the collection. Naylor has been wearing jerseys during batting practice all tournament, including a Wayne Gretzky sweater from the 1987 Canada Cup.

“I like representing great players, current and alumni players, so I brought a ton of jerseys I had back home,” Naylor said earlier in the tournament. “I don’t want to expose which ones I have just yet. This was one of them. I have, like, five more, all Canada hockey. I love this jersey. It’s really cool. I tried do three or four different eras, classic or (various) Canada tournaments.”

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NFL fans roast Tom Brady for viral ‘thirst trapping’ photo

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NFL legend Tom Brady still has it at 48 years old, and he obviously isn’t afraid to flaunt it.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion posted an image of himself preparing for the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic scheduled for March 21 in Los Angeles. It was initially supposed to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but it was moved due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

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Brady, along with multiple other NFL stars, are slated to compete in a flag football event. To no one’s surprise, Brady is already hard at work preparing to step back onto the football field. On Thursday, he posted an image of himself throwing the football shirtless, while wearing tight blue jean shorts.

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That prompted NFL fans to roast Brady for “thirst trapping,” as Barstool Sports put it.

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Updated Utah State Aggies All-Time FBS Football Seasons

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  By SuperWest Sports Staff


After last year’s 6-7 campaign, Utah State football has played 111 FBS seasons, dating back to 1912.

utah state espnOverall, according to Sports-Reference.com, the Aggies have compiled a 548–557–28 (.496) record as an FBS program through the 2025 season.

Since the program’s first season, Utah State has appeared in 18 bowl games, winning six, and has secured two conference championships.

Utah State has also produced three consensus First Team All-America players.

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The Aggies begin their 112th FBS season in the new Pac-12 with renewed optimism under second-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall, looking to resume their winning ways.

—Conference Affiliations—

  • Pac-12 Conference (2026–present)
  • Mountain West Conference (2013–2025)
  • Western Athletic Conference (2005–2012)
  • Sun Belt Conference (2003–2004)
  • Division I-A Independent (2001–2002)
  • Pacific Coast Athletic Association / Big West Conference (1978–2000)
  • Division I Independent (1973–1977)
  • University Division Independent (1962–1972)
  • Mountain States Conference (1938–1961)
  • Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (1914–1937)
  • Unknown (1909–1913)

The table below provides an all-time FBS season rundown with Conference, W-L record, win percentage, coach, and bowl game, if any, for each year.

Year Conf W L T Pct Coach(es) Bowl
2025 MWC 6 7 0 .462 Bronco Mendenhall (6-7) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (L)
2024 MWC 4 8 0 .333 Nate Dreiling (4-8)
2023 MWC 6 7 0 .462 Blake Anderson (6-7) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (L)
2022 MWC 6 7 0 .462 Blake Anderson (6-7) First Responder Bowl (L)
2021 MWC 11 3 0 .786 Blake Anderson (11-3) LA Bowl (W)
2020 MWC 1 5 0 .167 Gary Andersen (0-3) Frank Maile (1-2)
2019 MWC 7 6 0 .538 Gary Andersen (7-6) Frisco Bowl (L)
2018 MWC 11 2 0 .846 Matt Wells (10-2) Frank Maile (1-0) New Mexico Bowl (W)
2017 MWC 6 7 0 .462 Matt Wells (6-7) Arizona Bowl (L)
2016 MWC 3 9 0 .250 Matt Wells (3-9)
2015 MWC 6 7 0 .462 Matt Wells (6-7) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (L)
2014 MWC 10 4 0 .714 Matt Wells (10-4) New Mexico Bowl (W)
2013 MWC 9 5 0 .643 Matt Wells (9-5) Poinsettia Bowl (W)
2012 WAC 11 2 0 .846 Gary Andersen (11-2) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (W)
2011 WAC 7 6 0 .538 Gary Andersen (7-6) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (L)
2010 WAC 4 8 0 .333 Gary Andersen (4-8)
2009 WAC 4 8 0 .333 Gary Andersen (4-8)
2008 WAC 3 9 0 .250 Brent Guy (3-9)
2007 WAC 2 10 0 .167 Brent Guy (2-10)
2006 WAC 1 11 0 .083 Brent Guy (1-11)
2005 WAC 3 8 0 .273 Brent Guy (3-8)
2004 Sun Belt 3 8 0 .273 Mick Dennehy (3-8)
2003 Sun Belt 3 9 0 .250 Mick Dennehy (3-9)
2002 Ind 4 7 0 .364 Mick Dennehy (4-7)
2001 Ind 4 7 0 .364 Mick Dennehy (4-7)
2000 Big West 5 6 0 .455 Mick Dennehy (5-6)
1999 Big West 4 7 0 .364 Dave Arslanian (4-7)
1998 Big West 3 8 0 .273 Dave Arslanian (3-8)
1997 Big West 6 6 0 .500 John Smith (6-6) Humanitarian Bowl (L)
1996 Big West 6 5 0 .545 John Smith (6-5)
1995 Big West 4 7 0 .364 John Smith (4-7)
1994 Big West 3 8 0 .273 Charlie Weatherbie (3-8)
1993 Big West 7 5 0 .583 Charlie Weatherbie (7-5) Las Vegas Bowl (W)
1992 Big West 5 6 0 .455 Charlie Weatherbie (5-6)
1991 Big West 5 6 0 .455 Chuck Shelton (5-6)
1990 Big West 5 5 1 .500 Chuck Shelton (5-5-1)
1989 Big West 4 7 0 .364 Chuck Shelton (4-7)
1988 Big West 4 7 0 .364 Chuck Shelton (4-7)
1987 PCAA 5 6 0 .455 Chuck Shelton (5-6)
1986 PCAA 3 8 0 .273 Chuck Shelton (3-8)
1985 PCAA 3 8 0 .273 Chris Pella (3-8)
1984 PCAA 1 10 0 .091 Chris Pella (1-10)
1983 PCAA 5 6 0 .455 Chris Pella (5-6)
1982 PCAA 5 6 0 .455 Bruce Snyder (5-6)
1981 PCAA 5 5 1 .500 Bruce Snyder (5-5-1)
1980 PCAA 6 5 0 .545 Bruce Snyder (6-5)
1979 PCAA 7 3 1 .682 Bruce Snyder (7-3-1)
1978 PCAA 7 4 0 .636 Bruce Snyder (7-4)
1977 Ind 4 7 0 .364 Bruce Snyder (4-7)
1976 Ind 3 8 0 .273 Bruce Snyder (3-8)
1975 Ind 6 5 0 .545 Phil Krueger (6-5)
1974 Ind 8 3 0 .727 Phil Krueger (8-3)
1973 Ind 7 4 0 .636 Phil Krueger (7-4)
1972 Ind 8 3 0 .727 Chuck Mills (8-3)
1971 Ind 8 3 0 .727 Chuck Mills (8-3)
1970 Ind 5 5 0 .500 Chuck Mills (5-5)
1969 Ind 3 7 0 .300 Chuck Mills (3-7)
1968 Ind 7 3 0 .700 Chuck Mills (7-3)
1967 Ind 7 2 1 .750 Chuck Mills (7-2-1)
1966 Ind 4 6 0 .400 Tony Knap (4-6)
1965 Ind 8 2 0 .800 Tony Knap (8-2)
1964 Ind 5 4 1 .550 Tony Knap (5-4-1)
1963 Ind 8 2 0 .800 Tony Knap (8-2)
1962 Ind 8 2 0 .800 John Ralston (8-2)
1961 Skyline 9 1 1 .864 John Ralston (9-1-1) Gotham Bowl (L)
1960 Skyline 9 2 0 .818 John Ralston (9-2) Sun Bowl (L)
1959 Skyline 5 6 0 .455 John Ralston (5-6)
1958 Skyline 3 7 0 .300 Everett Faunce (3-7)
1957 Skyline 2 7 1 .250 Everett Faunce (2-7-1)
1956 Skyline 6 4 0 .600 Everett Faunce (6-4)
1955 Skyline 4 6 0 .400 Everett Faunce (4-6)
1954 Skyline 4 6 0 .400 John Roning (4-6)
1953 Skyline 8 3 0 .727 John Roning (8-3)
1952 Skyline 3 7 1 .318 John Roning (3-7-1)
1951 Skyline 3 5 1 .389 John Roning (3-5-1)
1950 Skyline 2 9 0 .182 George Melinkovich (2-9)
1949 Skyline 3 7 0 .300 George Melinkovich (3-7)
1948 Skyline 5 6 0 .455 E. Lowell Romney (5-6)
1947 MSAC 6 5 0 .545 E. Lowell Romney (6-5)
1946 MSAC 7 2 1 .750 E. Lowell Romney (7-2-1) Raisin Bowl (L)
1945 MSAC 4 3 0 .571 E. Lowell Romney (4-3)
1944 MSAC 3 3 0 .500 E. Lowell Romney (3-3)
1942 MSAC 6 3 1 .650 E. Lowell Romney (6-3-1)
1941 MSAC 0 8 0 .000 E. Lowell Romney (0-8)
1940 MSAC 2 5 1 .313 E. Lowell Romney (2-5-1)
1939 MSAC 3 4 1 .438 E. Lowell Romney (3-4-1)
1938 MSAC 4 4 0 .500 E. Lowell Romney (4-4)
1937 RMC 2 4 2 .375 E. Lowell Romney (2-4-2)
1936 RMC 7 0 1 .938 E. Lowell Romney (7-0-1)
1935 RMC 5 2 1 .688 E. Lowell Romney (5-2-1)
1934 RMC 5 1 1 .786 E. Lowell Romney (5-1-1)
1933 RMC 4 4 0 .500 E. Lowell Romney (4-4)
1932 RMC 4 4 0 .500 E. Lowell Romney (4-4)
1931 RMC 6 2 0 .750 E. Lowell Romney (6-2)
1930 RMC 3 5 1 .389 E. Lowell Romney (3-5-1)
1929 RMC 3 4 0 .429 E. Lowell Romney (3-4)
1928 RMC 5 3 1 .611 E. Lowell Romney (5-3-1)
1927 RMC 3 4 1 .438 E. Lowell Romney (3-4-1)
1926 RMC 5 1 2 .750 E. Lowell Romney (5-1-2)
1925 RMC 6 1 0 .857 E. Lowell Romney (6-1)
1924 RMC 4 2 1 .643 E. Lowell Romney (4-2-1)
1923 RMC 5 2 0 .714 E. Lowell Romney (5-2)
1922 RMC 5 4 0 .556 E. Lowell Romney (5-4)
1921 RMC 7 1 0 .875 E. Lowell Romney (7-1)
1920 RMC 4 2 1 .643 E. Lowell Romney (4-2-1)
1919 RMC 5 2 0 .714 E. Lowell Romney (5-2)
1917 RMC 7 0 1 .938 Jack Watson (7-0-1)
1916 RMC 1 5 1 .214 Jack Watson (1-5-1)
1915 RMC 3 4 0 .429
1914 RMC 2 5 0 .286
1912 Ind 4 2 1 .643

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Carson Wentz Needs a Minnesota Re-Run

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Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Last offseason, the Minnesota Vikings all but handed their starting quarterback job to J.J. McCarthy. Daniel Jones wasn’t given the assurances he could start, and no legitimate backup was brought in either. After watching Sam Howell struggle in the preseason, someone spoke up and called Carson Wentz.

The chatter thus far this offseason has focused solely on Kyler Murray. That’s fair, as he will come in to start in for Kevin O’Connell and can be signed for just $1.3 million. Arguably as important is who backs him up.

A Familiar Veteran Could Solve the Vikings’ Backup QB Question

Murray doesn’t have the cleanest injury history, and McCarthy certainly doesn’t either. The reality, though, is that McCarthy shouldn’t be called upon mid-game at any point. It’s unclear if he’s ready to be relied upon at the highest level, but an unexpected situation makes matters even worse.

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Sep 26, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) at press conference at Sport Ireland Campus. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Vikings need a backup capable of stepping on the field without a range that could span the entire field. Last season, Wentz went just 2-3 as the starter for the Vikings. However, he connected with Justin Jefferson for over 95 yards per game while under center, and he completed 65.1% of his passes.

It’s unfortunate how much Wentz’s career trajectory changed after his knee injury with the Philadelphia Eagles. Nick Foles came on and won the Super Bowl; he should have led them to. However, Wentz is a North Dakota kid who grew up cheering for the Vikings, and it’s only right that he be on the sidelines the first time they win one.

Oct 5, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) walks off the field after their win against the Cleveland Browns in an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Murray brings a serious ceiling to a Minnesota team ready to compete now. If O’Connell can integrate him into the offense and immediately get things clicking, the upcoming season could be really fun. There has to be someone on the sidelines pushing that player, though, and it won’t be McCarthy.

Assuming Wentz is cleared from his season-ending surgery, he’d be best suited to reunite with the Vikings. This time, it would happen a few days before Week 1, and the chemistry is already there with the coach and the roster. QB3 for McCarthy might not be fun, but it needs to happen.


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Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler
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Corniche targets 2026 Caulfield sprint in VOBIS Gold feature

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For years, trainer Shawn Mathrick out of Cranbourne has thrived using horses let go by Godolphin.

The current stablemate Corniche prepares for another start with Mathrick in the VOBIS Gold Sprint (1200m) this Saturday at Caulfield.

Having raced 14 times for Godolphin with two wins under James Cummings and Ciaron Maher, the gelding was runner-up in the Listed Abell Stakes (1200m) at Cranbourne on February 27.

This came as the gelding’s first race back from last September, and Mathrick was delighted with the outcome having dreaded the worst when Corniche arrived.

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“I was worried we he first came, and thought ‘I’ve done my brass here’, but it’s taken a bit of work and he’s thriving at the beach,” Mathrick said.

“He’s got some knee issues. His action was terrible when he came to me and we’ve been doing a lot of beach work with him.

He galloped on Monday, and he worked the place down.”

Mathrick has managed numerous ex-Godolphin performers in his care, with special fondness for Adirondack and Gig, a mare he bred from.

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“They pretty much tell what it is with their horses is,” Mathrick said of Godolphin.

“They’re pretty honest about it.

My old man used to say they don’t lose their ability, so there must be something going on and this horse got beaten a length-and-a-half by Joliestar one day and got flattened twice in the straight and then powered home.

He’s definitely got the ability and softer tracks, with his knees, would be better for him, but I’ll let him go around on Saturday and then see if we have to back off.”

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Early on, Corniche placed in the Blue Diamond Preview and Prelude, won the Group 2 Magic Night Stakes, and later the Group 3 Sunshine Coast Guineas.

His Sunshine Coast Guineas triumph dates to May 2024, followed by sparse racing.

“I’ve been picking my mark when I gallop him,” Mathrick said.

“I’ll only gallop him on the grass and when we’ve had a bit of rain, but his action was faultless on Monday.

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The Goodwood in Adelaide, it might be a good race for him, so we’ll see how he is.”

Visit betting sites to find the best racing odds for Corniche’s run in the VOBIS Gold Sprint.

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Rolly Romero announces likely date and venue for Devin Haney unification fight

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A unification fight between Rolando Romero and Devin Haney appears to be on the verge of confirmation.

‘Rolly’ Romero is the reigning WBA welterweight champion, having won the Regular belt with a unanimous decision victory over Ryan Garcia at Times Square in New York last May before he was later upgraded to full champion.

He began his career at 135lbs, winning the WBA interim lightweight title, before moving up to super-lightweight and becoming WBA champion there, prior to his current campaign at 147lbs.

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Another fighter that has reigned in multiple divisions is Haney, who was undisputed lightweight champion and WBC super-lightweight champion over the years.

He moved to welterweight last year, dethroning Brian Norman Jr to become WBO welterweight champion, with a number of possible next opponents listed ever since.

Keyshawn Davis was mentioned, along with former foe and newly-crowned WBC champion Ryan Garcia, but it appears that Romero has won the race to be the next man standing opposite Haney.

Romero and Haney have gone back and forth on social media in recent weeks to publicise their potential fight, and now Romero has told Fight Hub TV the expected details surrounding the clash.

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“It’s looking like it might get done for May 30 here in Las Vegas. MGM [Grand].”

The victor of the bout would have his hands on two titles at 147, and would likely look to target the other world champions in the division, with the aforementioned Garcia holding the WBC belt, and Lewis Crocker the current IBF champion.

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Pakistan Thrash Bangladesh By 128 Runs In Rain-Hit Second ODI To Level Series

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Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 128 runs via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method in the rain-affected second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday. Maaz Sadaqat was the stand-out performer of the game, blasting a rapid 75 for Pakistan before picking up three wickets. Chasing a revised target of 243 in 32 overs after a two-hour rain and hailstorm delay, Bangladesh collapsed for 114 in 23.3 overs despite a brief counterattack from Litton Das. Bangladesh had already been in trouble before the weather halted play.

Tanzid Hasan fell early for one, caught at backward square leg off Shaheen Shah Afridi, while Saif Hassan departed for 12 after offering a catch to short mid-off off Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was bowled by Afridi for a duck, leaving the hosts reeling at 27 for 3 in 6.3 overs when a sudden thunderstorm accompanied by hail forced the players off the field.

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When play resumed, Litton attempted to revive the chase with a series of boundaries including two sixes. He was eventually trapped lbw for 41 by part-time spinner Maaz Sadaqat.

Tawhid Hridoy made 28 off 38 balls before falling lbw to Haris Rauf, while Afif Hossain added 14 before becoming Sadaqat’s second victim.

Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz managed just one run as Bangladesh’s innings folded quickly.

Rauf and Sadaqat claimed three wickets each to complete a dominant bowling performance for Pakistan.

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Earlier, Bangladesh had fought back with the ball to bowl Pakistan out for 274 in 47.3 overs after a blistering start by the visitors.

Pakistan raced to 103 for the opening wicket inside 13 overs through an aggressive partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Sadaqat.

Sadaqat struck 75 off 46 balls with six fours and five sixes, while Farhan scored 31 before falling to Taskin Ahmed.

Salman Agha later top-scored with 64 from 62 balls and shared a 109-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan (44), though Agha’s innings ended in a dramatic run-out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the non-striker’s end that sparked animated reactions on the field.

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Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain finished as the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 56 as Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 274, a total that proved more than enough on a rain-shortened night in Mirpur.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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North Carolina football GM defends Bill Belichick against ‘fake rumors’

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After a legendary NFL coaching career that produced eight Super Bowl rings as both an assistant and head coach, Bill Belichick made the jump to the college ranks last year.

Belichick led North Carolina to a 4-8 record in his first season in Chapel Hill, but a string of off-field headlines largely overshadowed the program.

UNC general manager Michael Lombardi recently addressed the scrutiny and outside criticism that surrounded the program last season, defending the team’s response amid what he characterized as inaccurate accounts.

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Michael Lombardi talks with Bill Belichick

North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi (L) talks with head coach Bill Belichick prior to the game against the Richmond Spiders at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Lance King/Getty Images)

“All during those stormy times, all during when the boat was getting capsized, when people were attacking us with fake rumors and fake stories all over — nobody’s corrected them yet, but that’s OK, we understand — our players hung together,” Lombardi told the “Pat McAfee Show” last week.

Lombardi also suggested the program’s high profile made it a target but argued the scrutiny ultimately reinforced the team’s resolve, especially on the recruiting trail.

BILL BELICHICK, JORDON HUDSON HOT MIC MOMENT LEAKED AMID UNC DRAMA-FILLED SEASON

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“We did not lose one single recruit to another team. Now, they tried. A lot of that, to me, was the dedication of our recruiting class, and that’s what I think gives all of everybody in this program the lift that we need. Because those players have bought into our messaging, and they stood firm in a time of trouble.”

“Look, let’s face it. If you’re not worth a darn, they’re not going to attack you. Some programs are not worth attacking. They’re going to attack us. We expect it. It’s all good. We’ve been in the arena before. We don’t listen to the noise. We focus on what we have to focus on and we move forward.”

Michael Lombardi looks on

General manager Michael Lombardi of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on prior to the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Lance King/Getty Images)

During last year’s widely discussed “CBS News Sunday Morning” interview, Hudson faced accusations that she attempted to exert control during the former NFL coach’s sit-down. The interview was part of a promotional tour for Belichick’s new book, “The Art of Winning — Lessons from My Life in Football.”

The viral moment sparked questions about Hudson’s involvement in both his personal and professional life and whether it could affect football operations.

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However, in the months leading up to the start of Belichick’s debut season, multiple Tar Heels football players spoke out and insisted the coach’s personal life hadn’t disrupted the team in any way.

Wide receiver Jordan Shipp made it clear that any outside “noise” has not negatively affected the team. From Shipp’s point of view, Hudson has not been overly involved in Belichick’s coaching process.

“Social media can promote some narrative, but that was not a distraction to us at all,” Shipp said in July 2025. “There was never a problem, like people saying she was running practice. We’d never really see her in the building. That was never a problem.”

Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson

Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels and Jordon Hudson look on prior to the game against the Richmond Spiders at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Lance King/Getty Images)

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Then-UNC quarterback Gio Lopez also weighed in, saying Hudson was more visible online than at the team complex and describing Belichick as a “normal coach.”

“I log on my phone and see something about coach Belichick, so it is different, of course,” Lopez said. “But you’d never think that about him. He’s a normal guy, a normal coach. That’s how he carries himself. He’s very personable, not worried about the spotlight. He just does his job.” 

Lopez threw for 1,747 yards at UNC in 2025 before transferring to Wake Forest in January.

In October, Belichick addressed speculation that he and school officials had discussed a “potential exit strategy” during his tumultuous first season. “I’m fully committed to UNC football and the program we’re building here,” Belichick said in a statement at the time.

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Belichick dismissed the increased attention on his personal life. “Sometimes it’s noisy, and sometimes it isn’t,” he told ESPN last summer. “Sometimes with the Patriots it was noisy, too.”

UNC opens spring camp on March 24.

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NBA referee Sha’Rae Mitchell suffers head injury in Hawks-Nets game

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NBA official Sha’Rae Mitchell went down hard during Thursday night’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets after she ran into a camera operator and appeared to injure her head in the collision. 

Mitchell, who is in her first season as an NBA staff official, was jogging full speed along the court with just over eight minutes left in the game when she took a hard fall to the ground after running into a camera operator, who appeared to be filming the crowd courtside during play. 

Referee Sha'Rae Mitchell signals

Referee Sha’Rae Mitchell (98) signals during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 12, 2026. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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The game was stopped as Mitchell appeared to grab the back of her head, bent over in obvious pain. 

She walked off the court and sat down, continuing to grab at her head. 

Referee Sha'Rae Mitchell holding her head after a collision during a basketball game at State Farm Arena

Referee Sha’Rae Mitchell holds her head after a collision during the fourth quarter of the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 12, 2026. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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Mitchell reportedly returned to the game as Jalen Johnson recorded 21 points, nine rebounds and nine assists to help the Hawks extend the NBA’s longest current winning streak to eight games with a 108-97 victory over the Nets.

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The 40-year-old referee joined the league officially this season after previously officiating 11 regular-season games as a non-staff official during the 2022-23 NBA season and four games during the 2021-22 season. 

RFeferee Sha'Rae Mitchell falls to the floor following a collision

Rapper and entertainer Boosie Badazz reacts after watching referee Sha’Rae Mitchell (98) fall to the floor following a collision during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 12, 2026. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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Mitchell was a standout women’s college basketball player at UC Santa Barbara before she served on coaching staffs at Stanford University, UCLA and Coastal Carolina University. She then moved to officiating college basketball for several years before making her debut at the pro level.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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