On a night packed with comeback wins, former two-time UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw returned from a two-year drug suspension while gritting through a knee injury and gruesome cut above his eye to eventually outlast #2 contender Cory Sandhagen – winning via split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47) on the scorecards after a tense, thrilling main event matchup.
Continue reading
Gilbert Burns targets October/November return, names Leon Edwards as top choice
The one-time welterweight title challenger believes that while potentially facing Leon Edwards (#3) excites him, the Brit – enjoying a 10-fight unbeaten streak – is more deserving of the next title shot against Kamaru Usman by virtue of principle, rather than Colby Covington (#1). Continue reading
Tokyo Olympics: Alexander Zverev excited to compete, but medals his motivation
Alexander Zverev, world no.5, is excited to play in this year’s Olympics but importantly outlined he’s there to compete for medals – not just soaking up the atmosphere and experience that comes as Germany’s biggest hope in the sport.
Continue readingTokyo Olympics: Andy Murray in high spirits, boosted by Wimbledon display
Ahead of the tournament, which begins this weekend, two-time Olympic gold medallist Andy Murray has an unenviable first-round draw vs. Wimbledon quarter-finalist Felix Auger-Aliassime but importantly feels healthy while the Brit’s coaches believe he has a spring in his step.
Continue readingBucks 106-98 Suns: Giannis’ iconic 50-piece carries Milwaukee to first title since 1971
Two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo had 50 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks, as the Milwaukee Bucks rallied from a seven-point deficit early after half-time to surge back ahead of a spirited but inefficient Phoenix Suns effort. Clinching their first NBA title for 50 years with a raucous Game 6 home atmosphere to savour, Mike Budenholzer’s men did it the hard way.
Continue reading
Joshua-Usyk title fight date set for Sept. 25, but don’t overlook the Ukrainian
After the September 25 date for Anthony Joshua’s latest title defence was announced earlier today, he’ll defend his heavyweight belts against an unbeaten Ukrainian and fellow Olympic gold medallist in former cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk (#1 WBO). AJ will be favoured to win on home soil again, but it’s not difficult to imagine Usyk silencing critics in two months’ time.
Continue reading
Lonzo Ball, Dennis Schroder among Chicago Bulls’ free agency guard targets
After falling two games shy of the postseason play-in tournament, reports claim Chicago want a starting point guards in the upcoming free agency period to bolster their offensive repertoire alongside All-Star duo Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. Pelicans’ RFA Lonzo Ball and Lakers guard Dennis Schroder are linked, while Kyle Lowry and Spencer Dinwiddie are also named.
Continue reading
Tokyo Olympics update: Gauff, Berrettini withdraw with COVID and injury issues
In a field weakened by notable absences including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Simona Halep and Serena Williams, America’s prodigious teenager Coco Gauff and first-time Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini have withdrawn from this year’s rescheduled Tokyo Olympics. Gauff tested positive for COVID-19, while Berrettini has been struggling with a lingering thigh injury. Continue reading
UFC Vegas 31: Islam Makhachev mauls Thiago Moises in his first main event slot
Makhachev Mania? Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege Islam thrived in his first main event against Thiago Moises, earning a fourth-round submission. Elsewhere, there were big wins for Billy Quarantillo and Mateusz Gamrot before returning former women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate sent Marion Reneau into retirement with a R3 TKO finish in the co-main.
Continue reading
UFC Vegas 31: Tate eyes UFC title in comeback, but refuses to rush ahead of Reneau matchup
Thrust into her first UFC fight week for almost five years, Miesha Tate was unequivocal about being where she belongs after retiring. The former women’s bantamweight champion praised upcoming opponent Marion Reneau but also hopes this weekend ultimately proves the important first step en route to achieving gold once more in future as her comeback trail starts. Continue reading
NBA Draft to be held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on July 29
Per reports overnight, the NBA will hold this summer’s draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. After hosting a virtual Green Room last November due to the COVID-19 pandemic, invites for an in-person setting are being sent to youngsters widely expected to be high lottery picks this year.
Continue reading
PSG move caps a summer Gianluigi Donnarumma will never forget
After saving two penalties to help Italy clinch Euro 2020 on Sunday, highly-rated goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is a free agent no longer: having agreed terms on a five-year deal to join Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain. Unveiled as their fifth summer acquisition yesterday, the 22-year-old made a bold but brave move likely to age well in a few years’ time. Continue reading
