This summer’s meeting between YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and former world champion Mike Tyson has been officially sanctioned as a professional fight. It means the outcome of the bout, which is scheduled to take place in Texas on 20 July, will appear on both their records. However the fight will have certain conditions, including that the contest can only be eight, two-minute rounds and 14oz gloves must be worn, rather than 10oz. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation said it has conducted a review of Paul and Tyson, evaluating the records to date of both men as well as their … Continue reading Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson officially sanctioned as professional fight

Heavyweight boxer Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son Kobe has died. The former UFC champion posted on X on Monday night: “Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone. “My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding. “I was my best self next to him and now I have no clue of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts the most.” The fighter’s manager Marquel Martin posted online saying that he along with “millions … Continue reading Tragic: Boxer and ex-UFC champion Ngannou’s 15-month-old son dies

The Chicago Bears made Caleb Williams the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft as teams went quarterback crazy in Detroit. The 22-year-old, widely regarded as one of the most talented players to come out of college for years, was one of a record six quarterbacks taken in the first 12 picks. No defensive players were taken in the top 10 for the first time in NFL Draft history, as the night started with 14 straight offensive players being chosen. A record 250,000 fans packed out downtown Detroit for the first round of the draft, which continues with six further … Continue reading Chicago Bears make Caleb Williams first pick in NFL Draft

Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been given a lifetime ban by the NBA for breaching betting rules. An NBA investigation found the 24-year-old disclosed confidential information about his fitness to sports bettors and limited his participation in games for betting purposes. Porter also bet on NBA games using a friend’s online account. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Porter’s “blatant violations” warranted the “most severe punishment”. “There is nothing more important than protecting the integrity of NBA competition for our fans, our teams and everyone associated with our sport,” said Silver. “Which is why Jontay Porter’s blatant violations of our … Continue reading NBA player banned for life for breaching betting rules

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is to review its spectator code of conduct after a supporter appeared to whip an Al-Ittihad player. The incident took place at the end of Al-Ittihad’s defeat by Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup in Abu Dhabi. Footage shows Al-Ittihad striker Abderrazak Hamdallah throw water at a fan, who then strikes the player twice with what looks like a whip. The SAFF said it was “shocked with the disgraceful scenes”. Moroccan Hamdallah scored for his side as they lost 4-1. “Football in Saudi Arabia is a family game and, thankfully, fan disorder is extremely rare,” … Continue reading Saudi FA to review fan code of conduct after supporter appears to whip player

Caitlin Clark Women’s college basketball superstar Caitlin Clark has been drafted into the professional league as the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever. “I can’t wait,” said Clark, 22, who had been expected to be first off the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft board. She is considered one of the greatest collegiate players of all time. Athletes from colleges across the US were also looking for their shot to go pro during the annual WNBA draft. Clark is the all-time leading scorer across men’s and women’s college basketball, racking up the most three-point shots ever in a single … Continue reading Caitlin Clark selected No 1 by Indiana Fever in WNBA draft

OJ Simpson, the former American football star turned actor who was controversially cleared of double murder, has died aged 76. San Francisco-born Orenthal James Simpson rose to fame in college before playing in the NFL. In 1995, he was acquitted of the murder of his former wife Nicole Brown and her friend in a trial that gripped America. In 2008, he was sentenced to 33 years’ imprisonment on unrelated charges of armed robbery. He was released in 2017. Diagnosed with prostate cancer, Simpson had been receiving chemotherapy treatment, the Pro Football Hall of Fame said in a statement. According to his … Continue reading Legendary NFL star OJ Simpson dies aged 76

An arrest warrant has been issued for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice after he was involved a hit-and-run crash that injured four people. Police in Dallas, Texas, said two speeding cars, a Lamborghini and Corvette, caused “a chain reaction collission” on 30 March. Rice faces eight charges, including aggravated assault and collision involving serious bodily injury. Reports say the 23-year-old plans to hand himself in. Last week Rice, who was driving the Lamborghini, apologised for his role in the crash, saying he took “full responsibility” and would co-operate with authorities. Police said the occupants of both speeding cars ran … Continue reading Arrest warrant issued for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver over crash

A Spanish tennis player has been banned from the sport until 2039 after admitting to 35 corruption charges. Aaron Cortes, 29, fixed the outcome of matches for money, bet on tennis, failed to report corrupt approaches and gave money to tournament officials in exchange for a wildcard, said the International Tennis Integrity Agency. It gave him a 15-year ban and fined him $75,000, of which $56,250 is suspended. The offences took place between 2016 and 2018. The ITIA was set up to safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide. It said Cortes, who reached a career-high singles ranking of 955, … Continue reading Spanish tennis player Aaron Cortes banned to 2039 for corruption

Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Vontae Davis has died aged 35. Davis, who played for Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills, was found dead at his grandmother’s house in Southwest Ranches, Florida. The police report confirmed no foul play was involved and the investigation was still open. Davis, who played in back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2014 and 2015, retired mid-match while playing for the Bills against Los Angeles Chargers in 2018. His 10-year career saw him finish with 22 interceptions, 97 passes defended and 395 tackles. “Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis,” Colts owner Jim Irsay … Continue reading Tragic: Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Vontae Davis dies aged 35

World number one Novak Djokovic has split with coach Goran Ivanisevic. Former Wimbledon champion Ivanisevic became Djokovic’s main coach in March 2022, having worked with him alongside long-time mentor Marian Vajda since 2018. Serb Djokovic has won a joint-record 24 Grand Slam singles titles but has made a disappointing start to 2024. “Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago,” Djokovic said on Instagram. “Our on-court chemistry had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid.” Djokovic lost in the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January, suffered a third-round defeat by world number 123 … Continue reading Novak Djokovic splits with coach Goran Ivanisevic

China captain Zhang Linpeng has reversed his decision to retire from international football following a draw against Singapore that he labelled “disgraceful”. China threw away a two-goal lead to be held 2-2 by Singapore in Kallang. Zhang said Thursday’s result in 2026 World Cup qualifying was “unacceptable” and announced his intention to retire. The 34-year-old has since retracted that statement “after two days of serious contemplation”. He said he realised “retirement is not the only option”. Speaking on state broadcaster China Central Television’s programme Soccer Night, Zhang said: “Whether as a starter or a substitute, or even if I can’t … Continue reading China’s football captain makes retirement U-turn after draw in World Cup qualifier