Chantelle Cameron became a two-weight world champion by defeating Michaela Kotaskova via unanimous decision to claim the vacant WBO super-welterweight title in London.
The British fighter made history by winning the first women’s world title bout contested over three-minute rounds on UK soil.
Following her commanding victory, the former undisputed 140lb champion immediately targeted a blockbuster clash with American star Mikaela Mayer.
The pair faced off inside the ring at London’s Olympia to tease a potential future unification bout.
Historic victory over three-minute rounds
Stepping up to the 154lb division for the first time, the sole professional conqueror of Katie Taylor showcased her undeniable class.
The prolonged round duration suited the home favourite perfectly as she applied relentless pressure on her Czech opponent.
Targeted bodywork gradually drained Kotaskova, forcing her to constantly back away as the fight progressed into the later stages.
Despite picking up a minor cut on her nose, the Briton dominated the exchanges and landed hurtful combinations at will.
Mayer showdown looms as next target
The judges ultimately rewarded this sheer dominance with wide scorecards reading 100-90 and 99-91 twice.
Attention instantly turned to a highly-anticipated matchup with fellow two-weight world champion Mayer.
“So much respect for Mikaela Mayer, she’s a great fighter, I wanted this fight with Mikaela for ages.”
Cameron explained during her post-fight interview in the ring.
“We’ve been speaking, we should give the fans a great fight for women’s boxing.”
Garcia defends title on undercard
Earlier in the evening, Irma Garcia successfully defended her IBF super-flyweight belt by stopping Emma Dolan in three rounds.
The crushing defeat ended Dolan’s dreams of adding world honours to her existing British and Commonwealth titles.
World champion Tadej Pogacar claimed a record-equalling third Tour of Flanders victory by dropping rival Mathieu van der Poel with a blistering solo attack.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider crossed the line 33 seconds ahead of the Dutchman to continue his flawless start to the 2026 season.
The decisive moment arrived on the brutal cobbled gradients of the Paterberg, where the Slovenian finally broke his great rival’s resistance.
Battle on the cobbled climbs
The two pre-race favourites had forged clear of a world-class peloton and arrived together at the base of the final ascent of the Oude Kwaremont with 18 kilometres remaining.
Mirroring his race-winning move from last year, the four-time Tour de France winner launched a ferocious acceleration.
Van der Poel initially clung on, limiting the gap to a handful of seconds over the summit of the iconic hill.
However, the relentless pace proved too much for the Alpecin-Premier Tech rider on the subsequent Paterberg climb, which features punishing gradients exceeding 20 per cent.
Monumental history awaits
Sitting up to punch the air in triumph, the 27-year-old celebrated adding another prestigious title to his rapidly expanding palmares.
Belgian debutant Remco Evenepoel secured third place for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, finishing just ahead of compatriot Wout van Aert.
Affectionately known as De Ronde, the grueling 278km Flemish route featured 16 short but demanding climbs and several treacherous cobblestone sections.
Having already triumphed at Milan-San Remo and Strade Bianche earlier this spring, the unstoppable Slovenian has won all three races he has contested this year.
He now looks ahead to next weekend’s Paris-Roubaix, which remains the only cycling Monument missing from his extraordinary trophy cabinet.
Rory McIlroy returns to Augusta National to defend his Masters title this week, exactly a year after ending an 11-year major drought to complete the career Grand Slam.
The defending champion joined an illustrious group of golfing legends following last year’s historic play-off success.
His elusive fifth major title arrived 3,899 days after his 2014 PGA Championship triumph, requiring immense mental fortitude to navigate a tense final day.
Overcoming a slow start
The Northern Irishman admitted he did not make things easy for himself during a dramatic week at the famous Georgia venue.
He double-bogeyed three of his final four holes during the opening round to card a stuttering 72.
That frustrating opening day left him facing a massive seven-shot deficit heading into Friday.
To eventually claim the Green Jacket, he had to match the historic first-round comebacks achieved by Sir Nick Faldo in 1990 and Tiger Woods in 2005.
Building weekend momentum
The Grand Slam winner surged up the leaderboard with a remarkable round-of-the-day 66 on Friday.
He maintained that momentum on Saturday by opening his third round with six consecutive threes.
Two bogeys around the turn were swiftly undone by a brilliant eagle at the par-five 15th, allowing the four-time major winner to sign for another 66.
Taking a two-shot lead into Sunday marked the first time he had held the 54-hole advantage at the tournament since his infamous collapse in 2011.
Bouncing back from a final-round wobble
The final day began in disastrous fashion as his overnight advantage vanished on the very first hole.
A forced lay-up from a fairway bunker was compounded by a three-putt from under 20 feet, resulting in an opening double-bogey.
However, the world-class ball-striker demonstrated remarkable resilience to fend off challengers like Bryson DeChambeau and finally conquer his golfing Everest.
UFC superstar Conor McGregor has fought in front of a crowd for the first time since 2021, taking part in a surprise amateur boxing match at his childhood gym in Dublin on Good Friday.
The Irishman laced up his gloves for a three-round exhibition bout against local amateur Barry Nolan.
Both fighters wore protective gear during the measured contest in south Dublin.
The 37-year-old comfortably controlled the pace, rarely taking a significant shot while forcing standing eight counts in the second and third rounds.
Return to childhood roots
The venue holds deep personal significance for the former two-division UFC champion.
He began his combat sports journey at Phil Sutcliffe Sr’s facility as a youngster and regularly attends their annual holiday showcase.
Fans paid just €10 to watch the global sporting icon in action.
This is a stark contrast to his last professional outing at UFC 264, where premium tickets reached upwards of $10,000.
Overcoming major injuries
The renowned striker has not competed professionally since suffering a gruesome broken leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
His arduous road to recovery has been fraught with setbacks, including a cancelled bout against Michael Chandler due to a fractured toe.
Endless speculation and various legal issues have continually cast doubt over whether his highly anticipated comeback would ever materialise.
Before stepping through the ropes in his hometown, the polarizing athlete shared his excitement on social media.
GOOD FRIDAY! My Lord Jesus I am in awe of you! Fight day at Crumlin Boxing Club.
Imminent octagon comeback
This rare public outing provided fans with a genuine glimpse of his current physical condition and mobility.
While the former champion occasionally posts heavily edited sparring footage online, an uninterrupted exhibition offers far more authentic insight into his fitness.
The Dubliner is strongly rumoured to be headlining UFC 330 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on 11 July.
Although an official opponent remains unconfirmed, his willingness to trade blows again suggests a return to elite mixed martial arts is rapidly approaching.
Golfing great Jack Nicklaus has expressed deep concern for Tiger Woods, stating the 15-time major champion needs help following his arrest for driving under the influence in Florida last month.
The 50-year-old was detained after rolling his vehicle in Jupiter on 27 March and has since pleaded not guilty to charges including property damage.
Police officers found two hydrocodone tablets in his pocket after he refused to provide a urinalysis, despite passing a breathalyser test.
Nicklaus voices support for fellow champion
Speaking to the Palm Beach Post, the 18-time major winner admitted the wider sporting community is worried about the former world number one.
“I think he probably needs some help,” Nicklaus said.
“We all want to help him. We’re all on his side. Obviously, I feel bad for Tiger. I like Tiger. I don’t just like him, I like him a lot.”
The 85-year-old also noted the significant amount of pain medication the Californian has required during his career.
“He’s been taking painkillers for a long time. I don’t know how much pain he’s in because I just don’t know. But I don’t think he’d be taking them if he didn’t need them.”
Treatment programme and Masters absence
A Florida judge has recently approved a legal motion allowing the five-time Masters champion to travel outside the United States for an intensive medical programme.
The legendary sportsman has endured a heavily documented history of physical setbacks, undergoing seven back surgeries and rupturing his left Achilles tendon just last year.
He had previously expressed a strong desire to compete at the upcoming Masters tournament at Augusta National, which begins on 9 April.
However, the recent accident and his subsequent entry into a rehabilitation facility have ended any possibility of a return to the prestigious major.
Irish boxer Glenn Byrne has been taken to hospital for precautionary scans following a brutal seventh-round knockout defeat by William Crolla in Altrincham.
The 29-year-old was reported to be in good spirits while awaiting the results of a CT scan, having received oxygen in the ring at Planet Ice.
The super-welterweight contest was halted in the seventh round, marking the first defeat of the Dubliner’s professional career.
Referee heavily criticised after dramatic bout
The dramatic conclusion followed a punishing contest where the Irish fighter had previously dominated proceedings.
He successfully floored his English opponent three times during the second round and once more in the fifth with a precise right hand to the jaw.
Observers and the fighter’s own team expressed severe frustration that referee Ron Kearney allowed the bruising encounter to continue for so long.
A statement from JB Promotions, run by trainer and brother Jay Byrne, provided a positive health update while condemning the officiating.
“Glenn is in good spirits, chatting, laughing and joking. Just waiting on results of CT scan,” the statement read.
“Boxing is a tough, tough sport and referees like that are what ruin our sport.”
Hearn praises resilient victor
The victory improves the younger sibling of former WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla to a 10-1 professional record.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn admitted the gruelling bout was potentially career-saving for the victorious fighter.
“What you saw in there was a desperate man quite honestly fighting for his career and he just had to find a way,” Eddie Hearn stated.
“Like I said, it’s difficult to celebrate until we know Glenn Byrne is ok, but massive respect to both.”
The defeat leaves the previously unbeaten challenger with a professional record of seven wins, one draw, and one devastating loss.
British boxer Ellie Scotney will attempt to become the UK’s youngest-ever undisputed four-belt world champion when she faces Mexico’s Mayelli Flores on Easter Sunday.
The Londoner is looking to add the fourth and final super-bantamweight strap to her growing collection.
Fittingly for a bout scheduled on a major religious holiday, faith plays a central role in her professional preparation.
Spiritual support in a violent sport
The 28-year-old plans to attend church on the morning of the historic fight.
She will then be joined in her dressing room by her pastor for a final pre-fight blessing.
“I was never brought up in a religious family,” Scotney explained.
“But as a kid I would talk about God and my siblings would be like, ‘What’s this girl on?’”
The super-bantamweight star revealed that she first wandered into a church at the age of 19.
Congregation reactions and future rewards
Her current pastor has fully embraced her chosen profession, largely because his favourite film is the boxing classic Rocky.
“It’s a blessing to have that support and he’ll be coming to share a prayer,” she added.
Now represented by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, a 12th career victory would secure her a promised new car alongside sporting immortality.
However, her bruising trade often raises eyebrows among her fellow worshippers.
Bridging the gap between faith and fighting
Scotney recalled a recent incident following a bout in New York where she attended a later Sunday service.
“There was a man looking at my black eye,” the British title hopeful noted.
“I had to say, ‘Don’t worry, there’s nothing bad going on, it’s all good!'”
The prospective undisputed champion believes her congregation now fully understands the distinct divide between her gentle personal character and her aggressive in-ring persona.
The world’s leading golfers will convene at Augusta National from 9 to 12 April for the 2026 Masters as the prestigious major championship returns to Georgia.
The tournament signifies the traditional start of the elite golfing season for millions of fans across the globe.
Heading towards its centenary, the historic event continues to uphold the sporting vision established by founder Bobby Jones.
The impeccable presentation of the iconic venue has historically influenced greenkeepers worldwide to elevate the standard of their own playing surfaces.
A sanctuary of sporting tradition
Patrons returning to the course this year will experience the familiar strict etiquette that defines the season’s first major.
Mobile phones and running remain strictly prohibited across the meticulously maintained grounds.
These long-standing traditions are designed to create a tranquil environment that allows spectators to focus entirely on the golf.
The first thing that hits you at this golfing Mecca is how orderly everything is.
Veteran broadcaster Ewen Murray highlighted this unique atmosphere, noting that the calm surroundings separate the event from all other professional tournaments.
The famous Butler Cabin will once again serve as the historic setting where the newest champion is presented with the coveted Green Jacket.
The magic of Amen Corner
The legendary stretch of holes known as Amen Corner remains a focal point for both competitors and patrons.
This notoriously difficult section of the layout often proves decisive in determining who will secure major championship glory on Sunday afternoon.
With dominant storylines surrounding the sport, including Rory McIlroy’s highly publicised Grand Slam ambitions, anticipation for the 2026 edition has reached exceptional heights.