Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have postponed their professional boxing rematch until at least 2027 following contract disputes and a multi-million dollar lawsuit.
The two boxing greats had originally agreed to face off on 19 September at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
That lucrative contest was scheduled to be broadcast live globally on streaming platform Netflix.
However, representatives for the Filipino fighter announced on Friday that the highly anticipated event is indefinitely on hold.
A statement released by his camp placed the blame firmly on their opponent’s financial and legal entanglements.
“A volatile mix of federal lawsuits, scheduling overbooks, and financial gridlock completely surrounding the Mayweather camp [caused the postponement].”
Lawsuits and financial disputes derail event
Events company CSI launched legal action against the undefeated American last week to recover at least $4.65m (£3.52m).
The lawsuit alleges they paid the 49-year-old for exclusive rights to promote both this rematch and an exhibition bout against Mike Tyson which failed to materialise.
Consequently, an upcoming exhibition contest for the American against Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis in Athens has also been cancelled after CSI sought an injunction.
Exhibition pivot and historic rivalry
The 47-year-old Pacquiao’s team noted that should the ongoing legal disputes be settled out of court, promoters will likely pivot their focus.
They suggested the immediate goal would be rescheduling the delayed exhibition between their former rival and Tyson for 12 September.
Both headlining men share a storied history, having previously fought in 2015 during a bout billed as the ‘Fight of the Century’.
The American emerged victorious on that occasion, securing a wide unanimous decision in Nevada.
Since retiring from professional boxing in 2017 after defeating Conor McGregor, the 50-0 fighter has participated in several exhibition bouts.
Meanwhile, the eight-weight world champion officially retired in 2021 before returning last year to fight Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title.
Ireland secured their first-ever victory against India in any format by claiming a historic 34-run win in the opening T20 international at Stormont on Friday.
Prior to this landmark encounter, the reigning world champions had dominated the fixture by winning all eight of the previous meetings between the two nations.
However, the hosts produced a magnificent display in Belfast to defend a total of 182-9 and bowl the tourists out for 148.
Tucker and Delaney lead the charge
Captain Lorcan Tucker led by example with a vital half-century, hitting 50 from 36 balls including two massive sixes.
The skipper shared a crucial fifth-wicket partnership of 64 with Gareth Delaney to rescue the innings after an early wobble.
Delaney smashed an explosive 49 from just 32 deliveries to help set a formidable target of 183 for the visitors.
Bowlers dismantle world champions
In reply, Shreyas Iyer’s side struggled to build momentum as they lost wickets at regular intervals.
Matt Hollard delivered an impressive spell of 3-28 to remove Ishan Kishan, the visiting captain, and Washington Sundar.
Abhisek Sharma provided fierce resistance for the tourists, hammering 49 runs off a mere 20 deliveries.
His dangerous knock was ended when Ben Calitz took a deep catch off the bowling of Liam McCarthy, leaving the chasing side reeling at 80-4.
Matthew Humphreys then took centre stage to wrap up the tail, finishing with superb figures of 3-38.
The left-arm spinner dismissed both Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh in the penultimate over to seal the landmark result.
Sooryavanshi misses out
Meanwhile, much-anticipated 15-year-old batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was surprisingly omitted from the starting lineup, leaving expectant local fans disappointed.
The two sides will meet again in the final match of the short two-game series, where the home side will now aim for an unlikely overall victory.
Oleksandr Usyk has officially vacated his four world heavyweight titles while confirming he will not retire from boxing just yet.
The Ukrainian fighter relinquished his WBC, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine belts on Friday afternoon.
Despite walking away from his unified crown, the undefeated champion insisted that a final bout in the sport is still to come.
Future plans remain unconfirmed
Speculation had mounted regarding a potential exit from the ring following his unprecedented success in the marquee division.
However, the former cruiserweight kingpin made it entirely clear that he plans to lace up his gloves at least once more.
My last dance is still to come.
Historic heavyweight legacy
The undefeated southpaw etched his name into boxing history when he conquered the global heavyweight landscape.
Relinquishing the gold ends an incredible reign that saw him unify two separate weight classes during a flawless professional career.
Supporters will now eagerly await the official announcement regarding the Olympic gold medallist’s highly anticipated farewell appearance.
South Korea’s Ina Yoon fired a record-equalling nine-under-par 63 to establish a two-stroke lead after the opening round of the Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine.
The 23-year-old, who is still searching for her maiden LPGA Tour victory, matched the lowest single-round score in the tournament’s history.
She shares the championship scoring record with Nelly Korda, who achieved the feat in 2021, and Patty Sheehan in 1984.
A blistering finish proved crucial, as the world number 39 birdied five of her final six holes to surge clear of the field.
‘Awesome experience’ puts Yoon in control
Despite the magnitude of her achievement, the early tournament leader remained remarkably grounded.
“I just hit the golf ball and it just dropped in the hole and it was really an awesome experience.”
She explained that a disciplined mental approach helped her navigate the demanding prairie-style course.
“Just try to think nothing, focus on what I need to do and focus on the process.”
Australian Karis Davidson emerged as her closest challenger, carding a career-best 65 to sit alone in second place.
The 27-year-old rolled in eight birdies during a calm afternoon session to trail the leader by two strokes.
Korda begins historic pursuit as British hopes fade
World number one Korda remains firmly in the mix after signing for a two-under-par 70.
The American is attempting to become only the third woman in history to win the first three major championships of a single season.
However, it was a frustrating opening day for the leading English contenders in Minnesota.
Amateur standout Lottie Woad sits nine shots adrift of the lead following a level-par opening round.
Meanwhile, Charley Hull faces an uphill battle after finishing 10 strokes behind the blistering pace set by the South Korean pacesetter.
American Alexa Pano and South Korea’s A Lim Kim are tied for third at five under, safely tucked in behind the leading duo.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn says he has never been more confident that Anthony Joshua will defeat British rival Tyson Fury when the two heavyweights finally meet in their anticipated November bout.
The blockbuster clash has been signed and is earmarked for later this year.
A finalised date and location are yet to be formally confirmed.
The two-time world champion is currently preparing for a warm-up contest against Kristian Prenga on 25 July.
To ensure he is in peak condition, the Watford-born boxer has notably been training alongside former opponent Oleksandr Usyk.
Training camp boosts confidence
This unexpected alliance with the Ukrainian unified champion has left his promoter supremely optimistic about the upcoming all-British showdown.
“Fury’s a tremendous fighter, very clever. I’ve just always felt that AJ beats Tyson Fury.”
“And now, with his training camp with Usyk and the way he just seems and how focused he is, I just think that I’ve never been more confident that he wins the fight.”
“But it’s not going to be easy because Fury’s a great competitor and a great fighter.”
Warm-up bouts carry significant risk
The self-styled ‘Gypsy King’ has also indicated his desire to take a tune-up fight before facing his compatriot.
However, the Morecambe-based heavyweight is yet to announce an opponent or finalise a date for his own interim appearance.
Hearn previously acknowledged that a shock defeat for either man in these preparatory contests would ruin the long-awaited super-fight.
There also appear to be lingering financial hurdles regarding the northern fighter’s interim bout.
Financial frustrations remain
“Unfortunately, Tyson Fury’s used to earning a lot of money and perhaps the purse that has been suggested is not one that he’s very happy about.”
“But really, no one really wants the fight for him, so you’ve got to kind of decide the money is what it is.”
“Do you want to do it or do you not want to do it now? He wants to be in training camp, he wants to be active, and I understand all that, but it’s not really our business.”
For now, the Matchroom Boxing camp remains entirely focused on navigating their July assignment unscathed.
Rory McIlroy has given a positive verdict on the newly altered Royal Birkdale course as he steps up preparations for next month’s Open Championship in Southport.
The Northern Irishman visited the Merseyside venue to scout its layout ahead of the historic major tournament, which begins on 16 July.
The 37-year-old finished tied for fourth the last time the Open was held at Birkdale in 2017, ending seven shots behind eventual champion Jordan Spieth.
During his reconnaissance trip, the six-time major winner spoke with Sir Nick Faldo about the recent modifications to the famous links.
Adapting to a new challenge
“I’ve always thought Birkdale is one of the best on the Open rota, so excited to be back.”
“It’s good. A little bit different from 2017, the last time we played an Open here. Some different green complexes, different holes.”
The reigning Masters champion highlighted specific alterations that will heavily test the world’s best golfers.
“The fifth hole I just played is completely different. I like it. A good driveable par four. A bit of a penalty if you go for it and miss.”
“I don’t know if the water is quite in play on the right but a lot of big deep bunkers guarding the green.”
Links preparation in Scotland
Before targeting a second Claret Jug, the former world number one will compete in the Genesis Scottish Open.
He previously won the event in 2023 and secured a runner-up finish last year, making it a crucial and familiar part of his schedule.
“I am going to play the Scottish Open so it will be nice to get a few reps in, get a card in my hand, do all that.”
“It’s good to get up here and play early. I’ve been trying to do that at every major championship, which is working out for me.”
This early preparation strategy has clearly paid dividends this season, following his stunning back-to-back victories at Augusta National in April.
Although he struggled to a tie for 32nd at last week’s US Open, an earlier top-10 finish at the PGA Championship proves his game remains in formidable shape.
Saracens academy player Totoa Auvaa will face no formal disciplinary action from his club following a nightclub altercation that briefly cost England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson their Test places.
The 21-year-old Samoan back-row was involved in a late-night incident during the early hours of 8 June.
He reportedly threw a punch aimed at fast bowler Atkinson, which missed and instead struck an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) security guard.
Security Staff Member Declines Police Action
The staff member required stitches for the resulting injury but chose not to escalate the matter to the authorities.
Following the initial news of the altercation, Stokes and Atkinson were immediately stood down from England’s second Test match against New Zealand.
The national team captain and his Surrey team-mate faced an immediate disciplinary investigation regarding a potential breach of strict team protocols.
Independent Regulator Finds Insufficient Evidence
The independent Cricket Regulator subsequently reviewed the clash and found insufficient evidence to formally charge the international duo.
A parallel ECB investigation also cleared the cricketers of any major wrongdoing, paving the way for their swift return to action.
Despite avoiding match bans, the players did receive written conduct warnings for contravening specific contractual obligations.
They were immediately recalled to the senior squad and are currently participating in the ongoing third Test.
Premiership Club Closes the Case
Following the conclusion of the cricket authorities’ investigations, Saracens conducted their own internal review into the rugby prospect’s behaviour.
The Premiership side released a statement confirming they would not be penalising the forward and consider the issue entirely resolved.
Whilst the events that occurred in the early hours of Monday, 8 June are regrettable for all parties involved, the club remains supportive of the player concerned.
Having thoroughly reviewed the matter, the club has concluded that no further action is required and now considers the matter closed.
Former two-division champion Conor McGregor has promised a clinical demolition of Max Holloway when he makes his long-awaited UFC return in Las Vegas on 11 July.
The 37-year-old will step into the octagon at UFC 329 for a welterweight showdown, ending a five-year absence from the sport.
He has not competed since suffering a broken leg during a first-round defeat to long-time rival Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
A planned comeback against Michael Chandler two years ago was ultimately derailed by a training injury.
Targeting a spectacular comeback
Despite the lengthy hiatus, the Irishman insists he is fully prepared to make up for lost time in Nevada.
Speaking to former American football player Nate Burleson, the Dublin-born fighter confidently predicted a devastating finish.
“It’s going to be a demolition. I know the damage he has taken.”
“I know I will just have to touch him, and after that, it will be clinical. A win alone is not just enough. It must be spectacular and that is what it will be.”
Revisiting a decade-old rivalry
Next month’s headline clash will be the second time these two renowned strikers have traded blows.
They previously met early in their respective promotional careers back in 2013, with McGregor securing a unanimous decision victory in Boston.
Since that initial encounter, the Hawaiian veteran has captured both the undisputed featherweight championship and the ceremonial ‘BMF’ title.
However, the former dual-weight champion remains unconvinced by his upcoming opponent’s evolution inside the cage.
“Is he really? I do not really see it. I do not really see vast improvements.”
“In fact, the improvements he made was after the fight he had with me where he adopted some of my moves. Then what did he do? He went on to win the world title.”
Future welterweight ambitions
Looking beyond July, the controversial striker plans to remain highly active in the 170lb division.
He remains open to launching a renewed title run and has welcomed a potential future match-up with lightweight contender Justin Gaethje.
“For sure I have it in me to make a title run. I am a 170lb fighter now. I have already held the 155lb, unified, UFC world title.”
“I am open for business. I wish for activity. I have got a great fight in front of me.”