Australia’s Liam Paro has claimed the IBF welterweight title with a unanimous points victory over Belfast’s Lewis Crocker at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old challenger earned a 115-113 decision across all three judges’ scorecards following a gruelling contest on home soil.

By securing this victory, the Queensland native becomes the first Australia-born boxer since Jeff Fenech to conquer the world in multiple weight divisions.

He previously held the organisation’s light-welterweight belt before stepping up to dethrone the reigning 147lb champion.

Late drama in Brisbane

The former titleholder from Northern Ireland was making the maiden defence of the crown he captured in his home city last September.

Despite a strong start to his reign, the 29-year-old ultimately suffered the first professional defeat of his 23-fight career.

The defending champion appeared incredibly close to forcing a dramatic late stoppage as he pressed forward relentlessly in the closing rounds.

However, he could not find the decisive finishing blow against a reeling opponent who demonstrated immense heart to survive the onslaught.

Historic milestone achieved

Joining an elite club of multi-weight Australian champions marks a significant milestone for the newly crowned titleholder.

His professional record now stands at 28 victories and just a single defeat, cementing his status at the pinnacle of the sport.

Meanwhile, the defeated Belfast fighter must now return to the drawing board to rebuild after losing his prized undefeated status.

Heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk could retire from boxing by the end of the week if a commercial agreement for his mandatory title defence cannot be reached.

The Ukrainian recently retained his belts following a controversial stoppage victory over kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven last month.

An appeal from the Dutchman over the timing of the penultimate-round stoppage was ultimately unsuccessful.

Negotiations are now officially underway for a bout against mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel.

Commercial structure demanded for title defence

Sergey Lapin, advisor to the undefeated champion, has warned that his fighter could hang up his gloves if the financial package is inadequate.

“Agit Kabayel is an excellent fighter, a worthy champion and a man we respect,” Lapin explained.

“There is nothing personal here, but fights of this magnitude are not made through social media or public pressure.”

The advisor stressed that the two-weight world champion has already secured his legendary status in the sport.

Clarity expected by the end of the week

“A serious offer, backed by serious people, the right commercial structure, broadcasters and site fee support, is how the biggest fights in the world are made,” added Lapin.

“If there is no serious commercial structure behind the fight, then it becomes difficult to justify.”

A final decision on the future of the celebrated fighter is expected within days.

“A decision will be made by the end of this week, and everyone will know where we stand,” Lapin stated.

“It is possible that fans have already seen him in the ring for the last time.”

Fifteen-time major champion Tiger Woods has made his first public appearance since his arrest in March, introducing incoming PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp at a news conference in Connecticut.

The 50-year-old flew to Hartford this week for a board meeting where significant alterations to the sport’s future competitive model were officially approved.

He recently returned to the United States after seeking treatment in Switzerland following his arrest on a driving under the influence charge in Florida.

PGA Tour structural changes approved

The golf icon serves as chairman of the Future Competition Committee, a group which laid the groundwork for a revamped postseason and new tournament tiers starting in 2028.

Reading from a prepared statement on Tuesday, the former world number one declined to take questions from the media but remained in the room to watch the proceedings.

He later returned to the stage as it was confirmed Rolapp will succeed the retiring Jay Monahan as commissioner at the end of the year.

“I think having Tiger involved was a tremendous asset and a privilege,” Rolapp said.

Background to the recent absence

The incoming chief executive praised the veteran golfer’s invaluable insight, widespread respect, and tremendous leadership throughout the ongoing consultation process.

The legendary American was arrested on suspicion of DUI and refusing a lawful test on 27 March after his vehicle clipped a trailer and rolled onto its side.

According to the arrest affidavit, authorities discovered two hydrocodone pills in his pocket at the scene.

He has subsequently entered a not guilty plea to the misdemeanour charges.

Shaping the future of the sport

Despite his ongoing off-course issues, the influential player remains deeply committed to reforming the professional game.

“We have to look forward and beyond today and over the horizon to set up the PGA Tour and our sport for the future generations of players and fans,” Woods stated.

Fellow committee member Maverick McNealy believes having such a prominent figurehead involved was crucial in persuading the wider membership to support the proposed direction.

“He doesn’t move the needle in golf. He is the needle,” McNealy added.

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has compared England youngster Henry Pollock to Springboks captain Siya Kolisi ahead of their meeting in Johannesburg next week.

The 21-year-old back-row forward is set to feature against the reigning world champions at Ellis Park in the Nations Championship opener on Saturday, 4 July.

Despite earning early international and British and Irish Lions recognition, his on-field antics have drawn harsh criticism from some quarters in South Africa.

Defending the ‘TikTok dancer’

Former World Cup winner Schalk Burger recently labelled the exciting talent a “TikTok dancer” who only plays rugby on the weekends.

Speaking after the Gallagher Premiership final, the English prospect admitted he was confused by the intense public scrutiny.

However, Springboks boss Erasmus believes the attention is a natural consequence of his profile, drawing a direct parallel with double World Cup-winning skipper Kolisi.

He’s like Siya. People make a big deal about certain players, but I don’t always think the players themselves want that attention.

What counts is what they do on the field, and recently, he’s been doing that. If I were coaching him, I’d only look at his output, and that has been exceptional.

England seek redemption after Six Nations slump

Steve Borthwick’s side arrive in South Africa desperate to halt a slide of four consecutive defeats that saw them finish fifth in the Six Nations.

The crucial clash precedes a demanding summer schedule featuring further Tests against Fiji and Argentina.

Hooker Jamie George takes on the captaincy for the tour, while talismanic lock Maro Itoje has been rested.

Erasmus anticipates a fierce challenge from an English squad balancing youth with the experience of their 2023 World Cup semi-final run.

Tactically, Steve is someone who works with numbers and chases trends, and that’s always difficult to prepare against.

If I say we know exactly what they’ll do next Saturday, I’d be lying.

England captain Ben Stokes and seamer Gus Atkinson will return for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand, but Ollie Robinson has been omitted.

The returning skipper and his fast-bowling team-mate missed the heavy 253-run defeat in the second Test while serving a one-match suspension.

Both players were unavailable due to a Cricket Regulator investigation into a team curfew breach, but have since been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Robinson overlooked despite rapid recovery

The decision to leave out Robinson is a significant talking point heading into the decisive match.

The highly skilled seamer claimed brilliant match figures of 7-77 during the series opener at Lord’s, a performance that included a devastating triple-wicket maiden in his first over.

However, the 32-year-old was sidelined for the second Test with knee soreness and fails to regain his spot despite being declared fully fit for selection.

Pace duo Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue have instead retained their places in an intimidating bowling attack.

Smith and Bashir bolster the ranks

Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith resumes his role behind the stumps after returning from paternity leave, replacing promising debutant James Rew.

Spinner Shoaib Bashir also comes back into the starting XI at the expense of Matt Fisher as the hosts look to bounce back from their previous drubbing.

Batter Jordan Cox makes way to accommodate his captain’s return at number seven after earning his first Test cap at The Oval.

Head coach Brendon McCullum will be hoping the restored leadership dynamic can inspire a crucial victory against the formidable tourists.

England XI for the third Test against New Zealand:

The PGA Tour has approved a dramatic restructuring of its schedule to create a concurrent two-tier tournament system starting in 2028.

The Future Competition Committee’s sweeping recommendations were ratified by the policy board during meetings in Connecticut on Monday.

Under the newly adopted model, the American golf circuit will run a premier Championship Series alongside a developmental Challenger Series.

Golfers competing in the lower tier will battle for promotion to the top track, with an immediate in-season elevation awarded for securing two victories.

Lucrative signature events and larger fields

The elite Championship Series will feature up to 24 premier events running from February through August.

This top tier incorporates 16 signature events, the four major championships, The Players Championship, and biennial team competitions like the Ryder Cup.

Each signature tournament will guarantee a minimum prize fund of $20m (£15.7m) and feature increased average field sizes of 120 players.

A traditional 36-hole cut will be implemented across these marquee events, restricting weekend play to the top 65 players and ties.

Meritocracy and long-term stability

At the conclusion of the season, the top 90 players on the Championship Series points list will automatically retain their playing rights.

They will be joined by 20 newly promoted qualifiers from the Challenger Series, ensuring a steady influx of fresh talent.

These radical reforms arrive as the traditional establishment continues to counter the financial threat and calendar disruption posed by the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league.

“The result is a new competitive model grounded in meritocracy, with clearer pathways, higher stakes and more consistency when the best players compete together.”

PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp confirmed the focus will now shift to finalising the intricate logistical details before the 2028 launch.

Woods backs sweeping reforms

Tiger Woods, who serves as chairman of the Future Competition Committee, believes the blueprint secures the long-term health of the sport.

“This work was bigger than any one player or person — it was about designing the strongest possible version of the PGA Tour for the future generations of fans and players.”

The 15-time major champion added that the primary focus was delivering an enhanced experience for spectators while guaranteeing stability for corporate partners.

Captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have returned to the England squad for Thursday’s third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge after facing no further action over a London nightclub incident.

The hosts head to Nottingham desperate to secure a series victory following a difficult Ashes campaign.

This decider comes immediately after a crushing defeat in the second Test where the team struggled without their influential skipper.

McCullum relationship under scrutiny

The dynamic between the team’s head coach and his captain remains a major talking point ahead of the crucial fixture.

Brendon McCullum previously expressed deep concern for the 35-year-old all-rounder during his recent absence from the squad.

However, Durham chief executive Tim Bostock stated he was bemused by the New Zealander’s assessment after the player featured for his county.

The former Black Caps wicketkeeper confirmed the captain’s return following the recent heavy loss and expressed optimism about their working relationship.

“I anticipate we’ll be able to work together really well in the week coming and I’m sure that both of us have that same vision for this cricket team.”

The returning skipper is scheduled to address the media on Wednesday as the squad begins their training preparations.

Board tensions linger from Bristol

This recent disciplinary scare has reignited discussions about the player’s historic friction with the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Trust issues between the talismanic leader and the hierarchy stem back to the infamous 2017 Bristol nightclub altercation that nearly ended his international career.

Neither ECB chief executive Richard Gould nor chair Richard Thompson have made public statements regarding this latest off-field controversy.

Officials have maintained that the 2019 World Cup winner was never asked to resign from his leadership position during the investigation.

Former heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have signed contracts for a highly anticipated November bout, with both fighters set for summer warm-ups before the mega-fight.

The historic all-British clash will be broadcast globally on Netflix, finally bringing a decade-long rivalry to the ring.

“Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ v Fury is on!” Matchroom boxing chief Eddie Hearn confirmed on social media.

Summer hurdles before the main event

Before the long-awaited showdown, the heavyweight duo must first navigate separate interim bouts.

The Watford-born Olympic gold medallist will face Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on 25 July.

Meanwhile, the Morecambe-based fighter is scheduled for an appearance in Dublin on 1 August.

An official announcement for the blockbuster clash could take place in the ring immediately following the Riyadh card.

Overcoming tragedy out of the ring

It has been a turbulent period for the 34-year-old former unified champion.

He has not boxed since defeating Jake Paul in Miami last December.

That victory was quickly followed by personal tragedy when a car crash in Nigeria claimed the lives of two close friends.

“Now I know the fight is signed and sealed, he’s more than welcome to step in the ring and he’ll be the last hurdle of 2026,” he stated recently on Matchroom’s social channels.

A blunt retirement ultimatum

His undefeated domestic rival has been equally vocal about his desire to make the fight happen.

After securing a routine decision victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, the towering heavyweight delivered a strict ultimatum.

“If it ain’t Anthony Joshua next, I’m not interested in boxing. I’ll eat a thousand Easter eggs, go up to 35 stone,” he declared.

Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has also publicly confirmed the deal is complete.

With terms finally agreed, the sport now waits to see if both men emerge unscathed from their summer commitments.