Four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson has confirmed he will refund $500,000 he allegedly paid himself shortly before his Grand Slam Track league collapsed in December 2025.
The ambitious athletics project folded after hosting just three events in Kingston, Miami and Philadelphia.
Organisers voluntarily filed for bankruptcy in the United States after cancelling the final meeting of their inaugural season.
A legal filing in Delaware by vendors accused the American of secretly paying himself the six-figure sum eight days prior to the financial collapse.
Disputed payment and reimbursement claims
Representatives for the league vehemently rejected the accusations of a secret payout, labelling them unfounded and false.
A spokesperson clarified that the 58-year-old always viewed the transaction as a reimbursement rather than a direct salary payment.
The former sprinter had previously injected $2.25m into the business in May 2025 after a major investor withdrew from a planned funding round.
“To avoid disruption and continue moving forward he and Winners Alliance have agreed to fund the $500k to the plan so that all creditors can benefit.”
Debts, athletes and future prospects
The organisation faces substantial financial hurdles, with the Association of Athletics Managers estimating debts exceeding $30m earlier this year.
Under a newly amended bankruptcy plan, athletes are projected to receive 70% of their promised prize money, while unsecured creditors may only recover around 15%.
Former world 1500m champion Josh Kerr is among the competitors affected, with legal documents indicating the British runner is owed $168,750.
World Athletics has maintained a firm stance on the matter, refusing to license any future events until all outstanding obligations from the 2025 season are settled.
The global governing body previously described attempts to restart the competition without paying athletes and vendors as unconscionable.
BBC broadcasting departure
In a separate development, the BBC confirmed there are no plans to feature the legendary athlete in its athletics coverage this year.
Representatives for the four-time Olympic gold medallist stated it was his personal decision not to renew his broadcasting contract following the Paris 2024 Games.
Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has cast doubt on a third fight with Tyson Fury, suggesting he could instead face mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel before retiring.
The Ukrainian star is scheduled to defend his world titles against kickboxing crossover Rico Verhoeven in May.
That upcoming bout represents his first ring appearance since a knockout victory over Daniel Dubois last summer.
Mandatory obligations complicate retirement plan
Earlier this month, the 38-year-old outlined a clear three-fight roadmap to conclude his illustrious career.
He initially targeted Verhoeven, the winner of an upcoming Fabio Wardley versus Dubois clash, and finally a third meeting with Fury.
However, boxing authorities are expected to order the undefeated southpaw to face German contender Kabayel following his May defence.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the two-time undisputed champion admitted his schedule remains completely flexible.
Maybe I will fight Kabayel, maybe I don’t face Tyson Fury for a third time, and I fight Kabayel instead.
I only say my plan, but that is not set in stone.
Fury insists rival will demand trilogy
Usyk secured back-to-back decision victories over his British rival during 2024 to cement his historic legacy.
Despite those definitive results, the outspoken heavyweight maintains he was unfairly treated by the judges on both occasions.
The former WBC titleholder, who returns to action against Arslanbek Makhmudov next month, believes financial motivations will eventually force a third encounter.
He’ll be begging for a trilogy by the end of the year.
There’s no one for him to fight to make any money. There’s only the GK, the big man.
England batter Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the Indian Premier League to reboot his international career and issued an apology for an alcohol-related incident during the recent Ashes series.
The 31-year-old was scheduled to represent the Delhi Capitals on a £200,000 contract but has pulled out of the upcoming franchise tournament.
This sudden withdrawal means the Nottinghamshire star now faces an automatic three-year suspension from the lucrative competition.
Apology following Australian struggles
The decision follows a dismal winter campaign down under where the tourists succumbed to a heavy 4-1 series defeat against Australia.
The opening batsman struggled for form throughout the tour and was embroiled in controversy when footage emerged of him intoxicated in Noosa.
An investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board followed the incident, which occurred during a break between Tests while the team was already 2-0 down.
“I am sorry for that incident, it was not professional and shouldn’t have happened. There is no hiding away from it.”
Ben Duckett
The left-hander explained that the previous four years of his career had been entirely focused on achieving success during this pivotal winter schedule.
Looking toward an uncertain future
Despite travelling with the squad for the recent T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, the Trent Rockets signee failed to make a single appearance.
Spending extended periods on the sidelines has prompted the seasoned professional to evaluate his long-term international prospects across all formats.
“Not playing in the World Cup, and being on the sidelines in India after such a tough Ashes series was a struggle for me.”
Ben Duckett
However, the embattled cricketer insists these recent setbacks have ignited a renewed determination to reclaim his regular starting position.
Conor McGregor has confirmed he will return to the UFC this summer, with intense speculation suggesting the Irishman will face Jorge Masvidal in Las Vegas on 11 July.
The former dual-weight champion has been absent from the octagon for nearly five years.
His last appearance ended in disaster when he suffered a severe leg break during a trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier.
However, the Dubliner took to social media to emphatically announce his impending comeback during International Fight Week.
The rumours are true. Mr. Confidence returns to save fighting again!
Masvidal emerges as clear favourite
While no official opponent has been named, supporters have quickly connected the dots following recent comments from another veteran fighter.
Former welterweight title challenger Masvidal recently revealed that the promotion blocked his request to compete on an upcoming Netflix boxing card.
The Miami native claimed executives denied the move because they have significant plans for his next appearance.
They said ‘No, we’re going to use you’ and I’ll break the news on this podcast who they want me to fight and when and where.
Social media consensus points to blockbuster showdown
Masvidal noted that he had a lucrative offer on the table but insists he is eager to fulfil his current contractual obligations.
This revelation has led numerous combat sports enthusiasts to conclude that a long-awaited clash between the two superstars is finally materialising.
Supporters correctly highlight that both men remain under contract and possess the star power required to headline the July event.
Although the matchup would have carried even more divisional relevance several years ago, it remains a highly lucrative proposition for the promotion.
Families and former champions are demanding a dedicated specialist care home for retired fighters, telling a new BBC documentary that boxing routinely fails to support its most vulnerable heroes.
The severe physical and neurological toll of the ring leaves many former athletes facing significant difficulties once the cheering stops.
In the wake of the passing of Ricky Hatton, renewed focus has been placed on the glaring lack of aftercare for those who sacrifice their health for the sport.
A steep decline from Olympic glory
Terry Spinks represents a stark example of the disparity between public adulation and private suffering.
The Londoner captured Olympic gold at the 1956 Melbourne Games to become a national phenomenon.
Despite achieving the status of a household name, the bookmaker’s son ultimately succumbed to a battle with alcoholism and severe brain injuries.
His cousin, Rosemary Elmore, sacrificed her career to support the former amateur star on a basic carer’s allowance.
Terry didn’t know me. He didn’t know anybody.
She acknowledges that not every competitor is fortunate enough to have a family safety net when their physical health deteriorates.
Campaigning for a permanent sanctuary
For many advocates, the solution lies in establishing a permanent bricks-and-mortar facility.
Former British champion Jimmy Revie is currently living with dementia at the age of 78.
His wife, Louisa, relies on local meetings with other ex-boxers to keep his spirits up.
When he goes to the meetings he comes alive because he sees all the old fighters, and they all say ‘hello Jim’ and they’re all friendly.
She is passionately backing the Ringside Charity Trust, an organisation fighting to open a 36-bed specialist care home.
The proposed facility would mirror the dedicated support structure already provided by the Jockey Club for retired jockeys.
Combating isolation after retirement
The charity currently operates a dedicated helpline to assist former athletes experiencing severe mental or physical distress.
Advocates envision a space with specialised nursing staff and tailored entertainment, including a cinema for residents to watch historic bouts.
Stephen Smith, an experienced coach and member of a prominent fighting family, believes professionals often become highly vulnerable once their careers conclude.
Your phone doesn’t go again once you retire.
He insists that implementing a structural safety net is crucial to ensuring fighters are no longer kicked to the kerb.
The United States House of Representatives passed the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act by a voice vote on Tuesday, advancing a bill that could fundamentally restructure professional boxing by allowing Unified Boxing Organizations.
The legislation will now head to the Senate before potentially reaching President Donald Trump to be signed into law.
If enacted, the bill permits the creation of Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs) as an alternative career route for fighters.
Current regulations demand a strict separation between fight promoters and the sanctioning bodies that govern rankings and titles.
Creating a unified system for fighters
The proposed reforms would allow UBOs to manage promotions, rankings, titles, and matchmaking simultaneously.
This consolidated model mirrors the operational structure currently utilised by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in mixed martial arts.
Crucially, the new legislation would only govern the boxing industry and does not extend its regulatory reach to MMA.
Prominent combat sports figures, including UFC chief executive Dana White and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, have publicly backed the initiative.
Enhanced medical safeguards and financial minimums
Supporters argue the framework provides stronger health care provisions, including mandatory physicals alongside comprehensive brain and eye testing.
The bill also stipulates a strict limit of one championship belt per weight class for each sanctioning body.
Fighters would additionally be guaranteed a minimum mandatory payment of $200 per round under the new structural provisions.
Proponents emphasise that UBOs are designed to offer an alternative opportunity rather than replacing the traditional boxing model entirely.
“My hope is, by its passage, you’re not just going to have one UBO, my hope is that you’re going to have a dozen UBOs operating, if not more, in this sport.”
Representative Brian Jack
Criticism over fighter power and monopolies
However, detractors warn the sweeping changes could erode crucial protections established by the original 1996 and 2000 Ali Act bills.
Critics argue the revised structure might transfer significant financial leverage away from athletes and back towards powerful promoters.
Sceptics within the combat sports community have accused White of pushing the legislation to mirror his tightly controlled business model through his new Zuffa Boxing venture.
The world’s premier MMA promotion has previously faced two major antitrust lawsuits from athletes alleging wage suppression and monopolisation tactics, recently settling one case for $375m.
The influential promotional executive has dismissed these monopoly concerns, echoing congressional arguments that the bill simply provides fighters with additional choices.
Justin Rose has warned it is highly possible that Jon Rahm will be unavailable for Europe in next year’s Ryder Cup due to an ongoing dispute over LIV Golf sanctions.
Rahm faces multi-million pound fines
The Spanish two-time major winner is currently at loggerheads with the DP World Tour and is appealing financial penalties reportedly exceeding £2m.
These sanctions were imposed after the former world number one participated in unauthorised events on the Saudi-backed circuit without securing the requisite permissions.
Rahm recently labelled the penalties as extortionate, but his ongoing appeal process has at least allowed him to continue competing on the European circuit in the short term.
“I think it is absolutely feasible. I think that the line in the sand has been drawn.”
Rose told the Golf Channel when asked if there is a genuine reality where Europe competes without their talismanic star.
Compromise required for New York
The 44-year-old Englishman remains hopeful that a resolution can be reached before Luke Donald’s team defends the trophy at Bethpage Black next September.
Several other players who defected from the traditional ecosystem have already committed to paying their fines or playing extra tournaments to bolster their schedules.
“I think the DP World Tour are willing to work with Jon, so it’s going to take a bit of compromise but I hope we can find that sort of common ground now.”
Tour strategy deemed reasonable
Despite his eagerness to see his Ryder Cup teammate involved, Rose understands why the governing body has taken such a hardline approach.
“From my point of view, I think that the DP World Tour stance is reasonable in terms of if you play an event opposite to one of their events, you clearly by nature are weakening their tour.”
The 2013 US Open champion admitted he has personally been fined in the past for competing elsewhere on conflicting dates.
“I feel like I’m good with the strategy because clearly they’re trying to make their tour as strong as possible, which is not an easy task.”
Former world champion Tony Bellew believes Anthony Joshua has the destructive power to defeat Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated all-British heavyweight clash.
Fury recently revealed his willingness to face his long-time domestic rival following a scheduled comeback fight next month.
Bellew insists the long-awaited showdown must happen, despite acknowledging that both men are now in the latter stages of their respective careers.
‘A travesty if it didn’t happen’
“It has to, it would be a travesty if it didn’t happen,” Bellew told Sky Sports News.
“We’ll always want the answers when it comes to Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.”
The former cruiserweight titleholder highlighted the immense commercial appeal of the Olympic gold medallist and former unified champion.
“I’m not going to lie, at this stage they’re both past their best, in my opinion,” added Bellew.
“But it’s still relevant, so were Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather when they came together.”
Tragedy, recovery and an unlikely alliance
Joshua is targeting a July return to the ring following a fatal car crash in December that tragically claimed the lives of two friends.
The Watford-born fighter has taken an unusual step in his preparation by training alongside Oleksandr Usyk.
The Ukrainian currently holds victories over both British heavyweights, having defeated each man twice.
“He’s had ups and downs in the sport, he’s going through a really tough time at the minute,” Bellew observed regarding Joshua’s recent personal trauma.
“He’s preparing diligently again under the tutelage now of Oleksandr Usyk, so that looks good.”
Contrasting paths to a potential showdown
Both heavyweights enter this potential matchup on the back of mixed recent fortunes.
The ‘Gypsy King’ is seeking to bounce back from two highly competitive, top-level defeats at the hands of Usyk.
Meanwhile, his domestic rival suffered a devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024 before returning last year to stop influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul in six rounds.
Despite these respective setbacks, Bellew remains adamant about the outcome of a potential clash.
“I’ve always said it’s going to be AJ, I think styles make fights,” he concluded.
“He’s the one with the destructive power of the two.”