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.
Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has revealed that Ruben Amorim was sacked as manager because of an unwavering refusal to adapt his tactical approach.
The Portuguese coach was dismissed in January after a 14-month tenure defined by a stubborn commitment to the 3-4-3 system that previously brought him success at Sporting Lisbon.
Despite a massive summer investment bringing more than £200m of attacking talent to Old Trafford, the 41-year-old struggled to replicate his earlier managerial achievements.
Lack of adaptability
Speaking at the Financial Times Weekend Festival in New York, Berrada explained that the former Sporting boss failed due to a lack of flexibility rather than a deficit in tactical knowledge or ability.
“The coach came in mid-season with no pre-season to prepare, and under constant scrutiny, he held onto his ideas too tightly at exactly the point when adapting mattered most.”
The club hierarchy had originally paid a £10m compensation fee to hire the highly-rated tactician following the departure of Erik ten Hag in October 2024.
Historically poor results
A disastrous domestic campaign eventually culminated in the Red Devils recording their worst ever Premier League finish by ending the season in 15th place.
This dismal league form was compounded by a devastating defeat in the Europa League final and a dire run of five losses in six games during a turbulent December.
Following a frustrating 1-1 draw against Leeds United, the beleaguered manager publicly criticised his own level of authority before ultimately losing his job.
During his fraught spell, the increasingly embattled coach even generated sensational headlines by openly declaring he was leading the worst United team in history.
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky has confirmed his intention to remain in north London and fight for the starting spot amid ongoing negotiations over a new long-term contract.
The 23-year-old recently withdrew from the Czech Republic’s World Cup squad to undergo a minor medical procedure.
This proactive decision ensures the promising shot-stopper will be fully fit for the start of the new Premier League campaign.
His commitment follows a dramatic end to the previous season, where Roberto De Zerbi’s side narrowly secured top-flight survival on the final day against Everton.
Stepping out of the shadows
Spurs’ current first-choice keeper, Guglielmo Vicario, is widely expected to depart the club this summer.
The Italian missed the final seven matches of the campaign following hernia surgery, providing an unexpected opportunity for his understudy.
It represents a significant turnaround in fortunes for the young Czech international.
He was previously substituted just 17 minutes into his Champions League debut against Atletico Madrid in March.
Preparing for a preseason battle
“It’s a challenge; I’ll be fighting for a spot during preseason. Negotiations are underway with the club about what the future might hold. I’m interested in staying and fighting for my place because the English league is great,” Kinsky told Czech outlet Olympijsky Tym.
Competition for the starting role is set to intensify over the coming weeks.
Veteran goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is scheduled to arrive on a free transfer in July following the expiration of his Burnley contract.
The north London outfit also maintain a longstanding interest in Manchester City prospect James Trafford.
Self-belief driving ambition
Despite the impending arrivals, the Tottenham hierarchy appear willing to offer their current prospect a genuine opportunity to claim the primary role.
“Whether I’ll be the starter or the backup is something the coach will decide. In my mind, I’ve always been the No1, even when I was on the bench. I’ll take the same approach now, and I believe it’ll work out.”
The New York Mets sacked manager Carlos Mendoza on Friday after a disastrous 34-47 start to the season left the heavily-funded franchise reeling.
Former San Diego Padres boss Andy Green will immediately step in as interim manager for the remainder of the current campaign.
The decisive move follows a devastating run of six consecutive defeats that pushed the club further to the bottom of the standings.
‘Change is necessary’
Mendoza was in his third season at the helm, but a club option to extend his stay into 2027 was ultimately ignored.
“Carlos has led the organization with passion and grace and is beloved by everyone who works with him on a daily basis,” said president of baseball operations David Stearns.
“Unfortunately, we know we are falling short and change is necessary to move forward.”
A costly collapse in form
The 46-year-old tactician originally enjoyed huge success in 2024, miraculously guiding the team to the National League Championship Series during his debut year.
However, his sophomore campaign proved disastrous as the Queens-based outfit collapsed over the final three months to miss the play-offs entirely.
That nightmare form has carried into the current season, with the struggling squad fielding one of the most unproductive offenses in the sport.
This prolonged slump is especially glaring given their colossal wage bill, which currently stands as the second-most expensive in Major League Baseball behind only the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves has revealed he continues to send messages to the late Diogo Jota in a WhatsApp group, almost a year after the former Liverpool forward tragically died in a car crash.
Jota was killed at the age of 28 on 3 July 2025 when his vehicle crashed in the Spanish province of Zamora following a tyre blowout.
The devastating accident also claimed the life of his brother, Andre Silva, leaving the football community in mourning.
Speaking to Portuguese television network SIC, Neves explained how he uses an archived chat to cope with the immense grief of losing a close friend.
Coping with a devastating loss
The 29-year-old shared a dressing room with the attacker at Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as on the international stage.
“I still talk to him,” Neves told the Alta Definição programme.
“We have a WhatsApp group with Rute and Diogo, and it’s still there, and we continue to talk there.”
“Whenever something special happens, I have the conversations archived on my WhatsApp so I can continue to send him messages.”
The Portuguese international described the morning after learning of the tragic news as the most difficult day of his life.
Honouring a fallen team-mate
The poignant admission comes as Roberto Martinez’s national squad prepare to honour their departed colleague at this summer’s World Cup in North America.
Players are wearing commemorative wristbands featuring the names of the 26-man squad alongside the beloved forward.
Portugal Prime Minister Luis Montenegro personally presented the tributes to the team prior to the tournament.
Paris St-Germain midfielder Vitinha recently highlighted the emotional significance of the gesture ahead of a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A heartbreaking anniversary
The painful milestone arrives shortly after Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, marked what would have been their first wedding anniversary.
The couple married on 22 June last year after more than a decade together, welcoming three children before the tragedy struck.
Taking to Instagram, Cardoso shared moving footage of the wedding speech delivered by her late husband.
“Where the future takes us, maybe there’s someone here who knows better than I do,” the former Reds attacker said in the video.
“But the truth is, I don’t know and it doesn’t really matter to me as long as I’m with you.”
A series of controversial Video Assistant Referee decisions at the World Cup has left supporters and managers questioning the consistency of the technology.
Following a week of highly debated incidents, fans appear increasingly bewildered about when officials will intervene in matches.
Contentious moments involving Ghana, Brazil, and Germany have made it difficult to predict the exact threshold for video reviews at this tournament.
Premier League comparisons and statistical trends
Statistical data reveals that the review system at the international showpiece is currently operating at similar frequencies to the English top flight.
The World Cup averages 0.28 interventions per game, sitting marginally lower than the 0.29 seen in England last season.
When assessing subjective interventions where the on-field official consults the pitch-side monitor, the global tournament stands at 0.17 per match compared to the Premier League’s 0.15.
Pierluigi Collina, Fifa’s head of referees, wants to encourage free-flowing football and acknowledges that not all contact constitutes a foul in a physical sport.
The struggle for a consistent threshold
Allowing stronger challenges to go unpunished forces the technology to adjust its parameters, making the sweet spot for identifying a clear and obvious error much harder to find.
European club competitions operate with a significantly lower threshold for interference, meaning officials intervene far more frequently to create an illusion of consistency.
The Champions League averages 0.47 interventions per game, utilising a strict interpretation of handball rules that leaves little room for subjectivity.
High-profile incidents spark managerial frustration
Controversy peaked on Tuesday when Ghana were denied a penalty following Ezri Konsa’s clumsy challenge on Prince Kwabena Adu during a goalless draw with England.
“VAR went for a coffee.”
That was the scathing verdict delivered by the African nation’s coach, Carlo Queiroz, after the surprising decision not to review the tackle.
Just 24 hours later, the high bar for intervention appeared drastically lowered when Brazil had a strike ruled out against Scotland.
Subjective calls continue to divide opinion
Vinicius Jr was penalised for an alleged foul on Jack Hendry in a 3-0 victory, though replays suggested the Scottish defender had actually kicked the South American attacker.
“I think Scotland are a little fortunate to be honest. There is a little contact before the ball is played but I don’t really feel that it’s a foul.”
Former tournament assistant referee Darren Cann expressed his surprise at the disallowed goal during BBC’s Match of the Day broadcast.
The inconsistencies continued on Thursday when Leroy Sane’s early effort for Germany was allowed to stand in a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador.
Alexandar Pavlovic clearly caught Pedro Vite in the head with a high boot during the build-up, yet the goal remained valid despite the seemingly obvious infringement.