Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC title against Dutch kickboxing superstar Rico Verhoeven in a highly anticipated crossover bout on 23 May.
The Ukrainian titleholder faces an unusual challenge as his opponent transitions from a decade of dominance in the Glory kickboxing promotion.
Verhoeven has only competed in one professional boxing bout prior to securing this unexpected championship opportunity.
Crossover challenge sparks debate
British bantamweight world titlist Jonathan Haggerty believes the challenger has earned his shot despite the monumental task ahead.
“He’s been a champion for years, undefeated,” Haggerty said.
“He’s just a beast of a guy really. He goes in there, demolishes people.”
The ONE Championship star acknowledged that fighting the best heavyweight on the planet will be incredibly difficult for the kickboxing specialist.
“I don’t think he’s got a chance really. Usyk’s the best in the world for a reason.”
Physicality against technical mastery
At 39 years old, the defending champion is entering the final stages of his illustrious career.
The younger Dutch challenger will attempt to use his significant physical advantages to disrupt the rhythm of the master technician.
Expert boxing trainer Peter Fury has been enlisted to help prepare the kickboxing legend for this unprecedented world title attempt.
“He is a unit, so Usyk’s just going to have to move,” Haggerty advised.
“Get stuck in, make it uncomfortable.”
Boxing world reacts
Former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith expects the technical gap between the two disciplines to be the deciding factor.
“It’s two different sports and I’d be surprised if Usyk doesn’t handily beat him,” Billam-Smith noted.
The veteran fighter admitted that while the matchup is unorthodox, it provides the kind of unique storyline that continually draws fans to the sport.
Having previously dismantled giants like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, the former undisputed cruiserweight king possesses a proven track record of neutralising larger opponents.
Former world champion Richie Woodhall praised the southpaw’s exceptional ability to counter-punch while maintaining relentless forward pressure.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has warned his squad about their damaging recent form as they prepare to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Reds welcome the Turkish giants to Anfield following a deeply frustrating 1-1 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
That result leaves the Merseyside club two points adrift of Aston Villa in the race for domestic top-four qualification.
Recent struggles have visibly affected the stadium atmosphere, with some supporters booing the team and leaving early during the weekend fixture.
Slot frustrated by recurring flaws
The Dutch tactician highlighted his side’s inability to convert chances and maintain defensive solidity as major concerns.
Despite regularly generating a higher expected goals (xG) tally than their opponents, the six-time European champions have repeatedly dropped vital points.
“Of course it is damaging but how many times has this been damaging for us this season?”
“We don’t help ourselves at all. It is so many times this season we have created much more xG or chances than the amount of goals we score.”
Slot acknowledged that a severe lack of clean sheets is hindering their ambitions to climb the Premier League table.
“Usually in the Premier League you see a lot of teams outperforming their xG but that definitely is not what we are doing.”
Szoboszlai reveals squad crisis talks
The pressure of consecutive disappointing displays has prompted urgent internal discussions among the playing staff.
Hungarian international Dominik Szoboszlai confirmed that the squad held meetings to address their deteriorating form.
“We had already a couple of weeks ago a talk between each other saying: ‘Guys we don’t have such a lot of time to do this right so we have to wake up’.”
The 24-year-old midfielder also expressed severe disappointment with the lack of support from the stands during difficult moments.
Trailing from the first leg of their round of 16 tie, the former RB Leipzig playmaker urged supporters to remain behind the team against Galatasaray.
“I don’t think it helps us also that after 80 minutes people start to go home, it doesn’t help us at all.”
“Stick with us.”
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk could seek a loan move to restart his career once the outcome of his provisional doping suspension is resolved.
The Ukrainian international remains sidelined from action at Stamford Bridge while awaiting a final regulatory verdict.
Reports indicate the wide player will look for temporary opportunities away from West London if he is cleared to return to professional football.
Such a transfer would provide the former Shakhtar Donetsk forward with vital playing time following a turbulent spell in the English top flight.
Tudor retains Tottenham interim role
Elsewhere in the capital, Igor Tudor will continue as interim head coach at Tottenham Hotspur for two crucial upcoming fixtures.
The Croatian tactician is confirmed to oversee Wednesday’s highly anticipated Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.
He will also remain in the home dugout for the pivotal Premier League encounter with Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal receive Odegaard fitness boost
Mikel Arteta has offered Arsenal supporters renewed hope regarding the recovery of influential club captain Martin Odegaard.
The Norwegian playmaker could potentially feature in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
His timely availability would provide a significant creative lift for the North London outfit as they seek major domestic silverware.
Clarke contemplates club management return
North of the border, Steve Clarke has publicly admitted he is open to receiving offers from domestic club sides.
The experienced manager’s long-term future with the Scottish national team currently hangs in the balance.
National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman says a decision on whether Russian players can compete at the 2028 World Cup of Hockey will not be rushed.
The global tournament is scheduled to take place across Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague in February 2028.
However, the participation of the national team remains highly uncertain following the country’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
International ban continues
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) currently enforces a ban on Russian teams across all age groups due to ongoing security concerns.
Bettman told reporters at the general manager meetings in Florida that the North American league is in no hurry to finalise its stance.
“We’re going to see how things develop. Time will tell,” Bettman said.
He added that without immediate urgency, executives will comfortably wait to see how geopolitical events play out.
Best-on-best debate
Excluding the European nation deprives the prestigious tournament of several marquee superstars.
Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov, and Los Angeles Kings attacker Artemi Panarin are currently among the top scorers in the sport.
The country also boasts an elite stable of goaltenders, headlined by Igor Shesterkin, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Ilya Sorokin.
Despite this undeniable talent pool, integrating these athletes into an NHL-led event presents severe diplomatic challenges.
Strong opposition from countries like Finland previously forced organisers to scrap the planned 2024 World Cup in favour of the recent four-team 4 Nations Face-Off.
Following the Olympic lead
The league is not strictly bound by IIHF rulings for its own privately run international events.
However, the executive hierarchy has indicated they will mirror the broader athletic community’s approach.
“I don’t see any need for us to weigh in separately,” Bettman confirmed during a recent news conference.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently oversaw Winter Games hockey tournaments in Milan that featured neither Russian nor Belarusian representation.
Potential pathways to return
There are subtle signs that international sports bodies are exploring a gradual reintegration of banned athletes.
Late last year, the IOC advised that youth competitors from those nations could participate under their full national identities.
Following that guidance, the IIHF is now considering allowing under-18 participation during the 2027-28 season as a first step.
NHL Players’ Association executive director Marty Walsh has publicly expressed his desire to see a true best-on-best competition return.
“They’re incredible hockey players. The issues are political. Not political as far as the NHLPA; it’s world politics we have to get through,” Walsh stated.
Brentford missed the chance to move within a point of the Premier League’s top six as they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The hosts appeared to be cruising towards a crucial victory in their unlikely pursuit of European football following early strikes from Michael Kayode and Igor Thiago.
However, a resilient fightback from the visitors, sparked by Adam Armstrong’s controversial effort and completed by substitute Tolu Arokodare, forced a share of the spoils.
Thiago celebrates call-up as hosts dominate early exchanges
Keith Andrews’ side have defied pre-season expectations to challenge the division’s elite, and they started with their trademark high intensity in west London.
Their dominance was rewarded when full-back Kayode rose highest to plant a powerful header past Jose Sa in the 22nd minute.
The advantage was doubled shortly after by the newly-capped Brazil international Thiago, who calmly rolled the ball into an empty net following excellent wide play from Dango Ouattara.
Armstrong strikes amidst backpass controversy
The momentum shifted dramatically just before the interval when Armstrong fired home a spectacular effort to halve the deficit.
The goal was shrouded in controversy, with the home side furious that an apparent backpass from Ladislav Krejci to the visiting goalkeeper went unpunished during the build-up.
Refereeing body PGMOL later clarified that the video assistant referee could not intervene because the incident occurred outside the immediate attacking phase.
Substitutes make the difference for resilient visitors
Buoyed by their lifeline, the West Midlands outfit emerged for the second half with renewed belief and began to dictate the tempo.
Armstrong nearly grabbed a second when he struck the woodwork, serving as a stark warning of the growing threat.
The equaliser eventually arrived 13 minutes from time through Arokodare, who made an instant impact to level the match just four minutes after his introduction from the bench.
The result leaves the Bees frustrated in their pursuit of Chelsea and Liverpool, while the visitors return home with a hard-earned point to boost their own campaign.
The San Francisco 49ers have signed veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk on a one-year deal worth up to $6m to further rebuild their offensive options.
The 29-year-old arrives in California after spending last season with the Houston Texans.
His addition marks the second major acquisition for the franchise in a week, following the marquee free-agent arrival of Mike Evans.
The NFC West team are currently undertaking a significant overhaul of their receiving corps.
Overhaul continues amid impending exits
General manager John Lynch has already confirmed that star playmaker Brandon Aiyuk has played his final snap for the team.
The franchise is actively exploring trade options for Aiyuk but could release him with a post-June 1 designation to spread a $29.5m salary cap hit.
Jauan Jennings remains an unrestricted free agent after failing to agree a contract extension last offseason.
Meanwhile, Kendrick Bourne has joined the Arizona Cardinals and Skyy Moore has signed for the Green Bay Packers.
Playoff pedigree and injury history
The former Arizona Cardinals draft pick endured a frustrating regular season in Texas, missing four games due to persistent hamstring issues.
However, the versatile wideout demonstrated his value during the playoffs with an eight-catch, 144-yard performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
That standout postseason display set a new franchise playoff record for the Texans.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan is expected to utilise the new signing primarily as a slot receiver, working inside Evans and Ricky Pearsall.
Looking to the NFL Draft
The experienced pass-catcher could also feature on special teams as a return specialist following Moore’s departure.
Despite securing two high-profile veterans in free agency, the Bay Area outfit remain in a strong position to further bolster their ranks.
The franchise currently possesses six picks across the opening four rounds of the upcoming NFL Draft in April.
Brentford striker Igor Thiago has received his maiden senior call-up for Brazil ahead of their March friendlies in the United States, while Chelsea winger Estevao has been omitted.
The uncapped forward is enjoying a phenomenal campaign under manager Keith Andrews.
He has scored 19 goals in 30 league appearances so far this season.
That impressive tally leaves the frontman second only to Erling Haaland in the scoring charts.
His remarkable domestic form recently earned the goalscorer a lucrative contract extension last month.
Estevao and Neymar miss out
Carlo Ancelotti has opted to leave several high-profile names out of his latest Selecao squad.
Chelsea’s Estevao misses the cut having only recently returned to fitness following a hamstring injury.
Veteran attacker Neymar is also a notable absentee from the travelling party.
The former Paris St-Germain star has struggled for both form and fitness since undergoing major knee surgery in December.
An experimental squad for March friendlies
This upcoming international break represents the final training camp before the summer’s World Cup.
The five-time world champions will face France and Croatia in two exhibition matches across the Atlantic.
Despite lacking any prior experience in the national youth setup, the in-form Brentford talisman will hope to make his international debut.
He is joined by Bournemouth’s Rayan, Flamengo defender Leo Pereira and Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara, who are all seeking their first caps.
Endrick returns alongside Premier League contingent
Lyon loanee Endrick has earned a recall following a resurgence in French football.
The 21-year-old initially struggled after joining Real Madrid in 2024, but has since netted six times in 12 outings for his new club.
A strong Premier League contingent remains involved, with Chelsea duo Andrey Santos and Joao Pedro making the trip.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro will provide vital experience to the ranks.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli completes the English-based selections, though the winger faces stiff competition from Vinicius Jr for a starting berth.
England manager Thomas Tuchel will announce his squad on Friday for the upcoming World Cup warm-up friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley.
The announcement, scheduled for 10:00 GMT, serves as a crucial indicator of the national team’s direction ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Widespread changes are not anticipated, with highly-rated teenagers Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha expected to be omitted despite recent domestic speculation.
However, the right side of defence presents a significant dilemma for the head coach following a fresh injury blow to Reece James.
Defensive reshuffle and Alexander-Arnold’s return
Chelsea captain James is sidelined with another hamstring issue, which Blues manager Liam Rosenior confirmed will keep him out for several weeks.
This unfortunate setback for the injury-prone defender opens the door for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has returned to fitness following his own struggles in Spain.
The Real Madrid full-back has found it difficult to convince the German tactician previously, but his recent starts in La Liga make him incredibly difficult to ignore.
Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento and Tottenham Hotspur’s Djed Spence, who recently impressed against Liverpool, are also vying for inclusion on the right flank.
Midfield battles and defensive contenders
In the middle of the park, Bournemouth prospect Alex Scott is making a strong case for a recall after earning a spot in the squad just three months ago.
The fearless playmaker provides exceptional progressive passing, offering stiff competition to established names like Declan Rice and Elliott Anderson.
Elsewhere, Lewis Hall is fiercely challenging Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly for the starting left-back role.
At the heart of the defence, Jarell Quansah’s eye-catching performances for Bayer Leverkusen have significantly boosted his chances of selection.
The central defender will compete against the returning John Stones and Manchester United stalwart Harry Maguire, who is targeting a dramatic international recall.
Goalkeeping hierarchy remains stable
Between the posts, Everton’s Jordan Pickford remains the undisputed first choice despite a recent high-profile error against Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsdale is heavily tipped to retain his spot as the third-choice goalkeeper after securing regular domestic minutes.