Undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue will defend his titles against unbeaten compatriot Junto Nakatani at the Tokyo Dome on 2 May.
The highly anticipated all-Japanese showdown was formally announced at a news conference in Japan following months of speculation.
It pits two of the sport’s most destructive punchers against one another, with both men entering the ring boasting perfect 32-0 records.
Battle of the pound-for-pound stars
‘The Monster’, widely regarded as the world’s second-best pound-for-pound fighter, enjoyed a stellar 2025 campaign.
Inoue competed four times last year, culminating in a unanimous decision victory over David Picasso in December.
Nakatani, currently ranked sixth in the pound-for-pound standings, is aiming to become a four-weight world champion.
The challenger previously held world titles at bantamweight, junior bantamweight and flyweight before moving up to the 122lb division.
He secured his shot at the undisputed crown with a gritty, tougher-than-expected win over Sebastian Hernandez on the same December card as his upcoming opponent.
Tokyo Dome stage set
This blockbuster event marks a significant return to the iconic Tokyo Dome, a venue reserved for only the most prestigious martial arts contests in Japan.
While domestic coverage has been confirmed on Lemino pay-per-view, broadcast rights for the United States have yet to be announced.
Family affair on the undercard
The main event will not be the only major title fight of the evening involving the Inoue family.
Naoya’s younger brother, Takuma Inoue, is set to defend his WBC bantamweight title against former four-division king Kazuto Ioka.
Harry Kane will miss Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga match against Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday after suffering a calf injury.
The England captain sustained a knock and has not recovered in time for the fixture.
Manager Vincent Kompany confirmed the absence during his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
“He got a knock on his calf and hasn’t recovered yet,” said Kompany.
“It’s nothing serious for the time being but we’d need maybe another day for him to be involved.”
The Bayern boss added: “We’re pretty relaxed. Of course, we would have liked Harry to be involved but these things happen.”
Record pursuit hindered
The setback comes as a blow to the 32-year-old’s chances of breaking the all-time Bundesliga scoring record.
Kane has netted an impressive 30 goals in just 24 league appearances this season.
He is chasing the benchmark of 41 goals set by Robert Lewandowski during the 2020-21 campaign.
The former Tottenham striker had featured in all of Bayern’s league matches so far this term.
Should he return for the next domestic fixture, Kane will have nine games remaining to score the 12 goals required to surpass the record.
European focus
The prolific forward will now target a return to fitness for Bayern’s Champions League round-of-16 tie.
The German champions face Atalanta in the first leg of the knockout stages on Tuesday.
Following that European encounter, Kompany’s side return to Bundesliga action with a trip to Bayer Leverkusen next Saturday.
Lewandowski, now at Barcelona, recently praised Kane’s form while noting that he set his own record in just 29 appearances due to injury.
Iran’s only representative Aboulfazl Khatibi has been forced to withdraw from the Milan Cortina Paralympic Games because he cannot travel safely amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed the news on Friday, mere hours before the opening ceremony was scheduled to begin in Verona.
Travel risks force withdrawal
Khatibi had been set to compete as a cross-country skier and was the solitary athlete registered to represent his nation at these Winter Games.
However, the IPC stated that it was impossible to secure safe passage for him to travel to Italy.
This disruption follows the intensifying military situation in the region, occurring less than a week after reports of strikes involving the United States and Israel.
Sole representative absent
The enforced absence leaves Iran without any active participants for the duration of the competition.
The skier had been preparing to compete on the global stage, but geopolitical tensions have curtailed his participation just as the Games get underway.
Events are scheduled to take place across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo following the opening formalities.
Wolves are aiming for a second victory over Liverpool in four days while Arsenal prepare to utilise their squad depth against Mansfield in the FA Cup fifth round.
Rob Edwards’ side welcome the Premier League champions back to Molineux on Friday night, fresh from a stunning 2-1 league victory over the same opponents on Tuesday.
While the Old Gold remain in a battle for top-flight survival, their recent form has revitalised a campaign that once looked destined for relegation.
Wolves have lost just once in their last five matches, a run that includes a victory over Aston Villa and a hard-fought draw against league leaders Arsenal.
With survival still a steep challenge given the limited fixtures remaining, the FA Cup represents a significant opportunity to salvage a memorable moment from a difficult season.
Arteta eyes rotation against Stags
Arsenal travel to Field Mill on Saturday to face a Mansfield Town side sitting 54 places below them in the football pyramid.
The fixture provides a crucial opportunity for Mikel Arteta to rotate his squad ahead of a demanding schedule that includes four games in 12 days and the upcoming Carabao Cup final.
Christian Norgaard is expected to anchor the midfield in place of Martin Zubimendi, who has played more minutes than any other Gunners player this season.
Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori is another senior figure likely to start as he seeks rhythm and match fitness.
There could also be a showcase for the club’s academy, with Max Dowman fit again following injury, though Myles Lewis-Skelly is unavailable due to suspension.
Despite the likely changes, the depth of quality available to the north London club makes them overwhelming favourites to progress.
Hollywood upset on the cards?
Saturday evening sees the focus shift to the Racecourse Ground as Wrexham host Chelsea in a tie that has captured global attention.
The Welsh side will be hoping the magic of the cup can help bridge the gap to their Premier League visitors in what is being billed as a potential Hollywood-script upset.
Elsewhere in the fifth round, Newcastle United face a heavyweight clash against Manchester City at St James’ Park.
The weekend’s action also features a London derby between West Ham and Brentford, while Leeds United take on Norwich City.
Shohei Ohtani struck a dramatic grand slam as defending champions Japan opened their World Baseball Classic campaign with a crushing 13-0 victory over Taiwan.
Ohtani lights up the Tokyo Dome
The two-way superstar delighted a sell-out home crowd on Friday, driving in five runs during a dominant performance in Pool C.
Japan exploded for 10 runs in the second inning alone, effectively ending the contest before it had truly begun.
After doubling on the very first pitch of the game, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter returned to the plate later in the second frame with the bases loaded.
He launched a drive off starter Hao-Chun Cheng deep into the right-field stands to make it 4-0.
The inning lasted 28 minutes as the hosts batted around the order.
Ohtani eventually secured his third hit of the game later in the same frame, capping a devastating offensive display.
The 30-year-old nearly hit for the cycle but lined out on a leaping catch by first baseman Nien-Ting Wu in the fourth inning.
Mercy rule invoked early
The match was called after seven innings under the tournament’s mercy rule.
Regulations state a game concludes after seven innings if one team holds a lead of 10 runs or more.
Japan added three further runs in the third inning to push the scoreline to 13-0.
While the offence grabbed the headlines, starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto was efficient on the mound.
Last season’s World Series MVP struck out three batters and allowed no hits, though he walked two in the third inning before being relieved by Shoma Fujihira.
Japan, the heavy favourites to reach the final in Miami, will next face rivals South Korea on Saturday.
Australia maintain perfect start
Elsewhere in Pool C, Australia improved their record to 2-0 with a 5-1 victory over Czechia.
Chicago White Sox infielder Curtis Mead provided the decisive moment with a three-run homer in the third inning.
The Czechs had taken an early lead via a sacrifice fly from Vojtech Mensik but could not contain the Australian batting lineup.
Pitcher Josh Hendrickson earned the win for Australia, who reached the quarter-finals of the previous tournament three years ago.
Harry Maguire’s legal team insists the defender remains free to travel to the World Cup despite being handed a 15-month suspended prison sentence by a Greek court.
Representatives for the Manchester United centre-back are adamant he does not technically have a criminal record following the ruling in Syros.
They maintain he retains complete freedom of movement, a crucial factor for his involvement in the upcoming tournament in the United States.
Strict US immigration laws can bar entry to individuals with convictions for crimes involving “moral turpitude”, including violence and bribery.
Carrick impact boosts recall hopes
Maguire has been in excellent form at club level following the arrival of Michael Carrick as head coach at Old Trafford.
His resurgence has prompted calls for a return to the international setup under Thomas Tuchel.
The England manager is set to name his World Cup squad in May, with Maguire potentially appearing for the first time under the German coach.
With Manchester City’s John Stones continuing to battle for match fitness, the 33-year-old has emerged as a strong candidate for selection.
Appeal filed in Athens
The defender was found guilty in his absence on Wednesday of non-serious assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery.
The charges stem from an incident during a family holiday in Mykonos six years ago.
Maguire has always denied the allegations and is determined to clear his name.
His lawyers have already filed papers to the Supreme Court in Athens to appeal the verdict.
The legal team believes there are serious flaws in the prosecution’s case and has questioned the conduct of the proceedings.
Visa implications
The Greek prosecutor told Sky Sports News that they intend to pursue the case to the full extent of the law.
However, the specific legal status of the conviction pending appeal is central to Maguire’s ability to obtain a US visa.
Specialist lawyers have indicated that the fact the sentence was suspended and occurred outside the UK does not automatically guarantee entry.
The former Leicester City man must now wait to see if the legal challenge clears the path for his participation in North America.
Kristaps Porzingis faces an uncertain future with the Golden State Warriors after a persistent illness sidelined the centre following just one appearance for his new franchise.
The Latvian international arrived in the Bay Area via a trade on 4 February but has played only once since the move.
His solitary appearance came against his former side, the Boston Celtics, on 19 February.
Despite a promising debut, the 30-year-old has been unable to return to the court as he manages a complex medical condition.
Encouraging signs cut short
Porzingis displayed glimpses of his unique skillset during his brief cameo against the reigning NBA champions.
The 7ft 3in forward recorded a plus-15 rating in just under 10 minutes of play, hitting a long-range three-pointer and blocking shots.
His performance validated the Warriors’ decision to acquire him midseason, seeking size to bolster their frontcourt.
Stephen Curry, the franchise talisman, was immediate in his praise for the new arrival.
“[He brings] a size and presence we’ve been looking for a while.”
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors guard
However, the optimism was short-lived.
Porzingis was expected to feature against the Denver Nuggets three days later but fell ill in his hotel room and could not attend the arena.
Hopes of a return against the Los Angeles Lakers were also dashed as the player was ruled out again.
Battle with rare condition
The former All-Star’s absence is linked to a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
Doctors from the Boston Celtics identified the autonomic condition last year, which can cause dizziness, rapid heart rate, and extreme fatigue.
Symptoms reportedly surfaced after the player contracted a virus more than 12 months ago.
Following his debut, Porzingis appeared visibly exhausted while speaking to the media, yawning uncontrollably despite apologising for the display.
“I felt all right. Far from being in perfect shape. But I think for [the] first game back after a while, getting some energy back, feeling good.”
Kristaps Porzingis, speaking after his Warriors debut
The “Unicorn” remains one of the NBA’s most effective players when healthy, significantly improving team net ratings during stints with the Celtics and Atlanta Hawks.
Yet durability remains a persistent concern for the veteran.
He has missed a combined 110 games over the past two-and-a-half seasons due to various ailments.
While the Warriors remain hopeful, no definitive timeline has been set for his return to rotation.
The United States have been tipped to reclaim the World Baseball Classic title in 2026, edging out the Dominican Republic and defending champions Japan in pre-tournament predictions.
The 2023 runners-up are slight favourites to lift the trophy when the global tournament returns.
A panel of baseball experts narrowly selected Team USA over a star-studded Dominican Republic side.
Japan, who defeated the Americans in the thrilling 2023 final, are ranked as the third favourites to retain their crown.
Star-studded American roster
Team USA boasts a squad packed with Major League Baseball MVPs and emerging talent.
New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge headlines a formidable lineup capable of overpowering any pitching staff.
He is joined by burgeoning superstars such as Bobby Witt Jr and Pittsburgh Pirates pitching sensation Paul Skenes.
This depth has resulted in a unanimous prediction for the hosts to top Pool B.
Mexico are expected to claim the second qualifying spot from the group, though Italy remains a threat.
Dominican Republic and Venezuela dominate Pool D
The Dominican Republic are viewed as the primary challengers to American dominance.
Their roster features global icons including Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Fernando Tatis Jr.
Experts were unanimous in predicting the Caribbean nation would advance from Pool D alongside Venezuela.
The Venezuelan squad will rely on the talents of former MVP Ronald Acuna Jr and Milwaukee Brewers standout Jackson Chourio.
Samurai Japan favored elsewhere
Samurai Japan are expected to cruise through the opening stage in Pool C.
South Korea are widely tipped to join the defending champions in the quarter-finals.
In Pool A, Puerto Rico’s experience is expected to see them finish ahead of Canada.
The Puerto Rican squad leans on the defensive prowess of Nolan Arenado and the relief pitching of Edwin Diaz.
Potential tournament upsets
While the favourites seem set, some underdog nations could spring a surprise in the pool stages.
Italy, featuring Kansas City Royals sluggers Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone, are seen as dark horses in Pool B.
Australia also harbour hopes of advancing from Pool C behind the hitting of number one draft pick Travis Bazzana.