Anthony Joshua survived a huge scare on a night of carnage on his boxing comeback, rising from the canvas twice before knocking out unknown Albanian Kristian Prenga to pave the way for a Tyson Fury showdown.Joshua was shockingly sent crashing to the canvas by a thunderous right uppercut within the first 20 seconds in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as Prenga threatened to ruin the prospect of a long-awaited heavyweight showdown with Fury later this year.The former two-time world heavyweight champion also took a knee later in the first round in his first fight since being involved in a car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Latz Ayodele, in December, just days after his win over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.Anthony Joshua was knocked down within 30 seconds against Kritian Prenga (Getty)But the Brit recovered to knock out Prenga in the second round (Getty)However, Joshua showed all his heart to dig deep and hit back in the second round with a barrage of heavy blows that sent Prenga tumbling through the ropes and the Albanians inability to beat the count ensured a 27th knockout victory of the Brits career.Furys seventh-round TKO win over 46-year-old Mariusz Wach around 4,000 miles away in Thailand on Friday in an untelevised laid down the gauntlet for Joshua, who paid tribute to Ghami and Ayodele, wearing camouflage gear with the names of his friends on his chest.An emotional Joshua said in the ring afterwards: Its what champions do. We rise, we get knocked down and we stand up and we keep going, thats lifes motto.Its more than punch power, that was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina, that was the families. It hurts even talking about it. Its been tough. Theyre my brothers, but I don't want to talk about it.Joshua was clearly emotional in the ring after the fight (Getty)He was then forced to take a pause from the post-fight interview due to being overcome with emotion and allowed promoter Eddie Hearn to come to the microphone.Asked about the Fury fight later this year, Hearn said: We've signed the contract, everything's done, but to be honest with you, tonight is all about the strength that he showed to even be here tonight, and the strength that he had to show in that fight. When you go down a couple of times in the first round and you're looking like your career might be over, he had to go to the depths one more time to get up and fight on.Joshua came out all guns blazing to finish off Prenga in the second round, handing the underdog a first loss of his career, but was full of praise for his Albanian foe.Joshua paid tribute to Prenga after the fight (Reuters)I also want to give a massive thank you to Kristian Prenga and his team for putting on a good fight. It means a lot to them, and it means a lot to me, added Joshua.I think Eddie Hearn wants to sign him now. Hes going to do well, hes got a bright future. Im a serious fighter, I know what Im doing. I know my way around the ring.Maybe with a little bit more experience he will be up there with the rest of us. But hes a serious fighter, strong, durable, and he come and gave me a good test.Joshua also had a bit of fun at Furys expense, initially asking if he was in the room for a face-to-face confrontation and then jokingly quoting Mike Tysons famous Imma rip his heart out speech before his fight with Lennox Lewis.Joshua can now prepare for an all-British showdown against Tyson Fury (Reuters)However, the 36-year-old then became more sincere when talking about his respect for the Gypsy King.Wait a minute have we got Tyson Fury in the room? asked Joshua. Wait, wait, wait, to more important matters is he here or not? [When told Fury wasnt present]. Fair dos. Imma rip his heart out. I'm the meanest and most vicious champion theres ever been.Listen, all jokes aside, theres two sides of this thing. One is fire. You have to have that vim, that grrr. But also respect. I respect everything he has done. And everything that he has achieved. As someone who who has been calling for the fight for a long time, we're here now.Shout to Eddie Hearn for making these opportunities possible, and I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat.The long-awaited Battle of Britain will finally happen later this year [it seems] although the chaos of the evening in Jeddah almost consigned that fight to the bin before a great escape.Additional reporting by PA

SportsLine simulated the new NFL season 10,000 times and identified Fantasy football busts 2026 to fade during your Fantasy football draft prep

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JULY 25: Enzo Le Fee of Sunderland celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at GEODIS Park on July 25, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images) | Sunderland AFC via Getty ImagesMelker Ellborg: 6/10Played around an hour, didnt have chance with either goal, both being well struck. Made one good save when he came out quickly to save with his feet in the second half but most of his participation in the game was using his feet to play around the press.Nordi Mukiele: 6/10Had to be at it to stop a lively Ngumoha, which he did on a few occasions. Got forward well a few times but could see the lack of sharpness with his final ball.Dan Ballard: 6/10Comfortably dealt with Liverpools starting striker and came out of defence a couple of times to start attacks.Luke ONien (C): 6/10Made one really brave clearance with his head which saw him take a knock from a high boot, otherwise was steady at the back.Reinildo: 6/10Got beaten early inside the box for the opening goal but shut his man down after that.Alan Browne: 6/10Mostly played well in front of the back for, bringing the ball out from the back, stepping away from challenges and showing a nice bit of skill to get out of trouble. Was a little uncomfortable when pressed at times though and messed up a promising attack he started himself with an under hit ball to the overlapping Mukiele.Enzo Le Fee: 8/10Scored a fantastic equaliser, driving forward after being played in by Rigg and finding the top corner with his left foot. Liverpool couldnt get near him and really should have scored a second but took a slightly heavy first touch from Riggs ball over the top.Goals don't come much better than this pic.twitter.com/TPLWLNMUJE Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 25, 2026Chris Rigg: 9/10Played in a deeper role alongside Browne and looked far more at ease there than he did in a more attacking position that we seen him in last season.Trai Hume: 6/10Lost track of Ngumoha for the opening goal, after the winger cut inside to the centre circle. Worked hard though and made sure Mukiele always had help at right back.Romaine Mundle: 5/10Struggled to get into the game for long periods, with not enough flashes of attacking intent. Did win the ball back inside the opposition box at one stage and that led to a couple of blocked efforts on goal.Wilson Isidor: 6/10First game following the World Cup and looked a touch rusty, did get down the channels a few times, pulling the ball across the box early on one occasion but unfortunately no-one was on the end of a good ball. Had an effort just wide of the post from the right later in the half.SubstitutesJenson Jones: 5/10Struggled after coming on against a quick winger, who got the better of him for the early part of the second half. Grew into the game though and managed to quieten the threat down that side.Jenson Seelt: 5/10Didnt look to have a lot of chemistry with Hjelde, with both players stepping out at the wrong time, leaving the other exposed. Tidy on the ball when he was in possession.Leo Hjelde: 5/10Some mix ups at the back, with sloppy passes or getting dragged out of possession. Made a good block a second before the equaliser to make it 2-2.Archie Lightfoot: 5/10Worked hard at left back but was often outnumbered and was another caught out from pressing at the wrong point.Jaydon Jones: 6/10Got an assist thanks to a lovely ball threaded to Tutierov. Worked hard in front of the back four but often overrun.Jack Whittaker: 5/10Usually plays further forward and didnt look as comfortable when pressed around his own box.Finn Geragusian: 5/10Played on the right wing but often cut back into traffic, ran himself into the ground trying to help out Jenson Jones.Tom Proctor: 6/10Plenty of running to try and close down the opposition, had a couple of attacking moments where the ball just squirmed away from him at the end.Timur Tutierov: 6/10Did well to win the ball and start the move that ended in Jaydon Jones picking him out in the 18-yard-box, with a nice finish after a heavy touch. Faded a bit as an attacking threat from that point.Trey Ogunsuyi: 5/10Held the ball up well enough, winning a bunch of free kicks from Liverpool defenders fouling him. Nothing from him in an attacking sense though.Simon Moore: 5/10Thought he could have done much better for both goals he conceded, got out well enough for them but went down far too low with both.Man of the Match: Chris RiggRigg was easily the best player on the pitch during the first half, regularly winning the ball back and setting up attacks. Looked far more comfortable playing in a central midfield role where he had space in front of him to make something happen and pick out a runner, which he did for Le Fees equaliser and then later on for a half chance for Isidor.

What happened to Cody Bellinger? Yankees star leaves game with injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Cody Bellinger hit a double on Saturday night late in the New York Yankees' clash in Philadelphia against the Phillies.But after doubling in the top of the eighth, he exited the game in the bottom of the eighth inning.It's not the kind of news the Yankees need, and they'll await further information.Any exit of a close game, though, isn't a good sign.MORE:Yankees' Jose Caballero is pushing the limit of the rulesWhat happened to Cody Bellinger?Bellinger appeared to sustain an injury while running to second base on his double in the top of the eighth.While he stayed on base, he didn't return to play defense.The early speculation was that Bellinger hurt his hamstring.Cody Bellinger is out of the game. Looked like he hurt his hamstring on that double. Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) July 26, 2026Cody Bellinger is coming out of the game. He appeared to be limping as he exited the field. Max Schuemann takes over in left field. Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) July 26, 2026Given that Aaron Judge is already out with an indeterminate return date, the Yankees don't need to lose Bellinger, too.If it's a hamstring, that can be a tricky injury.The Yanks will cross their fingers and hope for the best.More MLB news:How Aaron Judge is the real focus of the Yankees' trade deadline plansHave you ever seen a bounce throw to turn a double play?The Braves let their pitcher hit, and it worked out surprisingly wellHow Rays turned Tim Beckham bust draft pick into Junior CamineroBarry Bonds' nephew has a chance to be key pick in 2026 MLB Draft

Angel Reese demands credit after taking over WNBA All-Star photo shoot originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Angel Reese added another title to her rapidly expanding resume during the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. Basketball star. Fashion icon. Signature shoe athlete. Barbie. And now, apparently, creative director.Reese took control behind the scenes during an All-Star photo session, helping arrange the shot and making sure everyone knew who was responsible for the finished product.New title for Angel Reese: THE creative director! And she wants her credit on the photos! the WNBA wrote while sharing the hilarious moment.Reese could be heard requesting recognition for her work once the pictures were completed. It was another display of the confidence and personality that have helped make her one of the most recognizable athletes in womens sports.Angel Reese takes control at WNBA All-Star WeekendReese did not travel to Chicago simply to blend into the background. The Atlanta Dream star made a glamorous arrival in a fresh pink outfit before taking the floor for Team Coop. The WNBA declared that All-Star Barbie had entered the chat, but Reese quickly showed she was ready to take over the entire production.New title for Angel Reese: THE creative director! And she wants her credit on the photos!#WNBAAllStar2026 | @ATTpic.twitter.com/IVIZYqiT2D WNBA (@WNBA) July 26, 2026Her willingness to direct the photo session should not have surprised anyone familiar with her brand. Reese has been closely involved with fashion and content throughout her career. She understands how she wants to be presented, how to create a memorable image and how to turn a quick behind-the-scenes interaction into a viral moment.Most importantly, she wanted that creative director credit attached to the photos.MORE:Angel Reese breaks the internet with stunning Barbie look at WNBA All-Star GameReese continues massive All-Star WeekendThe playful moment added to an enormous weekend for the 24-year-old. Reese returned to Chicago for her third consecutive WNBA All-Star appearance after spending her first two professional seasons with the Sky. She was traded to Atlanta in April and responded by producing the best season of her young career.The former LSU star entered the break averaging 15.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game while leading the WNBA in rebounds and double-doubles. Reese also used All-Star Weekend to celebrate her growing partnership with Barbie and Reebok.She unveiled an official Angel Reese Barbie doll and promoted a special pink version of her Reebok Angel Reese 1 signature sneaker. Reese also surprised children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago at her Barbie x Reebok Dream Closet event, where every child received a pair of the shoes. Reese has made it clear that her influence extends far beyond the basketball court. She is building a brand, creating opportunities and controlling how her story is told.If the WNBA uses those All-Star photos, however, it better remember one thing.Give the creative director her credit.More WNBA news:WNBA All-Star ticket prices explode as last-minute deals disappear in ChicagoSophie Cunningham points out potential problem with LeBron James 76ers superteamAliyah Boston sends heartfelt message after WNBA guard suffers season-ending injurySophie Cunningham sends heartfelt message after Adidas shoes completely sell outDiJonai Carrington leaves fans speechless with stunning new photos ahead of Sky debut

Between now and training camp, we will be going through theJacksonville Jaguars'full 90-man roster, previewing each player.Up next is offensive lineman Anton Harrison, who wears No. 77.ProfileHeight: 6-4Weight: 315Age: 24NFL experience: Year 4College: OklahomaAnton Harrison's tenure with the JaguarsHarrison was a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. The Jaguars exercised Harrison's fifth-year option earlier this offseason, keeping him with the team through at least the 2027 season.Recapping Anton Harrison's 2025 seasonHarrison's play took a step forward last season. Out of 92 eligible offensive tackles, he ranked 29th inPFF's pass-blockingefficiency metric. In run-blocking grade, he was tied for 50th.Earlier this offseason,Houston Texans star pass rusher Will Anderson discussedwhich offensive tackles were the most challenging to go up against, and one of the players he mentioned was Harrison.Looking ahead to 2026 for Anton HarrisonThe expectation is that Harrison can continue to ascend as he heads into his fourth NFL season. The continuity of being in Liam Coen's offense for a second year can be one of the catalysts behind Harrison taking another step forward.Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski views Harrison as a player with a very high ceiling and more room to grow."Certainly continued growth,"said Udinskiduring offseason programs. "We know that progression is never linear, but hopefully we can continue to compound off the things that he built on last year. He's a guy, he knows this, that his ceiling is essentially as high as he wants it to be."This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars roster: OT Anton Harrison looking to build upon 2025 season

Two-time NBA champion headed to Philly originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is expected to bring championship experience, perimeter defense and veteran leadership to the Philadelphia 76ers after reportedly agreeing to join the team following a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies.The 33-year-old guard has built a reputation as one of the NBAs premier three-and-D specialists during a career that has included championship runs with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and the Denver Nuggets in 2023. Now, the 76ers are hoping that winning pedigree can help elevate a roster built around Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.Philadelphias biggest need entering the offseason was adding reliable depth on the wing, particularly a player capable of defending the opposing teams top perimeter scorer while also knocking down open three-pointers. Caldwell-Pope checks both boxes.Throughout his career, Caldwell-Pope has consistently embraced difficult defensive assignments, whether guarding elite point guards or versatile wings. His ability to pressure the ball, navigate screens and create turnovers should immediately strengthen Philadelphias perimeter defense, an area that occasionally struggled last season against explosive backcourts.Offensively, Caldwell-Pope doesnt need the basketball in his hands to be effective. Instead, he thrives by spacing the floor, running in transition and capitalizing on open looks created by star teammates. Playing alongside Embiid in the post and Maxeys attacking style should generate plenty of catch-and-shoot opportunities for the veteran guard.The 76ers arent done yetHis greatest impact, however, may extend beyond the stat sheet. Caldwell-Pope has appeared in more than 100 playoff games and understands the sacrifices required to compete for a championship. His professionalism and experience could prove invaluable for a team whose championship aspirations have repeatedly fallen short due to injuries and postseason disappointments.If healthy, the addition gives Philadelphia another dependable veteran capable of contributing in meaningful playoff minutes. While Caldwell-Pope is unlikely to be asked to carry the offense, his defense, shooting and championship mindset make him an ideal complementary piece.For a 76ers team determined to finally break through in the Eastern Conference, Caldwell-Popes arrival could be one of the most underrated moves of the offseason.More NBA news:Thunder send message to teams interested in trading for Chet HolmgrenWhy Spurs' Victor Wembanyama made $51 million sacrifice on contract extensionLakers commitment to Walker Kessler could be costly for this key reasonJordan Clarkson's contract will help the Knicks avoid a major penalty

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and wideout Kayshon Boutte found a connection early in training camp on Saturday. The quarterback and wide receiver connected on a pass that went 40-50 yards towards the sideline. Maye threw a beautiful deep ball, and Boutte broke away from a defender to make the diving catch. He was greeted with an eruption of cheers from the attending audience at Day 1 of training camp. It was an exciting moment for fans to see the connection between Maye and Boutte pick right back up where it left off last season. There have been potential rumblings that Boutte could be on the trade block, but despite the outside noise, he showed up at training camp and participated fully in the competitive drills. He even made the play of the day. View this post on InstagramThe wide receiver room looks different from last season with A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs joining the mix. It's a situation that could turn into Boutte being the No. 3 receiver on the depth chart. But with the other two receivers garnering attention, it could pave the way for a breakout season for the former LSU star. Follow Patriots Wire onTwitterandFacebook.This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte goes viral for play-of-the-day catch

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 25: Errol Spence Jr (L) and Tim Tszyu (R) face off ahead of the bout between Errol Spence Jr and Tim Tszyu at ICC Sydney on July 25, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)Getty ImagesErrol Spence Jr. and Tim Tszyu are set to clash in a high-stakes crossroads battle at 160 pounds. The two former champions come into the fight badly in need of a victory over a major opponent and with little room for error. The fight takes place in Tszyu's home country of Australia and it will top off a solid but recently weakened card. Let's talk boxing.Spence-Tszyu ResultsKeep Refreshing for latest updatesResults and scorecards post here as each bout ends, main event first. Ring-walk timing slides with how the undercard runs, so the later fights may land earlier or later than the estimates below.Errol Spence Jr. vs. Tim Tszyu, middleweight Paul Fleming vs. Ahmad Reda, lightweight Paulo Aokuso vs. Luis Antonio Tejeda, vacant IBF Inter-Continental light heavyweight title Tina Rahimi vs. Sacha Ryan Dryden Callum Peters vs. Ivan Actis, middleweight Key Facts at a GlanceEvent: Errol Spence Jr. vs. Tim Tszyu, "USA vs. AUS"Date and venue: Saturday, July 25 for U.S. viewers, Sunday, July 26 local Afterpay Arena, Sydney Olympic ParkPrelims: 8 p.m. ETMain card: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST SundayMain-event ring walks: approximately 11:30 p.m. ETBroadcast: PBC pay-per-view on Prime Video and DAZN, $79.99 U.S. and 24.99 U.K., plus PPV.comRecords: Spence 28-1 (22 KOs) Tszyu 27-3 (18 KOs)Weigh-in: both men at 159 pounds, under the agreed 160 limitTitles at stake: none in the main event. The vacant IBF Inter-Continental light heavyweight belt is the only strap on the nightSpence-Tszyu Full Card and Start TimesThe main card opens at 9 p.m. ET with Peters and Actis, and Spence and Tszyu are penciled for roughly 11:30 p.m. ET. No Limit has not published a bout-by-bout running sheet, so the times below are estimates spaced across that window rather than posted ring walks.This card has been gutted twice in a week. Jermall Charlo vs. Koen Mazoudier fell out on a visa denial, then Fulton missed the 133-pound catchweight by 6.5 pounds and his fight with Liam Wilson was scrapped on the spot. Aokuso vs. Tejeda was promoted to the main card to backfill. My full card and viewing breakdown has the broadcast details.9 p.m. ET Callum Peters vs. Ivan Actis, middleweight9:35 p.m. ET Tina Rahimi vs. Sacha Ryan Dryden10:10 p.m. ET Paulo Aokuso vs. Luis Antonio Tejeda, vacant IBF Inter-Continental light heavyweight title10:45 p.m. ET Paul Fleming vs. Ahmad Reda, lightweight11:30 p.m. ET Errol Spence Jr. vs. Tim Tszyu, middleweightWhats At Stake For Errol Spence Jr?A Spence loss could and should lead to an immediate retirement. He's 36 and he's been out of the ring nearly three years exactly. His last fight was a brutal TKO loss to Terence Crawford in 2023. He can ill afford to lose to Tszyu and even more, taking significant damage is obviously a no-no.He is also two divisions north of where he built his name, working with Ronnie Shields, and walking into hostile territory to do it. The weigh-in and ring-walk breakdown has the rest of the numbers.How Good Is Tim Tszyu Right Now?Tszyu has won two in a row since he went through his rough patch and losing his title to Sebastian Fundora, dropping the rematch and being stopped by Bakhram Murtazaliev. However, he hasn't been in with top competition. If he can't beat Spence, he'll too be considered washed by many in the boxing community.The one number in his favor is geography. Tszyu has never lost on home soil, and this is his middleweight debut in front of a Sydney crowd. Saturday also runs wall-to-wall, with Joshua and Prenga in Jeddah hours before this one starts.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Minnesota Twins right-hander Mike Paredes was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday against the Athletics just minutes before the game was scheduled to begin.Paredes suffered a left oblique strain during warmups, the team said. Left-hander Kendry Rojas replaced Paredes as the starter. It was the rookie's fourth start.The 25-year-old Paredes debuted with Minnesota earlier this year and is 0-3 in nine career big league games, including five starts. He's allowed at least one run in each of his appearances and has a 4.72 ERA this season, with 19 strikeouts and 13 walks.If Paredes lands on the injured list, that would free up a roster spot for left-hander Connor Prielipp, who has been on the IL since July 9 with a blister and could return soon.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb