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When Simone Biles landed a spectacular vault in Paris on Thursday, she made a huge statement in what is supposed to be a low-pressure return to the Olympic stage.

The American, the most decorated gymnast in history with 37 world and Olympic medals, is back after pulling out of several events at the Tokyo Games three years ago with the ‘twisties’ – a disorientating mental block.

Many wondered if they would ever see her at a Games again, but now the 27-year-old is giving herself the chance to add to her seven Olympic medals.

She has returned with a new skill – the Yurchenko double pike vault, which was last year named the Biles II after she became the first woman to land it in competition, and which is one of five gymnastic elements named after her.

Simone Biles on Embracing Her Sexy Side During Second SI Swimsuit Shoot, How She Stays Motivated

It was this move that she executed perfectly at the Bercy Arena in podium training – the only chance gymnasts get to practise on the equipment in the venue before they compete there.

Nailed, stuck, not a hint of a shuffle.

“She looked good,” coach Cecile Landi said when asked how Biles had appeared mentally and physically in the training session.

For those who witnessed that vault, though, that assessment may have sounded like an understatement. But everything about the USA team’s build-up to the Games has been about keeping the pressure off Biles.

She and her team-mates were ushered quickly out of the arena after training, with the team deciding to put the coaches forward to speak to the waiting pack of reporters instead.

Biles has also been told she does not have to compete in all events if she does not want to.

Simone Biles flaunts her incredible abs during her 'mini moon' | Daily Mail Online

“I think it’s going to be day by day, we’re going to decide after qualification,” Landi said. “I think for her just knowing that she has the option to say ‘Hey, I maybe want to take one event off out of the whole two weeks,’ is mentally helping.”

Biles’ return to the Olympics may be low pressure, but it will not be low key.

It was easy to see where the American was in the arena during this training session – just look for the photographers. And it was impossible to miss the quality of a skill only she can perform.

When the arena fills up on Sunday for the women’s qualification round, there will be one gymnast everyone is watching.

BOXING

Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao rematch: Are the pair set to fight again?

Floyd Mayweatherand Manny Pacquiao could be set to rematch their famous 2015 fight that raked in half a billion dollars but there is one key factor left to be decided as it all depends on a Japanese MMA promotion.

Despite the pair officially calling time on their careers in 2017 and 2021, they continue to scrap it out in boxing rings around the world in exhibition contests and now they could be set to meet again at their ages of 47 for Mayweather and 45 for Pacquiao.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if anything happens these days, so the possibility is still there,” Rizin promoter, Nobuyuki Sakakibara, told SunSport. “We still have a good relationship with Floyd but he’s not thinking of coming back to real competitive fights.

“I understand that there isn’t no interest from his side on the rematch in non-official bout, and Manny is interested. So it all comes down to the timing. And when everything aligns perfectly, I’m sure that rematch will happen.”

The Filipino is contracted to Rizin and the promotion previously had a relationship with his potential rival, who won two knockout victories against opponents when he worked for them too, making them a key player in a possible deal with an already-established rapport.

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao could be set to rematch their famous 2015 fight that raked in half a billion dollars but there is one key factor left to be decided as it all depends on a Japanese MMA promotion.

Despite the pair officially calling time on their careers in 2017 and 2021, they continue to scrap it out in boxing rings around the world in exhibition contests and now tFloyd Mayweather’s second luxury jet: Inside Air Mayweather 2hey could be set to meet again at their ages of 47 for Mayweather and 45 for Pacquiao

“I wouldn’t be surprised if anything happens these days, so the possibility is still there,” Rizin promoter, Nobuyuki Sakakibara, told SunSport. “We still have a good relationship with Floyd but he’s not thinking of coming back to real competitive fights.

“I understand that there isn’t no interest from his side on the rematch in non-official bout, and Manny is interested. So it all comes down to the timing. And when everything aligns perfectly, I’m sure that rematch will happen.”

The Filipino is contracted to Rizin and the promotion previously had a relationship with his potential rival, who won two knockout victories against opponents when he worked for them too, making them a key player in a possible deal with an already-established rapport.

Who will Manny Pacquiao fight next?

Pacquiao and his team have been discussing a rematch with Money Mayweather since 2023 but nothing has yet materialized and as a result, Mayweather will fight John Gotti III on August 23 instead.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao will take on an ex-kickboxing champion, Rukiya Anpo, in Tokyo but a shot at a return to professional boxing could be on the horizon for the legendary fighter too as the WBC is reported to have given him a chance to face Marrio Barrios.

“Depending on the result and his performance in his upcoming fight on July 28th, we need to assess the market to see if his return would make sense,” Sakakibara added. “This is a single bout agreement so if we were to have him back, we need to make sure there is a demand in the market.

“If we can create momentum and anticipation together – since Manny himself is still wanting to have competitive fights – he’s not thinking that this is his last fight.

“So, if things turn out right, there is a good possibility where there could be more Manny Pacquiao fights in Rizin.”

BOXING

Oleksandr Usyk Makes Final Anthony Joshua-Daniel Dubois Prediction After Beating Both

The circumstances have seen Dubois, 26, elevated to IBF World Champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt having held onto it since 2021.

Both men’s most notable opponent in common is the Ukrainian, who beat Joshua twice over the distance to retain and defend his titles and stopped Dubois the year later to keep hold of them.

As such, Usyk, with his elite boxing brain and experience of both men in the ring, is well-placed to pick a winner. Speaking to Boxing King Media, the recently undisputed champion backed ‘AJ.’“My favourite is Anthony Joshua. I will be predicting Anthony Joshua.”

The bookmakers agree that Joshua is most likely to get the win at Wembley Stadium, but Dubois and his team are confident they can force a changing of the guard on the British heavyweight scene.

Both men’s most notable opponent in common is the Ukrainian, who beat Joshua twice over the distance to retain and defend his titles and stopped Dubois the year later to keep hold of them.

As such, Usyk, with his elite boxing brain and experience of both men in the ring, is well-placed to pick a winner. Speaking to Boxing King Media, the recently undisputed champion backed ‘AJ“My favourite is Anthony Joshua. I will be predicting Anthony Joshua.”

The bookmakers agree that Joshua is most likely to get the win at Wembley Stadium, but Dubois and his team are confident they can force a changing of the guard on the British heavyweight scene.

BOXING

Fans mock Floyd Mayweather after his workout on the bag as he prepares for August 23 fight

Floyd Mayweather may be one of the best fighters of all time with no losses to his record, but he is not above the court of public opinion as fans slammed his workout on the bag as he gears up to fight John Gotti III on August 23.

Mayweather officially retired from professional boxing in 2017 but seven years later, the 47-year-old continues to step into the ring in a series of exhibition bouts showing that he can never truly get away from the game.

And perhaps that’s why he still looks so fluid, fast and natural although some fans were not particularly impressed with his efforts as they took to X.com, formerly Twitter, to criticize the fighter.

“Couldn’t destroy a real fighter in his prime,” one user wrote in the comments of Boxing Kingdom’s post.

“He never destroys the heavy bag! He’s punching the bag like a lightweight,” added another.

“Even in Floyd’s prime on his best day ever, he never destroyed no heavy bag,” said a third.

What We Learned From Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor

With the feud continuing on in the subsequent 12 months, it will be interesting to see how proceedings play out at the Arena CDMX and tickets are still on sale for the bout ranging between $76 to $23,280 according to StubHub.

The fight can be watched live on DAZN, who hold the broadcast and streaming rights around the entire world.

Floyd Mayweather may be one of the best fighters of all time with no losses to his record, but he is not above the court of public opinion as fans slammed his workout on the bag as he gears up to fight John Gotti III on August 23.

Mayweather officially retired from professional boxing in 2017 but seven years later, the 47-year-old continues to step into the ring in a series of exhibition bouts showing that he can never truly get away from the game.

Floyd Mayweather says he will fight Conor McGregor in 2023 boxing rematch | Boxing News | Sky Sports

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When is Floyd Mayweather’s next fight?

Mayweather steps into the ring on August 23 to fight John Gotti III in Mexico City in his latest post-retirement fight in a rematch of their June 13, 2023 clash that prematurely ended in a brawl.

The flash point came when the referee waved off the fight after six rounds following Mayweather domination, although Gotti III got licks in too, enraging the latter. He then tried to attack Money and his team after the bell in Florida.

With the feud continuing on in the subsequent 12 months, it will be interesting to see how proceedings play out at the Arena CDMX and tickets are still on sale for the bout ranging between $76 to $23,280 according to StubHub.

The fight can be watched live on DAZN, who hold the broadcast and streaming rights around the entire world.

BOXING

Ukrainian boxer Usyk to go to Olympics with special mission

Oleksandr Usyk, WBA, WBO, WBC and IBO champion in super-heavy weight (22-0, 14 KO), will be present at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Source: Usyk on Instagram

Quote from Usyk: “We’re heading to the Olympics!

I recall my own journey there 12 years ago, aiming for gold.
I remember the emotions well—a mix of fear and determination, the drive to win. Now, I want to support the Ukrainian national team members who are experiencing those feelings.

It’s hard to accept that this Olympics might be the last to feature boxing competitions.

Losing them would be devastating to our sport, as amateur boxing is where new talents emerge. I believe that Olympic gold is the pinnacle of achievement for any athlete.

That’s why my Ready To Fight team and I are dedicating our time in Paris to finding ways to help.

We aim to preserve Olympic boxing for future generations, ensuring it remains honest, transparent, and truly Olympic.”

TENNIS

SERENA WILLIAMS, ALEXIS OHANIAN AND DAUGHTER HIT THE ESPYS RED CARPET

Serena Williams made a stunning appearance at the 2024 ESPY Awards alongside her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their 6-year-old daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.

The tennis legend graced the red carpet in a stunning black gown by Armani Privé while her husband opted for a timeless black Gucci suit.

Meanwhile, Olympia stole the spotlight in a silver Dolce & Gabbana dress, paired with metallic silver sandals

As the host of this year’s ESPY Awards, Williams has had her hands full. During an interview with ABC News’ Will Reeve, aired Wednesday on “Good Morning America,” she opened up about the excitement and challenges of her new role.

“It’s really busy and it’s really fun to be Serena right now,” she said. “I love it.”

Balancing her professional commitments with motherhood has been a rewarding journey for Williams. After retiring from professional tennis, she welcomed her second daughter,Adira, last year.

In a candid conversation with Time in 2022, Serena discussed the tough decisions women often face when raising a family. “It comes to a point where women sometimes have to make different choices than men if they want to raise a family,” she explained. “It’s just black and white. You make a choice or you don’t.”

Serena also shared a humorous anecdote about Olympia’s reaction to her retirement. “Olympia doesn’t like when I play tennis,” she revealed, noting that her daughter was visibly excited when she announced her retirement. “It’s hard to completely commit when your flesh and blood is saying, Aw.”

For now, Williams is focused on being present for her children. “[Normal looks like] going to my daughter’s school. I want to be, like, volunteer of the year. Obviously, now, that’s my new goal, being No. 1 at being the volunteer of the school,” the mom of two joked. “I got to be the greatest.”

The 2024 ESPY Awards, which air live on ABC on Thursday, July 11 at 8 p.m. ET, celebrate outstanding achievements in sports.

TENNIS

Keegan Bradley makes Tiger Woods claim after shock Ryder Cup decision

New United States Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley has revealed he wants Tiger Woods ‘to be involved as he wants to be’ when the biennial contest swings around at Bethpage Black in September 2025.

Bradley, 38, was named earlier this month by the PGA of America as the 2025 US Ryder Cup captain, much to the shock of the golf world.

That was because Woods, 48, was believed to have been the frontrunner for the hotseat ever since Zach Johnson led the US side to a five-point loss in Rome last September.

Revealed: Why Tiger Woods turned down the 2025 US Ryder Cup captaincy

The likes of Fred Couples, Davis Love III and Stewart Cink were also considered to have been in with a good chance should Woods not have fancied it.

But when Woods did ultimately turn the captaincy down, the PGA of America decided to go down a different route and select current World No.21 Bradley.

Bradley has represented the US Ryder Cup twice as a player (2012, 2014) and he won his lone major to date at the 2011 US PGA at Atlanta Athletic Club.

Many consider Bradley was a tad unfortunate to miss out on one of Johnson’s captain picks in the 2023 US Ryder Cup team.

The American has made it clear he intends to fight hard to still make the team as a player.

If he doesn’t make the team as an automatic though, he will not be handing himself a pick.

Bradley said earlier this month:“I want to play on the team. I feel like I’m still in the prime of my career and can make this team. I will either make the team on points or not pick myself.”

There are fears by many that Bradley will have to step down as a captain should he make it in to the team on merit.

Rory McIlroy fired a shot in the direction of Bradley once hearing about the PGA’s decision to elect him.

Woods last week told the media at The Open that he turned down a first-ever captaincy of the US Ryder Cup team because he has too much going on at the moment with which to give the position his full commitment.

The 15-time major champion is playing a lead role in ongoing PGA Tour-PIF talks, and his new TGL with McIlroy also starts up in January.

European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has admitted he agreed with Woods’ decision to bypass the captaincy.

There is a belief in the industry right now that Woods may accept the position of US Ryder Cup captain when the following Ryder Cup takes place at Adare Manor, Ireland, in 2027.

Woods will be 51 then

Bradley told the media ahead of this week’s 3M Open that he didn’t specifically speak to Woods about the Ryder Cup during last week’s Open Championship at Royal Troon, but that he would be welcome to play a role on the team or as a vice-captain should he so wish.

“Yeah, I’ve told Tiger that I want him to be as involved as he wants to be,” Bradley said of Woods’ potential involvement at the 2025 Ryder Cup.

“We didn’t — with the British Open going on, we’re not really chatting too much about that.

“We both have a job to do and I don’t want to bother Tiger with that.

“I think in the coming months — we’re still 14 months out here, so we’ve got a long time.”

Both Woods and Bradley went on to miss the cut at The Open last week.

It marked a third straight MC in the majors for Woods, who admitted he will unlikely be playing competitively again this season until the PNC Championship with his son Charlie.

Woods has been watching Charlie in action at the US Junior Amateur this week.

Unfortunately Charlie has endured a tough couple of days.

An image of Woods’ leg went viral on Tuesday.

Woods’ leg was papped without its usual sleeve on for the first time since his horror car crash in Los Angeles back in 2021.

Both Woods and Bradley went on to miss the cut at The Open last week.

It marked a third straight MC in the majors for Woods, who admitted he will unlikely be playing competitively again this season until the PNC Championship with his son Charlie.

Woods has been watching Charlie in action at the US Junior Amateur this week.

Unfortunately Charlie has endured a tough couple of days.

An image of Woods’ leg went viral on Tuesday.

Woods’ leg was papped without its usual sleeve on for the first time since his horror car crash in Los Angeles back in 2021.

BOXING

Tyson Fury is unliked to throw his support behind Anthony Joshua for his battle against Daniel Dubois

Tyson Fury will be putting his backing behind Daniel Dubois for the British boxer’s bout with Anthony Joshua in September.

Dubois, previously an IBF interim titlist, was elevated to become the full champion and is looking to defend his title against Joshua at Wembley Stadium. The 26-year-old can set up a future showdown with Fury or Oleksandr Usyk if he beats Joshua.

Joshua himself has a long-standing rivalry with Fury, though the duo have never met in the ring. Fury will be in attendance at Wembley for September’s fight and unsurprisingly looks set to back Joshua’s opponent.

According to his manager Spencer Brown, Fury has a close relationship with Dubois. And while he is said to be hoping for a good fight, the 35-year-old is backing Dubois to come out on top.

Brown told Sky Sports: “I think he’s a good friend of Daniel Dubois and obviously he’s in that [same] promotional company. But I think Tyson just wants to see a good fight. Who will he back? Probably Daniel Dubois.”

While Fury could be in line to face the winner of the Joshua-Dubois match-up, he is instead putting his full focus into his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. Back in May, the Ukranian beat Fury in a four-belt undisputed unification bout.

The defeat saw Fury lose his WBC title, though Usyk has been forced to vacate his IBF Championship in order to take part in December’s rematch. The duo will meet in Saudi Arabia this winter, with Fury keen to have his revenge.

“I think that we need to get this one out the way. There’s no collision course if he doesn’t win the next fight. So it’s imperative he beats Usyk. There’ll be changes,” Brown added.

“Not in management or his team, there’ll be some other stuff that he’ll be looking at training-wise. With the closeness of the fight last time, it could have gone either way. Some people will say Usyk was three rounds in front.

Some people won’t, it’s your opinion on boxing – that’s why we love it. But Tyson Fury will be back. He’ll be firing and we’ll see a new, better, improved Tyson Fury. At his age I don’t know how much you can improve.

“But there was very, very little in the fight between them, so let’s back our British guy and I’m sure he will win and then we’re going to talk about the next stage.”

September’s fight will be the 13th title fight of Joshua’s career, with the Brit having previously held having held the heavyweight title from the WBA, the IBF, the WBO and the IBO, as well as the Olympic and Commonwealth titles.

BOXING

WHY Former Anthony Joshua rival Jarrell Miller shows CLOWD off insane body transformation ahead of Andy Ruiz Jr fight

Miller – who infamously blew his chance t o fight AnthonyJoshua after his 2019 doping scandal – has earned the nickname Big Baby over the years.

For his last bout against Daniel Dubois in December he weighed 23 STONE.

But in recent pictures circulating online, Miller appears to have dramatically transformed his body.

The controversial American, 36, flexed a trimmer chest and midsection just two weeks out from his bout with Ruiz.

Miller actually gave Ruiz the chance to beat AJ for the world titles after his drugs bust.

He blamed the failed tests on a tainted supplement and stem cell shots in his elbow.

He then received a contract with Bob Arum’s Top Rank stable but again tested positive for a banned substance.

This time the ex-kickboxer put it down to a SEX PILL and was handed a two-year suspension.

Miller actually gave Ruiz the chance to beat AJ for the world titles after his drugs bust.

He blamed the failed tests on a tainted supplement and stem cell shots in his elbow.

He then received a contract with Bob Arum’s Top Rank stable but again tested positive for a banned substance.

This time the ex-kickboxer put it down to a SEX PILL and was handed a two-year suspension.

The Mexican-American stunned Joshua, 34, in June 2019 but lost the rematch on points six years later.

He beat Chris Arreola, 43, and Luis Ortiz, 45, but has faced a spell on the sidelines as promoter Eddie Hearn predicted a tough bout with Miller.

Hearn told Matchroom Boxing: “I actually think this is a really tough fight for Andy Ruiz. It’s going to be all actions

.“Jarrell Miller is always going to be on the front foot, always comes to fight, and Andy is a very sharp counter-puncher as well, but he’s been out of the ring for a long time. “There’s going to be huge support for him in Los Angeles, but he better have hunger in his belly for this fight because otherwise, he’ll get overrun by Jarrell Miller.”

BOXING

The Heavyweight Fight On Terence Crawford’s Appetizer That Could Shape The Future Of The Division

Terence Crawford and Israel Madrimov top Riyadh Season’s first card on US soil. The under-card, in typical fashion, has a standout heavyweight bout.

With the current crop of big men soon set to make way for the younger contenders, perhaps no man brings about as much hope as Jared Anderson (17-0, 15 KOs). The enigmatic 24-year-old from Toledo, Ohio has made no secret of the fact that he’s in boxing to secure a comfortable future for his family – the sport can keep the legacy and plaudits. Despite that, he could have the talent to do it all.

Like any watchable heavyweight, Anderson brings some vulnerabilities with him in the form of a strikingly open out-of-the-ring battle with the pressure on his shoulders. He also had a chin-check via former champion Charles Martin last year – one he passed but not enough to send out a warning that he can’t be hurt. Away from that, Anderson’s quick come-up has been close to punch-perfect, but that’s not unusual with a top prospect in his first dozen-or-so fights. This is, for a well-managed fighter, where the tests begin.

Enter Martin Bakole (20-1, 15 KOs), Congolese born big man fighting out of Airdrie, Scotland. According to him, he has hurt or dropped all of the best fighters in the division. Unfortunately for fans, those moments have come behind closed doors in the gym during sparring. Still, what has been witnessed is impressive – a solid gas tank for a 280lbs + man and relentless, thudding power. His one loss came to former cruiserweight Michael Hunter, perhaps a sign that Anderson’s athleticism could be key but not to be bought into if you believe Bakole’s post-fight explanation that he was under the weather for the defeat and shouldn’t have been fighting that night. Most recently he broke down and stopped former world title challenge Carlos Takam, swallowing and being stung by a bee while doing it.

Both have fight-ending power, both can be hit, the styles should gel and there’s a considerable amount of pressure – more than a token title – on each man, whether that’s becoming America’s next heavyweight hope after the downfall of Deontay Wilder or proving years of claims that you’re the division’s biggest boogeyman. Fans will struggle to find a confident prediction outside of the respective camps.

The pair face off on August 3 before Crawford attempts to become a four-weight world champion, the fluid and athletic movement of Anderson up against its most stern test in the form of brick-wall Bakole. The latter is 31, closer to the end of his campaign than Anderson but still with the time to top the division for a few years. As such, the fight could be very telling in terms of what the heavyweight landscape will look like as the current top dogs start to plan for a well-earned retirement. It’s not to be missed.