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Tiger Woods offers surprise update on his recovery from seventh b

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Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods offers surprise update on his recovery from seventh back surgery ahead of his 50th birthday

Golf icon Tiger Woods provided an update to his recovery from yet another back surgery and offered his thought on the return of a major champion to the PGA Tour.

Speaking to ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt before Tuesday evening’s TGL match between Jupiter Links GC and New York GC, Woods revealed that he is taking baby steps in his recovery – but is now cleared to swing a select few of his clubs.

‘I’ve been cleared to hit, basically, hit short irons and mid irons,’ Woods revealed. ‘I haven’t gone any beyond that.

Tiger Woods revealed that he has been cleared to swing short and mid irons after back surgery

READ: Tiger Woods’ viral interaction with son Charlie that is winning the

‘Um, you know, whenever that time comes, when I start hitting drivers, and I start playing at home, and start doing all the different things, I will have been away from the game for a year and a half, so I’m gonna be pretty rusty.

‘And so, there’s a lot that goes into it. My prep is gonna have to be a little bit different from my other procedures I’ve had in the past. I’ve had to stay a lot more patient with myself. I get sore faster, I guess, because I’m 50. And that happens.’

Woods underwent the procedure in the fall, marking the seventh time the 15-time major champion had an operation on his back.

The 50-year-old has been recovering from a seventh back surgery he underwent in the fall

The 50-year-old has been recovering from a seventh back surgery he underwent in the fall

The 50-year-old has not competed in a professional tournament since the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon. He missed the cut after playing two rounds.

Woods hasn’t played a full four rounds of professional golf since the 2024 edition of The Masters.

Due to his lengthy absence, Woods is in danger of falling out of the Official World Gold Ranking altogether.

Before providing the update to his health, Woods was asked about the bombshell news regarding the return of Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour after he defected to LIV Golf.

‘I think it’s incredible for the tour. It’s incredible for all the fans and the fan initiative program that we did last year, what they wanted. They want to see the best play against the best.

‘And for Brooks to want to come back a year early, and he was able to do that, and we worked through Christmas, and through their part of the year, with both boards, all the player directors, other players as well, to make sure that this is right.

Woods also offered his thoughts on the return of Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf

Woods also offered his thoughts on the return of Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf

‘I know, there’s some punitive damages there. Um, but, uh, it’s a meritocracy. That’s what makes our game so great. And he is gonna be playing full field events, and he has the ability to earn his way up to the signature events.

‘If he’s good, he’s good. [If] He plays great, [he] plays great. [If he] wins tournaments, [he] wins tournaments. There’s no reason why we should hold him back.’

Before he gets back to playing, Woods will be having a lavish celebration for his 50th birthday.

The California native, who hit the half-century mark on December 30, will have a celebrity-filled bash in south Florida on Wednesday evening.

The event, which is being branded as ‘RED: Celebrating Legacy presented by EY US’, will be hosted at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach.

According to Golf.com, 300 A-List celebrities have been invited for what they’re calling an ‘intimate’ celebration at the resort.

Woods will soon host a 50th birthday celebration at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Florida

Woods will soon host a 50th birthday celebration at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Florida

The celebration will feature 300 A-List celebrities and a performance from Jon Bon Jovi

The celebration will feature 300 A-List celebrities and a performance from Jon Bon Jovi

While the full list has not been revealed, the outlet reports that Jon Bon Jovi will be performing at the event.

In addition to marking another year of life, the celebration is meant to honor Woods’ iconic golf career.

Not only have attendees been asked to add ‘a touch of red’ to their attire for the evening – a nod to Woods’ iconic ‘Sunday uniform’ – but there will also be nods to The Masters.

The menu for the evening will be inspired by the various menus that Woods has served at the annual Masters Champions Dinner. Offerings reportedly include cheeseburgers, porterhouse steaks, fajitas, crab cakes, milkshakes and more.

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BOXING

‘I would knock Tank out’: Unbeaten former world champion vows to

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Gervonta Davis

Unbeaten former world champion vows to KO Gervonta Davis

Gervonta Davis is one of the most fearsome knockout artists in the sport but there is one undefeated former world champion that believes that he can dispatch of Davis inside of the distance and give ‘Tank’ a taste of his own medicine.

A three-division world champion, Davis has shown that his power is genuine by continuing to secure stoppage wins across multiple weight classes, but the Baltimore-born brute has come under fire of late.

‘Tank’ has not won a fight since June 2024, with his solitary outing since that contest being a controversial draw against fellow American Lamont Roach Jr.

Keyshawn Davis' 3-Word Reaction to Potential Gervonta Davis Fight Shatters Boxing Hearts - EssentiallySports

JUST IN: How Terence Crawford’s Retirement and Canelo Alvarez’s Absence

Now, there is a growing belief that external factors have played a part in the decline of Davis, and his consideration of retirement speaks volumes about his remaining love for the sport.

Still, the southpaw sensation remains undefeated, but former WBO lightweight ruler Keyshawn Davis told The Last Stand Podcast that he believes he could put an end to Davis’ 31-fight unbeaten streak.

“I think that I would knock Tank out. He’s too small and I can really punch and I’m really smart bro, I’m super smart. I just feel like I’m Tank’s kryptonite, I really do feel that way.

“I am the last person on Tank’s list. I got a worst mentality than him and he knows this. What people don’t realise is that I sparred Tank when I was like 16 years old and we were about to fight outside of the ring.

“Tank already knows what kind of mentality I am coming with. I got that s**t that he got, but my s**t is a little bit worse, honestly.”

‘The Businessman’is due to face Jamaine Ortiz on Saturday, January 31, on the Lopez-Stevenson undercard for his first outing at super-lightweight. Although, it is understood that he may then move up to welterweight, despite just one outing at 140lbs.

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BOXING

How Terence Crawford’s Retirement and Canelo Alvarez’s Absence

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Terence Crawford Canelo Alvarez

Terence Crawford’s Retirement and Canelo Alvarez’s Absence Triggers WBO to Issue Official Notice

Back-to-back developments have cast a spell of uncertainty on the super middleweight division. Hopes of stability renewed when Terence Crawford dethroned Canelo Alvarez, who had been ruling the weight class since 2021. But Crawford’s surprise retirement put 168 pounds into a state of disarray. It now requires the heavy hand of sanctioning bodies to get things moving.

One such instance came to light recently. Last month, the WBO ordered top-ranked contenders Hamzah Sheeraz (2nd) and Diego Pacheco (3rd) to complete negotiations for their title that fell vacant after Crawford retired. However, the two camps failed to reach an agreement before the deadline, leaving the Puerto Rico-based body with no choice but to issue a purse bid notice.

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JUST IN: Arrest warrant reveals chilling details of Gervonta Davis’ alleged tre

With Canelo and Crawford out, Sheeraz and Pacheco get the call

WBO shared the details on social media. “Purse Bid Notice—Vacant WBO Super Middleweight Championship Contest Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Diego Pacheco,” the subject read. WBO President Gustavo Olivieri told the media, “As the parties have been unable to reach an agreement within the allotted time, the (WBO) will proceed with purse bid proceedings, in accordance with its regulations.”

Details regarding the match date, time, and venue where the fight will potentially take place shall be revealed later, it seems. On December 22, the WBO instructed Sheeraz – ranked No. 2 by the WBC, No. 4 by the WBA, and No. 5 by the IBF – and Pacheco – ranked No. 6 by the WBC, No. 9 by the WBA, and No. 8 by the IBF – to begin negotiations for the vacant title. They received a 20-day deadline to finalize.

Promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotion, Sheeraz drew a match with Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title on the Bivol-Beterbiev card. Later, delivering one of 2025’s standout performances, he knocked out Edgar Berlanga at a super middleweight non-title bout. Matchroom Boxing’s Pacheco, on the other hand, continued his 25-win streak, winning three fights, all by unanimous decision, last year.

With the purse bid scheduled for Monday, January 19, at its San Juan, Puerto Rico, headquarters, the WBO set a minimum bid of $300,000.

168 pounds enters a new era without Canelo and Crawford

WBO’s measure is the latest in a division facing disorder ever since two of its biggest stars underwent career-defining moments. Canelo Alvarez suffered his first defeat since the 2022 loss to Dmitry Bivol, but the impact of the loss at the Allegiant Stadium was felt across the boxing world.

The momentum clearly shifted away from Canelo. With David Benavidez claiming the Cinco de Mayo slot for his title shot, it’s become increasingly clear Canelo’s hold on the spotlight had weakened. Elbow surgery following the Crawford fight has kept him out of the ring indefinitely. A tentative comeback is now being targeted for September this year.

Things could have moved smoothly had Terence Crawford continued his undisputed championship. But the WBC’s decision to strip him of their title for nonpayment of the sanctioning fee left him an unified champion. Later, instead of defending the title, Crawford decided to hang up the gloves.

Now WBA’s Jose Resendiz remains the only formal titleholder at 168 pounds. While WBC plans to put on a fight between interim champion Christian M’billi and Hamzah Sheeraz, the division’s IBF title continues to remain vacant.

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BOXING

Arrest warrant reveals chilling details of Gervonta Davis’ alleged tre

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Gervonta Davis

Arrest warrant reveals chilling details of Gervonta Davis’ alleged treatment of woman

Law enforcement documents which led to an arrest warrant for WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis Wednesday describe his alleged abusive treatment of a woman who sustained physical injuries before fleeing his alleged attempt to abduct her.

Baltimore’s Davis, 31, is being sought by police in Miami Gardens, Florida, it was announced at a news conference Wednesday. It’s a hunt that imperils not only the WBA lightweight champion’s freedom but whether he will fight again any time soon.

Gervonta Davis Press Conference 09222025

READ: “Weird”: Gervonta Davis’ First Video Since Civil Lawsuit Caused $4

The documents reviewed by BoxingScene show that Davis is facing counts of battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping for his alleged October 27 abuse of the woman, who has already sued the unbeaten three-division champion for physically injuring and threatening her after entering her workplace around 4:15 a.m.

“The victim stated that the subject [Davis] grabbed her by her hair with one hand and grabbed her by the throat with the other,” Miami Gardens police detective Gary Florencio told Miami-Dade County judge Andrea R. Wolfson last week.

“She further stated that [Davis] escorted her down the stairway and toward the VIP parking garage, while maintaining his grip on her head and neck. During the incident, [Davis] allegedly stated, ‘You think that I would not find you?’”

The woman, whose name was redacted in documents reviewed by BoxingScene, told police she has known Davis since 2022 and was in a relationship with him for five months.

“She stated the relationship ended one month prior to the incident,” Judge Wolfson wrote in the statement of facts in support of the arrest warrant. “She subsequently blocked all forms of communication with him. [She] advised there is a history of unreported domestic violence between them.

“[She] stated she sustained minor injuries, including bruising to her left arm, from when [Davis] grabbed her, which was visible at the time of the report. She confirmed she sought medical attention for her injuries.”

Police said they photographed the woman’s injuries.

During the incident, police said the woman “tried to calm [Davis] down, but he kept asking her who she thought she was ignoring him. [Davis] told [the woman] she was leaving him and he did not care what she had to say,” after she previously ended the relationship.

Davis was in trouble earlier this year in another domestic violence episode that led to the scrapping of his planned summer rematch against Washington’s Lamont Roach Jnr, who fought Davis to a draw March 1 at New York’s Barclays Center.

As they neared the parking garage, Davis told the woman he was taking her with him, she told police, and she warned him there were cameras in the garage, police said. When Davis let her go to retrieve his vehicle, the woman “took this opportunity to run back inside and tell her manager what had happened,” according to the arrest warrant statement.

“She also showed me text messages she had received in the past from [Davis] threatening her with death,” Detective Florencio informed the judge.

Police said garage video obtained November 3 “corroborated the details in [the woman’s] statement.

“In the videos, [police can] see [Davis] approach [her] and grab her by her hair. … [Davis] is seen pushing and forcing [the woman] down the stairs. … One clip shows [Davis] grabbing the [alleged] victim’s hoodie and pulling her in the direction he wants her to go. In another clip, [Davis holds the woman] by the back of the neck, leading her through an empty part of the club. The final video [shows] … [the woman] is able to run away.”

Three possible witnesses were observed on the video, police said.

One reported witnessing a prior incident when “[Davis] grabbed [the alleged victim] by the neck at a club in Miami Beach.

Detective Florencio said there’s sufficient probable cause to arrest Davis because he “used force to abduct [the woman] and in the process battered her. [Davis] did not release [the woman] and his intent was to make her leave the location with him against her will.”

Davis hasn’t fought since the March draw, as contenders and their handlers await a decision from his promoter, Premier Boxing Champions, and the WBA regarding his status.

Multiple attempts by to reach PBC officials Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya, who represents the WBA’s top-ranked contender Floyd Schofield Jnr, said it’s time for the WBA to strip Davis of his belt.

“I really do hope and wish Gervonta Davis gets his act together because, as a fighter, he is very talented, and I admire him inside the ring,” De La Hoya told BoxingScene.

“But it is now time for the WBA to do the right thing and position Floyd Schofield for the world title.”

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CELEB NEWS

Tiger Woods’ viral interaction with son Charlie that is winning the

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Tiger Woods Charlie Woods

Tiger Woods’ viral interaction with son Charlie that is winning the internet

As the tech-forward TGL Season 2 kicked off at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens on January 13, 2026, it brought with it a viral moment that reminded fans that even a 15-time Major champion like Tiger Woods is, at his core, just a dad trying to get a laugh out of his teen-age son, Charlie Woods.

While the New York Golf Club eventually secured an 8-3 victory over Tiger’s Jupiter Links that night, the real highlight was not focused on the scoreboard but in the stands.

Tiger Woods and his son, Charlie Woods

READ: How Tiger Woods Admits His Involvement in Brooks Koepka’s PGA

A viral “not gonna s-k” moment

Tiger Woods, currently sidelined from active play following his seventh back surgery and a March 2025 Achilles procedure, was at the arena in a “mic’d up” advisor role. During the broadcast, he spotted his 16-year-old son watching from the crowd.

With the confidence only a father can deliver, Tiger shouted his now-famous catchphrase:

“I’m not going to s-k tonight!”

Tiger Woods

Charlie, embodying a classic teenage behaviour, simply gave his dad a blank stare and a slight nod, offering absolutely nothing but a guilty look in return. The reaction was so perfectly awkward that it sent Tiger into a fit of laughter, with ESPN announcers and fans online quickly joining in.

This cheeky line has become a tradition for the legend, as during TGL’s inaugural season in 2025, he famously yelled the same thing to his mother, Kultida, from the course.

A place with room for comedy

This is not the first time the SoFi Center has hosted a Woods family comedy situation. During the 2025 season, cameras caught Tiger trying to convince Charlie to toss him one of his chicken fingers from the stands. Much like the “s-k” joke, Charlie did not obey, leaving the billionaire empty-handed and the internet thoroughly entertained. The typical story of a father embarrassing his son, and old classic.

Tiger also had another comedy moment when during a post-game interview with ‘Awful Announcing’, Tiger accidentally referred to his new teammate, rising star Akshay Bhatia, as “ashtray.” He fastly corrected himself and smiled it off with his characteristic humor, one he brought for the entire evening.

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BOXING

How Mike Tyson Flattening Floyd Mayweather Would Be a Boxing

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Mike Tyson Floyd Mayweather

Mike Tyson Flattening Floyd Mayweather Would Be a Boxing Disaster

An image of Mike Tyson flattening Floyd Mayweather would travel instantly. It would also leave a lasting mark on one of boxing’s cleanest legacies.

But even at 59 and 49, a Tyson knockout of Mayweather in Africa this March would not play as nostalgia. It would read as a business decision that went too far, putting a hole in a record that has been protected for decades for the cold, hard dollar.

Illustrated image of Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather in a fictional boxing knockout scene

JUST IN: Jake Paul makes point with message about Anthony Joshua drug-testing

Nothing about that outcome does anyone any good.

Mayweather’s brand was built on control
Mayweather’s legacy rests on calculation, preservation, and perfection: fifty wins, no losses, and a career shaped around denying opponents a defining moment.

That is why this kind of exhibition carries a different type of risk. If Mayweather hits the canvas, the debate will not center on rules or labels.

It will become a question of judgment: why one of the sharpest operators in boxing chose to expose his résumé to a heavyweight, long after his own competitive window closed.

A payday is easy to understand. The part that is harder to justify is the trade-off if the visuals turn against him.

The weight gap signals what the event is supposed to be
Mayweather agreeing to give away so much weight to Tyson is not a subtle detail. It suggests the contest is designed to look dangerous without becoming just that, a controlled night that resembles a glorified sparring session more than a real fight.

That is also why a knockout becomes the nightmare scenario. It would mean the one man expected to manage the pace and shape the evening could not.

If Tyson decides to go for it, the night can turn ugly
Tyson’s performance against Jake Paul suggested restraint and an understanding of the assignment. If the same approach carries into an exhibition, the event remains what it is intended to be: entertainment, contained and forgettable.

But if Tyson took it upon himself to go for it, the exhibition label would not protect anyone. The moment the illusion breaks, the fight stops being a curiosity and becomes a controversy.

In the worst case, it could carry the same kind of fallout Tyson created against Evander Holyfield, when spectacle crossed into something boxing could not comfortably explain away.

A Tyson knockout would not elevate the Baddest Man. It would not enhance Mayweather. It would not help boxing.

It would turn a carefully managed legacy into a clip, by choice, and not by necessity.

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BOXING

Jake Paul makes point with message about Anthony Joshua drug-testing

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Jake Paul Anthony Joshua

Jake Paul has put to bed any drug controversy after revealing he has been tested more times than both Anthony Joshua and Gervonta Davis.

The ‘Problem Child’ was set to return to the ring in November – following his win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June – against Davis. However, the exhibition showdown was scrapped after ‘Tank’ was accused of battery, false imprisonment and kidnapping by an ex-girlfriend.

Paul reserved a December date in Miami in case his dust-up with Davis failed to materialise. After issuing several call-outs, it was Joshua who obliged. Their heavyweight clash was a professionally sanctioned bout, but despite the noise surrounding the event, the showdown failed to live up to expectations.

Anthony Joshua celebrates victory over Jake Paul after their heavyweight bout

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In a rather dull and uninspiring bout, Joshua eventually knocked the YouTuber-turned-boxer out in the sixth round, having dropped his foe twice in the previous round. Since making his professional debut back in 2020, the American fighter has been accused of cutting corners for his fights. Many have slammed his bouts as ‘fixed’ or that there was insufficient drug testing involved.

Paul has also been accused of taking performance enhancing drugs, but has played down those rumours on several occasions. Ahead of last month’s heavyweight clash between Joshua and Paul, it was confirmed that the bout would be overseen by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The American also signed up for the aforementioned anti-doping body ahead of his proposed clash with ‘Tank.’

In a recent post uploaded to X – formerly known as Twitter – Paul posted a screenshot of his sample count, alongside both Joshua and Davis via the official USADA website. In total, it was revealed that there was a total sample count of 24 from the three fighters, with Paul submitting 10, Joshua handing in six, and Davis submitting 8. The social media sensation was eager to take a swipe at his critics, revealing he had been tested more times than his two rivals. “USADA, VADA, PRADA, NADA,” he captioned the post.

Addressing his critics ahead of his proposed clash with Davis, Paul said in a video uploaded to YouTube. “Don’t worry, for all of you Karens who accuse me of being on steroids as the reason for winning all of my fights, we have the strictest drug testing possible for this match. US Anti-Doping Agency. Random drug tests at any moment.”

USADA were the official anti-doping body for MMA promotion UFC between 2015 and 2024. Prior to the body’s involvement, the use of PEDs was a cause for concern in the sport. However, USADA’s strict punishments and random testing protocol ultimately paid dividends for Dana White’s organisation.

Paul’s business partner Nakisa Bidarian was adamant that – ahead of the American boxer’s fight with Joshua – both men would be heavily monitored, revealing to the Daily Mail: “We are enrolled in the highest level of USADA for this fight, just like Jake was with Tank. So Jake just continues in that programme, and Joshua enters that programme immediately.

“Jake was tested eight times by USADA during the past – whatever it was – seven weeks since we started the programme with USADA for Jake versus Tank. That’s just going to continue. Randomised testing, frequent testing. And, you know, we’re four weeks out, so it’s going to be pretty comprehensive.”

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BOXING

‘We met’: Why Terence Crawford held retirement talk with former

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Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford held retirement talk with former rival before announcing decision

Terence Crawford spoke with former foe Israil Madrimov, informing him of his decision to retire before announcing it to the world.

Crawford announced that his career in the sport was over, after dethroning Canelo Alvarez as undisputed super-middleweight champion in September with a stunning display.

Terence Crawford punching Canelo Alvarez in their clash on September 13

READ: “It Wasn’t Because Of That”: Terence Crawford Reveals Reason Be

The American retired while at the peak of his powers, and many questioned if it was simply a ploy to attract a bigger fight offer.

He had been linked with a rematch with the Mexican, and had even teased a move down to 160lbs for a world title pursuit in March.

But he ultimately decided enough was enough and called time, insisting that no fights would increase his legacy at this stage.

Former rival Madrimov, who Crawford defeated to become 154lbs world champion in 2024, spoke to the American first regarding his decision.

He revealed to The Ring: “Before he announced his retirement, we met, and he told me he’s done, he’s had enough of the sport, that he had achieved everything possible and that he’s not chasing money.

“He don’t care about all that stuff. He has everything he needs. I’m super happy for him.

“When he told me this, I was thinking maybe he was just saying that and maybe he was gonna get that huge offer, and he’ll take it.

“But he said no, that he doesn’t care.”

On whether he believes Crawford will stick to his decision, Madrimov added: “I believe that Terence is a man of his word.

“He said all he wants is his legacy and to leave the sport as one of the GOATs, one of the best, and without a blemish on his record.

Madrimov knew of Crawford's decision before he made it public, with the pair discussing his stance on a return

“I respect and appreciate that and wish him only the best of health and wealth for him and his big family.”

Should Crawford have retired?

Crawford has done what many have done by achieving it all in the boxing ring, and hanging up his gloves while at the height of his career.

‘Bud’ went out after making history against Alvarez, without the glum realisation he is past his best, or without any unnecessary defeats on his record.

However, there is significant belief in the boxing world that Crawford could have gone on to make further history, and capture a world title in a sixth weight class.

The American superstar would have been an overwhelming favourite in any fight with Erislandy Lara, and would have fancied his chances of beating Janibek Alimkhanuly.

Heavyweight star Anthony Joshua is of the opinion that Crawford should have continued his breathtaking streak going.

Terence Crawford after beating Canelo Alvarez in September

 

He said: “I feel like Terence Crawford has got so, so much more to give.

“But it’s not just physical, it’s what’s going on in his mind.

“He’s been in the game for a long time, so maybe he’s like ‘forget it, I’m done mentally’, even though physically he’s good. I would love to see him continue fighting.

“I think he’s got a lot left, but we have to live and let others live by their own rules.”

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GOLF

How Tiger Woods Admits His Involvement in Brooks Koepka’s PGA

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Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods Admits His Involvement in Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour Comeback

Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour became the headline of every newspaper. However, behind the headlines stood Tiger Woods, the 15-time major champion who hustled through negotiations, working with both boards.

Fresh off medical clearance to hit mid irons, Tiger Woods dropped the bombshell about his pivotal role. “It’s incredible for the tour and for the fans who want to see the best play against the best,” he revealed per the post shared by TWSPOT. “We worked through Christmas with both boards to make sure this is right.”

The process began on December 23 when the Grand Slam winner received Koepka’s letter requesting reinstatement. Woods and the board members immediately took the letter to both boards, working to implement a fair plan that addressed the 35-year-old time away, penalties, fines, the integration process, and bonus payouts.

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READ: Charlie Woods impresses his father Tiger Woods after over

“We had lots of subsequent meetings, worked through the holidays,” Woods explained at the SoFi Center. “There were no days off. We just worked through it day after day after day.”

Woods wasn’t just signing off on decisions; he was actively shaping them over the holidays with both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf boards.
Woods was very clear about how he felt about meritocracy. “He is going to be playing a full field of events and he has the ability to earn his way up to the signature events. If he’s good, he’s good. If he plays great, he plays great. If he wins tournaments, he wins tournaments. There’s no reason why we should hold him back.”

And let’s not forget he had the power to do it. He has been the vice chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises since March 2024 and the chair of the Future Competition Committee. Alongside Patrick Cantlay, Adam Scott, Webb Simpson, Jordan Spieth, and Peter Malnati. All six of these players’ votes helped make this move happen.

Brooks Koepka is back under strict conditions through the Returning Member Program, which is only open to former members who won majors or The Players Championship between 2022 and 2025. He’ll donate $5 million to charity, forgo his Tour equity bonuses until 2030, and could lose between $50 million and $85 million in total. He has to start over from scratch, with full field events and no guaranteed spots in signature tournaments until he earns them.

The 50-year-old was happy that Koepka wanted to come back a year early, which fans had asked for through last year’s fan initiative program. The Fan Forward program, which started in 2024 and had more than 50,000 participants, was the biggest fan outreach in Tour history. It showed that fans wanted to see the best players compete against each other, one of four main areas identified through never-before-seen polling. PGA TOUR Koepka’s return directly answers that mandate by bringing back the top-level competition that the LIV split had broken up.

Not only that, but this decision also aligns with Brian Rolapp’s goal to evolve the PGA and make it the best.

Koepka will make his debut at the Farmers Insurance Open on January 29.

Additionally, this comeback has opened a box of discussion, which has divided the golf circuit.

Golf’s elite split on Tiger Woods’ power move

Woods made the deal happen, but not everyone is happy about it. Michael Kim shared his thoughts on X, writing, “Guys are pissed.” During the LIV introduction, PGA TOUR players who stayed loyal saw Koepka chase guaranteed millions. Now he’s back without having to go through Korn Ferry qualifiers.

Brandel Chamblee, an analyst, wasn’t much of a supporter of the decision either. He said Koepka should start over with Monday qualifiers instead of just walking into Tour events. Chamblee said that Koepka was a “marquee legitimizer” whose credibility kept LIV going while loyal players paid the price. It’s not about talent; it’s about principle. Woods and the player-directors have carved out a path, but some pros think it’s just favouritism dressed up as meritocracy.

Meanwhile, during a TGL match, Rory McIlroy changed the game with his stance. When asked if Koepka should come back soon, he said, “Absolutely. What Brooks has done in the game of golf, it would be good for everyone to have him back.”

Jordan Spieth, who was also in that committee with Tiger Woods, offered him advice amid all the criticism. All he wanted Koepka to focus on was his game and give his best. And most importantly, not to pay much attention to the outside voices.

Tiger Woods opened the door, but can Brooks silence the doubters and earn back respect one tournament at a time?

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BOXING

Biggest what-ifs: Why I Turned Down $30 Million Offer to Fight Jake

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Jake Paul

KSI Explains Rejecting $30 Million Offer to Fight Jake Paul

Forget about Gervonta Davis vs. Shakur Stevenson. In modern boxing, one of the biggest what-ifs remains KSI vs. Jake Paul. The pair have been trading words, insults, and promises of a fight for years, but their bout never became a reality. Now, KSI has revealed an interesting part of their negotiations.

The British internet star recently appeared in an interview with India’s Beer Biceps Ranveer on YouTube. As they got to chatting, KSI spilled the beans on the offers he has received over the years to face Jake Paul. However, money was not something that held KSI back from taking on ‘El Gallo.’

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JUST IN: “Weird”: Gervonta Davis’ First Video Since Civil Lawsuit Caused $4

KSI claims to have done everything in boxing

KSI opened up about his boxing journey and motivations while speaking to Ranveer, making it clear that financial gain was never his driving force. Reflecting on his bout against Tommy Fury, the YouTuber-turned-boxer revealed the truth. “My fight with Tommy Fury, all the money I made, I gave it to my trainers,” KSI said when asked whether boxing had benefited him financially.

He further emphasized that money was never the reason he stepped into the ring, despite receiving massive offers to face Jake Paul. “I’ve been offered 20 million to fight Jake Paul, 30 million to fight Jake Paul.” KSI went on to shut down any possibility of returning to boxing for financial incentives alone.

“These guys can’t give me any amount of money to fight this guy. When it comes to boxing, I’m done,” he stated. According to KSI, his primary objective was always to build Misfits Boxing and eventually secure a showdown with Jake Paul. “[I] built Misfits, tried to fight Jake Paul time and time and time again. It’s just excuse after excuse after excuse.”

He also claimed that he was ready to fight when Jake Paul took on Tommy Fury and Nate Diaz, but the bout never materialized due to Paul’s reluctance. “At that point, I had to fight Tommy Fury. I was like, you know what? I tried to build up again to then try and fight Jake again. And then he was just getting heavier and heavier, trying to move the goalposts when it comes to weight,” KSI said during the interview.

Ultimately, the repeated setbacks pushed KSI to walk away from the idea of fighting Jake Paul altogether. As things stand, the long-anticipated clash remains out of reach. Meanwhile, Logan Paul has since shed light on why his brother has no interest in facing KSI.

Logan Paul believes weight is stopping Jake Paul vs. KSI

Speaking on his Impaulsive podcast a while back, Logan admitted he has been pushing hard to make the fight happen. But he claimed the gap in weight classes has stalled negotiations. “I’m working on it. I’m trying so hard,” Logan said. “There’s a weight problem at the moment. Jake’s technically the fat guy. [KSI] fights lighter. It’s a disaster.”

Logan suggested that Jake no longer views the matchup as necessary. “[Jake] genuinely believes that he’s kind of above the influencer boxing, and he classifies KSI still as an influencer boxer,” he explained. “He won’t go down to a weight where he’s genuinely uncomfortable just to satisfy a YouTube audience,” Logan said, adding, “He’s big now. He’s bigger. He’s a thick f—king tattooed beast.”

From the looks of things, Jake Paul vs. KSI is never going to happen, even though there’s plenty of money to be made.

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