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Reigning Roland-Garros champion Novak Djokovic has a dual-quest on clay in 2024 – to win a stand-alone 25th Grand Slam singles title in the sport and finally land that elusive Olympic gold medal. Paul Hassall was at the Monte-Carlo Country Club to watch the Serb’s first match of the season on the surface at the Monte-Carlo Masters in what could yet be his most memorable ever on La Terre Battue.

READ MORE :Andy Murray Joins Elite Club Ft. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal After Defeating Matteo Berrettini at Miami Open 2024

Heading into the Monte-Carlo Masters, two-time champion Novak Djokovic (2013, 2015) had spoken of low expectations in terms of landing what would be a record-extending 41st Masters 1000 title.
It was his first competitive tour match since a shock third round loss to lucky loser Luca Nardi in Indian Wells, while his semi-final exit to eventual winner Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open back in January had cracked the air of invincibility from a stellar 2023.
Novak Djokovic: 'Let's not get ahead of ourselves' | ATP Tour | Tennis
It only added to the intrigue as to how the top seed would shape up on his return to action, with the crowd on Court Rainier III waiting patiently to see the world No. 1 as early rain delayed the day’s play by two hours.
Djokovic was third up on the MCCC’s main court and he proved to be the highlight of Day 4 for many of the spectators as he comfortably ousted Roman Safiullin in straight sets (6-1 6-2) in his first outing on clay since he lifted his third Roland-Garros crown last June.
There were a few shakes of the head here and there as Nole, ever the perfectionist, still managed to lament some wasted break opportunities despite unlocking the Russian’s serve on no fewer than five occasions
There’s no doubt the top seed has several additional gears to move through but overall he admitted he was “very pleased” with what was a very promising and perhaps ominous start to the clay swing for the Serb.
A fourth Roland-Garros title and a standalone 25th singles major in the sport is clearly on his radar with his preparations in recent years always centred upon peaking for the second Grand Slam of the year in Paris rather than being overly concerned with results in the first few tournaments of the European leg on the red dirt.
Djokovic eclipses Federer's record for oldest man ranked No. 1 in tennis |  CTV News
Indeed, Djokovic has not gone beyond the quarter-finals here since he lifted the trophy for the second time in 2015, and he has not made it beyond round three since 2019.
It has rarely stopped him from hitting a high level by Rome and being a major contender at Roland-Garros, where he has won two of the last three editions.
However, this year there is a unique difference.
Both Djokovic and his former coach Goran Ivanisevic have made it pretty clear that his priority – even above another major – is that elusive Olympic gold medal, which remains the surprising omission from his glittering CV.
This will be the Serb’s fifth Olympics and he is keenly aware that he has yet to produce his best tennis there.

Lennox Lewis has spoken of his excitement at seeing former rival Mike Tyson return to the ring.

The retired heavyweight legend recently sent shockwaves through the boxing world by announcing he will fight Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium in Texas on July 20.

Paul vs Tyson is projected to be one of the most-watched fights of all time as it will be available to stream to anyone on the planet with a Netflix account.

Fighters and fans have expressed their concern for Tyson, who will be 58-years-old at the time of the fight, as he prepares to face a man 31 years younger than him.

READ MORE :EXCLUSIVE :Jake Paul& hollow attempt at Rocky training montage video fails to inspire fans or worry Mike Tyson

Some people called for the bout to be scrapped, but one of Tyson’s most famous adversaries is looking forward to watching his old rival lace up the gloves again.

🚨 Lennox Lewis gives assessment on Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight

“Absolutely, it’s going to be a great fight,” Lewis said in an interview with TMZ Sports when asked if he’s looking forward to watching Paul vs Tyson.

There was mass speculation about the rules for Tyson’s return to the ring before it was recently confirmed that his clash with Paul will be an exhibition.

“This is called an exhibition, but if you look up exhibition, you won’t see any of the laws we’re fighting under,” ‘Iron Mike’ told Fox News.

UPDATE :Mike Tyson main weakness that could make him lose against Jake Paul is revealed

“This is a fight. I don’t think he’s faster than me. I’ve seen a YouTube video of him at 16 doing weird dancing.

Lennox Lewis shares brutal Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul simulation that predicts  devastating finish

“That’s not the guy I’m fighting. This is a guy who’s going to try and hurt me, which I’m accustomed to, and he’s going to be greatly mistaken.”

A matter of ongoing speculation, the rules for the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight scheduled for July 20 remain undetermined, the promoter told USA TODAY Sports.

Bryce Holden, principal of Holden Boxing LLC, said he’s in talks with officials who regulate combat sports in Texas. The bout is set to be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

“It’s just been conversations to understand what could be possible, what is impossible and then us speaking to the camps (of Tyson and Paul),’’ said Holden, who added that he is “hoping to get to a resolution here soon.’’

READ MORE :Boxing fans stunned after hearing what Mike Tyson called Jake Paul during Fox News interview

What remains undecided is whether the fight will be a sanctioned pro bout or exhibition along with the number of scheduled rounds, whether the rounds will be two minutes or three minutes long and the weight of the gloves.

Mike Tyson to face Jake Paul in boxing match this summer

“We’re aware that a lot of people have grown interested in the distinction and what’s going to happen and take place,’’ Holden said. “But for now it’s just, I’m close to the guys at the (Texas) commission, we have a good working relationship, so we’re talking a lot about the event as a whole.’’

Who will make decision on fight rules?

The Texas Department of Licensing Regulations (TDLR) initially told USA TODAY Sports an exhibition in Texas calls for two-minute rounds and 16-ounce gloves instead of the 10-ounce gloves Tyson used to deliver devastating knockouts during his pro career.

But subsequently, the TDLR said, “Rules are not fixed and each bout is subject to review.’’

Jake Paul to face boxing legend Mike Tyson in July exhibition fight | CNN

The TDLR has declined comment on whether the proposed fight between Tyson and Paul would be a pro fight, exhibition fight or what rules would be used. Tela Mange, Communications Manager for TDLR, said a determination cannot be made until a promoter submits the fight cards.

Holden confirmed with USA TODAY Sports he has not submitted fight cards that would include details he is negotiating with TDLR officials.

RELATED :Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson is scheduled for July 20. But fight still must be approved

Mange said by email, “TDLR carefully reviews fighters for each bout, examining their backgrounds (record, age, win/loss streak, amount of time spent out of the ring between bouts, etc.) to determine whether a contest should be a professional bout, an exhibition, or whether a contest should happen at all, based on whether an opponent is outclassed because of experience or other factors.’’

Tyson Fury will fight Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship live on Sky Sports Box Office on May 18; Fury tells press conference he respects Usyk as an opponent but explains why he is convinced the Ukrainian cannot defeat him

Tyson Fury has warned Oleksandr Usyk that while the Ukrainian might have defeated Anthony Joshua he won’t be able to overcome an “elite, big” heavyweight.

Fury, the WBC champion, meets the unified WBA, WBO and IBF titlist Usyk in the undisputed heavyweight championship fight on May 18, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

READ MORE :Derek Chisora claims he knows who Anthony Joshua is fighting next, and it’s not Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk

Fury paid due respect to his opponent at a press conference in his home town of Morecambe.

Frank Warren claims Oleksandr Usyk has an 'Achilles heel' ahead of Tyson  Fury undisputed fight | DAZN News US

“It’s not personal. It’s strictly business for both fighters. There’s a lot of stuff on the line, but I don’t hate him,” Fury said of Usyk. “I respect him as a man, as a fighter.

“Anyone would have to respect the man’s achievements. He’s unified heavyweight champion, undisputed cruiserweight champion.”

JUST IN :Frazer Clarke will supersede Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to British heavyweight record if he beats Fabio Wardley

But Fury’s confidence is rock solid that he will prevail in their May 18 clash: “I’m the best. I’m just defending my ‘best-ness’ against him,” he declared.

Fury, Usyk reach 'agreement' for undisputed heavyweight clash, WBA confirms  | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News — Sport — The Guardian  Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

Fury is getting ready for Usyk, while Joshua waits his turn for the aftermath.

Tyson Fury did the media rounds on Wednesday at a press conference ahead of his fight against Oleksandr Usyk, which will take place on May 18.

Although Usyk is the main focus, the topic of Anthony Joshua came up. Joshua could very well face the winner of Fury-Usyk, although he’s already lost twice to Usyk.

Tyson Fury calls Anthony Joshua a “fat sausage”

READ MORE :BREAKING NEWS :‘He’s coming to finish him’ – Anthony Joshua shows off kicks in training as fans call for a rematch with Francis Ngannou in MMA

A fight against Fury could be on the cards whether Fury beats Usyk or not, and it sure sounds like Fury is already trying to promote that one. First, Fury called Joshua a “useless sausage“.

Fury himself even said that he expects to fight Joshua not once but twice following the Usyk fights.

Anthony Joshua accepts terms for fight with Tyson Fury in December | UK  News | Sky News

He then followed up later by claiming there’s no bad blood between the two boxers. But then he delivered an eyebrow-raising quote when prompted on what he thinks of Joshua’s recent improvement since hiring a new trainer.

RELATED :Mike Tyson breaks down and analyses every active elite heavyweight boxer including Anthony Joshua

Fury loves delivering ear-catching quotes, and that was certainly one of them. If he’s set to fight Usyk and Joshua a total of four times combined over the next couple of years, we’ll be in for many more great quotes.

Katie Taylor and Claressa Shields have each played their part in transforming boxing.

Malissa Smith is promoting her upcoming book The Promise of Women’s Boxing – available on June 4 – and two of the fighters who have been significantly involved in the women’s boxing revolution are Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Taylor, who won gold in 2012, but couldn’t repeat in 2016. Women’s boxing is now a staple of the biggest shows on both sides of the Atlantic.

Smith explained that her book is split into three time-frames.

READ MORE :“Happened to Me 2X”: Claressa Shields Reveals Personal Trauma by Relating to Lil Wayne’s Recent Message

“I broke the book up into three distinct periods,” reflected Smith, a women’s boxing historian. “The period from 2012 to 2016, which really focused more on the amateur world of boxing, and contrasting that to the women who had already been boxing as professionals but were having such a hard time getting traction on cards.

“I then looked at the period from 2017-2019 to think about what happened when the Olympians finally started to enter into the world of boxing; was their experience different from the old gang of women’s boxers?”

CLARESSA SHIELDS “I’m GWOAT! Katie Taylor is 2nd Best!” after CONTROVERSIAL  WIN vs Delfine Persoon

“In the case of Katie Taylor and Claressa Shields, it was a very different paradigm. They started off earning salaries that the women who had been boxing all along never saw. Then, the third part is looking at the COVID [era] to the current state of boxing. This showed a real shift, where women started to have real superfights and earn a million dollars.”

A major factor in the success of women’s boxing could be seen as the Olympics and the benefits that are in place for fighters who go through the Olympic system, win medals and hit the professional ranks with excitement, enthusiasm and a reputation.

RELATED :Claressa Shields wins first female MMA bout in Saudi Arabia as she triumphs on return to octagon

“The proven ability of the Olympians, Katie Taylor, for one, Claressa Shields, as another,” Smith continued. “They are very different women, they are very different fighters. But they had a similar experience in terms of coming to the party with a promotion team and management team, that had a real sense of what the future could look like. Katie Taylor as a fighter is a known quantity and we essentially have her to thank for [women’s boxing] being in the Olympics in the first place.”

Claressa Shields after Taylor-Persoon: Tonight proved I'm the 'GWOAT' - The  Ring

Taylor’s dominance in international competition was a major driver of women being included in the Olympics. 

Another key factor to the growth of women’s boxing are the rivalries that are building and that have resulted in terrific fights. Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano was one of the biggest and best fights of 2022 and brought in a massive crowd, but there has also been Mikaela Mayer versus Alycia Baumgardner, Claressa Shields versus Savannah Marshall and many others.

UPDATE :“Are You Fighting Me or Not?”: Claressa Shields Sends Separate Challenges to Alycia Baumgardner and Cris Cyborg

High-profile figures in women’s boxing are drawing interest from fans who have not typically watched women box.

Claressa Shields Reveals What It Would Take For Her To Fight Katie Taylor |  FIGHT SPORTS

“Part of that is [the fights] are also delivering,” added Smith. “What you have is the best fighting the best even on undercards. You are seeing high-caliber boxing, and that just adds to what the rivalries are about.”

Jonathan Owens recently said he’s “the catch” in his relationship with Simone Biles — despite the Olympian being the most decorated gymnast of all time. And her fans aren’t having it.

Owens, 28, and Biles, 26, both appeared on The Pivot podcast, hosted by former NFL players Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder, in a wide-ranging interview that also discussed how the two athletes met.

In a clip of the podcast released on Tuesday, the Green Bay Packers safety told the hosts he met Biles on the dating app Raya.

“I didn’t know who she was at the time, but like, the first thing I saw was she’s got a bunch of followers, so in my mind, I’m like, she gotta be good,” he said.

READ MORE :Simone Biles-led Gold Over America Tour lands in Houston following 2024 Olympics

When pushed about how he could have possibly not heard of the multi-Olympic gold medalist, Owens said he had been busy.

“When she won the Olympics, I was in college, and we didn’t have NBC. We didn’t have Olympics channels and we’re in camp. We’re in camp in late July, early August,” he said. “So I’m not paying attention…I’m like, ‘Lemme see who this is.’ I never really paid attention to gymnastics, so it piqued my curiosity.”

Simone Biles' boyfriend Jonathan Owens praises her record win

After Biles messaged him on the app, the two eventually wed in April 2023 in Houston, People reports.

Clark later asked Owens: “So you was really the catch?”

“I always say the men are the catch,” Owens responded.

Owens’ response drew criticism and consternation across the internet — especially as the clip dropped the week Biles was named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year for the third time.

“Simone Biles’ husband is a walking red flag,” said one TikToker.

“The way this unknown man sat there and tried to humble his wife, Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, Simone Biles. In the words of Adele, ‘Divorce babes, divorce,'” said another.

Simone Biles And Jonathan Owens Release Adorable Engagement Photos | Essence

One X user went all the way back in Owens’ X profile to dig up a tweet in which he proved he was at least aware of the sport (though Biles didn’t compete in the 2012 Games).

Still, there were some users on social media who seemingly defended Owens, writing: “Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens [are] clearly happy together and they can joke about how they met and initially got together but leave it to total strangers on here to get irrationally invested and upset over his comments about their relationship.”

RELATED :“Simone Biles in a Meet”: Gymnastics World Debates Over Caitlin Clark’s Parallel on Floor and Beams

To be fair, Owens is not the only person to end up dating or marrying someone whom they didn’t realize was famous at the time.

Lena Dunham’s husband Luis Felber said he had to Google her before they went on a date. The singer Lily Allen just thought “Stranger Things” star David Harbour was “a sexy policeman from a reality TV show” because he’d posted a pic of himself in his Jim Hopper costume.

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens Announce Second Wedding After Celebrating  Poolside | Glamour

Despite the online backlash, Owens seems to be “unbothered” by the criticism over his comments, or at least that’s what he posted on Instagram on Friday.

“Just know we locked in over here,” he wrote.

Business Insider reached out to Owens for comment on the backlash but didn’t hear back immediately.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Gervonta Davis is already in great shape over two months out from his next fight against Frank Martin.

‘Tank’ recently confirmed on social media that he would be returning to the ring against Martin on June 22 in Houston, Texas.

The fight has not been officially announced at the time of writing, however, Davis is already hard at work preparing for his upcoming clash.

READ MORE :“Looks Like He’s Going to Pass Out”: Gervonta Davis’ Latest Training Picture Showing Skinny Physique Leaves Fans Concerned About His Health

Following a gruelling session, the Baltimore banger flaunted his ripped physique in a video uploaded to X on Sunday evening as fans expressed their concerns for Martin.

Reacting to the video, one supporter wrote: “That boy in shape I feel sorry for Frank.”

GERVONTA DAVIS VS FRANK MARTIN - RUMOURED FIGHT 👀

 

Another tweeted: “Boy Frank Martin is in a world of trouble, 2 months out and Tank looks like this.”

A third added: “Frank Martin might be going to sleep I can’t lie.”

Davis has been out of action since his seventh-round knockout win over Ryan Garcia in April last year.

Shortly after the triumph, he spent 44 days in prison for violating the terms of a sentence which initially saw him avoid jail time.

RELATED :“We Literally Talk for Five-Five and a Half Hours”: Leonard Ellerbe Explains How He Motivated Rolly Romero After Gervonta Davis Fight

Last May, Davis was sentenced to 90 days of home detention, three years probation and 200 hours of community service over his November 2020 hit-and-run car crash which injured four people.

He was later found guilty of violating the terms of his home detention and as a result, was ordered to serve the rest of his 90-day sentence in jail.

Ryan Garcia leaks footage of Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis rocking Devin Haney in  sparring with Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweat

It was initially reported that the bout was being targeted for June 15 but Davis has since affirmed that it has been pushed back seven days.

Trainer Brian “Bomac” McIntyre says his leading charge Terence Crawford is still keen on a fight with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

McIntyre, talking to Fight Hub, said of Crawford: “That’s probably what he wants, Canelo.

“Bud beats his ass. He outboxes him. [Weight] don’t matter. Bud’s been fighting bigger people all his life.

“We know how to roll with punches, we know how to take your power. We can take your power away from you. How do you take the power away from a puncher? Timing. 

“It would be Errol Spence-Crawford II.”

READ MORE :Gervonta Davis Threatens Boxing Commentator for Suggesting Him as Errol Spence Jr.’s Tune-Up After Terence Crawford “A** Whooping”

Canelo has said he has no interest in the contest, which would match the undisputed champion at 147lbs with the undisputed champion at 168lbs, largely because of the size difference, and that it would place him in a no-win situation.

Terence Crawford Crowned Best Boxer of His Era in Win vs Errol Spence -  Sports Illustrated

“I respect that, because you get beat by the smaller man… “ said McIntyre. “The real boxing fans know Bud can beat Canelo. He might be bigger, but he don’t got the height, he don’t got the reach. He’s got a good boxing IQ, but he doesn’t have that crazy IQ that Terence has.”

Asked about what happens when Canelo faces Jaime Munguia in Las Vegas on May 4, McIntyre predicted: “Canelo’s going to stop him. I say in 10 rounds. It’s a decent fight, but Munguia’s isn’t ready for that level yet. He hasn’t been on that level yet.”

McIntyre derided any speculation about a Crawford fight with fellow McIntyre-trained boxer Chris Eubank Jr. as “fake news” was also asked to give his take on the April 20 New York clash between WBC junior welterweight titleholder Devin Haney and challenger Ryan Garcia.

“Devin Haney’s going to beat him because he’s got more experience, he’s been in bigger fights, and I believe he will be able to push him. Ryan’s got some speed, but Devin’s smart enough to time him.

Terence Crawford open to junior middleweight rematch with Errol Spence -  The Ring

“[Garcia should] box and move, make Devin come to him, because Devin’s usually the boxer.

UPDATE :EXCLUSIVE :Roy Jones Jr explains why Terence Crawford is the pound-for-pound king, but another boxer is ‘fast on his heels’

“Make him get out of his comfort zone. Devin’s used to people coming to him, he’s a great boxer, he knows how to box. He knows how to box on his toes.”

Oleksandr Usyk appears to have bulked up to face Tyson Fury.

The Ukrainian has been pictured in his training camp as he prepares to take on the ‘Gypsy King’ for a chance to become undisputed champion, the first since Lennox Lewis achieved the feat in 1999.

Usyk posted footage on a speed ball, showing off both his fast hands and impressive shape, where he looks significantly bulkier than in previous appearances on social media.

And fans were quick to react, with one writing: “Usyk is always in shape, but he looks like he’s ready to fight right now!”

REA MORE :Frazer Clarke will supersede Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to British heavyweight record if he beats Fabio Wardley

Another agreed: “Looks in great shape, and his arms seem a lot more muscular than normal.

One fan even questioned: “Has Usyk ever looked in better shape?”

A comment joked: “Looking hench or maybe it’s the haircut.”

The Tyson Fury–Oleksandr Usyk Fight Is Finally Set. Here's What's at Stake.

One even predicted: “You’re looking at undisputed champion right here, I’ve said it from the start.

“Usyk will bully him with his hand speed and better footwork.”

Although some were less optimistic, with a fan writing: “Things to note – Bag high up to imitate Fury’s head. Punching up reduces power. Usyk has got no power.”

A viewer was more impressed with his skills, concluding: “Absolutely amazing skills while looking at the camera, he only missed the ball once!”

The Ukrainian previously reigned as undisputed cruiserweight world champion, before piling on weight to compete in the blue-riband division.

He has made a huge impression despite being smaller in size, beating Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois since stepping up.

Face-off Sessions Of Tyson Fury And Oleksandr Usyk Taking Heat

But the size difference to 6ft 9ins Fury could be huge on the night, given the unified champion stands six inches smaller at 6ft 3ins.

Fury has regularly aimed critical jibes at Usyk for his size, but many are expecting the Ukrainian to possess the superior boxing skills on the night.

The Briton also himself looks in brilliant shape, and has shown off a remarkable transformation since narrowly beating Francis Ngannou in October 2023.

Tyson Fury to fight Oleksandr Usyk for undisputed heavyweight title

Fans have been equally impressed by the WBC champion’s training footage, as he worked the pads with his father John Fury.