The build-up to the 'Battle of the Sexes' between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios has proven that its architects and detractors agree on one thing: This is pure spectacle that cannot support the weight of its lofty name @sarahshephard.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...

Former unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua stopped Jake Paul, a YouTuber turned entrepreneur turned pro boxer, showing that fame, fortune and a following are no substitute for a lifetime dedicated to honing your craft. ✍️ @sarahshephard.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...

Eddie Hearn has built Matchroom’s boxing offering into a global enterprise that will have put on 43 fights in 10 countries this year. But that doesn’t stop the criticism and abuse. Hearn believes that boxing’s social media community is “the most toxic” he’s ever seen. @sarahshephard.bsky.social

Lederhosen? “Actually really comfortable." 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲: Harry Kane is thriving with Bayern Munich, with whom he ended his wait for silverware. Kane is bullish over England's World Cup chances, but first he wants more success in Bavaria. @sarahshephard.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...

15.80 is a monster shot put from Anna Hall! When I spoke to her a few weeks ago she said how happy she was with her upper body development and throws… the American looks like the one to beat in Tokyo nytimes.com/athletic/663...

In a career spanning 45 fights - 22 were world-title contests - Ricky Hatton built an army of fans to whom he was a hero. His brilliance inside the ring was matched by his personality outside of it. That's what made him loved by everyone he came into contact with. ✍️ @sarahshephard.bsky.social

When Lucy Bronze revealed in the aftermath of England's historic Euros victory that she'd played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia, it left most of us stunned. How is that even possible? 👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/652...

When Scottie Scheffler questioned the point of winning, it got people talking. A lot. Aren’t the best sportspeople supposed to be driven by success? A piece about winning and why it’s not always all that matters - and sometimes, that’s a good thing. www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...

Is Usyk one of the GOATs? Or is this heavyweight era weaker than most? Does it even matter? My thoughts, after he reclaimed all the belts on Saturday night, including a quote you almost definitely won’t see in any other boxing media. www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...

This was such a fascinating topic to look into. 🧠 the role of the brain 🧤how she’s adapted over years 👀 the nuance of stereo versus monocular depth perception www.nytimes.com/athletic/648... Hannah Hampton: How can a goalkeeper with almost no depth perception play at the top level?

Excellent on Partey. From 45 mins onwards. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...

Primary concern here is with the alleged victims but the optics of yesterday’s news could hardly have been worse for Arsenal. nytimes.com/athletic/64741… Arsenal’s stance over Thomas Partey feels morally indefensible

What exactly does playing football / any sport in the heat do to your body? And does it ever adapt to feel “easier”? www.nytimes.com/athletic/643... How the heatwave has affected players at the Club World Cup and what the lessons are for the 2026 World Cup

Think my heart rate is still around 180 tbh… nytimes.com/athletic/63133… Chris Eubank Jr defeats Conor Benn by unanimous decision in thriller that lived up to hype

Is Daniel levy in his seat yet?! He’ll be spewing they’ve let Chev Clarke play The Angel…

If doors were at 5pm, was it made clear enough what time the first fight would start? Looks like hardly anyone has been in their seats for the Billam Smith fight.

Investigation: Tomorrow night, Turki Al-Sheikh will stage Benn vs Eubank as boxing’s most powerful man. Behind the glamour, he is central to a regime that rules with an iron fist. This is the Turki Al-Sheikh that few people know. www.nytimes.com/athletic/629...

"Some weigh themselves multiple times a day." "Being told you’re overweight in front of national media." "They feel like they’re being spied on." "Everyone has to have these ripped bodies." @sarahshephard.bsky.social on football, fat & "a culture of fear"

Excessive caffeine was once prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), yet now, 97 % of professional football clubs in England administer caffeine to players via gum/shots/tablets/gels etc. Why? And what impact is this having on players? 👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/614...

Good reporting on caffeine in sports from @sarahshephard.bsky.social for @theathletic.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/614...

We know ACL injuries are hugely significant for footballers. So how is it that sometimes, players are able to continue playing after suffering one? www.nytimes.com/athletic/607... Why do so many play on after damaging anterior cruciate ligaments? An expert explains

Turki Alalshikh says Eubank v Benn is done for April in London. Venue and date tbc. What will be better though: the build up or the fight?

For the final time? I doubt even Fury fully knows the answer to that. www.nytimes.com/athletic/605...

Who’d be a football manager in January, eh? #Edwards #Dyche #Lopetegui

Why are so many Premier League players turning to private fitness coaches? And how are the clubs responding/reacting? An interesting one to get stuck into… www.nytimes.com/athletic/600...

NEW: Frank Warren files afainst Chris Eubank Jr for defamation @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/602... Boxing promoter Frank Warren opens legal proceedings against Chris Eubank Jr for defamation

In the summer I wondered if this would be Wayne Rooney's last chance to make a success of management. He started well, said and did the right things, but his tenure at Plymouth unravelled into a big mess. What's next for him? www.nytimes.com/athletic/569...

As one era of heavyweight boxing nears an end, what lies ahead for the sport’s marquee division? www.nytimes.com/athletic/601...

🔴 Inside Ashworth's United exit 🔵 Palmer fires up Chelsea's title bid after early slips 🟣 Antonio has surgery after car accident 🏆 LA Galaxy win MLS Cup, what now for Apple? @philhay.bsky.social brings you up to date with everything you need to know from the weekend in the (free) TAFC newsletter ⤵️

Dan Ashworth has left his role as Manchester United sporting director after just five months. @david-ornstein.bsky.social, Laurie Whitwell & @adamcrafton.bsky.social

UPDATE: Michail Antonio is in a stable condition in hospital.

Thoughts are with Antonio’s family, friends and teammates. By all accounts, one of the nicest guys in the game.

Ex-Denver Bronco Lorne Sam bought a pub in England. Then he watched a community that had used to love to gather at the establishment slowly drift away. www.nytimes.com/athletic/528...