HARTFORD, Conn. — Eight months in the past in Portland, Oregon, Paige Bueckers and No. 3 seed UConn knocked off JuJu Watkins and No. 1 seed USC for a spot within the 2024 Closing 4, prevailing in an epic showdown between two of the most important stars in ladies’s basketball.

On a cold Saturday evening in Hartford in entrance of a crowd of practically 16,000, USC lastly avenged that loss in one of the vital anticipated matchups of the 2024-25 season.

The No. 7 Trojans warded off a livid comeback from the No. 4 Huskies to return away with a 72-70 victory on the XL Heart, incomes their first marquee win of the season.

“It feels nice to get the dub all the time,” Watkins stated. “I feel it hit a little bit totally different figuring out the historical past of final 12 months and the way they despatched us dwelling.”

She added: “It was simply nice to see all people that got here out. I do not assume I’ve ever performed in entrance of so many individuals.”

USC dominated the primary half and led by as many as 18 early within the third quarter earlier than UConn stormed again, briefly main halfway by the fourth. Neither workforce led by greater than three factors within the last 6:21 of the sport, however Watkins discovered Rayah Marshall for the go-ahead basket with 1:24 to play.

The massive names confirmed out in a recreation that was hyped for its star energy: Standout freshman Sarah Sturdy and Bueckers, the 2021 nationwide participant of the 12 months and presumptive 2025 WNBA No. 1 draft decide, every completed with 22 factors for UConn. Affect switch Kiki Iriafen put up 16 factors, 11 rebounds and 6 assists for USC. Watkins led all scorers with 25 factors, with 15 coming within the first half to assist USC construct its sizable lead.

“It is only a testomony to while you give ladies a platform, we’ll carry out,” Watkins stated. “I feel that tonight was a wonderful recreation. … It was simply lovely to be part of. And I could not think about watching it.”

Watkins’ 25 factors, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and three blocks made her the one participant over the previous 15 seasons with a 25-5-5-3 stat line in opposition to an Related Press top-five opponent on the street. It was additionally her fourth profession 25-point recreation versus an AP top-five workforce, probably the most of any participant over the previous two seasons.

“I feel Coach Lindsay [Gottlieb] stated it greatest,” Iriafen stated. “A whole lot of the issues she does are tremendous onerous, however she makes it look really easy.”

Watkins, final 12 months’s nationwide freshman of the 12 months, has supercharged the revival of the USC program, which received championships in 1983 and 1984. In April, the then-upstart Trojans have been minutes away from returning to the Closing 4 for the primary time since 1986 earlier than the Huskies — winners of 11 nationwide championships and members in 23 Closing Fours — closed out sturdy.

With Iriafen and the No. 1-ranked freshman class now surrounding Watkins, the Trojans are hoping for a special final result this season. Wins comparable to this one could possibly be a step in that course.

“This can be a actually important win, and it is a actually important win due to the stature of UConn’s program and what Geno Auriemma has finished for our sport,” Gottlieb stated after this system’s first victory over UConn. “It does not matter to me that they have not received a championship in a pair years. There’s nonetheless a means that they put together, a means that they play, that makes you higher, and it made us higher.”

The Trojans have only one loss this season — at dwelling in opposition to Notre Dame on Nov. 23, in a recreation that wasn’t as shut within the second half as the ultimate 13-point deficit indicated.

However the workforce caught collectively and used the expertise to make them higher.

“We knew the way it felt to be in such a giant recreation and for it to not go our means. We did not need the identical factor to occur as we speak,” Iriafen stated. “So we have been actually cognizant of placing our foot on the gasoline at halftime. … That is the most important enchancment that we have comprised of the primary recreation, is simply coming collectively, even when issues get onerous, and understanding that we apply day by day, we have finished the work, that we are able to belief that work.”

Freshman Kennedy Smith was again within the fold for USC for the primary time since Nov. 15 after present process an undisclosed process. Her defensive power and skill to knock down 3-pointers made the Trojans “a extra full workforce,” Gottlieb stated. USC shot 9-of-16 from 3-point vary on the evening, with Smith accounting for 3 of the makes, in contrast with UConn’s 6-of-23 clip.

Senior Azzi Fudd (knee sprain) was additionally again for the Huskies and performed eight minutes after lacking the previous three video games, together with UConn’s solely different loss, to Notre Dame.

Auriemma stated he was happy with his workforce’s second-half rally however lamented the best way it performed within the first 20 minutes.

“I assumed the execution half within the first half was simply as unhealthy as I’ve seen in a number of years right here in Connecticut,” he stated.

Sturdy, who completed with 13 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals, drew a foul on a 3-point shot with 5 seconds left within the recreation, giving her a possibility to tie the rating, however she missed her second free throw. After deliberately lacking the third, the Huskies’ last-ditch shot try did not come near falling.

“Some folks run from the flame, and different children run to it. She needs to be in that state of affairs,” Auriemma stated of Sturdy, the front-runner for Freshman of the Yr. “She relishes that state of affairs. No one’s extra disenchanted than she is true now, in that second. However I’d put her in that second each single recreation for the remainder of the season and believe that she’s going to return by.”

ESPN Analysis contributed to this report.

HARTFORD, CONN. — The No. 7 USC ladies’s basketball staff answered a intestine verify in Hartford, Conn., preventing off a late push by No. 4 host UConn to ring up a tense 72-70 victory over the Huskies — USC’s first over UConn in program historical past.  The Trojans had led by as a lot as 18 factors early within the second half, solely to see the Huskies chunk again in entrance of a crowd of 15,684 at XL Middle. USC improves to 11-1 general with the highway win, whereas UConn goes to 10-2.

UConn had labored its method to its first lead of the sport with a one-point benefit with 4:25 to go, and it was all even at 67-67 with 2:25 remaining. Rayah Marshall delivered a key bucket within the paint to elevate USC right into a lead it might not relinquish regardless of late free-throw seems to be from the Huskies with 5 seconds left. JuJu Watkins’ two tosses from the stripe with 20 seconds on the clock gave USC a 72-69 lead, and simply one among three late tosses from the Huskies would fall in a dramatic end to this top-10 conflict in Connecticut.

USC nailed seven first-half 3-pointers and held UConn with no bucket from the ground for the ultimate three minutes of the primary half to construct a 42-29 lead on the break. The Trojans had been capturing 48.6 % from the ground general to that time, whereas the Huskies had been at 35.5 %, and USC was forward on the boards 22-19 by halftime. JuJu Watkins was the one participant in double digits via the primary half, holding 15 factors, and Kiki Iriafen had 9 rebounds within the financial institution by the break. The second half was a special story, as UConn heated as much as 43.5 % general whereas touchdown 4 second-half 3-pointers. USC wrapped at 49.2 % and had 9 threes hit, whereas ending simply forward on the boards 33-32 by the ultimate buzzer.

USC was led by JuJu Watkins’ game-high 25 factors together with a double-double from Kiki Iriafen with 16 factors and 11 rebounds. Iriafen additionally had a career-high six assists. Again from damage, USC freshman Kennedy Smith hit a career-high three 3-pointers for the Trojans. UConn had two Huskies end with 22 factors apiece in Paige Bueckers and Sarah Robust, with Robust pulling in 13 rebounds.

USC jumped out to a 9-0 lead on the Huskies, sparked by a bucket from Rayah Marshall and a 3-pointer from JuJu Watkins. UConn clawed again and obtained it to a one-point margin at 11-10 whereas the foul rely tipped in opposition to the Trojans. However that did not deter USC from a 7-0 surge that featured a 3 from Kennedy Smith to assist USC forward 18-10 with 2:20 on the clock within the first. Watkins and Talia von Oelhoffen had been each tagged with their second fouls earlier than one was whistled in opposition to the Huskies. Avery Howell transformed that three-point play to high off the quarter as a 24-15 USC lead. USC’s 3-point firepower flexed within the early goings of the second, as von Oelhoffen, Kayleigh Heckel and Smith every buried lengthy bombs to assist USC craft a 35-23 lead halfway via the body. Watkins had one among her personal laying wait a minute later, and though UConn struck from past the arc as nicely, USC obtained back-to-back buckets from Kiki Iriafen to assist the Trojans lead it 42-29 at halftime.

UConn obtained its toes below it in producing a 10-0 run throughout the third as USC dedicated seven pricey turnovers and the Trojans’ scoring tempo slowed. Iriafen obtained into double digits throughout the third, hanging twice down low, though UConn had the final phrase with a rating within the closing minute to make it a 55-49 USC lead getting into the fourth. A pair Husky 3-pointers helped make a push to carve USC’s benefit all the way down to a single level, with the Trojans up 64-63 with 5:22 on the clock. The drama was removed from over. UConn took its first lead of the sport with a 7-0 rally that had the hosts forward 65-64 with 4:35 remaining. USC answered the intestine verify with a three-point play from Watkins, though UConn leveled it slightly later. A giant bucket from Rayah Marshall had the Trojans up 69-67 at 1:20, and Watkins padded it by hitting the again finish of a visit to the road. She’d comply with a strike from UConn at 0:21 with two tosses from the stripe to make it 72-69 with 19.5 ticks to go. A late look from past the arc by UConn had the Huskies on the free-throw line for 3 pictures at tying in. The primary fell, however the subsequent two had been off the mark with 5 seconds left, and though UConn obtained the rebound the host wouldn’t get a last-gasp shot off earlier than the buzzer sounded on a 72-70 USC victory. 

NEXT: 
USC returns to Galen Middle to host its first-ever Huge Ten Convention video games after a brief vacation break. The Trojans face Michigan in a 7 p.m. assembly on Dec. 29 earlier than turning to host Nebraska at midday on New Yr’s Day.
 
NOTABLE:
– SO JuJu Watkins (25 factors) and GS Kiki Iriafen (16) have now each scored in double digits in all 12 USC video games this season.
– Along with her 16 factors and team-high 11 rebounds, Iriafen recorded her fifth double-double in USC’s final six video games and sixth as a Trojan.
– Iriafen additionally served up a career-high six assists.
– FR Kennedy Smith set a career-high with three 3-pointers made.
– Smith had missed the earlier seven video games following a surgical process.
– With two blocks, SR Rayah Marshall has recorded at the least one block within the final 10 video games.
– This was USC’s first win over a top-10 opponent this season, now 1-1 in such matchups after dropping to then-No. 6/5 Notre Dame on Nov. 23.
– USC is now 1-3 all-time in opposition to UConn in a sequence that started within the 2002-03 season.

 

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BARCELONA, Spain — Atlético Madrid had been 10 factors behind Barcelona at the beginning of November however will finish the yr three factors away from them on the high of LaLiga, and with a sport in hand after Alexander Sørloth’s 96th-minute winner capped a exceptional sport on the Olympic Stadium between the league’s high two.

Rodrigo De Paul’s strike had cancelled out Pedri’s opener in Barcelona on Saturday, however it was the house facet who had been pushing for the win late on. The board revealing six minutes of added time was greeted with roars from the native supporters as Barça, led by the good Pedri, threw every little thing ahead seeking a winner. However these six minutes resulted in despair, the one roars now coming from the few hundred away followers up excessive within the second tier, as Atlético made it 12 wins in a row in all competitions to firmly cement their title credentials.

Barça, in the meantime, are in free fall. They can’t even string two consecutive victories collectively, not to mention 12. After taking 33 factors from a attainable 36 to begin the season, Hansi Flick’s workforce wilted and have taken simply six from the final 21.

There are totally different theories for his or her capitulation. Their excessive line, so profitable, has been put below the microscope. Atlético had little luck right here till Sørloth’s aim, although, which exploited that line. De Paul carried the ball ahead after Barça had given it away. The Barça defence stepped as much as play offside, however they’d not taken into consideration the run from wing-back Nahuel Molina, who collected De Paul’s cross and crossed for Sørloth.

Tiredness is one other idea. 10 gamers have already clocked up over 1,500 minutes of motion this season and Raphinha advised ESPN within the week that fatigue has been a consider Barça successful what’s now simply as soon as of their final seven league video games. However they did not appear particularly drained in opposition to Atlético in a sport they began with depth and dominated for lengthy durations.

That provides Flick, who served the second of a two-game touchline ban in opposition to Atlético, some hope there’s mild on the finish of the tunnel. Dropped factors have typically come after they’ve least anticipated them — they misplaced at dwelling to Las Palmas and Leganés, too, and have now worryingly misplaced three in a row within the league on the Olympic Stadium — whereas they’ve dealt with themselves properly in opposition to the larger sides. Actual Madrid, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have all been crushed.

Atlético could have joined that checklist if Barça’s ending had been higher. Gavi headed large, Iñigo Martínez and Fermín López fired straight at Jan Oblak, Pedri blazed over and Raphinha hit the bar. That was all earlier than De Paul’s equaliser, teed up by Marc Casadó when the midfielder didn’t cope with a Julián Álvarez cross. At 1-1, additional possibilities got here for substitute Dani Olmo, Raphinha and Pedri, however both the goal was missed or Oblak stood tall.

Barça ended the sport with 19 pictures and an xG of three.04.

“It is apparent we have now an ideal goalkeeper,” Atlético coach Diego Simeone mentioned after the sport.

“Jan was massively vital.”

Atlético’s possibilities had been few and much between. That they had zero pictures within the first half. De Paul’s aim was their first on the right track. Pablo Barrios did have one, denied by a high quality Iñaki Peña save, however as six minutes of stoppage time went up, it was Barça who believed they may get the winner.

“We performed an excellent match,” Flick mentioned.

“It was actually unbelievable how we performed. That is how I need to see my workforce. Our model, how we need to play, it was actually nice. I’m proud.

“It exhibits additionally that Atlético is an skilled workforce they usually [were] simply ready for this and for them, it is sufficient.”

Flick’s feedback do Atlético some disservice. He had spoken pre-match about how harmful they’re late in matches. They’ve now scored 13 targets after the eightieth minute to both win or draw video games in all competitions, together with a 94th-minute winner from Antoine Griezmann as they got here from behind to beat Sevilla 4-3 simply two weeks in the past.

Doing it at Barça, although, does really feel totally different. This was their first win in Barcelona since 2006 within the league and their first ever within the metropolis below Simeone. It is no marvel the bench poured onto the pitch after Sørloth’s winner.

Atlético have now received seven in a row in LaLiga and can finish 2024 as the highest workforce in Spain no matter how Actual Madrid fare in opposition to Sevilla on Sunday. Their numbers are as spectacular as Barça’s are miserable.

Simeone’s twice led them to the title earlier than, toppling Barça and Actual Madrid within the course of, might or not it’s occurring once more?

“I will not go down that path, under no circumstances,” he mentioned usually coy method when quizzed on the facet’s probabilities of successful the league.

He might be disenchanted there’s now a winter break. For Barça, alternatively, it comes at time. It can give Lamine Yamal time to recuperate from an ankle harm — they’ve nonetheless not received a sport when he is not began — and others time to relaxation, like Pedri, who was excellent in opposition to Atlético.

Not solely did he rating Barça’s aim, however he performed two good passes to arrange Raphinha possibilities and usually dictated the sport. It was an announcement efficiency from a participant who appears to have overcome the harm issues that plagued his earlier two seasons.

“It is actually good to see that he is now on this stage,” Flick mentioned.

“How he performed was unbelievable, the aim was unbelievably good. If you see him now on the pitch, he is additionally teaching the opposite gamers round him. That is good. It is the following step for him. He is 22-years-old and he is on the precise method.”

Pedri deserved extra, however as a substitute, he ended the sport slouched on the pitch as Atlético celebrated in entrance of their followers what might show an enormous three factors in what’s creating into an interesting three-way title race.

“We knew methods to defend and undergo in opposition to a workforce that performs good soccer,” Simeone mentioned.

“The adjustments gave us power within the remaining phases and the counterattack to win it was beautiful. It gave us the possibility to win a sport that Barça most likely deserved somewhat extra from.”

Nissan struggles

If there was any doubt after the primary struggle, Oleksandr Usyk introduced an finish to it.

On Saturday, Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by unanimous resolution to retain his unified heavyweight titles in a rematch of Could’s undisputed title struggle. All three judges’ scorecards learn 116-112 for Usyk. Usyk retains the lineal heavyweight crown with the win, enhancing to 23-0 whereas handing Fury his second profession loss.

“Hear (he is) an amazing fighter,” Usyk mentioned afterwards within the ring. “(He is) an amazing opponent … unbelievable 24 rounds for my profession.”

Like the primary bout, the rematch was one other extremely aggressive tactical battle for 12 rounds. Again-and-forth all through the primary half of the bout, every fighter impressed at numerous factors with Fury using his lengthy jab whereas Usyk regarded to work round it, focusing on the physique of Fury.

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Because the struggle progressed Usyk started to ascertain extra management, discovering a rhythm and constantly stepping inside to land thumping photographs earlier than evading Fury’s return fireplace. Whereas every spherical was aggressive, Usyk appeared to edge out the most of the last six rounds, persevering with his energetic tempo within the early rounds all through the rest of the struggle.

Usyk closed the struggle having outlanded Fury 179-144, touchdown 42% of his punches whereas Fury related on 28% of his photographs.

After the bout, IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois entered the ring and challenged Usyk to a rematch for what can be the undisputed heavyweight championship. After turning into undisputed champion in Could, Usyk quickly after vacated the IBF title, main Dubois to subsequently be elevated from interim champion.

Dubois then went on to defeat Anthony Joshua by knockout within the fifth spherical this previous September. In 2023, Usyk defeated Dubois by ninth spherical knockout in Poland, though Dubois has proven huge enchancment since struggling the defeat.

“Usyk, I need my revenge,” Dubois mentioned within the ring. “I need my revenge Usyk. Properly finished tonight, however I need my revenge for the theft final time. Let’s get it.”

Dubois is at present scheduled to defend his title in opposition to Joseph Parker on Feb. 22 in Riyadh on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s rematch. Usyk welcomed the potential rematch with Dubois, asking Turki Alalshikh to make the struggle occur.

Examine under for stay updates from all through the Usyk vs. Fury rematch.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury struggle card outcomes

• Oleksandr Usyk def. Tyson Fury by unanimous resolution
• Moses Itauma def. Dempsey McKean by TKO in Spherical 1
• Serhii Bohachuk def. Ishmael Davis by TKO in Spherical 6
• Johnny Fisher def. Dave Allen by cut up resolution
• Lee McGregor def. Isaac Lowe by unanimous resolution
• Peter McGrail def. Rhys Edwards by unanimous resolution
• Daniel Lapin def. Dylan Colin by unanimous resolution
• Andrii Novytskyi def. Edgar Ramirez by unanimous resolution
• Mohammad Alakel def. Joshua Ocampo by unanimous resolution

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury 2 stay updates

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury: Spherical 12

Into the ultimate spherical and whereas shut, it appears Fury may have a robust end with Usyk surging in current rounds. Fury closing the present properly although, pushing Usyk again along with his aggression and touchdown some thudding punches. Into the ultimate minute and Usyk storms again, connecting at shut vary with Fury’s again in opposition to the ropes. Whereas Fury put up an amazing struggle, it seems like Usyk did sufficient to retain his unified heavyweight titles.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury: Spherical 11

We head into the championship rounds and whereas the momentum appears to be barely in favor of Usyk, it is nonetheless anybody’s struggle. Usyk has a couple of good moments early on going to the physique of Fury, whereas Fury appears for a window to attach on the champion. Halfway via the spherical Usyk catches Fury with two strong photographs because the Brit pushes ahead; Usyk wanting assured. Inside the ultimate minute and Usyk appears simply as energetic as within the first spherical, connecting on handful of punches down the stretch to shut out a robust spherical.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury: Spherical 10

Usyk bouncing on his toes early as Fury steps to him and lands a pair robust photographs to set the tone. Usyk stepping to Fury halfway via the spherical and Fury counterpunches properly, touchdown a pair punches to maintain Usyk sincere. Fury starting to make use of his dimension, leaning on Usyk whereas attempting to attach on a couple of brief punches inside. Usyk manages to work his method out of strain although, closing out the spherical with some good connects.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury: Spherical 9

Usyk outlanding Fury 60-29 via eight rounds, touchdown his punches with better effectivity as properly. Fury begins to go all the way down to Usyk’s physique the place he lands a couple of strong photographs, Usyk continues to press ahead regardless of it although. Into the ultimate minute and Fury has a couple of strong punches join, adopted up with a fast mixture that connects for Usyk. Usyk closed the spherical properly, however every fighter had their moments within the ninth.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury: Spherical 8

Fury again to being extra aggressive, stepping to Usyk whereas flashing his jab. The struggle continues to ebb-and-flow although, with Usyk quickly after taking over the position of aggressor the place he is continued to work the straight left hand to Fury’s physique. Fury lands a left hand on Usyk’s guard, drawing a smile out of the Ukrainian, who has had a robust spherical. Fury had his moments however one of the best connects appeared to come back from the front-footed Usyk.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury: Spherical 7

Usyk on the entrance foot to begin the seventh, discovering a house for the straight left hand on a pair events. Usyk choosing his spots to step inside very well, avoiding the jab of Fury who’s been high-quality boxing from the again foot this spherical. Quieter spherical from Fury, who absorbed loads of strain from Usyk.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury: Spherical 6

Usyk searching for a technique to get round Fury’s extraordinarily lengthy jab, which has helped the previous champ arrange some strong energy punches. Regardless of taking a handful of straight photographs from Fury, Usyk continues urgent ahead and has related on a couple of strong punches each to the pinnacle and physique. Contained in the final 30 seconds Usyk lands couple strong punches to shut out a robust spherical properly.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury: Spherical 5

Fury’s aggression is doing him properly, forcing Usyk to maintain his toes transferring, however Usyk has picked his spots to commerce properly. At shut vary although, Fury has caught Usyk with a pair robust photographs each up prime and to the physique. Usyk continues to hook up with Fury’s physique, however Fury is starting to stack robust energy punches as they shuttle within the heart of the ring.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury: Spherical 4

Within the opening minute Usyk lands a couple of fast physique photographs whereas Fury counters him with strong hook up with the pinnacle. Fury’s jab has given Usyk some points to this point, however midway via the spherical he breaks via and connects on a robust left hand. Fury takes it properly although, recovering and responding with a robust straight proper hand to Usyk’s chin. One more tightly contested spherical.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury: Spherical 3

Whereas Usyk has primarily been on the entrance foot to begin, Fury opens the third aggressively, stepping to Usyk with a handful of punches, although not many landed. Usyk seeking to work his well beyond Fury’s lengthy jab, discovering some success when he is in a position to get inside. Fury did higher that spherical to ascertain a bit distance and join from vary, however Usyk nonetheless managed to attach loads to Fury’s physique.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury: Spherical 2

As anticipated, Usyk utilizing his toes loads to bounce out and in of vary, with Fury seeking to catch Usyk as he steps inside. Usyk has continued going to the physique of Fury with success, as Fury responds by working his jab. Fury choosing his spots to throw 2-3 fast photographs and whereas he was unable to discover a dwelling for many photographs all through the spherical, he cracked Usyk with a pleasant punch because the spherical got here to a detailed.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury: Spherical 1

The principle occasion is underway as Tyson Fury appears to avenge his lone profession loss whereas reclaiming his long-held lineal crown within the course of. Usyk working the southpaw jab early, whereas Fury paws away along with his lead left hand. Usyk focusing on the physique of Fury with straight photographs whereas Fury appears to maintain him out of vary along with his attain. Fury landed some good photographs all through however Usyk’s physique punching might earn him the spherical.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury undercard stay updates

Moses Itauma secures first spherical knockout in opposition to Dempsey McKean

Moses Itauma wasted no time in his co-main occasion struggle on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury.

The 19-year-old secured a primary spherical TKO, blasting out Dempsey McKean with two crushing left arms. Contained in the opening half of the spherical, Itauma related on a thudding overhand left that despatched McKean to the canvas. McKean beat the depend, however moments later Itauma landed one other left-hand, this another devastating than the primary, that dropped McKean once more, main the Aussie’s nook to throw within the towel.

It was the largest step up within the rising British heavyweight’s profession and he handed the take a look at with flying colours, enhancing to 11-0 with 9 knockouts.

Moses Itauma vs Dempsey McKean: Spherical 1

The 19-year-old Itauma faces a step up in McKean, who final fought in August 2023 when he suffered his lone profession defeat to Filip Hrgovic. McKean is the bigger fighter, however Itauma little question could have the benefit in pace. Itauma wanting assured early and inside 90 seconds he connects on an enormous left hand that sends McKean to the canvas! McKean beats the depend however he has a very long time to outlive. Moments later Itauma lands one other vicious left that sends him down for a second time and the struggle is over!

Serhii Bohachuk claims dominant stoppage win over Ishmael Davis

Serhii Bohachuk secured a stoppage win over Ishmael Davis on the undercard of Usyk vs. Fury 2, bouncing again from a hard-fought majority resolution loss to Vergil Ortiz in August.

Davis stepped in as a late alternative after the initially scheduled opponent, Israil Madrimov, was pressured to withdraw as a result of acute bronchitis. Davis began the struggle properly, boxing properly with Bohachuk within the first spherical, however the momentum shortly shifted in Spherical 2.

Within the last 30 seconds of the spherical, Bohachuk landed a depraved left hand to the chin of Davis, knocking him to the canvas, and whereas Davis would survive the spherical, Bohachuk would start to take management in subsequent rounds.

Bohachuk hardly took a step again all through the six rounds, unleashing a gradual stream of energy punches that gave Davis only a few home windows to get his personal punches off. Because the struggle continued, the tide solely additional swayed in Bohachuk’s route as he continued unload heavy-handed photographs till Davis’ nook threw within the towel following the sixth spherical.

The struggle was a last eliminator for the WBC 154-pound title, which is held by Sebastian Fundora.

Serhii Bohachuk vs Ishmael Davis: Spherical 6

Because the early rounds Davis has slowed his motion which has solely given Bohachuk extra alternatives to land on the within. Inside the ultimate minute Bohachuk lands a thudding proper hand that Davis takes properly, the harm is starting so as to add up midway via the struggle. Davis is touchdown at shut vary, simply far much less regularly than Bohachuk, whereas his punches aren’t having the identical impact.

After the spherical, Davis’ nook brings a cease the struggle, a superb name that secures a dominant stoppage victory for Bohachuk.

Serhii Bohachuk vs Ishmael Davis: Spherical 5

It has been forwards and backwards all through however up to now it is the fixed strain of Bohachuk that is given him the leg up early on. Davis is touchdown photographs as Bohachuk lets his arms go inside, however Bohachuk is connecting much more regularly on these exchanges, whereas his photographs look to be having a better impact as properly. The punches from Bohachuk appears to be by no means ending as Davis’s countershots simply have not been sufficient to chase away the strain.

Serhii Bohachuk vs Ishmael Davis: Spherical 4

A reduce opened up over Davis’ eye within the final spherical, one thing that will play a task because the struggle continues. Davis lands a robust shot on Bohachuk within the first minute however Bohachuk continues to stroll ahead with a constant stream of punches. Finest photographs within the spherical could have come from Davis, however Bohachuk’s strain was resulting in connects all through.

Serhii Bohachuk vs Ishmael Davis: Spherical 3

Davis appeared to haven’t any downside buying and selling with Bohachuk early however that knock down will definitely go away him extra hesitant going ahead. It is back-and-forth between the 2 as they take turns letting 2-3 punch combos go on the within. Davis has regained his legs totally and he is had moments all through the spherical, however Bohachuk’s strain was efficient in smothering Davis within the third.

Serhii Bohachuk vs Ishmael Davis: Spherical 2

Very quick tempo to this struggle early on, with each fighters going forwards and backwards buying and selling fast combos. Bohachuk has stayed in entrance of Davis, however up to now he is been unable to land something important on the within. Bohachuk then lands a clear left hand to the chin of Davis inside the ultimate 30 seconds and Davis goes down! He will not have a lot time left to outlive however Davis was rocked there. Bohachuk will take a 10-8 spherical, displaying his energy properly on that knockdown.

Serhii Bohachuk vs Ishmael Davis: Spherical 1

Davis is a late alternative for prime contender Israil Madrimov, who needed to withdraw with acute bronchitis. Spherical opens with loads of motion from Davis, who’s seeking to have Bohachuk comply with him as he engages on his personal phrases. Davis choosing his moments to let fast combos go, touchdown on various events which can most likely be sufficient to win him the spherical.

Johnny Fisher wins questionable resolution over Dave Allen

Johnny Fisher gained what is certain to be a extremely controversial cut up resolution over Dave Allen in a 10-round heavyweight bout on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2.

After surviving a knockdown, Fisher claimed the choice with two judges scoring the bout 95-94 for Fisher and the third choose scoring the bout 96-93 for Allen.

Fisher managed the opening rounds of the struggle earlier than getting surprised with a thumping shot from Allen that despatched him to the canvas in Spherical 5. From that time on Allen appeared to manage the bout, utilizing his weight to smother Fisher, touchdown huge energy punches all through.

Whereas Fisher took the punches of Allen properly, he wasn’t in a position to reply with the identical fury as within the early rounds and gave the impression to be heading for his first profession loss upon the sound of the ultimate bell. After the studying of the ultimate scorecards, Allen regarded shocked, however confirmed respect to his opponent regardless of the questionable consequence.

Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen: Spherical 10

Into the ultimate spherical and Allen ought to be on his technique to a victory if he can survive the ultimate three minutes of this slugfest. Allen as soon as once more utilizing his weight to lean on Fisher, giving him few alternatives to load up on punches. Each fighters let their arms go within the last 20 seconds, with Fisher touchdown various strong punches however Allen responding along with his personal thumping shot to closing out an amazing efficiency.

Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen: Spherical 9

This can be a basic heavyweight brawl up to now and each Allen and Fisher are again to buying and selling energy punches early within the spherical. Allen seeking to smother Fisher and pressure him in opposition to the ropes, however Fisher’s letting fast combos unfastened in an try and regain some area. Allen’s leaning on Fisher, not giving him many alternatives to let his arms go although. Allen’s utterly turned the tide of this one within the second half, ending the spherical with some strong punches on the ropes.

Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen: Spherical 8

Allen opens the spherical with a clear proper hand that by some means would not even faze Fisher. Now it is Fisher doing the clinching, however Allen is having loads of success at that vary, buying and selling forwards and backwards and touchdown one of the best photographs of the change on the within. They shut the spherical every buying and selling huge punches on the heart of the ring, with Allen strolling to his nook wanting the extra snug.

Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen: Spherical 7

Early on Allen lands a vicious three punch mixture however Fisher takes every shot properly, regardless of actually being shaken. Allen has Fisher backed in opposition to the ropes the place he is touchdown some punishing photographs, it is a shock Fisher hasn’t gone down but with the harm he is taken this spherical. Fisher punching again however his punches aren’t doing something to cease Allen’s aggression, which has translated into some robust connects all through.

Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen: Spherical 6

Fisher seeking to begin robust with loads of output, however Allen is strolling via his finest photographs whereas connecting on some thudding energy punches himself. They’re every touchdown loads of strong punches buying and selling at shut vary, however Allen’s punches are little question doing extra harm in the intervening time. The momentum stays with Allen after the knock down in Spherical 5.

Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen: Spherical 5

Early within the spherical Allen lands a bruising punch which stuns Fisher and shortly after he drops to the canvas! Fisher is up and has overwhelmed the depend, however would not look in nice form. Allen seeking to land one other bomb and end the struggle and within the course of Fisher is knocked down once more, however the referee guidelines it was not brought on by a punch. Fisher appears broken however he is nonetheless coming ahead with heavy punches, regardless of taking a ton of injury this spherical. Allen takes an exhilarating spherical, 10-8.

Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen: Spherical 4

Allen continues to take the punches of Fisher properly, pushing ahead and seeking to land a thumping punch. Fisher’s finished properly to keep away from the largest punches although, along with his constant jabbing and physique photographs serving to him to manage the motion. On the very least, Allen is making Fisher work on the within, clinching usually the place he is landed a couple of brief photographs.

Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen: Spherical 3

Allen searching for possibilities to smother the taller Fisher on the within, however Fisher is utilizing his energy properly to reestablish vary. Allen attempting to make the struggle scrappy on the within, with Fisher controlling the motion whereas boxing from the surface, however Fisher has continued to double down on the physique punches, connecting repeatedly.

Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen: Spherical 2

Whereas Fisher’s prioritized his jab, the looping proper hand to Allen’s physique has been his best punch early on. Fisher not letting Allen stroll him down, stepping in with fast combos earlier than returning to a gradual jab from vary. Fisher had some good moments all through with Allen backed in opposition to the ropes and he is in management via two.

Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen: Spherical 1

These British heavyweights have every picked up two wins in 2024, with Fisher scoring two first spherical knockouts and Allen profitable two four-rounders by resolution. Fisher working the jab early, however it’s not doing a lot to dissuade Allen from standing within the pocket. Fisher’s unleashed some onerous shot to Allen’s physique all through the spherical, however Allen hardly took a step again, regardless of not testing Fisher along with his offense.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury struggle time, date, ring walks

Protection of Saturday’s nine-fight card begins at 10 a.m. CT, with ring walks for the principle occasion between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury anticipated at roughly 5 p.m. CT.

• PPV begin: 10 a.m. CT
• Usyk vs. Fury ring walks: approx. 5 p.m. CT

Watch Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 on DAZN PPV

How to watch Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury fight?

Saturday’s fight card, headlined by Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury’s heavyweight rematch, will be streamed live on DAZN pay-per-view, with the streaming site offering a free seven-day trial with a pay-per-view purchase.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury pay-per-view cost

This weekend’s seven-fight pay-per-view, headlined by the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury for the unified heavyweight titles, costs $39.99 on DAZN PPV.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury fight undercard

The undercard for Usyk and Fury’s rematch has faced changes since first being announced, with Israil Madrimov bowing out of the co-main event against Serhii Bohachuk due to acute bronchitis. His replacement, Ishmael Davis, steps in following his first career loss in September to Josh Kelly.

• Oleksandr Usyk (22-0) vs. Tyson Fury (34-1-1); WBC, WBA, WBO heavyweight titles
• Moses Itauma (10-0) vs. Dempsey McKean (22-1)
• Serhii Bohachuk (24-2) vs. Ishmael Davis (13-1)
• Johnny Fisher (12-0) vs. David Allen (23-6-2)
• Isaac Lowe (25-2-3) vs. Lee McGregor (14-1-1)
• Peter McGrail (10-1) vs. Rhys Edwards (16-0)
• Daniel Lapin (10-0) vs. Dylan Colin (14-0)
• Andrii Novytskyi (13-0) vs. Edgar Ramirez (10-1-1)
• Mohammad Alakel (1-0) vs. Joshua Ocampo (8-33-5)

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AI judge being used for Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury 2

Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the GEA in Saudi Arabia, announced that Saturday’s main event will feature an AI judge that will score the fight and display live metrics including aggression, landed punches and win probability. The AI judge has no bearing on the official outcome of the fight, with three professional judges still being used to determine the winner.

Where is the Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury fight location?

Oleksandr Usyk will defend his unified heavyweight titles against Tyson Fury at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the same location as the first fight. This will be the third time both Usyk and Fury have fought in Saudi Arabia.

• Location: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury fight odds

After winning the first bout, Usyk enters the rematch as a -150 favorite to defend his titles, while Fury is +120 to reclaim his lineal crown. The over/under is set at 10.5 rounds.

• Usyk by KO/TKO: +300
• Usyk by decision: +170
• Fury by KO/TKO: +300
• Fury by decision: +350

Oleksandr Usyk record

Oleksandr Usyk is 22-0, with 14 wins by knockout.

In May, Usyk became the third fighter in the four-belt era to have been undisputed champion in two weight classes, joining Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue. Usyk previously reigned as undisputed cruiserweight champion before moving up to heavyweight in 2019, where he has since won six straight.

Usyk is ranked No. 1 pound-for-pound by ESPN and No. 2 pound-for-pound by Sports Illustrated.

Oleksandr Usyk age, height, weight class

Oleksandr Usyk is 37 years old and stands at 6-foot-3 with a 78-inch reach.

Usyk began his career fighting at cruiserweight (200-pound limit), where he became undisputed champion before moving up to heavyweight in 2019. Since moving to heavyweight, Usyk has weighed in at an average of just under 220 pounds, tipping the scale at 223½ pounds for the first Fury fight, the heaviest of his career.

Tyson Fury record

Tyson Fury is 34-1-1, with 24 wins by knockout.

Fury is the former lineal and unified heavyweight champion, having first won the IBF and WBO titles in 2015 with a unanimous decision victory over Wladimir Klitschko. In 2020, Fury won the WBC heavyweight title with a knockout win over Deontay Wilder and would go on to defend the belt three times before losing to Usyk.

Fury is ranked No. 2 at heavyweight by ESPN and is the WBC and WBO’s top-ranked heavyweight contender.

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Tyson Fury age, height, weight class

Tyson Fury is 36 years old and stands at 6-9 with an 85-inch reach.

Fury is a career-long heavyweight, and across his past four fights has weighed in at an average of just above 268 pounds. Fury weighed in at 262 pounds for the first Usyk fight, the lightest he’d weighed ahead of a bout since 2019.

Tyson Fury stats

Tyson Fury has a plus-minus of 1.3, comparatively lower than other top heavyweights. Despite that, he gets hit far less often than his divisional counterparts, with his opponents connecting on just 7.2 total punches and five power punches per round.

Fury connects on 12.6 punches per round at a 28.3% clip, while landing 8.4 power punches per round at a 41.4% clip.

He throws an average of 44.5 punches per round, behind only Usyk among top-ranked heavyweights, with 20.3 power punches per round.

Stats via CompuBox

Oleksandr Usyk stats

Oleksandr Usyk has a plus-minus of 7.4, with his opponents connecting on 21.5% of punches for an average of 9.2 landed per round.

Usyk connects on 28.9% of his total punches, landing 13.5 per round, second-best among top heavyweights. In terms of power punches, he lands 8.7 per round at a 41.4% rate.

Usyk leads top-ranked heavyweights with 46.7 punches thrown per round, with 21 per round coming as power punches.

Stats via CompuBox

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Harrison Campbell covers boxing for The Tennessean and high school sports for The Daily Herald. Email him at hcampbell@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @hccamp.

Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have introduced plans to work towards a merger that may kind the world’s third-largest automaker by gross sales, because the {industry} undergoes dramatic modifications in its transition away from fossil fuels.

The 2 corporations stated that they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors additionally had agreed to affix the talks on integrating their companies. 

Automakers in Japan have lagged their large rivals in electrical autos, and are attempting to chop prices and make up for misplaced time as newcomers like China’s BYD and U.S. market chief Tesla devour market share.

Honda’s president, Toshihiro Mibe, stated Honda and Nissan will pursue unifying their operations below a joint holding firm. Honda will initially lead the brand new administration, retaining the rules and types of every firm.

They intention to have a proper merger settlement by June and to finish the deal and checklist the holding firm on the Tokyo Inventory Alternate by August 2026, he stated. 

No greenback worth was given and the formal talks are simply beginning, in response to Mibe. There are “factors that should be studied and mentioned,” he stated. “Frankly talking, the potential of this not being carried out just isn’t zero.”

The Japanese authorities has been sounding the alarm on China’s existential menace to its auto {industry} since at the least 2019, when it reportedly urged Honda and Nissan to satisfy and focus on potential consolidation. 

China’s auto sector has seen a surge of exports within the final a number of years, with one {industry} group claiming that it had overtaken Japan because the world’s high auto exporter in 2023.

A merger of Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi might lead to a behemoth price greater than $50 billion US primarily based available on the market capitalization of all three automakers. 

Collectively, the businesses would achieve scale to compete with Toyota and with Germany’s Volkswagen. Toyota has know-how partnerships with Japan’s Mazda and Subaru.

Deliberate merger a ‘determined transfer’

Information of a attainable merger surfaced earlier this month, with unconfirmed experiences saying Taiwanese iPhone maker Foxconn was looking for to tie up with Nissan by shopping for shares from the Japan’s firm’s different alliance associate, Renault of France. 

Nissan’s CEO Makoto Uchida stated there had been no direct strategy to his firm from Foxconn. He additionally acknowledged that Nissan’s scenario was “extreme.”

Even after a merger, Toyota, which rolled out 11.5 million autos in 2023, would stay the main Japanese automaker. In the event that they be part of, the three smaller corporations would make about eight million autos. In 2023, Honda made 4 million and Nissan produced 3.4 million. Mitsubishi Motors made simply over a million. 

Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi earlier agreed to share parts for electrical autos, like batteries, and to collectively analysis software program for autonomous driving to adapt higher to electrification.

Nissan has struggled following a scandal that started with the arrest of its former chairman Carlos Ghosn in late 2018 on costs of fraud and misuse of firm property, allegations that he denies. He ultimately was launched on bail and fled to Lebanon. 

Talking Monday to reporters in Tokyo through a video hyperlink, Ghosn derided the deliberate merger as a “determined transfer.”

Nissan has years of expertise constructing batteries, EVs

From Nissan, Honda might get truck-based body-on-frame giant SUVs such because the Armada and Infiniti QX80 that Honda does not have, with giant towing capacities and good off-road efficiency, Sam Fiorani, vice chairman of AutoForecast Options, instructed The Related Press.

Nissan additionally has years of expertise constructing batteries and electrical autos, and gas-electric hybrid powertrains that might assist Honda in growing its personal EVs and subsequent technology of hybrids, he stated. 

However the firm stated in November that it was slashing 9,000 jobs, or about six per cent of its world work drive, and lowering its world manufacturing capability by 20 per cent after reporting a quarterly lack of 9.3 billion yen (round $85 million Cdn). 

It lately reshuffled its administration and Uchida, its chief govt, took a 50 per cent pay reduce whereas acknowledging accountability for the monetary woes, saying Nissan wanted to develop into extra environment friendly and reply higher to market tastes, rising prices and different world modifications. 

“We anticipate that if this integration involves fruition, we will ship even larger worth to a wider buyer base,” Uchida stated.

Fitch Scores lately downgraded Nissan’s credit score outlook to “unfavorable,” citing worsening profitability, partly as a result of value cuts within the North American market. Nevertheless it famous that it has a robust monetary construction and strong money reserves that amounted to 1.44 trillion yen ($13 billion Cdn).

Merger displays industry-wide pattern towards consolidation

Nissan’s share value additionally has fallen to the purpose the place it’s thought-about one thing of a cut price. On Monday, its Tokyo-traded shares gained 1.6 per cent. They jumped greater than 20 per cent after information of the attainable merger broke final week. 

Honda’s shares surged 3.8 per cent. Honda’s internet revenue slipped almost 20 per cent within the first half of the April-March fiscal 12 months from a 12 months earlier, as gross sales suffered in China.

The merger displays an industry-wide pattern towards consolidation. 

At a routine briefing Monday, Cupboard Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated he wouldn’t touch upon particulars of the automakers’ plans, however stated Japanese corporations want to remain aggressive within the quick altering market. 

“Because the enterprise atmosphere surrounding the car {industry} largely modifications, with competitiveness in storage batteries and software program is more and more necessary, we anticipate measures wanted to outlive worldwide competitors might be taken,” Hayashi stated.

Reuters