Boxing

Queensberry Promotions As far as skilled boxers who possess an equal level of danger and knockout threat, there are very few on the planet as well-rounded and dynamic as Artur Beterbiev. Conversely, it would be difficult to find a champion this accomplished who flies so far under the radar in terms of crossover appeal. That reality is expected to change for Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs), the unified light heavyweight champion, should he finish 2023 by conquering the type of challenges that could be in front of him -- namely unbeaten WBA champion Dmitry Bivol -- in an attempt to become not just the undisputed champion at 175 pounds but recognition as, quite possibly, the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. Beterbiev, who returns Saturday at London's Wembley Arena to defend his trio of titles against mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde (23-2, 22 KOs), is the only world champion in boxing with a 100% knockout rate. The native of Russia, who fights out of his adopted home of … [Read more...] about Why Artur Beterbiev could achieve much more than just undisputed champion status in 2023

Getty Images The year is 2029. Graham Potter's vibrant Chelsea side are once more sweeping all ahead of them, swashbuckling in attack but with the defensive instincts that only come through years together on the training ground. Yet another Champions League is seemingly within reach for this side, who, for what feels like a generation, have grown together into a footballing force. That, perhaps, is the end vision underpinning Chelsea's radical new approach to the management of contracts at Stamford Bridge. In an era of dwindling patience and fast fixes, the Todd Boehly-led consortium that took control last summer are building a squad for the long term, whether they like it or not. Golazo Starting XI Newsletter Get your Soccer Fix from Around the Globe Your ultimate guide to the Beautiful Game as our experts take you beyond the pitch and around the globe with news that matters. I agree to receive the "Golazo Starting XI Newsletter" and marketing … [Read more...] about How Chelsea’s new spin on long-term contracts aligns with Todd Boehly’s approach as Dodgers minority owner

Getty Images Throughout the offseason the CBS Sports MLB experts will bring you a weekly Batting Around roundtable breaking down pretty much anything. The latest news, a historical question, thoughts about the future of baseball, all sorts of stuff. Last week we debated MLB's most improved team . This week we're going to discuss a player set to join the Hall of Fame ballot next year. Is Joe Mauer a Hall of Famer? R.J. Anderson: Absolutely. I think there needs to be some grace extended to players who move off catcher because of concussions. Mauer was an excellent hitter for a decade as a backstop, and he shifted off the position only to preserve his brain. I'm not willing to hold that against him. I don't have a … [Read more...] about Batting Around: Joe Mauer joins Baseball Hall of Fame ballot in 2024 — will he make it to Cooperstown?

Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond joined Mike Leake , Ryan Zimmerman , and Joe Ross by announcing he would opt out of the Major League Baseball season. Desmond addressed his decision in an Instagram post on Monday that touched on an array of issues, including racism in baseball and society, his experience as a biracial person in America, and the role Little League played in his life as he was growing up in Sarasota, Florida. You can (and should) read Desmond's post by clicking here . For a taste, here's the conclusion, in which he outlines why he's staying home this summer. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this baseball season one that is a risk I am not comfortable taking. But that doesn't mean I'm leaving baseball behind for the year. I'll be right here, at my old Little League, and I'm working with everyone involved to make sure we get Sarasota Youth Baseball back on track. It's what I can do, in the scheme of so much. So, I am. With a pregnant wife and four … [Read more...] about Ian Desmond announces he’ll sit out 2020 MLB season in thoughtful message concerning race in America, baseball

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal are on the lookout for a new midfielder before the transfer window closes. Here we look at why the position is now a priority for the Gunners... What Arteta has said... Arteta spoke about his desire for a new midfielder to join his squad ahead of his side's FA Cup fourth-round tie with Manchester City on Friday. He revealed he wants further cover in the midfield area because of a fresh injury concern for Mohamed Elneny. The Egyptian midfielder was not named in Arsenal's matchday squad for the 3-2 win over Manchester United, with the Gunners recently linked with a move for Brighton's Moises Caicedo and Everton's Amadou Onana. Transfer Centre LIVE! | Arsenal transfer rumours January done deals | Premier League ins and outs Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports App Speaking about Elneny's injury, Arteta said: "There are concerns. Mo is a player who never complains about anything but let's see. … [Read more...] about Mikel Arteta: Arsenal on lookout for new midfielder | Why a midfielder is a priority for the Gunners now

Getty Images U.S. Soccer has announced that it will be honoring Grant Wahl, a well-respected soccer journalist who died suddenly at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, at all its home games moving forward. Wahl, who was an analyst for CBS Sports throughout the 2022 World Cup, collapsed in the press box at Lusail Stadium while covering the quarterfinal match between Argentina and Netherlands on Dec. 9. Paramedics attempted to save Wahl and transported him to a nearby hospital, but Wahl died from a ruptured blood vessel leading from the heart, according to his family . On Wednesday, U.S. Soccer announced that it would honor Wahl with a jersey on an open seat, a framed photo and flowers in its first match since the World Cup. Additionally, the men's and women's national teams will keep a press box seat open in memory of Wahl from now until the 2026 World Cup in North America. To honor Grant at our first match since the World Cup, we will have a "WAHL" jersey on an open seat in … [Read more...] about US Soccer announces plans to honor Grant Wahl, journalist who died at 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Former teammates Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid squared off against each other for the first time since Simmons was traded from Philadelphia to Brooklyn last February on Wednesday night. The matchup was highly anticipated and the game lived up to the hype as the Sixers pulled out a 137-133 victory over the Nets in front of a raucous crowd at the Wells Fargo Center. Simmons, however, spent the final eight minutes and 57 seconds of the game glued to Brooklyn's bench, as coach Jacque Vaughn opted to go in a different direction due, in part at least, to Simmons' overall lack of aggression -- a concerning trend that has followed Simmons from Philly to New York. Despite playing over 16 minutes, Simmons went scoreless in the first half against the Sixers while attempting just a single shot. Then, it was like someone reminded him at halftime that he's 6'10" and super athletic because he looked like a different player in the third quarter. He came out aggressive and actually looked to … [Read more...] about Ben Simmons’ lack of consistent aggression leads to late-game benching, looming questions for Nets

Getty Images Jamahal Hill's 13-year journey to UFC champion is the product of three generations. Fighting -- for all the coaches and training partners involved -- is often a selfish and lonely pursuit. For Hill, defeating Glover Teixeira at UFC 283 to capture the UFC light heavyweight championship was the culmination of a family project. Hill was quite literally floored after defeating Teixeira in Rio de Janeiro last Saturday, dropping to the canvas and weeping after the final horn sounded. A cathartic release after 25 minutes of composure and precision, it was the realization of a dream come true. "A lifetime of work," Hill told CBS Sports of his post-fight emotions. "All the work I've done over the last 13 years coming true. A promise that I made 13 years ago to my city come true." Check out the full interview with Jamahal Hill below. That work often necessitated time away from his children. Hill's first phone call after winning his division's crown was to his … [Read more...] about Jamahal Hill credits three generations of family, including late aunt, for his rise to UFC champion

Getty Images We've heard about the "rookie wall" and how it can creep up on players midway through the season and their production, efficiency and impact just take a nosedive. But what about when the opposite is happening? Maybe we call it the "rookie ladder" or the "rookie Juggernaut," you know like the superhero from X-Men whose biggest scene was literally just him breaking through a bunch of walls. Maybe this visual will jog your memory: via Gfycat The name probably still needs to be workshopped, but the point I'm trying to make is that there's a slew of rookies right now who are breaking through that rookie wall and putting together some of their best performances. Keegan Murray is arguably the best example right now, a guy who is having the best month of his young career, while also having a positive impact on a winning team. Walker Kessler is another rookie that comes to mind who may not be putting up monster numbers but is starring in his role for the Jazz , … [Read more...] about NBA Rookie Rankings: Keegan Murray drops career-high vs. Thunder; Jeremy Sochan developing a 3-point shot

Getty Images With the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching, the rumors continue to come fast and furious. This season's Feb. 9 deadline could be especially intriguing given the parity in the league this season. A lot of teams feel like they have a chance to make a real run, and thus could be looking to make moves. It can be a lot to stay on top of, but we'll do our best to keep you covered. Here's a look at a few fresh rumblings from across the league's landscape. Plenty of interest in Fred VanVleet If the Toronto Raptors decide to make Fred VanVleet available prior to the trade deadline, the veteran guard will have no shortage of suitors. VanVleet could become an unrestricted free agent over the summer if he opts to turn down his player option for next season, and if the Raptors think they might lose him in free agency, they could instead look to trade him and get some value in return while they still have the opportunity to do so. If that second scenario occurs, expect … [Read more...] about NBA trade rumors: Nets willing to trade Seth Curry, Joe Harris; playoff contenders interested in Fred VanVleet