Canelo Alvarez puts unified belts on line against Charlo in ‘hometown’ match

Canelo Alvarez puts unified belts on line against Charlo in ‘hometown’ match
Canelo Alvarez, left, of Mexico, and Jermell Charlo pose during a news conference Wednesday in Las Vegas. The two are scheduled to fight in a super middleweight title boxing match Saturday in Las Vegas. (AP)
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Updated 29 September 2023
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Canelo Alvarez puts unified belts on line against Charlo in ‘hometown’ match

Canelo Alvarez puts unified belts on line against Charlo in ‘hometown’ match
  • He is back at Vegas again, this time as the unified super middleweight champion preparing to face junior middleweight champ Jermell Charlo on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena
  • Even though Charlo (35-1-1) is the one moving up, he is 4 inches taller than the 5-foot-8 Alvarez and has a 2 1/2-inch reach advantage

LAS VEGAS: It didn’t take long for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez to consider Las Vegas his second home.

He came here to fight Jose Cotto on May 10, 2010, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, and right away Alvarez felt the support from his Mexican compatriots.

Alvarez won that fight by technical knockout in the second round, the first of many trips to Las Vegas. He is back again, this time as the unified super middleweight champion preparing to face junior middleweight champ Jermell Charlo on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

“I think it’s the capital of boxing,” Alvarez said of Las Vegas. “I just feel (it’s) like coming home because a lot of Mexicans go there and support me. So that’s why I like fighting in Vegas, and there’s a lot of history there.”

The 33-year-old Alvarez has been a big part of that history, whether it’s beating Gennadiy Golovkin twice with another fight ending in a split draw, or defeating Shane Mosley, Daniel Jacobs or Sergey Kovalev. His favorite memory is of the one-sided unanimous decision over Miguel Cotto in November 2015.

“He’s a great champion,” Alvarez said in the ring after that fight, “but now it’s my era.”

Alvarez (59-2-2) has the chance to add to his legacy when he faces the 33-year-old Charlo, who is moving up two weight classes for this fight.

Even though Charlo (35-1-1) is the one moving up, he is 4 inches taller than the 5-foot-8 Alvarez and has a 2 1/2-inch reach advantage. Alvarez said his experience will help him counter the size deficiency.

“I’ve been in the ring with a lot of styles, all kind of fighters,” Alvarez said. “My whole career, I’ve been fighting with (boxers) taller than me, so I know how.”

Charlo, who lives in Houston, already is talking about a rematch, which likely would come if he beats Alvarez.

“I don’t think Canelo has faced a fighter of my caliber,” Charlo said. “He’s been in there with great fighters, but there’s something I bring to the table that’s a lot different than anyone he’s seen. I defy the science of boxing.

“I’m one of the guys from the younger era and I’ve been fighting my whole life. What I’ve been through in life, a lot of people can’t compare to that. I deserve to be in my position and now I get to prove my worthiness.”

If Alvarez prevails, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has declared David Benavidez will be his mandatory challenger for the super middleweight belt.

But Alvarez has not committed to facing Benavidez, a 26-year-old who is 27-0 with all but four by knockout. If Alvarez beats Charlo and turns down Benavidez, the WBC likely would vacate his championship.

“I’m going to win (versus Charlo), but I don’t know what is next,” Alvarez said. “I’m going to sit down with my team and talk about it because I’m 100 percent focused on this fight.”

As for his potential options post-Charlo, Alvarez said his intention would be to “make the best fights out there. We will see after this fight.”

The fight with Charlo should be enough on its own to capture Alvarez’s focus, especially given his most recent bouts.

He lost by unanimous decision to Dmitry Bivol in May 2022, though all three judges had the fight close at 115-113. Alvarez rebounded with a unanimous decision a year ago over Golovkin and then easily beat John Ryder in May on the scorecards. But Triple G had seen his best boxing days, and Ryder was simply outclassed.

Charlo will tell a lot more about where Alvarez truly stands. The odds are in his favor by a considerable amount — Canelo is minus-480 at FanDuel Sportsbook.

“I never overlook any fighter” Alvarez said. “I know what he’s going to bring and I’m ready. He hasn’t experienced this kind of level of fight.

“I want history for my career. I want to achieve a lot of things. This is another one of them and I can’t wait.”

Alvarez’s trainer, Eddy Reynoso, said this has been one of Canelo’s most intense training sessions.

“We’ve left behind the injuries and setbacks and we’re ready to show that Canelo is prepared to put on a great fight for the fans,” Reynoso said. “We’re very motivated to be here in Las Vegas for a great fight. We’re going to prove how motivated we are by giving the fans a great fight.”


UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director

UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director
Updated 27 September 2024
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UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director

UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director
  • Andrew Thompson spoke to Arab News about the importance of the Middle East market and the introduction of SailGP’s first female driver
  • UAE to host the opening and closing races of SailGP’s 5th season, which starts in Dubai on Nov. 23

DUBAI: The UAE is set to play a pivotal role in Sail Grand Prix’s Season 5, which begins in Dubai on Nov. 23 before drawing to a close in Abu Dhabi next year.

Ahead of the new season, Arab News spoke to Andrew Thompson, SailGP’s managing director, who discussed the importance of the Middle East market, the introduction of SailGP’s first female driver, and what fans can expect from the most entertaining race on water.


What was the reason behind choosing Dubai for the season-opening event?

The UAE has become one of the most important global sporting destinations, with multiple high-profile events held consistently across the country and wider Middle East region. For SailGP, it’s imperative that our calendar includes key locations such as Dubai in order to engage as wide a fan base as possible.

Having held events in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi previously, we are aware of the appetite for sailing in the UAE, and the enthusiasm that those in attendance have for our races.

UAE weather in November provides great conditions to host an event and the port of Mina Rashid provides the perfect setup for a tight racecourse for exciting racing.

The UAE will also play an important role in the new season as both the starting and finishing point, and we are delighted about that.

 

Mina Rashid will play host to the event for the third consecutive year. What makes the location so special?

Mina Rashid is the ideal setting for a SailGP event, from the perspective of both competitors and spectators alike. The tight racecourse and very deep water close to the shoreline ensure hugely competitive action with boats coming within touching distance of the stadium, which makes for great viewing for all the fans on the water’s edge.

Our previous two events at Mina Rashid were a huge success, with the closest finish in SailGP history last season, and our athletes have told us they are excited to return. Mina Rashid is also home to the P&O Marina’s Sailing Academy, which is a home for watersports designed to introduce people of all ages to the joy of sailing.

 

How important is the Middle East market for SailGP?

Very important, as evidenced by the fact that the 2024-25 season both starts and finishes in the UAE. Our fan base in the region has grown considerably over the past three seasons and we look forward to continuing growth of the Sail Grand Prix in the region as a long-term established event.

Dubai is the home of both Emirates and P&O Marinas, who along with Dubai Sports Council, are playing a pivotal role in helping us grow the sport across the UAE and engage a brand-new audience. We are now approaching our third Dubai event, and the two previous editions have been a resounding success from the perspective of all involved.

We’re equally delighted to be working closely with Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Their commitment to SailGP is fantastic and we look forward to harnessing a mutually beneficial long-term working relationship.

Our inaugural Abu Dhabi event earlier this year was a fantastic occasion, and we are excited about returning for the 2024-25 season final next year.

 

The upcoming season features the addition of the Mubadala Brazil Team, who have announced the first-ever female (Martine Grael) SailGP driver. How important is that for the evolution of the brand?

It’s hugely significant, and fantastic news. In 2021, SailGP introduced the Women’s Pathway as part of its Better Sport strategy to accelerate inclusion, inspire change, and provide opportunities at the elite level of sailing.

The Spain event in 2021 (Season 2) was a milestone in SailGP’s Women’s Pathway. It was the first time the teams raced with six (or four in light wind configuration) athletes on board, with every team including a female athlete on the F50 for racing.

It will take time to close the gap in experience between women and men; we are proud of being a sport that has women and men competing alongside each other at the highest level in sport.

Martine is a decorated sailor — two-time Olympic gold medal winner — and a fantastic leader. Developments such as appointing her as driver of the Brazilian team are a step in the right direction, but there is still work to do.

What would you say would attract people to come to the SailGP events?

SailGP features fast boats racing close to shore between 11 rival nations in short-form 15-minute races across the weekend. As a spectator in Dubai, you can see the full racecourse from the comfort of your seat while almost being able to reach out and touch the boats as they fly past.

SailGP’s top athletes race identical boats, which fly faster than the wind: high-tech, hydrofoiling F50 catamarans at speeds approaching 100 kph, which is a sight to behold. Our events combine elite-level sporting action and a first-class hospitality and entertainment schedule, and as the season-opener, this is one not to be missed. If you like racing and entertainment by the water, it really is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.


1,500 athletes ready for Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

1,500 athletes ready for Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Updated 27 September 2024
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1,500 athletes ready for Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

1,500 athletes ready for Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • Round 3 No Gi takes place from Sept. 27-29 at Al-Bait Metwahed in Sharjah
  • This year sees registration numbers up 50% on the previous edition

ABU DHABI: More than 1,500 athletes are set to take part in the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship Round 3 No Gi, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has revealed.

The event takes place from om Sept. 27-29 at Al-Bait Metwahed in Sharjah.

During the opening day of the event on Friday, entrants will compete in the adults and masters categories, followed by the U12 and U14 sections on the second day. The final day will see the U16 and youth competitions.

The championship is part of a five-round series held across different emirates throughout the season. It holds special significance as it marks the final No Gi round, with double ranking points awarded.

Khalid Ibrahim Al-Nakhi, a board member of the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club and jiu-jitsu supervisor, said: “Hosting the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Sharjah is an important step in promoting jiu-jitsu in the emirate. Our club’s training department has fully prepared for the largest participation in our history. We are confident our athletes will compete strongly and win medals.”

He added: “We extend our gratitude to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for its constant support of athletes and clubs across the country. This support has helped develop a strong pool of talented athletes, motivating them to strive for excellence. Our club is determined to compete for the championship title, building on our success in the second round.”

Yasser Al-Qubaisi, technical supervisor at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship — Round 3 No Gi has seen an incredible 50 per cent increase in athlete participation compared to the second round, with 35 academies and clubs taking part. This shows the rising importance of No Gi competitions across different categories. No Gi requires advanced technical skills, quick movement, and strategic flexibility, making it a unique challenge.”


Olympic champ Thomas beaten in new athletics meeting for women

Olympic champ Thomas beaten in new athletics meeting for women
Updated 27 September 2024
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Olympic champ Thomas beaten in new athletics meeting for women

Olympic champ Thomas beaten in new athletics meeting for women

NEW YORK: Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas of the United States was dominated by Paris bronze medallist Brittany Brown on Thursday in a rematch at the new all-women Athlos athletics meeting in New York.
Brown surged past Thomas in the final meters to win in 22.18sec, with Thomas settling for second in 22.21.
Thomas was one of four Paris Olympics gold medallists to take part in the meeting, which was organized by entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, the husband of retired US tennis great Serena Williams.
The event features 36 women competing in six events with the winners taking home $60,000 each from a total purse of $663,000.
That doubles the prize money awarded in the Diamond League final two weeks ago.
Puerto Rico’s 2021 Olympic gold medallist Jasmine Camacho-Quinn clocked 12.36sec to win the 100m hurdles ahead of Alaysha Johnson (12.43) and Paris gold medallist Masai Russell (12.44).
Dominican Marileidy Paulino won the 400m in 49.59sec, Kenyan Faith Kipyegon won the 1500m in 4min 04.79sec and Ivorian Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith won the 100m in 10.98sec.


American sweep! Team USA win all 5 matches in opening session of Presidents Cup

American sweep! Team USA win all 5 matches in opening session of Presidents Cup
Updated 27 September 2024
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American sweep! Team USA win all 5 matches in opening session of Presidents Cup

American sweep! Team USA win all 5 matches in opening session of Presidents Cup
  • It was the third time they shut out the Internationals on the first day, and the first time since 2000
  • International captain Mike Weir had a plan for the opening two days and he didn’t see anything on the course to make any changes for the foursomes matches on Friday

MONTREAL: The Presidents Cup matches were close. The score after the opening session was not.

The Americans clung to a 1-up lead in all five matches Thursday when they delivered shot after shot, putt after putt, until this already lopsided series took a familiar turn.

US 5, International 0.

The Americans swept the first day of fourballs matches at Royal Montreal behind a feisty Scottie Scheffler, late heroics from Xander Schauffele and plenty of help from the putting-challenged International team.

It was the third time they shut out the Internationals on the first day, and the first time since 2000. The Americans went on to an 11-point victory that year.

“We’re excited with our start — high fives, celebrate — and we’re going to keep the pressure on,” US captain Jim Furyk said.

International captain Mike Weir had a plan for the opening two days and he didn’t see anything on the course to make any changes for the foursomes matches on Friday. Adam Scott has never been on a winning team since his debut in 2003, and he wasn’t about to lose hope.

“The best news is there’s tomorrow for us. It’s not over,” Scott said. “We’re going to have to come out, fight really hard, find that gear, win a session and get going in the right direction. The score line looks rough. But I don’t think there was that much difference in it today.”

Three matches reached the 18th green. One ended on No. 17. The shortest match was Scheffler and Russell Henley getting the last word in a 3-and-2 win over Tom Kim and Sungjae Im.

Scheffler and Henley never trailed in what was the spiciest match of an otherwise flat day, the Canadian crowd mostly silent after Mackenzie Hughes, who sat out the first session, chugged a beer on the opening tee to get them going.

Scheffler and Kim are good friends who play plenty of money games in Dallas. On the par-3 seventh hole, the 22-year-old Kim holed a putt from just inside 30 feet and did a pirouette on the green, screaming, “Let’s Go!”

Scheffler matched the birdie from about the same length, and the world’s No. 1 player turned toward Kim and screamed, “What was that?”

It got testy on the next hole when Kim made another long birdie, celebrated wildly and then he and Im walked over to the ninth tee without even watching Scheffler putt.

“It’s the same thing I would have done at home if he had made a putt ... and he celebrated like that. So it’s all in good fun. We enjoy competing against each other,” Scheffler said. “That’s what it’s like out here. It’s fun to compete and fun to represent our country, and at the end of the match you take your hat off and shake hands.

“We’re friends after, we’re not friends during, I guess.”

The Internationals never looked like they would win the session. They weren’t expecting a shutout, either.

Taylor Pendrith, one of two Canadians in the lineup, made birdie on the 12th as he and Christiaan Bezuidenhout squared their match against Keegan Bradley and Wyndham Clark.

Schauffele and Tony Finau missed 3-foot par putts on the 16th and their opening match against Jason Day and Byeong Hun An was all square.

It could have gone either way. But it only got worse for the Internationals.

Bezuidenhout missed three 7-foot putts in a span of four holes that kept his side from squaring the match. Scott missed a pair of putts from the 12-foot range.

The Americans delivered the goods.

Schauffele atoned for his short miss by hitting his tee shot to 7 feet to a back pin on the par-3 17th for a birdie, and then hit his approach to 3 feet on the 18th to close out the match.

“Tony got the party started on the front nine and he had my back all day,” Schauffele said. “I figured it was my time to have his back.”

Bradley, the Ryder Cup captain for next year who has gone 10 years since his last cup competition, holed a 35-foot putt on the 13th and secured a 1-up win over Scott and Min Woo Lee with a 10-foot putt. Emotions were pouring from him.

“It was 10 years of pent-up energy of not playing these,” Bradley said. “I just had such a blast out there today.”

Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala rallied from a 1-down deficit through 11 holes when Morikawa birdied the 12th and 14th holes. Theegala secured it with an approach to just inside 3 feet. He made the putt, the first time all day he retrieved his golf ball from the cup.

In the anchor match, Patrick Cantlay was relentless as ever and Sam Burns made a 10-foot birdie on the 13th hole that put them 2 up, and Corey Conners and Hideki Matsuyama could never cut into the lead.

The Americans also swept the opening session in 1994. This was the eighth time in the last nine Presidents Cups they had a lead after the first day.

Friday has five foursomes matches. Furyk is keeping two teams together, including Scheffler and Henley, with Cantlay and Schauffele looking to build on their foursomes record.

“The last couple road games have been close,” Cantlay said. “I think it’s a huge statement. I think we need to build on that tomorrow.”


Arsenal, Man City qualify for Women’s Champions League group stage

Arsenal, Man City qualify for Women’s Champions League group stage
Updated 27 September 2024
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Arsenal, Man City qualify for Women’s Champions League group stage

Arsenal, Man City qualify for Women’s Champions League group stage
  • Real Madrid won 3-1 at home to Sporting Lisbon, with a brace either side of halftime by Sandie Toletti and a goal in second-half stoppage time from Alba Redondo
  • Last season’s semifinalists Paris Saint-Germain failed to overturn their first-leg deficit against Juventus as they lost 2-1 at home to the Italians on the night, and 5-2 on aggregate

PARIS: Arsenal and Manchester City both recorded handsome home wins in the second leg of round two qualifying of the Women’s Champions League on Thursday to book their places in the draw for the group stage.

Arsenal welcomed Hacken to Borehamwood trailing 1-0 after suffering defeat on the road to the Swedes last Wednesday.

But strikes by Lia Waelti and new signing Mariona Caldentey inside 40 minutes gave Jonas Eidevall’s side the lead prior to the break.

Beth Mead and Frida Maanum then put the tie beyond Hacken’s reach as Arsenal ran out 4-0 winners.

Manchester City went into their home leg with a comfortable 5-0 advantage after a dominant first-leg display in Paris last week.

A goal after two minutes by England striker Chloe Kelly effectively put an end to any hopes of an unlikely Paris FC comeback, before Khadija Shaw scored just after the half-hour and hour marks to seal a 3-0 win.

“I feel we can go a long way,” said City manager Gareth Taylor.

“I never would say we are going to win it. Getting out of the group stage is going to be our next objective.”

Real Madrid won 3-1 at home to Sporting Lisbon, with a brace either side of halftime by Sandie Toletti and a goal in second-half stoppage time from Alba Redondo easing the Spaniards to a three-goal winning margin over both legs.

Last season’s semifinalists Paris Saint-Germain failed to overturn their first-leg deficit against Juventus as they lost 2-1 at home to the Italians on the night, and 5-2 on aggregate.

Roma emerged 10-3 aggregate winners as they overpowered Swiss side Servette Chenois 7-2 in the return fixture in Geneva.

Dutch club Twente romped into the group stage as they scored four goals in both ties against Croatia’s Osijek on their way to an aggregate win of 8-1.

St. Polten of Austria won 5-0 in Slovenia against Mura to complete an impressive 8-0 aggregate win.

Celtic won 2-0 against visitors Vorskla of Ukraine to go through 3-0 on aggregate.

On Wednesday, two-time champions Wolfsburg, Norwegians Valerenga, Sweden’s Hammarby and Galatasaray sealed their places in the tournament proper.

Lyon, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and holders Barcelona all automatically qualified for the group stage of the Women’s Champions League.

Now that all 16 group-stage spots have been decided, the draw will take place in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday.