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Manny Pacquiao Willing to End Retirement to Fight Terence Crawford, Errol Spence
Dec 10, 2022
Former Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao poses for a photo during a weigh-in at the KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. Pacquiao will fight in an exhibition match with South Korean martial artist D.K. Yoo on Sunday, Dec. 11. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Manny Pacquiao is willing to come out of retirement for the right bout, as he told FightHype:
"Of course I can fight Terence Crawford or [Errol] Spence. I'm eager to fight with them to test them, to see if they're really a champion," Pacquaio said (h/t Donagh Corby of the Mirror). "I've been fighting a lot of boxers at 147, 140, 135, I've been fighting one of the greatest boxers in the world. So, I want to test them to fight with me."
The 43-year-old retired from boxing in September 2021, but a bout against Crawford or Spence would certainly catch the attention of fans.
Crawford (38-0) and Spence (28-0) are both undefeated and ranked first and second, respectively, in the welterweight division by ESPN.com, although they have been unable to agree to a fight against each other.
Pacquiao had similar trouble setting up a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. during their primes before finally getting a bout in 2015. Mayweather won by unanimous decision, although Pacquiao said he is willing to have a rematch.
"I'm willing to have a real fight with him, not an exhibition," Pacquiao said, via Allan Fox of BoxingNews24. "We need to answer those questions in the minds of the fans."
Mayweather retired in 2017, but he has competed in exhibitions in recent years.
Pacquiao has also scheduled exhibitions, including a matchup Saturday with South Korean social media star DK Yoo.
The last professional fight of Pacquiao's career was a loss to Yordenis Ugás by unanimous decision in 2021, dropping his record to 62-8-2. That match came over two years after his previous bout, a win over Keith Thurman.
Despite his resume as an eight-division champion, Pacquiao could have a difficult time against either Crawford or Spence. Crawford is considered the No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world by ESPN, while Spence is rated No. 3.
Pacquiao still believes both high-profile boxers need to prove themselves.
Crawford is scheduled to face David Avanesyan on Saturday, while Spence doesn't have another fight scheduled.
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UFC's Dana White Says Fight Fixing a 'Huge Concern' amid James Krause Investigation
Dec 10, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 8: Dana White speaks at the UFC 282 pre-fight press conference on December 8, 2022, at the MGM Garden Grand Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
UFC president Dana White said during an interview with ESPN's Brett Okamoto on Thursday that fight fixing has become a pressing issue amid an investigation into betting activity related to a November fight.
"Huge concern," White said, per ESPN's Marc Raimondi. "... Now that there's an investigation and it could be possible that it happened, yeah."
White added:
"In every sport, somebody thinks they're smarter than everybody else when really they're the dumbest guy in the room. And you will get caught -- you will get caught and you will go to prison. It is what it is. If you're that dumb and you're willing to take that risk for money. Ruin your life for money. We can tell people until we're blue in the face. Same thing as steroids, performance-enhancing drugs. 'Don't do it, USADA is testing, you're gonna get caught.' But this is a whole other level. ... If you're that stupid, have fun in prison."
A Nov. 5 bout between Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke at UFC Fight Night 214 is under investigation after a number of sportsbooks reported receiving "unusual betting interest" on Nuerdanbieke to win via first-round knockout, in addition to the fight lasting fewer than 2.5 rounds, just hours before the match.
Nuerdanbieke, the favorite, defeated Minner via first-round TKO in 1:07.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission has since suspended Minner and his coach, James Krause, pending the results of multiple investigations. In addition, UFC released Minner and announced any fighter who continues to train under Krause would not be allowed to participate in UFC events while the investigations are ongoing.
Krause has been known for betting on MMA fights, even ones he's coaching. During an interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani in August, he said that he bets on fights for himself and others.
"I bet every single card just about every fight," Krause said, via Karim Zidan of The Guardian. "I have a Discord [server], like 2,000 members in it, we crush it. Last week, we destroyed it. I take over people's accounts and play for them, I do pretty well. I make more money gambling on MMA than I do anything else."
UFC has since updated its Code of Conduct, prohibiting contracted fighters, coaches and family members of fighters from betting on bouts. Additionally, multiple commissions have paused betting on UFC fights altogether with investigations ongoing.
CBS Sports Analyst Grant Wahl Dies in Qatar During World Cup
Dec 10, 2022
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 08: Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl speaks on a panel discussion at the 2014 Kicking + Screening Soccer Film Festival New York, presented by Budweiser, on April 8, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Budweiser)
Longtime soccer journalist Grant Wahl, who was covering the World Cup for CBS Sports in Qatar, died on Thursday while reporting on the quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl's soccer family & of so many friends who've reached out tonight.
NPR can confirm the death of longtime soccer sportswriter Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl). He died today in Doha, Qatar while covering the Argentina-Netherlands World Cup quarterfinal. Story to come.
We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Grant Wahl and send our condolences to his family, with whom we have been in close communication. We are engaged with senior Qatari officials to see to it that his family’s wishes are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible.
— State Department Spokesperson 2013-2025 (@statedeptspox_a) December 10, 2022
A cause of death has not been released publicly.
According to the Associated Press, "U.S. media seated near him said Wahl fell back in his seat in the media tribune at Lusail Iconic Stadium during extra time, and reporters adjacent to him called for assistance. Emergency services workers responded very quickly, the reporters said, and the reporters later were told that Wahl had died."
Wahl wrote on Monday that he had been sick for about 10 days, attributing it to being overworked and not getting much sleep while covering the World Cup before his symptoms eventually got bad enough that he went to a medical clinic in Qatar.
"I went into the medical clinic at the main media center today, and they said I probably have bronchitis," he wrote. "They gave me a course of antibiotics and some heavy-duty cough syrup, and I'm already feeling a bit better just a few hours later. But still: No bueno."
He said he tested negative for COVID-19.
Before the United States' matchup with Wales on Nov. 21, Wahl posted on social media that he was not initially granted access to Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium for wearing a shirt with a rainbow encircling a soccer ball:
I’m OK, but that was an unnecessary ordeal. Am in the media center, still wearing my shirt. Was detained for nearly half an hour. Go gays 🌈 https://t.co/S3INBoCz89
Free to read: What happened when Qatar World Cup security detained me for 25 minutes for wearing a t-shirt supporting LGBTQ rights, forcibly took my phone and angrily demanded that I remove my t-shirt to enter the stadium. (I refused.) Story: https://t.co/JKpXXETDkHpic.twitter.com/HEjr0xzxU5
Wahl told Kevin Dotson and Ben Morse of CNN after the incident that he had been given assurances he would be allowed to wear such clothing into the stadium. He further explained his decision to wear the shirt:
It's really important to me and it's not required by any stretch of the imagination. I've got family members who are gay. I've got friends who are gay. I've got journalist friends who are gay who are here in Qatar. But you don't need that to be supportive, to be an ally. So, I was thinking about all of those people yesterday. I was thinking about Colorado Springs. I was thinking all sorts of stuff. And if I have to be detained for 30 minutes, it's kind of annoying. But it's not an issue for me. And so I was glad to at least help out a little bit.
Wahl wasn't alone in dealing with issues while attempting to wear pro-LGBQT+ clothing into Qatar's stadiums:
So, despite fine words from @FIFAWorldCup before event @Cymru rainbow Bucket hats confiscated at stadium, mine included. I had a conversation about this with stewards - we have video evidence. This #WorldCup2022 just gets better but we will continue stand up for our values 🌈
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, though the country publicly stated that it would welcome all fans to the World Cup.
Wahl had also written about other issues in Qatar. Yesterday, he posted an article critical of the Qatari response to another death of a migrant worker at the World Cup.
Sportswriters and prominent figures from the soccer world offered tributes to Wahl and sent condolences after learning of his death on Friday:
Grant was an important member of the soccer community for more than two decades, and he will be deeply missed. Our heartfelt condolences are with his wife Celine, his family and loved ones.
Grant Wahl was unbelievably kind to everyone, but I was especially touched by how warm and welcoming he was towards my mom when he realized she was a huge soccer fan. Heartbreaking news. https://t.co/v99QlQayoi
The soccer community will be devastated and will be missing a gigantic hole. Sending love to all of those who read his words and enjoyed his company… I sure did. 💕⚽️
Grant Wahl was my friend and was one of the most generous, kind, and encouraging people I knew in or out of sports media. He was such a bright presence; I never talked to him without feeling a little better about the world afterward. This is crushing. https://t.co/PexnfvmZbC
This Grant Wahl news is so, so awful. He was one of the best soccer writers and before that, one of the best college basketball writers. Such a cool guy, total gentleman. RIP.
Can't go anywhere in US soccer circles without bumping into someone Grant Wahl was good to -- anything from a quick hello & some kind words to some meaningful career advice. Just a truly good guy.
There are too many examples of Grant Wahl’s kindness as an SI colleague to recount here. As great a writer as he was, Grant was an even better person. Prayers with his wife and family, who he loved and was so proud of.
Wahl's career included stops at Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports and CBS Sports, spending time covering college basketball, the Olympics and, most prominently, soccer.
Twitter Erupts as Lionel Messi, Argentina Beat Netherlands in World Cup Classic
Dec 9, 2022
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Netherlands and Argentina at Lusail Stadium on December 09, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi took another step toward what would be a crowning achievement as Argentina beat the Netherlands 4-3 in a penalty shootout Friday in the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina appeared to be home clear in the final stages of the match, and Wout Weghorst's opener in the 83rd was little more than a consolation at first. But the Dutch kept pushing forward and found the equalizer through a brilliant set piece finished off by Weghorst in stoppage time.
100th minute. In the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
The match went to a penalty shootout after neither country could break the deadlock in extra time. The Netherlands' first two penalty takers, Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis, saw their attempts saved by Argentina keeper Emi Martínez, which put the South Americans firmly in control. Lautaro Martínez converted the winner to send the Argentines through.
It was a suitably dramatic conclusion to an instant classic.
Lionel Messi delivered a standout performance that was overshadowed by the Dutch comeback.
The Paris Saint-Germain star has been an integral member of the national team, totaling three goals and one assist entering Friday. He added a second assist when he found Nahuel Molina for Argentina's opener in the 35th minute.
After Denzel Dumfries fouled Marcos Acuña in the 18-yard box, Messi doubled Argentina's lead from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute.
The goal symbolized the sense of inevitability surrounding the 35-year-old.
The footballing gods have decided it’s his and their year. Write it on the trophy, nobody is stopping Lionel Messi and Argentina. I’m not sure if anybody can stop him.
Argentina will meet Croatia in the semifinals on Dec. 13 after the Croatians knocked out Brazil in a penalty shootout earlier on Friday.
On paper, that's the easier of the two opponents, but Croatia's defensive strength can't be overlooked. Zlatko Dalić's squad gave up one goal in the group stage and held Japan and Brazil to one goal apiece in the knockout stages.
Messi's brilliance could be required once again to seal Argentina's passage to the World Cup final for the second time in the last three tournaments.
World Cup Results 2022: Scores, Updated Quarterfinals Bracket After Friday
Dec 9, 2022
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates scoring the team's first penalty in the penalty shoot out during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Netherlands and Argentina at Lusail Stadium on December 09, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi's dream of winning a World Cup is still alive.
Argentina needed an extra 30 minutes and penalties to keep that dream alive, but all that matters is La Albiceleste are on to the 2022 World Cup semifinals.
Argentina knocked out the Netherlands in the second of two penalty shootouts to take place in Qatar on Friday.
Croatia, the penalty shootout kings of the last two World Cups, defeated Brazil to advance to its second straight World Cup semifinal.
Messi and Argentina will meet Luka Modrić and Croatia on Tuesday in the first of two World Cup semifinals.
Argentina 2 (4), Netherlands 2 (3)
Argentina did not like the path it took to the penalty shootout, but it still emerged victorious.
Martínez had not made a save on the two shots on goal he faced over 120 minutes. The Dutch finished their two chances to come back from a deficit forged by Lionel Messi.
Lautaro Martínez finished off the shootout win in the fifth round.
Messi was once again at the center of Argentina's most important moments in a World Cup game.
Messi provided a first-half assist and scored a penalty in the second half to place La Albiceleste in the lead.
Messi produced a brilliant pass into Nahuel Molina in the 35th minute to open the scoring.
Messi set the ball up on a perfect angle from his position outside the box to feed Molina and avoid the handful of Dutch defenders that tried to surround him.
The Argentinian legend scored the crucial second goal in the 73rd minute from the penalty spot. Messi blasted his fourth goal of the 2022 World Cup and 10th career World Cup strike past a diving Andries Noppert.
The Dutch applied pressure for the seven second-half minutes and 10 minutes of stoppage time that followed. They finally broke through in the 101st minute, when Weghorst finished past Emiliano Martínez on a craftily-played free kick that avoided the Argentinian wall.
In penalties, Dominik Livaković made one save to add to his impressive resume in Qatar. He made 10 saves in 120 minutes against Brazil and had multiple denials in the round-of-16 shoutout win over Japan.
Neymar was the orchestrator of a beautiful move that featured two give-and-go pass sequences and a quality finish over Livaković.
Neymar tied Pelé for the most goals in Brazil men's national team history. But that was the only celebratory moment in the Seleção attack.
The Brazilians put one of their 11 shots on target past Livaković. Croatia did not have a shot in target in regulation.
Croatia is now set for its second straight World Cup semifinal appearance on Tuesday against Argentina.
Neymar: 'Too Early to Say' If 2022 World Cup Was Last with Brazil
Dec 9, 2022
Brazil's forward #10 Neymar (C) is consoled by Brazil's defender #13 Dani Alves after their team lost the Qatar 2022 World Cup quarter-final football match between Croatia and Brazil at Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha, on December 9, 2022. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Brazil's star forward, Neymar, declined to make a declaration about his future or whether Friday's heartbreaking loss in penalties to Croatia would be his final FIFA World Cup appearance.
"It's too early to say that," he told reporters. "I've no clear ideas yet—I can't guarantee anything."
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar played a similar tune in November when asked about his World Cup future.
"I'll play like it's the last," he told Globo last month (h/t Adriana Garcia of ESPN). "I talk to my father, we always talk, to play each game as if it were the last because you don't know what will happen tomorrow. I can't guarantee that I'll play another [World] Cup. I honestly don't know. I'll play like it's the last. Maybe I'll play another one, maybe not. It depends. There's going to be a coaching change and I don't know if that coach will like me."
Neymar moved into a tie with the legendary Pelé at 77 goals, the most in Brazil men's national team history, after scoring the game's first goal on Friday. Marta is the country's all-time leader at 115 goals.
It was Neymar's second goal in Qatar, the third time he's posted multigoal performances at the World Cup.
One of the few accomplishments Neymar hasn't checked off in his incredible career has been a World Cup title. No country has more World Cup triumphs, as Brazil have won the tournament five times, but not since 2002.
So if Neymar wants one last chance, it will come at the 2026 tournament, when he's 33. A number of stars at this year's World Cup have exceeded that age, including Lionel Messi (35), Luka Modrić (37) and Cristiano Ronaldo (37), so it's hardly a stretch to believe that Neymar might still be in fine form and able to make a major impact for Brazil in four years.
