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Jermall Charlo takes on Thomas LaManna on May 31, as boxing fans gave their predictions for this fight.
Charlo boxes at 168 for the first time in his career, having campaigned mostly at 160. Charlo, who is the former WBC Middleweight Champion, defeated Jose Benavidez Jr. in his last fight. That was his first fight since 2021, having been out of the sport for over two years with mental health problems before his return in 2023. Charlo still has plans to box the big names, such as Caleb Plant and Edgar Berlanga, meaning it is vital that he comes out on top.
LaManna is no pushover. His boxing record is currently 39-5-1. LaManna has stopped his last four opponents, having discovered his power since he has a total of 5 KOs overall. LaManna’s only loss took place against the WBA Middleweight Champion Erislandy Lara all the way back in 2021. Here is how boxing fans saw the fight playing out.
Pre-Fight
“I’ll be a fool to try to overlook him. That’s not what I’m doing. I’m Jermall Charlo. This is my legacy. This is my career. I’m putting it all on the line. Now I understand why Canelo and them, all the big names, GGG at the time I was at 160, I see why they would say, ‘High risk, low reward.’ But I’m not that saying towards LaManna in no type of combative way. I’m just saying, naturally, me beating him in fashion and doing what I do best, get out there and win the fight, I probably won’t get the thumbs up and the likes from the fans. It’s gonna be expected,” Charlo said
“I feel ready to fight. We put the work in this camp. It’s been a long journey to this point and I’m ready to go. I learned from the Lara fight that I can’t let the moment get to me. If I can do that all throughout the week and get there to fight night, it’s gonna be a long night for Charlo,” ” LaManna stated
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Latest comments hint Penguins will part ways with franchise cornerstone
As the Pittsburgh Penguins approach a new season with an eye on the future, their relationship with Evgeni Malkin, one of their longest-tenured legends, is already under fire. When Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas spoke to the media ahead of training camp getting underway on Friday, one of the first questions he was asked was about Malkin's contract. The upcoming 2025-26 season will mark a career milestone for the 39-year-old Russian-born superstar. Malkin is preparing to play in his 20th NHL season, but he's also well aware he's in the final year of a four-year contract he signed in July 2022. But based on the comments from both sides, it certainly sounds as if there's uncertainty about how much longer Malkin will remain in Pittsburgh. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas comments on Evgeni Malkin "He’s in a great mood every day,” Dubas said in reference to Malkin. “No change on [the contract] front. I spoke with him and [agent J.P. Barry] in the summer when stuff started percolating there. At the time in every one of their careers, I’ll sit when time permits," he added. Most of what Dubas said comes off as a typical statement from a general manager wanting to stay noncommittal while also avoiding alienating a star player. However, what Malkin said leads fans to believe he has every intention on continuing his career beyond this coming season. Evgeni Malkin speaks out ahead of contract year Malkin seems to understand the Penguins' situation, but that doesn't necessarily mean he will bow out gracefully and have his final year in Pittsburgh be his last in the NHL. "I understand it's maybe last year, maybe two more years. I need to just play fan. Because I play my whole life, why not just two more years? It’s so much better when the team wins. The last three years, we missed playoffs; it’s the worst feeling, you know?" said Malkin. The problem with that may be that he's unlikely to fit into Dubas' plans. Fully aware that it may take time to make the Penguins a contender again, Dubas spent most of last year selling off talent in hopes of rebuilding the roster. Even so, most don't expect Pittsburgh to contend unless somehow the only Penguin with a legacy greater than Malkin's in Sidney Crosby performs to a level that rivals his MVP seasons. Where does Evgeni Malkin fit into the Penguins' plan? If the Penguins are still stuck in a rebuilding mode, where does an aging and declining player fit into that equation, if anywhere at all? Of course, a lot of what happens may depend on how much production Malkin can still provide the current iteration of the team. Last season, Malkin registered only 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games, his lowest outputs in a season with at least 60 games played in both categories since 2018-19. And for the most glaring statistic, Malkin was a -24, the second worst +/- of his career. While Malkin will be enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame and likely honored with his No. 71 retired by Pittsburgh, it's very possible Dubas will be able to find a younger, and maybe cheaper, player who can match or exceed his production. Regardless of what the future holds, Malkin's legacy as is set. The three-time Stanley Cup champion has 514 goals and 1,346 points. He's also a seven-time NHL All-Star and a Conn Smythe and Hart Trophy winner as the MVP of a postseason and a regular season among his many accolades. When it comes to Malkin and the Penguins, stay tuned.
6 extended takeaways from Day 1 of Maple Leafs training camp
TORONTO — The on-ice component of training camp is underway as the Toronto Maple Leafs took the ice at the Ford Performance Centre on Thursday, with new line combinations taking shape. Matias Maccelli received the first look with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies during the Group 1 session, and he may be the favourite to start the year on this line. William Nylander and John Tavares were paired together in Group 2 alongside Bobby McMann, and it’s clear that Craig Berube will be experimenting throughout training camp, in a search for his optimal combinations. “I think more than anything, we want to have a good first day. It’s a tough day,” Berube said. “It’s a lot of battling. It’s intense. Players, they could go and make it as intense as they want, but I thought it was really intense, which is what we want.” Here’s what you need to know from the first day of Maple Leafs’ training camp: It’s too early to be worried about Auston Matthews Auston Matthews said he’s fully confident about his health during Wednesday’s media availability, and Thursday provided a first opportunity to get a look at how the Maple Leafs’ captain is feeling. Matthews submitted a mixed performance during Thursday’s practice, with the extremely obvious caveat that it’s the first day of practice, and it’s too early to be genuinely concerned. Matthews’ puck skills remain otherworldly and during a sequence early in practice, he dangled Noah Chadwick rather easily to get to the net. In another sequence, Matthews beat Philippe Myers to the puck in the corner and fished it out for Matthew Knies in front of the net. He used his frame throughout the session to shield off defenders, win back pucks and instruct his teammates on where he wanted them to go in the offensive zone. And again, with the caveat that it’s way too early to be concerned: Matthews didn’t have the usual velocity on his shot throughout the majority of the session and Morgan Rielly won the majority of 1-on-1 battles against him. Matthews skates and fought through contact with his usual force, but we’ll be keeping our eyes and ears out to see if he gains the same velocity he had during his 69-goal campaign in 2023-24. There’s also a clear example of Matthews ripping the puck with his usual force early in the session, so it may just be a matter of Toronto’s captain rounding into form during the preseason. Berube didn’t seem remotely concerned and raved about Matthews’ leadership after Group 1 finished their session. “I thought he grew quickly as a leader. You guys don’t see it, the in-game things, in the room where he’s commanding,” Berube said of Matthews. “He’s not the only guy. We have a lot of strong leaders who don’t have to wear an A or a C.” Matias Maccelli gets first look on Toronto’s first line, but this could change when Max Domi returns Matias Maccelli was eager to prove himself on Toronto’s first line throughout practice and for now he’s getting the first look, although this could change when Max Domi returns from a lower-body injury. “ Just doing my best with the puck, without the puck, working hard,” Maccelli said, about what he’s focusing on when playing with Knies and Matthews. “ With the puck, trying to make plays, trying to play the same way they do. As we get going with the games, they’ll tell me what they expect and what they want, and then I’ll do the same thing.” Berube addressed reporters and he admitted that he initially planned to place Domi on the first line with Knies and Matthews. “Max went down. He was obviously a guy that I was going to put there. But Max should be back pretty quick, and then we’ll go from there,” Berube said. “I mean, it’s one day. (Maccelli is) in the process of just kind of feeling things out. And you get thrown on the line with Matthews and Knies, I mean, it’s a big step. He’s a guy that can make plays, we know that. “So that’s going to be a big part of it all if he’s making the right plays and the right decisions with the puck. Is he getting Matthews the puck enough for some opportunities and things like that? And then it’s just about him playing 200 feet, too. That line’s going to play against good lines, so he needs to be solid defensively, too.” Maccelli said he’s equally comfortable playing on either wing, but it may be a work in progress. He seemed to be a half-step behind Knies and Matthews in rushes, and when Domi is healthy again, it appears that Berube wants to try this combination out for opening night against the Montreal Canadiens. During camp, Maccelli will get a first look with Matthews and Knies, and it will be a combination that Berube will surely test out throughout camp, but the 24-year-old winger will need to earn his head coach’s trust before he’s affixed to Toronto’s top line. “It’s always weird to come to a new team when you don’t know anyone,” Maccelli said. “ I’ve only been in one spot and knew all the people there, so it’s different. But everybody’s been super welcoming and nice. So it’s been an easy adjustment.” Calle Jarnkrok stood out during Group 1 practice session, may be back to 2023-24 form Calle Jarnkrok was in excellent form during the first practice session and while we’re not pencilling him into the opening night lineup just yet, it’s an encouraging sign from the 34-year-old. Jarnkrok was paired alongside David Kampf and Michael Pezzetta and was the clear standout on the line, ripping his slot with the velocity we’re used to seeing. He roofed the puck past Dennis Hildeby twice off rush drills and wasn’t hesitant to win back pucks in battle drills. The veteran forward underwent groin and sports hernia surgery after suffering an injury during last year’s training camp and only returned to the lineup in March, where he registered a goal and seven points in 19 games, before adding one assist in 12 playoff games, primarily operating in a fourth-line role. Jarnkrok could very well be watching from the press box on opening night, but Thursday was a great start towards cementing his spot to begin the year. Anthony Stolarz wants to get deal done before the season Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz wants to be with the team for the foreseeable future and there’s a sense of urgency regarding his next contract. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving hinted Wednesday that a new extension could be imminent, and Stolarz wants to get the deal done before the year begins. “Our ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup, so once the season starts, that’s all I want to focus on,” Stolarz said. “I’ll let my agent and Treliving talk that out and hopefully we can get something done here soon.” Stolarz recently appeared on Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill, where he outlined what he wants from his next contact, and how he’s fully recovered from a season-ending concussion. Easton Cowan improves throughout practice, builds partnership with Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy Easton Cowan will be afforded every chance to make the roster and he improved as Thursday’s afternoon practice session went on. Cowan was paired with Dakota Joshua in 2-on-2 drills, where Joshua emerged as one of the best players overall through both practices. During controlled 3-on-2 rushes, Cowan was on the right wing, Joshua was on the left wing, with Nicolas Roy playing through centre, and it was a compelling trio that won puck battles and communicated well. It’s the first day of camp and nothing is finalized, but Cowan could find himself with a real chance of unseating the incumbents with a stellar camp. During battle drills, Cowan worked relentlessly, especially during a session against former London Knights teammate Landon Sim. It will be curious to see where Cowan slots into the lineup, when Max Domi returns to the lineup, but he’s firmly in the mix for a top-nine role and like Joshua, was among the best players from the opening day of camp. This line may get some extended looks together during Sunday’s preseason opener against the Ottawa Senators, and all three players are eager to make a strong first impression. Chris Tanev was among the several Leafs who complimented Roy’s ‘extremely underrated’ game, as he moves very well for a player his size, getting to the high-danger areas with relative ease. Joshua was dominant against several younger camp invitees, using his speed, size and hockey intelligence to great effect throughout the day. We can’t wait to see this line in action. John Tavares and William Nylander were the best players Thursday, Bobby McMann joins the line John Tavares and William Nylander were the best overall players from Thursday’s practice sessions, with Chris Tanev and Morgan Rielly earning honourable mentions. These designations are built from what we observed in controlled drills, so it’s worth putting into perspective, but Tavares and Nylander were making high-end plays with ease, and Bobby McMann joined the group, with Berube watching closely. “I think Bobby can take another step in his game,” Berube said. “You know, doing some things a little bit differently. Especially playing with those two guys [Tavares and Nylander], getting those guys the puck more, getting to the net more. I like a big guy with those two guys, to forecheck, get in there and create loose pucks, help out JT in those situations. Willy’s gonna do his thing, we all know that. But Bobby, I feel, can take another step in his game.” McMann-Tavares-Nylander played 158:09 at 5-on-5 with a plus-six goal differential and a 60.4 percent share of the expected goals last season via Natural Stat Trick. There is some proof of concept that this line could work, but McMann simply cannot go 24 games without a goal like he did to conclude the 2024-25 season. “He was basically just saying we want a certain identity. We want to play hard. Don’t take any shifts off, don’t take any seconds off, pushing each other all the way through,” McMann said. “It started from the first drill. You’re chasing the guy down all the way through. You’re playing one-on-ones, two-on-twos. It’s just not giving up an inch.” McMann’s elite straight-line speed and ability to get to the high-danger areas certainly compliment Tavares and Nylander’s skill sets, but there will be some experimentation on the top line, and the challenge has been set for the 28-year-old with several players vying for a chance in the Maple Leafs’ reshuffled top-six.
Commanders' under-the-radar veteran is stepping up to fix massive weakness
Daron Payne missed the NFC Championship game in 2024. He had battled through a dislocated thumb to help the Washington Commanders win their first two games in the postseason. Standing just one game away from the Super Bowl, a bad knee dashed his hopes of getting another shot at the Philadelphia Eagles. Looking back, we can now see how Washington’s brain trust viewed their roster moving forward, though it may not have been immediately apparent at the time. Payne had been the one constant on the defensive line interior, playing on almost 70 percent of the snaps. Four other players logged between 23 and 48%. Jonathan Allen was a unique case because he was hurt most of the year. Though he played fewer than 30% of the snaps, once healthy, he resumed his regular starting role. He would be playing significant minutes in that final Eagles game. But without Payne, who would be lining up next to him? On paper, Payne’s primary replacement should have been Johnny Newton, the highly-touted second-round draft pick who had been showing improvement since getting fully healthy. He was next on the depth chart and had been Allen’s primary replacement when the veteran was injured. Commanders are getting some good early returns from free-agent signing Eddie Goldman Or it might have been Sheldon Day, another veteran journeyman who had filled in admirably when Allen was out. He graded out as Washington’s best defensive tackle according to Pro Football Focus, although that wasn't a high bar. That’s not entirely true because another veteran journeyman, who only played a handful of snaps during the year, did have a higher grade than Day. That was Carl Davis Jr., who signed with Washington in midseason and played a total of 43 snaps heading into the playoffs. When it came time to choose Payne’s primary replacement, Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. went with Davis. He played almost as many snaps as Newton and Day combined in that championship game. Why? It isn’t hard to make a guess. Day is 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds. Newton is listed at 6-foot-2 and 295 pounds. Davis is 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds. When going up against the Eagles' massive offensive line, Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. recognized they needed more size. They were overpowered anyway, but the takeaway was not that size didn’t matter. They needed more quality size on the defensive front. Adam Peters made his first move in that direction by paying above-market for Javon Kinlaw. Around the same time, he signed Eddie Goldman. Goldman’s signing didn’t raise many eyebrows at first. A Washington native who had sat out 2020 due to COVID and the 2022 season after announcing his retirement, he made a return to the Atlanta Falcons for the 2024 campaign. He also played well enough to draw Peters’ interest. Still, he seemed like a long shot to have any real impact. After all, since the 2019 season, Goldman had recorded a total of 38 tackles in the NFL. But as training camp merged into preseason, it seemed as if Goldman had a spot on the roster. Day and Davis were still around. Rookie Ricky Barber flashed potential. But more often than not, he was sharing snaps with Kinlaw, Payne, and the rest of Washington's starters. That has continued in the regular season. Payne and Kinlaw are the clear starters, but Goldman has been on the field for almost 40 percent of the defensive snaps, playing more than Newton through the first two games. When the Commanders go to a three-man front, he is lined up at nose tackle. Goldman currently boasts an elite Pro Football Focus grade of 83.5, fourth best among all defensive linemen in the league. He is rated fifth best against the run. Those numbers need to be taken with a grain of salt. Goldman is not the fourth-best defensive lineman in the NFL. But they do indicate he is playing very well. Last season, Washington’s run defense was a liability, surrendering almost five yards per carry. This season, they have that number down to under four. The real tests are still to come. Most importantly, we will have to see how well the new line holds up against Philadelphia. But the early results for Goldman, who was essentially finished with football two years ago, are looking promising.
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