Rory McIlroy is back in Ireland, with this week’s Irish Open at the K Club outside Dublin offering a rare chance for the reigning Masters champion to stop and reflect. On his childhood, on his lone Irish Open victory and, of course, on his career-defining 2025 season.
There’s never been a GOAT in any sport quite as polarizing as Novak Djokovic. Over the course of his 22-year professional career, Djokovic has appeared in 37 grand slam finals, winning 24, the most in men’s tennis history. But the overwhelming popularity of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, whose peaks overlapped with Djokovic’s, meant the Serbian faced hostile crowds nearly every time he took the court. The mental and emotional toll of playing the heel wore on Djokovic at times, but his game thrived on the adversity, as he proved the doubters and haters wrong time and time again.
As an eight-time Ryder Cup veteran, Rory McIlory certainly knows the feeling. On Wednesday ahead of the Amgen Irish Open, Team Europe’s elder statesman was asked how he plans to handle the pro-American crowd at Bethpage Black later this month. Though McIlroy’s own resume speaks for itself—he was instrumental for Team Europe during the last Ryder Cup road win by either side at Medinah in 2012—he tipped his cap to the Joker, revealing that the tennis legend even spoke to the Euros before their victorious romp in Rome two years ago.
“I watched a little bit of Novak Djokovic last night [in the U.S. Open quarterfinals] playing in his match against [American] Taylor Fritz,” McIlroy told reporters. “It was a very pro-American crowd. He’s been the best at handling that sort of — he’s had to deal with it his whole life, whether it’s playing against an American in New York or playing against Roger or Rafa.
He came and spoke to us a little bit about that stuff last time in Rome. So maybe taking a leaf out of his book and channeling that energy the right way, but again, all we can do is control our reaction and our emotions to it. I think the less we play into it, the better it is for us.”
McIlroy’s last sentence seems particularly telling. Some players, such as Tiger Woods and Brooks Koepka, thrive by playing with a chip on their shoulder, but McIlroy and co. aren’t buying into the bulletin-board approach. Instead, they want to put their head down, tune out the noise and execute. Love him or loathe him, Djokovic has been a master of that throughout his career. His desire to win has always been greater than desire to be adored, and that drive has carried him through countless gauntlets over the years. Whether that approach can lead Team Europe to glory at Bethpage Black remains to be seen, but if Djokovic’s deep run in Flushing this year is any indication, the Stars n’ Stripes better watch out.
At the ongoing Junior PLAYERS Championship, Jr. Woods created history by recording his career second hole-in-one. But the celebration wasn’t similar to his first, because his biggest supporters, Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren, were not there. But when the videos of the outstanding achievement went out, it was nothing less than a celebration for mother, Elin.
Daniel Montero, Mayo Clinic physician and also the Woods’ closest friend, witnessed and captured the achievement of young Woods. “I guess you never know when you’re going to see greatness,” said Montero for the video. But instead of keeping the memory to himself, he shared the video with Elin Nordegren, who was not present at the course. When she received the video, Nordegren was left emotional and appreciative. Montero shared her quote that, “She was very happy to have seen this one.”
Along with Tiger Woods, his ex-wife, Elin, has been a constant supporter of Charlie Woods. In fact, she witnessed the first ace of his son on December 22, 2024, at the PNC Championship when he teamed up with Tiger Woods. The moment of his first ace can still be visualised as a loud roar erupted from the crowd, who celebrated the special achievement. But now, as neither supporter was in the crowd, the celebration wasn’t that exciting.
Charlie Woods became the fourth player to record an ace in the tournament’s history. In fact, since 2020, he has become the second. Before him, Cameron Kuchar, son of Matt Kucher, aced No. 3 in the first round, and then Charlie was the second to do it. But the celebration, unlike his first ace, was a bit subtle as he shook hands with his peers, Coltrane Mittag and Davis Wotnosky, and moved towards the hole. Even on the green, he repaired the ball mark and calmly picked the ball out of the cup with cheers and claps from the crowd. However, the family celebration is sure to be the loudest off the course.
Charlie’s parents have maintained a strong relationship for the kids, setting aside their personal differences.
The duo, after 10 years of marriage, divorced in 2010, has mastered the art of co-parenting. The pair have worked to keep the best interests of Sam and Charlie in mind. The entire family was seen together at the 2024 PNC Championship, where the father-son duo participated as players, while their daughter Sam Alexis Woods was the caddie. In fact, Elin joined the crowd to support the kids at the event.
Recently, during the US Junior Amateur Golf Championship, the duo was seen together supporting Charlie Woods, where they encountered odd questions. Not only that, but Nordegren was also present at the Cognizant Classic Pre-Qualifying round, the first step toward a formal career in golf, on February 22, 2024.
The duo, leaving the past aside, have taken steps to be the biggest supporters for the kids. As per the sources, “They both decided to be adults and to do what was best for the kids. So they get along really well. Tiger says really great things about Elin. He never complains about her, ever. … The kids love them both.”
Now, despite being far away from the course, Elin Nordegren is emotional for the achievement of his son at the Junior PLAYERS Championship. Charlie Woods, in the span of 9 months, has recorded a hole-in-one twice.
In May, the iconic Wild Card Boxing Club marked its 30th anniversary – a gym that became synonymous with boxing greatness. It was here that Manny Pacquiao rose to global stardom, where Hollywood names like Mark Wahlberg and Mickey Rourke trained, and where Baba Sumaila – affectionately known simply as ‘Baba’ – worked side by side with legendary trainer Freddie Roach.
Sadly, Baba has passed away. The news was confirmed through an Instagram post from the gym, which shared a heartfelt tribute to him. Details surrounding his death, including when, where, and how it occurred, remain unclear. Not much is publicly known about Baba, but the somber farewell from Wild Card suggests he had been a long-standing and respected presence within the gym’s community.
Addressing Baba’s passing, Wild Card Boxing Club shared a picture of him on Instagram with the caption, “Devastating news for our Wild Card Boxing family. Our Baba has passed away. Baba, we love you. We will cherish our memories of you. You will be remembered and continue to be loved to live on in our hearts and minds. Rest well and be at peace 🕊️ with love from your Wild Card Boxing family 🕊️.”
Baba was never one to seek attention on social media. In fact, he shared only two photos of himself on Instagram. The first, posted in July 2015, showed him inside the boxing club – already a familiar presence within its walls. Behind him, pictures of Freddie Roach and other fighters decorated the gym. He captioned it simply, “Love to all friends Godbless.”
Years later, Baba uploaded his second and final photo, as if he had nearly forgotten about the account. This time, he was outdoors, standing before a hillside, offering a faint smile in a selfie. He wrote, “The sky is a beautiful blessing to all have a wonderful weekend people God bless?” BoxRec lists a fighter named Baba Sumaila with a record of 0-2 in the professional ranks and 1-1 as an amateur, though it remains unconfirmed whether this was the same Baba from Wild Card.
According to the site, the fighter hailed from Ghana and resided in Lagos, Nigeria, before moving to the United States. Regardless, since the news of his death, Wild Card’s farewell post has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fellow boxers, trainees, and fans worldwide – each remembering the man they knew simply as Baba.
Roach, Manny Pacquiao’s coach, must have watched Baba around the gym where they have worked together for years. Upon his passing, he commented on the post, writing, “You will be missed, Baba, my friend.” The 65-year-old started the gym in 1995.
Another user who trained in the gym recalled their interaction with Baba. “The few times I interacted with Baba were always pleasant. My condolences to Baba’s family and the wildcard family,” the user commented. Now, there will be one less friendly face in the gym.
Someone else who trained under Baba chimed in. “Baba, you will be missed, my friend. Loved training with you. Shoeshine !!! ❤️,” the user commented. Wild Crad Boxing Club is one of the best in the country, thanks to people like Baba who have helped shape the gym’s future.
“RIP Baba my wildcard trainer. Blessing to his family 🥊,” another user commented. Unfortunately, details about his personal life remain a mystery.
Meanwhile, this user shared their condolences for the Wild Card gym and Baba’s family. “God reward Baba in the next life. My sincerest condolences to the Wildcard Family ❤️,” the user commented. Baba rests in peace now.
While not much is known about the man everyone at the gym simply called Baba, the outpouring of messages on social media makes one thing clear – he was a significant part of the Wild Card family, and a presence that may never be replaced.
Few rivalries in golf have endured with the same intensity and respect over time. The rivalry between Ernie Els and Tiger Woods is among them. From playoff duels to major championship showdowns, their careers have been intertwined since the late 1990s.
Whether it was Woods draining a 40-foot birdie to beat Els at the 2000 Mercedes Championships or their unforgettable playoff at the 2003 Presidents Cup, the two legends have shared some of the sport’s most iconic moments.
Now, as Woods approaches his 50th birthday on December 30th, Els has reignited the competitive spark for their senior stage.
“Beat us again … if you can,” Els told the Palm Beach Post while unveiling his autism-friendly recreation complex.
The message was aimed squarely at Big Cat, who will become eligible for the PGA Tour Champions in 2026.
Els, now 55, has already made the transition with notable success. He’s finished inside the top 10 of the season-long standings for three consecutive years and currently ranks No. 5.
“It doesn’t help him to finish 70th on the regular tour, not really getting proper reps,” Els added during the same conversation with the Palm Beach Post. “He can shoot 66 (on the senior tour). Get your confidence up, make those birdie putts under the gun.”
The 15-time major champion has avoided playing in recent years due to a series of injuries. Most recently, he ruptured his left Achilles tendon in the spring, sidelining him for the year.
But with the PGA Tour Champions offering the advantage of using carts, Woods gains an edge.
“I’ve got three more years, where I get the little buggy and be out there with Fred (Couples),” Woods told reporters at the 2023 Masters.
Els believes the senior tour could be exactly what Woods needs, not just to compete, but to rebuild his rhythm and confidence.
“I hope so,” Els expressed as quoted. “I’ve said, ‘Please come play.’ And I think it can only be beneficial to (Woods). He will get himself in golf shape. You can ride a cart without any shame and if there was one guy that should be able to drive a cart, it’s him. And he can get his ass back in shape.”
Paul Azinger, a 12-time PGA Tour winner and NBC’s lead analyst for the Champions Tour, believes Woods’ arrival would be a seismic moment for the over-50 circuit.
“I believe there’s a lot of anticipation (for Woods),” Azinger expressed in February as quoted by Sports Illustrated. “A lot of guys are going to be in shape and ready and try to beat Tiger if they can. I think Tiger might even feel an obligation to play the (PGA Tour Champions). The Tour has given Tiger a lot of money the last few years with that Player Impact Program. I’m sure he’s going to give back, and it’s going to be to all the benefit of these guys out here that are over 50”.
For now, Woods remains focused on recovery. But with his eligibility just months away, the stage is quietly being set for a new chapter.
Floyd Mayweather has once again found himself in the spotlight—this time off the boxing stage and on the water.
The undefeated champion was recently spotted yachting with someone who appeared to be his former fiancée, Shantel “Miss Jackson” Jackson, sparking a wave of speculation across social media.
@yachts_life Anyone recognize it? We all absolutely LOVE the #YachtLife 😜😎 THE GOAT @Floyd Mayweather 🥊#MillionaireMindset #livingthedream #miami #goat
The sighting came to light through a viral TikTok clip that showed Mayweather and Jackson side by side on a luxury yacht.
Fans quickly filled the comments section with theories, debating whether the two were enjoying a friendly outing or testing the waters of reconciliation. For a pair whose relationship ended publicly over a decade ago, the imagery alone was enough to reignite curiosity.
Mayweather and Jackson’s story dates back to 2006, when they first met. Their relationship became one of the boxer’s most high-profile romances throughout the 2010s, but by 2013, it had ended in a dramatic split that involved legal disputes and constant headlines.
After their breakup, Jackson went on to date rapper Nelly in a long-term relationship, while Mayweather continued to dominate conversations both in and out of the ring, though he never officially stepped out with anyone else following his time with “Miss Jackson.”
What makes this reunion especially intriguing is the timing. Not long ago, Jackson made headlines with a bold Instagram post: “Never spinnin’ the block,” she wrote, a phrase widely understood as never returning to a past relationship.
While many interpreted the statement as closure following her split from Nelly in 2021, others saw it as a definitive stance on exes in general—including Mayweather.
Nelly, of course, has rekindled his relationship with Ashanti, and the pair now share a son (and a well-received reality show).
With no official statements from either Mayweather or Jackson, fans are left to interpret the images on their own. Is this a rekindling of old flames or simply a pair of exes on good terms?
Eddie Hearn says they’ve got to choose Anthony Joshua’s tune-up opponent “carefully” for early 2026 to prepare him for a big fight in the summer against the man he hopes will be Tyson Fury.
THE WEIGHING OF RISKS
Hearn wants to avoid Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) suffering an upset defeat and ruining his plans for one of the popular heavyweights. The four names that Hearn has mentioned for his warm-up fight are still risky for him, as he’ll have been out of the ring for 16 to 17 months following elbow surgery and a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois on September 21, 2024.
Joshua’s Four Candidates
Tony Yoka
Efe Jagba
Frank Sanchez
Jared Anderson
Those are still risky fights for Joshua, who turns 36 next month on October 15. Ajagba (20-1-1, 14 KOs) would be a potential nightmare due to his power and 6’6″ size. With a cannon right hand, he could ruin Hearn’s plans for AJ. The 2016 Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka (14-3, 11 KOs) isn’t an easy out either.
He can punch, and his 6’7″ size makes him a threat to Joshua. Although Yoka has lost several times in the last three years, those were competitive fights in which he landed a lot of heavy shots. “We’ve got to choose carefully for the next fight, and I think the best way in all of this is just to be honest and say the next fight will be a comeback fight to build into a roll of the dice next summer,” Eddie Hearn said to Sky Sports Boxing. “We want that to be against Tyson Fury. If it’s not, it’s going to be a massive fight.”
There are lighter punching heavyweights near the bottom of the top 15 that Joshua could fight that would give him a better chance of winning. Given that he’s coming off a long break and a bad knockout loss to Dubois, choosing one of these fighters, I believe, would be a safer choice for AJ: Johnny Fisher Joseph Goodall Michael Hunter Mahmoud Charr “We need a top-15 guy [next].
We need someone so that AJ can come back in a competitive fight after being out for what will be over a year and get himself ready for what will be one last roll of the dice,” said Hearn. A History of Rebuilds For Joshua’s four-fight rebuild job in 2023 and 2024, Hearn chose four lower-level fighters whom he did well against.
Although technically Otto Wallin and Jermaine Franklin were contenders, they weren’t a threat to beating him. Those types of heavyweights would be perfect for AJ to fight in early 2026 to keep him on course for a summer blockbuster. “A defeat now at this stage of his career would be devastating to those plans. So we need to get it right,” said Hearn. Another knockout loss would put Joshua in a position where he would need to decide whether it’s worth it to continue his career.
With his power, speed, size, and pedigree, he could rebuild himself quickly if he could stay busy enough to squeeze in three or four fights in a year and a half. That’s unlikely, given his age and his increasing tendency to fight once a year. “Joshua’s at a crossroads, but he’s got the heart to come back. Look at Holyfield at 34, coming off a knockout loss to reclaim greatness. AJ’s 36, not done yet, but the next fight will tell us a lot,” said writer Tom Gray to Sporting News, talking about Joshua’s next fight in early 2026.
Canelo Alvarez predicts that Terence Crawford will be intimidated by fighting in front of the large crowd at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on September 13th. Alvarez believes that Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) could be unnerved fighting in front of a massive crowd for the first time in his career.
ALLEGIANT STADIUM’S INTIMIDATION FACTOR
That could throw him off because he won’t have the fans eating out of the palm of his hand like he’s accustomed to when fighting in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. “He’s one of the best fighters. He accomplished a lot of things. A Mexican with an American fighter is always big,” said Canelo Alvarez to Ring Magazine, talking about Terence Crawford.
“It’s going to be different for him. We’ll see how he handles that thing,” said Canelo on Crawford fighting in front of a large crowd at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
In Crawford’s fight against Israil Madrimov on May 3, 2024, at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, he fought in front of a crowd of 23,000. The difference is that the fans were cheering for Crawford because he was the A-side. Many of the fans were seeing Madrimov for the first time.
In contrast, the Allegiant Stadium seats 65,000 and can be expanded to 72,000. The fans that are in attendance will likely mostly be cheering for Canelo, as he’s the superstar in this fight. He’s also fought in Las Vegas more than Crawford. Las Vegas Experience Canelo: 19 Crawford: 5 “I don’t think Crawford is that kind of fighter,” said Canelo when asked if Terence is going to move around a lot in their fight.
“He boxes, and I like that. I’m focused on Crawford, and then we’ll see,” said Alvarez on whether he’s interested in a rematch with Dmitry Bivol. Crawford may not move as much as William Scull did in his fight with Canelo on May 3, 2025, but he’s still going to be on his bike much of the time. In Terence’s last fight against Israil Madrimov, he was frequently moving around, trying not to get hit. That’s why he came close to losing. Madrimov was the one pushing the fight, taking it to Crawford.
RATTLING CRAWFORD’S RESOLVE
“As soon as he feels the power, it’s going to be the same,” said Canelo when asked if, as soon as Crawford feels his power, he stops exchanging with him. “I don’t know. He’s a very good fighter, a smart fighter, and very disciplined,” said Alvarez on whether Crawford can hurt him. It makes sense what Canelo says about Crawford electing not to engage once he gets hit.
In the three big punchers Crawford has fought during his 17-year pro career, Madrimov, Yuriorkis Gamboa, and Egidijus Kavaliauskas, he moved around a lot. Against Errol Spence, Terence didn’t do much because he appeared weight drained, slow, and his reflexes looked poor.
Venus Williams had a special message for Serena after reaching the US Open women’s doubles quarterfinal with Leylah Fernandez, telling her younger sister she “needs” her to show up for her next match.
After Venus exited the US Open singles event in the first round, it was revealed that she wouldn’t leave New York yet after accepting a doubles wildcard with Fernandez. Since then, the 45-year-old American and the 22-year-old Canadian have been the best story of this year’s doubles event at Flushing Meadows as they upset No. 6 seeds Lyudymila Kichenok and Ellen Perez, defeated Ulrikke Eikeri and Eri Hozumi, before also sending home 12th-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai.
Following a 6-3 6-4 win over Alexandrova and Zhang, Venus revealed that she and Fernandez received some pre-match tips by Serena.
“She (Serena) is so happy for Leylah and I, and she’s given us advice. We just need her in the box. So, my message is, ‘Serena, you need to show up,'” the elder Williams sister said.
According to the 45-year-old former world No. 1, her younger sister has been following her matches fully locked in.
“She gave me a pep talk and made sure to call me today. I was, like, ‘You’re right. I got it. I got it.’ She’s definitely coaching from afar. She’s so excited. She gets so nervous watching, and she’s got the kids watching. They’re all at home, just really on our side,” Venus shared.
For a place in the US Open doubles semifinal, Williams and Fernandez will take on No. 1 seeds Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend.
Former Irish Open winner Sergio Garcia will be absent from the K Club this week as he comes to terms with his omission from the Ryder Cup squad. Garcia, who made the switch to LIV golf in 2023, hasn’t appeared in the Ryder Cup since 2021 but following an impressive campaign on the breakaway circuit, the Spaniard was optimistic he had earned his place in captain Luke Donald’s thinking.
However, the 2017 Masters victor saw Donald stick with virtually the same lineup from 2023, with only Rasmus Hojgaard stepping in for his twin brother Nicolai in the sole alteration to the team that triumphed in Rome two years prior.
Speaking to Golf Magic in an interview released this week, 1999 Irish Open winner Garcia revealed he chose not to compete in Kildare this week following his disappointment at missing out on a captain’s selection.
“I felt like I was so looking forward to being a part of that team, and so I felt like mentally, it was kind of tough,” Garcia said, reports the Irish Mirror.
“I didn’t want to go there and not be fully engaged in the tournament and stuff, so I just decided to take a little bit of time off and spend it with the family. Do a couple of things outside of golf and just kind of reboot a little bit, recharge the batteries.”
Garcia and McIlroy were once good friends with McIlroy even taking the role of groomsman at Garcia’s wedding.
Garcia’s move to LIV and McIlroy’s criticism of the Saudi-backed breakaway tour saw that relationship collapse. However, amid talks of a merger, Garcia said of Rory ‘We talked and had a great conversation.”
Regarding the Spaniard’s conversation with Donald breaking the news of his non-selection, Garcia commented: “The call with Luke was fine. Not the call I wanted, obviously, but the conversation was fine.
“Now, the only thing I can do is support the team from home. It’s as simple as that. I’ll be watching and cheering on the European team.”
Although Garcia won’t be teeing off at Bethpage Black next month, two of his LIV colleagues will be flying the flag for Europe. Tyrrell Hatton has secured automatic qualification, while fellow defector Jon Rahm was handed a wildcard pick by Donald.
They’ll be joining forces with the likes of Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Justin Rose as Europe aims to clinch victory on American soil for the first time since 2014.
Before that, there’s the small matter of the Amgen Irish Open to contend with. The tournament kicks off on Sunday, with a host of star-studded pairings set to dazzle the K Club.
And who knows, with McIlroy, Lowry, Padraig Harrington and Seamus Power all in contention, we might just see a local champion crowned this week.
