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February 5, 2025

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Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Critiques Mavericks’ Trade of Luka Doncic to Lakers

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Serena Williams' Ex-Coach Critiques Mavericks' Trade of Luka Doncic to Lakers

Serena Williams’ childhood coach, Rick Macci, has voiced his strong disapproval regarding the Dallas Mavericks’ recent decision to trade superstar Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers. The shocking move has sent ripples through the basketball community and beyond, drawing backlash from frustrated fans and analysts alike, some of whom took to the streets in protest outside the American Airlines Center.

The Mavericks orchestrated a high-profile trade that saw Doncic, along with teammates Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, make their way to Los Angeles. In exchange, Dallas received star power in Anthony Davis, prospect Max Christie, and a coveted 2029 first-round draft pick. The Utah Jazz also entered the fray, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino alongside two second-round picks. This transaction is considered one of the most surprising in NBA history, particularly in light of Doncic’s remarkable achievements, including leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024 at just 25 years of age

Serena Williams Dedicates Triumphant Australian Open Comeback to Other Moms | Vanity Fair

Reacting to the trade, Rick Macci took to social media to express his discontent, labeling the decision as an “epic mistake.” He articulated his feelings clearly, stating, “TRADE….. The action of selling goods services or a Global Iconic Superstar Generational talent in his prime. EPIC MISTAKE… The action of selling goods services or a Global Iconic superstar Generational talent in his prime. Luka Doncic.”

Frances Tiafoe, the World No. 18 and current competitor at the Dallas Open, also chimed in on the unexpected move. In a recent interview clip shared on social media, he shared his surprise over the transaction, expressing sympathy for Mavericks fans. Tiafoe noted that he had envisioned Doncic as a long-term pillar for the franchise, much like Dirk Nowitzki, and lamented the loss, saying, “I thought y’all really had another Dirk that was going to be here for 20 years. European dude, going to bring one to the city. He took us to the final league before we got Kyrie (Irving). Now we got Klay (Thompson) up there. Man, that’s crazy.

 

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CELEB NEWS

Michael Phelps made his feelings perfectly clear on ‘vulnerable’ Simone Biles

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Michael Phelps made his feelings perfectly clear on 'vulnerable' Simone Biles

Michael Phelps once revealed that Simone Biles’ struggles with “the twisties” had left him “broken hearted” following on from her withdrawal from events at the 2020 Olympics.

Biles, an American icon, now stands boasts a staggering as 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals – making her the most decorated gymnast in history. Her remarkable record is made all the more compelling, with the 27-year-old having faced adversity at points during her career – not least during her time at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Having earned an incredible four gold medals in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, expectations were high for Biles coming into the next Games in the Japanese capital. However, the star from Spring, Texas withdrew from much of the 2020 Olympics – earning two silver medals in the team and floor exercise events.

Her decision to pull out of the vault, uneven bars, floor exercise, and individual all-around competitions in Tokyo came as a result of her battle with “the twisties”. Biles described “the twisties” as the “strangest, weirdest feeling”, explaining that she could simply not “tell up from down” while airborne.

Simone Biles wins silver in floor exercise at Paris Olympics, is most decorated American gymnast

As a result, the storied competitor felt she had no option but to withdraw from a host of events. She explained: “It’s the craziest feeling ever. I don’t think you realize how dangerous this is on hard/competition surface. Nor do I have to explain why I put health first. Physical health is mental health.”

Biles received criticism from some quarters for her call but legendary swimmer Phelps – the most decorated Olympian of all-time – was on hand to defend his compatriot. He later reacted on NBC: “It broke my heart but also, if you look at it, mental health over the last 18 months is something a lot of people are talking about.

Olympic gold: Simone Biles' 'redemption tour' only scratches the surface of her story

“The Olympics is overwhelming. The easiest way for me to say this is athletes, and Olympic athletes in general — we need someone who we can trust, somebody that can let us be ourselves and listen. Allow us to become vulnerable. Somebody who’s not going to try to fix us. We carry a lot of weight on our shoulders, and it’s challenging.”

Biles stated on Instagram that she was “[feeling] the weight of the world on [her] shoulders”, before reinforcing her commitment to putting her “mental health first” as she withdrew from the team event at the Games, saying: “You don’t, then you’re not going to enjoy your sport and you’re not going to succeed as much as you want to.

“So it’s OK sometimes to even sit out the big competitions to focus on yourself, because it shows how strong of a competitor and person that you really are — rather than just battle through it.”

Reflecting on Biles’ decision Phelps praised his fellow Olympian, adding: “We’re human beings. Nobody is perfect. It’s okay to not be okay, to go through ups and downs. The biggest thing is we all need to ask for help. I can say personally it was very challenging. It was hard for me to ask for help. I felt like I was carrying, as Simone said, the weight of the world on my shoulders. It’s a tough situation.”

After her triumphant performances at the summer Games in Paris over the summer as she earned gold medals in the vault, all-around and team events, the American gymnastics hero said of the experience: “There’s such high expectations on me that I’m supposed to win, so whenever I do win or get whatever medal that is, I feel relief off my shoulder like, ‘I did it. I’m done. Let’s move on to the next’.”

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Uncategorized

Simone Biles, Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson and more set to make appearances at 2025 Met Gala

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Simone Biles, Angel Reese, Sha'Carri Richardson and more set to make appearances at 2025 Met Gala

The 2025 Met Gala will be well-represented with female athletes this year.

Announced Tuesday by the Met Costume Institute, you can expect to see WNBA star Angel Reese as a member of the revived host committee. The gala will be led by honorary chair LeBron James, with Lewis Hamilton serving as a co-chair. Additionally, Simone Biles and husband Jonathan Owens have been named to the committee, which also sees Olympian Sha’Carri Richardson serving as a member. This year’s Met Gala theme is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

Kansas City @ Philadelphia – NFL Betting Preview Game Betting-preview for February 09, 2025

As far as current projects go, Reese is slated to release her very own “Angel Reese” special with McDonald’s on February 10. The special will include a BBQ Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese topped with a new BBQ sauce, french fries and a drink. Reese’s partnership with McDonald’s is a historic one, making it the first time the company has teamed up with a female athlete for a meal deal.

In an exclusive with People, Reese told the publication that she’s been “into McDonald’s” since she was a kid, and that this partnership has brought back nostalgic memories from her childhood. “They had one near my house that was literally five minutes away,” she said. “I used to save money so I can eat at McDonald’s, and I remember growing up, me and my brother would fight sometimes over the Happy Meal toys.”

Biles, on the other hand, will have the earlier years of her career chronicled through longtime coach Aimee Boorman in her upcoming memoir “The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles.”

Co-authored by journalist Steve Cooper, and featuring a foreword by Biles where the Olympian shares that Boorman is “like a second mom to her,” the story chronicles Biles’ journey as one of the greatest athletes of all time, having won thirty world championships and Olympic gold medals.

When is the 2025 Met Gala?

The 2025 Met Gala is slated to take place on May 5. The theme is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which explores the importance of sartorial style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora.

What is the Met Gala?

The Met Gala is an annual haute couture fundraising festival held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Each year, many of the world’s most prestigious celebrities and influencers gather for a night of glamorous fashion and charity.

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CELEB NEWS

The Prestigious Award Everyone’s Talking About Simone Biles

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The Prestigious Award Everyone’s Talking About Simone Biles

Simone Biles started 2024 with one mission: proving she’s not just a gymnast, she’s a living legend. When the Paris Olympics came around, she didn’t just compete—she took over, winning three golds and a silver. While she was at it, she also led the Gold Over America Tour, spreading her magic across the country. Even she was one of the highest-paid female athletes of 2024! No big deal. But is it all? Nope! If you haven’t watched her Netflix documentary Simone Biles: Rising, you’re missing out on the full backstage pass to her flipping, flying, and conquering life’s challenges like she was born in mid-air. With all she’s already done, Simone kicked off 2025 on an even higher note with new achievements.

Well, we know Simone Biles: Rising isn’t just another sports documentary—it’s a front-row seat to the ups, downs, and insane resilience of the greatest gymnast of all time. It dives into everything: the struggles, the mental battles, and the less-glamorous side of gymnastics that most people don’t see. But through it all, Simone does what she does best—she rises.

And let’s not forget her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, who’s the emotional support, standing by her side through all the pressure. If you’re a gymnastics fan (or just love a good comeback story), chances are you’ve already watched it—or, let’s be real, maybe even cried through it. So, does this docuseries deserve an award?

And now, the docuseries just scored a major win of its own. Yes! At the 2025 PGA Awards, Simone Biles: Rising took home the award for Outstanding Sports Program, proving that Simone isn’t just dominating the gymnastics world—she’s taking over Hollywood too. The announcement came at the PGA’s East Coast celebration in New York City, where the docuseries beat out some tough competition, including Formula 1: Drive to Survive and Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants. Safe to say, Simone just flipped her way past race cars and football players to yet another podium finish. But that’s not all!

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GYMNASTICS

Michael Phelps ‘rescued’ Simone Biles at her most difficult

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Michael Phelps 'rescued' Simone Biles at her most difficult

Michael Phelps ‘rescued’ Simone Biles at her most difficult moment with a message that was the best help to Jonathan Owens

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, has long been an advocate for mental health awareness in sports. His words gained even more weight following Simone Biles‘ shocking withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, a moment that sparked a global conversation about the immense pressure on elite athletes.

Biles, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the greatest gymnasts in history, was forced to step away from competition during the women’s team finals due to a mental block known as “the twisties.”

This condition causes gymnasts to lose their sense of awareness in midair, making even the most routine moves extremely dangerous.

After an uncharacteristically shaky vault routine, Biles chose to withdraw, prioritizing her well-being over competition. While many applauded her bravery, others were quick to label her a quitter-a reaction that ignited passionate debates about the mental health struggles of athletes on the world stage.

Phelps, who has openly discussed his own mental health battles, quickly came to Biles‘ defense, calling for greater understanding and support for athletes facing similar struggles.

Phelps’ advice

Speaking to NBC in July 2021, Phelps emphasized how overwhelming the Olympic experience can be and stressed the importance of allowing athletes to be vulnerable without judgment.

“The Olympics is overwhelming. The easiest way for me to say this is athletes, and Olympic athletes in general-we need someone who we can trust, somebody that can let us be ourselves and listen,” Phelps said.

“Allow us to become vulnerable. Somebody who’s not going to try to fix us. We carry a lot of weight on our shoulders, and it’s challenging.”

The 23-time gold medalist understands the struggle firsthand. Over the years, Phelps has spoken about his own battles with depression and anxiety, revealing how he hit rock bottom multiple times.

His struggles even led to multiple DUI arrests before he finally sought professional help and found a way to turn his life around.

 

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BOXING

The Ultimate Ukrainian Showdown? What’s Really Behind Usyk vs. Klitschko Rumors

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The Ultimate Ukrainian Showdown? What’s Really Behind Usyk vs. Klitschko Rumors

As the heavyweight division continues to shift, one potential matchup has captured the imagination of boxing fans: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Wladimir Klitschko.

At 38, Usyk remains at the top, having unified the WBO, WBA and WBC titles with his second victory over Tyson Fury. Yet, rumors of retirement persist, and speculation is growing around a possible farewell fight against fellow Ukrainian legend Klitschko. Should this clash come to fruition, it could be the biggest bout of 2025.

Wladimir Klitschko's delighted reaction after Oleksandr Usyk defeated old rival Tyson Fury for a second time

Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, has suggested that an all-Ukrainian showdown between the two would provide the perfect conclusion to the unified heavyweight champion’s career. Both men represent the pinnacle of Ukraine’s boxing legacy, making a potential fight between them a highly anticipated spectacle.

But while the matchup intrigues, uncertainty looms over Usyk’s future in the sport, with retirement still very much a possibility.

If he decides to retire, the heavyweight division could see a dramatic shift. Daniel Dubois, who has long been eyeing a rematch with Usyk, would be in position to take the mantle. After a stunning knockout of Anthony Joshua to claim the IBF world title, Dubois has cemented himself as one of the division’s most dangerous and ambitious contenders.

His victory over Joshua has revitalized his career, and the prospect of a rematch with Usyk now carries even more weight. Dubois, who faces Joseph Parker on Feb. 22 in Riyadh, sees the fight as a crucial step toward unifying the division himself.

A win over Parker would bring him closer to a shot at Usyk—or position him as the future champion should the Ukrainian retire.

Should Usyk continue his reign, a rematch with Dubois becomes increasingly likely. After their initial meeting in August 2023, in which Usyk emerged victorious, the potential for a second fight is heightened by Dubois’ newfound confidence and championship status.

His dominant performance over Joshua has set the stage for a much higher-stakes encounter, and the heavyweight world would be watching closely.

Meanwhile, looming over the division is Klitschko, now nearing 49 years old. The former heavyweight king is rumored to be contemplating a return to the ring, with hopes of breaking George Foreman’s record as the oldest heavyweight champion ever. Should Klitschko make a comeback, a fight with Usyk would be the most intriguing option, providing the ultimate Ukrainian clash.

However, Klitschko’s return is not yet confirmed. While he has shown a deep commitment to Ukraine amid the ongoing war, he has yet to decide whether to re-enter the sport. His potential comeback and the possibility of facing Usyk make for one of boxing’s most compelling stories in 2025.

With the heavyweight division on the cusp of significant change, the question remains: Is Usyk vs. Klitschko the superfight boxing needs in 2025? Regardless of whether it happens, the decisions of these two iconic figures will undoubtedly shape the future of the division.

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BOXING

Usyk’s Reign Continues! What This Award Means for His Legacy

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Usyk’s Reign Continues! What This Award Means for His Legacy

The Boxing Writers Association of America released the results of its annual awards naming the best boxer, fight, trainer and manager of 2024, as well as several supporting honors.

Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated Tyson Fury twice in 2024, was named the BWAA Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter of the Year.
Usyk also took part in what may be the BWAA’s other most prestigious award, the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier Fight of the Year, which went to his first meeting with Fury, held on May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year award went to Robert Garcia, who runs his boxing academy in Oxnard, California. In 2024, Garcia guided rising pound-for-pound super flyweight star Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez and new interim super welterweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr., among others.

Egis Klimas was named BWAA Cus D’Amato Manager of the Year. Klimas manages the careers of Usyk and Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Other 2024 BWAA award winners include Bruce Silverglade (Nice Guy); Marv Albert (Broadcasting); Brad Goodman (Meritorious Service); Prichard Colon (Courage to Overcome Adversity).

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BOXING

Money Mayweather Strikes Again—Why Mayweather’s Latest Purchase Has Everyone Talking

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Inside Mayweather’s Record-Breaking $402M Buy—The Real Reason Behind It

Floyd Mayweather is no stranger to extravagant car shopping sprees, and his latest purchase proves he has no plans of slowing down. With his 48th birthday still weeks away, the undefeated boxing champion decided to celebrate early by adding two brand-new Rolls-Royces to his already massive collection.

Mayweather, known for his over-the-top spending habits, reportedly spent $1.2 million on the pair, further cementing his reputation for acquiring luxury vehicles on a whim. The Rolls-Royces, both 2025 editions, were purchased from his go-to dealership, Champions Motoring.

Boxing: Stylish or vulgar? With fluorescent interior, Floyd Mayweather rides around in an almost $8 million Rolls-Royce | Marca

One of Mayweather’s latest additions is far from standard. This Rolls-Royce features Mansory’s signature customizations, making it stand out even among the boxer’s already impressive fleet. The vehicle, finished in sleek black, boasts a Starlight Headliner, Charles Blue leather interior, and gloss black trim. The Mansory badge on the sills confirms that this isn’t just another luxury sedan—this one comes with a few performance and aesthetic upgrades.

Externally, the car features an exposed carbon-fiber rear wing, a quad-pipe exhaust system, and larger aftermarket wheels. While details about any engine modifications remain unclear, Mansory’s reputation suggests that the performance could have been tweaked as well.

The second Rolls-Royce Mayweather purchased is a black Cullinan with yellow accents (the picture above is a stock Cullinan), including the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, wheel center caps, and front fender badging. The interior follows the same theme, sporting a bright yellow leather finish that isn’t offered in Rolls-Royce’s standard lineup.

Floyd Mayweather shows off stunning car collection featuring FOUR Rolls Royces | The US Sun

Floyd Mayweather’s Garage Highlights

  • Nearly 20 Rolls-Royces
  • Three Bugattis
  • Two Ferraris
  • Brabus-tuned Mercedes-AMG G63
  • McLaren GT

With these latest acquisitions, Mayweather’s garage now reportedly holds at least 19 Rolls-Royces. His collection, estimated to be worth over $200 million, also includes three Bugattis, two Ferraris, and a Mercedes-AMG G63 modified by Brabus. Just last summer, the former champion walked into a dealership intending to buy a Rolls-Royce and ended up leaving with three cars—a Phantom, a Ghost, and a McLaren GT.

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BOXING

‘Too much too soon’ – Floyd Mayweather $600m mega-fight named as reason for Conor McGregor downfall

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‘Too much too soon’ – Floyd Mayweather $600m mega-fight named as reason for Conor McGregor downfall

Conor McGregor’s $600m mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather may well have ruined his career in the long-term.

McGregor took a break from his primary sport, MMA, in 2017 to fight boxing’s poster boy Mayweather in a monumental crossover bout.

The bout came only nine months after McGregor set UFC history by becoming the first fighter in the promotion to hold two of their titles simultaneously.

McGregor had knocked out Jose Aldo in 13 seconds to win the UFC featherweight title in 2015 before doing the same to Eddie Alvarez in two rounds when they met almost one year later at UFC 205.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor Official Weigh-In [FULL] | ESPN

His subsequent fight with Mayweather was quite rightly billed as ‘The Money Fight’, as it generated more than $600milion to become the second most lucrative bout in the history of combat sports.

It was beaten only by Mayweather’s super fight with Manny Pacquiao two years prior, which also generated a similar amount as the former extended his record to 48-0.

And two UFC experts believe it might have been the wrong move considering his current plight.

“Is there a case for saying all that money he earned against Floyd Mayweather soon afterwards ruined him?” Gareth A Davies asked Ade Oladipo on talkSPORT MMA.

“Yeah,” Oladipo responded before Davies added: “Too much money, too much fame.”

“Too much too soon, too much too soon. It’s a shame isn’t it?” Oladipo said.

“You ask for these things, you dream about them, you beg for them. When they come, you don’t know how to handle them.

MayMac World Tour: Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor quotes from the third press conference in New York

“He went from earning good money with the UFC to just life-changing money in one night.

“You ask for these things, you dream about them, you beg for them. When they come, you don’t know how to handle them.

“He went from earning good money with the UFC to just life-changing money in one night.

MMA fans around the world may be optimistic with their views on McGregor making a return one day, but Davies is certainly not.

“I don’t think he’ll ever fight again,” he said. “I really don’t.”

“It’s the Conor McGregor tour now he’s no longer a fighter. He’s involved with the bare knuckle and promoting that.

“He says he’s going to fight Jeremy Stephens, who was always going to be a good bare knuckle fighter.

“And I think Conor out of control is a good description, but he’s certainly on the road it looks like all the time enjoying himself, partying and you cant condone that behaviour [the spitting incident]…

“He’s 37 in July…four fights in the last seven years.”

He became a minority owner of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) in April 2024 and has been spotted at several of their events, including one in Newcastle last November.

BKFC hosted their biggest event to date, KnuckleMania V, in January, and McGregor told the promotion’s founder David Feldman to ‘make a date’ for his bare knuckle debut against Jeremy Stephens, who had just beaten former UFC star Alvarez in the main event.

 

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BOXING

Canelo Names The Only Fighter Who Truly Deserved To Beat Floyd Mayweather

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Canelo Names The Only Fighter Who Truly Deserved To Beat Floyd Mayweather

Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez suffered the first defeat of his impressive career against Floyd Mayweather in 2013.

The 34-year-old from Guadalajara, Mexico stepped up to face the all-time-great back in September 2013, putting his WBC light middleweight title on the line in what was his biggest test to date and an opportunity to hand ‘Money’ the first defeat of his career.

Canelo Alvarez asked about Mayweather rematch, gives usual answer - Bad Left Hook

After 12 cagey rounds, the judges scored it as a majority decision in favour of Mayweather, although many felt the cards did not do the American star justice after he put on a sublime performance, comprehensively out-boxing and out-punching Canelo.

With experience in facing the former pound-for-pound superstar, Canelo has spoken out and revealed who he believes should have been given the nod in a fight against Mayweather, which would have added the first blemish to his perfect unbeaten record.

In a resurfaced YouTube clip, Canelo believes Oscar De La Hoya had done enough to defeat Mayweather when the pair fought back in May 2007.

Floyd Mayweather Jr claims he would have KO'd Canelo if he had fought him in his prime | talkSPORT

Billed as ‘The World Awaits’, De La Hoya and ‘Money’ Mayweather fought each other in one of the most lucrative contests in the history of boxing. Mayweather was declared the winner via split decision, dethroning ‘The Golden Boy’ of his WBC light middleweight title in the process. The judges score totals were met with a number of mixed reactions, with some viewers believing that De La Hoya had done enough to be declared the winner.

They were due to meet in a rematch one-year later, although chances of a second fight fizzled out for a number of reasons. De La Hoya fought on two more occasions before retiring, suffering a stoppage defeat to Manny Pacquiao in his 45th and final contest.

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