Mike Coppinger has covered boxing since 2010 with roles at USA Today, Ring Magazine and The Athletic before he joined ESPN in 2021. You can follow him on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger
Canelo Alvarez, boxing’s top star, and Terence Crawford are in the process of finalizing a deal for a Sept. 13 super middleweight championship fight in Las Vegas, sources told ESPN.
Crawford, who moved up to 154 pounds from 147 in August in a title-winning effort vs. Israil Madrimov, will jump two more weight classes to the 168-pound limit for the bout. There won’t be any catchweight or rehydration clause attached to the fight, sources said.
Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, is organizing the fight. He also organized Crawford’s most recent bout. There are no signed contracts yet, sources said.
Before Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) moves onto a planned Mexican Independence Day showdown with Crawford, Canelo will defend his three 168-pound titles on Cinco De Mayo weekend. Alvarez could fight William Scull, who grabbed the title stripped from Canelo last year, on May 3 in Las Vegas, sources said. A victory over Scull would once again crown Alvarez undisputed champion.
Mexico’s Alvarez, 34, still holds the WBA, WBC and WBO titles at 168 pounds. The future Hall of Famer is ESPN’s No. 5 pound-for-pound boxer. In 2024, Alvarez scored decision wins over Jaime Munguia and Edgar Berlanga. Canelo has knocked down each of his past four opponents in decision wins.
Alvarez has won five fights since a decision defeat to Dmitry Bivol in May 2022 at 175 pounds. His only previous loss was against Floyd Mayweather in 2013 at 152 pounds.
Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) is ESPN’s No. 2 pound-for-pound boxer. Also a future Hall of Famer, the Omaha, Nebraska, native hasn’t fought more than once in a year since 2019.
His career best came in July 2023 when he scored a ninth-round TKO of Errol Spence Jr. to win the undisputed welterweight championship. Crawford, 37, won’t fight before he meets Canelo, sources said, as he builds his body up to 168 pounds from 154.
Crawford, ESPN’s No. 1 boxer at 154 pounds, is a four-division champion. Alvarez is also a four-division champion.
Sources have confirmed that boxing superstars Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford are finalizing a highly anticipated title bout scheduled for September 13th. This exciting matchup between two of the sport’s biggest names is sure to be a must-watch event for boxing fans worldwide. Stay tuned for more details as the fight approaches! #CaneloAlvarez #TerenceCrawford #TitleBout #Boxing #FightNight
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Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford fight
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September 13 Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford match
Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford have agreed to fight in September in Las Vegas, according to The Ring.
The outcome will help shape the legacy of two of the sport’s biggest names.
Alvarez, once considered boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighter, has slipped to as low as No. 7 at the age of 34. He’d likely leap up the rankings with a victory over Crawford, who at 37 is ranked as high as No. 2.
It’s uncertain at what weight they’ll box. Crawford has never weighed in at more than 153 pounds – in his last fight, as a super welterweight ‒ and Alvarez has not weighed in at less than 166 pounds since 2019 – when he fought Rocky Fielding as a middleweight at 159 pounds.
Both men are future Hall of Famers in light of their accomplishments.
Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) has won world titles at four weight classes, from light middleweight to light heavyweight. He is currently the WBC and WBO super middleweight champion and is coming off a successful title defense against Edgar Berlanga by unanimous decision Sept. 14.
Alvarez’s only losses came against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013 by majority decision and to Dmitry Bivol in 2022 by unanimous decision. He has beaten the likes of Gennady Golovkin, Shane Mosley and Jermell Charlo.
Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) also has won world championships in four weight classes, from lightweight to light middleweight. He currently is the world super welterweight champion and is coming off of a victory over Israil Madrimov by unanimous decision.
To date, his biggest win came over Errol Spence Jr. by TKO in 2023.
According to recent reports, boxing fans can expect a highly anticipated showdown between two of the sport’s biggest stars – Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. The blockbuster fight is said to be in the works and is already generating a lot of buzz among fans and critics alike.
Both Alvarez and Crawford are highly skilled fighters with impressive records and numerous championship titles under their belts. Alvarez, often considered one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, has proven time and time again that he is a force to be reckoned with in the ring. Crawford, on the other hand, is known for his speed, agility, and tactical prowess, making him a formidable opponent for anyone who steps into the ring with him.
The matchup between Alvarez and Crawford is sure to be a thrilling and action-packed fight that fans won’t want to miss. With both fighters at the top of their game and hungry for victory, this showdown has the potential to go down in boxing history as one of the greatest fights of all time.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting matchup as the details continue to unfold. Boxing fans, get ready for a showdown of epic proportions between two of the sport’s biggest stars – Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford have reached a tentative agreement for a September fight, according to The Ring’s Keith Idec.
The two are expected to face off this fall in Las Vegas, with the venue and specific date still up in the air.
Boxing fans have long hoped this matchup would come to fruition. Some of the optimism steadily faded as Canelo selected a series of opponents who could charitably described as lackluster. Since winning a unanimous decision over Gennady Golovkin in September 2022, he has beaten John Ryder, Jermell Charlo, Jaime Munguía and Edgar Berlanga.
But ESPN’s Mike Coppinger first reported on Jan. 18 that negotiations between Álvarez and Crawford’s camps were “in the red zone,” a reference to the 20 yards before the end zone in football. The event is slated for the weekend of Mexican Independence Day to carry on Canelo’s annual tradition of stepping into the ring around the holiday.
Mike Coppinger @MikeCoppinger
No signed contracts yet, but Canelo Alvarez, boxing’s top star, and Terence Crawford are primed to meet on Mexican Independence Day Weekend in September if all is finalized. And as Crawford said all along, it would take place at 168 pounds with no rehydration clause. <a href=”https://t.co/Gw0DoA21uH”>pic.twitter.com/Gw0DoA21uH</a>
Per Idec, Álvarez is likely to fight May 3 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to keep himself sharp, and William Scull is one potential candidate for that slot. Scull is unbeaten with nine knockouts in 23 professional fights, most recently earning a unanimous decision over Vladimir Shishkin in October.
It’s unclear whether Crawford would also schedule a tune-up ahead of a megafight with Canelo, though that seems a strong possibility.
The 37-year-old fought just once in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, so a yearlong layoff between his August win over Israil Madrimov and a date with Álvarez wouldn’t be uncommon. For a headliner of this magnitude, he may prefer to avoid having any ring rust.
BREAKING NEWS: Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford have reportedly agreed to a contract for a highly-anticipated boxing fight set to take place in September. This clash between two of the sport’s biggest stars is sure to be an epic showdown that fans won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting matchup, including news, scores, highlights, stats, and rumors leading up to the fight. Who do you think will come out on top in this epic battle between two of boxing’s elite fighters? Share your predictions in the comments below! #CanelovsCrawford #BoxingFight #SeptemberShowdown.
The Ring has learned that an agreement is in place for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez to defend his super middleweight titles against Terence Crawford in an intriguing battle between generational greats.
Alvarez, 34, and Crawford, 37, are expected to meet in the main event of a Riyadh Season show – on a September date to be determined, and a venue to be chosen in Las Vegas.
The Alvarez-Crawford megafight will pit the No. 3 fighter on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list, Crawford, against the seventh-rated Alvarez, boxing’s most marketable star in the United States.
Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), of Omaha, Nebraska, and Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs), of Guadalajara, Mexico, are four-division champions and elite-level talents, but Crawford will move up two weight classes – from the junior middleweight limit of 154 pounds to the super middleweight maximum of 168 – for what figures to be the most difficult fight of his 17-year professional career.
Alvarez and Crawford both stand at approximately 5-foot-8, but Alvarez figures to open as a decided betting favorite because he is the more powerful fighter and has competed as high as the light heavyweight limit of 175 pounds.
Crawford made his junior middleweight debut August 3, when career-long 154-pound contender Israil Madrimov (10-1-1, 7 KOs) gave Crawford some trouble in a 12-round bout the former undisputed welterweight champ won by unanimous decision at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
The business savvy Alvarez initially ignored Crawford’s overtures. As momentum developed for their fight among hardcore and casual boxing fans, Alvarez eventually came around.
The Mexican superstar and Turki Alalshikh – owner of The Ring and head of Riyadh Season – met in London last month to discuss the Crawford bout because Alvarez attended the inaugural Ring awards gala at Old Royal Naval College.
Crawford has long been committed to moving up two weight classes to square off against Alvarez in what has all the makings of a very successful pay-per-view event.
Alvarez – who holds the Ring, IBO, WBA, WBC and WBO super middleweight titles – is first expected to fight May 3 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. His opponent for what will amount to a stay-busy fight prior to facing Crawford has not been determined.
IBF super middleweight champ William Scull (23-0, 9 KOs) has long been considered as a possible option for Canelo’s return in May.
Scull won the IBF belt stripped from Alvarez last July on October 19. The Cuban-born, Germany-based Scull defeated Russia’s Vladimir Shishkin (16-1, 10 KOs) by unanimous decision that night at Stadthalle in Falkensee, a suburb of Berlin.
It isn’t clear if Crawford will box before a fight with Alvarez in September. If Crawford waits, he won’t have fought for 13 months by the time he steps into the ring to box Alvarez.
Crawford has history on his side, because unlike most championship-caliber boxers, he has performed at an elite level even when ending long periods of inactivity.
Keith Idec is a staff writer and columnist for The Ring. He can be reached on X @idecboxing.
After months of negotiations and speculation, boxing fans can finally rejoice as an agreement has been reached for a megafight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. The highly anticipated bout is set to take place in Las Vegas in September, with both fighters eager to prove their dominance in the ring.
Canelo Alvarez, the reigning WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight champion, is coming off a dominant victory over Billy Joe Saunders in May. Widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Alvarez will be looking to add another impressive win to his already stellar resume.
On the other hand, Terence Crawford, the undefeated WBO welterweight champion, is considered one of the most skilled and versatile fighters in the sport. With an impressive record of 37 wins and 0 losses, Crawford will be looking to make a statement against Alvarez and solidify his status as one of the top fighters in the world.
The matchup between Alvarez and Crawford promises to be an electrifying clash of styles, with both fighters known for their speed, power, and technical prowess. Fans can expect a thrilling back-and-forth battle that could go down as one of the greatest fights in recent memory.
Stay tuned for more details on this highly anticipated showdown between two of boxing’s biggest stars. Get ready for an unforgettable night of action in Las Vegas as Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford square off in what promises to be a historic megafight.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — For Pat Kelsey and Louisville, there’s no looking back. Reporters could be forgiven if they struggled to come up with questions for a coach whose team has faced little resistance in reeling off 10 straight wins by an average of 13 points per game.
Beginning against Georgia Tech on Saturday in Atlanta (3.45 p.m., The CW), Louisville begins a stretch of games against four opponents who are a combined 6-32 in ACC play and have won just one of their past 27 games.
After Georgia Tech, Boston College (six-game losing streak), Miami (10-game losing streak) and. N.C. State (five-game losing streak) don’t inspire much fear.
As politely as possible, Kelsey was asked what concerns he might have playing against opponents who are so, um, unaccomplished.
“We have a very tough opponent tomorrow at Georgia Tech, extremely dangerous,” Kelsey said. “And they play very well at home, and we know we have our work cut out for us. Our guys have been really locked in on the process of preparation for them. . . . I am concerned with one game. The next one. I don’t even know who we play after this. I never do. I may peek at the schedule, just to see what it looks like to help put my schedule together. But we could play the U.S. Olympic team in four days and I wouldn’t start preparing for them until after the buzzer sounds tomorrow night.”
The U.S. Olympic Team is not walking through that door.
Anyway, you get that picture. And it’s not an act. The only way to be successful is to keep focus on the task in front of you, whether it’s a game, a possession, a timeout, whatever.
Those of us on the sidelines, however, don’t have to do that so much. Sometimes, I think it’s instructive to back up a little bit and look at what has happened. And how it has happened, and why.
That’s why we’re going to turn to some statistics from CBBAnalytics.com to paint a picture of the Louisville basketball team over the past 10 games.
Shot Selection
Louisville’s shot chart over the past 10 games doesn’t differ much from its shot chart for the whole season. It’s a picture of modern basketball. You’ll see a ton of shots from three-point range, and a ton of shots at the rim. You’ll see some shots in the lane.
Louisville’s shot chart during its 10 game winning streak
CBB Analytics
And you can count on your hands and feet (20 shots in 10 games) that were mid-range jumpers outside the lane.
Louisville has not been a particularly good shooting team this season (though it has been better during the 10-game winning streak).
But what it has done particularly well is take the shots it wants to take. If it can get good volume from threes or at the rim, and get to the foul line, the offense is working.
“We hunt great,” Kelsey said of his team’s shot selection. “It’s not just about this three or that two, but about great looks.”
This is what a disciplined offense looks like in 2025. A shot chart filled with shots in the lane, and shots outside the three-point line, and not much in between.
By contrast, below is what Louisville’s shot chart looked like last season. The shots came from everywhere. Now, there’s more than one way to run an offense. But, in general, when you see a shot chart that has no shape, it generally belies an offense that has no shape — though occasionally it will be showing you an excellent offense that is difficult to scout, and defend.
A shot chart from the 2023-24 Louisville basketball season.
CBB Analytics
Sit in the Corner
The corner three-pointer is Nirvana in modern college (and pro) basketball. It has a shorter length. Players like to shoot it. And they make it at a higher percentage than any other shot beyond the arc.
So corner threes are “great looks” Louisville will hunt at every opportunity. During its winning streak, Louisville has taken 14% of its shots from the corner beyond the arc. That percentage is in the highest three percent in the nation during that time.
The Cards are shooting 43% on corner threes during the streak. Khani Rooths is 60% on those shots, Reyne Smith is 56%, Terrence Edwards if 46.7%and Chucky Hepburn 41.7%.
If you’re looking for Louisville’s best shooters at the rim, James Scott has made 78.% of his shots from inside 4 ½ feet over the past 10 games, and Hepburn has made 70.6%.
Sit in Timeout
Louisville has averaged 1.01 points per chance on possessions out of timeouts over the past 10 games, which ranks 21st in the nation. It seems hard to imagine 20 teams better out of timeouts than Louisville but that’s the stat. Over the past five games, Louisville’s 1.17 points per chance out of timeouts ranks third nationally.
(Note: That’s not a percentage of scores right out of timeouts. I don’t have the analytics service that provides that info.)
Regardless of rank, Louisville’s effectiveness out of timeouts has not gone unnoticed.
For the season as a whole, Louisville is averaging 1.04 nationally in points per chance out of timeouts, good for 31st nationally. And 59% of Louisville’s shots coming out of timeouts have been three-point attempts, good for second nationally.
How does this compare to recent years? Louisville ranked No. 153 in this category last season and No. 209 the season before.
Looking at Lineups
Louisville’s most-used lineup has also been its best statistically. Which is nice. But it’s not always something you can take for granted at any level of basketball.
The lineup of Hepburn, Smith, Hadley, Edwards and Scott has had a plus-minus of plus-99 over the past 10 games. It has logged more than twice as many minutes as any other lineup.
But the interesting thing about Louisville’s team is that, during this 10-game streak, it has four other lineups that are plus-83 or higher. The lineup of Hepburn, Smith, Edwards, Hadley and Traore has been plus-93 — and that lineup has the highest overall rating of any other group. It also has the highest effective field-goal percentage.
The best defensive lineup, by rating, is a group that includes Hepburn, Smith, Edwards, Traore and Scott – a group that also leads Louisville in steal percentage, and blocked shot percentage. Lineups where Louisville uses Noah Waterman and Hadley, or Scott and Rooths, or Scott and Hadley together, fair a bit worse on defense.
No matter how you break it down, of course, Louisville is playing well. And rest assured, Louisville’s staff, which is meticulous about analytics, knows far more than this. But Kelsey downplays the streak.
“We’re just trying to be great at the next thing we do, that’s it,” he said. “I mean, that success that we’ve had in the past is over. Whether it’s at a past program or 10 wins in a row, it doesn’t guarantee we’re going to win tomorrow. If we’re not ready to play against Georgia Tech, we’re going to get our butt kicked.”
As the Louisville Cardinals continue their impressive 10-game win streak, let’s take a closer look at some key stats that have contributed to their success. From shooting percentages to defensive stops, here are 4 key stats that highlight the dominance of the Louisville men’s basketball team during their recent hot streak.
1. Three-point shooting percentage: One of the standout stats during Louisville’s win streak has been their efficient three-point shooting. The Cardinals have been shooting over 40% from beyond the arc, giving them a significant edge over their opponents. Players like star guard David Johnson and sharpshooter Matt Cross have been lighting it up from deep, stretching the floor and creating scoring opportunities for their teammates.
2. Turnover margin: Another key stat that has fueled Louisville’s success is their ability to take care of the basketball while forcing turnovers on defense. The Cardinals have been winning the turnover battle in nearly every game during their win streak, leading to extra possessions and easy scoring opportunities. Players like guard Carlik Jones and forward Jae’Lyn Withers have been instrumental in creating turnovers and converting them into points on the other end.
3. Points in the paint: Louisville has been dominating the paint on both ends of the floor, outscoring their opponents in the key and limiting their opportunities inside. The Cardinals have been utilizing their size and athleticism to score easy buckets in the paint, while also protecting the rim and contesting shots on defense. Players like forward Malik Williams and center Roosevelt Wheeler have been instrumental in controlling the paint and creating mismatches against smaller opponents.
4. Free throw percentage: In close games, free throw shooting can often be the difference between a win and a loss. Louisville has been excelling at the charity stripe during their win streak, making crucial free throws down the stretch to secure victories. Players like guard Dre Davis and forward Samuell Williamson have been reliable free throw shooters, knocking down key shots when the game is on the line.
As Louisville continues to roll through their schedule, these key stats will be crucial in maintaining their momentum and securing wins against tough competition. With a balanced attack on offense and stingy defense, the Cardinals are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
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Anne Hathaway is making waves once again as she takes on the role of Verity Crawford, the protagonist of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling thriller novel, adapted for the big screen. Set to captivate audiences with its gripping narrative, the film promises to deliver drama, suspense, and the ever-charming presence of Hathaway, who is also serving as one of the producers.
According to PEOPLE, Hathaway’s character, Verity, finds herself embroiled in a mysterious and dark tale surrounding her family. The plot follows struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, who, seeking financial stability, jumps at the chance to complete the books left unfinished by Verity, who is rendered unable to finish them after an unforeseen accident. Upon arriving at the Crawford estate, Lowen realizes things are not as straightforward as they seem. The story hints at chilling admissions sealed within Verity’s secret manuscript, forcing Lowen to discern whether the hidden truths are simply the makings of fiction or warnings from someone deeply disturbed.
Hathaway’s chemistry with director Michael Showalter promises to shine once again, having previously collaborated on “The Idea of You,” which debuted earlier this year. This partnership cements Hathaway’s return to the literary adaptation trend, as audiences have recently seen Hoover’s other bestseller, “It Ends with Us,” reach box-office success, leaving fans curious about future adaptations, including “Reminders of Him” scheduled for 2026.
Adding to the excitement surrounding her recent roles is the actress’s unwavering ability to confound aging perceptions. Hathaway, at 42, has left fans astonished by her seemingly ageless appearance. Clips resurfacing on social media platforms have incited reactions ranging from disbelief to admiration, with some fans jokingly dubbing her a ‘vampire.’ One fan commented, “She looks so good,” and another quipped, “It’s either she has amazing skincare or she’s not aging at all!” The enthusiasm reflects the actress’s impressive career from iconic roles in “The Princess Diaries” to “Les Misérables,” showcasing her remarkable versatility.
Aside from her film projects, Hathaway remains relatively private about her personal life, especially concerning her marriage to actor Adam Shulman. An interesting twist adds to their narrative; during her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Hathaway discussed a whimsical conspiracy theory—that her husband might be William Shakespeare reincarnated. Responding to the light-hearted proposition, Hathaway remarked, “It would be great if it were true, but even if it’s not, it’s still kinda’ great.” This playful banter showcases Hathaway’s ability to engage with her fans, reinforcing the fascination surrounding her.
Looking forward, Hathaway is reportedly working on a sequel for “The Devil Wears Prada,” as well as plans for the third installment of “The Princess Diaries.” With more books by Colleen Hoover set to be translated onto the silver screen, Hathaway’s presence continues to be felt spanning generations as she straddles her vibrant career with adaptability.
It’s clear Anne Hathaway resonates deeply within the public consciousness—not merely as the versatile actress redefining age standards, but as someone who constantly evolves with each new endeavor. With her recent commitments and inherent charm, Hathaway remains at the forefront of Hollywood, ensuring fans will keep watching for years to come.
Anne Hathaway has once again proven her versatility as an actress in her latest role as Verity Crawford in the highly anticipated drama series. The Oscar-winning actress has captivated audiences with her portrayal of the enigmatic and complex character, bringing her to life with depth and authenticity.
In a departure from her previous roles, Hathaway shines as Verity Crawford, a woman with a dark and troubled past who is thrust into the spotlight when her husband’s political ambitions threaten to unravel. Hathaway’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, as she navigates the complexities of Verity’s character with a raw and emotional intensity that is truly captivating.
As Verity Crawford, Hathaway commands the screen with a presence that is both powerful and vulnerable, drawing viewers in with her magnetic performance. With each episode, she delves deeper into the intricacies of Verity’s character, revealing layers of depth and complexity that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of Verity Crawford is a testament to her incredible talent as an actress, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and captivating performers. With each episode, she continues to impress and astound, reminding audiences why she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.
Don’t miss Anne Hathaway’s unforgettable performance as Verity Crawford in this must-see drama series, where she takes center stage and delivers a tour de force performance that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — While the Kentucky men’s basketball team prepares for its latest knock-down, drag-out SEC road game — this time at No. 6 Tennessee on Tuesday — its former coach and several former players at Arkansas have a whole week to prepare for their much-anticipated return to Rupp Arena.
John Calipari and Arkansas will be in Lexington for a 9 p.m. showdown with Kentucky on Saturday night — but they won’t exactly be striking fear into anyone. Arkansas is 12-8 overall, just 1-6 in the SEC, and recently lost point guard Boogie Fland (a former Kentucky signee) for the season.
Asked about his return to the place where he won a national title, went to four Final Fours and won nearly 79% of his games, Calipari acknowledged it would be a challenge.
“There will be some emotion, walking into that building,” he said. “Really being in town. Probably get together with some of my friends.”
Calipari left Lexington out of frustration after loss to Oakland in a first-round exit of the NCAA Tournament, his second in three years. Fans had grown frustrated, and so had he.
Wildcats Adou Thiero, DJ Wagner and Zvonimir Ivisic followed Calipari to Arkansas, as did Fland, a Kentucky recruit, and Top 40 recruit Billy Richmond, who also was coming to Kentucky.
Arkansas rolled to an 11-2 start, its best win an 89-87 victory over Michigan. But SEC play has been difficult. Calipari and the Razorbacks lost their first five conference games, and limp into Lexington 1-6.
After telling his players just to get the games close at the end, and he would lead them the rest of the way, following Arkansas’ first SEC win, over Georgia, the Razorbacks faltered late in a 65-62 loss to Oklahoma, their third home-court loss in four games.
Despite Kentucky’s recent SEC struggles, Mark Pope’s Wildcats (14-5, 3-3) should be favored, though as always, Calipari has abundant talent and athleticism.
“They’re playing good,” Calipari said. “We’ve got our hands full. Let’s see what happens. You know, they’re a good team. Mark’s doing a good job with them. So, we’ve just got to keep going, keep fighting, keep figuring this out. What does this team look like? What do we have to play like?”
The game will also mark a return to Rupp for Calipari assistant Kenny Payne, who spent two tumultuous years as head coach at his alma mater, Louisville, before being fired with a record of 12-52. The last time Payne coached in the building, his Louisville team lost to Kentucky 86-63. Before taking the job at Louisville, Payne was an assistant at Kentucky from 2010 to 2020, the last six of those seasons as associate head coach.
Kentucky won’t be able to turn its attention to the game for a couple of days. The Wildcats will try to snap a two-game losing streak at No. 6 Tennessee on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The upcoming matchup between Arkansas and Kentucky is sure to be an emotional one as former Wildcats player and current Razorbacks head coach, Eric Musselman, makes his return to Rupp Arena. Kentucky head coach, John Calipari, is expecting a passionate atmosphere as fans welcome back a familiar face.
Musselman, who played for Kentucky in the early 1980s, has quickly made a name for himself as a successful head coach in the college basketball world. His return to the place where his basketball career began is sure to bring out strong emotions from both fans and players.
Calipari, who has a long-standing rivalry with Musselman, knows that this game will be a highly anticipated one for both teams. The Wildcats will be looking to defend their home court against a tough opponent, while the Razorbacks will be eager to prove themselves against a top-tier program.
With both teams boasting talented rosters and passionate fan bases, this game is shaping up to be a must-watch event. The energy and excitement surrounding this matchup are sure to make for a thrilling and emotional night at Rupp Arena.
Meanwhile, Marco Odermatt’s (SUI/Stöckli) wait for victory in the Hahnenkamm continues. A day after powering to victory in the Super G, the man who has won just about everything else in Alpine skiing made a couple of small but critical mistakes in the Steilhang – the most technically demanding section down the Streif. That left the Wengen and Val Gardena winner 0.55 seconds behind Crawford, down in sixth position.
And after a difficult season so far, it was a case of so near yet so far for the hometown challenge. Roared on by the 50,000-plus crowd, Daniel Hemetsberger (AUT/Fischer) looked to have grabbed his first podium in three years, and Austria’s first in the Downhill all season. But Crawford’s brilliance dropped the Fischer skier into fourth, leaving a host of Austria’s most famous ski fans – led by Arnold Schwarzenegger – shaking their heads.
Crawford finally converts
Arnie though will no doubt be back, after an extraordinary day of high-speed racing. But despite a host of the world’s finest putting in compelling performances, it was Crawford, the reigning Super G world champion but never a World Cup winner in any discipline, who takes the headlines.
“It’s been a dream of mine to win the classics,” said Crawford, who arrived in Kitzbühel with three podiums but no victories in his 52 previous World Cup Downhill starts.
It was a historic day in Kitzbühel as Canadian skier Jack Crawford claimed his first World Cup victory in the men’s downhill event, stunning the competition and delighting fans around the world.
Crawford’s win was particularly special as he became the first Canadian to win the prestigious downhill race in Kitzbühel in over 30 years. The 24-year-old put on a flawless performance on the notorious Streif course, navigating the treacherous terrain with precision and speed.
The victory was even more remarkable as it came amidst a strong showing from the Swiss team, who had dominated the event in recent years. Despite the stiff competition, Crawford held his nerve and crossed the finish line in a time of 1:55.58, securing the top spot on the podium.
For Crawford, the win was a dream come true and a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. Speaking after the race, he expressed his gratitude and joy at finally breaking through and claiming his first World Cup victory.
“It’s an incredible feeling to have it happen in Kitzbühel,” Crawford said. “This is a race that every skier dreams of winning, and to do it in front of such an amazing crowd is truly special.”
While Crawford’s victory was the highlight of the day, it was not without its share of drama as several Canadian skiers crashed out of the race. Despite the setbacks, Crawford’s win was a shining moment for Canadian skiing and a reminder of the talent and determination of the country’s athletes.
As the celebrations continued in Kitzbühel, Crawford’s win was a reminder of the thrill of victory and the unpredictable nature of downhill skiing. With the World Championships on the horizon, Crawford’s triumph has set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Canada’s James Crawford scorched to a maiden World Cup victory in the prestigious Kitzbühel downhill on Saturday in a race thankfully spared the spate of serious crashes that marred the super-G.
Crawford, with just four podium places to his name in seven seasons on the circuit, laid down a near-perfect run to clock 1min 53.64sec on the challenging 3.3km-long Streif course on the Hahnenkamm mountain overlooking the upmarket Austrian resort.
Switzerland’s Alexis Monney took second, at 0.08sec, with another Canadian, Cameron Alexander, rounding out the podium a further 0.14sec adrift.
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained! Amazing stuff, supreme excellence!” boomed the slopeside commentator of Crawford’s run in front of tens of thousands of baying ski fans in warm, sunny conditions.
“Canadian cowboys! Oh my word, incredible run by Crawford, he’s the man to beat!”
Crawford, a surprise winner of world super-G gold in Courchevel in 2023 and Olympic combined bronze medallist in Beijing the year previously, held on to bag €100,000 ($104,800) for his victory and set himself up nicely ahead of the 4-16 February world championships in Saalbach.
In-form Swiss racer Marco Odermatt, who tops the overall and downhill standings, won Friday’s super-G, but could only finish sixth in the blue riband event, at 0.55sec, as just eight-tenths of a second separated the top 13 racers.
Starting with bib number 20, Crawford hit motorway-coasting speeds of 140kmh, negotiating sections that have an 85% gradient and 80m jumps, all the while battling crippling centrifugal forces.
The icy course, which has a stomach-churning vertiginous start that propels racers to 100km/h in five seconds, features falls, snakes and rolls through a wide variety of terrain.
For those reasons, victory in Kitzbühel is seen as the holy grail of alpine skiing, often compared to winning at Wimbledon or the Formula One race in Monaco.
There is no doubt that there is a voyeuristic, gladitorial draw for the estimated 90,000-strong crowd who flock in for the Kitzbühel weekend.
But while airhorns and whistles made for a deafening arena, flares lit and flags waving, there was none of the crash drama of Friday, which saw French veteran Alexis Pinturault among three evacuated by helicopter, with a serious knee injury.
The event draws a heady mix between champagne-drinking glitterati and young locals revelling in an alcohol-fuelled rite of passage.
Among onlookers on Saturday was former California governor and Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger and Swedish football great Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“This is amazing, it feels like a home stadium,” said Ibrahimovic, who played for a host of European clubs including Ajax, Juventus, AC and Inter Milan, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United in a storied career.
The iconic ski resort of Kitzbühel, Austria, witnessed a historic moment as Canada’s Jack Crawford claimed his first career win at the prestigious Hahnenkamm downhill race. Known as the “holy grail of ski racing,” the Hahnenkamm is one of the most challenging and revered races on the World Cup circuit.
Crawford, a rising star in the world of alpine skiing, put on a stellar performance on the treacherous Streif course, navigating the steep, icy slopes and daunting jumps with skill and precision. The Canadian skier’s victory marks a significant milestone in his career and solidifies his status as a force to be reckoned with in the competitive world of ski racing.
The win in Kitzbühel is not only a personal triumph for Crawford but also a proud moment for Canadian skiing, as he becomes the first Canadian male skier to win at the Hahnenkamm in over a decade. His achievement serves as inspiration for aspiring young skiers across the country and showcases the talent and potential of Canada’s ski racing program.
As Crawford celebrates his well-deserved victory, fans and spectators around the world are left in awe of his incredible skill and determination. With this win under his belt, the future looks bright for Jack Crawford as he continues to make a name for himself on the international stage. Congratulations to the new champion of Kitzbühel!
Cindy Crawfordand hubby Rande Gerber are kicking off the new year in style … bringing together their loved ones for a luxurious vacation in Mexico.
Check it out … the supermodel and the Casamigos co-founder enjoyed some sun down in Los Cabos, as they lounged by a private pool with their son Presley Gerber and daughter Kaia Gerber.
The Crawford-Gerber family appeared to adopt the “more the merrier” motto on their getaway … the foursome was joined by a number of Presley and Kaia’s close friends.
In fact, it was Presley’s girlfriend, model Isabella Jones (AKA Banana Blue), who stole the spotlight from one of Hollywood’s best-looking families.
While Cindy, Rande, Presley and Kaia all tried to keep a low profile from eagle-eyed photogs capturing their fun in the sun … Isabella unabashedly dipped into the pool, wearing an itty-bitty leopard-print bikini.
The one person noticeably MIA from the family getaway was none other than Kaia’s boyfriend, Austin Butler. The “Elvis” star was nowhere in sight, despite previously being inseparable from Kaia after they first linked up in December 2021.
Kaia and Austin haven’t been spotted together since October … so, his absence could raise some eyebrows.
Though, if there is trouble in paradise, it wasn’t clear in these new vacay pics … ’cause there was nothing but good vibes here.
Cindy Crawford & Rande Gerber Enjoy Family Time Poolside in Cabo
Supermodel Cindy Crawford and her husband, businessman Rande Gerber, were spotted soaking up the sun and lounging poolside with their kids in Cabo San Lucas. The stunning couple looked relaxed and chic as they enjoyed some quality family time in the beautiful Mexican resort town.
Crawford, 55, flaunted her age-defying figure in a black bikini, while Gerber, 59, rocked a pair of swim trunks. Their two kids, Kaia and Presley Gerber, joined them for some fun in the sun, making it a perfect family day by the pool.
The famous family seemed to be in great spirits as they laughed and played together, proving that they know how to balance work and play. It’s clear that Cindy and Rande prioritize spending time with their children, despite their busy schedules.
It’s always heartwarming to see celebrities enjoying simple pleasures like relaxing by the pool with their loved ones. Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber are definitely setting some serious family goals with their picture-perfect vacation in Cabo.
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Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber, Cabo, poolside, celebrity families, vacation, lounging, kids, family time, luxury travel, celebrity parents
