Author: Tim Runn

By Jack Tiernan: Heavyweight Zhilei Zhang has accepted the spot to face Filip Hrgovic in the IBF title eliminator to become the mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk. Dan Rafael reports that the 38-year-old two-time Chinese Olympian Zhang (23-0-1, 18 KOs) has agreed to face the unbeaten Hrgovic (14-0, 12 KOs) in the IBF title eliminator. The two still need to negotiate their fight, however. Usually, Hrgovic is punching power on his shorter opponents, but in this case, his shots will be going in a straight line. Of course, that’s assuming Hrgovic won’t be hitting Zhang in the back of the…

LOS ANGELES: WTA chief Steve Simon said on Monday the organisation maintained concern for the wellbeing of Peng Shuai after the Chinese tennis player issued a further denial of sexual assault allegations. Peng’s fate has been shrouded in mystery since she alleged on social media in November that former Chinese vice-premier Zhang Gaoli forced her into sex during a years-long relationship. The post was deleted and Peng’s whereabouts were unknown for three weeks, drawing worldwide concern for her safety. She has subsequently appeared at a handful of public events, and denies ever making the accusation against Zhang. On Sunday Peng…

| February 7, 2022, 7:48 PMFebruary 7, 2022, 7:48 PMThe Edmonton Oilers will be looking to pick up their sixth win in seven outings as they host the Vegas Golden Knights in their return to action Tuesday night as -115 home favourites on the NHL odds at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. The Oilers’ recent surge comes on the heels of a 2-9-2 run that dropped them out of the Western Conference playoff picture. However, Edmonton has shown steady form while allowing just 2.50 goals per game during the 5-0-1 run it takes into Tuesday night’s matchup at Rogers Place. Edmonton’s…

When Davis Cheek arrived at Elon University in the fall of 2017, he knew his goal was to someday play in the NFL. After five years with the team and 40 starts as quarterback, Cheek’s goal is finally in sight.  Even though no Elon quarterback has thrown a pass in a regular season NFL game, he said he has viewed his professional future as more of a reality than just a possibility throughout his college career.  “I’ve kind of built my life around football and I take it very seriously,” Cheek said. “I’m still a realistic person and understand that…

The Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls face off in a highly-anticipated matchup on Monday evening at United Center. The Bulls (33-20) are coming off a home loss to the 76ers Sunday afternoon, but Chicago has enjoyed top-tier success overall to begin the season. Phoenix is 42-10 overall and 20-5 in road games, leading the NBA in both categories. Landry Shamet (ankle) and Cameron Payne (wrist) are out for the Suns. Coby White (adductor) and Zach LaVine (back) are listed as questionable for Chicago.Phoenix is listed as an eight-point road favorite for this 8 p.m. ET tipoff. The total number of…

Sunday’s preseason Clash race at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was risky, unorthodox, and unprecedented – a combination NASCAR has typically tried hard to avoid. Moving the Clash – held at Daytona International Speedway as part of Speedweeks since its 1981 inception – was a bold step in and of itself. Taking it to a football stadium and run on a made-from-scratch ¼-mile track was unheard of – and there were plenty of doubters, both within NASCAR’s ranks and its fan base, when it was first unveiled. But this weekend’s event showed NASCAR at its best when it strays from…

The saddest part about the baseball lockout, which almost certainly will delay the start of spring training and perhaps trim the regular season, is the missed opportunity. Again.This is quite the pace for Major League Baseball and the players’ union. In the 2020s, the owners and the players have already blown two chances to help grow their sport. Two years ago, they spent the early months of the pandemic squabbling about the economics of a restart, ending up with just 60 games. Now this.The owners imposed a lockout on Dec. 2 after the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement with…

David Cohen Director / Strategic Brand Engagement Story Links CINCINNATI – University of Cincinnati student-athletes Clay Amlung (men’s golf) and Hannah Bolinger (volleyball) were named the 2022 Jean Stephens Memorial Award Recipients.The duo was honored on Sunday, Feb. 6 during the men’s basketball game against Houston. The award was presented by Sue Stephens, sister of Jean Stephens, as well as Susan Grieff, another family member.ABOUT JEAN STEPHENS  In 1999, UC Athletics lost one of its most loyal and dedicated staff members, Jean Stephens. Two years later, to recognize and promote the qualities Stephens exemplified in her 15 years of service, the Jean…

A year after being diagnosed with cancer defender Rebekah Stott is back in the Football Ferns squad. Stott returns to the side for an invitational tournament in the United States later this month. Rebekah Stott Photo: Photosport The 28 year old has undergone successful treatment after being diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma a year ago. Stott was told on the day of the Ferns’ opening game at the Tokyo Olympic Games against Australia last year that she was in remission. Since then she has impressed with her performances for Melbourne City in the A-League Women. Football Ferns head coach…

NEW DELHI: Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has revealed that he was “approached a few times” by few IPL franchises in the past to put himself in the auction but he preferred to stay at Royal Challengers Bangalore. The former India captain, who stepped down as RCB skipper at the end of last season after eight years in charge, is the only cricketer to have played for one franchise since the league’s inaugural edition in 2008. “I’ve been approached a few times as well — to come into the auction somehow — I have thought about it,” Kohli told the…