General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: May 23, 2026, 11:43 PM ET

Boxing & MMA

Oleksandr Usyk survived a last-gasp scare against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, securing a controversial 11th-round stoppage in Giza to retain his heavyweight titles. The fight, which saw Usyk down early, now sets the stage for potential unification bouts, though questions linger about his vulnerability after such a close call. In other ring news, Briton Hamzah Sheeraz claimed his first world title with a stoppage of Alem Begic for the vacant WBO super-middleweight crown, while Joe Schilling ended his MMA return prematurely after just 37 seconds, citing a headbutt from his opponent. The boxing landscape remains turbulent, with Usyk’s camp already eyeing a summer fight against the winner of the Fury vs. Ngannou rematch, though the champion himself suggested he has nothing left to prove following the grueling Verhoeven fight.

Basketball

The NBA’s free agency landscape is taking shape, with LeBron James positioned as the premier target this summer, though his future hinges on the Lakers’ direction, according to insider analysis. Meanwhile, the WNBA’s Sabrina Ionescu is set to make her season debut Sunday for the New York Liberty, a major boost for the Eastern Conference leaders. In international soccer, the U.S. men’s national team finalized its World Cup roster, with Gio Reyna included despite his limited club minutes, signaling manager Mauricio Pochettino’s intent to integrate the young attacker into a squad aiming to make a deep run in the tournament.

Motorsports

Max Verstappen renewed his threat to quit Formula 1 at season’s end if planned engine regulation changes are blocked, escalating a standoff with the FIA that could reshape the grid’s technical landscape. In NASCAR, the tragic death of Kyle Busch triggered a unique succession plan: Richard Childress Racing will retire Busch’s No. 8 car until his 11-year-old son Brexton is ready to drive, a move praised as a heartfelt tribute. Busch’s legacy was also celebrated by NASCAR’s CEO, who called him “an American badass,” highlighting his rebellious impact on the sport.

Cricket & Golf

In women’s T20 cricket, England faced New Zealand in the second match of their series, while in the Caribbean Premier League, England’s Jacob Bethell departed the IPL after a finger injury sustained with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. On the greens, 17-year-old Canadian Anna Huang made LET history with her third Ladies European Tour victory in Morocco, becoming the youngest player to achieve the feat. The win vaults her into contention for a major championship spot later this season.

Rugby League & Union

Catalans Dragons scored six tries in a dominant 36-22 Super League victory at York under new coach John Cartwright, while Wakefield battled back from an 8-0 deficit to claim a huge win in Toulouse. In rugby union, Bordeaux’s stunning Champions Cup final victory over Leinster, 35-3, completed a clean sweep of French domestic and European titles, with captain Rory McIlroy’s mental approach cited as a key inspiration. The win marks Bordeaux’s arrival as a European powerhouse, ending Leinster’s decade-long dominance.

Baseball & Other Sports

The Colorado Rockies placed Mickey Moniak on the injured list, a blow to their outfield depth as they navigate a challenging early season. In the MLB trade market, early themes are emerging, including unexpected sellers and the uncertain status of pitchers like Tarik Skubal, setting the stage for a busy deadline. In triathlon, Britain’s Georgia Taylor-Brown claimed her first T100 win in Spain, a dominant performance that solidifies her as a gold-medal contender for Paris. Meanwhile, in cliff diving, Wales’ Aidan Heslop returned from back surgery to win the Red Bull series opener in Bali, a remarkable comeback.

Tennis

The French Open looms with Jannik Sinner installed as the heavy favorite in the absence of Carlos Alcaraz, creating a near-certainty not seen since Rafael Nadal’s peak. American Emma Navarro ended a title drought by winning the Strasbourg Open, a crucial warm-up ahead of Roland Garros. However, Cameron Norrie’s French Open preparations were hampered by a rib injury, adding to Britain’s fitness concerns. Player protests over revenue shares are set to pause during the tournament, though the underlying dispute remains unresolved.

Other Headlines

England’s men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball teams qualified for the Commonwealth Games, while in Gaelic football, Donegal advanced to Round 2A despite a red card. Sprinter Fred Kerley vowed to run clean at the Enhanced Games, a controversial event promoting performance-enhancing drugs, though he still aims for the 2028 Olympics. Finally, a look ahead: the 2026 Indianapolis 500 promises to be a civic spectacle, with Ryan McGee’s guide offering insight into the race’s cultural significance.