General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: August 22, 2026, 10:04 PM ET

Boxing & MMA

Promoter Eddie Hearn insists "no-one can pull out" of the proposed heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, stating that the contract is binding and that the fight will happen. The boxing world is also in mourning following the tragic death of two-time world champion Zolani Tete, who was shot dead outside his home in East London, South Africa. Tete, a former WBO bantamweight and IBF super-flyweight champion, was 36 years old.

In MMA, Cris Cyborg is preparing for what could be her final fight, but the stakes have shifted dramatically. Her PFL featherweight title will not be at stake on Saturday after opponent Larissa Pacheco failed to make weight, nearly cancelling the bout. Despite the setback, Cyborg, who has 19 career title fights, is looking to secure career win number 30 in the clash with Vieira. Meanwhile, UFC star Paddy Pimblett is using his platform to inspire youth, crediting sports for steering him away from a life of crime after growing up in a neighbourhood affected by knife crime in Liverpool. He hopes to show young people they can make it out too ahead of his upcoming fight.

Golf

At the BMW Championship, the leaderboard is tightening heading into the final round. Scottie Scheffler retains the lead, but a five-under 65 on day three has moved Collin Morikawa to joint-second, setting up a compelling finish. The pressure of the chase is on, with multiple players within striking distance of the FedEx Cup title as the PGA Tour season reaches its climax.

Rugby League

Hull FC secured a dramatic comeback victory over Catalans Dragons, with a drop goal in the final five minutes sealing a 27-26 win against their former coach. The result is a massive boost for Hull FC's survival hopes. Elsewhere, Hull KR's top-four aspirations took a significant hit with a shock Super League loss to Leigh Leopards, their second successive home defeat. St Helens kept their faint play-off hopes alive with a 36-12 victory over Castleford Tigers, despite a needless red card for a player during the match.

In the Women's Super League, Wigan Warriors continued their dominant run, scoring 11 tries in a convincing victory over neighbours St Helens to maintain their perfect 10-from-10 record this season.

Motorsport

The Dutch Grand Prix weekend has been action-packed. Lando Norris secured pole position for the main race, but the world champion expects a tough challenge, acknowledging that other teams will be fighting for victory on Sunday. He beat Max Verstappen to the top spot in a frantic qualifying session that saw drivers scramble to complete laps before a late shower of rain. Earlier in the day, Mercedes' George Russell secured the sprint victory, leading from start to finish at Zandvoort. Russell has stated that the pressure is off as he no longer feels he is in a title battle, attributing his strong performance this weekend to that reduced stress.

Football

A hat-trick from young striker Benji Magee has lifted Crusaders past Portadown, prompting questions over whether he could be the club's next Scottish sensation. The performance has caught the eye of BBC Sport NI, which is examining his potential. In American football, Alabama has named Ty Simpson as the starting quarterback for its Sept. 5 season opener against Florida State, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel. Meanwhile, a coach at a major program has dismissed linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith for conduct detrimental to the team.

Tennis

Czech teenager Sara Bejlek continued her stunning run at the Cincinnati Open, upsetting American Madison Keys to reach her first WTA 1000 semi-final. She will now face fourth seed Aryna Sabalenka in what promises to be a fascinating encounter. At the US Open, wildcards have been announced, with Emma Raducanu set to pair up with Andy Murray for the mixed doubles event at Flushing Meadows.

Cricket

England's first-Test victory over Sri Lanka has prompted analysis of the key takeaways. Captain Ollie Pope was praised for his calmness on his return as captain by interim coach Paul Collingwood, who said the pair "are not" Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Pope also questioned the Ashes venue choices, calling it "a shame" his team will not play at Headingley again until 2029, a sentiment echoed by predecessor Joe Root, who labelled the decision "shambolic". In other news, Australia responded to last week's shock defeat by bowling Bangladesh out for just 64 on a remarkable first day of the second Test, skittling the hosts before their batters failed again.

Other Sports

In cycling, Britain's Josh Tarling finished third in the opening stage of the Vuelta a España, a remarkable achievement just eight days after his brother lost his life in a crash. In horse racing, Daiquiri Bay won the Ebor Handicap in a three-way sprint finish at York, edging out a pair of rivals in a thrilling finale. Darts saw a historic moment as Australia's Damon Heta beat local qualifier Joe Comito 8-5 in the Australian Masters final to win his first World Series title.

Basketball & WNBA

The WNBA is navigating a new era of wealth, with players now spending their millions on everything from seven-foot statues to real estate. Liberty star Breanna Stewart has voiced her hope that WNBA arenas can remain a "safe space" for fans amid rallies about transgender sports participation. However, the league is also dealing with disruptions, as Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter branded spectators "weird" for throwing sex toys on court during matches on consecutive nights.

College Sports

College basketball is in a state of chaos over eligibility issues, with the latest rulings causing confusion across the sport. Here's a breakdown of how we got here and Meanwhile, with the college football season just a week away, projections for all 46 postseason games, including the College Football Playoff, are already making the rounds.