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The Independent
18 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Jesse Rodriguez, Teofimo Lopez: Ranking boxing's 10 youngest world champions
Xander Zayas created history on Saturday night when he beat Mexico's Jorge Garcia Perez, becoming boxing 's current youngest male world champion. The 22-year-old looks set to be Puerto Rico's next superstar after winning the WBO super-welterweight title to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Miguel Cotto and Felix Trinidad. Zayas clearly has a bright future ahead of him, but exactly how good is he? Here, we rank the 10 youngest men's world champions in boxing right now. 10. Erick Rosa Erick Rosa hails from the Dominican Republic and is yet to fight outside of his homeland as a professional. He has also only had eight bouts, which is why he is at the bottom of the list for now. It is currently unknown exactly how far he can go in the sport. But he did hold the WBA (Regular) mini-flyweight title for over two years after winning it in 2021. He then became a full world champion when he picked up the WBA light-flyweight belt by outpointing Neider Valdez Aguilar last December. Rosa is set for a major test on Wednesday when he travels to Japan to defend his title against local favourite Kyosuke Takami. 9. Anthony Olascuaga California's Anthony Olascuaga turned professional in 2020 and wasted little time in working his way into title contention. He fought Japan's pound-for-pound star Kenshiro Teraji in just his sixth fight for the WBC, WBA and The Ring light-flyweight titles but was stopped inside nine rounds. However, his impressive showing earned him another title shot just two fights later, and this time he took it with both hands. Olascuaga returned to Japan to stop Riku Kano for the vacant WBO flyweight title and has since made two successful defences of his belt. 8. Thanongsak Simsri Thanongsak Simsri has largely kept out of the limelight despite having 40 professional fights by the age of 25. His record is a remarkable one, with 34 of his 39 wins coming via knockout, while he has only lost once. There are some question marks about his level of opposition as most of his fights have been on home soil in Thailand. But having cleaned up domestically, he finally stepped up to world level last time out to edge a split decision over Christian Araneta and claim the vacant IBF light-flyweight title. Bigger challenges lie ahead, and we should soon see whether Simsri is good enough to start dominating in his division. 7. Xander Zayas Zayas certainly has the potential to climb this list very quickly, but for now he is a new champion with bigger tests to come. He holds a perfect, 22-0 (13), record and has rarely been troubled in his career to date. That was the case once again on Saturday when he outclassed Perez over 12 rounds. The light-middleweight division is an intriguing one, with Jaron Ennis announcing his intention to fight in the weight class next. Vergil Ortiz is also eyeing a title shot soon. But Vargas looks ready to be in this company, and he is only going to get better. 6. Richardson Hitchins Richardson Hitchins competed for Haiti at the 2016 Olympics when he was only 18 years old. He was earmarked early on as a special talent. After initially signing with Floyd Mayweather once he turned professional, Hitchins then switched over to Matchroom Boxing. He gradually worked his way up the rankings to get his chance at title glory when he challenged Liam Paro for his IBF light-welterweight belt in December. Hitchins' class and slick combinations earned him a points win, and he followed that up by stopping former champion George Kambosos Jr last month. His lack of power has been raised as a potential issue in the past, but finishing Kambosos Jr inside the distance was a statement of intent from Hitchins, who seems to be growing into his role as a champion at 27. 5. Sebastian Fundora Sebastian Fundora is a unique light-middleweight as he stands at almost two metres tall. Somehow he gets down to 154lbs and is a major handful for all of his opponents due to his incredible height and reach. His height may have actually counted against him when he lost his interim WBC title to Brian Mendoza in 2023. Fundora was caught standing upright as Mendoza knocked him out in brutal fashion. However, Fundora bounced back to win the WBO and WBC belts from Tim Tszyu in his next fight. He has since secured two further wins, including beating Tszyu again, this time by stoppage, earlier this month. 4. Brian Norman Jr Brian Norman Jr switched to the professional ranks when he was only 17 in 2018. He made steady progress through the rankings, but has started to make a major splash over the past 18 months. Norman was involved in a thrilling fight with Giovani Santillan which he won via 10th-round knockout last year to claim the WBO interim world title. He was subsequently upgraded to full champion and has since won his last two fights without being extended beyond the fifth round. His last victory against Jin Sasaki in June was a contender for knockout of the year, showcasing the scary power that Norman possesses. Norman is on a rapid rise and is set to defend his title against Devin Haney in a mouthwatering clash in November. 3. Teofimo Lopez Teofimo Lopez is a controversial character outside of the ring, but there is no doubting his talent inside it. He won his first world title by stopping Richard Commey for the IBF lightweight belt in 2019. Lopez then pulled off a shock by defeating Vasyl Lomachenko to cement his place as the best lightweight on the planet. An upset loss to George Kambosos Jr followed, but Lopez bounced back to become a two-weight division by beating Josh Taylor in New York. Lopez has since made three successful defences of his title and is now looking for his next big challenge. Shakur Stevenson has called for a fight with him in what could be an intriguing technical match-up between two classy operators. 2. Junto Nakatani Junto Nakatani is a three-division world champion and is still only 27. He is nicknamed 'Big Bang' and with good reason. Nakatani has knocked out 24 of his 31 opponents and is a superstar in his homeland of Japan. The big-punching southpaw is currently ranked number seven on The Ring's pound-for-pound list after ruling multiple weight classes. He has looked almost unbeatable in recent times, but could face the ultimate test in the near future. His fellow countryman Naoya Inoue is just one weight division above him, and a domestic showdown between two pound-for-pound stars may happen sooner rather than later. 1. Jesse Rodriguez Jesse Rodriguez is top of the tree thanks to beating world-class opposition on a consistent basis. He became the first boxer born in the 2000s to become a world champion when he beat Carlos Cuadras in 2022, and he has not looked back since. Rodriguez has seen off the likes of Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Sunny Edwards and Juan Francisco Estrada to win titles in two divisions. He added to his title collection earlier this month by stopping Phumelele Cafu in the 10th round of their unification clash at super-flyweight. Rodriguez is sixth in The Ring's pound-for-pound rankings, and with the top five all in their thirties or forties and moving towards retirement, he is likely to be on the rise again soon. Future contests with Nakatani and Inoue could happen, handing Rodriguez the chance to add to his legacy. DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts.
Reuters
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Dusty Baker to manage Nicaragua at 2026 World Baseball Classic
July 29 - Former MLB manager Dusty Baker is reportedly set to manage Nicaragua during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Baker, 76, retired from the major leagues two years ago after winning a World Series with the Houston Astros in 2022 and being named National League Manager of the Year three times. Baker is the eighth-winningest manager in major league history. Baker also played in the majors for 19 seasons. "I'm excited," Baker told USA Today, "... I know baseball is trying to get going in Nicaragua, and I want to help." Nicaragua finished 19th in the 2023 WBC but secured a 3-0 record in qualifying for the 2026 tournament and will play in Pool D against Venezuela, Israel, the Netherlands and the Dominican Republic. --Field Level Media
Washington Post
a day ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Dusty Baker to manage Nicaragua in 2026 World Baseball Classic
Nicaragua on Monday named Dusty Baker, a World Series champion, three-time manager of the year and the eighth-winningest manager in major league history, to manage the team in next year's World Baseball Classic. The national baseball team said Baker will be on the bench when Nicaragua tries to improve on its 19th-place finish in the 2023 WBC. Baker, 76, managed for 26 years, leading five major league teams to division titles before retiring in 2023. He was a two-time All-Star and helped the Dodgers win the 1981 World Series as a player, then managed Houston to the 2022 World Series title. Nicaragua went 3-0 in qualifying for the WBC and will play in Group D in Miami against Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands and Israel. ___ AP MLB:
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Club Med Turns 75, Pivots To Upscale And Grows Mountain Resorts
Club Med Gregolimano in Greece Club Med The famous French, all-inclusive resort brand Club Med has been wooing holiday makers for years. In what many might call a summer camp for all ages (and all times of year), Club Med resorts have included everything from onsite recreation and activities to food and drinks. Some may even call it the catalyst for the booming, all-inclusive market among U.S. hospitality brands like Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt and Hilton Honors, all of which have entered this hotel category (especially in the Caribbean). One of the pool areas at Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic Club Med But, as Club Med completes three quarters of a century, it is realigning its portfolio to key in on more of a luxury-focused customer. It even closed some of its lesser performing resorts several years ago, including its only property in the United States. When the brand first launched, it called its properties villages and focused on an equality-designed approach where everyone enjoyed the same amenities free of charge. As consumers are becoming more segmented in what they are willing to spend and where, Club Med is adding a higher-end category of resorts and accommodations within existing resorts to appeal to that market. Club Med Gregolimano in Greece recently renovated the entire resort, including its guest rooms and suites. Club Med All-inclusive resorts are booming, but can Club Med elevate its brand positioning to go after the same, high-end customer that is willing to pay for the likes of a Ritz-Carlton resort? Or is it seeking to fill a gap between the traditional all-inclusive and the growing number of luxury properties that may outprice certain millennial travelers ticking destinations off their bucket list. This pivot comes from its new Chinese owner Fosun who has led Club Med on a reinvigoration project to elevate its image and draw in more millennials and well-heeled families looking for luxury. Its financial performance tells the story Club Med in the Seychelles Club Med The company's latest numbers highlight just how in demand all-inclusive really is. Last year alone, its business volume reached $2.38 billion, up 7% over 2023. This year, the first quarter already saw a 5.7% increase when compared with last year during the same time period. It also grew its bed capacity by 5%, all of which was in the premium and luxury category, what the brand calls its Premium (four-star resorts) or Exclusive Collection Resorts (five-star properties). The overall number of guests was up 1% to reach 1.5 million people in total last year, and when it comes to those top-tier properties, occupancy rates reached 75% (a 2% year-over-year increase) with the majority being France, China, Brazil, Canada and the United States. One of the newest resort openings is Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic. Club Med expansion of our Exclusive Collection, a curated five-star portfolio that includes resorts, spaces, villas and chalets and our legendary French sailing yacht, Club Med 2. The Exclusive Collection properties include Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic, which has four boutique-style villas catering to those seeking the maximum in privacy, and Club Med Québec Charlevoix with premium lounges offering things like private jacuzzis and a private ski room with dedicated concierge. Club Med in Quebec has quickly become one of the brand's most popular, year-round resorts. Club Med It's these winter properties, some experts say, that are really fueling the growth. According to the South China Morning Post, Fosun Tourism co-president Andrew Xu sees tourist attractions featuring snow and ice to be a major tourist attraction in China, which could be a potential growth region for the brand. This year, Henri Giscard d'Estaing, president of Club Med, announced that the Asia-Pacific region would be key to the brand's growth and announced a restructuring of its executives to help achieve that momentum. Just last month, BusinessToday of Malaysia reported that cold weather-destination bookings from the country have jumped by more than 100%. Club Med Val d'Isère is the newest in its Exclusive Collection of properties. Club Med While many people associate all-inclusive vacations with fun in the sun on the coastline, Club Med has made great strides in growing its winter vacation resorts, which also draw guests during the warmer months for other activities. It has seen a 20% uptick in demand for these destinations, which now accounts for 35% of Club Med's global business. Its mountain properties are not just in the Alps or Quebec's ski destinations. They are also in Vietnam, Japan and China. Its most popular beach properties include locations in Bali and the Maldives. Recent renovations Club Med Gregolimano is fresh from a multi-million-dollar renovation. Club Med Club Med Gregolimano in Greece is one of the newest to show off the shining new effects of this investment. More than $32 million was pumped into this renovation to upgrade interiors with the help of interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel, including guest rooms, public areas, restaurants and recreational amenities. Among the newest perks are an adults-only pool, padel courts and spa wellness areas. Club Med Cancun has a new sports and wellness island with a dedicated palapa for quiet yoga classes, archery, bocce ball, mini golf, multi-sport courts and the iconic Club Med Circus School where guests can participate in their own trapeze lessons and other daredevil acrobatics. Other changes include a new family play area with its own pool and kids bar, pickleball courts, a Mayan-themed splash park, cinema and kids club activities for ages as young as four months. The pool at Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic Club Med By the end of this year, Club Med Punta Cana will have an all-new design with newly renovated rooms, upgraded dining venues and a poolside bar inspired by a Dominican casita. Club Med Phuket now offers archery, scuba diving, Thai boxing, and coming soon, a family 'oasis' with a dedicated waterpark and almost three dozen guest rooms for parents traveling with kids. Where are the Americans? Club Med Charlevoix in Quebec Club Med Club Med says all-inclusive experiences are driving 'increased momentum' among American guests, especially at resorts like Club Med Québec Charlevoix and those in the French Alps. Last year, it saw a 16% increase in business volume for North America's mountain resorts. Overall, North America represented a 5% year-over-year increase in business volume highlighting brand awareness among American travelers. The lounge of the Club Med Vittel Golf Ermitage in the France Savoy Alps Club Med The majority of guests at Club Med properties are French, and even the staff usually hail from France or French-speaking countries in addition to the local destination. The fact that Americans have not caught onto the idea of Club Med just yet may be due to the fact its brand name is not as well-known within the U.S. and it does not have a formal loyalty program like its primary competition. What it does offer, however, is European touches no matter where you go, which may appeal to some American travelers looking for something more elevated than an all-you-can-drink pool party. The newly added "Zen" adult pool at Club Med Gregolimano in Greece. Club Med And that's just what Club Med is trying to change about the all-inclusive image. Some properties boast adult-only pools without a bar, like the new pool added to its resort in Greece. Other Europeans are also catching onto the Club Med ethos with British travelers being especially intrigued by the brand's winter destinations, according to an article in The Telegraph. What's next The circus school at Club Med Magna Marbella in southern Spain Club Med All of this growth has also been fueled by home-grown tech tools that it is using to reach a wider range of customers. It launched a WhatsApp channel using artificial intelligence, which Club Med's Richard De Villa tells Travolution addresses over 40% of questions. The brand also launched a comparison tool that helps potential travelers compare different ski resorts. Club Med is counting on courting more American travelers to its resorts. The brand's portfolio includes destinations both near and far from the U.S. with plans to grow in U.S. mountain destinations with all-season resorts in the coming years. The private villa accommodations at Club Med Cefalù in Italy Club Med A new resort at Versant Soleil of Mont Tremblant in Canada is planned for a December 2028 opening, adding to its winter portfolio in the region. Coming soon is a new resort in South Africa, which will provide both beach and safari experiences on the 45,000-acre Hluhluwe game reserve. It will be home to Club Med's first ever surf school. Also on traveler radars are new properties in Oman (Club Med Musandam opening in 2028), Brazil (Club Med Granado opening next year) and Malaysia (Club Med Borneo also opening next year).
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dolphins offensive lineman airlifted out of practice after suffering serious injury
The post Dolphins offensive lineman airlifted out of practice after suffering serious injury appeared first on ClutchPoints. Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Bayron Matos was airlifted from the practice field on Wednesday after sustaining a serious injury during the final moments of training camp practice. NFL insider Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team reported that Matos was transported via helicopter to a local medical center for further evaluation. According to Meirov, the second-year lineman is currently in stable condition. The Dolphins have not yet released specific details regarding the nature or severity of the injury. Dolphins' Bayron Matos sees NFL hopes put on hold after training camp injury Matos, 24, is a native of the Dominican Republic and joined the Dolphins organization in 2024 through the NFL's International Player Pathway Program. Prior to football, he had a collegiate basketball career, playing at New Mexico before transferring to the University of South Florida. During his time at USF, Matos walked on to the football team and appeared in only 22 total snaps. However, his rare size and athleticism quickly drew attention. Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 313 pounds, Matos turned heads during pre-draft workouts when he ran a 4.88-second 40-yard dash, showcasing elite speed for his frame. Matos signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent and spent the entire 2024 season on Miami's practice squad. In January, he signed a reserve/future contract with the team and entered training camp looking to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster. The injury is a significant setback for a player who had been making strides in his development. The Dolphins have yet to issue a formal statement, though further updates on Matos' condition are expected in the coming days. Miami continues its preparations for the 2025 NFL season while monitoring Matos' recovery. Related: Dolphins' offseason free agent defender goes down in training camp with 'feared' ACL injury Related: Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa offers eye-opening advice to Tyreek Hill after drama
