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This has come as a surprise but some clarity has been provided

As it prepares for a takeover of golf, recent revelations about the use of paid actors in the Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) sparked a wave of speculation and debate within the sports community. However, TGL officials have firmly clarified the matter.

The company formed by sports executive Mike McCarley and professional golfers Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in partnership with the PGA Tour, has assured fans and critics alike that these actors are part of a specific operational strategy, not a regular feature of live events.

The clarification serves to reassure fans who are eagerly awaiting this new chapter in golf. With a focus on innovation, the league promises to deliver excitement and accessibility to a broader audience, all while maintaining the core values of the sport.

Anticipation for what’s next whit an explanation

The upcoming events are set to be a showcase of not just athletic prowess, but also the seamless integration of entertainment, technology, and fan engagement. The decision to use actors in preliminary stages is seen as a strategic move to ensure a flawless execution when the curtains rise on live broadcasts.

The innovative golf league aims to revolutionize the sport by blending traditional elements with modern entertainment. As part of their preparations, TGL has employed paid actors during dress rehearsals and for additional filmed content. This approach is akin to the use of seat fillers at high-profile award shows, ensuring a visually appealing and engaging presentation for viewers.

During the initial rollout, rumors surfaced suggesting that actors might be present at actual live events, potentially diminishing the authenticity of the audience experience. TGL responded swiftly, emphasizing that actors are used solely in controlled environments to fine-tune logistics and create supplementary content.

While the initial use of paid actors may have raised eyebrows, TGL’s transparency looks to be transforming golf for a new era. As the league moves forward, fans can look forward to witnessing a new experience of live golf, untainted by the presence of scripted participants.

BOXING

Savannah Marshall wants Claressa Shields rematch – for undisputed heavyweight world championship

Savannah Marshall outlines her plans to return to boxing in 2025 and chase down a second professional fight with great rival Claressa Shields; Shields will next box for unified heavyweight titles and now Marshall wants to fight Shields for the undisputed heavyweight world championship

Savannah Marshall intends to return to boxing in 2025 and pursue a rematch with Claressa Shields, all the way up to the heavyweight division.

Marshall’s only defeat in professional boxing came against long-time rival Shields in a major 2022 contest.

In 2023, the Briton became the undisputed super-middleweight world champion with her victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn but didn’t box at all last year as she transitioned to MMA and competed in PFL.

But she is planning her return to boxing in 2025. She wants to chase a rematch with Shields, and is especially eager to fight the American superstar for a heavyweight world title.

Shields is fighting Danielle Perkins for the WBC, WBO and IBF heavyweight championships on February 2.

Marshall expects Shields to win that bout and would welcome a heavyweight title fight with her great rival.

“I think I’ll follow suit with Claressa, go up,” Marshall told Sky Sports. “Hopefully that sets up that fight again.”

It’s the fight Marshall wants more than any other and potentially making it for an undisputed heavyweight championship would be all the more appealing.

“I went over to MMA hoping to catch her there, that hasn’t materialised,” Marshall said. “Get a fight in March and then hopefully her in the summer.

“Size-wise, I’m probably the biggest out there anyway, height, frame-wise. The pool’s so shallow, with competition. I could carry light-heavy, heavyweight. It’s not really an issue.”

She believes boxing Shields at heavyweight could give her advantages. Marshall said: “I am [bigger than her]. And hopefully it will slow her down a bit! So that’s a plus.

“It’s the biggest fight out there for us both.”

BOXING

‘He doubts himself’ – Deontay Wilder gives unique prediction for Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury could finally meet in 2025 – and Deontay Wilder has already picked a winner.

It was a disappointing end to last year for the British heavyweights, with Joshua first being brutally dropped four times and halted by Daniel Dubois in their IBF title clash in September.

Fury meanwhile was looking to get revenge against one-and-only conqueror Oleksandr Usyk, but was beaten via unanimous decision in their heavyweight rematch last month.

Both Fury and AJ have always teased a match-up throughout their heavyweight stints, but it has always failed to materialise due to negotiation breakdown or the arrival of boxing politics

But now with limited options on the table for both British greats, a showdown would still have huge commercial interest given the size of their rivalry globally.

Fury has yet to make a decision on his next move, but could still have a huge future in the heavyweight division given he is largely viewed as the No.2 behind Usyk despite his defeats.

Joshua faces a more challenging rebuild, but has offered hope he could fight on if he is able to beat Fury.

The boxing world have always had their say on the victor in a potential blockbuster clash, and they will likely barely be separated again.

The ‘Bronze Bomber’ first fought in a controversial draw with Fury in 2018, before being beaten twice by the ‘Gypsy King’ in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

But having felt the wrath of the Briton who captured his WBC world heavyweight crown, Wilder is not convinced he will beat Joshua.

The American made a clear prediction for the fight in 2022, shortly after Joshua’s defeat to Usyk

BOXING

Moses Itauma’s chances of breaking Mike Tyson record fade as route to world title mapped out

Moses Itauma’s chances of taking Mike Tyson’s record as boxing’s youngest ever heavyweight world champion appear to be over.

Itauma is considered one of the brightest young prospects in the blue-riband division, with his ferocious punching power and unique skills attracting the attention of the boxing world.

When setting out as a professional, he faced huge comparisons to heavyweight legend and former undisputed champion Tyson, for his front-thinking style.

Before his professional debut in January 2023 aged 19, Itauma had vowed to fight in pursuit of beating Tyson’s record as the youngest world heavyweight champion in the sport’s history.

‘Iron Mike’ captured the feat with a stunning win over Trevor Berbick in 1986, winning the WBC belt at the age of 20 years and four months old.

Itauma recently turned 20 on December 28, giving him until the end of April to break Tyson’s record and get his hands on a world title belt.

But it is now highly unlikely given his potential WBO interim title clash with Justis Huni will now be delayed until later in 2025.

During an interview with talkSPORT, Itauma’s promoter Francis Warren discussed the route to the pinnacle of the division, with his next outing plotted for April.

He said: “Yeah there is moving parts, you know what business is like, it could change tomorrow.

BOXING

Roy Jones Jr Sums Up Gervonta Davis Chances Of Beating Terence Crawford At Catchweight In 5 Words

Terence Crawford and Gervonta Davis are currently three divisions apart but have competed in the same classes in the past.

Crawford kicked off his campaign at lightweight, where ‘Tank’ Davis is currently a world champion. He became undisputed at super-lightweight, where ‘Tank’ Davis has also won a belt.

Crawford has since continued to move up, clearing out the welterweight division before making his debut at 154 pounds last year. Davis remains back down at 135, holding the WBA World Title and knocking out all comers.

The big hitter from Baltimore has said he would knock Crawford out in the past, perhaps tongue in cheek, but the bigger man has warned him not to punch above his weight. Whilst a fight is highly unlikely to ever take place, some believe it wouldn’t be a foregone conclusion.

In an interview with Real Lyfe Productions, multi-division world champion Roy Jones Jr said, “that’s a good damn fight,” clearly believing it would be competitive if the pair met just underneath the welterweight limit and giving ‘Tank’ a good chance due to one reason.

“I don’t see nobody around that’s gonna beat Bud unless it’s somebody way bigger than him, but don’t sleep on the fact that if him and Tank fought at about 145, that’s a good damn fight, you understand me?

Cause they both have very high IQs and Tank is very explosive. That’s the one thing that Tank got that Errol [Spence] didn’t have. In boxing, an explosive fighter can go a lot of places. I was only able to cover the weights that I covered because I was so explosive. Explosiveness keeps people in check.”

The two Americans will continue their campaign separately, with Crawford chasing a fight against super-middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez that would require a 14 pound jump, and ‘Tank’ out in March against Lamont Roach Jr before, according to his latest press conference, retiring at the end of the year.

BOXING

Floyd Mayweather’s status as the Greatest of All Time gets a direct response from Roy Jones Jr.

Floyd Mayweather is regarded as the Greatest of All Time boxer, but Roy Jones Jr. offers his unfiltered thoughts on the claim.

Roy Jones Jr. and Floyd Mayweather Jr.are two boxing legends who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Both are widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighters of their respective eras, sparking endless debates about who truly deserves the title of “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT).

Mayweather, with his perfect 50-0 record, is considered by many to be the greatest pound-for-pound boxer in history. His impenetrable defense and ability to control the pace of a fight made him a unique spectacle. Additionally, his career was marked by extraordinary commercial success, with four of the five highest-grossing pay-per-view events in boxing history.

However, Roy Jones Jr., an undisputed champion across four weight classes, holds a different opinion. In an interview with Real Lyfe Productions, when asked if he considered Mayweather the GOAT, Jones Jr. gave a simple but emphatic response: “No.”

Criticism of Mayweather’s career

Jones Jr. explained that while he respects Mayweather’s undefeated record, he believes other boxers have had more impressive careers. “You got to respect anything a person does to stay undefeated that long. I respect it to a degree, yeah. Is it a 50-0 that I think he’s the greatest fighter of all time? Nah. [Julio César] Chávez went 80-0 at one point. 80. You gonna ever top that? No. He just didn’t stop. [Floyd] got to 50-0 and stopped because of Rocky Marciano. Rocky died. If he wouldn’t have died, he probably would’ve kept going too,” Jones Jr. noted.

Jones Jr. on Conor McGregor as Mayweather’s final opponent

Jones Jr. also criticized Mayweather’s choice of Conor McGregor as his final opponent. “And then, at the end, you fight a guy who’s 0-0. How can I respect that? Conor McGregor was 0-0 and they let you do that? So what pisses me off is I’ve had fights that I’ve tried to promote in Vegas at that time with that same commission. They wouldn’t let a 13-5 guy fight with a 13-0 guy, but you would let an 0-0 fight a 49-0? That shows you that it’s all about the money.”

CELEB NEWS

A Review of Tiger Woods’ Weird New Fake-Golf League on ESPN

Watching the debut of the new TGL—that’s “Tomorrow’s Golf League”—on ESPN on Tuesday, I kept wondering: Why does this exist?

It may be best to answer a different question first: What is TGL? It’s an indoor golf league. The course is a domed practice area in Palm Beach, with a 60-foot screen that players hit shots into. A launch monitor simulates where the shot would go in the real world, only the holes here are a bit of golf science fiction. If your shot lands in virtual sand, you will hit your next one out of real sand in the arena. Squads of three players go against each other in a mix of team competition and one-on-one matches. The whole thing takes two hours or so, a nice improvement on a five-hour round (or a 10-hour broadcast) on the PGA Tour. The players all come from that tour. Most are prime-aged stars, but the league’s centerpieces are Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, whose joint business got this whole thing started.

Watching the debut of the new TGL—that’s “Tomorrow’s Golf League”—on ESPN on Tuesday, I kept wondering: Why does this exist?

It may be best to answer a different question first: What is TGL? It’s an indoor golf league. The course is a domed practice area in Palm Beach, with a 60-foot screen that players hit shots into. A launch monitor simulates where the shot would go in the real world, only the holes here are a bit of golf science fiction. If your shot lands in virtual sand, you will hit your next one out of real sand in the arena. Squads of three players go against each other in a mix of team competition and one-on-one matches. The whole thing takes two hours or so, a nice improvement on a five-hour round (or a 10-hour broadcast) on the PGA Tour. The players all come from that tour. Most are prime-aged stars, but the league’s centerpieces are Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, whose joint business got this whole thing started.

None of those facts answers the key question: Why does this golf league exist? There are business reasons. It is the golf offseason, three months before the Masters. Players have time on their hands. ESPN has television slots to fill. The world thirsts for things to bet on, and TGL’s schedule page has a handy link to help someone wager on any match. SoFi, the fintech giant, forked over a nice chunk of cash to sponsor the proceedings. Tiger, who talks a lot about the difficulty he has walking 7,000-yard golf courses, can now play in a golf league that doesn’t require him to put miles on his legs.

Those are answers for people who have a piece of the action. For a sports league to really work, some reason for existing needs to filter down to fans, too. It needs to differentiate itself from everything else. Fake golf has its uses; a simulator is great for practice, and it can be a nice fallback when an actual golf course is too far or too busy. But it turns out that fake golf is not quite as useful to watch as it can be to play. The technology on display at TGL is incredible, but once you have seen it, you have seen it. You might call this golf a diet version of the real thing, but that’s not right, because it is clear why diet drinks might appeal to the masses. The same cannot be said for TGL.

Cool things are happening here. The arena that hosts the matches is a tech marvel, surely the finest golf simulation man has ever invented. The putting green is “tech-infused,” as the league says, and is adjusted to create different sloping for different holes. The grass in the venue is real, and a crane replaces pieces of it when it gets worn down. Obsessives who dream about putting a golf sim in their basement will tune in for the same reason they might scroll through Instagram Reels of home-build simulators. Who’s projecting about this? Certainly not me.

In at least one way, this brand of half-virtual golf differentiates itself from the real thing in a way that adds value. The holes are all fictional—not better than real golf holes, but weirder, more tricked out, and less constrained by practical considerations. The holes are in a mixture of settings and often not thematically connected to one another in the way holes on a real course are. Any golf architecture dweeb will tell you (correctly) that a great course is full of complementary holes, but here, at least TGL offers a change of pace. You will see some strategic challenges that do not exist on real tour-level courses. My favorite was the hole that asked players to hit the ball 300 yards in the air over an active volcano.

The medium has major limits, though, because of the nature of simulation golf. The digital courses create fresh dilemmas for players, but they are still swinging the club in a perfectly manicured, state-of-the-art, indoor facility. Nothing on Tuesday was as fraught as the time Jordan Spieth almost killed himself hitting a shot from a cliffside or the time he almost launched himself into a Great Lake so he could hit a flop shot at the Ryder Cup. The virtual world of TGL is imaginative, but the physical one is as sterile as golf gets. There are no live alligators roaming the arena to mimic a proper Floridian course.

CELEB NEWS

Simone Biles Says She ‘Never Imagined’ Winning a Medal When She Started Gymnastics: ‘I Just Wanted to Have Fun’

“When I started doing gymnastics when I was 6, I never imagined winning medals and everything I’ve been fortunate enough to do up until this point,” Biles said

Simone Biles inspired gymnastics everywhere with her recent acceptance speech!

While accepting her honor as Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year, the 7-time Olympic gold medalist gave a short, but impactful speech about her journey from junior gymnast to making history.

“When I started doing gymnastics when I was 6, I never imagined winning medals and everything I’ve been fortunate enough to do up until this point. I just wanted to have fun and hopefully get a college scholarship. I’ve kind of surpassed all of that, which is super exciting, but everyday I spend competing alongside my teammates is truly a gift, “ Biles said.

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Taking time in her speech to give words of advice to the younger generation of gymnasts, Biles, 27, told them to push forward despite obstacles.

“No matter what life may throw at you along your journey, be the best person you can be, follow your passion, and put in the work, and you know that I see the gold within all of you,” Biles said to those in attendance, which also included long-time friend and former teammate Aly Raisman, who presented her with the honor.

Elsewhere in her acceptance speech, Biles shared loving words of thanks for her husband, Chicago Bears player Jonathan Owens, and noted the rise and increased spotlight on women’s sports in 2024.

On Thursday, Jan. 2, Biles was named by Sports Illustrated as the 2024 Sportsperson of the Year, following her record-breaking performance at the Paris Olympics that served as a redemption from her early exit in the Tokyo Games where she experienced the “twisties.”

In the interview for the feature, Biles hinted that her time as an Olympian may have come to an end.

“Because I’ve accomplished so much, there’s almost nothing left to do, rather than to just be snobby and to try again and for what? I’m at a point in my career where I’m humble enough to know when to be done,” the most decorated gymnast in history said of her chances competing with Team USA at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

BOXING

Teddy Atlas Has No Doubt Who Would Have Won Mike Tyson vs Sonny Liston: “He Knocks Him Out”

Teddy Atlas has discussed how Mike Tyson would have fared in a number of fantasy fights.

‘Iron Mike’ is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, having been the division’s youngest world champion at the age of just 20, and also holding undisputed honours in the weight class from 1987 to 1990.

It has led to debates over how Tyson would have performed against some of the other greats from different eras, with boxing fans regularly wondering how he’d have done against the likes of Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and Joe Frazier.

Respected analyst and former Tyson coach Atlas has thrown Sonny Liston into the mix, the former world heavyweight champion who twice knocked out Floyd Patterson inside the very first round.

Liston also had two infamous fights against Ali, losing them both, before he sadly died at the age of just 40 in 1970, with his final record standing at 50 wins and 4 defeats, 39 of those wins by knockout.

Atlas was certain of who would have won between ‘Iron Mike’ and Liston whilst speaking on The Fight Podcast, insisting that it would have been a dominant victory for Liston.

“Tyson would be at the end of that jab like a coyote on a locomotive. flat, pulverised. That jab would have hit him and sent a message, a physical and a mental message, you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, get the hell out.

“Liston was the naturally bigger guy and a tremendous body puncher. He’d have gone to the body with that power. Everything he threw was hard. That body attack from Liston would have taken away and eliminated the head movement and elusive ability from Tyson.

“Tyson might have needed a diaper to get in the ring with Liston. He would have intimidated Tyson. It would have been his worse nightmare. Tyson gets knocked out in the fight.”

Despite picking Liston to win, Atlas remains a fan of ‘Iron’ Mike. That hasn’t stopped him recently naming the young fighter who he believes has what it takes to break his record and become the youngest world heavyweight champion in history.

BOXING

Gervonta Davis’ bold response to Mike Tyson’s claim about their comparisons

Gervonta Davis addresses comparisons to Mike Tyson with a bold statement, sparking discussions in the boxing world.

Gervonta “Tank” Davis is regarded as one of the most destructive fighters of his generation, carrying a legacy that often draws comparisons to the legendary Mike Tyson. With an undefeated record of 30-0, including 28 knockout victories, Davis has consistently demonstrated a level of power that leaves opponents sprawled on the canvas.

Davis’ fighting style—marked by calculated patience followed by explosive finishes—evokes memories of Mike Tyson in his “Kid Dynamite” days, when he dominated the heavyweight division with an astonishing streak of 19 consecutive knockouts.

While the comparisons between Davis and Tyson are inevitable, the former heavyweight champion himself has acknowledged the differences. When asked about his similarities with “Tank,” Tyson candidly replied, according to secondsout.com, “I don’t know. Maybe just getting in trouble with the law. Other than that, no.”

In response, Davis took to social media with a concise and confident reply: “I agree. I have more skills.” This statement encapsulates Davis’ self-assuredness both in and out of the ring. Despite his respect for Tyson, Davis doesn’t hesitate to assert his own unique abilities and talent.

Preparing for the Next Chapter

Davis is currently gearing up to defend his WBA lightweight world title against Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1. At a pre-fight press conference, he stunned the boxing world by announcing his intention to retire at the end of 2025.

The Legacy of “Iron” Mike and the Rise of “Tank”

In his prime, Mike Tyson was an unstoppable force in the heavyweight division. His combination of aggression, speed, and knockout power made him a global sensation. However, his career was also marked by personal challenges and periods of indiscipline.

Gervonta Davis, on the other hand, has displayed a similar destructive power, albeit in lighter weight classes. His patient yet explosive style has left an undeniable mark on modern boxing. However, like Tyson, Davis has faced his own controversies outside the ring, adding complexity to his story.

The Future of “Tank”

Davis’ announcement of his impending retirement at the end of 2025 has sparked speculation among fans. Will this truly mark the end of the “Tank” era, or is there more to come? Regardless of what lies ahead, Gervonta Davis has already solidified his place in the annals of modern boxing history.