British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua is poised to become a three-time heavyweight champion after Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk vacated his IBF heavyweight title.

Usyk, who recently defeated Tyson Fury to become the undisputed champion, confirmed he will not be defending the IBF belt in his rematch with Fury scheduled for December 21.

Usyk took to social media to announce his decision, stating, “Anthony and Daniel, listen, I know the IBF title is important to you. It’s my present to you on September 21.”

This move paves the way for Joshua to fight fellow Brit Daniel Dubois for the vacant title at Wembley Stadium on September 21.

Joshua, who first won a world title in 2016, held the championship for three years before a shocking defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr.

He reclaimed his titles six months later but was then bested by Usyk in 2021 and lost the rematch the following year. Now, with the IBF title up for grabs, Joshua has a prime opportunity to add another chapter to his storied career.

Lionel Messi, the star forward for Inter Miami and Argentina, recently shared that he believes his remarkable football talent is a gift from God. Currently competing in the Copa América in the US, the 37-year-old discussed his perspective in an interview with podcaster Juan Pablo Varsky.

“It’s very clear to me that I was born like this because God chose me. It was a gift he gave me,” Messi explained. Reflecting on his early years, he added, “I was always different. People came to watch me. I didn’t realize it, but I only began to understand that as I grew older.”

Messi emphasized that while he has worked to hone his skills, his natural talent was evident from the start. “Of course, I tried to take advantage of it [talent], I tried to squeeze the most out of it, but the truth is, I did nothing to become the player that I already was when I was little.”

Though Messi credits his success to divine intervention, his dedication and relentless effort have undoubtedly contributed to his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

American boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. has announced the tragic death of his 32-year-old son, DeAndre, who committed suicide over the weekend.

Jones Jr. shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, expressing his gratitude for spending the final evening of DeAndre’s life together. “Unfortunately, my son DeAndre took his life Saturday,” Jones wrote. “I’m so thankful that God allowed me to come home Friday night to spend the last night of his life with me and the family.”

Jones emphasized the importance of valuing life: “I know a lot of people are going through tough times right now, but nothing is worth taking your own life. God gives it and God should be the one to take it away.”

He requested privacy during this difficult time, thanking everyone for their love and support. DeAndre, born on July 1, 1992, was the youngest of three children Jones shared with his wife Natlyn, alongside his brothers Roy III and DeShaun.

Authorities have yet to confirm details surrounding DeAndre’s death. Jones, a former four-weight world champion, is widely considered one of the greatest fighters in boxing history.