TMZ Sports - Page 2

Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari has tragically passed away following a serious injury he sustained in a title fight just 1 week ago.

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced on X Kotari died on Friday after his August 2 match in Tokyo against Yamato Hata ... and remembered him as a "warrior in the ring" and a "fighter in spirit."

The super-featherweight underwent emergency brain surgery to treat a subdural hematoma following the fight, per a translated press release shared by the Japan Boxing Commission. A subdural hematoma is a type of bleeding that occurs between the brain and skull, per Cleveland Clinic, and can be fatal if not attended to.

Forget Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, the man who created "The Match" tells TMZ Sports he wants the next iteration of the famed golf event to feature the Backstreet Boys vs. *NSYNC!

Bryan Zuriff -- a film and TV producer who brought "The Match" to life in 2018 -- said on Friday he's all in on the idea of the boy band battle on the links ... after he heard BSB issue Justin Timberlake and Co. the challenge on TMZ Sports this week.

Zuriff said he's got a big vision for the potential event ... explaining he wants it to go down at the Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas -- with the Sphere (where BSB are currently performing) in the backdrop!

Aaron Rodgers hasn't made a Pro Bowl in three seasons, but Brett Favre is adamant the quarterback isn't washed ... telling TMZ Sports his former teammate "still has the potential to lead a team to the Super Bowl."

"He can still play," Favre insisted during a recent sitdown. "There's no question."

If Rodgers can still be elite, he'll have to prove it in a different uniform this year ... as he left the Jets this offseason to sign with the Steelers.

Lance Stephenson is demanding an end to the sex toy-throwing chaos at WNBA games -- not just out of respect for the players, but also for the young fans in the crowd.

The longtime NBA star made things crystal clear to TMZ Sports this week ... following a fourth incident where a dildo was launched onto the court during a W contest.

"I got kids," Stephenson said. "For them to see that on the floor, man, I mean like, I'd be devastated."

Olympic boxer Omari Jones is taking the underdog in the Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez matchup ... telling TMZ Sports he's predicting Bud will pull off the upset.

Crawford (41-0) and Alvarez (63-2) will throw hands on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas ... and even though Terence is moving up several weight divisions to meet Canelo at 168 pounds, Jones still likes the boxing star's chances.

"It looks like he put it on the right way," Jones said of Crawford's weight gain. "The nutrition, the training -- Crawford, he trains hard."

Brandon Blackstock’s brother is pouring his heart out on IG the day after Brandon's death -- and it’s a gut-wrenching tribute that’ll hit you right in the feels.

Alongside an IG collage of family pics, Shelby Blackstock shared that words couldn't even begin to capture the huge hole left by Brandon's passing -- as an irreplaceable part of their family as a brother, father, grandfather, and son.

Shelby -- a racecar driver -- opened up about how much his late brother had taught him and the countless memories he'd carry forever, especially now that they won’t get to make any more.

Tom Brady's statue has finally touched down at Gillette Stadium.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion was honored with the sculpture outside the Patriots Hall of Fame in the Patriot Place Plaza at a star-studded ceremony on Friday, just months after Robert Kraft announced the tribute was incoming.

Brady had the best seat in the house for its unveiling ... and when the tarp was pulled off of it, he was all smiles and gave Kraft a big hug.

Pro wrestling’s self-proclaimed "Indy God" Matt Cardona is picking a new kind of fight – one with Grand Tank Auto ... and paperwork!

The Deathmatch King joined the premiere episode of TMZ’s "Inside The Ring" to discuss his growing empire in life after WWE -- including a growing toy line that now features MLB stars ... and told us his longstanding feud ends this month in a one-on-one match with the new self-proclaimed "Indy God," Shotzi Blackheart, at GCW’s Homecoming episode August 23rd in Dallas.

At the center of this feud -- the copyright ownership of the title "Indy God." Cardona told us he outright owns the copyright of the moniker, and he wishes to protect that for any incoming wrestlers entering the Indie scene.

9:04 PM PT -- Terrell Suggs' rep, Denise White, said in a statement to TMZ Sports on Friday ... "There was an incident at a Starbucks drive-through in which Terrell attempted to safely back out of the lane when the individual behind him became hostile and falsely accused Terrell of making contact with his vehicle, which did not occur."

"The situation escalated when the individual exited his car and approached Terrell in a confrontational manner. Notably, the individual had not placed an order in the Starbucks line, which led Terrell to believe he might continue to follow him, causing Terrell to feel threatened."

"At no point," she continued, "did Terrell point a firearm at the individual. He made it clear that he was prepared to protect himself if necessary. Arizona is an open carry state, and Terrell is aware of the responsibilities that come with firearm ownership. He recognizes that he should not have displayed his weapon, but his actions were solely in response to feeling threatened and were not intended to escalate the situation further."

TMZ Sports has obtained the video of the Starbucks dispute that led to Terrell Suggs' arrest last year ... and in the footage, you can see the ex-NFL superstar did indeed brandish a gun during the tiff.

Claressa Shields and Laili Ali hasn't been booked -- despite big interest in the scrap -- and there's a simple reason why ... the G.W.O.A.T. says the retired boxing star is SCARED!

TMZ Sports caught up with 30-year-old Shields in Los Angeles on Thursday -- as she arrived at lunch with her boyfriend, rapper Papoose -- when we asked about the status of the Ali fight.

"Layla and her representatives have told us no. Like, the answer is 'no.' She doesn't want to fight. And that's fine. I have no problem with that. I'm not upset. I mean, I wouldn't fight me either. You know what I'm saying? I understand that she's scared. I'm moving on," Shields said.

"I thought that she was about all that talk. She wanted $15 million. I went and got the $15 million. And now it's all this backpedaling. So, you know, congrats to her on whatever she's doing. But I'm moving on with my career."

Last month, Laila said Claressa would have to come up with a boatload of money if she wanted the retired boxing star to come back and scrap ... something Shields' told us she'd done.

But, alas, still no fight ... and Claressa says she knows why.

"Layla is scared to fight me, and I would be scared to fight me, too. I get it."

Shields also pointed to a change in women's boxing ... where the best fight the best (look no further than the Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano trilogy).

"We're in a generation now where the women fight each other. We don't duck each other. And back in [Laila's] generation, that's all she did. So it is what it is."

We asked Claressa if Laila's behavior has caused her to lose respect for the 24-0 boxer (the answer is yes) ... and Shields even evoked her rival's late, great father.

Hulk Hogan's wife -- not his daughter -- is the only one who can make the decision on an autopsy for the WWE legend, TMZ Sports is told.

The District Six Medical Examiner in Largo, Fla., said on Friday that despite Brooke Hogan's wishes for a probe into her father's body ... it'll ultimately be Sky Daily's choice.

For now, the official said, they have been given no indication Sky is seeking a report.

Charles Leclerc is taking a break from his hot rods to show off his hot bod ... ditching his shirt on Thursday for a yacht date with his girlfriend.

The Formula One star hit the Sardinian waters with Alexandra Saint Mleux ... and he proved that even though he drives for a living, he's a regular in the gym.

The 27-year-old flaunted some defined pecs and shoulders -- as well as a taut tummy -- in nothing but some small black shorts.

Brooke Hogan's glad her father was there to walk her down the aisle before he tragically passed ... even though it was for a fake wrestling event.

Hulk Hogan's daughter posted a clip from TNA Wrestling back in 2013 where she's all dolled up in a wedding gown ... and, her dad comes out in a tuxedo and black durag to walk her into the ring.

It was all part of a storyline in which Brooke and wrestler Bully Ray were romantically involved ... but, since Hulk didn't walk her down the aisle at her own wedding, Brooke says she's happy she at least has this to remember fondly.

Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward is behind bars once again ... this time after his attorney claims he violated conditions of his bond stemming from the June incident in which he allegedly strangled his fiancée.

Ward -- who secured two interceptions last season -- was taken into custody Thursday night in Montgomery County, Texas on a warrant tied to a felony offense, jail records show.

Ward's lawyer, Steve Jackson, told TMZ Sports the NFL player was forced to spend the night in a cell after he tested positive for alcohol -- a violation of one of the stipulations of his bond.

Reneé Rapp has no idea who Joe Rogan is ... and her fans are losing their minds.

Check out the viral clip from this week's "Call Her Daddy" podcast ... the singer and actress is asked a Rogan-related question by host Alex Cooper -- Rapp responds by asking "who the f***" Joe is ... she's then shocked he's the same height as she is when she Googles him.

Alex is clearly amused by this blunt question ands asks Reneé if she knows what "Fear Factor" or the UFC are. The 'Queen of Gen Z' admits she has no idea what 'FF' is and asks if Joe is a UFC fighter ... to which Alex replies she's not even sure!

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Bilhal Kone suffered a horrific leg injury Thursday night in his very first NFL game ... with his left leg ending up perpendicular to his body after making a play on the football in a gruesome scene.

The play happened with 15 seconds left in the first quarter. Facing a 3rd and 10, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones took a shot at Ashton Dulin in the end zone.

As Dulin and Kone were battling for the football, the rookie corner fell to the ground ... as a fan in the stands captured the injury on camera.