Reuters Sports News Summary
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Boxing-Mexican Alvarez withdraws from Golovkin rematch
A rematch between Kazakhstan's world middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez scheduled for May 5 has been canceled following the Mexican's positive test for the banned substance Clenbuterol, fight promoters said on Tuesday. Alvarez, who blamed contaminated beef that he consumed in Mexico for the test result, withdrew from the fight after being temporarily suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission less than two weeks ago for failing the test.
Seven cities confirm interest in 2026 Winter Games: IOC
Seven cities, or joint-bidding cities have expressed interest in hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics, the International Olympic Committee said on Tuesday. Canada's Calgary, Austria's Graz, Swedish capital Stockholm, Sion in Switzerland, Turkey's Erzurum, Japan's Sapporo and an Italian bid involving Cortina d'Ampezzo, Milan and Turin are all in the initial process.
Trio of British F1 reserve drivers lead F2 rookie charge
Four times world champion Lewis Hamilton is Britain's sole representative on the Formula One starting grid this season but it may not be long before the Mercedes driver is joined by another. The F2 season that starts in Bahrain this weekend sees three of his compatriots, all official reserve drivers for Formula One teams, step up for what could be a springboard to a grand prix future.
Printing gaffe in Games program has England part of Africa
England have been listed as an African nation with capital Banjul in the official program for the Commonwealth Games' opening ceremony, leaving Gold Coast organizers red-faced. The A$10 ($7.70) program, being sold at newsagents and merchandise tents around the balmy Queensland resort, has England's population listed at just over two million and their first Commonwealth Games appearance in 1970.
Games: 'Stolenwealth' Games protesters disrupt baton relay
Indigenous rights activists disrupted a leg of the Commonwealth Games baton relay at Australia's Gold Coast on Wednesday and demanded Britain's royal family members ask them for permission to visit "stolen" land. A few dozen protesters blocked the Queen's Baton Relay route in the suburb of Southport, causing the relay to halt for about an hour, local media reported.
Games: Aussie boxer gifted first medal of Games without a punch thrown
Australian boxer Taylah Robertson has secured the first medal of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games -- nine days before her first bout. The 19-year-old from Queensland state's Sunshine Coast is guaranteed at least a bronze in the women’s 51-kg division after receiving a free pass to the semi-finals.
Games: Police probe sexual assault complaint on Mauritius team
Queensland police have launched a criminal investigation into allegations that a Mauritian team official sexually assaulted one of the delegation's athletes at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. The allegations threaten to overshadow the start of the Games and come just hours before Wednesday's opening ceremony.
He's back! Tiger issues Masters warning shot to rivals
Tiger Woods has not competed at the U.S. Masters since 2015 but that did not stop the four-times champion from sending a warning shot to his rivals on Tuesday that echoed through the tall pines that line Augusta National. Woods, who has missed three of the previous four Masters due to back problems, called himself a "walking miracle" and said he is feeling the best he has in "seven, eight years" heading into Thursday's opening round.
DiVincenzo, strong 'D' lead Villanova to NCAA title
Much was made of Villanova's balanced, prolific scoring as the Wildcats mowed down one opponent after another in one of the most dominant runs through an NCAA Tournament in years. Lurking in the shadows was a highly underrated defense, one that turned around Monday night's national championship game with Michigan.
Wilder says ready to fight Joshua in Britain
America's WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder says he is willing to face Anthony Joshua in Britain in a fight for the undisputed crown. Briton Joshua (21-0) collected his fourth world heavyweight title belt on Saturday when he defeated Joseph Parker in Cardiff and then challenged Wilder (40-0) to a fight in Britain.