Breaking
Author

Admin

Browsing
BOXING

Oleksandr Usyk hit with major demand from boxing persona

By
Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk hit with major demand from boxing personality amid heavyweight title absence

Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has been urged to make up his mind on his future as titleholder, in rather quick fashion, too.

Receiving a sizable update on his immediate fighting future earlier this week, unbeaten megastar Oleksandr Usyk was granted an extension by the WBO in his bid to thrash out a deal on his return to the ring.

Oleksandr Usyk during the press conference ahead of his rematch against Daniel Dubois

JUST IN: Why Canelo left his training camp just weeks before Terence Crawford showdown

And ordered to defend his championships against the WBO mandatory number one in his comeback, a niggling back injury has put Usyk’s planned fight with Joseph Parker on the back burner already.

But with his future now somewhat clearer, the Ukrainian star has been issued an ultimatum by a veteran boxing analyst today.

Oleksandr Usyk urged to fight or give up his titles

A former undisputed cruiserweight champion, too, Usyk gave up his belts willingly ahead of a planned heavyweight move back in 2019.

And once more unifying all the heavyweight titles earlier this summer with his stunning knockout of Daniel Dubois in their rematch, Usyk made divisional history once more.

However, with his latest injury setback calling into question his longevity in the division, Usyk has been urged to either take on Parker or unbeaten knockout star Fabio Wardley next — as ordered — or just vacate his crowns.

“Who am I to medically assess Oleksandr Usyk?” Gareth A. Davies told IFL TV. “Listen, I think he’s buying time, that’s my view, to assess the whole scenario [at heavyweight], because he doesn’t wanna get back in there right away.

“If you don’t wanna defend the belts, give them up,” Davies continued. …In deep technical terms, maybe he needs to relinquish a belt.”

If Usyk is to lose his status as heavyweight champion before too long, it would not come as a surprise given the Ukrainian’s recent spat with governing bodies.

Oleksandr Usyk’s previous vacating of IBF crown

First making history last year, Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years, following in the footsteps of the iconic Lennox Lewis with his first of two fights with then-WBC champion Tyson Fury.

Defeating the Morecambe native in back-to-back decision victories, Usyk would win and then defend the undisputed heavyweight belts.

However, after his second win over Fury, Usyk vacated his IBF championship, unable to meet the deadline to face the governing body’s mandatory challenger.

Going on to rematch British starlet Dubois earlier this summer after his title victory against common foe Anthony Joshua, Usyk launched a savage knockout to cement himself as undisputed gold holder again.

Keep Reading
By
CELEB NEWS

Revealed: Why Novak Djokovic was upset with US Open organizers this year

By
Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic entered the 2025 US Open with one clear mission — to capture his record 25th Grand Slam title.

The Serbian star breezed past Learner Tien, Cameron Norrie, and Taylor Fritz to reach the semifinals, giving fans hope that he could finally secure a major final appearance after falling short in the previous three tournaments of the year.

However, his campaign came to an abrupt halt when Carlos Alcaraz, the eventual champion, ousted him in straight sets. While the defeat itself was a major blow, it has since emerged that Djokovic’s frustrations with the US Open organizers added to his discontent during the tournament.

Djokovic downs Norrie to advance to the Round of 16 at the US Open – TSN

JUST IN: Why was Tiger Woods’ former girlfriend in Jannik Sinner’s box at US Open?

The scheduling decision that angered Djokovic

Australian Billie Jean King Cup captain Nicole Pratt shed light on why Djokovic was unhappy in New York. Speaking on The Tennis podcast, she revealed that an unusual scheduling choice caught the Serbian off guard.

“The schedule came out, he was first on at 11,” Pratt explained. “He’d never been first on in 15 years, let me tell you, he was not happy. He was not happy, and if you talk about managing energy levels, and he’s to the nth degree on everything, and so calculated, that would have thrown him for six.”

Novak Djokovic was placed in the first match slot of the second round, facing American Zachary Svajda at 11:30 a.m. The early start was uncharacteristic for a player accustomed to prime-time matches, especially on Arthur Ashe Stadium. For an athlete known for meticulous energy management, the unusual scheduling was seen as a disruptive factor.

Normal service resumed, but frustration lingered

After his early-round morning appearance, Djokovic returned to his familiar evening slots for the rest of the tournament. Still, the unexpected scheduling left its mark, particularly given how finely he prepares for Grand Slam matches.

Pratt also pointed to Novak Djokovic’s candid reflections after his semifinal defeat to Alcaraz, where the Serbian acknowledged the challenge of competing against the younger generation.

“It was very real, and almost humbling, right?” Pratt said. “Normally, he’s the guy holding the trophy at the end of the Grand Slam, and now he’s almost conceding the fact that there are just two guys better than him.”

What lies ahead for Novak Djokovic

Despite the setbacks, Djokovic’s hunger for success remains undiminished. With his eyes still firmly fixed on winning that elusive 25th Grand Slam, questions are being raised about whether he should consider adapting his schedule in 2026.

Pratt suggested a potential shift in his approach: “It’s interesting, because he’s played all of the Slams, but he hasn’t played the Master 1000s, and the 1000s are best of three sets. So I’d actually like to see a bit of a flip next year. If you think physically you can’t match up for five sets, play the best of three.”

For now, the 2025 US Open will be remembered not only for Novak Djokovic’s defeat but also for the rare moment where scheduling left one of the sport’s greatest champions visibly unsettled.

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

Why Canelo left his training camp just weeks before Terence Crawford showdown

By
Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford

Canelo Alvarez has revealed the heartwarming reason he left his training camp ahead of one of the biggest fights of his career against Terence Crawford this weekend in defence of his undisputed super middleweight titles.

The Mexican left the gym behind briefly around four weeks ago to welcome his third daughter, Eva Victoria, with his wife Fernanda Gomez. Canelo admitted that attending the birth reminded him of why he fights and gave him extra motivation for Saturday’s fight.

Alvarez told the Daily Mail: “I left training to be at the birth of my daughter. I received my daughter, and everything was amazing.

Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford

JUST IN: ‘He’l be a Human Punch Bag’: Sad Truth About Mike Tyson Fightin

“It was so beautiful. But then I had to go back to my training camp. It was incredibly hard to be away from them.

“Especially when she had just arrived, but it made me feel motivated. I do everything for them. I will win this fight for them.”

This is Canelo’s fifth child – and his second with his wife of four years, Gomez.

His three other children – Emily Cinnamon, who arrived when the Mexican was just 17, Mia Ener, and Saul Adiel were all born to different mothers.

He will be hoping this added motivation will help him get over the line and beat the hungry challenger Crawford, who is vying to become a three-time undisputed champion and five-weight champion.

After being forced to vacate the IBF title, he reclaimed his undisputed super-middleweight championships in his last fight against William Scull, who had held the belt, before being comfortably outpointed by Canelo, who looked frustrated by Scull’s cat-and-mouse antics.

Crawford will be a different proposition; he is a fighter who does not fear exchanging and holds power in his hands with 31 knockouts in 41 wins, as well as an acute boxing intelligence, the likes of which is rarely seen.

If Canelo can defeat Crawford, his name will rise further through the ranks of the greatest fighters of all time.

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

‘He’ll be a Human Punch Bag’ – Sad Truth About Mike Tyson Fightin

By
Mike Tyson

‘He’ll be a Human Punch Bag’ – Sad Truth About Mike Tyson Fighting Floyd Mayweather

The announcement that Mike Tyson will face off against Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition match next year and sparked huge reaction on social media and now, one of Money’s former opponents has offered his verdict on the fight and on Iron Mike’s chances against the undefeated icon.

The last few years have seen a number of boxing greats briefly come out of retirement to compete in exhibition bouts against celebrities, combat sports athletes or other former boxers. The likes of Roy Jones Jr and Evander Holyfield have both stepped back into the ring in recent years. As have Mayweather and Tyson. The former came out of retirement to take on Logan Paul, Deji Olatunji and Aaron Chalmers among others in exhibition bouts, while the latter lost to Jake Paul in an official boxing match.

Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather announce exhibition | 'It's going to be detrimental to his health' | Boxing News | Sky Sports

JUST IN: Terence Crawford has two of his best wins completely ripped ap

Now, they’re set to face each other and what would have been considered a dream match with both men being two of the greatest boxers ever, but with Tyson closing in on his 60th birthday, it’s safe to say his best days are long behind him and one of Mayweather’s former opponents is worried about Iron Mike’s chances and his health.

Ricky Hatton is Concerned For Tyson

During Mayweather’s prime, in the middle of his dominance across boxing, he faced off against Ricky Hatton. The Brit was also undefeated at the time, with an incredible 43-0 record heading into their bout in 2007. He was no match for Money, though, and experienced his greatness firsthand via a 10th round TKO loss. As a result, he knows exactly what Money can do and he’s worried about Tyson following the announcement of their match next year.

Shortly before the 59-year-old’s loss to Jake Paul, his health was brought under the spotlight when it was reported that he’d almost died just months earlier due to an ulcer flare-up onboard a plane. As a result, Hatton has slammed those around Tyson who are allowing him to get into the ring with someone like Mayweather and he thinks the former heavyweight champion will merely be a punching bag for his opponent.

Speaking exclusively to Metro, Hatton said:

“In normal circumstances, given the size difference, you would probably be more worried about Floyd’s well-being, but I think the opposite. I don’t think Mike will get near him and he’ll be a human punching bag to be honest. Mike’s approaching sixty, and you saw from his last fight that he’s well and truly past it. I think Mike could really end up getting hurt. I’m not sure I even believe it yet, to be honest, but it would be bad for boxing if it is allowed.

“There’s no winner. If Mike somehow hits Floyd and flattens him, then people will say ‘Look at the size difference, it shouldn’t have been allowed’. But if Floyd goes in there and boxes his head off and uses him as a punching bag then people will say ‘We knew that was going to happen.’ So there’s no positives to come out of it except a lot of dough, which clearly is the only thing people are thinking about.”

The contest is set to take place sometime in Spring 2026 with the location and venue yet to be disclosed.

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

Terence Crawford has two of his best wins completely ripped ap

By
Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford has two of his best wins completely ripped apart by a former boxing world champion

Terence Crawford has had his resume dissected by a retired boxer.

On Saturday night, the American will go head-to-head with Canelo Alvarez at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Terence Crawford punching Amir Khan

JUST IN: How Terence Crawford’s inactivity might cost him against Canelo

While ‘Bud’ is smaller, many believe the underdog has a chance of defeating the Mexican. Even Canelo admits there is something about Crawford that worries him.

However, one former world champion believes the undefeated fighter is going into the contest with a relatively thin record.

Paulie Malignaggi slates two of Terence Crawford’s best wins

Paulie Malignaggi has criticized Terence Crawford’s level of opposition.

‘The Magic Man’ believes two of his countryman’s best opponents were far past their best when the fights took place.

In an episode of Boxing Scene Today, Malignaggi said: “When Crawford got Amir Khan and Kell Brook, they were a shell of what they were before.

“It looked good on the resume, but they weren’t those guys.”

Terence Crawford poses one serious problem to Canelo Alvarez, according to a legend

Canelo is undeniably the favorite going into the fight this weekend.

However, with such a tremendous skill set, a four-weight world champion won’t write Crawford off.

He had a very interesting take on the bout.

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

How Terence Crawford’s inactivity might cost him against Canelo

By
Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford returns to the ring this weekend for the first time in over a year, stepping up to super middleweight to face undisputed champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

Doubts have already been raised over Crawford’s chances as he prepares to jump up two weight classes after just one fight at super welterweight, but inactivity is another factor that may work against ‘Bud’.

Since 2019 Crawford has fought just once a year, and his contest against Canelo will be the third consecutive fight to be staged at a different weight class.

Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford

READ: ‘Don’t tell Canelo!’: Terence Crawford provides fresh update on injury rumours

Can Crawford shake off the ring rust to emerge victorious this Saturday?

Terence Crawford’s rusty performance against Israil Madrimov

Our most recent look at Crawford was his narrow unanimous decision win over Israil Madrimov, the previously undefeated Uzbekistani, last August. Only 11 fights into his professional career, but with over 300 fights as an amateur, Madrimov more than gave ‘Bud’ a fight.

In fact, he was the first man to take Crawford 12 rounds since 2016, with the American edging the score cards 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113.

Crawford’s performance against Madrimov also raised the question of how he coped with the additional weight, with some critics claiming he looked slower carrying another 7lbs.

His lack of activity, the additional weight, and the slowing down that age forces upon us all are road blocks to Crawford’s potential success against Canelo and he will have to perform better than he did against Madrimov to get his hand raised this weekend.

Canelo’s own activity outpaces Terence Crawford

Known as ‘the face of boxing’, Canelo Alvarez has settled into the rhythm of fighting close to Cinco de Mayo in the spring, before returning to action in September, close to Mexican Independence Day.

Whilst boxing around those major public holidays certainly helps commercially, it may also give Canelo a boost when it comes to ring-readiness. Since 2021 Canelo has been fighting at least twice a year, an average that continues back to 2012.

Crawford’s own inactivity may not be costly on a personal level – he could find that he performs better with longer to rest and prepare between fights. However, the younger Canelo may find advantage by being in a better rhythm.

Could a lack of a tune-up and Terence Crawford’s age prove costly?

Much of the discussion around Crawford’s chances centre on currently unknown variables. A tune-up fight would have enabled Crawford to gather information ahead of the Canelo contest, getting some rounds in, whilst also boosting his experience of fighting slightly heavier.

Of course, if Crawford produced a safe-yet-lacklustre performance against a smaller name, that same criticism would persist.

Just two weeks after his fight with Canelo, Crawford will turn 38. Over two decades of boxing will take its toll, and he no longer has to struggle with cutting weight due to being able to put on another 14lbs to fight at super middleweight, Crawford’s powers of recovery may not be what they used to be.

Crawford’s inactivity may in fact be the best approach to get as much out of his career as possible; rather than burning out quicker, ‘Bud’ will hope to increase his chances of winning fights.

Keep Reading
By
CELEB NEWS

Why was Tiger Woods’ former girlfriend in Jannik Sinner’s box at US Open?

By
Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods’ former girlfriend Lindsey Vonn was a surprise face in Jannik Sinner’s box during the US Open tennis final against Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, sparking plenty of speculation among fans.

The American ski legend, who won Olympic gold in 2010 and is one of the most decorated skiers in history, was seated directly behind Sinner’s team at Flushing Meadows.

Vonn had a romantic relationship with golf legend Woods between 2013 and 2015.

7 Years After Their Split, Lindsey Vonn Confessed the 'Really Difficult' Part About Dating Tiger Woods: 'I Didn't Need to Share That' - EssentiallySports

JUST IN: ‘He’s Limited’: Why PGA Tour Pro Raises Alarming Concern on Tiger Woods’ Game Amid Comeback Rumors

After splitting with Vonn, the PGA Tour superstar got into a relationship with Erica Herman in 2017 only for that relationship to end five years later.

In 2022, Vonn openly spoke about her relationship with Woods during an interview with ET Online, making it clear she remains friends with him.

Woods then confirmed earlier this season he is now happily dating Vanessa Trump, the former wife of Donald Trump Jr.

Some reports surfaced over the summer that Woods is so in love right now that he is planning a proposal to Vanessa.

Woods has only been married once to Elin Nordegren between 2004 and 2010.

Nordegren had a hilarious reaction when finding out Woods was dating a Trump.

But back to the top of the story, and why Woods’ ex-girlfriend Vonn was sat in Sinner’s box during the 2025 US Open final on Sunday.

Despite recent social media rumours linking the Italian tennis ace with various models and celebrities, there is no suggestion Vonn and Sinner are romantically linked.

Sinner has never disclosed his girlfriend but he reportedly has a wallaper photo of Danish model Laila Hasanovic on his phone.

Vonn and Sinner are said to have bonded in recent years as a result of their skiing backgrounds.

Before choosing tennis, Sinner was an elite junior skier in northern Italy, and he and Vonn hit the slopes together in 2024.

Speaking to the ATP last year, Vonn explained why she felt such a connection with the Italian star:

“I always thought it was really special that he was a former ski racer and that’s obviously where we connected. He’s a pretty shy guy, but he’s really humble and always super kind.”

Vonn has also praised Sinner’s composure under pressure, comparing it to the fearlessness needed in skiing:

“If he’s under pressure and has to serve on match point, his perspective is that if he misses, nothing happens. It’s not like skiing, where one wrong turn can cause a crash. That fearlessness is something he uses to his advantage.”

She even drew comparisons with Roger Federer, saying Sinner is “a great athlete, very smart and someone who’s going to be around for a long time.”

Sinner went on to lose 3-1 to Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz, who clinched his second US Open title to move back to World No.1.

Alcaraz was followed closely en route to US Open glory by his good friend Sergio Garcia, who spoke exclusively to GolfMagic last week.

Garcia told us that he withdrew from last week’s Irish Open as a result of not making the European Ryder Cup team.

Garcia then told us later in the week that he played a golf match with Alcaraz before his semi-final at the US Open.

Alcaraz joined Garcia’s Fireballs GC teammate David Puig, while Garcia partnered Alcaraz’s tennis coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Puig and Alcaraz won the match 1up on the 18th green.

Keep Reading
By
GOLF

‘He’s Limited’: Why PGA Tour Pro Raises Alarming Concern on Tiger Woods’ Game Amid Comeback Rumors

By
Tiger Woods

Neal Shipley recently opened up on The Golf Parent podcast about his incredible Masters and U.S. Open experiences.

From practice rounds with seasoned pros to his unforgettable Sunday pairing with Tiger Woods at the 2024 Masters, the now-tour professional shared insights that every golf parent and junior player should hear.

But it was one particular observation about his childhood idol that caught everyone’s attention. What Shipley witnessed during those 18 holes at Augusta National revealed a side of Tiger that most fans never see. The now-PGA Tour professional observed something most fans never see. Tiger’s legendary shot-making ability has transformed into careful game management. “With his body he’s limited on what types of shots he can hit,” Shipley revealed during a recent interview.

Tiger Woods note question leads to awkward end to Neal Shipley press conference

READ: Charlie Woods undergoes drastic body transformation as son of gol

The physical constraints became obvious throughout their round. Tiger stuck to just two shots he felt comfortable executing. He played “this big peel cut” all day with his driver. Meanwhile, his iron play featured “a little back foot trap draw shot.” The variety that once defined Tiger’s dominance has given way to strategic simplicity.

His body just sometimes some days doesn’t want to move certain ways,” Shipley explained. The observation carries weight from someone who spent 18 holes studying Tiger’s every move. After six back surgeries and approaching his 50th birthday, Tiger has adapted his approach entirely.

However, some aspects of Tiger’s game remain untouchable. His short game still mesmerizes playing partners and galleries alike. “Once he got near the greens his touch was insane,” Shipley noted with obvious admiration. “He still has great touch. He has great hands still.”

The Career-Changing Mentorship Impact

The experience marked a pivotal moment for Shipley himself. He entered that Sunday frustrated after shooting 80 on Saturday. Everything changed when his caddie delivered the news about their Tiger pairing. Shipley’s emotions shifted from disappointment to pure excitement almost instantly.

Their conversations throughout the round revealed Tiger’s genuine personality. They discussed Charlie Woods, golf courses, and Tiger’s Stanford experiences. “He’s just a person,” Shipley reflected. “It was really cool to talk with him about a lot of things.”

The pairing proved transformative for Shipley’s career trajectory. He called it a “springboard” that helped propel his professional aspirations forward. The confidence boost from competing alongside his childhood idol translated into immediate results. Since turning professional, Shipley has captured two Korn Ferry Tour victories. He secured five consecutive top-10 finishes. His world ranking climbed to 85th position. Most importantly, he earned full PGA Tour status for the 2026 season.

The mentorship aspect extended beyond golf instruction. Tiger’s approach to managing physical limitations while maintaining competitive excellence provided valuable lessons. Young players rarely get such intimate access to witness legends adapting their games.

Looking ahead, Shipley’s rapid ascension demonstrates the lasting impact of that Masters Sunday. The amateur who once wore head-to-toe Tiger gear as an eight-year-old has transformed into a tour professional. His journey from frustrated Saturday to euphoric Sunday perfectly encapsulates golf’s unpredictable nature.

Keep Reading
By
CELEB NEWS

Future Superstar: Serena’s Ex-Mentor Says Coco Gauff Just

By
Coco gauff

Future Superstar: Serena’s Ex-Mentor Says Coco Gauff Just One Step Away from Greatness

Rick Macci believes the young American has the tools to dominate women’s tennis, but insists her serve remains the key to unlocking her full potential

Coco Gauff has already achieved incredible success at just 21 years old, winning two Grand Slam titles and reaching World No. 3 in the rankings

Yet, despite her rapid rise, the American star is still being told that one major weakness could prevent her from claiming the top spot in women’s tennis.

The criticism came into sharper focus after her 2025 US Open round of 16 defeat to Naomi Osaka, where Jack Sock didn’t mince words.

“Honestly, it’s been a bit of a struggle,” the former American tennis star admitted. He added bluntly: “She’s got to find that serve.”

And now, perhaps most notably, former Serena Williams coach Rick Macci has weighed in. Macci, who famously worked with the 23-time Grand Slam champion during her early years, believes Gauff is destined for greatness if she fixes one crucial area of her game.

READ MORE : ‘I’m a human’ Gauff Fires Off Response to Critics Targeting

Sharing his perspective on X, Macci wrote: “Because Coco fights and can fly, she never says good bye. Her serve will become her best shot and she contend again for the number one spot. If she is reprogramed with the more compact explosive ATP FOREHAND, the Delray Dart will be number one in the land. @CocoGauff.”

A flaw Gauff is determined to fix

Coco gauff

Serving has been a recurring challenge for Gauff, drawing comments from coaches, analysts, and even her fellow players.

Earlier this year, she parted ways with longtime coach Matt Daly and sought the expertise of biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan and coach Jean-Christophe Faurel, both credited with helping Aryna Sabalenka fix similar issues in her game.

“I’m not gonna waste my time playing the way I don’t wanna play,” Gauff explained when addressing the coaching change.

Her struggles have not gone unnoticed. Former doubles great Rennae Stubbs criticized the lack of progress on her serve, saying on her podcast: “But my God, like her serve, I don’t understand why now she has literally two coaches. Nothing has changed on her serve… like the ball toss is so far ahead of her on the second serve.”

The numbers tell the story. Gauff has already racked up more than 320 double faults this season, something she openly admits must change.

“I know I probably won’t be ever double fault-free, but if I could get that to 2 per cent, 3 per cent, it would make a big difference in just making these matches a lot easier,” she acknowledged.

RELATED NEWS : Emotional: Tearful US Open legend Chris Evert ‘feels like

Despite the ongoing scrutiny, many in the tennis world believe Gauff‘s best days are still ahead.

Former American pro Steve Johnson recently explained on the Nothing Major Podcast how her inconsistent serve affects the rest of her game: “When a player struggles to serve consistently, as Gauff has, it places added pressure on other areas like the forehand, backhand, and movement, eventually leading to a breakdown on court.”

Rory McIlroy Novak Djokovic

Still, Johnson emphasized that she has plenty of time to make the necessary adjustments. “She’s going to figure it out. She won a slam this year, she’s still three in the world-lots of time left for her,” he said.

As for Gauff herself, she has made it clear that self-improvement is part of her identity. “For me, I just wanna get better. I’m obsessed with the process of getting better,” she said before the US Open. While she admitted that obsession can sometimes feel overwhelming, she insisted it gives her clarity about her goals.

If Macci‘s prediction holds true, then addressing her serving woes may not only help Gauff solidify her status among the elite but also pave the way for her to fulfill her destiny as the world’s best player.

Keep Reading
By
CELEB NEWS

The Weight of a Dynasty: Will Charlie Rule Tiger’s Throne or

By
Tiger Woods

The Weight of a Dynasty: Will Charlie Rule Tiger’s Throne or Collapse Beneath It?

Tiger Woods is a protective father but the decision to catapult his son into public view at the PNC Championship is an interesting one

Nobody who owns a yacht named Privacy is likely to pursue publicity. Tiger Woods has made the keeping of secrets an art form despite spending the majority of his life as one of the most recognisable people on earth. Hank Haney, the golf coach, once told the story of being chastised by his star client for giving a television executive a nod towards Woods’s likely schedule. Any member of the media who claims they properly know Woods is spoofing; there is deliberate, visible distance kept between the 15-times major winner and all but those within his inner sanctum. So many questions, so few answers.

Against this backdrop, the profile given to 13-year-old Charlie Woods – and at his father’s own volition – is intriguing.

READ MORE : Tiger’s Son Charlie Takes Down America’s Best Juniors for

The PNC Championship in Orlando ordinarily provides a bit of hit-and-giggle for high-profile golfing families but the now routine involvement of Team Woods raises interest levels significantly. Including to the point where it can make for uncomfortable reading or listening. This weekend, we have seen Charlie’s divot pattern assessed. Every pose and swing is likened to his iconic father.This is a child, subject to the kind of scrutiny that would be deemed unhealthy by plenty of onlookers. How does Charlie seamlessly return to the classroom having been plastered all over the Golf Channel for 72 hours?

Charlie Woods

What makes this situation so intriguing is that Tiger, such a fiercely protective father, is better placed than anybody to comprehend the attention placed on his young son. The pair can play golf within Floridian-gated communities, away from prying eyes, whenever they choose. Instead, Tiger thinks it useful – and now more than once – to catapult Charlie into public view with golf club in hand. Equally interesting is that Charlie, for all we can reasonably tell, relishes the environment. He has no apparent desire to shun the limelight or wilt as cameras click and golf analysts swoon.

RELATED NEWS : “Surprised!” Tiger Woods Confirms Teen Daughter Sam’s Hidden

Tiger’s connection to his own father, Earl, has always been key to a story of sporting greatness. Sufficient evidence has been produced to suggest Earl was not the most pleasant of characters and some of his “training” of an emerging Tiger would equate to child cruelty in modern terms, but the US army veteran was perfectly correct when insisting his was a child who would change golf. Tiger was not so much a project for Earl as an obsession, which in turn seems to have fuelled the tunnel-vision approach of a golfer who was a Masters champion at 21. This was no ordinary relationship, which produced no ordinary golfer.

Tiger woods

Charlie’s scenario is altogether different. For all he is clearly a very good player, with potential to be a great one, he has not reached the position where he is breaking childhood record upon record. The junior tournament domain in Florida he typically competes in is of an incredibly high standard. Tiger has spoken of Charlie’s love for multiple sports. When it comes to golf, Charlie is already encountering reference by association which was never any burden to Tiger. Charlie, regardless of what he achieves in sport and life, will forever be Tiger Woods’s son. Earl had no status whereby the same applied. People knew of the emergence of a teenage Tiger but the absence of social media in the 1990s meant his development was largely in private. Type “Charlie Woods” into YouTube and a sense of the number of eyeballs the teenager has already commanded is plain.

Keep Reading
By