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The 2025 Kentucky Derby is just hours away. The race features 19 horses competing for the coveted garland of roses. However, the weather may pose a challenge for those planning to attend the event.

Although the Kentucky Derby is famous for its extravagant hats and sophisticated outfits, attendees might want to consider choosing more waterproof attire this year. Churchill Downs is expecting rain or thunderstorms on Saturday, with cooler temperatures and a high of 66 degrees in the forecast. Thunderstorms are likely in the afternoon but should clear out by the time the race begins at 7:02 p.m. ET, though rain could continue to fall.

The 151st Kentucky Derby is set to proceed as scheduled, rain or shine. As we approach race time, it’s crucial to stay updated on the forecast. Here’s the latest information:

What is the weather forecast for the 2025 Kentucky Derby?

Below is the forecast for Saturday’s 151st run of the Kentucky Derby, per the National Weather Service:

‘Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 65. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.’

Kentucky Derby hourly forecast

Here’s an hour-by-hour breakdown of Saturday’s weather for the Kentucky Derby:

8 a.m.: 81% chance of rain
9 a.m.: 95% chance of rain
10 a.m.: 92% chance of rain
11 a.m.: 96% chance of rain
Noon: 100% chance of rain
1 p.m.: 98% chance of rain
2 p.m.: 99% chance of rain
3 p.m.: 86% chance of rain
4 p.m.: 64% chance of rain
5 p.m.: 39% chance of rain
6 p.m.: 40% chance of rain
7 p.m.: 52% chance of rain
8 p.m.: 68% chance of rain

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LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Clippers managed to force a Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets with a 111-105 victory in Game 6 on Thursday.

The Clippers’ defense managed to keep Nuggets star Nikola Jokić from a triple-double (25 points, eight assists and seven rebounds). Jokic has averaged a triple-double in the series with 25.3 points, 11.8 rebounds and 10.5 assists per game.

James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Norman Powell led the Clippers’ offense, combining for 79 points.

Nicolas Batum was held in high regard by his coaches and teammates for his efforts on both ends of the floor in Game 6 and could be added to the starting lineup for Game 7. He finished with six points, six assists, five rebounds, three blocked shots and two steals on Thursday.

It will be up to coach Tyronn Lue to consider whether he will check in with his players again, through individual conversations, like he did prior to Game 6.

Lue’s squad has seen different results throughout the series while playing in Denver.

The Clippers split the first two games of the series on the road with the Nuggets. The two games were decided by a combined total of five points. Denver then blew out L.A. 131-115 in Game 5.

Russell Westbrook played a big role in the final minutes of Game 1 as the Nuggets rallied to win in overtime. Westbrook scored 15 points in the game, including three on an uncontested shot in the corner from long range that helped give Denver a lead late in regulation. He also knocked an inbound pass away and off of Harden with 9.6 seconds left to help seal the win in overtime.

Leonard helped the Clippers in Game 2 with a 39-point performance while shooting 15-of-19 from the field; his teammates combined for 26-of-66 shooting from the field.

“We can have the confidence to know that we have won there, but it’s going to be a different game,” Leonard said. “We have to come out aggressive in the first quarter and make sure they don’t get a big lead on us.”

The Clippers are looking to avoid having their season end with a first-round exit for a third consecutive year.

In each of the previous two seasons, Leonard was a non-factor for the Clippers. He played in just two games in each of those first-round series because of injuries.

He started off the 2024-25 season listed as day-to-day after undergoing a knee procedure during the offseason to address swelling. Leonard had expressed during media day in September that he expected to play the season opener, but he missed the first 34 games of the season. The Clippers went 19-15 without him.

He also mentioned during the Clippers’ media day that he was hoping to remain healthy enough to have a run in the playoffs. He’s been able to follow through with that through the first six games.

The team has not reported a single player on the injury report this postseason.

The Nuggets took a lead in the series while dealing with their share of injuries. Westbrook had left foot inflammation and was considered questionable after rolling his ankle before Game 3. He missed Game 4 before rejoining the series.

Michael Porter Jr. has continued to play despite a bad left shoulder. He’s averaged 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in 32.8 minutes per game in the series.

When is Game 7 between Clippers and Nuggets?

The Clippers will travel to play the Nuggets in Game 7 at Ball Arena in Denver. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on May  3 (TNT).

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The Dallas Stars have an advantage besides home-ice advantage when they host the Colorado Avalanche in Game 7 on Saturday night.

They have coach Peter DeBoer.

DeBoer has an 8-0 record in Game 7s. If the Stars win Saturday, he would set a record for most Game 7 victories by either a coach or a player.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar, meanwhile, has never won a Game 7, going 0-3.

DeBoer is also 3-0 in playoff series against the Avalanche. Colorado has never won a Game 7 on the road since moving from Quebec in 1995.

USA TODAY Sports offers its predictions on whether the Dallas Stars or Colorado Avalanche will win Game 7 and advance to the second round:

Game 7 predictions

Jason Anderson – Avalanche 5, Stars 2: Colorado has created more of the chances throughout the series, and that has to add up to something. Expect a close one that sees Cale Makar dominate, with the Avs finally sealing the series with a late empty-netter.

Mike Brehm – Avalanche 5, Stars 3: DeBoer can’t stay perfect forever, right? I had the Avalanche winning the Stanley Cup and I have faith they can pull this one off against a Stars team still missing Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen. Just make sure you don’t give up a goal in the first nine seconds this time.

Jace Evans – Avalanche 4, Stars 3: I picked Avalanche in seven before the series and I’m sticking with it. The Avs have, on balance, been the better team this series, holding a 22-17 advantage in goals and a 214-167(!) edge in shots.

How to watch Stars vs. Avalanche Game 7: TV, stream

Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: American Airlines Center (Dallas)
TV: ABC
Stream: Fubo, ESPN+

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Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon says her ‘heart’s a little heavy’ for Gregg Popovich, who officially stepped down as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after 29 seasons.

“My heart’s a little heavy for him because I know how much he loves it,” Hammon said on Friday ahead of the Aces’ preseason matchup against the Dallas Wings. She said Popovich, who will transition into the role of the Spurs’ president of basketball operations, is ‘one of the greatest to do it. Arguably, the greatest to do it.” 

Hammon said she texted Popovich following the news, telling her 76-year-old mentor that she’s ‘thinking about him and love(s) him’ because she’s sure it was ‘a heavy, heavy decision for him’ to step away. Hammon said she has no doubt that Popovich will ‘crush this new role just as much.’

‘I know he’ll still be running around that facility and be heavily involved with the everyday decisions. He will always be the most competitive person in the building, whatever building he’s in,’ Hammon said. ‘That part doesn’t change just because you get a little bit older.’

GREGG POPOVICH STEPS DOWN: Six ways he left his footprint on the Spurs and NBA

Hammon got her start in coaching after Popovich hired her as an assistant coach in August 2014, making her only the second female coach in NBA history. Hammon coached the Spurs to a Summer League title in 2015, the first woman to do so. When Popovich was ejected in the second quarter of the Spurs’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 30, 2020, Hammon became the first female acting head coach in league history.

Hammon interviewed for the Milwaukee Bucks’ general manager position in 2017 and the Portland Trail Blazers’ head coaching vacancy in 2021, before accepting the Las Vegas Aces’ head coaching job in December 2021.

“He’s a huge reason why I got this job,” said Hammon, who won back-to-back WNBA titles in 2022 and 2023 and is 87-29 in three seasons as the head coach of the Aces. ‘That’s who mentored me. That’s who spent literally thousands of hours with me.’

Hammon said Popovich’s leadership always stood out to her during the eight years she spent on his staff.

‘I think what was always so amazing about Pop was how he led,’ she said. ‘People have different leadership styles, but I thought he got the absolute most out of his roster. Whatever his roster looked like. Turns out, he had some really good players.’

After news of Popovich stepping down hit the airwaves, many sports reporters endorsed Hammon as his successor and recommended she be named the Spurs’ next head coach to continue his legacy. The job is going to Mitch Johnson, who has served as the interim head coach since Popovich suffered a mild stroke on Nov. 2.

Hammon said she’s ‘super happy where I’m at.’

‘This opportunity for me, I couldn’t pass on it. … I bet on myself instead of, maybe waiting it out for a maybe (in the NBA). I’ve enjoyed being back on the women’s side. You guys know I’m effusive about my love for this team and being back in the women’s game,’ Hammon said. ‘If I were to ever make that jump again, it would just have to be the right fit, right time and for the right people with the right team.’

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After winning gold in the 100m hurdles at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a time of 12.33 seconds, Russell bested herself and turned in a personal best time of 12.17 seconds at the Grand Slam Track Miami meet on Friday, which sets an American record and becomes the second-fastest time in world history.

Russell, 24, appeared to surprise herself, saying she’s ‘in shock’ over the result after the race.

‘I wasn’t expecting that,’ Russell said. ‘I just went out there and competed. These women force you to be your best self. It brings the best out of you. I’m just floating on cloud nine right now.’

Fellow American Tia Jones finished second in the race with a time of 12.19, which marks the third-fastest time in world history. Both Russell and Jones beat the previous American record of 12.20 seconds set by Keni Harrison in 2016. Nigerian Tobi Amusan currently holds the world record in 100m hurdles with a time of 12.12, which she turned in at the 2022 World Championships.

On Thursday, U.S. Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley was arrested for misdemeanor battery after allegedly striking a woman with a closed fist at a hotel ahead of this weekend’s Grand Slam Track event in Miami.

Grand Slam Track confirmed in a statement that Kerley, the reigning Olympic bronze medalist in the men’s 100-meter dash would no longer compete at this weekend’s event and declined further comment. He was scheduled to compete in the 100-meter dash on Saturday and the 200-meter dash on Sunday.

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SOUTH BEND, IN – All basketball eyes Friday were on WNBA rookie Paige Bueckers. 

Except those on former Notre Dame All-American guard Arike Ogunbowale. Or former Irish guards Jewell Loyd and Jackie Young. The three veterans received warm welcome back receptions during the first WNBA game played at Purcell Pavilion, an exhibition Friday between the Las Vegas Aces and the Dallas Wings. 

Bueckers, the top pick by Dallas in last month’s WNBA draft, wasn’t far behind. She was cheered when she was the second Wings starter announced. She was cheered after her first bucket with 6:12 left in the first quarter. 

She was usually jeered during two previous trips to Notre Dame, which both ended in UConn losses. 

“It wasn’t UConn playing Notre Dame so it was a littel bit different energy from the crowd,” Bueckers said. 

Twenty-six days after leading Connecticut to its 12th national championship, the Dallas rookie looked Friday like a rookie. In 22:37 on the court, Bueckers had 10 points, four rebounds and one assist. She made four of seven shots from the floor and two of three from 3. She did not attempt a free throw and finished with a plus/minus of (-23). 

Bueckers left the game for good with 5:31 remaining and Dallas down 94-75. 

“It’s super surreal in terms of the turnaround from where I was two weeks to where I am today,” Bueckers said. “I’m just excited to play basketball again.” 

Las Vegas won 112-78. 

Bueckers matched up much of the night against Young, one of the game’s elite guards. Young, also a No. 1 pick, admitted earlier in the day that it took years to adjust to the speed and style of the WNBA game. It’s nothing like college, something all rookies learn. 

The pace, the flow, the talent level on the other team and the physicality all were adjustments for Bueckers. 

“She’s just very poised and composed all the time,” said Dallas coach Chris Koclanes, also making his WNBA debut on Friday. “Just another game for her.” 

Koclanes’ pre-game message to Bueckers was simple — go and play in the present, don’t worry about being perfect. Nobody is. 

It looked like a game where Bueckers was still trying to figure it all out. Not trying to do too much, she often did too little. The Wings fell into an early eight-point deficit with Bueckers on the floor, then took the lead with her on the bench. 

Not long after she returned, the Aces built a double-digit lead. Dallas trailed by 19 at halftime and by as many as 34. Bueckers settled down a bit in the second half, where she banged in a pair of wing 3-pointers. 

It’s a long year for someone who’s already had a long basketball run. There will be ups and downs, wins and losses. Bueckers will be better for all of it down the line. 

“This is just the start,” she said. “You want to build off that.” 

The construction continues. 

Follow South Bend Tribune and NDInsider columnist Tom Noie on X (formerly Twitter): @tnoieNDI. Contact Noie at tnoie@sbtinfo.com

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The first round of the NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs has two games left as Game 7s on Saturday and Sunday will determine the fourth and final series for the second round.

That second round will begin on Monday when the defending champion Florida Panthers visit the Atlantic Division champion Toronto Maple Leafs. The game will start at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

The Carolina Hurricanes visit the Metropolitan Division champion Washington Capitals on Tuesday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, but the start time isn’t available yet. The rest of the second-round series will fill in later.

The other known series is the Pacific Division champion Vegas Golden Knights vs. the Edmonton Oilers.

Saturday, the Colorado Avalanche visit the Dallas Stars (8 p.m. ET, ABC) in Game 7 of the first round. The winner of that game will face the winner of the St. Louis Blues-Winnipeg Jets game on Sunday in Winnipeg (7 p.m. ET, TBS).

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The Houston Rockets have forced a Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors held a commanding 3-1 lead over the Rockets, but Golden State failed to close out Houston on the road in Game 5 Wednesday and at home on Friday in a 115-107 loss in Game 6 at the Chase Center. 

Rockets veteran Fred VanVleet led the way with 29 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Alperen Şengün recorded his second straight double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Amen Thompson added 14 points. Steven Adams played a season-high 31 minutes off the bench and scored 17 points.

The Warriors had a tough shooting night. The team collectively shot 41.1% from the field and 30.6% from 3. Steph Curry, who finished with a team-high 29 points, shot 9-of-23 from the field and 6-of-16 from 3. 

Game 7 is set for Sunday. The winner will move on to face the Minnesota Timberwolves, who clinched their first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, 4-1.

Final: Rockets 115, Warriors 107

USA TODAY Sports provides a recap of Game 6 in San Francisco:

Rockets vs. Warriors highlights

End of 3Q: Rockets 86, Warriors 84

The Rockets and the Warriors have kept the game close through the first three quarters of play.

The Warriors outscored the Rockets 36-33, but it’s Houston that held the lead at the end of each quarter so far.

Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler are not only the two leading scorers for the Warriors but for the game so far. Curry has scored 26 points while shooting 8-of-16 from the field. Butler has produced 22 points, seven assists and six rebounds.

Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 20 points while shooting 5-of-8 from the field but has been effective from long range, making four of five attempts. VanVleet has also made all six free throw attempts.

Jalen Green continues to be a non-factor, being limited to just two points in the third quarter.

Steven Adams stats

Adams missed the entire 2023-24 season after undergoing surgery on his PCL, but returned to the court in the 2024-25 season averaging 3.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 58 games this season (three starts). He’s averaging 19.6 minutes through the first five games of the playoffs, with 4.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

Halftime: Rockets 53, Warriors 48

The Rockets built a lead as large as 11 in the second quarter, but the Warriors are also playing with a sense of urgency with the intention of finishing the series at home. 

The Warriors have not held a lead larger than two points in the first half.

Fred VanVleet leads the Rockets with 10 points as Houston takes a five-point lead into the locker room for halftime. It’s been a slow start for Jalen Green, who has shot 2-of-8 from the field and finished the second quarter with seven points. 

Stephen Curry has a game-high 16 points for the Warriors, but finished the first half with three fouls.

The Warriors produced an 11-0 run to close the gap and tied the game at 46 with three minutes left in the half before the Rockets went on an 8-2 scoring run of their own to end the quarter.

End of 1Q: Rockets 25, Warriors 21

Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet each scored eight points for the Rockets in the first quarter. The Rockets find themselves in a win-or-go-home situation tonight.

Jimmy Butler leads the Warriors with six points. Stephen Curry added five points.

The Rockets won the turnover battle in the opening period 5-3.

Alperen Şengün stats

Şengün averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 76 games (all starts) this season. Through the first five playoff games, Şengün is averaging a double-double, with 20.8 points and 11 rebounds, in addition to 5.2 assists. His best performance came in Houston’s Game 4 loss against the Warriors after he dropped 31 points and 10 rebounds. 

Golden State Warriors’ starting lineup

Gary Payton II is in the starting lineup tonight for the Golden State Warriors, replacing Brandin Podziemski. Veterans Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield are back in the lineup after starting in Game 5.

Houston Rockets’ starting lineup

Dillon Brooks, Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson make up the starting lineup for the Houston Rockets tonight in Game 6.

What time is Warriors vs. Rockets?

Game 6 between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors will tip-off at 9 p.m. ET on May 2 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.

How to watch Warriors vs. Rockets playoff game: TV, stream

Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Chase Center (San Francisco, California)
TV: ESPN
Stream: Sling TV

Warriors vs. Rockets NBA playoff schedule, results

Warriors lead series 2-1

Game 1: Warriors 95, Rockets 85
Game 2: Rockets 109, Warriors 94
Game 3: Warriors 104, Rockets 93
Game 4: Warriors 109, Rockets 106
Game 5: Rockets 131, Warriors 116
Game 6: Rockets at Warriors | Friday, May 2, TBD | TBD*
Game 7: Warriors at Rockets | Sunday, May 4, TBD | TBD*

*if necessary

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It’s geaux time at the 2025 Kentucky Oaks.

Former LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne gave the ‘Riders Up’ call ahead of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday. Both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, being held Saturday, are the oldest continuously running sports events in the United States.

‘Kentucky Oaks fans, now for the annual tradition we have all been looking forward to, Riders Up!’ Dunne exclaimed. Good Cheer then went on to win the 151st running of the Kentucky Oaks.

Dunne was tapped to give the ‘Riders Up’ call, a legendary command that informs jockeys to mount their horses ahead of the race, after announcing her retirement from gymnastics last month following five seasons at LSU. She donned a pink fascinator and matching mini dress that featured ruffles on her shoulders.

LIVVY DUNNE: After becoming leader in NIL, Livvy Dunne wants to ‘just do everything’ in post-career

Watch: Livvy Dunne gives ‘Riders Up’ call

Kentucky Oaks vs. Kentucky Derby: What’s the difference?

The Kentucky Oaks is held annually on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby, but what’s the difference between the two? It comes down to gender and distance.

While the Kentucky Derby is a 1¼-mile long race for 3-year-old colts or geldings, both male horses, the Kentucky Oaks is a furlong shorter at 1⅛ miles and is exclusively for fillies, female horses. Although fillies can technically enter the Kentucky Derby, it is uncommon as the horses carry 126 pounds in the race, compared to the Kentucky Oaks (121 pounds).

There is also a difference in purse size. The Kentucky Derby has a $5 million purse with $1.86 million going to the winner, while the Kentucky Oaks purse is $1.5 million with $750,000 going to the winner.

Who performed national anthem at Kentucky Oaks?

Singer Gina Miles, the winner of season 23 of NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ was tapped to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Churchill Downs ahead of the Kentucky Oaks.

Simone Biles set to give ‘Riders Up’ call at Kentucky Derby

Dunne isn’t the only gymnast milling around at Churchill Downs. Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles is set to give the ‘Riders Up’ call ahead of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday. Grammy-nominated artist Grace Potter will perform the national anthem.

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The scorecards showed Devin Haney won the 12-round welterweight bout by unanimous decision against Jose Ramirez decisively. But the bout lacked sizzle.

The boxers landed a combined 110 punches, according to DAZN’s broadcast.

Haney flinched repeatedly when Ramirez got in close during their fight in Times Square. But his opponent failed to land many punches. and Haney’s quickness and hand speed served him well.

The judges scored it 119-109, 119-109, 118-110 for Haney, who improved to 32-0. The victory helped secure a likely rematch with Ryan Garcia, who was scheduled to fight Rolando ‘Rolly” Romero later in the evening.

Ramirez fell to 29-3.

Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez round-by-round

Round 12: Ramirez in need of a knockout, but it looks futile. Just lands a left to the body and fires a couple of shots as Haney darts away. Haney pot shotting. Mercifully, the fight comes to an end. Haney 119, Ramirez 109.

Round 11: Haney throws a big right. And misses. He needs to land a punch like that, if only to prove he’s equipped for a rematch with Garcia. Ramirez lands a right. Haney burning lots of calories, and outpunching Ramirez. Haney 109, Ramirez 100.

Round 10: Haney back to moving rather than standing his ground. The strategy likely is paying off on the scorecards, but this is not vintage Haney. Did Garcia retire vintage Haney? He eats two jabs. Ramirez corners Haney and scores, but Haney’s quickly on the move again. Haney 99, Ramirez 91.

Round 9: Ramirez attacks and lands a body shot. Attacks again and lands a right. Nothing that will stagger Haney, but he needs to land more punches. Haney lands a strong right and darts to his right rather than follow up. Ramirez chasing Haney, but eats a couple of punches when he gets too close. Haney 89, Ramirez 82.

Round 8: With all the moving, Haney treating Ramirez as if he’s a Hall of Famer. Then finally slows and throws. Lands. Haney opening up. Ramirez has no answers. Haney 79, Ramirez 73.

Round 7: With all this running, Haney is definitely getting in his steps. Ramirez lands a left and then eats a right counter. Haney landing more punches but taking few chances. Ramirez showing underwhelming ability to score. Haney 69, Ramirez 64.

Round 6: Ramirez opens with a left that grazes Haney. Hey, it’s progress. Haney stays on the move and quickly covers up at the sight of any punch. Ramirez bleeding from under his left eye, and he scores with a left. Haney responds with a combination, followed up with a solid body shot. Haney 59, Ramirez 55.

Round 5: Almost non-existent action here. Ramirez struggling to catch up to Haney, and Haney staying on the move without punching. Well, just like that, Haney lands a combination. Haney 49, Ramirez 46.

Round 4: Haney staying on the move, as if in fear of getting hit. Just when he seemed ready to assert himself, Haney backtracks. Not a dynamic fight, to say the least. Ramirez showing little ability to hit Haney with any authority. Haney 39, Ramirez 37.

Round 3: Haney’s corner has put tape over the uncooperative Velcro, according to DAZN’s Jim Lampley. Haney throwing more punches, but still looks tentative when Ramirez attacks – not often enough. Haney unleashes a hard left hook. Then lands a solid right. Ramirez looks mostly flat footed and slow. Haney 29, Ramirez 28.

Round 2: The Velcro strap still flapping on Haney’s right shoe. Haney finally fires a crisp left, but he’s still looking oddly tentative. The result of a year-long layoff or haunted by getting knocked down by Ryan Garcia three times? Nice left from Haney, and the good thing for him is Ramirez is doing very little. Haney lands a solid right as he comes alive. Ramirez 19, Haney 19.

Round 1: A muscular Devin Haney doesn’t look ready to flex them immediately. He backpedals in the opening moments. Jose Ramirez scores with a couple of lefts. Haney’s looking strangely tentative. Ramirez misses with an overhand right. Haney’s fists looked holstered. Velcro strap comes loose from Haney’s right shoe. Wardrobe malfunction? Ramirez 10, Haney 9.

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