Sports
Boxing: Garcia Grabs Belt, and Much Needed Win
Published
6 years agoon
FRISCO, Tx. (FNN SPORTS) – Late Saturday night, The Ford Center pumped with excitement and anticipation of the return of one of boxing’s premier fighters, Mikey Garcia. With a seemingly sold out venue and pro-Garcia crowd, the big questions on everyone’s mind was how would Garcia bounce back after his first loss? And could he prove he belong in a division that seems just a one size too big?
For Jesse Vargas, the question was simple: Can you finally take that step in your career to beat a top contender and get a defining win that puts you over the hump of being labeled “opponent”?
Both men came out focused, but Garcia’s body tightened, once again looking uncomfortable with his opponent. Garcia, known for his rhythm, timing, and great angles, looked out of sorts and took some big shots. Vargas pressed early, fighting with a controlled chaos, determined to take the fight to Garcia. After most of the first three rounds, Vargas was in control, and it seemed like Mikey once again bit off more than he could chew.
By the forth round, however, Garcia seemed to find his timing. His jab landed more effectively setting up his right, and he was moving a lot better, avoiding some of those big punches he was previously taking. It seemed that for every punch Vargas scored, Garcia tried to respond with two or three more of his own, making for an exciting round as both men traded punches.
The tables turned in round five. Garcia used some serious clout to floor and all but finish Vargas, landing multiple hooks to Vargas’ head. It was as if that was what Garcia had been searching for–proof that he could hurt one of these guys, and it gave him all the confidence he needed as he returned into prime Garcia form, pressuring, stalking and punishing Vargas with some heavy blows as he piled up winning rounds. Vargas rallied late, making the fight a bit more interesting, but it wasn’t enough. Mikey Garcia won a unanimous decision victory (114-113, 116-111, 116-111) and gained the WBC Dimond belt.
In what was a decent fight to watch, Garcia did exactly what he was supposed to do, and to Vargas’s credit, so did he. The problem with this fight wasn’t that Garcia looked bad in victory. He didn’t. He actually looked pretty good at points. But therein lies the problem–he looked good at points against a guy who is not great, and he didn’t look complete. It’s hard to remember a time when Garcia, especially over the course of the last two fights, took so many hard punches. In combination with no head movement, and just looking a step behind Saturday night, it’s very possible that whoever Garcia’s next opponent is will once again be too much for him to handle.
This welterweight division is the most stacked division in boxing. The amount of talent in this class, not to mention who can come up from 135, has a lot of boxing fans excited for how this landscape will play out. There was a lot of talk about a potential showdown with living legend and WBA Super Welterweight Champion Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) as Garcia’s next move. But if camp Garcia really wants to cash in on the welterweight cow, it might be smart to look elsewhere first because at this point I cannot see Garcia out-pointing Pacquiao anytime soon.
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Antonio Campana is a Florida National News sports contributor. | sports@floridanationalnews.com
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Sports
Macario Brace Leads USWNT to 3-0 Shutout of Italy in Orlando Friendly
Published
3 days agoon
November 29, 2025By
FNN SPORTSThe victory keeps the USWNT a perfect 18-0-0 all-time in Orlando and marks the team’s eighth win in nine matches under head coach Emma Hayes.
Moultrie gave the U.S. a quick lead just 67 seconds into the match, finishing a low cross from Rose Lavelle, who recorded her 27th career assist. The 20-year-old midfielder now has five international goals in 11 caps.
Despite Italy nearly equalizing on a ninth-minute corner attempt, the U.S. controlled the opening half with 69 percent possession and seven shots.
Macario doubled the lead in the 64th minute, taking a feed from Sam Coffey and striking a left-footed shot inside the far post. She extended the U.S. lead in the 76th minute, collecting a lofted pass from 18-year-old Lily Yohannes before curling in a right-footed finish to complete her brace. Macario now has seven goals in 2025 and 15 in 28 career international appearances.
Naomi Girma returned to the lineup after 149 days away from national-team duty, earning her 49th cap and captaining the side for the fourth time.
The match also marked first caps for forward Jameese Joseph and defender Kate Wiesner, while Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams entered to strong applause at her home stadium.
The two teams meet again Monday, Dec. 1, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, with streaming available on TBS, HBO Max and Peacock.
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Sports
FGCU Eagles Play Cards Right, Stun Stanford 66-62 in Las Vegas
Published
3 days agoon
November 29, 2025By
FNN SPORTSLAS VEGAS, Nev. – In Las Vegas on Friday night, the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles earned a statement 66–62 win over previously undefeated Stanford at the Resorts World Classic. After entering the matchup 0–4 all time against the Cardinal, FGCU punched back with an all-around performance to hand Stanford its first loss of the season and ignite major momentum early in the Raina Harmon era.
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RECORDS: Florida Gulf Coast 2-3, 0-0 ASUN | Stanford 7-1, 0-0 ACC
SCORE: Florida Gulf Coast 66 | Stanford 62
LOCATION: Resorts World Events Center | Las Vegas, Nev.
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First Quarter: FGCU opened with solid defensive intensity, contesting touches around the rim and forcing Stanford into tough looks. Cerina Rolle and Anna Mortag provided early offense, while Sinai Douglas pushed the tempo to keep the Eagles within arm’s reach. Stanford made just enough plays late in the frame to stay in front and took a narrow 15–14 lead after the opening 10 minutes.
Second Quarter: The Eagles settled in and began to control the tempo on both ends. Douglas connected on a midrange jumper to spark the offense, and Maca Retamales added timely attacks to the basket to keep the scoring balanced. FGCU’s defense held Stanford to just 10 points in the period, limiting second-chance opportunities and closing out possessions on the glass. A steady push to close the half sent the Eagles into the locker room with a 28–25 advantage.
Third Quarter: FGCU came out of halftime with one of its best offensive stretches of the early season, erupting for 26 points in the third quarter. Retamales caught fire from the perimeter, Mortag continued to score inside, and Douglas attacked downhill to keep Stanford on its heels. A highlight moment from the quarter came when Karina Gordon sank back-to-back-to-back three pointers to push the Eagles ahead by 11. Even as the Cardinal found more rhythm offensively, the Eagles matched them shot for shot and used a late surge to outscore Stanford 26–23 in the frame, stretching the lead to 54–48 heading into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter: With the game in the balance, FGCU showed composure and toughness on both ends. Douglas created key drives to the rim, Retamales stepped up with a big three, and the Eagles did their job at the free throw line. The Cardinal made a late push, but FGCU got the stops it needed and managed the clock down the stretch to close out a 66–62 win, handing the Cardinal their first loss of the season in a statement performance.
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Head Coach Raina Harmon – “I am super proud of the team today. Our message to them was to focus for all 40 minutes, and we really challenged them coming into this trip. We’ve been playing well in the first half of games but slipping a bit in the third quarter, so we specifically challenged them to win that stretch, and they delivered with our best third quarter of the early season. I know it’s a big win because it’s good Stanford team and they came in undefeated, but what we did tonight is really a testament to the nonconference schedule we’ve taken on. It reflects the tough opponents we’ve already faced and the ones still ahead. I thought we did a fantastic job following the scouting report and trusting each other to execute offensively. I’m just super proud of them. Go Eagles!”
Forward Maca Retamales – “From beginning to end, we put together a really solid game. We came in well prepared, and that preparation showed in how we handled everything Stanford threw at us. Offensively, we moved the ball, stayed disciplined, and trusted our system. Everyone embraced their role tonight, and that’s what made the difference. We had each other’s backs from the opening tip, and it led us to this win.”
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Maca Retamales – 14 PTS, 3 REB, 3 STL
Anna Mortag – 13 PTS, 4 REB, 1 BLK
Karina Gordon – 12 PTS, 1 REB, 1 BLK
Sinai Douglas – 10 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST
Cerina Rolle – 8 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL
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The Eagles are right back in action as they take on the Troy Trojans on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 10:30 p.m. as part of the Resorts World Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Central Florida News
Buccaneers to Induct Simeon Rice Into Ring of Honor During Week 13 Game vs. Cardinals
Published
6 days agoon
November 26, 2025By
Willie DavidTAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will return to Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 30 for a 1 p.m. ET matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, presented by GEICO. The Week 13 game will serve as the team’s Ring of Honor celebration, honoring former defensive end Simeon Rice as the 16th inductee during a halftime ceremony.
Simeon Rice to Be Inducted Into Ring of Honor
Rice, one of the most dominant defenders in Buccaneers history and a key member of the Super Bowl XXXVII championship team, will be honored throughout the game. He will lead the team through the pregame Hallway Walk, and former head coach Jon Gruden will present Rice with his Ring of Honor jacket during halftime. The ceremony will be hosted by Gene Deckerhoff and include members of the Glazer family, Rice family, and fellow Ring of Honor inductees.
The team will also release a Mitchell & Ness Simeon Rice throwback jersey, available at the Buccaneers Team Store.
My Cause My Cleats Spotlight
Nearly 60 Buccaneers players, coaches, and staff will participate in the NFL’s annual My Cause My Cleats campaign, which highlights charitable causes selected by each participant. More than 40 organizations will be represented by customized footwear created in partnership with Stadium Custom Kicks. Now in its tenth year, the league-wide initiative features more than 1,800 participants over a two-week span.
Glazer Family Small Business Fund and Tampa Bay Chef Series
On Sunday, the Buccaneers will continue recognizing recipients of the Glazer Family Small Business Fund. This week’s spotlight features Brian Seymour, owner of the Anna Maria General Store, the only grocery and convenience store on the north end of Anna Maria Island. Following recent storm damage, Seymour and his team supported residents and local law enforcement with donated supplies. Funding from the Glazer Family Small Business Fund helped maintain payroll and inventory during recovery. The program has awarded more than $1.2 million across nearly 300 small businesses in partnership with eight regional chambers of commerce.
As part of the Tampa Bay Chef Series presented by Corona, Week 13 will feature Chef Suz Lara of LARA. Known for her bold, Latin-inspired cuisine, she will prepare a Picadillo Tartar—raw beef tartare mixed with sofrito, smoked olives, capers, and golden raisin mostarda, served on a Cuban bread crostini. The dish will be available in the Hyundai Club (Section 212), Stadium Club (Section 237), and main concourse (Section 108).
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News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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