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Former sparring partners Lawrence Okolie and Chris Billam-Smith will meet in a world-title fight this weekend. Okolie enters Billam-Smith’s hometown of Bournemouth with the WBO cruiserweight belt and an unbeaten record, but the challenger will be buoyed by great support at Vitality Stadium – home to his beloved AFC Bournemouth. In his most recent fight, Okolie outpointed David Light in March, with the beaten New Zealander suffering a ‘mild stroke’ but expected to make a ‘full recovery’. Meanwhile, Billam-Smith produced a knockout-of-the-year contender against Armend Xhoxhaj in December. Okolie (19-0, 14 KOs) said of Billam-Smith (17-1, 12 KOs) this week: “Chris, I love you, but I have to get the KO in this one.” Here’s all you need to know. When is it? The fight will take place at Vitality Stadium, home to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, on Saturday 27 May. The main card is set to begin at 7pm BST (11am PT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET), with ring walks for the main event expected at approximately 10pm BST (3pm PT, 5pm CT, 6pm ET). How can I watch it? The event will air live on Sky Sports in the UK, with the broadcaster’s website and Sky Go app also streaming the fights. No US broadcaster has yet been confirmed for the event. Odds Okolie – 2/7 Billam-Smith – 11/4 Draw – 14/1 Full odds via Betway. Full card (subject to change) Lawrence Okolie (C) vs Chris Billam-Smith (WBO cruiserweight title) Mikael Lawal (C) vs Isaac Chamberlain (British cruiserweight title) Lee Cutler vs Stanley Stannard (super-welterweight) Mace Ruegg vs Dean Dodge (super-featherweight) Sam Eggington vs Joe Pigford (super-welterweight) Michael McKinson vs TBA (welterweight) Tommy Welch vs TBA (heavyweight) Karriss Artingsall vs. Jade Taylor (featherweight) Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Wood vs Lara live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV this weekend Katie Taylor’s long reign as boxing queen over despite heroic last stand ‘Daylight robbery’: Vasiliy Lomachenko’s team plan to appeal Devin Haney defeat Joe Rogan is right: Tyson Fury has ‘no chance in hell’ against Jon Jones What time does Okolie vs Billam-Smith start in UK and US this weekend? What time does Wood vs Lara start in UK and US this weekend? How to watch Wood vs Lara online and on TV this weekend

Once again, Errol Spence Jr and Terence Crawford have agreed to fight. Once again, fans are crossing their fingers. The problem is that other key figures in this deal, of anxious dispositions and with sweaty hands hidden behind their backs, may be doing the same. Spence vs Crawford, or Crawford vs Spence, has proven to be one of the most elusive fights of a generation. Two champions, both alike in stature, in unfair America, where we lay our scene, a pair of star-crossed southpaws take this bout... yet they have done so before, and still the contest eluded the sport’s devotees. It is a bout that was first discussed in 2018, perhaps earlier, and one that seemed to be within grasp last autumn. Terms were agreed, fans were told, over a November meeting between the welterweight champions – both unbeaten and both undeterred by the prospect of losing their gold or records. Because that is the problem. In these situations, it is rarely the fault of the competitors that these bouts fall through; it is never a fear from the fighters that derails negotiations. Pride, perhaps, plays a decisive and often disappointing role, but not fear. That is for the men in suits, not those wearing 8oz gloves. That is why, when news emerged on Wednesday that unified champion Spence (28-0, 22 knockouts) and WBO champion Crawford (39-0, 30 KOs) had agreed terms over a 29 July clash in Las Vegas, excitement was premature. It was, and is, understandable, but premature nevertheless. When Spence, 33, and Crawford, 35, agreed terms last year, the latter instead went on to box David Avanesyan, stopping the Armenian in December. Meanwhile, Spence has not fought since a TKO win over Yordenis Ugas 13 months ago. Both Spence and Crawford have struggled for activity in recent times, and both are slowly approaching the end of their primes. There is, of course, reason to hope – a few reasons, in fact. Over the course of the last month, we have seen two match-ups to satisfy boxing purists and suck in casual viewers, and neither fight should be taken for granted. In April, after years of baying from fans and the fighters themselves, lightweights Ryan Garcia and Gervonta “Tank” Davis squared off in a catchweight contest. Last week, Devin Haney defended his undisputed lightweight titles against former unified champion Vasiliy Lomachenko in a dynamic contest with a dramatic conclusion. All the while, the heavyweights are held up, and the obstructive factors in negotiations between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are pointers as to why Spence-Crawford will not be ‘on’ until the first bell rings. In the case of Fury and Usyk, a purse split (unfair as it was on the Ukrainian) was agreed, as was a rematch clause, only for the deal to dissolve due to a different dispute: one around the purse split in the rematch clause​. It would have been funny, had it not been so farcical. Errol Spence Jr Terence Crawford Age 32 35 Record 28-0 (22 KOs) 39-0 (30 KOs) Stance Southpaw Southpaw Titles WBC, WBA, IBF welterweight belts WBO welterweight belt (Formerly WBO lightweight belt; WBC, WBO, WBA [Super], IBF light-welterweight belts) Notable wins Shawn Porter, Mikey Garcia, Carlos Ocampo, Kell Brook Shawn Porter, Jose Benavidez Jr, Kell Brook, Amir Khan So, with reports suggesting that this Spence-Crawford deal contains a rematch clause for both fighters, and that a trilogy is likely in the case of a 1-1 scoreline by the end of 2023, there is reason for hesitancy. Such a deal contains enough moving parts to concern even the most enraptured observer. The prospect of a trilogy also threatens to hold up the division, though if the fights deliver in the way that fans have long hoped, few will mind besides any stranded contenders themselves. The point here is not to suggest that Spence-Crawford will not in fact come to pass; as of this week, it looks likelier than ever that the Americans will share a ring at long last. Last year, Spence shared a cartoon of himself imagined as a shark, knocking on the locker room door of Crawford; on Wednesday, Crawford shared an illustration of himself as a god of the tides, carrying a shark on his trident. An official announcement may even be impending. However, boxing fans have been burnt enough times that they should exercise caution until the moment the bell rings, and one of the most-anticipated fights of a generation finally begins. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith rematch postponed for second time ‘Daylight robbery’: Vasiliy Lomachenko’s team plan to appeal Devin Haney defeat Katie Taylor’s long reign as boxing queen over despite heroic last stand Oleksandr Usyk promoter provides major update on Daniel Dubois fight Deontay Wilder claims Oleksandr Usyk is ‘a lot afraid’ of heavyweight clash Katie Taylor’s long reign as boxing queen over despite heroic last stand

The U.S. Supreme Court has issued several important rulings during its current term that began last October and

Oleksandr Usyk is set to defend his heavyweight titles against Daniel Dubois in Poland in August, the champion’s promoter has said. Talks between Usyk and WBC champion Tyson Fury collapsed in March, opening the door for the Ukrainian’s mandatory challenger, Dubois. Dubois, 25, is now expected to fight Usyk, 36, in Wroclaw on 12 August, according to Alex Krassyuk. “We won the bid,” Usyk’s promoter wrote on Twitter on Thursday. “Looking to stage the fight in Wroclaw, Poland on August 12th.” Unbeaten Usyk last competed in August, retaining the unified belts with a second straight decision win over Anthony Joshua, the man he dethroned in 2021. Meanwhile, Briton Dubois last fought in December, battling past an injury to stop Kevin Lerena. Dubois has suffered one defeat as a professional, against Joe Joyce in 2020. Read More Deontay Wilder claims Oleksandr Usyk is ‘a lot afraid’ of heavyweight clash Tyson Fury in talks with unbeaten heavyweight Demsey McKean over fight in Australia The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings

Deontay Wilder has accused Oleksandr Usyk of being ‘afraid’ of fighting him, while teasing a return to the ring. Wilder last fought in October, knocking out Robert Helenius in the first round, and Usyk last competed in August, when he outpointed Anthony Joshua for the second time in a year. The Ukrainian is expected to defend the unified heavyweight titles against Daniel Dubois this summer, while American Wilder is without an opponent. Discussing the prospect of a bout with Usyk, Wilder told ES News on Thursday (25 May): “I’m all for it, but he’s a little afraid – not a little afraid, but a lot afraid. “I’m in the business, so I know a lot of things. I’m ready to go at any given moment in time, they know that.” Addressing the collapse of negotiations between Usyk and Tyson Fury in March, Wilder added: “I’m simple, I don’t do all that stuff. I don’t put up too much of a fight as far as trying to get a fight done [goes]. “I feel like we all can eat. That’s how it should be, being able to help each other fight. It’s not about overpricing yourself out of a fight, because we’re all risking our lives. Damn, let us all at least get a piece of the f***ing pie. “I’ve always given people a piece of the pie, because you just never know what’s gonna happen in and out of that ring. But they don’t make them like me, man, I’m very rare.” Wilder, 37, also spoke about his own return to the ring, saying: “I’ll be back real soon, I promise, you don’t want to miss it. “[Usyk], stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Tyson Fury seen consoling devastated boxer after first pro loss Joe Rogan is right: Tyson Fury has ‘no chance in hell’ against Jon Jones Katie Taylor’s long reign as boxing queen over despite heroic last stand Wood vs Lara live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV this weekend

Former sparring partners Lawrence Okolie and Chris Billam-Smith will meet in a world-title fight this weekend. Okolie enters Billam-Smith’s hometown of Bournemouth with the WBO cruiserweight belt and an unbeaten record, but the challenger will be buoyed by great support at Vitality Stadium – home to his beloved AFC Bournemouth. In his most recent fight, Okolie outpointed David Light in March, with the beaten New Zealander suffering a ‘mild stroke’ but expected to make a ‘full recovery’. Meanwhile, Billam-Smith produced a knockout-of-the-year contender against Armend Xhoxhaj in December. Okolie (19-0, 14 KOs) said of Billam-Smith (17-1, 12 KOs) this week: “Chris, I love you, but I have to get the KO in this one.” Here’s all you need to know. When is it? The fight will take place at Vitality Stadium, home to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, on Saturday 27 May. The main card is set to begin at 7pm BST (11am PT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET), with ring walks for the main event expected at approximately 10pm BST (3pm PT, 5pm CT, 6pm ET). How can I watch it? The event will air live on Sky Sports in the UK, with the broadcaster’s website and Sky Go app also streaming the fights. No US broadcaster has yet been confirmed for the event. Odds Okolie – 2/7 Billam-Smith – 11/4 Draw – 14/1 Full odds via Betway. Full card (subject to change) Lawrence Okolie (C) vs Chris Billam-Smith (WBO cruiserweight title) Mikael Lawal (C) vs Isaac Chamberlain (British cruiserweight title) Lee Cutler vs Stanley Stannard (super-welterweight) Mace Ruegg vs Dean Dodge (super-featherweight) Sam Eggington vs Joe Pigford (super-welterweight) Michael McKinson vs TBA (welterweight) Tommy Welch vs TBA (heavyweight) Karriss Artingsall vs. Jade Taylor (featherweight) Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Wood vs Lara live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV this weekend Katie Taylor’s long reign as boxing queen over despite heroic last stand ‘Daylight robbery’: Vasiliy Lomachenko’s team plan to appeal Devin Haney defeat Joe Rogan is right: Tyson Fury has ‘no chance in hell’ against Jon Jones How to watch Okolie vs Billam-Smith online and on TV this weekend What time does Wood vs Lara start in UK and US this weekend? How to watch Wood vs Lara online and on TV this weekend

SINGAPORE Chinese hacking teams have been blamed by Western intelligence agencies and cybersecurity groups for digital intrusion campaigns

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By James Oliphant Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who will announce on Wednesday he is seeking the 2024 Republican

A 15th century Chinese box which went unnoticed for decades has sold for £288,000 (about $358,000), smashing its expected price at auction.

Tyson Fury is in talks with unbeaten heavyweight Demsey McKean over a fight Down Under, according to the Australian’s manager. WBC champion Fury was expected to fight Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the unified titles, in a seismic bout in April, but negotiations collapsed in March. As a result, Usyk is expected to defend his belts against mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois this summer, while Fury’s next move is unclear. The unbeaten Briton, 34, is in Melbourne this week to support teammate Joseph Parker, who is fighting Faiga Opelu on Wednesday (24 May), and Fury may follow in the New Zealander’s footsteps later this year. That’s according to Angelo Di Carlo, manager of McKean, who told Australian media on Monday (22 May): “Chats began some time ago for Demsey to fight Tyson Fury in Australia, and I think Demsey is the best option for the ‘Gypsy King’. “We’re certainly keen to do the fight. We’ve had a good association with Matchroom [McKean’s promoters], and we have great respect for [Matchroom chief] Eddie Hearn, but I’ll have more talks with Fury’s camp and see where that takes us. “If Tyson Fury wants to fight in Australia, the logical option is to fight an Aussie fighter, and talking to Fury’s people, they don’t want to fight a small heavyweight. Demsey and Justis [Huni] are Australia’s best heavyweights, but Demsey is 6ft 6in and – being a southpaw – he would present a real test for Tyson. “We’ve been given a possible date to fight Fury in August, so hopefully we can make it happen [...] Demsey has said, ‘Let’s make this fight happen.’ For Demsey to get the chance to jump in the ring with Tyson Fury, it would be the biggest fight in Australian history [...] This would be a dream come true, all the greatest heavyweights are chasing Fury; Anthony Joshua, Usyk, Andy Ruiz, Deontay Wilder – they all would love a piece of Fury. “Demsey is unbeaten and he is awkward enough to give any heavyweight problems. Being a southpaw makes him tricky to fight, and he has the youth and hunger to be competitive against Fury. Tyson cannot underestimate Demsey, because he has the size and power to pull off an upset.” McKean, 32, has a professional record of 22-0 (14 knockouts) and was linked with Anthony Joshua earlier this year. The Briton, however, went on to fight Jermaine Franklin instead. Joshua outpointed the American in London in April. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Joe Rogan is right: Tyson Fury has ‘no chance in hell’ against Jon Jones Katie Taylor’s long reign as boxing queen over despite heroic last stand ‘Daylight robbery’: Vasiliy Lomachenko’s team plan to appeal Devin Haney defeat Wood vs Lara live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV this weekend The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings Joe Rogan is right: Tyson Fury has ‘no chance in hell’ against Jon Jones Tyson Fury lifts lid on ‘silly’ Andy Ruiz Jr negotiations

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) such as Microsoft-backed OpenAI's ChatGPT are complicating governments' efforts to agree laws