Jason Langendorf

Watching Emanuel Navarrete fight is a unique joy. Gotta enjoy it while it lasts.

Who is Rico Verhoeven? With the announcement of the next mountain to be climbed by heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk came the same words on the lips of countless fans across the globe: Who is Rico Verhoeven?

Heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk has his next opponent. Never heard of him? You’re not alone.
www.boxingscene.com/articles/who...

Maybe my favorite stretch of road in the country.

Hey, FIFA: Can you give him a lifetime achievement award next? Wondering if irony has a *real* sense of humor.

Dainier Pero dismantles overmatched Mario Aguilar in two rounds In Saturday's mismatched main event in Philadelphia, Dainier Pero took apart Mario Aguilar in a second-round stoppage that ended with Aguilar on his stool.

My story on rising heavyweight Dainier Pero's stoppage win:
www.boxingscene.com/articles/dai...

Statement on Ford Plant Visit from VP Laura Dickerson, Ford Department Director

🧵 The autoworker at the Dearborn Truck Plant is a proud member of a strong and fighting union—the UAW. He believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace, and we stand with our membership in protecting their voice on the job.

Illinois Running Back Ca'Lil Valentine to Return to Champaign in 2026? Valentine gave a sign – or, in this case, a tweet – indicating he'll be back in orange and blue in the fall

Illinois Running Back Ca'Lil Valentine to Return to Champaign in 2026? www.si.com/college/illi...

Big Ten Power Rankings: Nebraska Surges, Illinois Awaits an Opportunity The undefeated Cornhuskers are (nearly?) the class of the Big Ten, while the Illini (13-3, 4-1 Big Ten) seek an opening to make their move

Big Ten Power Rankings: Nebraska Surges, Illinois Awaits an Opportunity
www.si.com/college/illi...

Maybe you enjoy my writing. Maybe you tolerate it but will fight through it to follow Illinois athletics. In any case, consider signing up for the Illinois on SI newsletter to stay plugged into all things Illini. Bonus: My son is out here killing it for the website, too!
www.si.com/college/illi...

Should Illinois Basketball Have Dropped So Far in the Latest AP Poll? The Illini dropped five spots after falling by four points on a neutral floor to then-No. 11 Alabama – but was it deserved?

Should Illinois Basketball Have Dropped So Far in the Latest AP Poll? www.si.com/college/illi...

Come and see the show: Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua kick off their press tour Boxing is gonna boxing, and – like it or not – this is the place at which the sport has arrived, writes Jason Langendorf.

My story:
www.boxingscene.com/articles/com...

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Conor Benn lays to rest his demons: ‘Done and finished, it’s over’ With a triumph over rival Chris Eubank Jnr, Conor Benn redeemed himself in the ring, cast new glory on the family crest and rounded full circle with his once-estranged father.

My story on Conor Benn, fighting and family: www.boxingscene.com/articles/con...

Should Illinois Coach Bret Bielema Move on From Aaron Henry? Bielema will have a difficult decision to make if Aaron doesn't turn his defense around over the next five games

Should Illinois Coach Bret Bielema Move on From Aaron Henry? www.si.com/college/illi...

Illinois Guard Mihailo Petrovic Cleared by NCAA: What It Means to the Illini Petrovic, a 6-foot-2 point guard from Serbia, was deemed eligible by the NCAA and ruled a sophomore for the 2025-26 season

Illinois Guard Mihailo Petrovic Cleared by NCAA: What It Means to the Illini www.si.com/college/illi...

Frank Warren adamant Fabio Wardley will fight Oleksandr Usyk next Fabio Wardley will next face undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, insists Queensberry Promotions' Frank Warren: "He said he wants it, so that's what it'll be."

www.boxingscene.com/articles/fra...

Fabio Wardley, Oleksandr Usyk's new mandatory, calls out the champion Saturday's win over Joseph Parker theoretically puts Fabio Wardley on deck to face undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Can he coax him into the ring?

www.boxingscene.com/articles/fab...

One Play That Will Give Illinois Fans Morez Johnson Jr. Remorse Johnson, the former Illini who transferred to Michigan, showed skills on a single possession against St. John's that should make Illinois fans blush

One Play That Will Give Illinois Fans Morez Johnson Jr. Remorse www.si.com/college/illi...

Illinois Coach Bret Bielema Vents Frustrations After Loss at Washington Bielema discussed his specific disappointments and whether he will take a more active role coaching the defense

Illinois Coach Bret Bielema Vents Frustrations After Loss at Washington www.si.com/college/illi...

Three Instant Observations From Illinois' 42-25 Loss to Washington The Illini offense – hardly perfect itself – couldn't overcome a stinker of an outing from the defense in Seattle

Three Instant Observations From Illinois' 42-25 Loss to Washington www.si.com/college/illi...

Ceilings and Floors: How Much Uncertainty Surrounds Illinois' 2025-26 Season? After an up-and-down season and another roster makeover, are the Illini in for another wild ride? One metric offers a surprising answer.

Ceilings and Floors: How Much Uncertainty Surrounds Illinois' 2025-26 Season? www.si.com/college/illi...

Staff Picks: Who Wins Illinois at Washington? The Illini (5-2) and Huskies (5-2) have identical records and similar firepower, so who does our Illinois on SI staff give the edge to Saturday?

Staff Picks: Who Wins Illinois at Washington? www.si.com/college/illi...

David Mirkovic Scouting Report: Illinois Basketball 2025-2026 If the early returns are any indication, the Illini got far more than they bargained for in Mirkovic, a dynamic offensive force

David Mirkovic Scouting Report: Illinois Basketball 2025-2026 www.si.com/college/illi...

What Is the Secret Behind Illinois Quarterback Luke Altmyer's Success? Altmyer has plenty of physical tools that rate as above average – but hardly elite. So what fuels his efficiency and productivity?

The knocks on Illinois QB Luke Altmyer are familiar: too small, not enough arm, not an elite athlete. So ...

What Is the Secret Behind Illinois Quarterback Luke Altmyer's Success? www.si.com/college/illi...

Does Illinois Basketball Have a New Star? 'He's Got Some Jokic in Him' David Mirkovic was supposed to be just one of a handful of exciting newcomers in Champaign this season – but is he actually one of one?

Does Illinois Basketball Have a New Star? 'He's Got Some Jokic in Him' www.si.com/college/illi...

Three Instant Observations From Illinois' 92-65 Win Over Illinois State Something old and plenty new added up to one heckuva ceremony for the Illini in Sunday's exhibition outing

Three Instant Observations From Illinois' 92-65 Win Over Illinois State www.si.com/college/illi...

How to Watch: Illinois Basketball vs. Illinois State (Exhibition) Despite missing some key pieces, the Illini hope to learn a few things about themselves before the games begin to count

How to Watch: Illinois Basketball vs. Illinois State (Exhibition) www.si.com/college/illi...

Danny Garcia’s emotions high – and mixed – on the edge of retirement All things considered, Danny Garcia didn’t look – or sound – like a guy who was ready to accept his gold watch and shuffle off into retirement after Saturday's win.

Former two-division champion Danny Garcia went out a winner Saturday night – except he isn't yet sure he's going out at all. My story:
www.boxingscene.com/articles/dan...

Paulie Malignaggi bests Tyler Goodjohn in bareknuckle battle Paulie Malignaggi, who hadn’t fought since 2019, on Saturday battled Tyler Goodjohn over five rounds to earn a split decision win in their bareknuckle match in Leeds, UK.

Paulie Malignaggi, at age 44 and absent from the ring since 2019, fought and won a bareknuckle match Saturday night. My story:
www.boxingscene.com/articles/pau...

How to Watch: Illinois Basketball vs. Illinois State (Exhibition) Despite missing some key pieces, the Illini hope to learn a few things about themselves before the games begin to count

Lots of players out – on both sides – in this one. Check in for the latest:

How to Watch: Illinois Basketball vs. Illinois State (Exhibition) www.si.com/college/illi...