Jermell Charlo Putting $25k On My Guy Errol Spence!!! ... To Beat Bud Crawford

072723_charlo_shawn_porter_kal_v2
MONEY ON THE LINE
TMZSports.com

Boxing star Jermell Charlo is REALLY confident his guy Errol Spence Jr. will handle business and remain undefeated on Saturday ... telling TMZ Sports he's putting a $25,000 bet on The Big Fish to beat Terence Crawford.

After years of back and forth, Spence and Crawford are FINALLY slated to throw hands in the ring at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday ... and it's clear Charlo -- who trains at the same gym as Errol -- has no doubt in his mind who will have their hand raised at the end of the epic matchup.

In fact, we asked Jermell if he's trying to make some money off the fight in case he's right ... and he told us, "Absolutely!!"

"A solid $25,000. That's my guy, I really don't like to go too crazy on betting and stuff, but $25,000 and have fun, you know what I'm saying? Enjoy my night in Vegas and get back home to my family and kids and keep training. I'm on my grind."

We also spoke with former boxer Shawn Porter -- who fought both Bud AND Errol during his career ... and he weighed in on what he's calling "The Super Bowl of Boxing."

"Errol has magnificent technique and Terence is extremely precise -- you're talking about elite versus elite," he told us in Vegas. "Whichever one get there first."

The big matchup goes down on Showtime PPV ... so get that popcorn ready.

Ex-NBA Star Baron Davis I'm Investing In A Sailboat Racing League ... Like F1 On Water!!!

072423-baron-davis-kal
BARON'S BOATS
TMZSports.com

Baron's getting into boating!!!

Ex-NBA star Baron Davis has officially invested in a new team in the sailboat racing league SailGP ... and he's fired up over it all, telling TMZ Sports the action is like "Formula 1 on water."

Davis' new squad promises to be unique -- it'll actually be one he'll share with a bunch of other fans, who can buy into the franchise just like the former Golden State Warriors point guard.

According to SailGP, Davis -- along with the other fans who invest -- will have a say in the team's day-to-day operations, hirings and firings ... and even what the team's name will be.

The new squad will debut in 2024 -- and when we got Davis out in Beverly Hills earlier this month ... it wasn't hard to see he's stoked for it, telling us he actually knew he wanted to get into it all after watching a race in St. Tropez last year.

"For me," the 44-year-old said, "it was just like, I was fascinated by it. I got a chance to, like, follow the boats. So it was a cool experience."

In addition, Davis said he sees an opportunity for big growth in the league.

"It's a great time and a great opportunity to bring people together," he said. "And, the right type of people together."

Bronny James 911 Call ... We Need an Ambulance Now!!!

0727-BRONNY-JAMES-TMZ-audio-art-desktop-1
911 AUDIO

The fact Bronny James is home recovering tonight has everything to do with the absolute urgency with which someone called for help when he suffered a cardiac arrest, and the 911 call reveals the gravity of the moment.

TMZ Sports obtained the call, made by someone at USC's Galen Center at 9:26 AM Monday ... and the caller got right to the point by saying, "Get an ambulance here now!"

As we first reported, LeBron James' son was in the middle of a basketball workout at the arena when he collapsed ... and it's clear the caller understood time was of the essence. After he demanded an ambulance, the 911 operator asks if there's a doctor or registered nurse on the scene to aid with CPR, and the caller says no.

bronny-james-getty-2
DISPATCH AUDIO

The operator reassured the caller that paramedics were already on the way. We know 18-year-old Bronny was unconscious when the call went out for help.

However, doctors at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was taken, have said he was alert by the time he reached the hospital -- a credit to the paramedics who worked on him at the Galen Center and in the ambulance.

On Thursday, doctors discharged Bronny from the hospital, and, according to LeBron ... his son is doing well, although doctors are still trying to determine what triggered the cardiac arrest.

One thing we all learned in the wake of Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin's on-field cardiac arrest ... time makes all the difference in these types of crises, and it seems everyone around Bronny understood that mission when he went down.

Errol Spence Win Over Terence Crawford Makes Me The Best Boxer In The World!

072723_errol_spence_kal
PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING
TMZSports.com

Errol Spence and Terence Crawford have a lot more than their undefeated records and four shiny belts on the line in Vegas Saturday night ... both superstars agree, the winner is the best boxer of this generation!

TMZ Sports is on the ground in Sin City ... and we talked to both fighters just days before the biggest clash of their professional lives.

"I can't wait to show everybody why I am not the best 147-pounder in the world, but the best fighter, period," 33-year-old Spence said.

If you're a boxing fan you can hardly wait. It's the scrap you've wanted for years, but believed would never actually happen -- two undefeated greats, champions -- battling in front of the world ... 28-0 (22 KO) Spence vs. 39-0 (30 KO) Crawford.

But, it is going down ... and it's only a day away.

"It took a while for me and Terence to happen, but it's happening at a great moment right now," Spence told us.

"We're fighting for all the marbles. He's undefeated, I'm undefeated. I think it's gonna be a great fight, a great showing, and we're definitely gonna give the people their money's worth on Showtime Pay-Per-View."

072723_terence_crawford_kal
QUIETLY CONFIDENT
TMZSports.com

Crawford also believes the winner will rightfully lay claim to being called the best active boxer alive.

"I wouldn't say the greatest fighter of all-time, I would just say the greatest fighter of this era," Bud told us.

As for the motivation to take such a risky fight ... both men acknowledge they're going home with a big ol' check, but it's not all about the money. Not even close.

"I'm more motivated about beating him because it's a huge rivalry between us. Everybody always attaches our two names together for probably about 6 or 7 years now," Errol told us.

"It's more of a competition factor more than anything. I want to defeat him. I find gratification in defeating him more than anything else."

Despite being at the center of the storm, the magnitude of the fight isn't lost on Terence, either.

"I definitely believe [it's the biggest fight in a long time]. This is the fight that everybody been wanting. You have the two of the greatest fighters of this era going head to head with each other, and it's gonna be a great night of boxing Saturday night."

As if the main event wasn't enough, the card also features several other kickass fights, including the great Nonito Donaire -- a future Hall of Famer -- taking on Mexican contender Alexandro Santiago for the WBC Bantamweight World Championship. Isaac Cruz is also fighting undefeated Giovanni Cabrera.

It all goes down Saturday night on Showtime PPV at 8PM ET/5PM PT!!!

Terence Crawford Goes Ballistic On Spence Supporter ... 'You A Bitch!!!'

072723_spence_crawford_presser_kal_v2
AUDIENCE ALTERCATION
Showtime
UPDATE

5:19 PM PT -- We spoke with Spence after the wild press conference ... and he said Bud's fiery response to his supporters was "irrational," since he didn't react when Crawford's team was chirping at him.

UPDATE
072723-spence-after-presser-kal
PAY THE HATERS NO MIND
TMZSports.com
UPDATE

"He shouldn't have done that," Spence told TMZ Sports. "His people were saying crazy stuff ... I just turned around and smiled. I didn't turn around and say something crazy or argue with his family."

UPDATE

"Regardless of if I argue or not, they're gonna think the same thing that they've been thinking."

Terence "Bud" Crawford just lost his cool on an Errol Spence supporter ... repeatedly calling the man a "bitch" and a "ho."

The fiery scene played out toward the end of the boxers' prefight press conference Thursday afternoon in Las Vegas ... when someone who appeared to be in Spence's camp began chirpin' at Crawford from their front row seat.

It's unclear exactly what the agitator said ... but it ticked off Crawford, who paused everything on the stage to fire off insults at the man.

"You a bitch, n****!" Crawford said. "F*** you talkin' to?! You a bitch, n****, 'cause you keep talkin' like a bitch n****! You doin' all that talkin'!"

The 39-0 fighter kept the verbal jabs flying for several more seconds ... before, mercifully, it ended.

As for Spence ... he seemed to be amused by the situation, even joking with the guys if they were done so he could continue talking.

The entire event was filled with tension ... as the two fighters' trainers even got into a verbal spat while at the podium.

072723_spence_crawford_trainers_kal
NOWHERE TO HIDE
Showtime

Hecklers in the audience, meanwhile, could be heard yelling at the boxers throughout it all as well.

This is probably the most trash talking we've seen from both sides since the two agreed to fight ... and it's something boxing fans have been waiting for.

Saturday night's tilt on Showtime PPV at 8PM ET/5PM PT can't come soon enough!

Deion Sanders' Son, Shilo Cops Iced-Out 'Headache' Chain ... For 1st CU Season

SHILO-SANDERS-and-new-chain-2
NEW BLING

Deion Sanders' son, Shilo, will head into his first season at Colorado looking as fly as ever ... 'cause TMZ Sports has learned he just copped a sweet new chain -- that features 28 carats of diamonds!!

Primetime's kid -- who transferred from Jackson State to Boulder after his dad made the same move earlier this year -- got the bling from Saki Diamonds ... and the drip has an awesome story behind it.

Shilo considers himself a force on the field -- and when he makes tackles, he says it leaves his opponents with headaches.

So, naturally, when Saki Diamonds went to make Shilo some custom jewelry -- he ended up icing out a "Headache" pendant for the Buffs cornerback ... and it came out awesome.

In addition to the 28 carats of VVS diamonds, it also comes with a 19-inch style ball and link chain ... and while it's unclear what Shilo paid for it, we're told a similar piece would run a normie over $30,000!!

Shilo joins Colorado after a great two seasons with JSU ... where he recorded five interceptions in addition to being named second-team All-SWAC in 2021. Shilo also played two seasons with the South Carolina Gamecocks before his time in Jackson.

By the way, he won't be the only young Sanders iced out heading into CU's season opener next month ... Saki also created a sweet 28-carat diamond chain for Shedeur last year.

Like father, like sons!!

Bronny James Discharged From Hospital

Great news ... Bronny James has been discharged from the hospital -- and he's now back home resting comfortably.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Group doctor Merije Chukumerije announced the positive update in a statement just minutes ago ... revealing LeBron's oldest son has shown very encouraging signs of recovery the past few days after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during a workout at USC on Monday.

"Although his workup will be ongoing," said Chukumerije -- a team physician/consultant for the NBA, NHL and MLS, "we are hopeful for his continued progress and are encouraged by his response, resilience, and his family and community support."

The doctor added in his statement that despite Bronny's scary collapse ... he arrived at Cedars-Sinai "fully conscious, neurologically intact and stable." He called the overall treatment for the cardiac arrest successful.

As for Bronny's dad, LeBron said in a statement of his own on Thursday morning he, his son, and the rest of his family are "doing great."

"We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love," the Lakers superstar said. "Will have more to say when we’re ready but I wanted to tell everyone how much your support has meant to all of us!"

F1's Lando Norris Sorry For Breaking Your Trophy, Max!!! ... I'll Be More Careful

072723-lando-norris-kal
COLLATERAL DAMAGE
Formula One TV

Lando Norris is issuing a mea culpa after accidentally destroying Max Verstappen's Hungarian Grand Prix trophy last weekend ... vowing to be more cautious with his celebrations moving forward.

The 23-year-old McLaren driver -- who finished second in Sunday's race -- went viral when he knocked the reigning champ's new hardware off a platform after slamming down his champagne bottle during their podium party.

Lando initially cracked jokes about the whole mishap ... saying Max should've been more careful with his prize.

But the young star has since had a change of heart ... owning up to his mistake in an interview ahead of this weekend's Belgian GP.

"I obviously had no intention in ever doing such a thing," Lando said Thursday. "I know how much it means to the Hungarians and part of their culture and so forth ... and I did apologize to Max."

Lando acknowledged he probably shouldn't have made funny comments after the incident ... admitting he'd be annoyed if it happened to his trophy.

"I do apologize for it and obviously to the people who put the time and effort into making it, I really didn't mean for it to happen. I'll make sure I'm a lot more careful next time."

Max better be careful this weekend if Lando makes podium ... 'cause let's be honest, that dominant #1 Red Bull car is most likely winning yet again.

Saquon Barkley Signs Giants Fan's Poster ... I'll Help You Get Your Ex Back!!!

072723-saquon-barkley-kal
LOOK AT THIS AUTOGRAPH
Twitter/ @giants

Saquon Barkley might've just saved a teenager's relationship with his ex-girlfriend ... all by putting his John Hancock on a poster.

For real.

Here's the deal ... Kareem Reyad went out to New York Giants practice Thursday at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in New Jersey to urge the 26-year-old running back to help him get his girl back after the two had split late last year.

Wearing a No. 26 Barkley jersey, Reyad wrote on a sign, "Saquon my ex will take me back if you sign this" ... and he flashed it throughout the NYG workout.

Turns out, Saquon noticed it ... and following the practice -- he actually helped Reyad out!!

Barkley autographed it ... and then posed for a photo with the guy -- and get this, Reyad told TMZ Sports afterward he thinks it all might work out now!!

The Rutgers University student says ... he and his GF initially broke up in September due to college -- but she's always been a huge Saquon fan, and he has a feeling the two-time Pro Bowler's autograph might be enough to bring them back together.

The 19-year-old said he's going to drop the sign off at her house soon ... with the hopes that it all works out.

"I have nothing but love for this girl," he said.

As for Barkley, Reyad was super grateful for his actions Thursday, telling us ... "Saquon is truly a man of the people!"

LeBron James Family 'Safe And Healthy' ... After Bronny's Cardiac Arrest

LeBron James is breaking his silence on Bronny's medical scare ... assuring fans his family is "safe and healthy," and sharing his appreciation for all the support over the past few days.

"I want to thank the countless people sending my family love and prayers," the Lakers superstar tweeted on Thursday morning. "We feel you and I'm so grateful. Everyone doing great. We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love."

"Will have more to say when we’re ready," James added, "but I wanted to tell everyone how much your support has meant to all of us! #JamesGang👑"

Bronny initially suffered cardiac arrest on Monday ... while he was working out at USC. He was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center -- but, thankfully, he's been making steady progress ever since.

It's unclear what caused the issue and when Bronny will be able to return home -- but when he does eventually get out ... several people who have suffered similar medical emergencies have already said they'll be there for him if he needs them.

072523-ronny-turiaf-kal
HITS CLOSE TO HOME
TMZSports.com

LeBron's former teammate, Ronny Turiaf -- who needed open-heart surgery in 2005 -- said he'd be "always available" to talk.

Shareef O'Neal, meanwhile, said he too would be down to chat with Bronny -- revealing Thursday he's already reached out to his good friend.

shareef Oneal
SUPPORTING BRONNY
ABC

"Any questions you have, you can ask me," Shareef said of his message to Bronny. "I can probably answer them for you."

NFL Legend Joe Thomas Attacked By Military Dogs!!! ... In Wild Demonstration

072723_joe_thomas_kal
40 YARD DOGGY DASH
USAA, Official NFL Salute to Service Partner

Joe Thomas has gone from playing in front of the Dawg Pound to getting bitten by them -- the Cleveland Browns legend was viciously attacked by canines in a crazy demonstration at a military base!!

The 2023 Hall of Fame inductee and fellow ex-NFL star Whitney Mercilus hit up the Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio in partnership with USAA ... where they got a full VIP meet and greet with the four-legged military sidekicks that are trained to locate explosives, narcotics, and personnel.

Thomas and Mercilus found out firsthand just how talented these doggos are ... 'cause they threw on some bite suits and agreed to run a 40-yard dash while being chased down by the animals.

Tech. Sergeant Hendrix warned Thomas and Mercilus before the demo ... "They are trained to bite and hold until we tell them to let go."

Despite the head's up, Thomas and Mercilus were ready to go against the dog with the strongest bite out of the bunch ... and let's just say they were doomed from the start.

The video is unreal -- Thomas barely made it a few strides before the dog launched into his back, clinging on for dear life before bringing the former offensive tackle to a complete stop.

"My heart rate was as high as I can remember, probably since I was playing football," Thomas said.

Both Thomas and Mercilus ended up being dragged to the ground by the military dog during the drill ... and thankfully, they made it out alive.

"It was awesome to see both these military working dogs and their handlers, who help protect our country," Thomas tweeted. "Thank you for your service!"

'Messi Of Matadors' Gored By 1,100-Pound Bull ... During Show In Spain

072723-andres-roca-rey-kal3
GORY OUTCOME
Twitter / @Desde_ElTendido

Bullfighting star Andrés Roca Rey -- aka the "Messi of Matadors" -- suffered gruesome injuries during a show in Spain on Tuesday ... after he was terrifyingly gored by a 1,100-pound beast.

The horrifying incident happened at the Santiago de Santander Fair ... when Roca Rey was attempting to lure a bull through his cape.

The matador stared down the animal for several seconds ... but when it finally charged -- it ended up catching Roca Rey right in the thigh. It then took him for a scary ride.

The bull tosses Andrés in the air ... before ramming him into the stadium's boards. The bull then appears to stick its horns in the man -- before turning its attention to other matadors who had jumped in to help.

Roca Rey's teammate, Cayetano Rivera Ordoñez, jumped in the ring and managed to divert the bull's attention away from Roca Rey but was then gored by the bull as well suffering a fractured rib.

Reportedly, Roca Rey was taken to the hospital with wounds to his knee -- and bruises on his neck, face, and legs.

Fortunately for the fighter, however, he avoided life-threatening wounds ... and took to Instagram just hours later to thank his teammate and fellow matador Cayetano Rivera Ordoñez who jumped in to save him and was attacked and gored by the bull as well, suffering a fractured right rib.

Roca Rey is considered one of the best bullfighters in the world -- earning comparisons to Lionel Messi for the way he dominated his sport after moving to Spain from South America.

Hulk Hogan Check Out My Lady's Massive Rock!!! ... Post-Engagement Dinner

Hulk Hogan and his fiancée had a romantic night out on the town after the WWE legend proposed this week ... and her engagement ring is HUGE!!

TMZ Sports broke the story -- Hulk and Sky Daily, his lady of a year and a half, are slated to tie the knot after he got on one knee at a restaurant in Tampa.

Fresh off the awesome news, the happy duo decided to celebrate with a dinner at Latitude 28 in Clearwater ... and they were both in great spirits as they showed up at the JW Marriott.

Hulk rocked his usual bandanna, t-shirt, and chain for the date ... and future Mrs. Hogan went for a patterned shirt and tight brown pants -- and, of course, her shiny, new accessory.

Take a look at the pics -- Sky gave a quick glimpse of the bling as she fixed her hair ... and it's safe to say you could see the thing from outer space.

This will be Hulk's third marriage -- he was previously married to Linda until 2010. He finalized his divorce from his second wife, Jennifer McDaniel, back in 2021.

No word on when Hulk and Sky are going to walk down the aisle, but it might not be long -- 'cause it's clear they can't get enough of each other!!

Cubs, White Sox Fans Get In Wild Brawl In Suite ... During Rivalry Game

The Cubs vs. White Sox game on Tuesday night was a bit of snooze ... but in the stands, it was anything but that -- 'cause several fans of both teams beat the hell out of each other during a wild melee.

The action actually happened inside of a suite at Guaranteed Rate Field as the Cubbies were rolling over their crosstown rival, 7-3, on the diamond ... and you can see, there were so many people involved in the rumble, it looked like a WWE match in the box.

Both men and women clad in Cubs and Sox jerseys were in the mix ... throwing punches and kicks with regularity.

At one point, one woman violently swung her foot into another's face three straight times.

Eventually, however, bystanders pulled the combatants away from each other -- and order was restored.

It's unclear if any arrests were made.

As for the crosstown rivalry, the Cubs not only won on Tuesday -- but they beat the Sox again on Wednesday ... giving them bragging rights until they both face off once more in August.

Shareef O'Neal 'I Talked To Bronny' ... Offered Help After Cardiac Arrest

shareef Oneal
SUPPORTING BRONNY
ABC

Shareef O'Neal has already offered to help Bronny James in his recovery from his cardiac arrest ... revealing this week he's actually spoken with LeBron's son -- making it clear he'll be there for the 18-year-old if and when he needs assistance in his road to recovery.

Shaq's son, of course, survived his own heart health scare back in 2018 -- when he had to undergo a scary surgery to fix an irregularity in his ticker.

He told Good Morning America on Thursday that getting back to 100 percent following the procedure was anything but easy ... explaining that, initially, he couldn't even walk.

"What is my future looking like," he remembered wondering during his first days out of surgery. "That's when I kind of realized, I don't know if basketball is ever going to be an option again."

O'Neal, though, eventually returned to the court at full strength ... and he says his dad's words -- which he's now passing on to Bronny -- helped tremendously in getting back.

"He's like, 'If you make it out of this, you'll be the baddest man on the planet,'" Shareef said of Shaq's advice. "And that kind of just builds a fire up in you and makes you want to go back and get it."

It's unclear how similar Bronny's situation is to Shareef's -- few details surrounding the cause of James' medical emergency on Monday have been released -- but sources close to the situation have told TMZ he's doing well enough now that both LeBron and Savannah are feeling "relieved."

From here, however, it'll likely be a hard road for Bronny to get back on his feet and potentially return to USC's basketball team ... but Shareef made it abundantly evident he's going to do everything he can to help.

"Any questions you have, you can ask me," Shareef said of his message to Bronny. "I can probably answer them for you."

Bam Margera I'm Trying to Stay Sober to See My Son

Bam Margera says he's working hard on sobering up and staying clean ... all in the hopes he can be reunited with his son and maintain a relationship with him.

In new court docs, obtained by TMZ, Bam says he's currently sober, and is actively working through his struggles to better himself.

As a result, he's requesting joint legal and physical custody of Phoenix -- asking for things like overnight stays for the 5-year-old every other weekend -- so he can forge a better bond with his son.

Bam says he's surprised Nikki, his estranged wife, is unwilling to support him on his journey to sobriety, because he claims she's also struggled with sobriety in the past. In his defense, he adds .. he's already gotten treatment from multiple resources, completed courses and started therapy.

The former "Jackass" star claims Nikki's doing everything she can to keep Phoenix away from him, even allegedly refusing to let them talk on the phone anymore ... and says she's also isolating their son from Bam's extended family.

As we reported, Bam and Nikki were at an L.A. court this month to, in part, establish if their 2013 marriage was valid -- Bam believes their wedding in Iceland wasn't an official ceremony, because they weren't residents there.

071123_bam_margera_kal 7/11/23
SO CLOSE, BUT SO FAR
TMZ.com

We talked with him after the hearing, and he told us how hard it is to be just a few miles away from his kid, and not be able to go say "hi."