Manchester honored boxing legend Ricky Hatton, who passed away at 46, with a funeral at Manchester Cathedral. Fans lined the streets as the procession moved from Hyde to the cathedral, marking a heartfelt goodbye to the former world champion.
NBA General Managers rank Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama as the best defender in the league according to the 2025-26 GM survey, highlighting his role as a key player for the Spurs.
Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat emerges as the top candidate to coach the U.S. men’s basketball team for the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics. Negotiations with USA Basketball are ongoing, with Spoelstra set to succeed Steve Kerr and lead Team USA in pursuit of its sixth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers will miss the NBA season’s opening night due to sciatica, with a re-evaluation period set for three to four weeks. The 40-year-old superstar is experiencing nerve irritation, necessitating rest until the end of October. The Lakers emphasize the importance of James’s health as they prepare for the season opener against the Golden State Warriors.
Kevin Durant scored 20 points in 23 minutes during his debut with the Houston Rockets, leading to a 140-127 preseason victory against the Utah Jazz. The game marked Durant’s first appearance for the Rockets after missing the team’s preseason opener.
Calvin Abueva scored 41 points during Titan Ultra’s 100-96 win against Meralco at Ynares Center, Antipolo City, making him the second-oldest player to score at least 40 points in a Philippine Basketball Association game.
On October 6, LeBron James released a cryptic video that sparked speculation about a major basketball announcement. It led to increased Los Angeles Lakers ticket prices but was later revealed as a marketing stunt.
Conor McGregor, 37, receives an 18-month suspension for missing three drug tests within a year, according to the Combat Sports Anti-Doping authority. McGregor, a former UFC champion, accepts the penalty, highlighting ongoing anti-doping efforts in mixed martial arts.
Alas Pilipinas player Steven Rotter announced his engagement to Sophia during their 11th anniversary at Yosemite National Park on October 5, 2023. The announcement comes amid Rotter’s recent sidelining from the team due to a federation issue.
RJ Abarrientos of Ginebra achieves a rare feat by winning his second Rookie of the Year award at the PBA Leo Awards in Manila, following his initial win in the KBL. The awards ceremony also highlighted June Mar Fajardo’s historic ninth MVP win.