INDIANAPOLIS — It was 1996 and Tony George’s Indy Racing League was struggling to gain a foothold, even though it had the Indianapolis 500 as its cornerstone event.

If the Indy Racing League was going to ever have a chance to grow and continue without the big-name teams from CART that had boycotted the Indy 500 over the creation of the rival IRL, it was going to need another anchor venue.

Later that year, as Texas Motor Speedway was nearing completion, Speedway Motorsports Chairman O. Bruton Smith and TMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Eddie Gossage announced Indy car racing would be part of Texas Motor Speedway’s inaugural schedule in 1997.

The 1.5-mile oval hosted the first Indy car race in Texas since 1980 and the first night race for Indy car racing.

Texas Motor Speedway officials sold a season ticket for both the NASCAR and Indy Racing League contests. Even if the fans didn’t show up for the IndyCar race, they had to buy the ticket in order to watch the NASCAR event.

It was marketing genius but what happened on Saturday night, June 7, 1997, was stunning.

More fans came out to watch that first IRL race at Texas Motor Speedway than any race other than the Indianapolis 500. Not since the days of California’s Ontario Motor Speedway in 1970, when 172,000 spectators showed up, had such a large crowd attended an Indy car race.

The crowd was announced at 129,000 and many believe it was a legitimate figure in a sport that often inflates attendance.

The crowd witnessed breathtaking racing between young IRL star Tony Stewart and 1996 Indianapolis 500 winner Buddy Lazier, but the race ended in surprising fashion.

It appeared Billy Boat had won the race aboard A.J. Foyt’s familiar No. 14 Indy car, but it was quickly learned that the USAC scoring system failed and did not credit Arie Luyendyk for leading two laps during pit stops.

Several other drivers, including Scott Goodyear and Tyce Carlson, also had the same issue with the scoring system.

Luyendyk was furious inside of the cockpit of his race car. He wanted an answer from USAC Chief Steward Keith Ward, but no explanation was given.

On lap 190, Stewart was in the lead and — believing Luyendyk was two laps down — waved him by. Stewart had a one-lap lead over Boat. With two laps to go, Stewart’s Oldsmobile Aurora engine blew. Boat was scored as the leader and two laps later, took the checkered flag.

What followed has become Texas folklore and is probably the state’s most colorful    contribution to the history of Indy car racing.

“It was such early days in the IRL with teams scrambling to get cars together,” Luyendyk said. “The side-by-side racing is what really did it for the IRL in that race and attracted a different kind of fan. The crowd at Texas was amazing and then there was a lot of stuff going on in that race with the side-by-side racing.

“But the IRL had a long way to go.”

Outside of Indianapolis and Texas, the IRL drew very small crowds at that time.

Luyendyk was one of the more well-known drivers who chose the IRL over CART when the series began in 1996.

“I got my second win at Indy in 1997 and was thinking really hard about retiring, but team owner Fred Treadway wanted me to stay on to continue his team and keep the sponsors that he already had,” Luyendyk said. “People back then didn’t realize the IRL was a bunch of cowboys brought together. They drove sprint cars and modifieds and drove really hard. They had no fear. They were not easy to beat. There were a lot of good drivers there, but the cars were not the safest.

“A lot of guys got hurt back then. I looked around and saw what was going on and said, ‘Shit, I don’t know if I want to do this’ because I was getting up there in age,” Luyendyk continued. “I was vocal about it then and was criticized by IRL management, who thought I was negative.

“To me, it was a very trying time.”

Luyendyk admits the 1997 True Value 500 was a pivotal race in the history of the NTT IndyCar Series.

So, as Boat was celebrating with Foyt’s crew in victory lane, Luyendyk crashed the celebration.

Luyendyk was not venting his anger at Boat or Foyt, but to USAC.

“I passed him two times,” Luyendyk yelled at USAC officials. “You guys don’t know how to (expletive) count.”

Foyt was standing nearby and thought Luyendyk was trying to create an issue with his team.

As soon as Luyendyk uttered the word “count,” Foyt backhanded him with a hard slap to the head.

Foyt, a Texas hero who was the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times, drug Luyendyk and pushed the driver from The Netherlands into the flowers in victory lane.

Shortly after the scuffle ended, Luyendyk’s team owner filed an appeal with USAC. After working all night, USAC confirmed the system had failed and declared Luyendyk the winner.

It was the last time USAC sanctioned an Indy car race. By the time the series arrived at Pike’s Peak Int’l Raceway for the next contest, the IRL had created its own sanctioning body.

Texas Motor Speedway has firmly established itself as a vital part of the NTT IndyCar Series schedule and it has hosted at least one Indy car race every year since 1997.

PASADENA, Calif. -- Mexico's 23-player Gold Cup squad is finally complete, with LA Galaxy winger Uriel Antuna coming in for injured America defender Jorge Sanchez.

Manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino made the announcement on the eve of Mexico's Group A opener against Cuba at the Rose Bowl.

Defender Hector Moreno has been included in Martino's list after the coach practically ruled him out following the final friendly against Ecuador, although the Real Sociedad player will not be involved against Cuba and is unlikely to feature until later in the tournament.

Jonathan dos Santos and Edson Alvarez are also recovering from injuries and will start on the bench against Cuba, but could see minutes depending on the game situation, said Martino in Friday's news conference.

The news underscores a tough last couple of months, which have been punctuated by a long list of absentees in the Gold Cup squad, including Javier Hernandez, Jesus "Tecatito" Corona, Miguel Layun, Hirving Lozano, Hector Herrera and Carlos Vela.

But Martino isn't lamenting those not in the squad, with El Tri showing some positive form in pre-Gold Cup friendly wins over Venezuela and Ecuador.

"I'm very happy with the players that we have at the Gold Cup," said Martino.

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The Mexico coach admitted his disappointment that his team won't be competing in next year's Copa America -- with Australia and Qatar the invited guests -- and if it was up to him, Mexico would be there.

"I can recommend [tougher] competition, like you [the press] can and the directors as well," said Martino. "[Participation] doesn't depend on my side, if it was up to me we would be playing Copa America and Mexican clubs would be in the Copa Libertadores."

Martino said he expects Mexico to dominate the ball against a Cuba team ranked 175th in the world by FIFA and wants his side to remain intense for the 90 minutes.

Cuba will be without its captain Jordan Santa Cruz, who was denied a visa in the U.S. embassy in the Dominican Republic.

Mexico takes the field at 10 p.m. ET, following the opening match at the Rose Bowl between Canada and Martinique, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez said the shock elimination by Liverpool in the Champions League semifinals was as painful as when he was sent home from the 2014 World Cup for biting an opponent.

Barca had looked certain to reach the final of Europe's top competition for the first time since 2015 after winning the first leg 3-0 but were blown away 4-0 at Anfield by Suarez's former side, who went on to win 2-0 in the final against Tottenham Hotspur.

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"The days after, back in Barcelona, were the worst moments of my life and career along with the 2014 World Cup; I wanted to disappear from the world," Uruguay striker Suarez said in an interview with Fox Sports, referring to when he bit Italy's Giorgio Chiellini and was subsequently banned from football for four months.

"I didn't want to take my children to school, everyone could see I was in a very bad way. I had days I didn't want to do anything, they were very difficult moments."

The 4-3 aggregate defeat to Liverpool came a year after Barca also surrendered a three-goal advantage in a Champions League quarterfinal by losing 3-0 to Roma and were knocked out on away goals.

Suarez, however, said he could not have imagined history repeating itself when his side turned up at Anfield last month knowing that if they scored once Liverpool would have to score five.

"I didn't see it because we are Barcelona and we thought we'd have two or three chances to score; we said this but we became nervous, we gave stupid passes away, we didn't show the right attitude," Suarez added.

"When the first goal came we didn't know how to react, we knew we had really messed up. After the game in the dressing room no-one could say anything; there was sadness, bitterness and disappointment because we knew we'd given an awful image."

Days after the defeat to Liverpool, Suarez opted to undergo surgery to treat a long-term knee problem in order to be fit for the Copa America, which began on Friday with hosts Brazil beating Bolivia 3-0.

Uruguay, who have won the tournament a record 15 times, play their first game against Ecuador on Sunday.

You have to go back to the 2000 Gold Cup to find a winner who isn't Mexico or the United States, but 2019 sees both of those sides enter the tournament with more questions than answers, and they'll be hunted down by teams full of dynamic young talent threatening to upend the order in North and Central America.

The U.S. enter the tournament as defending champions, but all has not gone well for the Stars and Stripes since lifting their continental crown in 2017. After failing to qualify for last summer's World Cup, the Americans jettisoned their second manager of the 2018 cycle and ushered in a new coach in Gregg Berhalter and a new generation of players to restart the program. (So far, the results have been less than promising.)

Mexico, meanwhile, have a new coach of their own in Gerardo "Tata" Martino. While the former Atlanta United, Argentina and Barcelona manager inherited a much more stable situation than what awaited Berhalter north of the border, Martino must cope with a Gold Cup squad shorn of its biggest players, whether through injury or personal reasons.

ESPN FC's Arch Bell dives into the biggest questions facing the U.S. and Mexico, a primer on some of the tournament's biggest challengers and a team-by-team guide to all 16 teams hoping to make a run for this summer's Gold Cup.

Jump to: U.S., Mexico vs. the rest | Key players | Must-see days and matches | Team-by-team guide

Key storyline: Can anyone stop U.S. or Mexico?

It's not often that Mexico and the United States enter a major tournament with new coaches, but here we are with Martino, who has just a few friendlies under his belt with El Tricolor, and likewise for Berhalter.

Despite no Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, Hector Herrera, Carlos Vela, Hirving Lozano and Jesus "Tecatito" Corona, Martino has the more talented squad and the expectations are always that Mexico wins this tournament. But with so many players turning down call-ups -- MLS MVP front-runner Vela in particular -- Martino is feeling some heat. It hasn't affected them yet, as Martino's a perfect four-for-four in games since taking over, but the stress of official tournament play is its own beast.

Even without the aforementioned attacking players, Mexico still have the most talent in this tournament and are in good shape to win their eighth Gold Cup. Albeit just friendlies, El Tri have responded nicely to Martino with 13 goals in four friendly wins against Chile, Paraguay, Venezuela and Ecuador.

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At the back, they are well stocked with Hector Moreno, Diego Reyes, Carlos Salcedo and others. Rodolfo Pizarro has enjoyed an excellent season at Monterrey and will bolster a midfield that includes Andres Guardado, Edson Alvarez and Jonathan dos Santos. Jimenez will be the man up top; it'll take a near-perfect match to eliminate them.

It will be different for Berhalter. With the U.S. in a new cycle and the wounds still fresh from not qualifying for Russia 2018, U.S. fans will be keen to see how their team plays. While not winning the tournament would be disappointing, an attacking brand of soccer from a young U.S. team would be a decent consolation, though warm-up defeats to Jamaica and Venezuela have fans wondering what the best- and worst-case scenarios might be this summer.

There is an intriguing unknown surrounding the Gold Cup hosts at the moment. Berhalter has called upon plenty of experienced players, such as midfielder Michael Bradley and forward Jozy Altidore, who are well-acquainted with lifting the Gold Cup trophy. He's also counting on two players from his former club, Columbus Crew, in key positions, with Wil Trapp expected to anchor the midfield and Gyasi Zardes the back-up option at striker.

Defensively, center-back John Brooks failed to be healthy in time, meaning things look a little shaky all of a sudden: a back four of Nick Lima, Matt Miazga, Aaron Long and Tim Ream conceded three times to Venezuela in the first half in their final tune-up. It's not all bad, of course: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Pulisic is a dream midfield trio that U.S. fans are pining to see, and this Gold Cup could be the start of something special. If Berhalter can find the right combo at the forward position, like finding a partner for Altidore, the U.S. can feel good about their chances.

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Outside of Canada's Cinderella conquest in 2000, no one from outside the "big two" of Mexico and the U.S. has ever won. Of the remaining teams, the first one that springs to mind is Costa Rica. Even without Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who withdrew from contention for the fourth consecutive Gold Cup, the Ticos have the ingredients to go all the way. One has to go back to the "Snowclasico" of 2013 to find the last time the U.S. beat Costa Rica with Navas in goal.

Other teams that could flirt with a deep run are Canada and Jamaica. The young talent is there for Canada with Alphonso Davies, while Jamaica were finalists in 2015 and 2017. The Reggae Boyz are a difficult out for anyone and did just stun the U.S. 1-0 in a tune-up at D.C. United's Audi Field.

Beyond that, one team capable of a shock this time around is Curacao. They were three-and-out in 2017, but all three matches vs. Jamaica, Mexico and El Salvador were very close affairs. With a team boasting players from the top two divisions in the Netherlands, Curacao shredded opponents for 22 goals during CONCACAF Nations League qualifying to finish fourth in the table and punch their ticket again to the Gold Cup.

Taking coach Remko Bicentini's team lightly would be a mistake.

Players to watch: Jimenez, Pulisic, Davies

Christian Pulisic: Ever since the infamous Trinidad and Tobago loss, Pulisic has hardly been seen in a U.S. uniform, with five appearances since October 2017. Without question he is, or should be, the leader of the U.S. team.

And so, the 2019 Gold Cup serves as Pulisic's first chance to put his stamp on the U.S. team and dominate their CONCACAF opponents. The U.S.'s opener against Guyana on June 18 will mark 20 months since the team's last official competitive match, and after a strong finish to the Bundesliga season with Borussia Dortmund, a good Gold Cup would be the right way for Pulisic to launch into his Chelsea career.

Raul Jimenez: With Hirving Lozano likely out and no Hernandez or Vela, Wolves striker Raul Jimenez will be the guy that Martino will rely on to supply the goals.

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Jimenez excelled in his first season in the Premier League, scoring 13 goals in 38 league matches. He served as a substitute in last summer's World Cup, coming off the bench in two matches, but after his fine season in England and at age 28, he is poised to take the Gold Cup by the scruff of the neck. His big, physical stature will suit him nicely against the big CONCACAF center-backs he'll encounter.

Alphonso Davies: Davies had his international breakout two years ago in the 2017 Gold Cup, when he finished tied as the tournament's top scorer with four goals at the age of 16. Now with a half-season of experience at Bayern Munich under his belt following his move from the Vancouver Whitecaps, it's all there for Davies to be one of the top players at the tournament and lead Canada on a deep run.

Must-see days and matches

June 19, Mexico vs. Canada, Group A: This can be the game that Canada shows it is a major player in the region. There is talk about Davies, but fellow young attackers Jonathan David and Cyle Larin will be undaunted going against an experience Mexican defense. Canada's history against Mexico is not good -- they were drilled by El Tri 3-0 and 2-0 in a pair of 2018 CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers -- but that was the pre-Davies era.

Mexico will, of course, enjoy the majority of fan support, but if they begin to struggle, the whistles and jeers will rain down. With so many key attacking players missing, the lack of goals could increase the pressure Mexico feels and anything outside of a decisive win will be heavily criticized.

June 20, Nicaragua vs. Haiti, Group B: For two teams that rarely faced each other up until a few years ago, this has become a bitter rivalry. The genesis came in March 2017 when the Pinoleros and Les Grenadiers squared off in a two-legged playoff for a berth in the 2017 Gold Cup. Haiti looked to be in control after winning the first leg at home 3-1 and was holding Nicaragua to a 0-0 draw heading into the final 10 minutes of the second leg. That's when Juan Barrera exploded for three goals to stun the Haitians.

Twenty months later they faced off in CONCACAF Nations League qualifying and Haiti had the last laugh with a 2-0 win in Nicaragua.

June 22, United States vs. Trinidad and Tobago, Group D: Do we really need an explanation here? In April at the Gold Cup draw at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, an audible "oooohhh" was heard when these two teams were placed into the same group. Yes indeed: it's the rematch of that October 2017 World Cup qualifier when the Soca Warriors dashed the Yanks' World Cup hopes with a shocking 2-1 win in Couva.

Most of the players have moved out of the U.S. frame in the time since -- five players have carried over from that night in Couva in Bradley, Altidore, Pulisic, Paul Arriola and Omar Gonzalez -- but there will be a lot of pressure for the U.S. team to deliver. Perhaps former U.S. international Landon Donovan put it best when right after the draw he told a pair of reporters, "Well, I know I'd be ready for that game ..."

Team-by-team Guide

BERMUDA, Group B

Group games: vs. Haiti (6/16, 6 p.m. ET), vs. Costa Rica (6/20, 9:30 p.m. ET), vs. Nicaragua (6/24, 6:30 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 175
SPI chances of winning: 0.1 percent

Why they'll go far: Opponents would be unwise to count on an easy three points against Bermuda. After a poor start to Nations League qualifying, losing 3-1 to Aruba, Bermuda closed the four-match slate in very strong fashion with a 1-0 home win over El Salvador and then a comeback 3-1 win away to the Dominican Republic. Led by QPR forward Nahki Wells, Bermuda will be playing without pressure given their low expectations. Midfielder Zeiko Lewis and forward Justin Donawa are also proven goal scorers.

Why they won't: Their defense faces a trial by fire given that it's mostly comprised of amateur or semi-professional players. They performed admirably against El Salvador but rainy conditions last November in Hamilton helped slow down the Cuscatleco strike force. Whether they can contain the likes of Campbell, Nazon and Barrera will be a big question mark.

Player to watch: Nahki Wells

Best XI (4-5-1): Dale Eve; Donte Brangman, Dante Leverock, Jaylon Bather, Calon Minors; Roger Lee, Willie Clemons, Reggie Thompson-Lambe, Lejuan Simmons, Zeiko Lewis; Nakhi Wells

CANADA, Group A

Group games: vs. Martinique (6/15, 7:30 p.m. ET), vs. Mexico (6/19, 10:30 p.m. ET), vs. Cuba (6/23, 6 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 78
SPI chances of winning: 2.8 percent

Why they'll go far: The joys of youth. Davies and David are two exciting, talented players who can carry Canada to at least their first semifinal since 2007. Plus, there is enough experience to rely on with midfielders Samuel Piette and Junior Hoilett. While most eyes will be focused on Mexico and the U.S., Canada can swoop in and make some noise. El Tri might get the best of them in the group stage, but the two could meet again in the semifinals.

Why they won't: Yes, this is a different Canada but it is mostly inexperienced in big-time international matches. Two years ago they limped to a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat against Jamaica, and outside of some pretty easy fixtures in CONCACAF Nations League qualifying, this new core of players hasn't been tested. A poor response to the first sign of adversity could make for a quick exit.

Player to watch: Alphonso Davies

Best XI (4-3-3): Milan Borjan; Doneil Henry, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Derek Cornelius, Zachary Brault-Guillard; Samuel Piette, Jonathan Osorio, Scott Arfield; Junior Hoilett, Lucas Cavallini, Alphonso Davies

COSTA RICA, Group B

Group games: vs. Nicaragua (6/16, 8:30 p.m. ET), vs. Bermuda (6/20, 9:30 p.m. ET), vs. Haiti (6/24, 9 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 38
SPI chances of winning: 12.4 percent

Why they'll go far: Costa Rica don't have the luxury of Navas in goal, but they showed in 2017 that a deep run can be made without Navas when they fell in the semifinals. Spearheading the Tico attack is forward Campbell, who was on fire in Liga MX with Leon, with two goals in the Liguilla and three during the month of May.

Why they won't: There are plenty of questions surrounding the Costa Rica midfield. Bryan Ruiz and Celso Borges boast loads of experience but there's a huge gap between those two and the others. Their MLS-heavy defense with players like Kendall Waston, Giancarlo Gonzalez and Francisco Calvo struggled at last year's World Cup.

Player to watch: Joel Campbell

Best XI (5-3-2): Leonel Moreira; Giancarlo Gonzalez, Kendall Waston, Ronald Matarrita, Keysher Fuller, Francisco Calvo; Celso Borges, Allan Cruz, Bryan Ruiz, Joel Campbell; Mayron George

CUBA, Group A

Group games: vs. Mexico (6/15, 10 p.m. ET), vs. Martinique (6/19, 8 p.m. ET), vs. Canada (6/23, 6 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 174
SPI chances of winning: 0.5 percent

Why they'll go far: The Cubans are no strangers to Gold Cup competition. This will be their ninth appearance in the past 12 Gold Cups. They're coming off a very good Nations League qualifying campaign in which their lone loss was to Haiti. Luis Paradela and Yordan Santa Cruz give Cuba a one-two punch that can do damage.

Why they won't: Any time Cuba is in the U.S. in official competition, there is always the risk of player defections. Such was the case four years ago when a slew of players and a coach defected, leaving Cuba shorthanded. In a tournament like the Gold Cup where depth is the key, the defection situation always leaves them vulnerable and hampers any chance of a deep run.

Player to watch: Luis Paradela

Best XI (4-4-2): Sandy Sanchez; Erick Rizo, Yosel Piedra, Yasmany Lopez, Dariel Morejon; Roberney Caballero, Andy Baquero, Daniel Luis, Yordan Santa Cruz; Arichel Hernandez, Luis Paradela

CURACAO, Group C

Group games: vs. El Salvador (6/17, 7 p.m. ET), vs. Honduras (6/21, 9:30 p.m. ET), vs. Jamaica (6/25, 8 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 82
SPI chances of winning: 0.6 percent

Why they'll go far: This is not a team lacking for weapons. Rangelo Janga hit six goals in the Nations League but won't be at the Gold Cup. Not to worry, as other key contributors like Leandro Bacuna (three goals), Gevaro Nepomuceno (four goals) and Edson Hooi (three goals) will be present. With the large majority of their players plying their trade in the Netherlands' top two divisions, Curacao have the talent to make a deep run. Premier League veterans Cuco Martina and Bacuna will be undaunted going against the likes of Jamaica, Honduras and El Salvador.

Why they won't: Curacao is still not very well-versed in the nuances of the CONCACAF game. They lost all three group-stage matches in 2017, albeit by narrow margins; if they get behind in a group stage match, they'll need to keep their composure. Honduras and El Salvador are well acquainted with the art of frustrating opponents when ahead.

Player to watch: Leandro Bacuna

Best XI (4-4-2): Eloy Room; Cuco Martina, Shermar Martina, Darryl Lachman, Jurich Carolina; Shanon Carmelia, Leandro Bacuna, Michael Marina, Edson Hooi; Gevaro Nepomuceno, Gino van Kessel

EL SALVADOR, Group C

Group games: vs. Curacao (6/17, 7 p.m. ET), vs. Jamaica (6/21, 7 p.m. ET), vs. Honduras (6/25, 10:30 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 71
SPI chances of winning: 0.6 percent

Why they'll go far: El Salvador has made it to the quarterfinals in three of the past four Gold Cups and will be plenty familiar with their group opponents. The Cuscatlecos defeated Jamaica 2-0 in Nations League qualifying and also faced the Reggae Boyz and Curacao two years ago in the 2017 group phase. With Nelson Bonilla and playmaker Gerson Mayen, El Salvador have the goods to win the group and potentially reach a first-ever semifinal.

Why they won't: El Salvador have long had the problem of errors and mishaps at key moments completely wiping out their strong soccer. They can play a very good first half and then unravel in a 15-minute span, especially against superior sides. The defense can sometimes lack discipline and a lack of depth in midfield could hurt, especially if they come up against the U.S. in the quarterfinals. A clash of egos between coach Carlos de los Cobos and LAFC striker Rodolfo Zelaya means that the latter won't be called, which is a shame considering Zelaya was El Salvador's best player in the 2017 Gold Cup.

Player to watch: Nelson Bonilla

Best XI (4-5-1): Henry Hernandez; Bryan Tamacas, Ivan Mancia, Roberto Dominguez, Jonathan Jimenez; Oscar Ceren, Darwin Ceren, Narciso Orellana, Jaime Alas, Gerson Mayen; Nelson Bonilla

GUYANA, Group D

Group games: vs. United States (6/18, 10 p.m. ET), vs. Panama (6/22, 5:30 p.m. ET), vs. Trinidad and Tobago (6/26, 6:30 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 175
SPI chances of winning: 0.01 percent

Why they'll go far: Nobody is expecting anything from Guyana so if any team has the impetus to stun their group stage rivals and put a charge into the tournament, it's the Golden Jaguars. Led by former Birmingham City legend and Jamaica international Michael Johnson, Guyana have a core of players who play in England's Football League, plus Philadelphia Union defender Warren Creavalle knows the U.S. team well. Forwards Sheldon Holder and Emery Welshman each fared well in Nations League qualifying and will be called on again in the Gold Cup.

Why they won't: There simply isn't the quality and depth for Guyana to make a serious run. They might be able to steal a point against Trinidad and Tobago or Panama, but overall the outlook is grim.

Player to watch: Emery Welshman

Best XI (4-5-1): Akel Clarke; Kadell Daniel, Sam Cox, Terence Vancooten, Ronayne Marsh-Brown; Anthony Jeffrey, Callum Harriot, Neil Danns, Keanu Marsh-Brown, Elliot Bonds; Emery Welshman

HAITI, Group B

Group games: vs. Bermuda (6/16, 6 p.m. ET), vs. Nicaragua (6/20, 7 p.m. ET), vs. Costa Rica (6/24, 9 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 100
SPI chances of winning: 2.5 percent

Why they'll go far: Haiti will come into the Gold Cup feeling plenty confident about their chances of advancing far. Les Grenadiers topped CONCACAF Nations League qualifying with a perfect 4W-0D-0L record, 19 goals scored and just two conceded. The Haitians boast one of the region's most in-form strikers in Duckens Nazon, who scored six goals in just two Nations League matches. Four years ago, Haiti proved a tough opponent for anyone they came up against. Derrick Etienne of the New York Red Bulls also provides strength in attack.

Why they won't: There are still some vulnerable spots in the Haiti starting XI, specifically in midfield, where there just isn't a lot of experience or depth. While Haiti's talent can compensate for any midfield shortcomings against the likes of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Nations League, teams in the Gold Cup won't be as forgiving. In a group in which a spot in the knockout round could come down to goal difference, Haiti's lack of midfield depth could rear its head.

Player to watch: Duckens Nazon

Best XI (4-3-3): Johny Placide; Alex Junior Christian, Mechack Jerome, Ricardo Ade, Carlens Arcus; Charles Herold Jr., Bryan Alceus, Wilde-Donald Guerrier; Duckens Nazon, Frantzdy Pierrot, Mikael Cantave

HONDURAS, Group C

Group games: vs. Jamaica (6/17, 9:30 p.m. ET), vs. Curacao (6/21, 9:30 p.m. ET), vs. El Salvador (6/25, 10:30 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 61
SPI chances of winning: 2.3 percent

Why they'll go far: Honduras are no strangers to reaching the final stages of the Gold Cup. In 2009, 2011 and 2013 the Catrachos made it to the final four and head coach Fabian Coito will be expected to return them there in 2019. The attack is very promising in the form of Girona's Anthony Lozano and Houston Dynamo duo Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto. Elis in particular looks primed to take the next step at the international level.

Why they won't: Honduras certainly does not lack for experience but the aging legs of Maynor Figueroa, Emilio Izaguirre and Brayan Beckeles could exact a toll when the knockout round comes around. There are also questions in midfield. FC Dallas man Bryan Acosta looks a surefire starter, but after that Coito has to decide whether to go young or stay with age and experience.

Player to watch: Alberth Elis

Best XI (4-4-2): Luis Lopez; Emilio Izaguirre, Maynor Figueroa, Henry Figueroa, Brayan Beckeles; Michaell Chirinos, Luis Garrido, Danilo Acosta, Alberth Elis; Alexander Lopez, Anthony Lozano

JAMAICA, Group C

Group games: vs. Honduras (6/17, 9:30 p.m. ET), vs. El Salvador (6/21, 7 p.m. ET), vs. Curacao (6/25, 8 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 56
SPI chances of winning: 1 percent

Why they'll go far: Been there, done that. Jamaica have defied the oddsmakers and reached the last two Gold Cup finals with a strong defensive team and opportunistic scoring. Head coach Theodore Whitmore, who constructed the team's 2017 run, is back in the fold as are many of the protagonists from that team, like goalkeeper Andre Blake, left-back Kemar Lawrence and forward Darren Mattocks. There's also the intangible of Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey, who finally accepted the call-up in May and will represent his place of birth despite reports he was trying to get eligibility to play for England. It remains to be seen how he'll fit in just yet.

Why they won't: At age 35, Watson does not have the speed and quickness of past years and that will be a concern. Also, Jamaica struggled to score goals in the final two games of Nations League qualifying, mustering just a pair of goals against Suriname and then being held scoreless at El Salvador. Mattocks and Cory Burke have their fair share of doubters.

Player to watch: Darren Mattocks

Best XI (4-4-2): Andre Blake; Kemar Lawrence, Damion Lowe, Alvas Powell, Michael Hector; Devon Williams, Je-Vaughn Watson, Ricardo Morris, Leon Bailey; Darren Mattocks, Cory Burke

MARTINIQUE, Group A

Group games: vs. Canada (6/15, 7:30 p.m. ET), vs. Cuba (6/19, 8 p.m. ET), vs. Mexico (6/23, 8:30 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: N/A
SPI chances of winning: 0.0 percent

Why they'll go far: Not a lot is expected of Martinique so they'll hopefully be able to enjoy themselves in the U.S. this summer. Martinique performed quite well in CONCACAF Nations League qualifying to claim their Gold Cup berth, joining Haiti and Canada as the only teams with a 4W-0D-0L record. Two years ago, they put a major scare into the U.S. in a tough 3-2 group-stage loss thanks to Kevin Parsemain's two goals. He'll be back leading the line and will be keen to make the bigger boys in the group sweat.

Why they won't: While Martinique could spring a surprise and get a result against Mexico or Canada, they could also very well go three losses and out. Most of the players on the Martinique squad play in the country's amateur league, while all their opponents play in some sort of professional capacity. Squad depth will also take a toll.

Player to watch: Kevin Parsemain

Best XI (4-4-2): Loic Chauvet; Sebastien Cretinoir, Yann Thimon, Jordy Delem, Samuel Camille; Christophe Jougon, Wesley Jobello, Stephane Abaul, Karl Vitulin; Kevin Parsemain, Gregory Pastel

MEXICO, Group A

Group games: vs. Cuba (6/15, 10 p.m. ET), vs. Canada (6/19, 10:30 p.m. ET), vs. Martinique (6/23, 8:30 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 18
SPI chances of winning: 30.7 percent

Why they'll go far: In every Gold Cup, the teams with the most depth rise to the fore. Playing every three to four days during a U.S. summer takes its toll, but Mexico have the deepest squad going into this tournament, especially in defense and midfield, and that should manifest itself in the knockout rounds. Mexico also boast one of the best goal scorers in the tournament in Jimenez and a sound tactician like Martino should be the thing that gets El Tri across the finish line first.

Why they won't: If Jimenez gets hurt, Mexico could suddenly find themselves in a striker crisis, with Vela, Lozano and Hernandez already out. There is always a level of drama and off-field distractions that Mexico must contend with, and if El Tri are not up to their best in the group stage, the pressure from media and fans alike could lead to a toxic atmosphere that can't be overcome.

Player to watch: Raul Jimenez

Best XI (4-3-3): Guillermo Ochoa; Luis Rodriguez, Nestor Araujo, Carlos Salcedo, Jesus Gallardo; Edson Alvarez, Jonathan dos santos, Andres Guardado; Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez, Rodolfo Pizarro

NICARAGUA, Group B

Group games: vs. Costa Rica (6/16, 8:30 p.m. ET), vs. Haiti (6/20, 7 p.m. ET), vs. Bermuda (6/24, 6:30 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 129
SPI chances of winning: 0.04 percent

Why they'll go far: For the second consecutive time, the Pinoleros are in the Gold Cup, and the lessons learned in 2017 -- in which they lost all three games in somewhat close fashion -- can be applied to this year's edition. If they can keep things close in their opener against Costa Rica, there's no reason why they can't win their other games. Leading the way is Barrera, the national team's all-time leading scorer with 17 goals. Coach Henry Duarte also has the experience of 2017 under his belt.

Why they won't: Things could just as easily break the other way for Nicaragua. A lopsided loss to the Ticos could sink their efforts in the following two matches. There was also a 2-0 home loss to Haiti in Nations League qualifying, so questions will be asked if Nicaragua can overcome that mental hurdle when the two sides meet in the second match. Ghosts of 2017's failure could come back to haunt.

Player to watch: Juan Barrera

Best XI (4-3-3): Justo Llorente; Josue Quijano, Manuel Rosas, Luis Fernando Copete, Oscar Lopez; Marlon Lopez, Luis Galeano, Juan Barrera; Bryon Bonilla, Renato Punyed, Jorge Betancur

PANAMA, Group D

Group games: vs. Trinidad and Tobago (6/18, 7:30 p.m. ET), vs. Guyana (6/22, 5:30 p.m. ET), vs. United States (6/26, 9 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 74
SPI chances of winning: 2.7 percent

Why they'll go far: Despite the retirements of national-team stalwarts like Blas Perez and Felipe Baloy, Panama still have many familiar faces from teams that know how to battle in this tournament. New York Red Bulls' Michael Murillo is one of the best defenders in the region, while in attack Montreal Impact man Omar Browne, who torched Toronto FC in the CONCACAF Champions League, will be one to watch, along with forward Gabriel Torres. Also back in the fold is manager Julio Dely Valdes, who led Panama to the 2013 final.

Why they won't: One can't help but think that Panama is going to suffer a post-World Cup hangover for a while. Reaching the World Cup was such a momentous accomplishment, but with so many leaders leaving the team, it might take getting a few lumps in this Gold Cup for the Canaleros to fully adjust to being back in a new cycle. Also, outside of Torres, there isn't really a proven goal scorer in the squad.

Player to watch: Gabriel Torres

Best XI (4-4-2): Luis Mejia; Michael Murillo, Harold Cummings, Fidel Escobar, Erick Davis; Alberto Quintero, Armando Cooper, Anibal Godoy, Jose Rodriguez; Edgar Barcenas, Gabriel Torres

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, Group D

Group games: vs. Panama (6/18, 7:30 p.m. ET), vs. United States (6/22, 8 p.m. ET), vs. Guyana (6/26, 6:30 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 93
SPI chances of winning: 0.4 percent

Why they'll go far: After missing the 2017 Gold Cup, Trinidad and Tobago are back in the fold with a squad that boasts good experience in defense and midfield. Joevin Jones of the Seattle Sounders, Alvin Jones and Daneil Cyrus anchor the back, while Khaleem Hyland and Kevan George are two midfield stalwarts. Outside of Joevin Jones, what do those other four have in common? They all have experience beating the U.S. in competitive fixtures.

Why they won't: While the sight of Alvin Jones may spook some of the U.S. players -- he was the one that scored that long-range golazo on Tim Howard -- the Soca Warriors don't exactly have a scorer they can turn to in a time of need. Kenwyne Jones is now retired, and with this forward pool held scoreless in their past three friendlies, the jury is still out.

Player to watch: Joevin Jones

Best XI (4-4-2): Marvin Phillip; Alvin Jones, Makeil Williams, Daneil Cyrus, Joevin Jones; Kevan George, Nathan Lewis, Khaleem Hyland, Kevin Molino; Shahdon Winchester, Lester Peltier

UNITED STATES, Group D

Group games: vs. Guyana (6/18, 10 p.m. ET), vs. Trinidad and Tobago (6/22, 8 p.m. ET), vs. Panama (6/26, 9 p.m. ET)

FIFA rank: 24
SPI chances of winning: 43.4 percent

Why they'll go far: This Gold Cup represents a full clean slate for the U.S. team since their World Cup qualifying disaster, and the new generation of U.S. players will be keen to stake their claim and erase the nightmare of the past 20 months. There is Champions League quality in midfield with Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic, plus head coach Gregg Berhalter can count on having one of the deepest squads at the tournament to counter the injuries and suspensions that are sure to come.

Why they won't: The U.S. suffered from poor center-back play in World Cup qualifying, and there are still plenty of question marks over whether Long, Ream and Miazga can get the job done. If Brooks isn't 100 percent, he can be really bad. Injuries are also a worry up top. Altidore's track record of health is not the best, and who exactly will be scoring the goals for the U.S. has yet to be answered.

Player to watch: Christian Pulisic

Best XI (4-4-2): Zack Steffen; Tyler Adams, Tim Ream, Matt Miazga, Antonee Robinson; Christian Pulisic, Michael Bradley, Weston McKennie, Paul Arriola; Jozy Altidore, Gyasi Zardes

The Bangladesh batsmen had a major homework to get through in the lead-up to their next game, against West Indies in Taunton: deal with the short ball. Looking at the way the West Indian pacers have gone so far at the World Cup, Bangladesh are expecting a barrage of short balls, particularly with the newish ball.

West Indies took seven wickets with short or short-of-good-length deliveries against Pakistan and five against Australia. In the abandoned match against South Africa, both their wickets came courtesy short balls.

ALSO READ: Does Mashrafe Mortaza deserve the criticism?

It's not something Bangladesh are unaware of. Back in the Caribbean in July last year, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach and Jason Holder mixed the short and length ball brilliantly in the Test series to blow them away. Only five wickets came from the shorter deliveries, but it forced the Bangladesh batsmen on to the back foot, leaving them expecting bouncers, and 15 wickets fell to full and length deliveries.

While Bangladesh handled the short ball better in the ODI series that followed as well as last month in Ireland, the pitches were far slower than what is expected in Taunton.

"If the conditions are different then that might be something. But if we can bring our A game day after tomorrow, then we have a good opportunity to win" TAMIM IQBAL

So, two days off from the contest, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan first, and then Mahmudullah and Soumya Sarkar, were given a roughing up by the net bowlers as well as batting coach Neil McKenzie, who had the side-arm thrower.

Mostly it was ducking and weaving, and getting behind the line of the ball. Soumya was aggressive, hitting a few out of the ground as well as top-edging some. Shakib, Tamim and Mushfiqur, the most experienced men in the line-up, handled it with a mix of aggression and solid defensive play. Mahmudullah tried to get behind the line, before choosing to either duck or drop it near his feet.

They paid a price too, thankfully not too big - Mustafizur Rahman struck Mushfiqur on the right forearm with a shorter one, forcing the batsman to walk off and not return.

Tamim also felt the full brunt of McKenzie's hurls, as he got little time to react. But the South African also sent in a few full tosses and half-volleys, which Tamim laid into with relish. After all, as Tamim pointed out, while the West Indians would go for their throats in the first 15 overs or so, there are likely to be some loose deliveries too.

"We normally try to simulate in the nets what our opponents are likely to do," Tamim said. "They usually target us with the short ball but they do the same against all sides in the first ten to 15 overs. They also give run-scoring opportunities. We have to prepare for both, that's why we are working hard in practice. We want to make sure it is not a surprise for us.

"We have an idea about their batsmen and bowlers, but I have noticed their different planning in the World Cup. It is not the same thing that we faced in Ireland or West Indies. They are focusing heavily on the short ball, but if you handle it well, there'll be opportunities to score runs. They have been bowling this way against all sides."

Tamim said that the familiarity with the West Indies fast bowlers would give Bangladesh a bit of an edge, although conditions might have a say in the way things pan out.

"The first three bowling attacks I played against in this World Cup [South Africa, New Zealand and England], all were more or less equal," he said. "West Indies have pace, three bowlers who bowl above 140. The good thing is we have played all three in the last year-and-a-half.

"So there won't be anything new for us. Yes, if the conditions are different then that might be something. But if we can bring our A game day after tomorrow, then we have a good opportunity to win."

Tamim was also prepared to call Bangladesh "favourites", particularly due to their recent record in ODIs. Bangladesh have won seven out of their last nine games against West Indies, having won two bilateral series as well as the tri-series in Ireland where they beat West Indies on all three occasions.

"Of course, why not? We have won more than them in the recent past. We can be favourites, of course," Tamim said in response to a question. "In Ireland, we won all three matches against them. It does not matter to me who are favourites and who are not. Cricket is such a game that whoever brings the A game has a chance on that particular day. That is the case for any team in this World Cup.

"It is not important who has that tag, it's about whoever plays well. If you see West Indies' first two matches, they looked a different side than what they were six months back. Then again, if you look at how we played our first two matches, we also looked a different side. We were challenging the top teams in these conditions. One went in our favour, one didn't. It will be a good match I think; we just need to see who brings the A game on the given day."

For that A game to really take shape for Bangladesh, they will need to have their best anti-bouncer plan in place and execute it right.

LAS VEGAS -- Lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury -- meaning he's the man who beat the man who beat the man, etc., regardless of belts -- is as happy as ever.

That's a far cry from when he won the championship by decision in a big upset against Wladimir Klitschko in 2015. Despite claiming the lineage and three major title belts in a career-making victory, Fury wasn't happy at all and did not enjoy the trappings of such success.

The win only accelerated his downward spiral. There was heavy drug abuse and excessive drinking. He ballooned to more than 400 pounds. Severe mental health issues had him on the verge of suicide.

The "Gypsy King" was stripped of his belts --- though a fighter cannot lose the lineal title except in the ring, by moving to another weight division or retirement -- and was out of the ring, dealing with his issues, for 31 months until returning last June. Fury took on two lesser opponents on the comeback trail, stopping Sefer Seferi in the fourth round and winning a shutout 10-round decision over Francesco Pianeta.

That set the stage for his epic fight with titlist Deontay Wilder in December in Los Angeles in which Fury showed he was clearly in a better place. He outboxed Wilder for long stretches and overcame two knockdowns, including a pulverizing one in the 12th round that he somehow survived. Fury wound up with a draw, but many thought he deserved to win.

Both men called for an immediate rematch, and one was nearly finalized when Fury and promoter Frank Warren decided to go in a different direction, at least for the time being. Fury instead signed a mega-deal with Top Rank to co-promote him and bring his fights to ESPN platforms.

That deal kicks off with Fury defending the lineal crown against unknown but unbeaten Tom Schwarz on Saturday (ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET, with preliminaries on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes beginning at 7 p.m. ET) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, and Fury couldn't be happier.

"I box because I like to keep happy, and it keeps me happy to fight," Fury, engaging as ever, said this week. "I plan to box until I can't box anymore. I feel fantastic at the minute. I'm very happy with where I am in my life at the minute. I want to box on. I don't see myself retiring. I just turned 30 years old. I've got over 10 years left in this game, so you'll have to keep seeing me for the next 10 years, I'm afraid. Keep entertaining, keep putting on great shows.

"The only title that I care about is the lineal championship of the world. It goes back a long, long way, and that's the one I'm defending with pride and honor."

Schwarz is getting the opportunity of a lifetime as the hand-picked opponent for the assignment against Fury. He's thrilled with the shot, excited for his first fight in the United States and aiming for the upset.

"I love Las Vegas. This is a great opportunity for me," Schwarz said. "I'll win this fight. I'm ready. My trainers and I have seen every fight of Tyson's many times. We've analyzed his style and have prepared our best strategy. I have a surprise for Tyson Fury, and he will see what it is on Saturday night."

This is your Ringside Seat for the fight:

Another upset?

Upsets happen in all sports, but a big heavyweight upset is somewhat rare. Still, there was Buster Douglas over Mike Tyson, Hasim Rahman over Lennox Lewis, Leon Spinks over Muhammad Ali, Michael Spinks over Larry Holmes and George Foreman over Michael Moorer, to name a few.

And just two weeks ago, there was another one for the ages, as Andy Ruiz Jr. shockingly scored four knockdowns and stopped Anthony Joshua in the seventh round in New York to take Joshua's three world title belts in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

That was a stark reminder of what could happen on Saturday, and it is exactly what the 6-foot-5, 241-pound Schwarz (24-0, 16 KOs), 24, of Germany, is inspired by and gunning for against England's 6-foot-9, 260-pound Fury (27-0-1, 19 KOs), the huge favorite.

"I'm fighting for my family and my country. I have a lot of inspiration. I'm ready to shock the world," Schwarz said. "This is a great time in the heavyweight division, and I am happy to be part of it. On Saturday night, it's my time. I am prepared. Tyson Fury picked me for a reason, and I promise a great fight, a dramatic fight and a memorable moment for all boxing fans."

Schwarz also invoked another famous upset authored by his countryman, International Boxing Hall of Famer Max Schmeling, who famously knocked out Joe Louis in upset fashion in the 12th round when they met for the first time, in 1936.

"I take inspiration from German heavyweights of the past, including Max Schmeling," Schwarz said. "It might be time for a German heavyweight to shock the world again."

Viva, Las Vegas!

Fury has boxed primarily in his home country of the United Kingdom, but he has also ventured beyond its borders to Germany, for the upset of Klitschko, Canada in 2010 and twice in the United States -- New York in 2013 against Steve Cunningham and Los Angeles in December in the memorable draw with Wilder.

But now Fury, arguably boxing's biggest personality, will have his first fight in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, where showmen are all the rage. He had never been to Las Vegas until arriving about a month ago for the second half of his training camp, and he is eager to finally fight in the city that has played host to many of boxing's biggest fights for decades.

"I made a promise to myself when I was younger: I wouldn't go to Vegas until I fought there," Fury said. "It was when I was 14 years old. I always knew I was going to be heavyweight champion of the world. [Sixteen] years later, I get the opportunity to fight on the biggest platform in the world. It's been a long time coming. I have never been to Vegas.

"The big fights happen in Vegas. I remember waking up to watch Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather [in 2007] at the MGM. A lot of iconic fights have been there, so for me to put my name down on that list is another tick off the list.

"Here it is, it's finally arose, and I've got the opportunity to [fight in Las Vegas], not as a holiday-maker or as a gambler, and headline at a massive casino and hotel."

By the numbers

• Fury: 28 fights without a loss is second most by a British boxer who held the heavyweight title

• Fury: 85-inch reach is longest among championship-caliber boxers

• Fury: Outlanded opponents in 22 of 26 rounds fought since his 2018 comeback from a 2.5-year break from the sport

• Fury: Opponents land just 5.7 punches per round on average (fewer than 2 per minute), second lowest among active fighters, and just 3.5 power punches per round, second lowest among active fighters

• Schwarz: Looking to become the second German to hold lineal heavyweight title (Max Schmeling from 1930 to 1932)

• Schwarz: Ten of his past 11 fights haven't gone the distance (six of them ending before the fifth round)

• Schwarz: Has faced four fighters with 20+ wins (combined record of 102-70-5)

• Schwarz: Has faced five fighters with 28+ professional fights (combined record of 111-118-11)

Fight odds (Caesars Sportsbook): Fury minus-5000 (favorite), Schwarz plus-1500; O/U 9.5 rounds

Planning ahead

Although Fury eschewed the immediate rematch with Wilder by signing with Top Rank and agreeing to fight Schwarz, it turns out the sequel with Wilder is very much part of the plan.

All along, Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said one of the key reasons he wanted to sign Fury and wait for a bit on the rematch was to give Fury a chance to become more known to the American public via ESPN's widely distributed platforms.

Arum reasoned that with Fury's huge personality and inspiring story of overcoming his demons to return to boxing -- and at a high level -- what sports fan wouldn't fall in love with him if they got a chance to see him and learn about him?

"We have great fighters on Top Rank ESPN -- [Terence] Crawford, [Vasiliy] Lomachenko -- but Tyson Fury is something else. He has the ability to capture the imagination of not only boxing fans, but sports fans and also the public at large, and that's what we hope to accomplish with him," Arum said. "We'll give him all the support that we can promotion-wise, but this guy is a force in and of himself in and out of the ring."

There has been plenty of publicity about Fury as he heads into Saturday's fight, but two weeks ago, Wilder announced that a deal had been made for he and Fury to meet in a rematch in the first part of 2020, as long as both keep winning; Wilder is due to meet Luis "King Kong" Ortiz in a rematch this fall.

Although all of the details of the rematch have not been spelled out publicly -- such as the broadcast arrangements (a significant detail, given that Fury is with ESPN and Wilder is with Premier Boxing Champions, which has deals with Showtime and Fox), date and location -- Arum said there is a plan for two more Wilder-Fury fights, meaning they are headed toward an eventual trilogy.

"I didn't need Ruiz's upset win to remind me that anything can happen in boxing," Arum said. "Wilder doesn't have an easy fight coming up with Ortiz. Ortiz gave him hell the first time they fought. But if both guys go through and Wilder fights Tyson Fury early next year, then because of the controversial results in the first fight, calling it a draw, clearly there would be a market and the demand for a third fight.

Arum points out Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier's bouts as "three of the greatest fights in heavyweight history," while also mentioning Ali and Ken Norton's trilogy, the first of which Norton won. "I would think that there would be a great demand for a trilogy once we got the second fight on," Arum added.

Fury, for his part, understandably declined to look ahead and discuss the rematch with Wilder.

"Only thinking about Tom Schwarz at the minute," Fury said. "So whatever happens in that fight, which I know what's going to happen, but, you know, we can only look at one appointment at a time. What Wilder is doing is none of my concern, to be honest."

Rafael's prediction: Fury by ninth-round stoppage.

Your take:

The Los Angeles Angels have designated reliever Cody Allen for assignment.

The move comes a day after Allen gave up four runs over 2/3 of an inning in a 9-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Allen has a 6.26 ERA over 23 innings in 25 appearances and lost his closer role in his first season with the Angels.

"Obviously this year is not the bounce-back season I was hoping for," Allen said after Friday's appearance. "The only thing I can do is just try and get better. Either I'm going to get better or they're going to find someone else who does. That's the reality of the game."

After spending the previous seven seasons with the Cleveland Indians, Allen came to Los Angeles in free agency on a one-year, $8.5 million deal.

The 30-year-old righty had a run of five straight seasons with a sub-3.00 ERA before last year, when he had a 4.70 ERA for the Indians.

In a corresponding roster move, the Angels recalled right-hander Taylor Cole from Triple-A Salt Lake.

TORONTO -- Several months into his tenure as the Toronto Blue Jays' new manager, Charlie Montoyo sat in his office chair, discussing the series ahead against the San Francisco Giants.

Montoyo's office inside Rogers Centre is small and tidy, devoid of clutter. An autographed Andrew Katz painting of Herman Oliveras, Montoyo's favorite salsa music artist, hangs on the wall adjacent to his desk. A set of large conga drums stands along the back wall, a smaller set of bongos atop his desk. They aren't simply decor; when Montoyo was a coach with the Tampa Bay Rays, center fielder Kevin Kiermaier says, he would often find Montoyo sitting in the equipment room, hammering away on the bongos.

Hanging on the wall behind Montoyo's desk is the Blue Jays' full season calendar. Each series, home and away, is highlighted, and he points out the number of days until his family arrives from their home in Arizona -- just over a month to go. "People have no idea," Montoyo says, referring to how much he has to be away from his family. "They think, 'Oh, wow, [he's in the] big leagues ... but almost as soon as they get to Toronto once their school year ends, we go on the road," Montoyo says, chuckling, as he shakes his head.

Instead, he sees his family every day in photos. After spending 21 years managing throughout the minor leagues and then serving, most recently, as Tampa Bay's bench coach, Montoyo was hired in October to lead the Blue Jays. It's his first big league managing job. Montoyo has four photo collages on his desk in Toronto of his sons -- 11-year-old Alex and Tyson, 16 -- and his wife, Sam, whom he met nearly 20 years ago while he was managing the Charleston RiverDogs.

But there is one photo Montoyo keeps hidden from view, a framed 4-by-6-inch image inside of his armoire. He takes the picture out when others aren't around, he says, as a reminder to himself.

The photograph shows Alex, just before his fifth birthday, lying in a hospital bed in the intensive care unit, a stream of tubes and IVs protruding from his body and his head. He is sedated, mouth open, eyes closed, a peaceful expression on his face.

"I keep this picture here to remind me how lucky I am," Montoyo says.

The photo also brings perspective: of what he has lost throughout his journey in baseball -- namely, time with his family -- but also of what he has gained in an extended family that stretches far beyond the field.

Minutes after Alex was born in Tucson, Arizona, on Oct. 17, 2007 (which was also Charlie's 42nd birthday), doctors diagnosed him with Ebstein's anomaly, a rare but serious heart defect in which one of the heart valves doesn't function properly. He was immediately medevaced to Phoenix Children's Hospital, and doctors feared he wouldn't survive the trip. ESPN published a story about Alex's heart condition in 2008, while Charlie was managing the Triple-A Durham Bulls.

Scott Cahalane and his older daughter, Ashley, read the story the day it was published, on Father's Day 2008. Scott, his wife and their three children lived in Buffalo and had tickets to the Bisons' Triple-A game that evening. Scott explained to Ashley that Montoyo would be the manager for the opposing team. A few hours later, she handed Scott a homemade card. "I made this for the guy in the article," Ashley, then 10, said. "Can we give it to him?"

On the front, Ashley had drawn a baseball bat, ball and glove. Inside, she'd written a message: "Happy Father's Day. Since you can't be with your family today, you can be a part of ours."

At the game, after both teams had finished batting practice, Cahalane walked down to the dugout. He asked a player to see if Montoyo had a few minutes to talk. Montoyo walked up the steps and Cahalane introduced himself. The two chatted before he handed Montoyo the card. Montoyo read it, slowly. He smiled and gave Ashley a hug, telling her, "Thank you. This is wonderful." Says Cahalane: "We were just two strangers, but you could see it made an impact."

Montoyo asked if the family could come back the next day; Cahalane replied that they could, and Montoyo left them game tickets. They talked again before the next game, and Cahalane says he promised he and Ashley would be back the following year for the Bulls' series against the Bisons. Montoyo gave Cahalane his contact information, and the two exchanged emails throughout the year. Their friendship grew as they corresponded about their families, jobs and lives. Cahalane travelled frequently for work, and the two commiserated over having to spend time away from their families.

Alex spent the first few years his life in and out of hospitals. His first surgery was at Phoenix Children's Hospital when he was only a week old. He spent a month at Phoenix Children's before being transferred to UCLA Hospitals in late November 2007 for a transplant evaluation. Sam and Charlie drove to UCLA on Nov. 18; on Nov. 20, Tyson turned 5. His parents had to miss his birthday (though his grandmother hosted an "amazing party" for him, Sam says).

At UCLA, Alex remained in the ICU as doctors evaluated his shunt, which had been implanted at Phoenix Children's. They determined it was too big, so surgeons shrunk the shunt in another open-heart surgery, in December 2007. Alex remained in the hospital for three months.

At 18 months old, Alex returned to UCLA for his third open-heart surgery. Through this one, known as the Glenn procedure, doctors rerouted Alex's circulatory system to allow for the blood from the top half of his body to bypass the right side of his heart.

Each time Alex had a surgery, or if his team had a rare off day, Montoyo would fly back and forth from Durham, North Carolina, scheduling a red-eye return flight so he could be at the ballpark the next morning. When Alex needed another surgery, this time on his stomach, in May 2008, Charlie missed a game for the first time in 16 years. He flew across the country and back within 48 hours for the procedure, all on no sleep.

Sat down with Charlie Montoyo in his office today. And no, we didn't talk Vladi Jr... We just had a little salsa fun! This is how he relaxes! Hoy con Charlie Montoyo no nos pusimos a hablar de Vladi... nos divertimos con el gran José Alberto "El Canario"... ¡Qué talento! pic.twitter.com/0a9bbxVXtb

— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) April 24, 2019

Still, Montoyo rarely talked about Alex's heart complications around the team.

"Us players had no idea what was going on, because he kept it so hush-hush," Kiermaier says. "He probably thought about it every second when he was at the field. But the way he balanced that out and never brought a sad or negative attitude, that's Charlie, 24/7. He's the absolute best."

Montoyo's demeanor wasn't always so calm. Prior to Alex's health scares, Montoyo's fiery personality showed on the field when he argued calls and ripped up lineup cards. But almost losing his son brought about a changed perspective -- and a new leadership style.

Before Alex's final major surgery at UCLA Medical Center, in 2012, Cahalane emailed Montoyo to ask who from his family would be there. Sam's father, John Startt -- who is also Alex's blood donor, as they are both Type A-negative -- and Charlie's cousin, Jose Montoyo, were the only other family members present, Charlie told him, beside Sam, Alex and himself. (Sam's mother, Suzanne Startt-Wilkes, stayed home with Tyson).

So Cahalane, who travels frequently as part of his work for a software company, bought a plane ticket and flew to Los Angeles. He landed while Alex was in surgery and, a short while later, texted Montoyo from the waiting room: "I'm here. You don't need to come down, but if you need something, I'm here." After the surgery, while Alex was taken to another area of the hospital, the Montoyos met with their friend.

"It was really, really nice," Sam said of Cahalane's impromptu arrival. "Sometimes it's nice to have someone to sit in the cafeteria with, someone who knew us well enough to know that now is not the time to ask me stupid questions. Just sit there with me and be there and be supportive. It was very thoughtful."

A few years later, following a long road trip for the Bulls, Cahalane flew Sam, Tyson and Alex to Buffalo for the Bulls series. He picked them up from the airport and drove them to the team hotel. When Charlie stepped off of the elevator to head to the stadium, Alex ran out and gave him a big hug. Another time, as the Bulls endured an eight-game losing streak on the road and Charlie hadn't seen his family in almost two months, Cahalane traveled to each game, supporting him from the stands.

"It's a really good friendship," Montoyo says of Cahalane. "He'd be my friend even if I weren't in baseball -- and that's what I like about him."

Alex underwent his first major open-heart surgery just seven days after he was born. Among hospital and hotel stays, medications and more, the Montoyos saw that their expenses would quickly grow. They had a modest house, drove an old car and lived "like minor league people," Sam says. While they had some money saved, they didn't have the expansive amount they would need in the ensuing months and years.

As they pondered what to do, a friend told Montoyo about B.A.T., the Baseball Assistance Team. Founded in 1986, the MLB-affiliated organization provides confidential financial assistance to applicants who need financial help for a variety of reasons, whether medical bills, retirement care, obtaining a college degree and the like.

B.A.T. began as a handful of former players who wanted to help retired major leaguers in financial distress; it has grown into an organization that also assists minor leaguers, umpires, scouts, major and minor league front-office personnel, former Negro League players, widows and more.

"Really, the entire baseball family," Erik Nilsen, the executive director of B.A.T., says. "If someone has had a pro baseball-related paycheck for at least two years, they're eligible to apply for a grant."

Last year, B.A.T -- which has a staff of five and a board of 15 members, mostly retired MLB players -- received 475 grant applications, and the organization spent $4.5 million to help applicants.

When the Montoyos learned that they'd need to spend several months in L.A. for Alex's first UCLA-based surgery, Sam called Jim Martin, then B.A.T. executive director, in tears. It was November 2007, at 8 on a Saturday night. A few hours later, the B.A.T. board held an emergency midnight call and approved the Montoyos for a grant.

"The medical care wasn't the problem --- insurance covered those things," Sam says. "What it didn't cover was how the hell you move to another state and take care of your kids." She found a one-bedroom apartment in Westwood that was a five-minute walk to the hospital, utilities included, with a month-to-month lease; the rent was $4,800 per month. While Charlie's former and then-current teams in Montgomery, Alabama, and Durham held fundraisers for the family, the bills still grew.

Throughout the fall of 2007 and winter of 2008, as the Montoyos waited for Alex's body to grow strong enough for him to breathe without his ventilator, they lived in Los Angeles. Sam went to the hospital each day while Charlie and Tyson played at home; Charlie took the hospital night shift. In March, Alex was finally discharged. The Montoyos flew home to Tucson; two days later, Charlie left for spring training.

Once back home, though, their medical challenges -- and costs -- mounted. Alex's prescriptions totaled around $1,100 a month. He had to learn to use a feeding tube and couldn't eat solid foods until he was 3. Sam enlisted a feeding-tube therapist to come twice a week to teach Alex to eat. Her rate was $400 per hour.

The pediatrician told Sam that Alex needed a helmet, which was considered "cosmetic" and thus not covered by insurance. A physical therapist came to the house twice weekly to teach Alex how to walk and move; an occupational therapist taught him speech therapy, because one of his vocal cords had been paralyzed during a surgery.

Because Charlie was with his team across the country, Sam slept in Alex's room each night, administering nighttime medications when he needed them. After months of cumulative exhaustion from her sleep-interrupted nights, B.A.T. funding allowed Sam to hire a special-needs physical therapist who came to the house two nights a week; on those nights, Sam slept in her own room for a solid eight-hour stretch.

"They were always right there," Sam says of B.A.T. "They said, 'You do what you have to do, and we'll take care of it.'"

In 2003, B.A.T. began a payroll deduction program, whereby major league players could opt to have a portion of their paycheck deducted each year to go toward B.A.T. Representatives from B.A.T. visit each team during an annual spring-training fundraising tour, explaining the purpose of the organization and asking recipients to share testimonials of how the funding has affected their lives. Nearly 1,600 players, coaches and managers from all 30 teams donated a record $3.4 million this past spring.

"It's always good seeing people in a better situation once we're done assisting, rather than a worse spot," Nilsen says. "That's the ultimate goal -- being a short-term bridge."

Each year, the American League and National League teams that collectively donate the most funds each receive the Bobby Murcer Award. During spring training this year, Montoyo spoke to the Blue Jays, opening up about how much B.A.T. had helped his family over the years. The Blue Jays collectively donated over $200,000, winning the AL award for the first time.

The Cahalane family began its annual visits to Montoyo at spring training several years ago. While two of the Cahalane children are now in college, Scott still visits every spring. Montoyo called Scott on the day he accepted the Blue Jays job last fall. Ashley, now a rising senior at Central Florida who plans to work with children with special needs following graduation, has grown particularly close to Montoyo, whom she calls "Uncle Charlie."

While Alex's surgeries, by all indications, were successful, the side effects have remained. He will likely eventually need surgery on his right leg, which is longer than his left one. He has secondary cerebral palsy and has difficulty writing because of limited motor skills in his right hand, so he uses a computer to type notes in school, and his hands tire quickly regardless of the activity.

Still, "for what he's got going on, he's doing great," Sam says.

Beginning in 2010, the Montoyo family began joining Charlie in Durham once the school year ended, a practice they continued when he joined the Rays' big league staff.

While Tyson loves being around his dad, he doesn't love being around baseball all the time. He is a lacrosse player, and he loves playing video games. Alex, while he doesn't play organized sports, loves playing outside and P.E. class. And he always wants to be at the ballpark. He typically arrives in the early afternoon, rattling off the lineup to the players, walking around the clubhouse to offer handshakes and high-fives -- and flashing his big, all-encompassing grin.

"When people say, 'Oh this guy lights up the room,' they don't always mean it," Kiermaier says. "But when you talk about Alex, it's no cliché; he puts a smile on everyone's face. He's such a goofy, fun-loving kid, and he's so sincere about everything. He just makes your day."

Kiermaier remembers telling Alex, who then weighed 68 pounds, that he needed to work on his strength training. He asked if he could bench-press Alex, who responded, "No way!" But Kiermaier persisted: "Alex, it's for the team!" Alex relented, so Kiermaier lay on the bench, hoisted Alex above him, and bench-pressed him eight times. "I told him I'd hit a homer that night. I didn't hit a homer, but I did hit a deep double," Kiermaier says, laughing.

Alex excels at video games, particularly Fortnite, and several Rays are his favorite co-players. Rays pitcher Blake Snell said he and Alex hung out almost every day in 2017. "When Alex wouldn't come to the clubhouse, I'd be upset," the 2018 American League Cy Young Award winner says. The two played video games together, talked baseball and just hung out. "Every time he came to the park, it always made my day better."

Montoyo is only the third Puerto Rican native to become a big league manager, and he is leading a team with two sons of former major leaguers on the active roster: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (son of Hall of Famer Vladimir) and Cavan Biggio (son of Hall of Famer Craig). Montoyo appreciates the father-son bond, whether through baseball or outside of it. And because of baseball, his and his family's circle has grown much wider, thanks in large part to his affable nature, and the friends they've made throughout their journey, including the Cahalanes.

"I don't care if he's the manager of the Blue Jays or the plumber down the street, because it's not about what he does," Scott Cahalane says. "Every time he sees my wife and kids, no matter what's going on in his life, he's Uncle Charlie, smiling and giving them big hugs. There's a reason we became friends."

And as that friendship has evolved, so has Montoyo. He took the long road to the majors, enduring trials along the way, but at 53 he can take the broad view.

"Going through all of this with Alex, it made me a better man," Montoyo says. "Because now, if it's bases loaded, two outs ... I know, 'OK, it could be worse.'

"It's all given me perspective."

Genzebe Dibaba, Juan Miguel Echevarria, Holly Bradshaw and Andrew Pozzi are among the stars competing at the Meeting International Mohammed VI D’Athletisme

Just a few days after the fifth series stop in Oslo, the IAAF Diamond League moves on to Moroccan capital Rabat on Sunday.

After her return to form in Rome last week to clock her fastest 1500m time since her world record, all eyes will be on Genzebe Dibaba to see if she will go quicker than her 3:56.28 world lead.

Demonstrating tremendous range following her recent 65-minute half-marathon, Sweden’s Sifan Hassan is also in the line-up, although the 2016 world indoor champion may not be quite the force she was at that distance. Jenny Simpson, the 2017 world silver medallist, is also on the entry list along with Morocco’s Rababe Arafi and Britain’s Eilish McColgan and Sarah McDonald.

Olympic silver medallist Nijel Amos goes in the 800m, trying to bounce back from defeat in Rome. Out to stop him will be the man one place behind him in Rio 2016, Clayton Murphy, and the sixth fastest man in history, Emmanuel Korir.

The women’s race will not feature Caster Semenya, even though she can compete “without restriction” while her appeal against the IAAF’s new rules on female classification is pending. According to the IAAF, the Olympic champion was invited to participate in the 800m in Rabat but declined. The race will feature home athlete Malika Akkaoui, plus Britain’s Lynsey Sharp and Switzerland’s Selina Buchel.

The women’s pole vault boasts a quality line-up. British record-holder Holly Bradshaw will be joined by world and Olympic champion Katerina Stefanidi, world indoor champion Sandi Morris and European indoor champion Anzhelika Sidorova.

Double world 200m champion Dafne Schippers and world 100m and 200m silver medallist Marie-Josée Ta Lou go in the 100m, while the 400m includes Phyllis Francis and Salwa Eid Naser.

New long-jump sensation Juan Miguel Echevarria will be looking to bounce back after a surprise defeat in Stockholm.

The 2018 world No.1 will be hoping to be back to the form which saw him leap a windy 8.83m last year as he faces world champion Luvo Manyonga and world bronze medallist Ruswahl Samaai.

World discus No.1 Daniel Stahl aims to continue his winning form, with Diamond League champion Fedrick Dacres, European champion Andrius Gudzius and Olympic champion Christoph Harting the challengers. Sandra Perkovic and Denia Caballero head the women’s event.

After getting his Diamond League sprint hurdles title defence back on track with a win in Rome, Sergey Shubenkov will be up against  Britain’s Andrew Pozzi and world champion Omar McLeod, while the men’s 200m features Olympic silver medallist Andre De Grasse and world champion Ramil Guliyev.

The Moroccan crowd will have plenty to cheer in the men’s steeplechase as their winner from Doha, Soufiane El Bakkali, lines up.

Entry lists and a timetable can be found here.