Search result for Tim Royan

Valley’s boxing reputation grows as Emanuel Navarrete defeats Liam Wilson in thrilling scrap

GLENDALE - Emanuel Navarrete won the WBO junior lightweight title with a ninth round TKO of Liam Wilson. This marks the third title fight and fifth major boxing card held in the Valley in the past year.

“I like when there’s time, when I get to go a few rounds. It’s fun.” Nico Ali Walsh secured a unanimous decision victory after going the distance against Eduardo Ayala. (Photo by Damian Rios/Cronkite News)

‘Woo!’: Kansas City Chiefs revved up for Super Bowl 57 on Opening Night

PHOENIX – Super Bowl week officially kicked off Monday night at the Footprint Center. The Eagles and Chiefs took center stage in front of thousands of fans to answer questions about the Super Bowl and how they got here.

Kansas City Chiefs (and Philadelphia Eagles) fans arrived in droves Monday at Footprint Center to attend Opening Night. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, seeks greatness in Glendale

GLENDALE – Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, will look to extend his unbeaten record to 8-0 with a win Friday against Phoenix native Eduardo Ayala at Desert Diamond Arena. If all goes according to plan, this week’s trip will be better than his last.

Nico Ali Walsh, left, hopes to show fans his full range of skills in Friday's bout against Eduardo Ayala at Desert Diamond Arena. (Photo by Damian Rios/Cronkite News)

Fight like a Devil: Inside Ryan Bader’s journey from ASU wrestling to Bellator champion

PHOENIX – Ryan Bader is the current Bellator Heavyweight Champion and is fighting in the main event of Bellator’s first card on CBS Network. From his hometown of Reno, Nevada, to ASU wrestling to fighting professionally, Bader’s journey has been remarkable.

Former ASU wrestler Ryan Bader developed a passion for mixed martial arts in Tempe as a sophomore. "We had no idea what we were doing," he recalls. (Photo by Damian Rios/Cronkite News)

Wheelchair basketball event brings top teams, Paralympians to Ability360

PHOENIX – Some of the best wheelchair basketball players in the country competed over the weekend at the 23rd Annual D1 Phoenix Invitational.

The Courage Kenny Rolling Timberwolves and the Ability360 Wheelchair Suns line up and shake hands after their game at the 23rd Annual D1 Phoenix Invitational at Ability360 in Phoenix Jan. 28, 2023. (Photo by Brooklyn Hall/Cronkite News)

Jimmie Johnson test drives NASCAR’s Next Gen car in Phoenix Raceway return

AVONDALE – It was a big week in the world of NASCAR at Phoenix Raceway. Not only was NASCAR testing new modifications to the Next Gen 7 car, seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson got behind the wheel of the new race car for the first time before his return to the sport.

Seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson test drove the Next Gen-7 car at Phoenix Raceway and shared his thoughts after the first day of testing. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

Arizona led nation for rise in homeless youth last year, HUD report says

WASHINGTON - Arizona saw the largest increase in the number of homeless youth in the nation last year, at a time when other large states were seeing those numbers decline, according to a recent federal report.


Derrick Michael Xzavierro’s history-making odyssey lands him at GCU

PHOENIX – Derrick Michael Xzavierro’s journey to GCU has led him across the world from his home of Indonesia. Though he is taking a redshirt year this season, Xzavierro has already made an impact and history as Indonesia’s first Division I basketball scholarship player.

A long way from home, Derrick Michael Xzavierro has represented the country of Indonesia honorably on the basketball court and inside the Grand Canyon University locker room. (Photo courtesy of GCU athletics)

Catalyst for change: How Jerry Colangelo, 1992-93 Suns transformed downtown Phoenix

PHOENIX – The 1992-93 Phoenix Suns were more than a success on the basketball court, where they were good enough to reach The NBA Finals. With a new coach, a new superstar in Charles Barkley and a new arena, that team launched a renaissance in downtown Phoenix that transformed the city.

A visionary in his own right, former Suns owner Jerry Colangelo capitalized on the potential of downtown Phoenix to help revitalize the Valley. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

Despite a losing season, University of Arizona football is building a winning program

TUCSON – The University of Arizona football team had a combined 1-23 record over its last 24 games coming into this season, but the Wildcats were able to put together a 5-7 season this year, which was capped off by their first Territorial Cup victory in six years. The Wildcats have a lot to build on heading into the future.

The Arizona Wildcats hoisted the Territorial Cup trophy for the first time in six years after defeating Arizona State 38-35. (Photo by Austin Ford/Cronkite News)

From foodie to gamer, Hamilton’s Beach defined by more than volleyball

PHOENIX – Volleyball is a passion, but so, too, is cooking and gaming for Hamilton High School’s Neomi Beach.

Neomi Beach, right, and coach Sharon Vanis teamed up to lead Hamilton High School to two straight state titles in volleyball. The Huskies went for a third this season but fell in the championship to Corona del Sol. (Photo courtesy of Neomi Beach)

Australian sisters strengthen family bond while running at NAU

PHOENIX – Sisters Nikita and Keira Moore reunited at Northern Arizona this year after a year spent apart. The Australians have adjusted to living in the U.S. while running cross country and track for the Lumberjacks.

Northern Arizona cross country and track runners Nikita and Keira Moore run alongside their teammates in a practice in Flagstaff. (Photo courtesy of Northern Arizona Athletics)