U.S. Silver Medal-winning boxer Shakur Stevenson confirmed that he will turn pro, but he "denied reports" that he already signed a promotional agreement with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Stevenson said, "I haven't signed with anyone right now. I'm going to go back, look at my options and focus on that." Mayweather was in Rio to "scout 'future boxing champions' and was clear about his interest in signing Stevenson to a promotional pact" (BOXINGSCENE.com, 8/20). Stevenson has been "courted by Mayweather," who tweeted he came to Rio to "sign Stevenson to his promotion company, and the two were seen hanging at a nearby hotel Wednesday night" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/21).
STRIKE WHILE THE IRON'S HOT: Two-time U.S. Gold Medal-winning boxer Claressa Shields's agent, Jamie Fritz, has talked about a "Dancing With the Stars" appearance this fall, "among other possibilities" for her client (DETROIT NEWS, 8/22). Fritz added said Shields is "under very serious consideration" for a role in a Hollywood murder-mystery film (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 8/22).
BRAVE STAND: Silver Medal-winning Ethiopian marathoner Feyisa Lilesa after crossing the finish line yesterday "raised his arms and crossed them in an X, a gesture of protest against his country's government that he said could get him killed if he returned home." Lilesa "defied an Olympic prohibition on political demonstrations to make his statement, raising his arms again in protest at the race's medal ceremony" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/22).
CLAP IT UP: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Saturday said that he "hopes to host a celebration of Maryland's Olympic athletes." In Baltimore, Natalie Sherman noted two dozen athletes, including Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky and Carmelo Anthony, competing in the Rio Games in 14 different sports "have ties to Maryland." Following the '12 London Games, Maryland feted local Olympians at the Inner Harbor, "hailing them with a blast from the Constellation and giving them the keys to the city" (Baltimore SUN, 8/21).
I JUDGE THEE: Gold Medal-winning U.S. gymnast Gabby Douglas will serve as a judge for the Miss America competition, which will air Sept. 11 at 9:00pm ET on ABC from Atlantic City (USA TODAY, 8/22).
