Week Ahead
SATURDAY 4/1
Lamon Brewstervs. Sergei Liakhovich
Welcome to the heavyweight division, boxing's version of American Idol. So manycontenders, so little talent. Tonight--the date is fitting--WBO champ Brewster(33-2) puts his title on the line in Cleveland against Belarus's Liakhovich(22-1), who hasn't been in the ring since 2004. Brewster (above) last fought inSeptember, when he won a TKO over Luan Krasniqi in Germany. Showtime 11p.m.
Chicago Fire atFC Dallas
MLS's 11th season kicks off in Dallas, where Fire forward Chris Rolfe (below,in red) will try to pick up where he left off in his spectacular rookiecampaign. Rolfe, 23, led Chicago with eight goals and was the runner-up in theleague's rookie of the year voting. As for Dallas, leading scorer Carlos Ruizwill be operating without standout forward Eddie Johnson, who was traded toKansas City during the off-season. ABC 4 p.m.
Nasdaq-100Open
Unseeded Jamea Jackson made history in the first round in Key Biscayne, Fla.:She was the first player to challenge a call under the new Hawk-Eye replaysystem. (The call was upheld.) This weekend the first tournament finals--womenon Saturday, men on Sunday--will be played with Hawk-Eye, which relies onhigh-res cameras that can determine a ball's bounce position within .11 of aninch. You cannot be serious! Saturday and Sunday CBS noon
SUNDAY 4/2
Chicago Rush atOrlando Predators
Bob McMillen has had no trouble breaking the Arena Football League's careerrushing record. Keeping it is the problem. On Feb. 26 the Rush fullback (above)passed Les Barley's mark of 1,382 yards--but dropped back to second place whenhe lost eight yards on his next carry. McMillen reclaimed the record on March17; he enters this showdown with Orlando with 1,387 career yards. NBCnoon
SUNDAY 4/2
SI PICK OF THE WEEK
Opening Moves
Who will win theOpening Day clash in Chicago between the world champion White Sox and theIndians, who figure to fight for the AL Central title? Who knows, but runs willprobably be scarce. Chicago starter Mark Buehrle (left) and Cleveland's C.C.Sabathia (right) lead staffs that tied for the AL's lowest ERA (3.61) lastseason, when nine of the teams' 19 meetings--the White Sox won 14--were decidedby one run. (Fans craving offensive fireworks might check the Giants-Padresgame on Monday. Barry Bonds, who resumes his pursuit of Ruth and Aaron, hashomered against San Diego more than any other team.) ESPN2 8 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 4/5
On Shelves: MarioTailgates NASCAR Style
Gentlemen, start your engines--or at least gas up your grills. Master chefMario Batali (left) offers his version of fast food. The race-friendly recipesinclude Barbecue Wings Charlotte Style and signature NASCAR dishes like Eggs inHell, Speedway Guacamole and Pocono Hangar Steak Fajitas.
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BRAD MANGIN (BUEHRLE)
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TONY DEJAK/AP (SABATHIA)
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BRIAN KERSEY/WIREIMAGE.COM (ROLFE)
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STEVE WOLTMANN/CHICAGO RUSH (MCMILLEN)
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JONATHAN DANIEL/GETTY IMAGES (BREWSTER)
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SPORTING NEWS BOOKS (BATALI BOOK)
ILLUSTRATION