Holyfield, Tyson Are Discussing Boxing Rematch, Guardian Says
By Dan Baynes
Feb. 28 (Bloomberg) -- Evander Holyfield said he and Mike Tyson are discussing the possibility of fighting each other for a third time, the Guardian newspaper reported, citing an interview with the four-time heavyweight boxing champion.
Holyfield, 45, said Tyson approached him via an intermediary to discuss a rematch, the Guardian reported. Their second fight in 1997 ended in controversy when Tyson was disqualified for twice biting Holyfield, on one occasion tearing off a chunk of his ear.
``There has been some talk between us,'' the Guardian cited Holyfield as saying. ``Mike had Jeff Fenech, who's been training him, call me a few months ago. Jeff says Mike wants to fight me again, but he needs to know if I would agree to it. I said, `It all depends on what they gonna give us, because I'm gonna catch a lot of flak if I say I'm fighting Mike Tyson again.'''
Holyfield knocked out Tyson when they first fought in 1996 and has a professional boxing record of 42-9-2. Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in 1986 when he beat Trevor Berbick at age 20. Now 41, Tyson last fought in June of 2005, when he quit during the seventh round of a bout against Kevin McBride to leave his record at 50-6.
To contact the reporter on this story: Dan Baynes in Sydney at dbaynes@bloomberg.net
Friday, February 29, 2008
Gaza ~ Lost soul, Lost everything
Football star Paul Gascoigne has been detained under the Mental Health Act after a series of bizarre incidents at two Newcastle hotels. The troubled star has fought alcohol problems and depression since the end of his playing career. Despite his struggles, Gazza retains a place in the hearts of football fans and is arguably the finest talent English football has seen in the last 25 years. Hotlist examines the highs and lows of his life.
Paul Gascoigne was born on May 27 1967 in Dunston, Tyne and Wear. Aged ten, he suffered a personal tragedy when he witnessed the death of his friend Steve Spraggon in a car accident. The incident is believed to have triggered the compulsive behaviour that has blighted his adult life.
Gascoigne made his first team debut for Newcastle United on April 13 1985. By the end of the 1987/8 season, he had been named the Barclays Young Player of the Year and transferred to Spurs for a record £2.3 million fee. Under the tutelage of Terry Venables, he began to blossom into a superb midfield player. England manager Bobby Robson gave him his international debut in September 1988.
Global star
Gascoigne was England's best player at the 1990 World Cup. He was the architect of crucial goals against Egypt, Belgium and Cameroon but will be forever remembered for his reaction to his semi-final booking against Germany. Knowing he would be suspended if England reached the final, Gazza’s mood turned from ebullience to devastation. His tears provided one of football’s most enduring moments as England bowed out on penalties.
The 1991 FA Cup final provided a critical moment in Gazza’s career. He started the final in a hyperactive state and committed an appalling foul on Gary Charles. He ruptured his cruciate knee ligaments and was stretchered off the field in tears. He missed the entire 1991/2 season.
Gazza signed for Lazio in September 1992 but his form was inconsistent and he continued to be troubled by injuries. He scored a famous 89th winner in the Rome derby but ultimately failed to settle in Italy. He headed back to Britain in 1995 to play for Glasgow Rangers and made an instant impact, winning Scottish Player of the Year honours in his first season. Proof he was back to his irrepressible best came in a match against Hibernian when he memorably booked referee Dougie Smith after the official dropped his yellow card on the pitch.
But controversy was never far away. Gascoigne managed to alienate one half of Glasgow when, during an Old Firm game against Celtic, he naively celebrated a goal by mimicking playing the flute. The gesture, symbolic of the Protestant Orange Order marches, lead to him receiving death threats from the IRA.
International swansong
Gascoigne became a crucial part of Terry Venables’ England team in the run-up to Euro 96. He scored his most memorable goal against Scotland, looping the ball over a bewildered Colin Hendry, burying a volley into the net and instigating the infamous “dentist chair” celebration with Teddy Sheringham. He remained part of the England squad until the 1998 World Cup. But his ongoing fitness problems – he was pictured out in London eating kebabs with Chris Evans – convinced new boss Glenn Hoddle to omit him from the squad. Gascoigne smashed up a hotel room when he was given the news. He would never play for England again.
Without football to provide refuge from his demons, Gascoigne’s descent into depression accelerated in recent years. He attempted to become a player coach with a short-lived spell at Boston United. He then tried his hand at management but only lasted 37 days at Kettering Town and left amid accusations of severe alcohol abuse. He famously changed his name to G8 and was arrested for allegedly attacking a press photographer in Liverpool.
Regardless of his many indiscretions and misdemeanours, the sadness of Gazza's slide into illness will resonate with every English football fan. Messages of support for have already come from all quarters of football's community who hope that the stricken Geordie hero receives the help he needs to recover.
Paul Gascoigne was born on May 27 1967 in Dunston, Tyne and Wear. Aged ten, he suffered a personal tragedy when he witnessed the death of his friend Steve Spraggon in a car accident. The incident is believed to have triggered the compulsive behaviour that has blighted his adult life.
Gascoigne made his first team debut for Newcastle United on April 13 1985. By the end of the 1987/8 season, he had been named the Barclays Young Player of the Year and transferred to Spurs for a record £2.3 million fee. Under the tutelage of Terry Venables, he began to blossom into a superb midfield player. England manager Bobby Robson gave him his international debut in September 1988.
Global star
Gascoigne was England's best player at the 1990 World Cup. He was the architect of crucial goals against Egypt, Belgium and Cameroon but will be forever remembered for his reaction to his semi-final booking against Germany. Knowing he would be suspended if England reached the final, Gazza’s mood turned from ebullience to devastation. His tears provided one of football’s most enduring moments as England bowed out on penalties.
The 1991 FA Cup final provided a critical moment in Gazza’s career. He started the final in a hyperactive state and committed an appalling foul on Gary Charles. He ruptured his cruciate knee ligaments and was stretchered off the field in tears. He missed the entire 1991/2 season.
Gazza signed for Lazio in September 1992 but his form was inconsistent and he continued to be troubled by injuries. He scored a famous 89th winner in the Rome derby but ultimately failed to settle in Italy. He headed back to Britain in 1995 to play for Glasgow Rangers and made an instant impact, winning Scottish Player of the Year honours in his first season. Proof he was back to his irrepressible best came in a match against Hibernian when he memorably booked referee Dougie Smith after the official dropped his yellow card on the pitch.
But controversy was never far away. Gascoigne managed to alienate one half of Glasgow when, during an Old Firm game against Celtic, he naively celebrated a goal by mimicking playing the flute. The gesture, symbolic of the Protestant Orange Order marches, lead to him receiving death threats from the IRA.
International swansong
Gascoigne became a crucial part of Terry Venables’ England team in the run-up to Euro 96. He scored his most memorable goal against Scotland, looping the ball over a bewildered Colin Hendry, burying a volley into the net and instigating the infamous “dentist chair” celebration with Teddy Sheringham. He remained part of the England squad until the 1998 World Cup. But his ongoing fitness problems – he was pictured out in London eating kebabs with Chris Evans – convinced new boss Glenn Hoddle to omit him from the squad. Gascoigne smashed up a hotel room when he was given the news. He would never play for England again.
Without football to provide refuge from his demons, Gascoigne’s descent into depression accelerated in recent years. He attempted to become a player coach with a short-lived spell at Boston United. He then tried his hand at management but only lasted 37 days at Kettering Town and left amid accusations of severe alcohol abuse. He famously changed his name to G8 and was arrested for allegedly attacking a press photographer in Liverpool.
Regardless of his many indiscretions and misdemeanours, the sadness of Gazza's slide into illness will resonate with every English football fan. Messages of support for have already come from all quarters of football's community who hope that the stricken Geordie hero receives the help he needs to recover.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Bergamasco Banned.......quite right too......
Bergamasco banned for Byrne gouge
Italy back-row Mauro Bergamasco has been handed a 13-week ban after pleading guilty to gouging.
The Stade Francais flanker was "found to have deliberately placed his finger in the right eye of Lee Byrne" by a Six Nations disciplinary committee.
The incident happened when Bergamasco clashed with the Wales full-back on the final whistle of Wales' 47-8 home win.
At a separate hearing Italy lock Carlo Del Fava was found not guilty of kneeing Stephen Jones in the head.
Del Fava can now line up for Ulster against Llanelli Scarlets at Ravenhill on Friday and has also been recalled to the Italy squad preparing to face France on March 9 after he and Bergamasco were left out as a precaution by coach Nick Mallett.
Bergamasco, who has the right of appeal, will be able to resume playing on 2 June and could easily have picked up a more severe ban.
As it is the 28-year-old will miss Italy's final two Six Nations matches, a week on Sunday in Paris and then the home game against Scotland on 15 March, plus what should be the remainder of Stade Francais' season.
His ban will start on 3 March, the date Bergamasco is expected to recover from a shoulder injury suffered in Cardiff.
The three-man disciplinary committee, chaired by Christopher Quinlan QC (England) and also comprising Dr Barry O'Driscoll (Ireland) and Mike Rafter (England) took into account the player's admission of guilt and "other mitigating factors".
Byrne had scored two of Wales' five tries at the Millennium Stadium last Saturday in an excellent all-round performance.
Story from BBC SPORT:
Italy back-row Mauro Bergamasco has been handed a 13-week ban after pleading guilty to gouging.
The Stade Francais flanker was "found to have deliberately placed his finger in the right eye of Lee Byrne" by a Six Nations disciplinary committee.
The incident happened when Bergamasco clashed with the Wales full-back on the final whistle of Wales' 47-8 home win.
At a separate hearing Italy lock Carlo Del Fava was found not guilty of kneeing Stephen Jones in the head.
Del Fava can now line up for Ulster against Llanelli Scarlets at Ravenhill on Friday and has also been recalled to the Italy squad preparing to face France on March 9 after he and Bergamasco were left out as a precaution by coach Nick Mallett.
Bergamasco, who has the right of appeal, will be able to resume playing on 2 June and could easily have picked up a more severe ban.
As it is the 28-year-old will miss Italy's final two Six Nations matches, a week on Sunday in Paris and then the home game against Scotland on 15 March, plus what should be the remainder of Stade Francais' season.
His ban will start on 3 March, the date Bergamasco is expected to recover from a shoulder injury suffered in Cardiff.
The three-man disciplinary committee, chaired by Christopher Quinlan QC (England) and also comprising Dr Barry O'Driscoll (Ireland) and Mike Rafter (England) took into account the player's admission of guilt and "other mitigating factors".
Byrne had scored two of Wales' five tries at the Millennium Stadium last Saturday in an excellent all-round performance.
Story from BBC SPORT:
Keegan to quit says newspapers.....
KEEGAN `HAVING DOUBTS` ALREADY
Posted 28/02/08 09:32EmailPrintSave
Kevin Keegan is reportedly already having doubts about the wisdom of agreeing to return to Newcastle United.
Just five weeks after his appointment, Keegan has been described as 'growing disillusioned' with the club's hierarchy. According to The Daily Mail, Keegan's future is 'increasingly uncertain' because of the emergence of a 'serious split'.
'While Keegan has publicly described Mike Ashley as the perfect owner, the manner in which the club is being run by the billionaire businessman and his lieutenants has left him feeling more and more disillusioned, the newspaper reports.
'Sportsmail understands Keegan had little, if any, say in the appointment of Chris Hughton as his assistant this week and one source suggested the former Tottenham coach did not even speak to Keegan prior to accepting the job.'
It was much the same when Dennis Wise was - to Keegan's complete surprise - appointed executive director (football).
Nor have matters improved since then with communication between Wise and Keegan said to be 'virtually non-existent' with the former Leeds manager reputedly preferring to work from an office in London rather than move to the north-east. 'Mort also spends much of his time in London as, of course, does Ashley. While the situation has left Keegan feeling powerless and uncomfortable, it has also undermined his efforts to revive a struggling Newcastle team,' discloses the Mail.
Keegan has yet to enjoy a single victory since his return to St James' in January.
Posted 28/02/08 09:32EmailPrintSave
Kevin Keegan is reportedly already having doubts about the wisdom of agreeing to return to Newcastle United.
Just five weeks after his appointment, Keegan has been described as 'growing disillusioned' with the club's hierarchy. According to The Daily Mail, Keegan's future is 'increasingly uncertain' because of the emergence of a 'serious split'.
'While Keegan has publicly described Mike Ashley as the perfect owner, the manner in which the club is being run by the billionaire businessman and his lieutenants has left him feeling more and more disillusioned, the newspaper reports.
'Sportsmail understands Keegan had little, if any, say in the appointment of Chris Hughton as his assistant this week and one source suggested the former Tottenham coach did not even speak to Keegan prior to accepting the job.'
It was much the same when Dennis Wise was - to Keegan's complete surprise - appointed executive director (football).
Nor have matters improved since then with communication between Wise and Keegan said to be 'virtually non-existent' with the former Leeds manager reputedly preferring to work from an office in London rather than move to the north-east. 'Mort also spends much of his time in London as, of course, does Ashley. While the situation has left Keegan feeling powerless and uncomfortable, it has also undermined his efforts to revive a struggling Newcastle team,' discloses the Mail.
Keegan has yet to enjoy a single victory since his return to St James' in January.
Breaking News.........Daffs & Wales
WRU honoured with its very own Daffodil
28 February 2008, 12:30 pm
By WRU
Welsh rugby today (Thursday) received a unique gift from the Royal Horticultural Society – a new strain of daffodil to be named ‘Undeb Rygbi Cymru’ in its honour.
The narcissus ‘Undeb Rygbi Cymru’ – or ‘Welsh Rugby Union’ daffodil in English translation – was presented to Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland and WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis just in time for the annual St David’s Day celebrations.
The RHS has chosen a breed of daffodil which was 15 years in development and is described as ‘straight with an abundance of stamina’ to celebrate the team’s recent successes and the nation’s passion for rugby.
The bloom will be officially unveiled to the public at the flagship RHS Spring Flower Show in Cardiff on 18th-20th April this year, but WRU and team members were treated to a sneak preview at their team base in the Vale of Glamorgan Hotel as they prepare for the next leg of their RBS Six Nations campaign against Ireland.
The ‘URC’ daffodil was developed by leading specialist Ron Scamp and visitors to his display at the Cardiff Show will be amongst the first to view, and be able to purchase, the fine specimen.
“The daffodil has long been a national emblem of Wales and the Welsh Rugby Union knows all about the importance of history and tradition to our national game,” said Mr Lewis. “Proud men and women have been representing our country in international competition for over 125 years and the current crop of senior players has made us proud once again on many occasions during their present RBS Six Nations campaign.
“The daffodil is both a fitting and timely gift and something that can now be a proud partner to our national game for posterity.”
RHS Shows Director, Stephen Bennett, said: “Ron Scamp is one of the world’s leading daffodil growers and the ‘Welsh Rugby Union’ daffodil is a sturdy, stunning specimen with lots of stamina, just perfect for the phenomenal Welsh rugby team.
“We’re passionate about plants and the RHS Spring Flower Show in Cardiff and there is huge passion for rugby in Wales so we’re sure the flower will be a winning set piece for plant and rugby lovers alike!”
This year will see the RHS returning to Bute Park at Cardiff for the fourth time. The show brings together the very best in Welsh horticulture and kick starts the gardening year.
To find out more about Narcissus ‘Undeb Rygbi Cymru’ and to place orders to purchase bulbs visit Ron Scamp’s website at http://www.qualitydaffodils.com/.
28 February 2008, 12:30 pm
By WRU
Welsh rugby today (Thursday) received a unique gift from the Royal Horticultural Society – a new strain of daffodil to be named ‘Undeb Rygbi Cymru’ in its honour.
The narcissus ‘Undeb Rygbi Cymru’ – or ‘Welsh Rugby Union’ daffodil in English translation – was presented to Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland and WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis just in time for the annual St David’s Day celebrations.
The RHS has chosen a breed of daffodil which was 15 years in development and is described as ‘straight with an abundance of stamina’ to celebrate the team’s recent successes and the nation’s passion for rugby.
The bloom will be officially unveiled to the public at the flagship RHS Spring Flower Show in Cardiff on 18th-20th April this year, but WRU and team members were treated to a sneak preview at their team base in the Vale of Glamorgan Hotel as they prepare for the next leg of their RBS Six Nations campaign against Ireland.
The ‘URC’ daffodil was developed by leading specialist Ron Scamp and visitors to his display at the Cardiff Show will be amongst the first to view, and be able to purchase, the fine specimen.
“The daffodil has long been a national emblem of Wales and the Welsh Rugby Union knows all about the importance of history and tradition to our national game,” said Mr Lewis. “Proud men and women have been representing our country in international competition for over 125 years and the current crop of senior players has made us proud once again on many occasions during their present RBS Six Nations campaign.
“The daffodil is both a fitting and timely gift and something that can now be a proud partner to our national game for posterity.”
RHS Shows Director, Stephen Bennett, said: “Ron Scamp is one of the world’s leading daffodil growers and the ‘Welsh Rugby Union’ daffodil is a sturdy, stunning specimen with lots of stamina, just perfect for the phenomenal Welsh rugby team.
“We’re passionate about plants and the RHS Spring Flower Show in Cardiff and there is huge passion for rugby in Wales so we’re sure the flower will be a winning set piece for plant and rugby lovers alike!”
This year will see the RHS returning to Bute Park at Cardiff for the fourth time. The show brings together the very best in Welsh horticulture and kick starts the gardening year.
To find out more about Narcissus ‘Undeb Rygbi Cymru’ and to place orders to purchase bulbs visit Ron Scamp’s website at http://www.qualitydaffodils.com/.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Wales' Hopes run High
Tom Shanklin column
Tom Shanklin is Wales centre
....And so the expectancy grows.
The hopes of the Welsh public have gone through the Millennium Stadium roof.
The boys have gone from World Cup zeroes to potential Grand Slam heroes in just 240 minutes of rugby - such is the crazy world we live in.
While the optimism continues to explode among the people, we must remain realistic as we cannot allow our extremely high standards to slip.
As I ran towards the try-line I kept telling myself 'just don't drop it!'
Only sheer hard graft and attitude have earned us three Six Nations victories from three.
People have said some of this squad will join the pantheon of Welsh rugby greats should we conquer all for a second time, but let's just hang on a minute...
This team must not and will not get ahead of ourselves and wonder about 'what ifs' as any side that does nearly always sees their dreams end in tears.
The final straight of this Six Nations is when the going really does get tough.
Our opener against England at Twickenham was extremely difficult but there was no weight of expectancy on our shoulders beforehand.
So the victory was a welcome surprise to both team and fans.
Scotland and Italy in Cardiff at home were slightly easier but Ireland in Dublin followed by France in Cardiff could hardly be any tougher.
Admittedly this tournament does have the occasional echo of that memorable 2005 Grand Slam-winning campaign as we shocked everyone by beating England first then have a pivotal game against Ireland.
But I believe we have a far stronger squad now than we did in 2005.
Then the team had been playing together and peaked to great affect.
But this squad has such strength in depth with two top-class players for virtually every position.
Guys like Mike Phillips, James Hook, Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans and Lee Byrne have all come in and impressed at the top level.
In fact I'd probably go so far as saying this is the strongest Wales squad I've been involved in.
But that counts for little if we have no success to show for it.
Our run-in is a real test of character for this team due to the expectation we're under.
606: DEBATE
How does the 2008 side compare the 2005 Grand Slam winners?
Good teams thrive under such pressure and we want to show we're a consistently good team.
We'll take the confidence from our unbeaten start into the Ireland game at Croke Park on 8 March and show we mean business.
Ireland are such a talented squad there is no danger of us under-estimating them - especially given our poor record in Dublin.
But we had not beaten England at Twickenham for a while either and our victory at HQ has given us the belief that we can beat the top teams in their own backyard.
Our emphatic win over Italy pleased us all, particularly me as I managed to crown my 50th cap with my first Welsh try for a year.
Having the honour of leading out the boys was a proud moment for me and my family.
As a kid I would have given anything to represent Wales just once so to realise my dream 50 times is very special.
My try came from a loose Italian pass and as soon as it came my way, it had my name on it.
But as I headed towards the try-line I kept telling myself 'just don't drop it' because I knew the importance of the score at a crucial time in the game.
Italy had failed to capitalise on their opportunities and it was important that we showed a ruthless edge.
Maintaining such an edge and high tempo will be crucial against Ireland and France.
Tom Shanklin is Wales centre
....And so the expectancy grows.
The hopes of the Welsh public have gone through the Millennium Stadium roof.
The boys have gone from World Cup zeroes to potential Grand Slam heroes in just 240 minutes of rugby - such is the crazy world we live in.
While the optimism continues to explode among the people, we must remain realistic as we cannot allow our extremely high standards to slip.
As I ran towards the try-line I kept telling myself 'just don't drop it!'
Only sheer hard graft and attitude have earned us three Six Nations victories from three.
People have said some of this squad will join the pantheon of Welsh rugby greats should we conquer all for a second time, but let's just hang on a minute...
This team must not and will not get ahead of ourselves and wonder about 'what ifs' as any side that does nearly always sees their dreams end in tears.
The final straight of this Six Nations is when the going really does get tough.
Our opener against England at Twickenham was extremely difficult but there was no weight of expectancy on our shoulders beforehand.
So the victory was a welcome surprise to both team and fans.
Scotland and Italy in Cardiff at home were slightly easier but Ireland in Dublin followed by France in Cardiff could hardly be any tougher.
Admittedly this tournament does have the occasional echo of that memorable 2005 Grand Slam-winning campaign as we shocked everyone by beating England first then have a pivotal game against Ireland.
But I believe we have a far stronger squad now than we did in 2005.
Then the team had been playing together and peaked to great affect.
But this squad has such strength in depth with two top-class players for virtually every position.
Guys like Mike Phillips, James Hook, Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans and Lee Byrne have all come in and impressed at the top level.
In fact I'd probably go so far as saying this is the strongest Wales squad I've been involved in.
But that counts for little if we have no success to show for it.
Our run-in is a real test of character for this team due to the expectation we're under.
606: DEBATE
How does the 2008 side compare the 2005 Grand Slam winners?
Good teams thrive under such pressure and we want to show we're a consistently good team.
We'll take the confidence from our unbeaten start into the Ireland game at Croke Park on 8 March and show we mean business.
Ireland are such a talented squad there is no danger of us under-estimating them - especially given our poor record in Dublin.
But we had not beaten England at Twickenham for a while either and our victory at HQ has given us the belief that we can beat the top teams in their own backyard.
Our emphatic win over Italy pleased us all, particularly me as I managed to crown my 50th cap with my first Welsh try for a year.
Having the honour of leading out the boys was a proud moment for me and my family.
As a kid I would have given anything to represent Wales just once so to realise my dream 50 times is very special.
My try came from a loose Italian pass and as soon as it came my way, it had my name on it.
But as I headed towards the try-line I kept telling myself 'just don't drop it' because I knew the importance of the score at a crucial time in the game.
Italy had failed to capitalise on their opportunities and it was important that we showed a ruthless edge.
Maintaining such an edge and high tempo will be crucial against Ireland and France.
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