LAS VEGAS — Floyd Mayweather Jr. wanted to give Oscar De La Hoya a beating. He had to settle for just getting a win. Mayweather won one of boxing’s richest fights ever Saturday night by using his superb defensive skills and superior speed to take a 12-round split decision and win the WBC 154-pound title in his first fight at that weight.

The fight was billed as one that would save boxing, and while it didn’t do that, it was an entertaining battle between two proud champions who fought hard from the opening bell through the end of the final round.

The fight ended with the sellout crowd on its feet roaring and two fighters trading punches wildly at the final bell. They then stopped and embraced each other. (more…)

PARIS, France (Reuters) — Lyon’s Czech striker Milan Baros was handed a three-match ban by the French professional football league (LFP) on Thursday for pinching his nose in front of an opponent.

Former Liverpool and Aston Villa player Baros pinched his nose in front of Rennes’ Cameroon-born midfielder Stephane M’Bia and waved his hand as if he were repelling an offensive odour during the French champions’ 0-0 draw at Rennes on April 18. (more…)