Boxing

The controversial figure “sincerely” apologised to those he had offended during his career as he officially announced his retirement during a press conference in Sydney on Wednesday.

“If I offended anybody in my career, honestly, I am sincerely sorry,” Mundine said.

“I hope you find it in your hearts to forgive me. I am a changed man. I am a different type of cat; as you get older you get more mellow.”

The 45-year-old also addressed one of his most controversial remarks, made shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The 35 Williams has told Nine News in Sydney that he now wants to focus on becoming a world champion boxer.

Williams finishes his NRL career having played 123 first grade games between the Bulldogs and Roosters, with premiership wins at both clubs in 2004 and 2013.

He will however continue to be involved with the Roosters in a mentoring role.

Williams played 58 times for the All Blacks.

The American achieved a famous upset win over Muhammad Ali in 1978, in just his eighth professional fight.

He had suffered with health issues in his later years and was diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer in 2019.

"His final fight was fought with the same skill, grace and grit that had carried him through so many lifetime challenges," said a statement from his management company.

The former US marine died on Friday evening in Henderson, Nevada, with his wife Brenda Glur Spinks by his side.

Parker continued his revival by stopping Shawndell Winters in February to extend his winning streak to three fights.

The New Zealander has no idea when his next bout will be due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the former WBO champion revealed quarantine life has further fuelled his determination to rise to the top.

He told Stats Perform: "Time off like this is really important. It's not something that we choose to happen, but I guess everyone can use this time to reflect on our lives and think about what makes us happy and what we want to do.

The former All Black has made his first official appearance as a Toronto Wolfpack player in London at a packed media conference at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, as he prepares to embark on his new sporting adventure.

Williams has signed a two-year contract worth $10 million to become the face of North America's first professional rugby league team ahead of their English Super League debut.

The former unified heavyweight champion of the world makes his WWE debut on October 31, facing Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia.

Following his move into sports entertainment, Fury expects to return to the ring against Deontay Wilder in February.

However, the 31-year-old has suggested he will have wrapped up his boxing career by the end of 2020.

"Hopefully I have three fights next year, Wilder in February, Wilder in June and then maybe a farewell fight in December," Fury told BBC Sport.

The four-day event has been staged at Don Bosco Hall, Salelologa, with finals happening on Friday.

For 19-year-old Solomon Islands’ Pemberton Lele, his progress to the finals has been about building skills. He is the only member from his team to make it to the finals, following a toe-to-toe fight against Elia Rokobuli from Fiji in the 60kg lightweight event.

“I have learnt to fight strong and new skills from other boxers I have fought and seen in the last few days,” he said ahead of his final.

The International Olympic Committee has launched an inquiry into the finances and governance of AIBA, which has been in turmoil for years, and warned that it could miss out on Tokyo next year.

The IOC said that it was aiming to present the report to its executive board in May but AIBA said it had expected the investigation to be completed by now and that it was time to wrap up the inquiry and move forward.

The former world heavyweight champion has not fought since defeating Wladimir Klitschko for three of the four major belts in November 2015.

Fury is without a licence and is still awaiting the resumption of a UKAD hearing after allegations of anti-doping violations were made against him.

Asked by Sky Sports if the process will recommence next month, British Boxing Board of Control general secretary Robert Smith said: "December, that's true.

Undefeated Wilder beat Stiverne in January 2015 to win the WBC belt - the only one of his 38 fights to go the distance - and has successfully defended his title five times since.

However, a proposed defence against Luis Ortiz at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn fell through when the former WBA champion failed a drug test.

It was followed by Anthony Joshua's Principality Stadium showdown against Kubrat Pulev being changed late on when the Bulgarian suffered a shoulder injury. IBO, WBA, IBF champion Joshua takes on Carlos Takam in Cardiff on Saturday.