Boxing
New Norwegian government will lift pro boxing ban
STAVANGER, Norway – Incoming leaders of Norway’s new government said they will end a 32-year ban on professional boxing in the Scandinavian country when the right-wing coalition takes office next week.
Lawmakers from some opposition parties said they also back the proposal, ensuring the necessary approval by Parliament.
Pro boxing in Norway will contain restrictions, however, including a 12-minute maximum fight length and the compulsory use of protective headgear.
Cycling
Giro d’ Italia race director suspended in fraud inquiry
MILAN – Giro d’Italia director Michele Acquarone was suspended from his position during an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of at least $17.7 million at RCS Sport, which organizes the race.
The Milano Finanza newspaper said Acquarone – who also is the chief executive officer of RCS Sport – and former CEO Giacomo Catano each were given “precautionary rather than disciplinary” suspensions during the inquiry.
MLB
Stan the Man’s mementos go on the auction block
ST. LOUIS – He’s considered the greatest St. Louis Cardinal of them all, and fans of Stan “The Man” Musial have a chance to own a piece of his personal collection, ranging from game-worn jerseys to championship rings – even his legendary harmonicas.
An online auction of 400 lots of Musial memorabilia began Thursday through Heritage Auctions of Dallas. Bidding will end Nov. 7 through Nov. 9, depending on the lot.
Musial died in January at age 92, a year after his wife, Lillian, died. The family kept numerous mementos from his life and career and gave away many others to the Cardinals organization, friends and others.
NBA
James has the top-selling jersey in the U.S. and world
PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas – LeBron James has the world’s best-selling NBA jersey.
The Miami Heat star and four-time league MVP tops the NBA’s global list of jersey sales last season, according to numbers released Tuesday. James – who also has the top-selling jersey in the United States – outsold Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Heat teammate Dwyane Wade for the No. 1 spot.
In U.S. sales, James is followed by Rose, Bryant, Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Wade, Dwight Howard, Deron Williams, Blake Griffin and Rajon Rondo.
Soccer
Soccer leaves its footprint on London Underground map
LONDON – Next stop, Alf Ramsey. Mind the gap.
Wembley Park and the other 366 stations on the London Underground map have been renamed after soccer’s biggest names on a commemorative edition to mark the 150th anniversaries of both the English Football Association and the capital’s transit network.
Ramsey presided over England’s greatest soccer moment at Wembley as manager of the 1966 World Cup-winning team. Leytonstone has been renamed “David Beckham” in recognition of the former England captain’s birthplace.
X Games
ESPN axes the X Games in four cities – but not Aspen
BRISTOL, Conn. – ESPN terminated the X Games in four international cities because of the cost.
The network said Thursday it will discontinue the competition in Munich; Barcelona, Spain; and Foz do Iguacu, Brazil. All three hosted events for the first time this summer. The Winter X Games also will end after four years in Tignes, France.
The network said it remains committed to the X Games in Aspen and Austin, Texas.
Associated Press
