SCOOP 72 - Scoop's 72 hour sports round-up

SCOOP 72 - Scoop's 72 hour sports round-up
Article: Mathew Loh

TUA to fight in Vegas: The David Tua camp believes it has already won the first round of the build-up to upcoming professional world heavyweight boxing title fight with the bout being confirmed for one of the acknowledged homes of the fight-game - Las Vegas - instead of Toronto where Lewis may have recieved greater support.

Tua who has returned from Samoa to NZ and is soon embarking for some pre-fight promotions Stateside is fit and focused and his camp who have signed for approximately US$3.75 million are adamant the 'throwin Samoan' is destined to earn his place in NZ's sporting history by winning what many consider the ultimate prize in world sport.

Boxing bad boys to get it on: Iron Mike Tyson and Andrew Golota - regarded as two of the meanest, nastiest and craziest fighters in the world - are scheduled to fight it out on October 20 in Auburn Hills, USA.

Boxing's class act to go for third consecutive Olympic heavyweight gold: Cuban superstar Felix "the Man" Savon will attempt to equal the feat of his famed compatriot _Teofilo Stevenson an amateur who many regard as if not equal to second only to Muhammed Ali as the greatest heavyweight (pro or amateur) in history.
Now the tall, imposing Savon will attempt in Sydney to equal Stevenson's awesome record of a hatrick of World and Olympic heavyweight boxing titles.

Cullen to add teeth to Lions: After last week's dismal performance against Northland the Wellington Lions will welcome the return of dynamic All Black fullback Christian Cullen to their team to tackle Taranaki on Saturday night at Wellington's WestpacTrust stadium. Tana Umaga is also hoping to play but a decision on his fitness has yet to be confirmed.

Rugby World Champions the Wallabies have named four new caps - George Smith, Bill Young, Nick Stiles and Phil Waugh - for their end of year European tour. The four newcomers are tangible evidence of a gradual changing of the guard in the world class Wallabies with stalwart Richard Harry; greats David Wilson and Jason Little and living legend and 1999 World Cup MVP Tim Horan all retiring following their team's recent history-making Tri-Nations series win.

Mallett could be ousted: Once lauded as the savior of Springbok rugby Nick Mallett is facing the axe as South African rugby coach as the games authorities meet to decide the former No 8 and Cambridge Blues international coaching future.

French star says 'au revoir' to international soccer: World and European Cup winning captain Chelsea midfielder Didier Deschamp has said this weekend's international between England and France will be the last time he lead's his beloved national team.

Reigning Formula One champ on charge: Flying Finn Formula One champ Mika Hakkanin, who won the weekend's Belgian Grand Prix with a spectacular overtaking move on the 41st lap that has put a third drivers title within his sights.
"His overtaking manoeuvre I'm sure will go down as one of the greatest in the sport's history," McLaren team boss Ron Dennis said.

Cricket greats set to split: Cricketing greats West Indian fast bowlers Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh are believed to lining up together for the last time as they set out to, in tandem as usual, terrorise and indimidate batsmen in the fifth and final test against England. The pair are recognised alongside Wasim Akram/ Waqar Younis, Michael Holding/Malcolm Marshall and Wes Hall and Charlie Griffiths as the greatest pair of fast-bowlers to play the game.

US OPEN tennis: Pete Sampras with a straight set win, Martina Hingis, the Williams sisters and Lindsay Devenport are still going strong but popular stars Brazil's Gustavo Kuerten and Aussie Pat Rafter disappointed their legions of fans by being knocked out.

Big trade in NBA: TWO of the leagues most powerful players and personas Shawn Kemp and Brian Grant will be donning different shirts this season after a multi-million dollar deal which sees Kemp leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Portland Trailblazers and Brian Grant join the Miami Heat from the Trailblazers.

Wonder Cyclist injured: Two-time Tour de France winner and cyclist extraordinaire USA's Lance Armstrong suffered bruising when he and another cyclist were hit by a car in Southern France in an accident that destroyed his bike and smashed his helmet.

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