Mayweather hits out at racism in boxing

LOS ANGELES • Floyd Mayweather says "racism still exists in the sport of boxing" and he cited Ultimate Fighting Championship star Ronda Rousey's name in an attempt to bolster his argument.

The boxer compared the mixed martial arts athlete to former pro boxer Laila Ali, who retired with a 24-0 record and is black.

"After Ronda Rousey fought I think nine, 10, 11 fights, she got all types of endorsements, movies, and everything," he said in an interview yesterday with FightHype.com.

"Laila Ali did the same thing in better fashion... but you never heard (the media) saying, when she had I think somewhere around 10, 11, 12 fights, that she was the baddest woman to ever fight on the planet."

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Francis' ban stays as FA rejects appeal

LONDON • Simon Francis will miss Bournemouth's FA Cup third-round tie against Birmingham City after the Football Association rejected the club's appeal against his red card in the goalless draw against Leicester City on Saturday.

The FA's Independent Regulatory Commission upheld referee Andre Marinner's decision to issue a straight red card to the defender during his team's Premier League away fixture at Leicester City.

Television replays showed Francis got a touch of the ball before bringing down Leicester's Jamie Vardy, resulting in a penalty which Bournemouth goalkeeper Artur Boruc saved.

REUTERS

Foster may start after 9 months out

LONDON • West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster is on course to return to the first team on Saturday after spending nearly nine months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The 32-year-old has been out of action since damaging his cruciate knee ligaments against Stoke City in March last year, but manager Tony Pulis said he could be involved in Saturday's FA Cup third- round tie against Bristol City.

The England international played 45 minutes for the club's Under-21 side on Tuesday.

REUTERS