Boxing: Niida to face Columbian challenger in March title fight
January 19, 2006Japanese champion Yutaka Niida will face No. 15-ranked Columbian challenger Ronald Barrera in Tokyo on March 4 in his fourth defense of the WBA minimumweight title, boxing officials said Thursday. Niida and Barrera will fight at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo with Mexican gloves, which are thinner and often described as puncher's gloves, and the champion said he is aiming for a knockout for the first time in his world title fights.
Sumo: Asa dumped to 2nd defeat, Tochi shares lead at New Year sumo
January 19, 2006Mongolian yokozuna Asashoryu was handed a second shock defeat at the hands of countryman Hakuho Thursday, causing mayhem with just three days remaining at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament. In the day's finale, Asashoryu appeared to have the sekiwake on the ropes when he pushed him immediately to the edge after the face-off at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Baseball: Mets sign right-hander Iriki to 1-year deal
January 19, 2006Free agent pitcher Yusaku Iriki signed a one-year contract with the New York Mets on Wednesday worth $750,000 that includes potential incentives for $500,000. Iriki, 33, was made available in November through the posting system, where major league teams present sealed bids to Japanese teams for negotiating rights with their players.