Loss will end my career: SBW

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Risk ... Sonny Bill Williams concedes a loss could end his boxing career. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Sonny Bill Williams says a loss to South African Francois Botha will end his boxing career.

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Speaking exclusively to Fox Sports, ahead of his fight for the vacant WBA heavyweight title, Williams conceded he was concerned about Botha's power and experience in the ring.

Botha has previously said the the newly-signed Sydney Roosters player was "stupid" for getting into the ring with him.

Williams said it was the biggest challenge of his career and it was win or go home.

"If I lose this fight, this will probably be the end of it (my career), he said.

"If I'm beaten I don't see a future in the sport."

The former All Blacks centre is undefeated in his five fights so far and didn't want to continue his career with a loss on his record.

Botha has fought some of the greatest heavyweights in recent history, including Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield.

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Watch Sonny Bill Williams take on Francois Botha as well as Quade Cooper's boxing debut Live and Exclusive on Main Event, from 9am on Friday, February 8. Purchase the fight here.

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The "White Buffalo" promised to pound Williams into the canvas.

"He's got a lot of big balls, and I don't mean rugby balls," said Botha.

"Why is he taking this chance? He should stick to rugby because I will hit him so hard that when he tries to catch the ball, he'll just miss it."

Williams said he believed he had the upperhand in athleticism and could overcome Botha's experience.

"Apparently, he's lost a lot of weight and is looking pretty good," he said.

"Athletically, I think I've got the advantage but he's got a lot of experience.

"I've trained pretty hard, all through my sporting career I've taken risks and there's a pretty big risk and reward."

Williams and Botha headline a card that also features Wallabies and Reds playmaker Quade Cooper's boxing debut against Barry Dunnett at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Friday, February 8.

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Injury rules Buddy out of All-Stars

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Precaution ... Lance Franklin has pulled out of the All-Stars match against Richmond. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

AFL star Lance Franklin is out of Friday night's Indigenous All-Stars exhibition match against Richmond because of injury.

Franklin was made captain of the All-Stars and he was the top drawcard for the match.

Hawthorn announced on Tuesday that Franklin had pulled out of a game because of a leg injury they described as minor.

''Franklin underwent scans late on Monday that showed some fluid on the top of his calf after a Baker's cyst behind his knee burst on Monday,'' the club said in a statement.

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''Though this is a minor concern, given the level of tightness Lance has experienced he has decided not to take part in Friday's match and will allow the site to settle.''

Hawthorn are confident that the injury will not set back Franklin's pre-season training.

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It is understood that Franklin could even train while he is in Alice Springs for the game, but the Hawks did not want him to risk playing.

Hawthorn added Franklin would stay involved with the All-Stars in a coaching role.

It is proving an eventful summer for Franklin - last week, the two-time Coleman Medallist revealed he had put off contract talks with Hawthorn until the end of the season.

Franklin will become a restricted free agent once his current contract expires.

The decision guarantees Franklin's playing future will be one of the major ongoing stories through this AFL season.

He admits it looms as a distraction to the Hawks, but said he wants to concentrate on his football.

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His agent Liam Pickering also said on Monday it was more than likely that Franklin would sign a new deal with the Hawks.

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''Buddy Franklin is committed and contracted to Hawthorn and is going to do his very best for Hawthorn right up until October 31 while he's a Hawthorn player and more than likely beyond,'' Pickering said.

Hawthorn remain premiership favourites after Sydney upset them in last year's grand final.

Franklin's team-mate Cyril Rioli, another top-level indigenous player, was also ruled out of the All-Stars team.

Rioli is trying to overcome a corked quad muscle.

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Video: Goalie attacked during match

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Attacked ... a fan jumps on the back of Wycombe 'keeper Jordan Archer. Source:Supplied

Wycombe keeper Jordan Archer was attacked by a fan during the closing stages of his team's 1-0 win at Gillingham.

In injury time, the 19-year-old Archer - on loan from Tottenham - was placing the ball to take a goal kick when the supporter entered the field and leapt on his back.

The fan was quickly apprehended by a steward and led away at the Priestfield Stadium.

Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth told Sky Sports: "Some people give the rest of the Gillingham fans a bad name.

"I don't want to comment too much, but everyone is okay in there."

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11750/8471805/Wycombe-goalkeeper-Jordan-Archer-attacked-by-fan-during-1-0-win-at-Gillingham

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Watch video of the stunning incident in the video at the top of this page.

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I want to stay a Hawk: Buddy

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No rush ... Franklin won't sign until he's ready. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Hawthorn star Lance Franklin is unapologetic that his AFL future is now a massive issue that will hang over the club throughout the year.

The two-time Coleman Medallist acknowledges that his decision to postpone contract talks with until the end of the season had shocked the Hawks, but is confident it will not hurt their 2013 campaign.

Franklin, arguably the league's top player, becomes a restricted free agent at the end of the year.

He follows Chris Judd, Gary Ablett, Tom Scully and Travis Cloke as star players whose futures became the focus of media scrutiny through a season.
 

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"I obviously love Hawthorn and they've been an absolutely great footy club for myself," he said.

"But it was my decision and it was something I wanted to do.

"I know there will be a lot of speculation about what I'm going to be doing at the end of the season.''

Asked about his plans, Franklin replied: "at this stage, I want to stay at Hawthorn."

He later added: "I have no intentions of leaving the football club, but it is what it is," he said.

"I just want to play footy."

This is already a crucial year for the Hawks, who were upset by Sydney in last year's grand final.

Hawthorn remain premiership favourites, but are yet to fulfil the potential they showed by winning the 2008 flag.

"The footy club we have is very strong and we have some really good leaders," Franklin said.

"Our group is a whole is very tight.

"I have no real issues there - it's obviously going to be the media that's pumping it up more than ever."

Franklin also admits he caught the club off-guard with his decision.

"It's going to be a distraction and obviously the footy club is shocked that I didn't sign," he said.

"I don't get entangled in anyone else's contracts ... it's just something that's not talked about.

"We'll just look forward to playing footy and hopefully winning a premiership."

Franklin, who turned 26 last week, has played 161 games for the Hawks since his 2005 debut.

Franklin's manager Liam Pickering later said the key forward might change his mind on postponing the contract talks.

"He might turn around in a month and say 'mate let's just get this done,' but at the moment he's not saying that," Pickering told SEN.

"Hawthorn aren't sitting on their hands here, Hawthorn have put together a reasonable offer.

"They would prefer to do it now, and I get that."

Pickering also insisted he had not received any offers from rival clubs.

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CA backs rotation, welcomes Warne

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James Sutherland ... has welcomed Shane Warne's advice on the national team. Source:AAP

Cricket Australia's board has unsurprisingly backed its contentious selection and player management policies and welcomed its biggest critic Shane Warne back into the fold.

The CA board on Monday gave its "unequivocal support" for the team performance division's controversial methods and believe it's already proving a success.

Pat Howard, the general manager of team performance, and John Inverarity, chief selector, addressed the board of directors in Melbourne.

Chairman Wally Edwards said he was convinced of the merits of the policies formulated after the release of the Argus report 18 months ago, which aimed for a return to the No.1 ranking within four years.

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"To build a new cricket side is a long term thing ... I'm confident we're on the right track," Edwards said.

"They explained to us that they are seeking to build sustained success over the long term.

"They noted that since the appointment of the current team performance leadership group Australia has played 15 Tests of which we've won 10; we've lost two and had three very creditable draws.

"In that time Australia has moved from fifth to third on the world Test rankings.

"The CA board unequivocally supports the strategy and endorses the high performance team led by Pat Howard as they work to implement the Argus strategy.''

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Edwards said players couldn't perform at their best playing every day of the year in three forms of the game and a crowded calendar.

He rebutted a claim that the "rotation policy" cheapened national representation, saying that it gave more talented players opportunities to showcase their skills.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said the board recognised that it needed to improve its communication surrounding selection to the fans and media to make it more "transparent''.

He said other weaknesses identified were the top order of batting at times during the summer and the depth of spin bowling talent.

Former great Warne has described the policies as a joke and the people implementing them as "muppets".

On Monday he released the second installment of his manifesto for re-invigorating the game and the national team, calling again for selectors to do away with the controversial rotation policy and name the best available side for each match.

Sutherland said he had a "robust discussion" with the spin king when they met on the weekend and invited him to work with Australia's spinners.

"There's no doubt about his passion and enthusiasm for Australian cricket team to be successful," Sutherland said.

"Hopefully there are opportunities for him down the track to be closer to us and have an even greater involvement.

"I wouldn't want to preempt when those opportunities may be ...he has a very busy schedule."

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AB Medal: Brett Geeves blogs live

The best ... will Michael Clarke take home the Allan Border Medal again? Source: Fox Sports

Get the best seat in the house for cricket's night of nights with foxsports.com.au's coverage of the Allan Border Medal.

Join foxsports.com.au cricket editor Antony Pinshaw for LIVE and INTERACTIVE coverage of the Allan Border Medal, featuring all the best reaction from social media.

And, in a special treat for foxsports.com.au users, we'll have the funniest man in cricket (it's an unofficial title, but if it were awarded at the Allan Border Medal, we're pretty sure he'd win it), former Aussie ODI paceman Brett Geeves, on hand to provide his unique commentary throughout the night.

Send in your questions for Brett by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

For all the best pics from the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, check out our red carpet gallery here.

And of course you can complete the perfect two-screen experience by watching the AB Medal LIVE on Fox Sports 2HD from 8.30pm (EDT).

[View the story "Allan Border Medal Live Blog" on Storify]

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Wanderers heap more misery on Reds

Youssouf Hersi ... celebrates with team-mates after scoring against Adelaide. Source: Ben MacMahon / AAP

Western Sydney livewire Youssouf Hersi scored twice and created another goal in a 4-2 thumping of free-falling Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.

The third-placed Wanderers skipped three points clear of Adelaide, whose off-field pain returned no on-field gain at Hindmarsh Stadium.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	19	11	6	2	17	39
2	Victory	19	11	3	5	4	36
3	Western Sydney	19	11	2	6	10	35
4	Adelaide	19	10	2	7	2	32
5	Newcastle	19	6	5	8	-8	23
6	Brisbane	19	6	3	10	-1	21
7	Heart	19	6	3	10	-3	21
8	Sydney	19	6	3	10	-9	21
9	Wellington	19	5	5	9	-10	20
10	Perth	19	5	4	10	-2	19

After John Kosmina suddenly quit as coach last Monday, the Reds crashed to a third consecutive defeat in a listless display under interim coach Michael Valkanis.

Western Sydney's trumpcard in their fourth win in a row was Ethiopia-born, Netherlands national Hersi, who banked a brace and created a goal for Mark Bridge, while Mateo Poljak also scored.

Reds striker Bruce Djite and Iain Ramsay netted in the second half to briefly appease a restless 9,686-strong Adelaide crowd.

Hersi's attacking flair dominated the fixture and he opened scoring after a goal mouth scramble in the 43rd minute.

Hersi's teammate Aaron Mooy had two rapid-fire scoring attempts, the second going within centimetres of scoring only for Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic to flick the ball from the goal line.

But Galekovic's save dribbled into Hersi's path and he duly converted with a neat right-footer.

Just a minute later Hersi, approaching the by-line, hooked a pass to Bridge who was inexplicably left alone on the penalty spot and rifled in the Wanderers' second.

Bridge returned the favour in the 52nd minute when he pinpointed a cross to Hersi, who netted his second goal with a header from one metre out.

Djite temporarily raised the home side's spirits in the 61st minute when he scored from a sweet 15 metre launch.

But Poljak goaled from close-range some seven minutes later for the Wanderers, before Adelaide's Ramsay curled in a low left-footer for a consolation score in the 87th minute.

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Live Blog: Allan Border Medal

The best ... will Michael Clarke take home the Allan Border Medal again? Source: Fox Sports

Get the best seat in the house for cricket's night of nights with foxsports.com.au's coverage of the Allan Border Medal.

Michael Clarke will be gunning for back-to-back titles when he and his Australia teammates descend on Melbourne for the Allan Border Medal, awarded to the country's best cricketer of the past 12 months.

But that's not the only award up for grabs on the night, with Test player of the year, one-day international player of the year, T20 international player of the year, domestic player of the year, Bradman young cricketer of the year and the Belinda Clark Award for best female cricketer all on offer.

We'll kick off our coverage with a live Twitter chat at 3pm (EDT), where we'll debate who the favourite is to take home the big award, why Australian cricket is - or isn't - heading in the right direction, and maybe, just maybe, which WAG will wear the best dress on the red carpet.

Then at 8.30pm (EDT) we'll knuckle down for the main event, as we bring you a LIVE blog as the votes are counted and the winners are announced.

Our blog will feature all the reaction from social media, meaning you'll see all the best Tweets, images and videos on the night.

We'll also be running a red carpet gallery so you can keep an eye on who wore the best frocks.

And of course you can complete the perfect two-screen experience by watching the AB Medal LIVE on Fox Sports 2HD from 8.30pm (EDT).

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Aldo wins, Overeem KO'd at UFC 156

Champion ... Jose Aldo defends his Featherweight belt against Frankie Edgar. Source: Eric Jamison / AAP

The disappointment that was the match between Rashad Evans and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira is exactly what was needed prior to the fierce showdown that was Aldo vs. Edgar.

Don't confuse this. Ideally all of the fights at UFC 156 would have been outstanding. However, having a letdown (a unanimous decision won by "Little Nog") just before the UFC Featherweight Title bout made the ensuing 25 minutes of headlining action that much more sweet.

Frankie Edgar is the modern day "Rocky". The New Jersey native easily had all of the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Vegas in his corner, but Jose Aldo was just too strong, retaining his belt by unanimous decision.

For the opening three rounds, all went according to Aldo's plan. The Brazilian unleashed devastating leg kicks, bruising Edgar's thigh early and often. Edgar's speed, which was a bigger advantage to him in the 155-pound division, was matched by Aldo, who picked apart the defense of "The Answer" landing jabs at will. Edgar's toughness shined bright as he battled through the first 15 minutes despite being stuffed on the majority of his takedown attempts.

Then the tide shifted.

Edgar, whose gas tank knows no bounds, kept dancing around the ring despite the early damage. Aldo began to slow. Edgar gritted his teeth and began to land the combinations and takedowns that eluded him, finally pressuring the champion. Breathing heavily through his mouthpiece, the champ's demeanor changed. The smile that was on Aldo's face during the first three rounds morphed into something much more serious. In the final 10 minutes, Aldo threw flashy kicks and flying knees in an attempt to steal the later rounds, but frequently missed his mark.

In the end, Edgar's late onslaught was not enough and the judges ruled against him, 49-46, 49-46, 48-47. Yet no one will begrudge him the merits of a hard-fought battle. Especially when that battle was awarded the bonus for Fight of the Night.

In other action, the return of Alistair Overeem was met with mixed reviews. Some were excited to see such a presence return to the heavyweight division of the UFC. Others were thrilled to see Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva knock Overeem out. In a finish that no one saw coming, Silva was easily behind two rounds to none heading into the third. Seconds into round three, Silva caught Overeem off guard and absolutely unloaded. Overeem, the former Strikeforce champion, fell to the canvas like a mighty oak as the victim of the Knockout of the Night. Silva took a moment to hulk over him and demanded respect before being pulled away by referee Herb Dean. In less than 30 seconds, Antonio Silva turned the UFC heavyweight division into what might officially be the hardest algebra equation in MMA.

In what could be called the "Dave Herman" special, submission specialist Demian Maia (6 of 11 UFC wins via submission) faced the best jiu jitsu defense the UFC has to offer in Jon Fitch. Maia initiated the submission attack early, mounting a still-standing Fitch within the opening seconds. Maia continued to apply the submission pressure throughout the first round. And in fitting fashion for a fight on Groundhog Day, Maia did the same in rounds two and three. The fact that Fitch was not forced to tap is amazing, but not even close to being worthy of an Octagon win.

Note: Jiu Jitsu works. Still.

And in the pay-per-view opener, Joseph Benavidez helped prove why the flyweights are a division to watch in the UFC. Some may criticize the division for a lack of power and ferocity, but anyone who watched this fight would have to disagree. Benavidez brutalized McCall's thigh, face and anything else he could swing a fist or kick at, while McCall leveled dozens of hammer fists on Benavidez when the fight hit the ground. The activity level in the fight was high and after Benavidez's unanimous-decision victory, the Team Alpha Male phenom should be on everyone's radar for a title shot.

Read more: http://msn.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-aldo-retains-title-overeem-knocked-out-020213

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Jets steal point from Sydney FC

Heartbreak ... Ryan Griffiths scores a last-minute penalty goal to draw with Sydney FC. Source: Tony Feder / AAP

A Ryan Griffiths penalty in the dying minutes forced Sydney FC to settle for a 2-2 A-League draw with Newcastle on Saturday.

Sydney FC, missing a host of regular starters, opened the scoring through Alessandro Del Piero, with teammate Blake Powell getting the Sky Blues' second goal.

But late drama, in which skipper Terry McFlynn was sent off for a handball, ensured Griffiths - who scored the first-half equaliser also through a penalty - grabbed the point for the Jets at a rain and wind-lashed Hunter Stadium.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	19	11	6	2	17	39
2	Victory	18	10	3	5	3	33
3	Western Sydney	18	10	2	6	8	32
4	Adelaide	18	10	2	6	4	32
5	Newcastle	19	6	5	8	-8	23
6	Brisbane	19	6	3	10	-1	21
7	Heart	18	6	3	9	-2	21
8	Sydney	19	6	3	10	-9	21
9	Wellington	19	5	5	9	-10	20
10	Perth	19	5	4	10	-2	19

Sydney appeared undeterred by their depleted squad after coach Frank Farina was forced to make several changes. Defenders Tiago Calvano and Fabio were both suspended alongside striker Joel Griffiths, while speedy Panamanian attacker Yairo Yau was away on national duty and injured duo Brett Emerton and Jason Culina were also missing.

The Jets, undefeated in their previous four matches, stay in fifth place while the Sky Blues remain in eighth.

The Jets had the lion's share of possession in the early stages and created a few chances.

But a terrible defensive mistake from Connor Chapman allowed Del Piero a perfect shot at goal inside the box with the Italian legend making no mistake to put Sydney 1-0 up after just 12 minutes with his 10th A-League goal.

The Jets redeemed themselves only moments later when Rhyan Grant conceded a penalty after bringing down Ryan Griffiths in the box.

Griffiths stepped up to the mark, easily beating gloveman Vedran Janjetovic to level the score in the 16th minute.

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Del Piero threatened again, this time with a superb free-kick from outside the box, forcing a spectacular save from Jets 'keeper Mark Birighetti just before the break.

The Sky Blues started the second half determined to create chances with Ali Abbas forcing Birighetti into action with his powerful header.

But it was Powell who put the visitors 2-1 in front in the 57th minute.

A sloppy Jets defence was again to blame after Del Piero, given too much space, passed the ball to Abbas, with Birighetti making a meal of the Iraqi's ensuing strike - sending the rebound to Powell's feet for the cool finish.

A Griffiths strike created a goal-mouth scramble late in the match with McFlynn red-carded for attempting to clear the ball with his arm.

Griffiths stepped up for the spot, securing the 2-2 result in the 89th minute.

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