Dunne cleared to fight

SPORTS DIGESTBOXING: Former Irish national champion Bernard Dunne has been given a licence to box again under the auspices of the New York State Athletic Commission, reports Johnny Watterson.

Dunne had failed a test following a routine scan some months ago in the US.

In a statement yesterday the commission stated: "The following boxer (Dunne) shall be released from suspension for the following reasons. 'Passed all necessary testing'."

The statement, according to Dunne's manager, Meath publican Brian Peters, was signed by the New York State Commission chairman, Ralph Petrillo.

Dunne, a highly-promising professional and Irish amateur champion, has been taken under the wing of a US promoter and legendary former world title holder Sugar Ray Leonard.

Leonard said yesterday: "I am thrilled on two fronts. First that his test came back and he is in perfect physical health. Secondly, I am also thrilled that Bernard can resume his career and climb towards a featherweight world title."

Peters also expressed his delight that the fighter's health was in order and that his boxing career could continue.

"We are delighted that we can get Bernard back on track. We have a fight scheduled for January 3rd in Oklahoma city which is just two weeks from today."

Dunne is the second Irish professional fighter in recent years to have had a scan scare but who subsequently sought expert medical opinion and was given a boxing licence back. The same problem arose with a former WBA bantamweight champion Wayne McCullough, who hopes to fight for a world title early next year.

CRICKET: Zimbabwe was given the go-ahead yesterday to host World Cup matches next year after the International Cricket Council (ICC) ignored a boycott call by British politicians.

Two days ago, a British government minister called on England to pull out of their match in Harare in protest at the policies of president Robert Mugabe. But the ICC have upheld a report by their inspection team which supported Zimbabwe as hosts.

Zimbabwe is scheduled to stage six matches when the tournament starts on February 8th.

Seven countries - Australia, England, Holland, India, Namibia, Pakistan and Zimbabwe - are due to play CWC games in Bulawayo and Harare in February and March.