Lennox Lewis calls it quits
LONDON, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Lennox Lewis has listened to his mother and announced his retirement Friday from professional boxing.
The 38-year-old heavyweight champion broke the news at a press conference in London.
The announcement put to rest any speculation about a rematch with Vitali Klitschko, whom he beat in his last fight last June. Lewis was told by the World Boxing Council he must agree to face the Ukrainian again by March 1 or be stripped of his title.
The Telegraph reported Lewis had been considering his future for some time, and it is believed his mother Violet ultimately had the biggest say in his decision to quit.
Lewis becomes the first reigning heavyweight champion to retire since Rocky Marciano in 1956.
Lewis' 14-year career began after he claimed the Olympic super-heavyweight title in 1988 while representing Canada. He lost only two of his 44 paid fights against Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman -- both defeats he later avenged.
Lewis went on to wipe out Mike Tyson in the eighth round in Memphis in 2002 and was urged to retire on top, but instead battled Klitschko and retained his title when the Ukrainian was forced to retire with bad cuts.
NHL: San Jose 5, Phoenix 0
SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Alyn McCauley and Patrick Marleau scored power-play goals Thursday night in helping San Jose win its fifth straight home game, 5-0 over Phoenix.
Evgeni Nabokov recorded his second straight shutout and seventh of the season. He stopped 20 shots after blanking Florida Tuesday night, 3-0.
Phoenix is winless in its last six games (0-4-1-1).
McCauley opened the scoring 7:15 into the first period and Scott Hannan made it 2-0 with 6:53 left in the opening frame.
Nils Ekman assisted on San Jose's first three goals while Marco Strum had a goal and an assist.
NBA: San Antonio 96, Seattle 90
SEATTLE, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Tim Duncan had 18 of his 23 points in the opening half Thursday night as San Antonio fought off Seattle, 96-90.
Duncan was dominant in the first half, making eight of 12 shots and grabbing seven rebounds. Seattle made a commitment to getting the Spurs star under control after the break, but Devin Brown spoiled the strategy.
Brown had a total of 11 points in his previous four contests but made three of four shots in the third quarter as San Antonio was able to remain in control.
Tony Parker added 18 points for the Spurs, who have won three straight and four of five. San Antonio has won four straight in Seattle and five of six against the SuperSonics overall.
USA nears Olympic soccer berth
GUADALAJARA, Mexico, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Bobby Convey scored both goals Thursday night as the United States posted a 2-0 triumph over Canada on in the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament.
Convey, who was one of the heroes in the American victory over Panama on Tuesday, has four goals in the tournament. He helped put his team into the semifinals, where a win would secure the Americans a berth in the 2004 Olympics.
Convey scored in the 30th minute and again 42 minutes later, with both goals coming off passes by Landon Donovan.
Canada's Adam Braz was ejected from the match after earning his second caution in the 74th minute.
The United States still has an inconsequential game with Honduras slated for Saturday. It will face a team from Group B in the semifinals. That matchup should be determined Friday.
