Freddie Flintoff Wins First Heavyweight Fight

Flintoff Swaps Lord's For The Ring

Updated: 12:46pm UK, Saturday 01 December 2012

By Charlie Thomas, Sports Presenter

What to do when you hang up the boots? It's the perennial dilemma for the professional sportsman. And the answer these days comes in a variety of forms.

You might choose to replace the discipline of training by going into coaching, or management.

Miss the dressing room banter? You could head for the studio and take up punditry.

There's always the celebrity circuit of dancing in sequined suits or eating bugs in Australian jungles.

And if you're a cricketer you might well think about becoming a correspondent, as Mike Atherton and Derek Pringle have done with notable success.

Few, though, plunge feet first into a completely different sport, which was what made Freddie Flintoff's desire to take up boxing so compelling.

Would he fall flat on his face or would he reveal skills hitherto hidden? In other words, was this just reality TV in another guise?

But then Freddie's life has never run according to most normal rules.

Comparisons with that other great England all-rounder Ian Botham followed him throughout his playing career, and Freddie also seems to share Sir Ian's maverick appetite for new experiences.

Where Beefy replaced life on the road with marathon charity walks over the Alps or the length of Britain, Freddie chose to raise money for Sport Relief by breaking various unlikely world records, like the farthest distance to score a bullseye and popping the most party poppers in a minute.

To his credit, Flintoff appears to have thrown himself into his latest sporting incarnation with complete professionalism.

Few expected him to win last night; most, especially his wife Rachel and trainer Barry McGuigan, were simply hoping he didn't get badly hurt.

But while there was scant evidence that Freddie had missed his calling by becoming a cricketer rather than a boxer, Super Middleweight champion Carl Froch told Sky News he was impressed by Flintoff's fitness and dedication.

The irony is that Freddie is probably fitter now than at any time during his professional cricketing career.

Had he shown such dedication to the gym in his younger years it's probable that he wouldn't have suffered the weight-related injuries that cut short his playing days.

But then again, he wouldn't have been Freddie Flintoff then would he?

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Egypt: Islamists Rally For Mohamed Morsi

Islamist backers of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi are staging a mass rally in Cairo in support of his expanding powers and the drafting of a new constitution.

"The Muslim Brotherhood supports President Morsi's decisions," read a banner carried by supporters who chanted: "The people want the implementation of God's law."

Mr Morsi plunged Egypt into a new crisis last week when he issued a decree placing his decisions beyond judicial challenge and gave himself sweeping powers.

Its new Muslim Brotherhood President said it was a temporary measure to speed-up Egypt's democratic transition until the revised charter was in place.

A supporter of Mohamed Morsi holds a portrait of the Egyptian President

Saturday's demonstration in the heart of the capital comes a day after tens of thousands converged on Tahrir Square to protest against Mr Morsi's decree and the speedy adoption of the draft constitution which they see as a dictatorial power grab.

Mohamed Noshi, 23, a pharmacist from Mansoura, north of Cairo, said: "Those in Tahrir don't represent everyone. Most people support Morsi and aren't against the decree."

"There are people who want instability," said another demonstrator, referring to anti-Morsi protesters.

"There needs to be a constitution for there to be stability."

Members of the constituent assembly are due to later hand the President the final draft of the constitution, which was adopted after a marathon overnight session on Thursday that was boycotted by liberals, seculars and Christians.

They are opposed to the haste in which the charter has been adopted and some of its provisions on rights and freedoms.

Heba Morayef, Human Rights Watch Egypt directors, said some of the draft articles on freedom of expression and religion resemble a "penal code".

"Some of the provisions are penal code provisions. You don't list all the things that you are not allowed to do, you're supposed to set up the rights and limitations," she said.

Pro-Morsi protests are also taking place in Nahdet Misr Square in Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo, Alexandria and the central Egyptian province of Assiut.

The Muslim Brotherhood and their supporters have branded the opposition as enemies of the revolution that toppled longtime dictator Hosni Mubarak in 2011.

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Sub-Zero Weather Hits Britain As Snow Falls

A dusting of snow has fallen across parts of the UK, with more predicted over the weekend as many areas are gripped by sub-zero temperatures.

The frosty conditions are in contrast to the torrential rain and windy weather that played havoc in some parts of the Midlands and in North Wales at the start of the week.

Around 1cm of snow has settled in parts of northern England and Scotland, including Cumbria, Teesside and County Durham, while 2.5cm has covered the Pennines and the Southern Uplands.

In the Midlands, southern England and Wales temperatures are below freezing, and as low as -5C in some areas.

The frosty weather is expected to last for the next few days, with more snow predicted in the north and Scotland tomorrow night.

The freezing temperatures have brought with them a risk of ice, following the recent heavy rainfall.

Temperatures have dropped across the country

The Met Office issued a low-level warning of severe weather, affecting much of the UK for the morning.

It said: "Due to the recent wet weather there is an increased risk of icy patches, even on roads that have been treated with salt, where water run off may wash off any earlier salt treatment.

"The public should be aware of the risk of ice on roads and pavements."

Patroller Andy Smith warned the weekend would be "winter's first serious test for drivers and their cars".

"Ice is the real concern, as it's been so wet recently, and it's very hard to distinguish between a puddle on the road and treacherous black ice," he said.

The snowfall in pockets of the UK has prompted a flurry of bets on a white Christmas - a gamble that typically peaks in mid-December.

"We've only opened one flap on the advent calendar and we're already inundated with money for a UK-wide white Christmas," said Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes.

Latest odds show Edinburgh is 5/2 for a white Christmas, ahead of London and Manchester, both 3/1.

Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler said temperatures will rise as rain spreads off the Atlantic.

"Progress will be slow, however, and it will be Sunday before that rain makes much impact on mainland UK, by which time, there is the risk of seeing some snow on the leading edge.

"For the bulk of the country, there will be a fine end to the day followed by a cold and frosty night, and a bright start to Sunday morning."

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Former Corrie Star Faces Child Sex Charges

Former Coronation Street actor Andrew Lancel will appear in court later this month to face five counts of indecent assault on a child under 16.

Merseyside Police said the 42-year-old had been charged under his real name - Andrew Watkinson.

He was charged under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charges relate to "historic" child sex offences, the force said.

Lancel, from Gateacre in Liverpool, is best known for his appearance as the scheming businessman Frank Foster in the ITV1 soap.

His Corrie career began in November 2010 when he was cast as Foster, a business associate of Carla Connor.

Lancel's role ended in March this year when his character was found murdered.

Lancel also played DI Neil Manson in The Bill, and starred alongside Helen Baxendale in Cardiac Arrest.

He has been bailed to appear at South Sefton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, December 19.

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Mitchell Cole: Ex-Footballer Dies Aged 27

A 27-year-old footballer, who was forced to retire as a professional player after a heart attack, has died.

Mitchell Cole, who played for Oxford United and Stevenage, was told last year he would be risking death if he played the sport again.

Writing on its official Twitter feed, the Football League said: "We are sad to hear former Southend, Stevenage and Oxford player Mitchell Cole has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Cole, who was married to the sister of England international Joe Cole, started his career at West Ham but was released in 2004.

He scored for Stevenage against Kidderminster at Wembley in the 2007 FA Trophy Final.

In an interview with The Sun he said: "A few players around the world die of this every year. The specialists told me that every day I have a 1% chance of dropping dead and sport quadruples that risk.

"When he gave me the numbers and showed me images of my heart, it hit me hard."

Fabrice Muamba retired from football after his heart attack

Despite retiring from the professional game last year, Cole did make a handful of non-league appearances, some of which came for Arlesey Town.

However, according to their director of football, Gary King, watching Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba suffer a cardiac arrest in an FA Cup tie with Tottenham in March convinced Cole to give up the game for good.

King said: "We were watching that game in the clubhouse and he turned to me and said 'I'm not playing again', although I'm told he might have been playing five-a-side in London last night."

On Friday on his @mitchcole21 Twitter account Cole wrote: "London tonight for the usual kick about with the lads."

He suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which is an irregular thickness of the heart in certain areas.

Cole's former clubs were among the first to pay tribute, with West Ham posting on their official Twitter feed: "Everyone at West Ham United has been saddened to learn of the death of former Hammers Academy player Mitchell Cole at the age of 27. RIP."

Stevenage added on their official account: "The club are saddened to hear of the passing of former player Mitchell Cole. Our thoughts are with his family at this time."

Southend United said they were "extremely saddened" to hear the news, while Oxford United tweeted: "Our thoughts are with the family of Mitchell Cole."

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Police Car Collision: 21-Year-Old Man Dies

A man has died after being hit by a police car as he walked along a road.

The 21-year-old was struck on the A31 at Hog's Back in Surrey, near Aldershot, Hampshire, at about 3.30am on Saturday.

Surrey Police has referred details of the collision to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

A spokesman for the IPCC said: "A fatal accident occurred on the A31. A 21-year-old male pedestrian has died. He was in collision with a Surrey Police car.

IPCC investigators have been examining the scene of the collision

"Our investigators were deployed to the scene and an IPCC investigation has begun."

The westbound carriageway has been closed while the scene is examined to establish how the collision happened.

The IPCC spokesman added: "The incident occurred at around 3.35am on Saturday December 1 on the A31 Hogs Back road, near Guildford.

"The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"It is understood the police car was on an emergency response to an incident."

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NFL Player Shoots Himself Dead At Stadium

A Kansas City Chiefs player has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after reportedly killing his girlfriend, police have said.

The 25-year-old, who has not yet been named, drove to the team's practice facility near Arrowhead Stadium and turned the gun on himself as two team officials were confronting him.

Police spokesman Darin Snapp said authorities received a call from a woman who said her daughter had been shot multiple times at a home around five miles from the stadium in Kansas City.

A call was then received from the Chiefs' practice facility.

Mr Snapp said when police arrived they saw a black male in a car with a handgun to his head talking to two Chiefs officials.

He said the player thanked general manager Scott Pioli and head coach Romeo Crennel for all they had done for him, before shooting himself.

The stadium has been in lockdown since around 8am.

The other victim was a woman reported to be the player's girlfriend. She was also killed.

A statement from the NFL team said: "We can confirm that there was an incident at Arrowhead earlier this morning.

"We are cooperating with authorities in their investigation."

The Chiefs are due to play the Carolina Panthers at Arrowhead on Sunday.

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Leveson: 60,000 Sign Hacked Off Petition

The Prime Minister will meet newspaper editors next week, to discuss the future of press regulation and whether the industry can deliver it alone.

It comes as an online petition demanding the Government act on Lord Justice Leveson's recommendations in full has attracted more than 60,000 supporters in less than 24 hours.

Support for the petition launched by Hacked Off, the group campaigning for victims of phone hacking, has doubled overnight.

The Culture Secretary has warned newspaper editors not to drag their feet in acting on Lord Justice Leveson's calls for setting up a new press watchdog.

Maria Miller, joined by David Cameron, will meet the newspaper industry's most powerful editors next week to push for urgent action.

Paul Dacre has acknowledged that swift action is needed

Lord Hunt of Wirral, the chairman of the Press Complaints Commission, who will also attend, told The Times he wanted a speedy industry resolution to help persuade the public and MPs that laws were not needed to underpin the new independent regulator.

"There's an awful lot we can agree on and I have suggested to the industry (that we) all read the report, digest it and seek out the common ground and unite with one voice," he said.

Ms Miller's warning will come the day before editors on the Code of Practice Committee, chaired by Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre, meet to decide how to tackle the Leveson recommendations.

Mr Dacre said: "Lord Justice Leveson has set us a number of challenges: our task is to address them as urgently as possible."

It comes as reports emerged that Foreign Secretary William Hague warned Cabinet colleagues earlier this week that a "Leveson law" would undermine the UK's ability to address freedom of speech issues globally, particularly on cases such as the jailing of punk band Pussy Riot in Russia.

Best-selling novelist JK Rowling at the inquiry last November

A Government source told The Daily Telegraph: "It was a very serious presentation. He warned that Britain demonstrating that we have a free press is part of our ability to say we believe in democracy."

But David Cameron is under intense pressure to drop his opposition to a law backing up the new watchdog the press has been tasked with devising.

The Prime Minister is facing a backlash from victims of media intrusion over his resistance to legislation.

Author JK Rowling has said that she felt "duped and angry" by Mr Cameron's hesitance to "cross the Rubicon" and introduce a press law.

The Harry Potter author, who gave evidence about press intrusion into her family's privacy to the inquiry, said: "If the Prime Minister did not wish to change the regulatory system even to the moderate, balanced and proportionate extent proposed by Lord Leveson, I am at a loss to understand why so much public money has been spent and why so many people have been asked to relive extremely painful episodes on the stand in front of millions."

Gerry McCann said it was time for politicians to 'do the right thing'

The most high-profile victims of phone hacking refused to meet the Culture Secretary on Friday, saying they felt let down by Mr Cameron's response.

Despite the boycott, Ms Miller has met the leaders of the Hacked Off campaign and described the talks as frank.

Madeleine McCann's father Gerry said giving evidence to the Leveson Inquiry would have been "almost useless" if the proposals were not implemented in full, and urged the Prime Minister to "do the right thing".

London bombing hero Paul Dadge, a victim of phone hacking, said he was very disappointed with Mr Cameron's stance and called on him to back the public rather than the press.

Christopher Jefferies, the landlord wrongly arrested for the murder of Joanna Yeates, warned it would be a "disaster" if the recommendation on legislation was ignored, and said he would feel "let down" by Mr Cameron.

Lord Justice Leveson condemned the "culture of reckless and outrageous journalism" that dominated sections of the press for decades as he unveiled the findings of his 16-month inquiry on Thursday.

The Appeal Court judge called for a new watchdog with statutory underpinning to be given the power to require prominent apologies and impose fines of as much as £1m.

Mr Cameron immediately voiced "serious concerns and misgivings" about legislative action, and said the press should be given a "limited period of time" to show it could get its own house in order.

Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "Many of the victims of sections of the press will be feeling utterly betrayed by David Cameron."

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Rugby: England Beat New Zealand 38-21

England have ended New Zealand's 20-match unbeaten run with a stunning 38-21 victory at Twickenham.

Tries from Brad Barritt, Chris Ashton and Manu Tuilagi helped England, who had been 15-0 up early in the second half, stave off an All Blacks fightback that saw the world champions close to within a point at 15-14.

The final margin of 17 points is a new record for England against New Zealand, surpassing a 13-0 win in 1936.

It was only England's seventh win in 35 Tests against the World Cup holders, and their first since 2003.

All Blacks star Richie McCaw and head coach Steve Hansen look on

The victory ends a run of nine straight defeats by the All Blacks.

England's victory came on the back of defeats by Australia and South Africa.

"To put that scoreline on an All Blacks side that good is way beyond what we could have asked for, but we've had the belief all through the week," England coach Stuart Lancaster told Sky Sports.

"There was a lot of composure at half-time, real clarity of thought, and that's what's grown over the last few weeks. We've always had the energy and the attitude but today we put the top six inches on."

All Blacks star Richie McCaw said: "It's bitterly disappointing. We struggled to get any sort of momentum and England played particularly well, credit to them.

"You're prepared for a big battle and that's the way it was, they caught us on the hop. They're a good team and they took their chances."

More follows...

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Australian Navy Base Raid: Man Held

A man has been arrested after a cache of weapons was stolen from an Australian navy vessel.

The balaclava-clad intruder overwhelmed guards on the patrol boat - moored at HMAS Coonawarra in the northern city of Darwin - and stole two shotguns and 12 pistols.

Northern Territory Police have arrested one man and recovered "all of the outstanding weapons," said Commander Richard Bryson.

"One man is currently in police custody and the investigation is continuing as to the contextual circumstances surrounding the theft of the weapons", Cmdr Bryson said.

Commander Richard Bryson said all outstanding weapons had been recovered

"This is a significant result for the Northern Territory Police and the community to recover these weapons and remove them from the streets so quickly."

The weapons were stolen at midnight on Thursday after the officer on duty was assaulted and bound with cables ties. He suffered minor injuries but was eventually able to release the ties to raise the alarm.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Ray Griggs has ordered an investigation into security on all naval ships and bases, while the Australian Federal Police are also investigating.

"It's certainly a breach of security and it's a very concerning one for me," said Vice Admiral Griggs.

He added that it was the first breach of its type on an Australian navy vessel.

HMAS Coonawarra is where the Royal Australian Navy bases most of its 14 Armidale Class patrol boats.

Darwin is a vital navy port and the centre from which Australia conducts border control operations, with about 600 naval personnel in the area, many working at sea in border protection.

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