Boxing: Lennox Lewis has been contemplating retirement - but only after he has faced Mike Tyson. "I am only thinking about one fight next year, and that's with Mike Tyson," the world heavyweight champion told Radio 5 Live's Sports Review of the Year programme.

"There is too much money and too much demand for the fight. I imagine it will take place probably in the middle of the year. Once I get Tyson out of the way, I will probably think about retiring." Lewis is planning to continue in boxing once he hangs up his gloves, either as a promoter or trainer. He is promised to give Olympic gold medallist Audley Harrison a hand if he needs it.

Sailing: Pre-race favourite Shockwave clung to an early lead in the Sydney-Hobart race yesterday, with galeforce winds and snow awaiting the fleet of 82 yachts.

Shockwave was well out to sea and led Wild Thing by about half a nautical mile after the two Australia maxis surfed down the coast powered by strong following northeasterly winds of up to 20 knots for most of the afternoon and evening.

They were followed a further 1.5 nautical miles astern by downwind flyer Xena. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has warned there is a strong likelihood the southwards-bound fleet will encounter gale force south-westerly winds today and tomorrow. [SBX]

Boxing: Paul Ingle was still in intensive care yesterday and making slow progress after collapsing during his IBF featherweight title fight on December 16th.

The 28-year-old from Scarborough, who is still on the danger list, underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain and, despite showing positive signs at first, there has since been no change.

A spokesman for the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, in Sheffield said: "It's much a case of waiting for Paul. There's no timescale we can put on his injuries - we have to wait for Paul's body to react in the right way."

Athletics: Merlene Ottey has confirmed she will extend her career into the 2001 season. Ottey (40) made her decision after a difficult year in which she was forced out of competition until a drug ban was lifted in July.

"I want to show everyone that age is not a limiting factor and that I can still compete with the very best," Ottey said.