HBO throws the towel on live boxing racket

HBO is getting out of the live boxing business after more than 1,000 fights over four decades of telecasts. The network will televise the Oct. 27 middleweight title fight between Danny Jacobs and Sergiy Derevyanchenko, then bow out from a sport in which it has long been a leading proponent. Showtime, HBO’s main competitor for cable boxing telecasts, plans to enhances its schedule for 2019. Since its first fight on Jan. 22, 1973, a huge one in which George Foreman knocked out Joe Frazier for the heavyweight crown in Jamaica, HBO televised more than 1,000 bouts with some pay-per-view and the rest on the cable channel. That includes a high of 32 appearances by Oscar De La Hoya and Roy Jones Jr. the regular season while Major League Baseball investigates domestic violence allegations from his ex-wife. MLB and the players association have agreed to extend his administrative leave by four days through Sunday. Russell was first placed on administrative leave Sept. 21. Melisa Reidy has alleged she suffered from years of physical and emotional abuse, which Russell has denied. Russell can challenge the leave before an arbitrator. He continues to be paid his $3.2-million salary. Chicago has already clinched its fourth straight postseason appearance. The 24-yearold infielder is batting .250 with five homers and 38 RBIs. He was an all-star two years ago and also helped the Cubs win their first World Series title since 1908 during that season.