Frampton splits with McGuigan

CARL FRAMPTON has parted ways with manager and mentor Barry McGuigan. Frampton, the only Northern Irishman to have won world titles in two weight classes, had been guided by McGuigan since turning professional in 2009. But this year the Belfast boxer surrendered his world featherweight title after suffering his first defeat as a professional to Leo Santa Cruz in their January rematch. Frampton said: ‘I would like to thank Barry, the McGuigan family and Cyclone Promotions for our time together. Now is the right time to take my career into my own hands.’

LIFE bans for the son of ex-IAAF president Lamine Diack and Russia’s former top track and field official have been upheld in a doping and bribery case. The Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected appeals by Papa Massata Diack and former IAAF treasurer Valentin Balakhnichev against their bans.

CHRIS FROOME took a two-second lead in the Vuelta a Espana yesterday after finishing third on the 158km mountain stage from Prades to Andorra La Vella. The Tour de France champion was in front with about half a kilometre to go of stage three but Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali sprinted to victory ahead of David de la Cruz of Spain.

VICTORIA AZARENKA has pulled out of the US Open due to a dispute with her former partner over the care of their baby son Leo. Azarenka has not played since Wimbledon — citing a viral illness before revealing the custody battle.