Coco Talanoa — Sports / Page 46

Mark Hunt wants some answers ... or else.

Upon hearing the news that Brock Lesnar, who defeated Hunt via unanimous decision at UFC 200 last week, had been notified by USADA of a potential anti-doping violation, stemming from a failure of an out-of-competition drug test on June 28, Hunt asked UFC officials for half of Lesnar's purse or else he would like to be released from his contract effective immediately. Hunt said the UFC has not yet responded to his request.

"The cheaters get a slap on the wrist and walk off," Hunt told MMA Fighting. "What penalty or deterrent is there to make them think twice? Nothing. And the [Nevada Athletic Commission], why should these [expletive] get anything? They are not the ones who had to fight with Lesnar or lose [to him].…more

The Miami Heat are finalizing a flurry of weekend moves to restock the roster in the stinging aftermath of franchise icon Dwyane Wade's free-agency departure to the Chicago Bulls.

The Heat on Sunday reached a deal to re-sign veteran forward Udonis Haslem, according to a league source, and announced the signings of shooting guard Wayne Ellington and forward James Johnson.

James Johnson is of African-American and Samoan decent, joining the likes of Steven Adams as the growing number of poly players in the NBA.

James Johnson was the starting power forward for the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest University from 2007 to 2009. He was drafted 16th overall in the 2009 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. Since then Johnson has gained experience in playing with the Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies and back again with the Toronto Raptors before being signed by the Heat.

NBA isnt the only sport Johnson shines in, he holds a second-degree black belt and fought in his first mixed martial arts bout at aged 18.…more

Jarryd Hayne's Rio adventure has ended after he was told he would not be selected in the Fijian sevens squad.

Hayne quit the NFL to pursue rugby sevens, but announced on Facebook that during a meeting with Fijian coach Ben Ryan last week he had been informed he not made the cut.

“Last Friday I had a meeting with Ben to discuss my future with the team and I was informed that my time has ended. As much as I would have loved to go to Rio, I too knew I wasn’t ready yet. During my time with the team, I pushed my body above and beyond. I used all my experience as a professional athlete and have tried everyday and in every way possible to make this team and make it better but unfortunately, time has been against me,” Hayne said via Facebook.

Hayne shocked the sporting world on May 16 when he announced he was retiring from the NFL to chase Olympic glory with the Fiji rugby sevens team.…more

“Ah, schucks,’’ he grins. “I’m sitting here in this Las Vegas mansion, watching gardeners work in my backyard.

“It’s incredible. And why nothing in life surprises me anymore.

“I’m just waiting now for a pink elephant to fly overhead.”

Indeed, who can blame him?

Unsigned even to fight four weeks ago, Hunt is suddenly three days off the most hyped bout in UFC history - facing WWE megastar Brock Lesnar here in Las Vegas at UFC 200.

Already, the stacked card is being billed as the biggest of all time.

With Lesnar and Hunt the undeniable feature.

Which is why, to help the Sydney slugger through his preparations, UFC president Dana White has secretly gifted Team Hunt the lease on a private $5 million mansion.…more

Tongan Born New Zealander Nailini Helu has won her second professional bout, winning against Sarah Long by unanimous decision.

Source: NZ Fighter

The 22 year old is currently ranked 10th in the world by independant boxing records keeping and computerized rankings system boxrec. Helu is also ranked 10th currently in the UBF.

Helu is the older sister to Professional boxer Panuve Helu who just recently came off a win against Tauranga Resident Jonathan Taylor. Panuve is scheduled to fight Fili Mailata in August in a rematch after a controversial draw and again in september against an opponent that is still to be announced.

Both Nailini and Panuve born in Tonga and residing in Auckland, New Zealand are Tonga's biggest boxing prospects, showing massive amount of potential.

Nailini has an incredible amateur career, winning three New Zealand National Championships in 2012, 2014 and 2015 and also reaching the semifinals in 2013.

Nailini debut as a pro in April this year on the Kali Reis vs Maricela Cornejo WBC World title undercard in Auckland, New Zealand.…more

All Blacks veteran Liam Messam has missed out on representing New Zealand in the rugby sevens at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Source: NZ Herald

Messam, as predicted on Friday, was omitted from the NZ men's sevens squad to contest the Olympic Games next month when it was announced in Auckland today.

While fellow All Black regular in recent years Sonny Bill Williams was named in the squad of 12 for men's coach Gordon Tietjens, it's understood Messam will now rejoin his old Super Rugby side the Chiefs for the remainder of their 2016 title-chasing campaign.

Williams' sister Niall Williams was named in the women's squad to be coached by Sean Horan, while Kurt Baker was another high-profile omission from the men's team.

The New Zealand women's side will be lead by Sarah Goss, with Kayla McAlister and Portia Woodman key cogs if they are to defeat Australia and win a gold medal.

Liam Messam won't be part of the New Zealand men's sevens side to contest the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.…more

A look back at the awesome and devastating power that is Mark Hunt!

All Black great Frank Bunce returns to his motherland for a fishing and golfing getaway.

Check out the doko Steven Adams and some of the best highlights from the 2015-16 Season, with all 102 Dunks! 

Check out All Blacks winger Naholo scoring an important try to give his side the lead against the visitors at Eden Park last night!

Source: TVNZ and SKY