Sporting Digest: Boxing

LLOYD HONEYGHAN, the former world welterweight champion, was stripped of his Commonwealth light- middleweight crown yesterday for failing to defend it before the expiry of a deadline set by the Commonwealth Boxing Council.

TOMMY MORRISON, due to meet Britain's World Boxing Organisation heavyweight champion, Herbie Hide, on 23 October, survived two knockdowns before escaping with a draw against Ross Puritty in Atlantic City. Another American, Ray Mercer, due to fight Frank Bruno on the same bill in Hong Kong, also earned a draw from the judges against Marion Wilson.

HUNTER CLAY, of Nigeria, defeated Lou Gent and captured the World Boxing Council international super- middleweight title at Tooting Leisure Centre on Thursday night. He was leading when the fight was stopped in the ninth round because of a cut under Gent's left eye.