Former Eagles return specialist Vai Sikahema is training in Easton, Pa., with former heavyweight champ Larry Holmes for a celebrity boxing match a week from Saturday against former baseball star Jose Canseco.
“I sent out a feeler with some of Larry's people and he responded personally, welcoming me to come up to Easton and work out,” Sikahema, 45, also the sports director at the NBC affiliate in Philadelphia, said after an intense workout in Holmes' steamy gym.
“I actually grew up a boxing fan in the 1970s,” Sikahema said. “My dad, Loni, and I dreamed of a boxing career, not of a football career. So for me to train here today, it truly is a special time.”
Sikahema, a former Golden Gloves fighter who claims to have 5 percent body fat on his 5-foot-9, 200-pound frame, said he had about 75 to 80 bouts between ages 7 and 14.
“Vai has a powerful right hand, he has a good left jab and he's got a big heart,” said Holmes. “He's going to kick Canseco's (rear end).
“I wish Vai was a couple years younger. . . . I could make a fighter out of him, a champion.”
Sikahema said he plans to use his quickness and conditioning against the 6-4, 245-pound Canseco, 44. The three-round bout will take place at Bernie Robbins Stadium in Atlantic City, N.J.
TRIVIA TIME
Where was Sikhema born, and what college did he attend?
MASCOTS? NEVERMORE
Animal rights advocates are opposed to plans by the Baltimore Ravens to use live ravens as mascots at home games.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals expressed its concerns in a letter to Gabrielle Dow, the NFL team's vice president of marketing.
PETA says bright lights, screaming fans and loud noises during the games can be terrifying for animals.
COOL ON THE BEAM
Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson will be in the spotlight at this summer's Iowa State Fair – in butter.
While the 16-year-old reigning world champion from West Des Moines is going for gold at the Olympics in Beijing next month, a “butter Johnson” will be sharing a cooler with the butter cow at the fair in Des Moines.
Butter sculptor Sarah Pratt of West Des Moines plans to incorporate a balance beam into Johnson's pose – and maybe an American flag.
THIS DATE IN BASEBALL
In 1966, Braves pitcher Tony Cloninger became the first National League player to hit two grand slams in one game. He added a single and had nine RBI in a 17-3 victory over San Francisco.
NO DERBY FOR A-ROD
Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez will skip the All-Star Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium later this month, choosing to protect his finely tuned swing.
The reigning AL MVP participated in three derbies before he joined the Yankees in 2004 and he feels the made-for-TV event held the night before the All-Star Game can have an adverse effect on a batter's mechanics.
“Always has for me,” Rodriguez said Tuesday before the Yankees lost to the Texas Rangers.
TRIVIA ANSWER
Tonga, and Brigham Young University.
COMPILED BY STEVE OAKEY FROM NEWS SERVICES, ONLINE REPORTS
