SPORT NEWS
Chris John Fights Japanese Challenger
WBA Fly-weight Super Champion Chris John is to face Japanese boxer Shoji Kimora in a title fight at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on May 5, a spokesman of his promotor said.
Chris’s opponent is 34 years old and has an orthodox boxing style, Fathan Rangkuti, media and promotion officer of Mahkota Promotions, said here Tuesday. At the same time and venue, IBO Asia Pacific fly-weight champion Daud Yordan would be fighting Philippine boxer Ramie Laput, he said.
“Daud’s opponent is 33 years old and also has an orthodox boxing style. He descended to bantam weight,” Fathan said.
The contracts on Chris John’s and Daud Yordan’s matches had already been signed and what they now had to do was preparing themselves for the upcoming fights, he said. “Late February Chris John will leave for Australia to train at Herry’s Gym in Perth under supervision of his trainer Craig Christian.”
When in the ring with Shoji Kimora, Chris John who is nicknamed The Dragon would be defending his title for the 16th time.
Kobe uncertain on return as Lakers begin camp
Kobe Bryant is uncertain when he’ll return to the Los Angeles Lakers after missing last season’s playoffs with a torn Achilles tendon.
Bryant is more certain about a few other things: He’ll come back strong from his injury, and the Lakers will attempt to contend for another title even without Dwight Howard.
Bryant joined his teammates for the opening day of training camp Saturday, but he’s still a long way from stepping on the practice court. The fourth-leading scorer in NBA history is running on a special treadmill and doing some court drills, but still isn’t sprinting or playing basketball after surgery in mid-April.
Pau Gasol also will sit out a few days of practice while easing back from offseason treatment on his knees.
NEWS ENTERTAINMENT
Michael Jackson’s family blames promoters for his death
A lawyer representing the family of the late pop star Michael Jackson has told a US court that the concert promoters were responsible for his death, because they hired the doctor who gave him a fatal dose of anaesthetic.
The lawyer said executives at AEG knew the singer was in fragile health.
But he said the promoters were prepared to do whatever it took to get Michael Jackson to perform a series of concerts in London, to launch a lucrative world tour.
AEG denies the claim.
The Jackson family are seeking millions of dollars in damages from AEG for alleged negligence.
Hyun Bin proves his charm in Singapore press conference
Fresh out of army, South Korea’s A-list actor, Hyun Bin, is back in the game. The K-drama heartthrob was in Singapore last weekend as part of his Asia Fanmeeting Tour. With back-to-back schedules in other countries, Hyun Bin flew in past midnight and attended an open Press Conference the very next day, April 26 at Bugis+ Mall. Decked in a pin-striped blazer and slick back-combed hairstyle, Hyun Bin was a masterpiece.
Charming fans of all ages, Hyun Bin definitely has the X-Factor. But, the humble man rates himself a mere 30 out of 100 in the ‘charming appeal scale’ and threw back the question to fans. Of course, fans could name a long list of possible charms the man can have; from his smile to his intense stare and gentlemanly aura.
“I’m not as insensitive or selfish as my character in Secret Garden,” explained Hyun Bin. He may not be a romantic, planning special events but he does take extra special care of people he love.
When asked to show some cuteness, Hyun Bin was hesitant and finally posed with a peace sign for a split second before bursting in embarrassment. The man is definitely not cut-out to be cute, we’ll let him stick to being the charming suave gentleman!
It was surprising to hear his original ambition, before dreaming of becoming an actor. He once considered joining the police force! His alternative career choice if not an actor, would be a policeman then!
During the press conference, Hyun Bin hinted of an upcoming project. It has since been revealed that Hyun Bin will be acting in his first ‘sagaeuk’ (historical) drama as King Jungjo in the ‘King’s Wrath’!
Etha Widiyana 