Names in the game for Sept. 29, 2005

Thursday, Sept. 29, 2005 | 9:09 a.m.

Oscar De La Hoya

In the wake of the death of lightweight boxer Leavander Johnson last Thursday, Oscar De La Hoya, who promoted Johnson's fight, says he wants tougher licensing in his sport.

"There has to be a re-evaluation of what procedures are used to get a license, especially in Las Vegas," De La Hoya said. "These tests have to be more difficult for fighters to pass. A lot of fighters will get rejected, but it will be a good thing."

Johnson took a beating from Jesus Chavez before finally being stopped by a flurry of punches in the 11th.

The head of the Nevada State Athletic Commission said last week that a panel will study recent injuries in the ring and try to come up with ways to make the sport safer.

Grete Waitz

Nine-time New York City Marathon champion Grete Waitz accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award today from the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce in New York. Waitz, who is battling cancer, took a break from her medical treatment in Oslo, Norway.

Other Norwegians to receive the award include actress Liv Ullmann, skier Stein Eriksen and speed-skating champion Johan Olav Koss.

"I'm in good company," Waitz said.

Kim Clijsters

Coming off her first Grand Slam title, the 2005 U.S. Open, Kim Clijsters said she won't replace her coach. Clijsters and Marc De Hous split a week after the U.S. Open.

"I want to play my remaining two years, until the end of 2007, without a coach. I don't need one anymore," she said. -- Sun wire services