Boxing: 'Super Brian' calls it a day

The Danish boxer Brian Nielsen, who won the International Boxing Organisation world title, but lost to Mike Tyson two years ago, is to retire due to a knee injury.

"It was not a fun decision, because I so much want to get back," said Nielsen, who won 64 of his 66 fights, with 43 knock-outs, during an 11-year career.

Nielsen, 38, who lives in southern Spain, has not fought since April 2002, and had cartilage removed from his right knee twice this year. The pudgy 6ft 3in fighter clowned around the ring at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, but went on to win a silver medal and was dubbed "Super Brian."

On the way to the International Boxing Organisation title, he beat America's James "Bone Crusher" Smith and the former World Boxing Association champion Tony Tubbs. He lasted six rounds against Tyson in Denmark.