Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/827430
21 Sport MOTORSPORTS BOXING maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 24 MAY 2017 Former Malta captain Ronnie Cocks passes away Former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden has died aged 35 American Hayden died in hospital with family at his side, it has been announced THE 35-year-old American was in- jured in a cycling accident on the Ri- mini coastline of Italy last Wednes- day. News of his death was first com- municated by the hospital where he was being treated while a statement was also issued on behalf of his fam- ily. Hayden suffered "severe polytrau- ma" - multiple traumatic injuries - after a collision with a car, the Bu- falini Hospital in Cesena confirmed. His fiancee Jackie, mother Rose and brother Tommy were at his side in the intensive care unit when he died on Monday. Tommy Hayden said: "Although this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest - riding a motorcycle. "He dreamed as a kid of being a pro rider and not only achieved that but also managed to reach the pinna- cle of his chosen sport in becoming world champion. We are all so proud of that. "Apart from these 'public' memo- ries, we will also have many great and happy memories of Nicky at home in Kentucky, in the heart of the family. We will all miss him ter- ribly." Hayden, from Owensboro, Ken- tucky, won the 2006 MotoGP world title with the Repsol Honda team. During a racing career which be- gan at the age of five he won national titles in America in road racing and dirt track before moving to Europe to chase world championship glory. He also competed in the MotoGP series for Italian manufacturer Ducati before renewing his associa- tion with Honda. This season he was competing in the World Superbike Championship for the Red Bull Honda team and most recently raced on May 14 at the Imola circuit in Italy. A statement from Red Bull Honda read: "It is with great sadness that Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team has to announce that Nicky Hayden has succumbed to injuries suffered during an incident while riding his bicycle last Wednesday." It added: "The 'Kentucky Kid' will be sorely missed by all that ever had the pleasure of meeting him or the privilege to see him race a motorcy- cle around a track, be it dirt or as- phalt. "The racing world says goodbye to one of its dearest sons. Rest in peace Nicholas 'Nicky' Patrick Hayden." A number of tributes have been paid to Hayden. Dani Pedrosa, team-mate during his 2006 title triumph, posted a pho- to of the American on his Twitter account. He added: "Always in my heart, champ. RIP Nicky. #69." Two-time MotoGP world champi- on Casey Stoner tweeted: "Thankful for the time that I was privileged to know you! #RIPNickyHayden #Leg- end Pray for his family during this time. We'll miss you mate!" Tour de France champion Chris Froome posted a picture of himself alongside Hayden and wrote: "So sad. Rest In Peace Nicky.." American golfer Rickie Fowler, a former motocross rider, tweeted: "This morning just didn't seem real! We lost an amazing rider but even better person!! "Just honored I got to spend the time w/ you that I did Nicky! Prayers for Jackie & the rest of the Hayden fam! We're going to miss you man!!" Floyd Mayweather says he is 90 per cent likely to face Conor McGregor if he returns FLOYD Mayweather broke his silence regarding a potential fight with Conor McGregor by revealing he is "90 per cent" likely to face him if he returns because it's "the only fight that makes sense". UFC lightweight champion McGregor, who has a licence to box in California, insisted earli- er this week he has signed a con- tract to fight Mayweather and awaits the American's response. Mayweather had refused to respond in the build-up to Sat- urday's fight between Gervonta Davis and Liam Walsh but after his fighter's third-round knock- out victory sounded increasing- ly confident of fighting this year. The 40-year-old has remained inactive since he outpointed Andre Berto in September 2015. Few expected he would retire with a record of 49 victo- ries, level with Rocky Marciano, and in the past 12 months there has been increasing speculation regarding a match-up with Ire- land's McGregor. Asked of his personal plans, Mayweather responded: "If I do fight, there's a 90 per cent chance it's against Conor McGregor "When I get back to the US I'll call Al (Haymon, Mayweather's advisor) and see our next move. There's no rush. "The only fight that makes sense to me is the McGregor fight. I guess I have one more obstacle that I have to get over. "We have to give the people what they want to see. The fans demand that fight; we have to give them what they want to see to make them happy. "I think this year I'll be back at number one in Forbes' (list of athletes' net worth), in a matter of time." The 22-year-old Davis had been the recipient of both en- couragement and instructions from Mayweather, who was ringside at London's Copper Box Arena to watch his fighter make the first defence of his IBF super-featherweight title. Mayweather also spoke of the time he had spent in the gym alongside Davis, who though impressive he insists is still "not at 100 per cent". "It's possible (this fight against McGregor could be made quickly) but we don't want to rush," he said. "When we make a move it's going to be huge. When Floyd Mayweather fights it's history. "This kid (Davis) had me go to the gym, sparring a little bit. When it's time to do what I have to I'll look tremendous, and sharp."