British Boxer Makes Sure He Scores Either Way

A mystery company is hoping that British heavyweight Julius Francis gets knocked down repeatedly in his fight with Mike Tyson in Manchester, England, on Jan. 29.

That’s why the outfit is sponsoring the soles of Francis’ shoes for 20,000 pounds (U.S. $32,000), hoping that the boxer will be prone enough times to display the strange advertisement.

Frank Maloney, manager of Francis, knows the advertiser, but he won’t tell.

“The general consensus is that Julius will be beaten, and that’s clearly what this sponsor is hoping for,” Maloney said. “I don’t happen to agree--I think Julius will beat Tyson--but if someone is stupid enough to pay up, I’m perfectly happy to take the money.”

And that’s the bottom line.

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Trivia time: When did USC last win or share the Pacific 10 basketball championship?

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Marathon man: Jerry Dunn will be on the go this year. The 53-year-old from Spearfish, S.D., plans to run 200 marathons this year, nearly doubling the world record of 104.

“The key to my success is the ability to recover quickly,” Dunn needlessly said.

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A blank screen: From Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: “How will history remember the Bill Belichick era with the New York Jets ?”

Moving man: Philadelphia Eagle Coach Andy Reid, on the peregrine nature of his profession: “I have five children. All of them have been born in different states.”

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Growing up? Denver Nugget Coach Dan Issel on Nick Van Exel’s performance and demeanor this season: “I have not seen him pout or scowl one time this year.”

What’s the record? Denver Bronco guard Mark Schlereth had the 26th surgery of his career when he had some work done on his left elbow.

“I just leave it up to you guys to keep track for me,” he said of reporters.

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Second-guessing is easier: Former Phoenix Sun coach Danny Ainge is returning to television, signing a contract Sunday to rejoin Turner Sports’ NBA announcing team.

Ainge, who resigned from the Suns Dec. 13 to spend more time with his family, was an analyst for Turner in 1995-96 before joining Phoenix as an assistant coach.

“While I was coaching, I wondered why I ever gave up TV because I loved the lifestyle of doing TV work,” said Ainge, who will serve primarily as a game analyst, calling one game a week, often with Mike Fratello and Marv Albert.

And, of course, TBS said it would endeavor to keep Ainge’s family obligations as a priority.

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Trivia answer: The 1984-85 season when the Trojans had a 13-5 conference record, sharing the title with Washington.

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And finally: Sacramento King point guard Jason Williams, on his shooting philosophy: “I’m going to miss shots. But you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. So I’m just gonna keep jacking ‘em up there until they go in.”