Former cricketer Flintoff wins first boxing bout
Andrew Flintoff took the four-round heavyweight bout by a 39-38 margin.
MANCHESTER: Former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff began his new boxing career with a narrow points victory over Richard Dawson on Friday despite being knocked down by his American opponent.
Flintoff, who has been trained by former Irish boxer Barry McGuigan, took the four-round heavyweight bout by a 39-38 margin.
He recovered his composure after being knocked down early in the second round by a left counter punch from Dawson, who was unable to follow up with a sustained assault.
Flintoff ended his 15-year cricket career in September 2010, having become England captain and a national icon.
His heavy frame made him a dominant pace bowler and a powerful shot-maker, but led to several knee injuries.
The 34-year-old Flintoff had to lose more than 22 kilograms to make his boxing debut.
