Nikolai Valuev

likely ended

Evander Holyfield

's last chance at winning a fifth heavyweight title, narrowly defending his WBA title by majority decision last night in Zurich, Switzerland.

The 46-year-old American (42-10-2) attempted to become the oldest heavyweight to win a major boxing belt.

The 7-foot Russian (51-1), the tallest and heaviest champion ever, struggled to close down Holyfield early but began asserting his jab as Holyfield tired.

One judge scored the bout a draw. The other two favored Valuev by 116-112 and 115-114.

"Of course I am disappointed," Holyfield said. "I thought I had done enough to get the win. Now I have to go home and think about my future."

Holyfield (42-10-2) had not fought since losing a one-sided decision to then-WBO champion

Sultan Ibragimov

over a year ago. Some critics suggested he was putting his health at risk by fighting at such an advanced age.

This fight was put on in front of 12,500 largely pro-Holyfield fans in Zurich's Hallenstadion.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

, who retired from boxing six months ago, is considering a comeback.

Leonard Ellerbe

, his best friend and adviser, told ESPN.com yesterday that Mayweather asked his group to see what big fights are available to him.

Winter sports

With

Bode Miller

leading the way, U.S. skiers dominated a World Cup race in Val Gardena, Italy, like never before. Miller finished second to Austria's

Michael Walchhofer

in the classic Saslong downhill.

He led a record five Americans in the top 10 and also revived the defense of his overall World Cup title, moving up to ninth in the standings from 13th.

Swiss teenager

Lara Gut

put on a breakthrough performance to win a Super-G race for her first World Cup victory,

in St. Moritz, Switzerland.

Golf

Anthony Kim

took a 1-shot lead at 8-under 208 when

Jim Furyk

found the water for a double-bogey on the 18th hole in the third round of the Chevron World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Pro basketball

Golden State Warriors small forward

Stephen Jackson

(sprained hand) is expected to be out until Friday, while Los Angeles Lakers guard

Jordan Farmar

(knee injury) will miss at least three games.

Soccer

Pat Morris

scored a hat trick and a team-high seven points, but the Kixx fell to the host Baltimore Blast, 16-10, last night in the National Indoor Soccer League.