Changing room chat: The lighter side of world sport

Park’s magic frogs spawn poaching

A Korean environmental group is appealing to Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung, who said he used to drink juice made from boiled frogs to build his physique, to help it protect the amphibians from a surge in consumption.

Lobby group Frogs’ Friends said that consumption of frog juice had surged since Park’s 2006 autobiography in which he said he had drunk it as a tonic, and said they would lobby the international and Premier League star to join their campaign. “I do not know if it is just coincidence but after it was revealed... that Park eats frogs as a means to boost his strength, the number of cases of illegal poaching of frogs and toads residing in mountains has increased,” said campaign organiser Park Wan-hee.

Since its establishment in 2007, Frogs’ Friends has been campaigning to stop Koreans killing amphibians for perceived health properties.

Par said that his father had fed him frog juice to boost his stamina. “If Park joins our campaign to stop the practice, it would correct people’s misperceptions about eating frogs, believing it will raise their stamina,” said the lobby group.

Slam Dunkin’ deal for NBA megastar

NBA superstar Lebron James has agreed to market Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins ice cream in Asia.

The agreement will last at least two years and is worth at least $1 million. Dunkin’ said James will promote its brands in China, Taiwan, India and South Korea through advertisements, online media and in-store marketing. James will also make personal appearances in Asia after the season ends in June. Dunkin’ said the deal with the Miami Heat player is part of an expansion in Asia, where the company has about 5,400 stores.

Fight gaffe no joke for Boom Boom

A PROMOTER is filing a formal complaint to the Mexican Boxing Commission against an agent who sent the wrong boxer to fight IBF featherweight champion Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista. ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said his organisation will also sue Mexican agent Hugo Correa. Bautista was expected to fight Genaro “Poblanito” Garcia, who has a 38-8 record, but instead a heavier boxer with a poorer record called Genaro Garcia turned up. ALA refunded the tickets after Garcia was knocked out in the second round.