Floyd's next foe: Cotto

FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. got almost everything he wanted yesterday, receiving a boxing license and naming an opponent and a date for his next fight. The unbeaten champion got everything except a showdown with Manny Pacquiao

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Mayweather will fight Miguel Cotto on May 5 at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden after Nevada's athletic commissioners granted him a conditional license for one fight before he goes to jail June 1 to start serving a 90-day sentence for domestic violence.

Mayweather (42-0, 26 KOs) chose Cotto (36-2, 29 KOs), the respected Puerto Rican champion, as his next opponent only after failing to land a date with Pacquiao, the superstar Filipino congressman. The two sides have discussed what's likely to be the most lucrative fight in boxing history for nearly 3 years without reaching a deal.

Mayweather, a seven-time world champion in five weight classes, will turn 35 this month. He'll step up to 154 pounds to challenge Cotto for the WBA super-welterweight belt.

Baseball * 

Prosecutors say criminal charges will not be filed against Dodgers first baseman James Loney, who was arrested Nov. 14 on suspicion of driving under the influence after his Maserati hit three cars on a Los Angeles freeway. The city attorney's office obtained a report from law enforcement and determined there was insufficient evidence.

* Former Phillies long reliever Chad Durbin agreed to terms with Washington on a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. With Cleveland last year, he went 2-2 with a 5.53 ERA in 56 games.

* Toronto and closer Francisco Cordero finalized a 1-year, $4.5 million contract. Cordero, 36, was 5-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 37 saves for Cincinnati last year.

Olympics * 

In an effort to tackle illegal betting, match-fixing and other corrupt activities, the International Olympic Committee will host a meeting today in Lausanne, Switzerland, of sports leaders, government ministers, licensed betting operators, lottery companies and the international police agency Interpol.

* Three-time Olympic heavyweight boxing champion Teofilo Stevenson, 59, says he's recovering well after spending 2 weeks in a Havana hospital for an arterial clot.

Sport Stops *