1866: Former world heavyweight boxing champion James J Corbett, known as 'Gentleman Jim', was born. He captured the title in 1892 by knocking out John L Sullivan in the 21st round. He made one successful defence before losing his crown to Bob Fitzsimmons in March 1897. Corbett died in 1933.

1923: Another world heavyweight champion, Rocky Marciano, was born. He took the title from 'Jersey Joe' Walcott in 1952. Marciano was undefeated in all his 49 professional fights and won 43 of those inside the distance. He retired in 1956 and was killed in a plane crash in 1969.

2004: Premiership referee Andy D'Urso was suspended for 28 days after failing to send off Blackburn midfielder Barry Ferguson despite showing him two yellow cards.

2006: England left-back Ashley Cole's move to Chelsea was confirmed, with William Gallas moving in the opposite direction.

2007: Tim Henman lost to Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round of the US Open, bringing his grand slam career to an end.

2008: Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment completed the purchase of Manchester City. Minutes before the end of the transfer deadline at midnight, City's new owners help to sign Brazilian forward Robinho for £32.5million on a four-year contract from Real Madrid; Also just before the midnight transfer deadline, Manchester United signed Bulgaria forward Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham in a £30.75million deal.