In this May 10, 1984, file photo, Ferdie Pacheco stands in front of his painting of boxer Chuck Wepner at Manhattan's Spectrum Fine Art Gallery in New York. Fernando “Ferdie” Pacheco, “The Fight Doctor” who served as Muhammad Ali’s ringside physician, died Thursday morning, Nov. 16, 2017, at his Miami home after prolonged illness, his daughter, Tina Louise Pacheco, said. He was 89. (AP Photo/Lance Jeffrey)
In this May 10, 1984, file photo, Ferdie Pacheco stands in front of his painting of boxer Chuck Wepner at Manhattan's Spectrum Fine Art Gallery in New York. Fernando “Ferdie” Pacheco, “The Fight Doctor” who served as Muhammad Ali’s ringside physician, died Thursday morning, Nov. 16, 2017, at his Miami home after prolonged illness, his daughter, Tina Louise Pacheco, said. He was 89. (AP Photo/Lance Jeffrey) Credit: ap — Lance Jeffrey

Miami — Fernando “Ferdie” Pacheco, “The Fight Doctor” who served as Muhammad Ali’s ringside physician, has died. He was 89.

Pacheco’s daughter, Tina Louise Pacheco, told The Associated Press that he died on Thursday morning at his Miami home after prolonged illness.

Pacheco was born in Tampa and opened a practice in Miami after earning a medical degree from the University of Miami. He met Cassius Clay, who would later become Muhammad Ali, in 1960 when the fighter began training with Angelo Dundee at the 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach.

Pacheco worked as Ali’s cornerman from 1962-1977, which included three successful title bouts. Pacheco has said he left his position after suggesting Ali retire because of serious injuries. Ali fought four more matches, losing three.

Pacheco went on to become a television boxing analyst, as well as a painter and author.

Tennis

Sock Advances at ATP Finals

London — In his ATP Finals debut, Jack Sock joined Roger Federer in the semifinals.

Sock, the first American to reach the final weekend at the season-ending tournament since Andy Roddick in 2007, beat Alexander Zverev 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 to advance from his round-robin group on Thursday.

Federer ended up 3-0 and won the group. He will face Dominic Thiem or David Goffin on Saturday.

In a rematch of the Wimbledon final against Marin Cilic earlier, Federer came out on top again. The second-ranked Swiss lost the first set but still won 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1.

Soccer

MLS Team Adding NWSL Team

Sandy, Utah — Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake is adding a women’s team that will play in the National Women’s Soccer League next season.

The Utah team was announced as a “new” team to the NWSL. But at a news conference on Thursday, league official Amanda Duffy said the NWSL would remain at 10 teams for 2018, suggesting that perhaps another team was either folding or moving. No announcement about the other team in the equation was made.

The NWSL completed its historic fifth season this year. No other professional women’s soccer league has lasted as long.

RSL becomes the fourth MLS franchise to include a women’s pro club, joining the Portland Timbers (Thorns), Orlando City (Pride) and Houston Dynamo (Dash).

“During our discussions in this process, Real Salt Lake has demonstrated their unquestionable desire and commitment to bring the highest level of professional women’s soccer to all fans of the game in Salt Lake City and Utah,” Duffy, NWSL managing director of operations, said in a statement.

Speaking at a news conference at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, RSL general manager Craig Waibel addressed the players who will don Salt Lake jerseys next season. A team name will be announced in the near future.

“We can’t wait to have you, we can’t wait to make you part of our family. You’re going to be treated as professionals, play at an amazing stadium, train at amazing grounds, have a locker room that’s equipped for the quality you bring,” he said.

The announcement comes as FC Kansas City faces an uncertain future. The team is without a coach in the offseason after Vlatko Andonovski left for the Seattle Reign.

Elam Baer, founder and CEO of North Central Equity in Minneapolis, purchased FC Kansas City in January. But the team struggled this season, finishing seventh in the league with a record of 8-9-7.

“We are in on-going discussions with the FC Kansas City ownership group regarding their status and plans for the future. We will look to provide an update as soon as possible,” the NWSL said in a statement provided to The Associated Press.

Kirk finishes with eagle and the lead at Sea Island

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ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — Chris Kirk holed an 18-foot putt for eagle on his final hole for a 9-under 63 and a one-shot lead in the RSM Classic.

Kirk played the par 5s on the Plantation Course at Sea Island Golf Club in 5 under Thursday. The seven lowest scores of the opening round came on the Plantation Course during a picturesque afternoon on the Golden Isles.

Joel Dahmen had a 64, while the group at 65 included Sea Island resident Hudson Swafford, Jason Kokrak and Brian Gay.

Nick Watney and Brice Garnett each had a 5-under 65 on the Seaside Course, which will be used for the final two rounds.

Kirk won at Sea Island four years ago for the second of his four PGA Tour victories. The RSM Classic is the final PGA Tour event of the calendar year.