BRIEFLY HOLYFIELD PLACED ON MEDICAL LEAVE.

Evander Holyfield doesn't play for a team, but the former heavyweight champion has been benched by the New York State Athletic Commission after his terrible performance against Larry Donald on Saturday night.

Ron Stevens, NYSAC chairman, said Holyfield has been placed on an indefinite medical suspension based on his poor performance. That means the 42-year-old Holyfield will have to be cleared by Dr. Barry Jordan of the New York commission before he can get into the ring anywhere else in the U.S. All the other state commissions will honor New York's suspension.

Holyfield said he and his representative will fight the ban. He said the NYSAC was perpetuating a ``conspiracy'' to get him out of boxing.

``Why do they want to usher me out? What have I done to this game that they don't want me in it anymore?'' Holyfield said. ``Do you really care about a person so much that you want to protect him from himself? Ain't that much love in the world to go against a person's will.''

--Golden Boy Promotions canceled a news conference in Beverly Hills that was to feature Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins making a ``major announcement.''

No reason was given for the cancellation. Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, was not available for comment.

- Robert Morales

HORSE RACING: An 8-year-old broodmare in foal to Deputy Commander brought a top price of $400,000 during Monday's session of Keeneland's November Breeding Stock Sale in Lexington, Ky.

Gulf Coast LLC bought Bolsa, a dark bay mare by Mr. Prospector out of Mochila, by In Reality. She is half-sister to Grade I stakes winner Serape.

GOLF: Nick Faldo won two of eight events to take first place at the ADT Skills Challenge at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Fla.

- Daily News Staff and Wire Services