BRIEFLY.

Boxer's condition upgraded to stable

The condition of Ruben Contreras, the boxer who suffered a serious head injury in a fight with Brian Viloria Saturday at Staples Center, has been upgraded from critical to stable.

``He is still sedated, and they (doctors) will know more later,'' said Catrina Salgado, a spokeswoman for California Medical Center in Los Angeles, where Contreras is in intensive care.

``I'm supposed to have another meeting with doctors (today) at 11 a.m.''

Contreras, 32, of Mexico, quit in the sixth round of a super flyweight fight. He immediately complained of a headache, then suffered a seizure about five minutes later.

Contreras, who sustained intercranial bleeding, initially was listed in extremely critical condition. He had surgery late Saturday and has been in a medically induced coma since.

- Robert Morales

MOTOR SPORTS: The public will be allowed to review an edited version of Dale Earnhardt's contract introduced as evidence in a lawsuit against an insurance company that denied a $3.7 million claim in his death, a judge ruled in Lexington, N.C.

Superior Court Judge Kimberly Taylor, who has denied public access to evidence introduced to the jury in open court, ruled that attorneys for both Richard Childress Racing and insurer United of Omaha can argue that other exhibits admitted into evidence remain sealed.

--Michael Schumacher dismissed speculation that he might retire at the end of the Formula One season, claiming he can still win races this year.

``I am not thinking of retiring,'' the 36-year-old Schumacher told the German newspaper Bild. ``I've said that I'd retire when I can no longer hold my own against the younger drivers - I think I can still do that very well.''

The seven-time world champion hasn't won a race in seven attempts this season, a year after dominating the competition with 13 wins. Schumacher is eighth in the standings with 16 points.

--Five cities - Atlanta; Daytona Beach, Fla.; Charlotte, N.C.; Richmond, Va.; and Kansas City, Kan. - made formal bids to become the site of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

HORSE RACING: Nick Zito, a two-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer, was elected to the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame.

Zito, 57, who was voted into the hall in his eighth year of eligibility, will be inducted Aug. 8 at Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Three standouts in steeplechase racing - jockey Thomas Walsh, trainer Sidney Watters Jr. and five-time champion Lonesome Glory - also will be inducted.

OLYMPICS: Olympic officials said Beijing's preparations for the 2008 Games are on schedule after touring construction sites for the main stadium and cube-shaped swimming center.

FOOTBALL: Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman is excusing Brett Favre from the team's voluntary minicamp that starts today, saying he wants the quarterback to be ready when training camp starts in July.

--The Packers announced they will retire Reggie White's No. 92 at halftime ceremonies of their home opener against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 18.

--Record-setting Silas Demary of the Avengers was selected the 2005 Lineman of the Year by Arena Football League head coaches, fans and media.

The five-year veteran and All-Arena League first-teamer broke an 18-year-old AFL record with 13 1/2 sacks.

--Minnesota Vikings center Matt Birk is expected to be sidelined 2-3 months after undergoing surgery Tuesday in California to repair a torn labrum in his right hip.

The surgery was the fourth in the past nine months for Birk, including three operations to repair sports hernias.

- Daily News Staff and Wire Services